at fear
means, and the way he talked over those Boches was nothing short of a
miracle.'

Almost before I realized it, I found myself submitted to a keen
examination as to what I knew about Edgecumbe. As I reflect on it now,
I can see that Springfield's methods were very clever. He asked no
direct questions, but he led the conversation into channels which led
me, almost in spite of myself, to divulge my thoughts about him. Still
I do not think I committed any grave error, and when at length I left
them, I felt fairly satisfied with the interview.

During my walk back to my billet I felt sure I was being followed and
watched. It was true I neither heard nor saw anything out of the
ordinary, but I seemed to be possessed of a sixth sense, and that sixth
sense made me conscious of an unfriendly presence. But nothing
happened, and presently when I reached my quarters without molestation
or happening of any sort, I laughed at myself for harbouring baseless
impressions.

I found Edgecumbe awaiting me, as I had previously arranged.

'Been here long?' I asked.

'About an hour,' and then he looked at me eagerly.

'No,' I said, noting his glance, 'I've nothing to tell you---yet.'

I could see he was disappointed. I had aroused his curiosity and he
had been wondering what I had in my mind.

'Then I may as well be going,' he said, after a few seconds' silence.

'No, not yet.'

I could see the eager questions in his eyes, so I went on. 'I can't
tell you anything yet, Edgecumbe; it would not be fair to you, and it
might not be fair to others. It may be I'm only following the
will-o'-the-wisp of my fancies; all the same I want you to stay with me
at least an hour. I think it will be the safest plan. I will send a
note with you that will answer all questions, and meanwhile I'll get
these shutters closed.'

It was quite midnight when he left me, and I watched him as he walked
away from my billet. He had not gone more than two minutes when I
heard the sound of angry voices, and as far as I could judge they came
from the spot where he was likely to be. Then coming from the same
locality there was the sound of a pistol shot.

Without hesitating a second, I ran towards the spot from which I
thought the sound came. It was not a very dark night, but there was
not light enough to discern anything very plainly. For half an hour I
searched and listened, but I could discover nothing.

I tried to persuade myself that w