the coins over to her. "Soft hand you've got," he
said, musingly. "I don't wonder Benn was desperate. I dare say I should
have done the same in his place."

Mrs. Waters bit her lip and looked out at the window; Mr. Travers resumed
his breakfast.

"There's only one job that I'm really fit for, now that I'm too old for
the Army," he said, confidentially, as, breakfast finished, he stood at
the door ready to depart.

"Playing at burglars?" hazarded Mrs. Waters.

"Landlord of a little country public-house," said Mr. Travers, simply.

Mrs. Waters fell back and regarded him with open-eyed amazement.

"Good morning," she said, as soon as she could trust her voice.

"Good-bye," said Mr. Travers, reluctantly. "I should like to hear how
old Benn takes this joke, though."

Mrs. Waters retreated into the house and stood regarding him. "If you're
passing this way again and like to look in--I'll tell you," she said,
after a long pause. "Good-bye."

"I'll look in in a week's time," said Mr. Travers.

He took the proffered hand and shook it warmly. "It would be the best
joke of all," he said, turning away.

"What would?"

The soldier confronted her again.

"For old Benn to come round here one evening and find me landlord. Think
it over."

Mrs. Waters met his gaze soberly. "I'll think it over when you have
gone," she said, softly. "Now go."

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