“And they do so at York, if what I hear be so,” said he.
From that moment Ben grew more and more thoughtful; it were as though he were revolving an important something in his mind. After a little the lieutenant noticed this.
“Hello,” said he. “What is it?”
“I was just thinking,” answered Ben, “of a small chain of incidents which happened to-night, and also of some larger things, which took place some time ago, but which are intimately connected with them.”
“I see.”
“And,” proceeded Ben Cooper, “I have been wondering if——”
“If—what?” inquired Claflin, as he paused.
“I scarcely think you will understand unless I tell you all that has happened,” said Ben. “So if you will listen——”
“Go on,” directed the young lieutenant.
So with that Ben began the story of Tobias Hawkins at the point where that gentleman’s path had first crossed his own; step by step he followed it until he reached the doings of that very night. And when he had done the lieutenant drew a deep breath.