That the private acted in one thing as he had vowed to do soon became apparent, for during the Christmas week the rector came into the churchyard when Cattstock was there, and asked him to find a spot that would be suitable for the purpose of such an interment, adding that he had slightly known the late sergeant, and was not aware of any law which forbade him to assent to the removal, the letter of the rule having been observed.

But as he did not wish to seem moved by opposition to his neighbour at Sidlinch, he had stipulated that the act of charity should be carried out at night, and as privately as possible, and that the grave should be in an obscure part of the enclosure.

'You had better see the young man about it at once,' added the rector.
But before Ezra had done anything Luke came down to his house.

His furlough had been cut short, owing to new developments of the war in the Peninsula, and being obliged to go back to his regiment immediately, he was compelled to leave the exhumation and reinterment to his friends.
Everything was paid for, and he implored them all to see it carried out forthwith.
With this the soldier left.

The next day Ezra, on thinking the matter over, again went across to the rectory, struck with sudden misgiving.