The sun was sinking.

From somewhere came the faint sound of band music, muffled behind the buildings.
"Evening gun!" said Stevenson presently, and we arose and saluted as the jet of smoke burst from a field piece and the roar of the report brought the flag fluttering down.

Then came strains of a regimental band, breaking out into the national air; after which the music slid into a hurrying medley, and presently closed in the sweet refrain of "Robin Adair," crooning in brass and reeds as though miles away.

Twilight began to fall, and the lamps winked out here and there.

The sound of wheels and hoofs upon the gravel came more often.