figures in the centre in startling contrast with
their overdressed companions. These two, a man and a woman, wore nothing
except a garland of leaves about the hips.

Pats smiled and even forgot his fatigue, as he realized that he was
gazing upon a serious conception of the Garden of Eden. And the bride
and groom showed no embarrassment. The groom was pointing, in an easy
manner, to anything, anywhere, while the bride, in a graceful but
self-conscious pose, ignored his remarks.

And all the lords and ladies round about accepted, as a matter of
course, the nakedness of this unconventional pair. While still
fascinated by the brazen indifference of this famous couple, and
pleasantly shocked by their disregard for all the rules of propriety, he
was aroused by the sudden appearance in the doorway of Elinor Marshall.
She had evidently been hurrying. There was excitement in her voice, as
she exclaimed:

"He is here! He has come back!"

"The owner?"

"Yes, he is taking a nap on a bench, on the other side of the point."

In another moment Pats was beside her, both walking rapidly through the
wood. Approaching the western edge of the point, they saw, between the
trees, a figure sitting upon a bench, overlooking the water, his back
toward them. With one elbow upon an arm of the rustic seat, his cheek
resting on his hand and his knees crossed, he seemed in full enjoyment
of a nap.

Pats took a position in front of the sleeper, at a respectful distance,
then said, in a voice not too loud:

"I beg your pardon, sir."

There was no responsive movement. When it became clear that he had not
been heard, Pats stepped a very little nearer and repeated, in a louder
tone:

"I beg your pardon, sir."

Still the sleeper slept.

Pats glanced at Elinor Marshall, who smiled, involuntarily. Pats also
smiled, as he realized that this ceremonious and somewhat labored
greeting had a distinctly comic side, especially when so completely
thrown away. However, he was about to repeat the salutation and in a
louder voice, when he was struck by the color of the hand against the
cheek. He went nearer and, stooping down, looked up into the sleeper's
face. A glance was enough.

Slowly he straightened up, then reverently removed his hat.

Elinor, with a look of awe, came nearer and whispered:

"Dead! Is it possible!"

For a moment both stood in silence, looking down upon the seated figure.
It was that of an elderly man, short, and slight of