7. I (looked) out before I (went) to bed and (saw) a man standing on the opposite pavement watching the house. When I (got up) the following morning he (was) still there, and I (wondered) whether he (had been staying) there all night or if he (had gone) away and
(come) back. When I (opened) the door I (saw) a man on his knees. He was clearly (listening) to our conversation and I (wondered) how much he (had heard).
When I (asked) him what he (was doing), he (said) that he (had dropped) a 50p piece
outside the door and (was looking) for it. I (di not see) any sign of the money,
but I (found) a small notebook and pencil which he probably (dropped) when
the door (was opened) suddenly. So he (had been taking) notes of our conversation! The
notes (were) written in a foreign language, so I (turned) to the stranger
and (asked) him to translate. But he (pulled) my hat over my eyes and (ran)
off down the corridor. By the time I (recovered) from the shock he
(had disappeared) round the corner. Curiously enough, when I (moved) my foot I
(found) that I (was standing) on a 50p piece. Perhaps he (had told) the truth after
all!