twelve hours’ advantage? The honest man who had expended the sweat of his brow became uneasy, and began to complain with bitterness of the proneness of mankind to cheat him—him invested with the dignity of Labour!
Their retreat was so chosen that while they could watch the river, they could watch the house. No one had passed in or out, since the daughter thought she heard the father calling. No one could pass in or out without being seen.
“But it will be light at five,” said Mr. Inspector, “and then we shall be seen.”
“Look here,” said Riderhood, “what do you say to this? He may have been lurking in and out, and just holding his own betwixt two or three bridges, for hours back.”
“What do you make of that?” said Mr. Inspector. Stoical, but contradictory.
“He may be doing so at this present time.”
“What do you make of that?” said Mr. Inspector.
“My boat’s among them boats here at the cause’ay.”
“And what do you make of your boat?” said Mr. Inspector.
“What if I put off in her and take a look round? I know his ways, and the likely nooks he favours. I know where he’d be at such a time of the tide, and where he’d be at such another time. Ain’t I been his pardner? None of you need show. None of you need stir. I can shove her off without help; and as to me being seen, I’m about at all times.”
“You might have given a worse opinion,” said Mr. Inspector, after brief consideration. “Try it.”