car, the chauffeur, and the French maid, and he
gave a little sigh of relief.

"Are we nearly there?" she asked. "Do tell me if I lean too heavily upon
you."

"It is only a few steps further," he replied encouragingly. "Please lean
upon me as heavily as you like."

She looked around her almost in wonder as her companion paused with his
hand upon a little iron gate. From behind that jagged stretch of hills
in the distance a corner of the moon had now appeared. By its light,
looking backward, she could see the road which they had left below, the
moorland stretching away into misty space, an uneasy panorama with its
masses of gray boulders, its clumps of gorse, its hillocks and hollows.

Before her, through the little iron gate which her escort had pushed
open, was a garden, a little austere looking with its prim flower-beds,
filled with hyacinths and crocuses, bordering the flinty walks. The
trees were all bent in the same direction, fashioned after one pattern
by the winds. Before them was the house--a long, low building, part of
it covered with some kind of creeper.

As they stepped across the last few yards of lawn, the black, oak door
which they were approaching suddenly opened. A tall, elderly man stood
looking inquiringly out. He shaded his eyes with his hands.

"Is that you, brother?" he asked doubtfully.

John Strangewey ushered his companion into the square, oak-paneled hall,
hung with many trophies of the chase, a few oil-paintings, here and
there some sporting prints. It was lighted only with a single lamp
which stood upon a round, polished table in the center of the
white-flagged floor.

"This lady's motor-car has broken down, Stephen," John explained,
turning a little nervously toward his brother. "I found them in the
road, just at the bottom of the hill. She and her servants will spend
the night here. I have explained that there is no village or inn for a
good many miles."

Louise turned graciously toward the elder man, who was standing grimly
apart. Even in those few seconds, her quick sensibilities warned her of
the hostility which lurked behind his tightly closed lips and steel-gray
eyes. His bow was stiff and uncordial, and he made no movement to offer
his hand.

"We are not used to welcoming ladies at Peak Hall, madam," he said. "I
am afraid that you will find us somewhat unprepared for guests."

"I ask for nothing more than a roof," Louise assured him.

John threw his hat and whip upon t