He came out of the gate and wandered slowly on. I was too far away to see his face clearly in the evening light, but could see he moved with the old, careless swing. Ten years had scarcely altered his appearance. He was still the elegant, handsome Wilfred.
He walked towards the vicarage, and took the coast path. So much the better—it was the most lonely path in the countryside. It suited my purpose exactly. I followed silently. No sound of footsteps could be heard, for the grass was soft and spongy; the grass on which we had often played together as boys.
He wandered along aimlessly as though he had come out to be alone. He did not look back; but every now and then stopped and gazed at the "Devil's Tooth," the five great prongs of which could be clearly seen in the evening light.
Presently I thought we had gone far enough for my purpose, and so I went up to him.
"I desire to speak to you," I said.
He turned round sharply, and looked straight at me.
"Who are you?" he cried.
"Look and see," I said.
The moon had risen, the sky was clear, and my features could be plainly seen.
He looked at me steadily with his sharp brilliant eyes, and spoke again.