for nothing. But surely it had a bearing on the case? Dull-witted as he
was, the Sergeant seemed to catch a glimmer of light, and mentally groped
towards it.

"Well, we can't sit here all night," said the stranger in good-humored
impatience. "I've a train to catch."

"There's no train up from here to-night."

"There is from Sprotsfield. I shall walk over."

The Sergeant smiled. "Oh, if you're walking to Sprotsfield, I'll put you
on your way. If anybody was to see us, Boomery, for instance, he couldn't
complain of my seeing an old pal on his way on Christmas night. No 'arm
in that; no look of prowling, or spying, or such like! And you are an old
pal, ain't you?"

"Certainly; your old pal--let me see--your old pal Percy Bennett."

"As it might he, or as it might not. What about the--" He pointed to
Percy Bennett's breast-pocket.

"I'll give it you outside. You don't want me to be seen handing it over
in here, do you?"

The Sergeant had one more question to ask. "About 'ow much d'ye reckon
there might be by now?"

"How often have they been to London? Because they don't come to see my
friends every time, I fancy."