"There is a new ring in your voice, Bernard," he said, after a moment's pause, "but I cannot trust you."
He turned and walked away. John saw him go, using his stick for support, and felt a renewed pity for the old, broken father. He spent that night at an inn in Freshwater, and took the first train next morning for Ryde. Here at the recruiting office he presented himself before Captain Gilbert. This plump and comfortable officer was busy at his work when John stepped into the office. His shadow fell upon Captain Gilbert's desk, and the elder man looked up quickly.
"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. He stared wide-eyed at Manton for a moment, and John broke into a smile.
"I see you mistook me for Treves."
"I did," said Gilbert, leaning forward and looking into his face. "The resemblance is really closer than I thought at first. Well," he said, "you've done your part of the bargain splendidly. You earned the money you needed, and you've lifted a great load off the minds of several deserving persons, including myself."
"I should like to know how I've done that," said Manton. "It seems to me the only service I have rendered has been to myself."
"You forget the battery at Scarthoe Head. You made up the deficiency, and the Colonel's delighted with you, Manton."
"Thanks to you—and young Treves—I was able to put matters straight there."
"You have probably saved young Treves from going utterly to the devil," said Gilbert. "I'll tell you about that later; I'm busy till one o'clock, but come to my hotel then and we'll have lunch together."
"But I am here on business myself!" protested Manton. He was feeling cheerful and particularly satisfied with the course of events so far.