Part 49 (1/2)

”Perfectly; but I want to knoho is the culprit Can you helpto catch him, sir,” said Tom

”I'm afraid I know,” said Uncle Richard

”Yes, and I'rily

”I'll name no names, but I fancy you suspect the sa friend's knife”

”And if we or you catch him,” said Uncle Richard, ”ould you do-- police?”

”No,” said the Vicar firarden I don't hold with i a boy, except as the very last resort”

”Give hi to then?” said Uncle Richard dryly

”First; and then I'al way

But he is not caught yet”

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

The Vicar stopped and chatted, taking his seat upon the stool To the speculu hands with Toht to be in suspecting people, Tom Blount We are none of us perfect Good-bye”

”That's a hint for us, Tom,” said Uncle Richard, as soon as they were alone ”Perhaps you are wrong about Master Pete Warboys too”

Toht about the pears thrown at Pete by his cousin, and shook his head

”Pete wouldn't have been peeping over the wall, uncle, if he had not meant mischief”

”Perhaps not, Tom; but he may have hed, and they soon after went in to dinner

That afternoon, and for an hour and a half in the evening, they worked again at the speculuave up and returned to the cottage

”Going to watch for the fruit burglar to-night, Tom?” asked Uncle Richard

”Oh yes, uncle I feel ten tier now Mr Maxted's plums have been stolen;” and, punctual to theupon the velvety lawn, and advancing so silently upon David, that the gardener uttered a cry of alar onabout,” whispered back To to watch from the same place?”

”Ay, sir Couldn't be better Once we hear him at the pears we can drop upon him like two cats on a mouse”

”Yes,” said Tom; ”but we must mind and not scratch ourselves, David”