arently understood Marsh's suggestion. He winked
back and grinned, but as the woman returned to the table his face
instantly resumed its blank expression.

"Well," said Marsh, rising. "I must be going." He drew out some
bills and presented one to the woman. "I thank you for the lunch. It
was fine. You are a good cook."

When taking his leave, Marsh put special emphasis on his parting
with Nels. After closing the door behind him, however, he strolled
in a very leisurely way toward the gate, and instead of keeping on
along the road he leaned against the outside of one of the posts
where he was not visible from the cottage. He had not waited long
when footsteps sounded on the crushed stone of the driveway and Nels
appeared. Marsh beckoned to him and they walked down the roadway
until out of sight of the gate.

"Nels," said Marsh, stopping and facing the Swede, "you don't think
I ought to buy that house next door, eh?"

Nels shrugged his shoulders. "Dat bane your bes'ness," he said.

"But I don't want to buy a place that has a bad name. Will you tell
me what you think is the matter with it?"

Nels glanced about him, and standing a little closer to Marsh, said
in a lowered, voice, "Aye tenk bad men live dere."

"But," protested Marsh, "I thought the house was closed, and had
only a caretaker, or someone like that?"

"No caretaker," answered Nels. "Tree--four--five men. House look
close, but men inside." Then he added, shaking his head,
"Fonny-fonny."

"How do you know all this, Nels?"

"Aye watch. Aye see you yesterday, with yong lady."

Marsh smiled. This was evidently the man he had seen crouching in
the bushes, and who had caused him to hurry Miss Atwood away from
the house.

"Yes," said Marsh, "I was going to look over the house, but there
seemed to be nobody home."

"Men inside," answered Nels, giving Marsh a shock.

"Tell me all about it, Nels," said Marsh, patting the man on the
shoulder, "and I'll give you some more money."

"House close two year. Since den Aye see fonny men--most in night
time. Big, black car--no light. House stay close--all dark--fonny--so
Aye watch."

"Is that all?" inquired Marsh.

"Aye tell my wife--she say Aye drink too much hootch," grinned Nels.
"So Aye don't tell her about deh oder night."

"What night was that?"

"Aye tenk las' Monday night. Aye go see Ole. He have some new
stuff--goodt--goodt. Aye stay late--don't see well com'n' home. Aye tenk
Aye turn in my own