iet, and such a splendid
country. I love the country; I came across it quite by accident, I was
motoring and stopped there for lunch; it struck me as an ideal place to
work in," he said.

"And when you are not at work you like to ramble about the country."

"Yes, it is a pleasant relaxation. There are many charming spots about
here I have not seen, there is no one to guide me," he said. "That old
ruin where your cottage is must have an interesting history, and the
keep with the moat round."

"It is, very interesting. I know a good deal about it. Mr. Chesney
lent me a book which gives a very good description of it and what it
used to be," said Jane.

"Perhaps you will let me see it?" he said.

"I cannot lend it to you, but I will show it to you if----" she
hesitated.

"Will you allow me to call and see it?" he asked.

"I do not know whether my father would like it; I will ask him."

"Do, please; I shall be so much obliged. Perhaps he will show me round
when he has a little spare time?"

"Father does not take to everybody, but I think he will like you," said
Jane naively.

Carl Meason felt gratified at this remark.

"Why do you think he will like me?" he asked.

"Because you talk well; he likes a chat with a well-informed man."

"You think I am well informed?"

"Yes; you have traveled in many countries; it must be interesting. I
have not gone far from here, only Nottingham."

"No farther, never been to London?"

"Never."

"Would you like to go?"

"Yes, but not to stay there; I do not care for cities."

They were in Little Trent and as they passed the Sherwood Inn Abel Head
saw them.

"Well, I'm dashed!" he exclaimed. "I wonder what Tom would say to
that. Confound the fellow, he seems to make headway. Wonder how Jane
came across him?"

Carl left her shortly after and went into the Inn. He knew Abel had
seen them, saw him looking through the window.

"Nice girl, Jane Thrush," said Carl; "a very nice girl, and seems well
brought up."

"She is a nice girl," replied Abel; "also well brought up. How came
you to know her?"

"Quite casually; said good-morning; she responded. Asked her if I
might have the pleasure of walking to the village with her; no harm
done, I assure you. What I like about this country is people are so
free and easy; it's far better, much pleasanter, don't you think so?"
said Carl.

"It all depends. It is as well not to trust strangers. I don't think
Tom Thr