nearly ten o'clock before
`` Well , let Parsons be the man . If he wants to go I see no reason why he should n't . Tell him to report here mounted and ready at tattoo . '' But it was nearly ten o'clock before Parsons was ready , -- a singular fact when it is remembered that he wanted to go , -- and Mr. Holmes , who had stopped a moment to speak with Miss Forrest as the bugle ceased playing tattoo , found sufficient interest in their chat to detain him until just as the signal `` Lights out '' was ringing on the still night-air . Then a horse came trotting briskly into the garrison and over to the adjutant 's office . Holmes caught a glimpse of the rider as he shot under the gallery and through the gleam from the lower windows . That face again !