egan in course of time
to make his acquaintance, and he eventually became a great favorite
with all. When younger, Penny had been told, he had been "a wonderful
good gardener," and for trifling payment, or in return for a meal,
would always "redd-up" the gardens of the district. Thus he acquired
the designation of "Airchie Gairdener," and by that was usually known.

What his neighbors could not comprehend was how Archie spent these
small earnings, but more especially to what use he had put his army
pension, which every one knew he once received regularly. He had no
occasion to buy food, for kindly neighbors would always exchange for
meal or eggs the varied produce of his well-cultivated garden. His
clothes cost him nothing; for he had worn the same old garments for
years past, and though no self-respecting tramp would have accepted
them, he never seemed anxious to replace them. If any others were
given him, he would use them for a time, out of compliment to the
donor, but the ancient attire would always reappear after a short
interval.

"As to where his money goes," summed up Penny, "I've a notion that his
Reverence knows more than any one else except Archie himself. Poor
Archie often asks for the priest, and I've heard his Reverence speaking
to him in quite an angry way--for him," she added quickly; "but there's
never any change in Archie's way of living. Some of the people here
think he's a perfect saint, and I'm not so sure that they're far wrong!
However, I think he ought to take ordinary care of his 'ealth; that
seems to me a duty even for saints!"

I tried to glean more details from Val, but found him strangely
reticent.

"Poor old fellow! A good soul, if ever there was one!" was the only
remark I could elicit.

This air of mystery made me more than ever desirous of learning
something about Archie's antecedents. It was this curiosity which led
me, in the first instance, to visit his tumbledown dwelling. It was a
quaint establishment. A moderately large garden surrounded it on three
sides, roughly fenced in from the woodland, its fence interwoven with
gorse branches to keep out rabbits. The varied supplies of vegetables
were evidence of Archie's industry, in spite of his rheumatism. It was
by the produce of this garden that the old man obtained in return the
oatmeal and milk which formed his staple food; for he could no longer
work for others.

The house itself was a picture! Its aged roof see