But the bright air was a little dimmed with smoke; and already from the point they had reached tall chimneys began to prick against the horizon.
"You have been here before ?" he said.
"Why, yes; and about this time last year, wasn't it, Gertie?
I understand a hermit lived here once." "A hermit might almost live here to-day," said Frank.
"You are right, sir," said the Major.
* * * * * Frank began to wonder, as he walked, as to why this man was on the roads.

Curiously enough, he believed his statement that he had been in the army.

The air of him seemed the right thing.

A militia captain would have swaggered more; a complete impostor would have given more details.
Frank began to fish for information.
"You have been long on the roads ?" he said.
The Major did not appear to hear him.
"You have been long on the roads ?" persisted Frank.
The other glanced at him furtively and rather insolently.

"The younger man first, please." Frank smiled.
"Oh, certainly!" he said.