Green, to her surprise,
made few inquiries for some miles on the Dover road; but he explained to
her that the parties they were after had probably walked all night. "They
don't tire, that sort," said Mr. Green.
At Dartford they got a doubtful intimation, on the strength of which he
rattled on to Rochester. There he pulled up, deposited Mrs. Dodd at the
principal inn till morning, and scoured the town for intelligence.
He inquired of all the policemen; described his men, and shrewdly added
out of his intelligence, "Both splashed and dirty."
No, the Bobbies had not seen them.
Then he walked out to the side of the town nearest London, and examined
all the dealers in food. At last he found a baker who, early that
morning, had sold a quartern loaf to two tall men without hats, "and
splashed fearful; " he added, "thought they had broken prison; but 'twas
no business of mine: they paid for the bread right enough."
On hearing they had entered Rochester hatless, the shrewd Mr. Green made
direct to the very nearest slop-shop; and his sagacity was rewarded: the
shopkeeper was a chatterbox, and told him yes, two gents out on a frolic
had bought a couple of hats of him, and a whole set of sailor's clothes.
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