"Put it on to frighten the constable," said her husband.

He stood up and allowed her to help him pull it off. His face was
flushed and his hair tousled, but the bright fierceness of his eye was
unquenched. In submissive silence she followed him to bed.

He was up late next morning, and made but a poor breakfast. His after-
dinner nap was disturbed, and tea was over before he had regained his
wonted calm. An hour later the arrival of a dignified and reproachful
Mr. Farrer set him blazing again.

"I have come to see you about last night," said Mr. Farrer, before the
other could speak. "A joke's a joke, but when you said you would come I
naturally expected you would keep your word."

"Keep my word?" repeated the sergeant-major, almost choking with wrath.

"I stayed there in that lonely cottage from twelve to three, as per
agreement, waiting for you," said Mr. Farrer.

"You were not there," shouted the sergeant-major.

"How do you know?" inquired the other.

The sergeant-major looked round helplessly at his wife and daughter.

"Prove it," said Mr. Farrer, pushing his advantage. "You questioned my
courage, and I stayed there three hours. Where were you?"