place, and Meldon reached
Ballymoy House at a quarter to eleven. The door was opened to him by
Miss King, who had seen him coming up the avenue. She greeted him with
a smile, and, in reply to his enquiry, told him that the judge had gone
up the river.

"I promised," said Miss King, "to send him word if you called. I think
he wants to see you. Won't you come in? I'll send Callaghan to look
for him."

"Thanks," said Meldon. "I think I'll go and look for him myself. I
should rather like the walk, and I might be some use to him in showing
him the pools. I used to fish this river a good deal myself at one
time. By the way, did he say what he wants to see me about?"

"He didn't go into details," said Miss King, "but I rather think he
wants to ask you some questions about--"

"Did he mention the subject of paraffin oil?"

Miss King smiled.

"I'm sorry that's weighing on his mind," said Meldon. "I thought he
might have got over it by this time. However, it won't take long to
explain it. I won't say good-bye, Miss King. I shall probably see you
again this afternoon."

"Won't you come back for luncheon? It will be ready at half-past one."

"No, thanks. I can't. The fact is I'm thinking of dropping in on Mr.
Simpkins about that time. He may be coming up here with me in the
afternoon. He has something he wants to say to you."

"About the fishing?"

"No. The fact is--but I'd better let the poor fellow explain himself.
I'll run off now and hunt about for Sir Gilbert. If he's had any luck
at all this morning he'll have forgotten about the paraffin oil before
I get to him. Good-morning, Miss King. Don't believe all the Major
says about Mr. Simpkins. There's no one I know who's fairer-minded in
a general way than the Major. But in the case of Mr. Simpkins he's
regularly warped, and you ought not to take any notice of what he may
have said."

Sir Gilbert Hawkesby was up to his knees in the river when Meldon came
upon him. He was throwing a fly over a most likely pool and had
already been rewarded by a rise. On the bank lay a remarkably fine
salmon, at least twenty pounds in weight, which he had caught. He was
in a very cheerful mood, and felt kindly towards every one in the world.

"Don't let me interrupt you," said Meldon. "You're at one of the best
spots on the whole river. I'll sit down here and wait till you've
finished."

But the judge, though a very keen fisherman, was evidently more e