During my walk back to my billet I felt sure I was being followed and watched. It was true I neither heard nor saw anything out of the ordinary, but I seemed to be possessed of a sixth sense, and that sixth sense made me conscious of an unfriendly presence. But nothing happened, and presently when I reached my quarters without molestation or happening of any sort, I laughed at myself for harbouring baseless impressions.
I found Edgecumbe awaiting me, as I had previously arranged.
'Been here long?' I asked.
'About an hour,' and then he looked at me eagerly.
'No,' I said, noting his glance, 'I've nothing to tell you—-yet.'
I could see he was disappointed. I had aroused his curiosity and he had been wondering what I had in my mind.
'Then I may as well be going,' he said, after a few seconds' silence.
'No, not yet.'
I could see the eager questions in his eyes, so I went on. 'I can't tell you anything yet, Edgecumbe; it would not be fair to you, and it might not be fair to others. It may be I'm only following the will-o'-the-wisp of my fancies; all the same I want you to stay with me at least an hour. I think it will be the safest plan. I will send a note with you that will answer all questions, and meanwhile I'll get these shutters closed.'
It was quite midnight when he left me, and I watched him as he walked away from my billet. He had not gone more than two minutes when I heard the sound of angry voices, and as far as I could judge they came from the spot where he was likely to be. Then coming from the same locality there was the sound of a pistol shot.