y. Green, here, denies
of it too, and sez 'e saw her at the gate and asked her to go for a walk
with him."

Captain Nibletts fingered his beard. "It don't seem to be the sort of
trick to play on a woman," he expostulated, "an' it's four miles to
Mapleden. What's she goin' to do?"

"That's 'er lookout," observed Captain Barber, with much composure, "all
I know is she won't wake me. I daresay she'll come on to your place.
Wimmen wot sets their caps at men wot don't want 'em set at 'em must put
up with the consequences."

"You give me half an hour, sir," said Mr. Green, impressively, "and
then you can come on as soon as you like. You'll find the coast clear by
then."

He bit off the end of the cigar presented by Captain Barber, and,
thanking him effusively as he struck a match for him, quitted the inn.
The two captains waited restlessly for the time specified, and then,
finishing their drinks, went outside, and, standing in the light which
streamed from the windows and doorway of the Thorn, gazed at the dark
road beyond.

"It looks all right," said Barber, shaking hands. "Good-night."

"Good luck," said Nibletts.

The other, not without a little trepidation, walked towards his house,
and opening the door, after a little difficulty, stood safely inside.
The house was quiet and in darkness, except for the lamp which stood on
the parlour-table, and after a moment's survey he proceeded to shut up
for the night.

As a rule he was careless about such matters, but to-night no gaoler
saw to his bolts and bars more carefully than he did. He returned to the
parlour, having made all secure, and lighting his pipe for a few final
whiffs before retiring, winked at himself solemnly in the glass. Then
fearful that the housekeeper might return sooner than was expected, he
blew out the lamp and smoked in the dark.

He knocked out his pipe at last, and walked slowly and ponderously
upstairs. He grinned again as he passed the door of the housekeeper's
room, and then, with a catch in his breath, clutched heavily at the
banister as a soft female voice bade him "Good-night."

Captain Barber, surprised beyond all measure, was unable to speak.

"I thought you'd got lost again," said the voice, playfully.
"Good-night."

"Good-night," rejoined the other, in hollow tones. "Mrs. Banks stay
long?" he enquired, pausing at his door.

"She went just about half an hour before you came in," replied the
housekeeper. "Elizabeth went soon aft