"So I sat and waited, ladies, on no good terms with myself. The way
of the borrower was hard, I found, and the harder because the Major's
manner had not been unkindly, but--if you'll understand my meaning--
only just kindly enough. In short, I don't know but that I must have
out and run rather than endure his charity, had not my thoughts been
distracted by this mystery over Captain Coffin. For the Major had
said too much, and yet not enough. The man I had seen crossing the
lane was certainly Coffin, but to connect him with Minden Cottage I
had no clue at all beyond the faint one, Harry, that you and he were
acquaintances. Besides, I had seen him, the morning before, in the
crowd around the prisoners, and could have sworn he was then--saving
your presence, ladies--as drunk as a fiddler. If vehicle had brought
him, it could not be any that had passed me on the road, or for
certain I should have recognized him. Well, here was a riddle, and I
had come no nearer to guessing it when the Major returned.
"He had left his bundle in the house, and in place of it he carried a
cashbox, which he set on the table between us, but did not at once
open. Instead, he turned to me with a complete change of manner, and
held out his hand very frankly.
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