cheerfully. I would
never have believed him capable of so pleasant an expression but for the
evidence of my own eyes.

"Spring lock," he grumbled, a thumb over his shoulder, "opens outside."

Whatever resemblance to a soldier he might have previously shown while in
uniform was now entirely banished. Bareheaded, his bald dome of thought
shining in the candle-light, his round, solemn face, with big innocent
gray eyes gazing at me, an apron about his fat waist, the fellow
presented an almost ludicrous appearance. Somehow my heart warmed to him,
especially as I perceived the tray, heavily laden, which he bore easily
on one arm, and the towel flung over his shoulder. And as I stared at him
his movements became professional. Silently, solemnly, his mind strictly
upon his duties, he wiped off the table top, and arranged the various
dishes thereon with the greatest care, polishing cups and glasses, and
finally placing one of the chairs in position. Stepping back, napkin
still upon arm, he bowed silently. I took the seat indicated, and glanced
up into his almost expressionless face.

"Peter, you old fraud," I said swiftly, "have you eaten?"

"Not as yet, sir," his voice showing just the proper tone of deference,
his eyes staring straight ahead.

"Then take that chair and sit down."

"Oh, no, sir; indeed, sir, I am not at all hungry, sir."

I squared myself, fingering the knife at my plate.

"Peter," I said, sternly, "I'm a better man than you are, and you'll
either sit down there and eat with me, or I'll lick you within an inch of
your life. There is food enough here for three men, and I want company."

He rubbed his hand across his lips, and I caught a gleam of intelligence
in his eyes.

"Well, sir, seeing you put it in that way, sir," he confessed, almost as
though in regret, "I hardly see how I can refuse. It is very flattering,
sir." He drew up the other chair and sat down opposite me. "Would you
care for a glass of wine first, sir?" he asked solicitously. "It has been
a rather dusty ride."

CHAPTER XIV

I INTERVIEW PETER

I accepted the wine gratefully, and sat in silence while he served the
meat, wondering at the odd character of the man, and striving to
determine how best to win his confidence. I was hungry, and, not knowing
what to say, fell to work with some zest, insisting on his doing
likewise. Yet even as I disposed of the food that stolid face opposite
fascinated me, and held my gaze. The fel