“Yes, sir. The doctor said I was not to return to duty for a few days longer, and I have a pass.”
“So I suppose, or you would not be out,” said Dick. “But now, look here, Hanson; no nonsense—I want the truth. For the past week whenever I’ve gone out for a stroll you’ve followed me.”
“I had leave to be out, sir,” said the man evasively. “I know that; but you’ve been following me.”
“I am quite strange to the place, sir.”
“That’s gammon,” said Dick, who in his fit of annoyance did not carefully select his words. The man was silent.
“What’s that you’ve got buttoned up under your fatigue-jacket?”
“Pistol, sir.”
“Yes; I could see it was. Loaded?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And what’s that stuck down inside your overalls on the left side?”