Location
Probably Devon.
Summary
Dr Jago had been surgeon-major to the regiment in Drakeport barracks. During a regimental review on the nearby down, he wanders off and discovers an abandoned baby by a pool and takes him home. The adopted child grows up to break his foster-parents’ hearts.
When Dr Jago lies dying, Dick Jago appears on the downs, having walked from Drakeport, and enquires of his foster-parents from the narrator. The narrator tells him his father is dying and if he does not return the way he has come he will be hit. Dick Jago goes off singing.
Note
Thomas Quiller Couch was surgeon-major to the regiments at Bodmin barracks and accompanied the troops during regimental reviews. He frequently grew bored and wandered off, microscope in hand, to study nearby pools and waterways.