Far away came the sharp clink of a boot striking upon a stone.

Then another and yet another, coming nearer and nearer.

I shrank back into the darkest corner, and cocked the pistol in my pocket, determined not to discover myself until I had an opportunity of seeing something of the stranger.
There was a long pause which showed that he had stopped.

Then once more the footsteps approached and a shadow fell across the opening of the hut.
"It is a lovely evening, my dear Watson," said a well-known voice.

"I really think that you will be more comfortable outside than in.".