Rushcroft and greatly to the surprise of Mr. Barnes,
who followed him from the tap-room and demanded an explanation.
"People usually go to bed at night, don't they?" said Sprouse
patiently. "It is expected, I believe."
"But, my dear man, we are to undertake--"
"There is no reason why we shouldn't go to bed like sensible beings,
Mr. Barnes, and get up again when we feel like it, is there? I have
some cause for believing that one of those chaps in there is from
Green Fancy. Go to bed at ten o'clock, my friend, and put out your
light. I don't insist on your taking off your clothes, however. I will
rap on your door at eleven o'clock. By the way, don't forget to stick
your revolver in your pocket."
A few minutes before eleven there came a gentle tapping on Barnes's
door. He sprang to his feet and opened it, presenting himself before
Sprouse fully dressed and, as the secret agent said later on, "fit to
kill."
They went quietly down a back stairway and let themselves out into the
stable-yard. A light, cold drizzle greeted them as they left the lee
of the building.
"A fine night for treason, stratagems and spoils," said Sprouse,
speaking barely above a whisper. "Follow me and don't ask questions.
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