beginning of one
of those adventures which had been familiar enough in his past life.
But it was the writing of a man, and of a well educated one, too.
Finally, after some hesitation, he determined to see the matter through.

Miller Hill is an ill-kept public park in the very centre of the town.
In summer it is a favourite resort of the people; but in winter it is
desolate enough. From the top of it one has a view not only of the
whole straggling, grimy town, but of the winding valley beneath, with
its scattered mines and factories blackening the snow on each side of
it, and of the wooded and white-capped ranges flanking it.

McMurdo strolled up the winding path hedged in with evergreens until he
reached the deserted restaurant which forms the centre of summer
gaiety. Beside it was a bare flagstaff, and underneath it a man, his
hat drawn down and the collar of his overcoat turned up. When he turned
his face McMurdo saw that it was Brother Morris, he who had incurred
the anger of the Bodymaster the night before. The lodge sign was given
and exchanged as they met.

"I wanted to have a word with you, Mr. McMurdo," said the older man,
speaking with a hesitation which showed that he was on delicate ground.
"It was kind of you to come."

"Why did you not put your name to the note?"

"One has to be cautious, mister. One never knows in times like these
how a thing may come back to one. One never knows either who to trust
or who not to trust."

"Surely one may trust brothers of the lodge."

"No, no, not always," cried Morris with vehemence. "Whatever we say,
even what we think, seems to go back to that man McGinty."

"Look here!" said McMurdo sternly. "It was only last night, as you know
well, that I swore good faith to our Bodymaster. Would you be asking me
to break my oath?"

"If that is the view you take," said Morris sadly, "I can only say that
I am sorry I gave you the trouble to come and meet me. Things have come
to a bad pass when two free citizens cannot speak their thoughts to
each other."

McMurdo, who had been watching his companion very narrowly, relaxed
somewhat in his bearing. "Sure I spoke for myself only," said he. "I am
a newcomer, as you know, and I am strange to it all. It is not for me
to open my mouth, Mr. Morris, and if you think well to say anything to
me I am here to hear it."

"And to take it back to Boss McGinty!" said Morris bitterly.

"Indeed, then, you do me injustice there," cried Mc