It was strange behaviour on the part of Rodney Shaw, and Jim Dennis could not understand it.
In a short time all was quiet, and he decided to slip off the verandah and go round to the horses.
He was passing the open window when he heard a cry of surprise, almost of terror, from within, which caused him to stop.
Looking into the room, he saw Rodney Shaw sitting on his bed, in his pyjamas, and glancing at him with wide, staring eyes.
'Who the devil are you?' said Shaw in a wild tone of voice.
'It's only me, Jim Dennis.'
'What are you doing there? Why are you spying about on my verandah? I'll have you locked up,' said Shaw.
Jim laughed, and made excuses for him.
'He's not himself, he's been drinking,' he thought.
'I brought your horse back, and I camped in a chair on the verandah to wait until some of the hands were about.'