his pocket. He also had a very nasty little club in the same pocket,
whereas Mr. Bennett carried no weapon of offense--merely the tools of his
trade, at which he was singularly expert. The friends had worked together
before; though Neddy reviled Mike for a coward, and Mike averred
with curses, that Neddy would bring them both to the gallows some day,
yet they worked well together and had a respect for one another, each
allowing for the other's idiosyncrasies. The true spirit of partnership!
On it alone can lasting and honorable success be built.

"Just match-boarding, the Sergeant says it is, does he?" asked Neddy,
breaking a long silence, which indeed had lasted until they were across
Putney Bridge and climbing the Hill.

"Yes, and rotten at that. It oughtn't to take two minutes; then there'll
be only the window. Of course we must have a look round first. Then, if
the coast's clear, I'll nip in and shove something up against the door of
the place while you're following. The Sergeant's to stay on guard at the
door of the house, so that we can't be taken in the rear. See?"

"Righto!"

"Then--well, we've got to find the stuff, and when we've found it, you've
got to carry it, Neddy. Don't mind if it's a bit heavy, do you?"

"I don't want to overstrain myself," said Neddy jocularly, "but I'll do
my best with it, only hope it's there!"

"It must be there. Hasn't got wings, has it? At any rate not till you put
it in your pocket, and go out for an evening with the ladies!"