Calder leaned back, and staring curiously in front of him and
over the major's shoulder, continued his story. "But I could never hear
that Durrance spoke to any one else. He seemed, except that one knows to
the contrary, merely to have strolled through the village and back again
to Wadi Halfa."
"That doesn't help us much," said the major.
"And it's all you know?" asked the colonel.
"No, not quite all," returned Calder, slowly; "I know, for instance,
that the man we are talking about is staring me straight in the face."
At once everybody at the table turned towards the mess-room.
"Durrance!" cried the colonel, springing up.
"When did you get back?" said the major.
Durrance, with the dust of his journey still powdered upon his clothes,
and a face burnt to the colour of red brick, was standing in the
doorway, and listening with a remarkable intentness to the voices of his
fellow-officers. It was perhaps noticeable that Calder, who was
Durrance's friend, neither rose from his chair nor offered any greeting.
He still sat watching Durrance; he still remained curious and perplexed;
but as Durrance descended the three steps into the verandah there came
a quick and troubled look of comprehension into his face.
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