"Here, Duke! Where’s that blooming dog now? Oh, well; let him go. I suppose he’s eating out of the burglar’s hand."
The torch carried by one of the speakers began moving along the edge of the island. Miss Chalmers was slightly bored. Being a watcher was not nearly so exciting as playing the quarry. But she decided to follow.
One of the oars rattled in its swivel, and she heard the two searchers halt.
"He’s in a boat!" exclaimed the one in authority.
"I don’t think it was that, sir. It sounded more like—"
"I tell you I heard it perfectly. Don’t stand arguing. Come on! It’s too late; but we’ll finish the round, or at least until we meet Tames. Ouch! Great—"
The remainder of the sentence was blurred, yet high-pitched. A minute later Miss Chalmers heard:
"If it was Patrick who left that lawn-mower standing out I’ll ship him off to-morrow. Why in blazes didn’t you throw a light on it?"
"Sorry, sir. But you’ve got the torch, sir."
The men began moving again. Miss Chalmers calmly reached down and tore a large piece of expensive goods from the bottom of her skirt. This in turn she tore in halves. Then she carefully swathed the swivels.
When the oars were replaced they made a sound so soft that it could not have been heard a dozen feet. Keeping her distance from the shore-line, she followed the searchers.
The man who seemed to own the island began to talk again:
"He’d have had the silverware and the whole works if it hadn’t been for me. It’s a pity I have to do all the hearing for this house. I don’t see why my servants can’t have insomnia once in a while. What are they paid for? _I_ have it, so I suppose everybody else thinks it’s all right to imitate the _Seven Sleepers_. You’re quite sure he didn’t take any of the silverware?"
"Almost certain, sir. But I’ll look again when we get back. Nothing on top of the sideboard had even been touched."
"Well, it’s mighty queer; that’s all I’ve got to say. Except that I’ve a good mind to shoot a couple of dogs to-morrow morning."
"Oh, sir—please—I wouldn’t, sir. They’ll probably do better next time, sir."
"Next time! How many times do you expect this is going to happen, I’d like to know? I tell you I’ll shoot ’em!"
"Mad! I know they’re not mad, you idiot! But they’ll be darn-well provoked if I plump a couple of bullets into ’em."