“I had no confederate, as you term it, unless you call my Theresa a confederate,” the musician said. “In my travels I take with me an harmonium, and that harmonium is conveyed upon a flat carriage, which you may inspect if you desire. Sir Harold’s inanimate form was placed by myself and daughter upon that carriage and brought here. As for my secrecy, I have my own private reasons, with which my guest is fully acquainted. Answering your complaint concerning proper medical treatment, Sir Harold can satisfy you upon that point, if he considers you worthy of implicit trust.”
The colonel bent one of his piercing glances upon Hamilton, and held out his hand, saying:
“I believe you, sir. If I have been unreasonably suspicious, forgive me. Now let me see the boy.”
“If you will step into my cottage, Colonel Greyson,” Hamilton said, courteously, “I will send Sir Harold to you. He is somewhere in the garden, I have no doubt.”
The old soldier permitted himself to be conducted into a little parlor fragrant with the incense of flowers.
“If you will wait here, colonel——”
“Certainly—certainly!” was the quick interruption. “My nerves are simply quivering with the excitement of expectancy.”
The musician withdrew, and when Sir Harold entered, five minutes later, looking well and happy, the colonel held out his hand, saying, tremulously, “Harold, my boy, do you not know me?”
The young man took the proffered hand, but there was a puzzled expression on his face.
“I have heard the name of Colonel Greyson very often,” he said, “but I do not remember that we have ever met before, sir.”