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.'
"'Look here, my friend,' he said, after seeming to ponder for a
moment, 'if you mean ill, you must have altered strangely from the
Captain Branscome I used to know, and if you mean well you have timed
your visit almost as strangely.' He paused again. 'Either you know
what I mean, or you do not; if you do not, you will have to forgive a
great deal in this reception; and you will, to begin with, forgive my
asking you, on your word of honour, if on your journey hither you
have overtaken or met or recognized any one hailing from Falmouth.
You do not answer,' he added, after yet another pause.
"'Why, as to that, sir,' said I, 'since leaving Falmouth I have
neither met nor overtaken any one of my acquaintance.
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