He
was occupied with the silver in his pantry, having remained up in
case Sir Terence, who was working late in his study, should require
anything before going to bed. Sir Terence called him, and -
"At what time did Sir Terence call you?" asked the major.
"It was ten minutes past twelve, sir, by the clock in my pantry."
"You are sure that the clock was right?"
"Quite sure, sir; I had put it right that same evening."
"Very well, then. Sir Terence called you at ten minutes past
twelve. Pray continue."
"He gave me a letter addressed to the Commissary-general. 'Take
that,' says he, 'to the sergeant of the guard at once, and tell him
to be sure that it is forwarded to the Commissary-General first
thing in the morning.' I went out at once, and on the lawn in the
quadrangle I saw a man lying on his back on the grass and another man
kneeling beside him. I ran across to them. It was a bright,
moonlight night - bright as day it was, and you could see quite clear.
The gentleman that was kneeling looks up, at me, and I sees it was
Captain Tremayne, sir. 'What's this, Captain dear?' says I. 'It's
Count Samoval, and he's kilt,' says he, 'for God's sake, go and fetch
somebody.' So I ran back to tell Sir Terence, and Sir Terence he
came out with me, and mighty startled he was at what he found there.
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