The officer's face was half turned as he did so, and I could not catch his features, but as he turned impatiently towards the sentinel the light fell full upon it, and with a bound of astonishment I recognised in the swarthy, soldierly officer before me, no other than my oldest and dearest master, Charlie Newcome, of Randlebury.
The strange presentiment, then, was true--I had found him after so long a time! But what if he should not see me?
What torment to be so near and yet so far! And how was it likely he would take notice of a common private's watch, and if he did, how was it likely at this distance of time he would remember poor me?
Jim, I know, had told him of the strange way in which I had come into his hands, and would certainly have also told him about losing me.

He must, therefore, long ago have given up all thoughts about me, or if he ever remembered me it would be as one dead.
My master took me out and held me up to the light.
"It'll be about five minutes past ten, your honour, by my watch." "Thank you.

Good--hullo ?" He had seen me! His eyes were suddenly riveted upon me, and he seemed glued to the spot where he stood.
"Did your honour plaze to spake ?" asked Paddy, proceeding to put me back into his pocket.
"My old watch!" cried Charlie, springing forward, and catching hold of my master's hand.

"Give it to me!" Paddy's surprise was unbounded.

At first he deemed the man mad, then drunk, then gradually it dawned upon him this was not an officer at all, but a highwayman in disguise, seeking to take advantage of his solitude to rob him.
In an instant he sprang back, and, seizing his rifle, levelled the bayonet to within an inch of Charlie's heart.
"Now, ye thievin' blackguard," said he, "move an inch and I'll stick ye like a pig.