…‘ who has been keeping an eye on this house during my absence?”’ Yes, sir,’ I replied, not a little embarrassed, for I felt I had done rather a mean thing in thus spying on him.”I am really very much obliged to you,’ he” went on, ‘ for I find everything is all right; but come in for a moment, I can’t talk to you out there.’ Now, as you are aware, sir, the pay of a policeman is no great shakes — not as much by a long way as that of an ordinary mechanic, who has no responsibilities and very little education — so that when the gentleman fingered his waistcoat- pocket I had visions of something that might come in very useful for my wife and kids. Without unduly singing my own praises, I’m not as selfish as many working men. I only had one child, because

…not working because, for the present, I haven’t the heart to work. I’ve been jilted by luck, and I feel too sore to ask for employment. Yes,” he said, with a sudden spurt of enthusiasm,” I’ll tell you all about it.”Some months ago I belonged to the police force at Dulwich. I was on night duty, and had been particularly enjoined to keep an eye on a certain house, the owner of which, a rich banker, was away in the South of France. Night after night I passed by the house, and, as far as I could tell, everything was in order. You know the police have orthodox dodges for seeing if premises have been entered and I, of course, made use of them. Well, one evening — it was in October, and the shadows from the big trees, lining the road outside the house, lay so thick around me,…

…a grocer in Lemon Street, and must be making a good six hundred a year clear profit. He hires a carriage every Sunday afternoon — not that I approve of desecrating the Sabbath in such a manner — only in his case there is some excuse, as he is hard-working and honest, and his wife is too delicate to walk; she is most genteel, she invariably dresses in silk when she comes to chapel, and gives most liberally. Her daughter’s name isMartha — Martha!” and he turned up his eyes heavenwards as he repeated the name. “Well, to prove to you how sorely the devil tries me,” he went on, ” I dreamed last night I was calling on the Gardner’s, and, just as Mrs. Gardner was handing me a cup of tea, into the room, with a bounce and giggle (so utterly unlike herself; she is a most decorous…