"What do you think?" she exclaimed, addressing no one in particular, "I
have discovered that Mr. Wallace knows how to play golf, and that he
learned the game on some of the famous old courses of Scotland. He has
promised to teach me the St. Andrews swing."

LaHume's face was a study as Miss Lawrence made this rather startling
announcement. Surprise, disgust, and anger were reflected in his eyes
and in the lines of his mouth.

"You have played St. Andrews?" asked Carter of Wallace.

"Yes, many a time," said this remarkable "hired man." "I was born
hard-by the old town," he added.

"Indeed?" sneered LaHume. "What were you while there; caddy or
professional?"

I thought I detected a flash of anger in the eyes of the young
Scotchman, but if offended he controlled himself admirably. Not so with
Miss Lawrence, who glared indignantly at LaHume.

"I doubt if I knew enough of the game," said Wallace, quietly, "to be
either. I merely played there and at other places when I had the
opportunity."

"Mr. Wallace says that St. Andrews does not compare with some of the
newer links in Scotland," declared Miss Lawrence, ignoring LaHume.

"Which ones, for instance?" asked Carter, who has played over most of
the fine courses in Great Britain.

"Muirfield and Prestwick offer better golf than St. Andrews, and are
not so crowded," replied Wallace. "The farther you get from St. Andrews
the greater its reputation, but it is too rough for perfect golf. A
long, straight drive is often penalised by a bad lie, and an indifferent
shot favoured by a good one, which is more luck than golf."

Carter smiled, and he afterwards told me it struck him as odd that a
farmhand should converse in such words and on so peculiar a topic.
Wallace good-naturedly and modestly answered a number of questions, but
evaded telling the class of his game.

I wonder where Miss Lawrence will receive those lessons which will
enable her to acquire the "St. Andrews swing"? I doubt if our rules will
permit this remarkable farm labourer to play over Woodvale, even as the
guest or at the request of Miss Lawrence. I shall watch developments
with much interest.

Wallace asked to be excused, observing with a laugh that it was milking
time, and a few minutes later we saw him pass the window, clad in blue
overalls and a "jumper."

"Tell you what I'll do with you, LaHume," said Chilvers, who never
misses an opportunity to stir up trouble. "I'll bet you a box of
Haskell