Meldon was a man who liked to get the full possible measure of enjoyment out of his holidays.

He counted the hours of daylight which he spent in bed as wasted, and although always late for breakfast, was generally up and active before any other member of the Major's household.

On Monday morning he got out of bed at half-past five and went down to the sea to bathe.

He wore nothing except his pyjamas and an old pair of canvas shoes, and so was obliged to go back to his bedroom again after his swim.

As he passed Major Kent's door he hammered vigorously on it with his fist.