48365    It was several miles off, but I could distinctly see a small dark dot against the dull green and grey.

48366    'Come, sir, come!' cried Frankland, rushing upstairs.

48367    'You will see with your own eyes and judge for yourself.'

48368    The telescope, a formidable instrument mounted upon a tripod, stood upon the flat leads of the house.

48369    Frankland clapped his eye to it and gave a cry of satisfaction.

48370    'Quick, Dr Watson, quick, before he passes over the hill!'

48371    There he was, sure enough, a small urchin with a little bundle upon his shoulder, toiling slowly up the hill.

48372    When he reached the crest I saw the ragged, uncouth figure outlined for an instant against the cold blue sky.

48373    He looked round him, with a furtive and stealthy air, as one who dreads pursuit.

48374    Then he vanished over the hill.

48375    'Well!

48376    Am I right?'

48377    'Certainly, there is a boy who seems to have some secret errand.'

48378    'And what the errand is even a county constable could guess.

48379    But not one word shall they have from me, and I bind you to secrecy also, Dr Watson.