imes
on various doors, and then withdrawing it, from some mysterious motive,
and continuing upon his way.

"An author?" he said, half to himself. "Ah!"

It was borne in upon me that neither a wide experience in common
everyday psychology, nor even an exhaustive knowledge of sea-life could
adequately cope with the bewildering emotions implicit in that "Ah!" In
its way it was the most remarkable thing he had said.

"Yes, if you like," I replied. "I am professionally interested in
stories."

He felt in his pocket for matches and as the flame spurted before his
face I saw the corners of his mouth betrayed a pucker of amusement. I
suddenly felt the absurdity of my position. I had been led to expose
myself to ridicule. I might have expected it after the behaviour of his
children.

For a moment I was warm!

"You see," he said, looking at his watch, "it's this way. I'm not a very
good hand at yarns, but if you like I'll step along to-morrow some time
and have a talk. I don't go back to the ship till Sunday night."

"We shall be charmed," I said. "Come in to tea."

"All right," he answered. "I will. It must be nearly eight bells, I
should think, twelve o'clock."

I pointed to the Metropolitan Light, glowing a deep red. He regarded it
with interest.

"Think o' that!" he said, absently. "Just think o' that. Eight bells!"
He roused himself. "Well, good-night to you, sir. I must turn in. I
always sleep best in the Middle Watch."

And he laughed as though at some flash of memory and made his way into
the darkened house.

CHAPTER VI

HE BEGINS HIS TALE

The work upon which I had been engaged during the evening did not
engross my mind that night when I retired. Over and over again I
endeavoured to measure the distance I had advanced in knowledge of my
neighbour since I stepped out into the moonlight. I wished to realize
the exact advantage I would hold over Mac and Bill when we met next
morning at breakfast. And that was just what I found myself unable to
do. Both of my friends were shrewd enough to smile if I trotted out the
startling information that he came from Hertfordshire. Of course, they
would say, he must come from somewhere. And if I remarked he had been in
the Mediterranean, they would fail to see anything amazing in a sailor
having been in the Mediterranean. And then, how was I to convey to them
the extraordinary impression he had made upon me by the simple statement
that he was an alien? Why, th