CHAPTER X.
'Beneath the shelter of an aged tree.' Stephen retraced his steps towards the cottage he had visited only two or three hours previously.

He drew near and under the rich foliage growing about the outskirts of Endelstow Park, the spotty lights and shades from the shining moon maintaining a race over his head and down his back in an endless gambol.

When he crossed the plank bridge and entered the garden-gate, he saw an illuminated figure coming from the enclosed plot towards the house on the other side.

It was his father, with his hand in a sling, taking a general moonlight view of the garden, and particularly of a plot of the youngest of young turnips, previous to closing the cottage for the night.
He saluted his son with customary force.

'Hallo, Stephen! We should ha' been in bed in another ten minutes.