But little indeed did this indefatigable student of nature and human nature—who had been but half interested by his observations and experiences through that long day’s travel—know what was yet in store for him. The door opened; a slim-built and yet muscular young man of eight-and-twenty or so appeared there, clad in a smart deer-stalking costume of brownish green; he held his cap in his hand; and round his shoulder was the strap from which hung behind the brown leather case of his telescope. This Mr. Hodson saw at a glance; and also something more. He prided himself on his judgment of character. And when his quick look had taken in the keen, sun-tanned face of this young fellow, the square, intellectual forehead, the firm eyebrows, the finely cut and intelligent mouth, and a certain proud set of the head, he said to himself, ’This is a _man_: there’s something here worth knowing.’ ’Good evening, sir,’ the keeper said, to break the momentary silence. ’Good evening,’ said Mr. Hodson (who had been rather startled out of his manners). ’Come and sit down by the fire; and let’s have a talk now about the shooting and the salmon-fishing. I have brought the letters from the Duke’s agent with me.’ ’Yes, sir,’ said Strang; and he moved a bit farther into the room; but remained standing, cap in hand. ’Pull in a chair,’ said Mr. Hodson, who was searching for the letters. ’Thank ye, sir; thank ye,’ said the keeper; but he remained standing nevertheless. Mr. Hodson returned to the table. ’Sit down, man, sit down,’ said he, and he himself pulled in a chair. ’I don’t know what your customs are over here, but anyhow I’m an American citizen; I’m not a lord.’