"A man was standing looking in at one of the windows of the inner side of the wing," said Nell. "We thought it was you; but, when Mr. Falconer called, the man, whoever he was, turned and walked into the shrubbery." "A 'particular friend' of one of the maids, I dare say," remarked Dick easily. "And I've no doubt you have broken up a very enjoyable spooning. Now, would you like----Now what is it?" For Nell had stopped short, and had seized his arm. "There!" she exclaimed, in a whisper. "There he is again--that is the man!" They had come to the lodge by this time, and Nell was gazing rather nervously toward the big gates. "Where?" asked Dick. "I can see no one. Nell, you have had too much champagne. You'll be seeing snakes presently if you don't mind. Where is he?" Nell laughed, but a little shakily. "He has gone, of course. He went quickly through the gate." "And why shouldn't he?" said Dick, with a yawn. "Oh, Falconer! when I think of the cool tankard into which I shall presently plunge my beak----What's come to you, Nell? It isn't like you to 'get the nerves.'" CHAPTER XXXI. The man whom Nell and Falconer had mistaken for Dick passed through the lodge gates, and, turning to the right, walked quickly, but not hurriedly, beside the high park fencing, and presently came up with a dogcart which was being walked slowly along the road. The cart was a very shabby one, but the horse was a very good one, and looked as if it could stretch itself if it were required to do so. In the cart was a young man in clerical attire. He looked like a curate, and his voice had the regulation drawl as he leaned down and asked: "Well, Ted?" The man addressed as Ted shook his head. "The girl was right," he said, with an air of disappointment. "She's got 'em all on." "Then it's no use trying it to-night," said the curate. "Perhaps a little later? It must be darkish for some time." Ted shook his head again. "No use! Too risky. It will be hours before they all go to bed and the house is quiet; the servants always keep it up after a big affair like this; some of 'em won't go to bed at all, perhaps. Besides, I was spotted just now." The Parson, as he was called by the burgling fraternity, of which he and Ted were distinguished members, swore under his breath. "How was that?" he asked. "I was looking in at one of the windows of the servants' quarters, getting a word or two with the girl, when a couple of the swells came along. They saw me, and mistook me for some one by the name of Dick, and called to me. I walked off as quickly as I could, and I swear they didn't see my face, neither then nor just now, when, as luck would have it, they caught sight of me going out of the gates. They went into the lodge with the young fellow they'd mistaken me for." The Parson swore again. "What's to be done? Did you see the things?" Ted nodded emphatically.