e that his neighbors kept such
enormous fires all night, as to make his wall red-hot and blister his
paint.

This, and one or two other indications, made Ransome suspect the
existence of a furnace, and he had got a search-warrant in his pocket,
on which, however, he did not think it safe to act till he had watched
the suspected house late at night, and made certain observations for
himself. So he had invited himself to tea with his friend Little--for
he was sure of a hearty welcome at any hour--and, over their tea, he now
told him his suspicions, and invited him to come in and take a look at
the suspected house with him.

Little consented. But there was no hurry; the later they went to the
house in question the better. So they talked of other matters, and the
conversation soon fell on that which was far more interesting to Little
than the capture of all the coiners in creation.

He asked Ransome how long he was to go on like this, contenting himself
with the mere sight of her.

"Why;" said Ransome, "even that has made another man of you. Your eye
is twice as bright as it was a month ago, and your color is coming back.
That is a wise proverb, 'Let well alone.' I hear she visits the sick,
and some of them swear by her. If think I'd give her time to take root
here; and then she will not be so ready to fly off in a tangent."

Little objected that it was more than flesh and blood could bear.

"Well, then," said Ransome, "promise me just one thing: that, if you
speak to her, it shall be in Hillsborough, and not down here."

Little saw the wisdom of this, and consented, but said he was resolved
to catch her at his own window the next time she came.

He was about to give his reasons, but they were interrupted by a man and
horse clattering up to the door.

"That will be for me," said Ransome. "I thought I should not get leave
to drink my tea in peace."

He was right; a mounted policeman brought him a note from the mayor,
telling him word had come into the town that there was something wrong
with Ousely dam. He was to take the mayor's horse, and ride up at once
to the reservoir, and, if there was any danger, to warn the valley.

"This looks serious," said Ransome. "I must wish you good-by."

"Take a piece of advice with you. I hear that dam is too full; if
so, don't listen to advice from anybody, but open the sluices of the
waste-pipes, and relieve the pressure; but if you find a flaw in the
embankment, don't trifle