The paladin's harsh glare turns to a smile.
"Although I do not look favorably upon theft, and I suspect you do not as well, for why else would you feel the need to lie about it? I do, however, value honesty, and I thank you for telling us the real reason you are down here."
"Now, might I ask you how much of the area you had been able to scout before you were caught? And, I would also like to know how you got caught, and by whom."