And in his mild blue eye there was a look of unshakable determination.
The workman saw that look and stood still.
"Hurry up!" repeated the lieutenant.
Just how the situation might have ended is uncertain.

How it did end was in an unexpected manner.

From the rear of the trio, from the top of the sandy ridge separating the beach from the meadow, a new voice made itself heard.
"Well, Rayburn, what's the trouble ?" it asked.
The lieutenant turned briskly, so, too, did Mr.Winslow and his vis-a-vis.

Standing at the top of the ridge was another officer.
He was standing there looking down upon them and, although he was not smiling, Jed somehow conceived the idea that he was much amused about something.

Now he descended the ridge and walked toward the group by the fire.
"Well, Rayburn, what is it ?" he asked again.
The lieutenant saluted.
"Why--why, Major Grover," he stammered, "we--that is I found this man here on the Government property and--and he won't explain what he's doing here.