At the Decoy Park the Captain got out.
Ernie saw him off the platform, and well started down the road to the Decoy Woods before he followed.
A chilly wind blew from across the Levels.
The Captain marched along towards the Park, the tail of his burberry floating out, his green hat with the feather in it cocked to meet the breeze, the shapely curves of his legs exposed by the wind.
Just outside the Park he looked sharply behind him, but saw only a shabby figure slouching casually along some two hundred yards away.
Once inside the Park Ernie left the road and, walking swiftly among the trees at the wayside, drew closer.
Here in the woods peacocks strutted, and close by was an aviary in which parrots chuckled, golden pheasants preened themselves, and birds with gay plumage fluttered.
On the rustic bridge across the ornamental water the Captain paused and looked about him. Nominally he was observing the swans; really he was looking to see if he was being watched.
Ernie, alert in every inch of him, recognized the ruse; and drew the correct deduction that his enemy had been at this game before.
He waited in the shadow of the trees.