by W. W. Jacobs
garden, took up the spade and stoodregarding with some dismay the mountainous result of his industry. Mr.Travers, who was standing just inside the back door, joined her.
"Let me," he said, gallantly.
The day was breaking as he finished his task. The clean, sweet air andthe exercise had given him an appetite to which the smell of cookingbacon and hot coffee that proceeded from the house had set a sharperedge. He took his coat from a bush and put it on. Mrs. Waters appearedat the door.
"You had better come in and have some breakfast before you go," she said,brusquely; "there's no more sleep for me now."
Mr. Travers obeyed with alacrity, and after a satisfying wash in thescullery came into the big kitchen with his face shining and took a seatat the table. The cloth was neatly laid, and Mrs. Waters, fresh andcool, with a smile upon her pleasant face, sat behind the tray. Shelooked at her guest curiously, Mr. Travers's spirits being somewhathigher than the state of his wardrobe appeared to justify.
"Why don't you get some settled work?" she inquired, with gentleseverity, as he imparted snatches of his history between bites.
"Easier said than done," said Mr. Travers, serenely. "But don't you runaway with the idea that I'm a beggar, because I'm not. I pay my way,such as it is. And, by-the-bye, I s'pose I haven't earned that twopounds Benn gave me?"
His face lengthened, and he felt uneasily in his pocket.
"I'll give them to him when I'm tired of the joke," said the widow,holding out her hand and watching him closely.
Mr. Travers passed the coins over to her. "Soft hand you've got," hesaid, musingly. "I don't wonder Benn was desperate. I dare say I shouldhave done the same in his place."
Mrs. Waters bit her lip and looked out at the window; Mr. Travers resumedhis breakfast.
"There's only one job that I'm really fit for, now that I'm too old forthe Army," he said, confidentially, as, breakfast finished, he stood atthe door ready to depart.
"Playing at burglars?" hazarded Mrs. Waters.
"Landlord of a little country public-house," said Mr. Travers, simply.
Mrs. Waters fell back and regarded him with open-eyed amazement.
"Good morning," she said, as soon as she could trust her voice.
"Good-bye," said Mr. Travers, reluctantly. "I should like to hear howold Benn takes this joke, though."
Mrs. Waters retreated into the house and stood regarding him. "If you'repassing this way again and like to look in--I'll tell you," she said,after a long pause. "Good-bye."
"I'll look in in a week's time," said Mr. Travers.
He took the proffered hand and shook it warmly. "It would be the bestjoke of all," he said, turning away.
"What would?"
The soldier confronted her again.
"For old Benn to come round here one evening and find me landlord. Thinkit over."
Mrs. Waters met his gaze soberly. "I'll think it over when you havegone," she said, softly. "Now go."