I walk, as a rule, from nine o'clock to twelve--to induce sleep.

And on that night I'd been miles and miles out towards Yetholm, and back; and when you saw me with my map and electric torch, I was looking for the nearest turn home--I'm not too well acquainted with the Border yet," he concluded, with a flash of his white teeth, "and I have to carry a map with me.

And--that's how it was; and that's all." I rose out of my chair at that.

He spoke so readily and ingenuously that I had no more doubt of the truth of what he was saying than I had of my own existence.
"Then it's all for me, too, Sir Gilbert," said I."I shan't say a word more of the matter to anybody.

It's--as if it never existed.