e whole story, I would, but that's impossible
just now," he resumed. "Other people, honorable, upright people, are
involved. Of course, the thing looks suspicious, and you know nothing
about me, but what I mean to do is not against the law."

They were silent yet, but after a few moments Foster saw his host
glance at the woman.

"What is it ye mean to do?" she asked.

"I'm going to Newcastle to try to get some information and papers that
will help me to save a friend from serious trouble. That's my first
object, but I hope to find out something about a crime in Canada, by
which another friend of mine suffered terribly. I may have to steal
the papers, and if I get them, expect I shall have to deal with a gang
of dangerous men, who will try to take them back. That's why I want
Pete; but he'll probably find it a risky business."

Foster waited anxiously for a reply. He was not justified in expecting
it to be favorable, but he did so. The woman seemed to ponder, but
presently turned to Pete.

"Ye had better gang."

Pete laughed, a reckless laugh that hinted at a love of excitement and
danger.

"Aye," he said, "that's what I was thinking!"

After this the matter was soon arranged, and next morning Foster and
Pete set off. They went south by hill-tracks, for Foster meant to
visit the Garth, but preferred to arrive when dusk was falling. He did
not want his visit to be marked, but must see Alice before he embarked
upon his new adventure.

The sun was setting behind the moors when they came down the waterside,
and leaving Pete in the gloom of the fir wood, he walked through a
shrubbery to the house. He had seen nothing to indicate that he was
watched and could trust Pete to see that nobody followed him from the
road, but he meant to take precautions and did not want to meet
Featherstone. When he left the shrubbery he had only a few yards of
open lawn to cross and the light was dim beside the house, but he kept
off the graveled terrace until he was abreast of the door. He was now
faced by a difficulty, but must leave something to chance and felt
relieved when John answered his quiet knock. The man showed no
surprise at seeing him.

"Mr. Featherstone is out, sir, and Mrs. Featherstone occupied, but Miss
Featherstone is at home," he said.

"Will you ask her if she can meet me for a few minutes in the orchard?"

"Very good, sir; I will take your message."

Foster turned away. He had given John no hint