Puffey—like the keen observer he was reputed to be—did not fail to note the start which Fellows gave when he heard his name inquired for. His sunburnt countenance did not, however, betray his momentary agitation. Recovering his self-control, he advanced at once to the constable, and looking steadily in his face, in a clear voice, unmarked by the least tremor, exclaimed— "My name is Fellows. What do you want with me?" "You see who I am, Mr. Fellows; not always the most welcome of visitors?" "That’s true, sir, no doubt; but I have no reason to regard you as unwelcome." "Nor will you," added Puffey, "when you learn the object of my visit." The men who were working with Fellows had ceased their labours, and were crowding round to hear what the detective had to say. "I am commissioned by the Major," said Puffey, "who commanded the force which recently made that successful raid, ending in the capture of Red Dick, to return you his thanks for the very valuable aid rendered him on that occasion, in the promptness with which his orders were carried out, and for the precision with which the duties you undertook were discharged. He fully recognises that the success of that enterprise was in no small measure due to the alertness and cohesion of your force, as well as to the able way in which that force was handled by you." "Many of these men," replied Fellows, "standing round me, were present on the occasion referred to, and in their name, as well as my own, you may tell the Major that, whilst warmly thanking him for the flattering words addressed to us, we were all only too pleased to serve with so brave a force as the men he brought to lead us." "That ends my mission with you," said Puffey. "Not a very terrifying one, you must admit." Presently he added, as if a new idea had suddenly struck him, "Are you satisfied with your present occupation?" "Yes; don’t I look as if I was?" he asked. "It was only a passing thought, which that moment occurred to me; you are just the sort of chap we could very well do with in our force. Would you care to join us?" "No such idea has ever entered my head, and I don’t feel as if I should much care for the life." "Well, I’ve no authority to ask you, but you might think it over." "No harm in my doing that," he replied. "How old are you, if it is not a rude question to ask?" said the constable. "Just turned twenty-nine." "English, I judge?" "Yes." "Been long in the Colony?" "Only about seven months." "Any trade or profession?" "Was a commercial in the Old Country." "Married or single?" "Single." "Hope to remain so?" "That depends on circumstances." "You’ll excuse my being so inquisitive, but I wished to make sure you were qualified for the post I just now suggested to you; and from all you tell me, I have no reason to doubt but our people would only be too pleased to accept you if you choose to apply." "Thanks; I’ll think about it."