Nevertheless, as they emerged from the semi-darkness the moon shone full upon them, revealing to me that they were a man and a woman.
Next instant a cry of blank amazement escaped me, for I was utterly unprepared for the sight I witnessed. I could not believe my eyes; nor could you, my reader, had you been in my place.
The woman walking there, close to me, was young Mrs. Courtenay—the man was none other than her dead husband!
CHAPTER XVII.
DISCUSSES SEVERAL MATTERS.
Reader, I know that what I have narrated is astounding. It astounded me just as it astounded you.
There are moments when one’s brain becomes dulled by sudden bewilderment at sight of the absolutely impossible.
It certainly seemed beyond credence that the man whose fatal and mysterious wound I had myself examined should be there, walking with his wife in lover-like attitude. And yet there was no question that the pair were there. A small bush separated us, so that they passed arm-in-arm within three feet of me. As I have already explained, the moon was so bright that I could see to read; therefore, shining full upon their faces, it was impossible to mistake the features of two persons whom I knew so well.