hat a curious question," she said. "What did he mean, to whom did he
refer?"

"Miss Eve Berkeley and my humble self," said Alan, laughing.

"How funny," she said.

"Yes; that's just what I thought. What the deuce put it into his head
I don't know," said Alan, laughing.

"I suppose he thinks near neighbors sometimes marry," said Eve.

"Perhaps so. They do; I've noticed it. I say, Eve, wouldn't it be
curious if we ended up that way?" said Alan.

"Ended up which way?"

"By marrying. How would you like it? Have you ever considered the
prospect?"

"Have you?" she asked without looking at him.

"No, I can't say I have. I don't suppose you'd have me in any case."

"Oh! you don't think I'd have you! Well, consider it over--perhaps we
might do worse."

"Eve, you're not serious! You haven't been looking at it from that
point of view?" he said.

"I believe I'd marry you to-morrow if you asked me, Alan," she said
smiling, in a half-joking tone, but her heart beat painfully fast.

"Good Lord, you don't say so!" exclaimed Alan, in such alarmed tones
she could not help laughing.

"Please do not be alarmed," she said.

"Of course you're not serious! For the moment I flattered myself you
were. You're joking. Funny, isn't it?"

"Supposing I am serious?" she said.

"By Jove, I believe I'd ask you! The temptation would be more than
mortal man could resist," he said.

"Try! Let me see how you make love--I am sure you'd be eloquent."

"Don't let us carry this game too far, Eve; it might develop into
something serious," said Alan.

"Something serious--good heavens, if he only knew!" she thought. "But
what can a poor woman do with such a man. You are very blind, Alan."

CHAPTER XIV

INSIDE THE KEEP

Carl Meason was very busy. He sat up late, poring over maps, tracing
routes. Abel Head said:

"He doesn't seem to have a minute to spare."

He had minutes to spare and they were devoted to paying attentions to
Jane Thrush when he had an opportunity. She did not avoid him: he
interested her, and her father appeared to like him.

Meason approached Thrush carefully, feeling his way gradually; he knew
it would be best to influence the father in order to ingratiate the
daughter.

Tom took him through the forest, pointing out places of interest. He
found Meason a ready listener, who flattered him by remarking on the
knowledge he possessed. They walked many miles, but Meason noticed he
avoide