ne? What like was he!" With the aid of the shears Sergeant
Zebedee described the trespasser very fully as regards face, costume
and behaviour.

"That," said Mrs. Agatha, nodding her pretty head, "that should be Mr.
Dalroyd--

"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, "how d'ye know this, mam?"

"Well, Sergeant, I do chance to have eyes, also ears and I do use 'em.
This fine gentleman was your ghost t'other night, I'll swear."

"But what o' the hoofs and horns, mam, what o' the stink o' brimstone?"

"Have you seen ever a one yourself, Sergeant, or smelt the brimstone?"

"No mam, but Roger Bent has."

"Fiddlededee again, Sergeant!"

"Eh mam?"

"Roger Bent would see or smell anything. The question is what was Mr.
Dalroyd after? Since you can't find out--I will."

"As how, mam?"

"By wagging my tongue, Sergeant."

"At--who, mam?"

"Well, to begin with there is his solemn servant, Mr. Joseph----"

The Sergeant swore fiercely.

"No mam," said he frowning, "not him nor any like him. He aren't fit
for you to walk on--'twould dirty your pretty shoes----"

"But I don't mean to walk on him, nor spoil my shoes."

"Then don't hold no truck with him, mam--if you do----" the Sergeant
set his grim jaw fiercely.

"Well--what?"

"I shall be compelled to--out with his liver mam, that's all!"

"Lud, Sergeant Tring."

"Bound to do it, Mrs. Agatha, so--keep away from same----"

"Sergeant, don't be a fool! I must use him to find out and why do you
think I want to find out?"

"Being a woman--curiosity belike?"

"Being a blockhead you must be told!" cried Mrs. Agatha, her eyes
flashing, "I want to find out the Major's trouble to make an end of the
Major's trouble because I would keep him here at home. And I would
keep him at home because then he won't go a-marching off to the wars,
and if he don't go marching to the wars, why then--then----"

"Yes, yes mam--then?"

"Then--find out!" cried Mrs. Agatha her cheeks very red all at once;
and she sped away into the house leaving the Sergeant to stare after
her and rub his chin with the shears harder than ever. He was so
engaged when he was aware of the approach of rapid hoofs and, glancing
down the drive, beheld a cavalier swing in at the open gates and come
thundering towards him.

The Viscount rode at his usual speed, a stretching gallop; on he came
beneath the long avenue of chestnuts, horse hoofs pounding, curls
flying, coat-skirts fluttering, nor checked his p