"Yes." The other glanced wistfully at the undisturbed end of the table, and then out through the window at the brilliant sunshine. "I'd been counting on your company this morning," he said. "But of course now." ... He looked keenly disappointed. "It's going to be a hot day," he remarked. "Looks like it." Lawless unfolded his napkin and began on the eggs and bacon which the coloured boy placed before him. In his preoccupation he was scarcely conscious of the presence of the other man, save when he spoke, and then it was to feel a slight irritation at the inconsequent remarks that called for attention and response. "Perhaps to-morrow," the little insignificant shabby man proceeded tentatively, "you might feel inclined to accompany me. It's a pleasant walk, and--" Lawless looked up suddenly. "To-morrow, I am returning to the coast," he said. "So soon!" The speaker's increased disappointment was too marked to pass unnoticed. Lawless looked at him in some surprise, and was rather ashamed of himself because he found the little man such a bore. "It may seem soon to you," he said. "You see, you lead a useful life; but when a man has nothing to occupy his time he quickly tires of a place like this. I never intended to stay more than a day or two." "I shall miss your company," the other said, and rising from the table, lingered for a few moments with his hand upon it. "I suppose the place has not many attractions for visitors. For those who live here it is different. I drifted here. I scarcely know how. I began at Port Nolleth, but the west coast fever drove me inland. This little place suits me, and I suit it. We're neither go-ahead." He smiled at his mild joke, but without mirth. His lonely life appeared lonelier contrasted with the break which the vigorous personality of this chance acquaintance had made in the monotony of his days. He had never met anyone whose going he so much regretted. "Well, I won't interrupt you at your breakfast any longer," he said apologetically. "I must be starting. We shall meet this evening." "We'll have our walk to-morrow, if it's agreeable to you," Lawless returned, and wondered at himself for being such a fool, yet was not ill-pleased with his folly when he caught the eager look that shone in the mild eyes behind the spectacles. "Awful bore, old Burton," he mused, looking through the window after the shabby figure as it disappeared in the sunshine. "But I'm damned if he isn't rather a fine simple soul, after that!"