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.

48380    Not a word!