At about nine o'clock the same evening the two constables re-appeared at Gangoil, and asked for hospitality for the night.

This was a matter of course, and also the reproduction of the Christmas dinner.

Mrs.Medlicot was now there, and her son, with his collar-bone set, had been allowed to come out on to the veranda.

The house had already been supposed to be full, but room, as a matter of course, was made for Sergeant Forrest and his man.

"It's a queer sort of Christmas we've all been having, Mr.
Heathcote," said the sergeant, as the remnant of a real English plum-pudding was put between him and his man by Mrs.Growler.
"A little hotter than it is at home, eh ?" "Indeed it is.