Opposite the Star, he marked a gaunt figure, standing on the steps of the Manor-house. There was something of the kindly vulture about the figure's pose that was strangely familiar. Ernie leapt to sudden life. It was the Colonel—without his sun-helmet. Ernie was off the bus in a moment, and sidling shyly up to the object of his worship.
The Colonel, waiting on the steps, watched the antics of the approaching devotee with satirical indifference.
"Contemplating assault or adoration?" he asked mildly. Then he stooped, extending a skinny claw.
"What, Caspar!" he called, his cadaverous face lighting up.
"That's me, sir," grinned Ernie, wagging his tail with furious enthusiasm.
Just then a chocolate-bodied car drove up, and Ernie was aware of Alf looking at him. The door of the car opened; and Captain Royal stepped out.
"Ah, Colonel!" he cried in his brisk hearty voice.
The Colonel laid a finger on the other's sleeve.
"You remember Caspar, Royal?" he said.
"I do," replied Royal briefly. "Coming in, sir?" as Mr. Trupp's door opened at last.