“I can’t say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation—­indeed, the only likely one—­seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.  I had pretty well made up my mind to this when I turned away from the stile to have a look at the garden gate on the other side of the lane; and over it, across the little stretch of turf, I caught sight of the summer-house and of Major Brooks standing there in the doorway with a bundle between his hands-a bundle of something red, which he seemed to be wrapping round with a piece of cord.

“Here, then, was the very man I had come to see; and here was a chance of getting speech with him and without the awkwardness of asking it through a servant, perhaps of having to invent an excuse for my visit.  Without more ado, therefore, I made bold to lift the latch of the gate and step into the garden.

“At the sound of the latch—­I can see him now—­Major Brooks lifted his head with a curious start, and tucked the bundle under his arm.  The movement was like that of a man taken at unawares, and straightening himself up to meet an attack.  I cannot describe it precisely, but that was just the impression it made on me, and it took me aback for a moment, so that I paused as the gate fell-to and latched itself behind me.

“‘Halt there!’ the Major commanded, facing me full across the turf.  ‘Halt, and tell me, please, why you have come back!’

“This puzzled me worse for a moment, for the light was good, though drawing towards sunset, and it seemed impossible that, looking straight at me, he could mistake me for the man who had just left the garden.  Then I remembered what Harry had told me of his father’s blindness.

“My silence naturally made him more suspicious.

“‘Who is it there?  Your name, please?’ he demanded sharply.

“’ Sir,’ I answered, ’I beg your pardon for coming thus unannounced, but my name is Branscome, and I had once the honour to be shipmate with you on board the Londonderry transport.’

“For a while he continued to stare at me in his blind way.

“‘Yes,’ he said slowly, at length; ’yes; I remember your voice, sir.  But what in the name of wonder brings you to my garden just now?’

“‘Your son Harry, sir,’ said I, ’some time ago gave me a message from you.  If ever (he said) I found myself in the neighbourhood of Minden Cottage you would be pleased to receive a visit from me.’

“‘Yes,’ said he, but still with a something in his voice between wonder and suspicion; ’that’s true enough.  I have always retained the highest respect for Captain Branscome, and by your voice you are he.  But—­but—­’ He hesitated, and fired another question point-blank at me:  ‘You come from Falmouth?’

“‘I do, sir.’

“‘Alone?’

“’Yes, sir.  I have walked all the way from Falmouth, and without a companion.’