Joachim looked at the contents of Alderdice's pockets; coins, a crumpled five-pound note, a bit of lint which floated to the floor on a stray draft. The major declared himself provisionally satisfied, but it seemed vital that he keep his eye on this one. He had too much experience with miscreants who would steal anything that wasn't nailed down, and young Mr. Alderdice had a face he didn't like.
Even if he had no earthly idea of why that should be the case.