I thought when I saw you standing there on the shore that you'd have had some definite news for me." "I was up at the Major's house searching for you," said Callaghan, "and when you weren't within I took a look round and I seen the yacht coming in on the tide, so I thought it would save me a journey to-morrow if I waited for you." "Quite right," said Meldon.

"It's not your fault nothing has happened, and I don't blame you in the least.

Good-night." Callaghan shambled off along the beach.

The Major and Meldon, who carried the punt's oars, struck across the fields towards Portsmouth Lodge.
"I can't understand it at all," said Meldon.

"After what I said to Simpkins I simply can't understand his neglecting his opportunities like this.