In cases of this kind Frank persevered in making some excuse for not joining in the festivity: he put it to himself as being a matter of pride; but it is hard to understand that it was simply that in a young man who made no scruple of begging in cases of necessity.

However, there it was, and even the Major, who began by protesting, ended by acquiescing.
* * * * * They were somewhere in the neighborhood of Market Weighton when the thing happened--I cannot identify the exact spot.

The situation was as follows: They had secured an excellent barn for their night's lodging--facing on the road on the outskirts of a village.

Behind them were, the farm buildings, and the farmer's household gone to bed.

The sun had set and it was dark.