He therefore ensconced himself in the vacant stall immediately
opposite to the burglar's horse, and where he could see him at all
times. By peering through the crevices in the woodwork he also commanded
a full view of the entrance, and was thus enabled to see all who entered
the barn. Slowly the morning waned away and as yet no sign of the man
for whom he was waiting. How many times he had fancied he heard the
longed-for footstep, and peered anxiously out, only to be disappointed,
it would be impossible to tell. At length, however, just as he was about
to despair of success, he heard footsteps at the door, and peeping
through the opening in the stall, he saw the figure of the man for whose
appearance he had watched so long, and whose face had haunted him day
and night since he had started in pursuit of him. There he stood, not a
dozen feet away from him, and as the detective gazed at the unsuspecting
thief, a thrill of pleasurable excitement filled his being. In a moment,
however, he had controlled himself; and perfectly calm and collected, he
watched the man before him. There was no doubt that Duncan was
contemplating a renewal of his journey. He was dressed in a hunting suit
of heavy brown ducking, with high top boots and a wide brimmed sombrero,
while across his shoulders was slung a leather bag, which was filled
probably with clothing and provisions.
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