e road
along which we walked for a considerable distance. Later it gave place
to a rickety fence.

My friend peered through a gap in the latter.

"There is quite an extensive estate here," he said, "not yet cut up by
the builder. It is well wooded on one side, and there appears to be a
pool lower down."

The road was a quiet one, and we plainly heard the tread--quite
unmistakable--of an approaching policeman. Smith continued to peer
through the hole in the fence, until the officer drew up level with us.
Then:

"Does this piece of ground extend down to the village, constable?" he
inquired.

Quite willing for a chat, the man stopped, and stood with his thumbs
thrust in his belt.

"Yes, sir. They tell me three new roads will be made through it
between here and the hill."

"It must be a happy hunting ground for tramps?"

"I've seen some suspicious-looking coves about at times. But after
dusk an army might be inside there and nobody would ever be the wiser."

"Burglaries frequent in the houses backing on to it?"

"Oh, no. A favorite game in these parts is snatching loaves and
bottles of milk from the doors, first thing, as they're delivered.
There's been an extra lot of it lately. My mate who relieves me has
got special instructions to keep his eye open in the mornings!" The
man grinned. "It wouldn't be a very big case even if he caught
anybody!" "No," said Smith absently; "perhaps not. Your business must
be a dry one this warm weather. Good-night."

"Good-night, sir," replied the constable, richer by half-a-crown--"and
thank you."

Smith stared after him for a moment, tugging reflectively at the lobe
of his ear.

"I don't know that it wouldn't be a big case, after all," he murmured.
"Come on, Petrie."

Not another word did he speak, until we stood at the gate of Maple
Cottage. There a plain-clothes man was standing, evidently awaiting
Smith. He touched his hat.

"Have you found a suitable hiding-place?" asked my companion rapidly.

"Yes, sir," was the reply. "Kent--my mate--is there now. You'll
notice that he can't be seen from here."

"No," agreed Smith, peering all about him. "He can't. Where is he?"

"Behind the broken wall," explained the man, pointing. "Through that
ivy there's a clear view of the cottage door."

"Good. Keep your eyes open. If a messenger comes for me, he is to be
intercepted, you understand. No one must be allowed to disturb us.
You will recognize the mes