THE NORTH COACH 317

they can send word up by the guard of the coach each day; so
that if we find our man does not come back here by Saturday
morning, we shall have news that will put us on his track
again before long. However, I think he is sure to come
back here. You had better point out to me this evening
where he lodges, and I shall be able to find out before long
whether they are respectable people or whether they are
likely to be pals of his. If they are respectable I will see
them on Friday evening, show them my badge, and tell
them that the man who has been lodging here is a notorious
highwayman, and that J am going to arrest him. To pre-
vent any chance of a mistake I will put three or four of my
mates round the house, to see that no one goes out to give
him the alarm. I will come down and open the door for
you at two o’clock in the morning; you can then come up
with me into his bed-room, and as he comes in I will nab
him.

“Tf, on the other hand, I find the people of the house
have a doubtful reputation in the neighbourhood, we must
simply hide in door-ways, make a rush upon him as he goes
up to the house and overpower him there. Jf one stands
in his doorway and leaps out on him as he comes up, he
won’t have much chance of using a pistol. I will have a
cart ready close by. We will truss him up tightly, gag him
and put him into it, and I will have some place ready for
us to drive him to, if you think that plan is as good as any
other.”

“T think it is an excellent plan and could not be better,”
Charlie exclaimed, and his friend heartily agreed with
him,

“T think you will be able to get anything out of him
when you get him there,” said the tipstaff. “He is sure
to have some of the swag about him, and even if none of
the passengers of the coach are able to swear to him, that
and the talk you overheard would be sufficient to hang
him,”