f the seventh century--in memory of a murder. Wulfere, King
of Mercia, nephew of Penda, here murdered his two sons for embracing
Christianity. As was the custom of the time, each passer-by added a
stone to the memorial heap. Penda represented heathen reaction after St.
Augustine's mission. Sir Nathaniel can tell you as much as you want
about this, and put you, if you wish, on the track of such accurate
knowledge as there is."

Whilst they were looking at the heap of stones, they noticed that another
carriage had drawn up beside them, and the passenger--there was only
one--was regarding them curiously. The carriage was an old heavy
travelling one, with arms blazoned on it gorgeously. The men took off
their hats, as the occupant, a lady, addressed them.

"How do you do, Sir Nathaniel? How do you do, Mr. Salton? I hope you
have not met with any accident. Look at me!"

As she spoke she pointed to where one of the heavy springs was broken
across, the broken metal showing bright. Adam spoke up at once:

"Oh, that can soon be put right."

"Soon? There is no one near who can mend a break like that."

"I can."

"You!" She looked incredulously at the dapper young gentleman who spoke.
"You--why, it's a workman's job."

"All right, I am a workman--though that is not the only sort of work I
do. I am an Australian, and, as we have to move about fast, we are all
trained to farriery and such mechanics as come into travel--I am quite at
your service."

"I hardly know how to thank you for your kindness, of which I gladly
avail myself. I don't know what else I can do, as I wish to meet Mr.
Caswall of Castra Regis, who arrives home from Africa to-day. It is a
notable home-coming; all the countryside want to do him honour." She
looked at the old men and quickly made up her mind as to the identity of
the stranger. "You must be Mr. Adam Salton of Lesser Hill. I am Lady
Arabella March of Diana's Grove." As she spoke she turned slightly to
Mr. Salton, who took the hint and made a formal introduction.

So soon as this was done, Adam took some tools from his uncle's carriage,
and at once began work on the broken spring. He was an expert workman,
and the breach was soon made good. Adam was gathering the tools which he
had been using--which, after the manner of all workmen, had been
scattered about--when he noticed that several black snakes had crawled
out from the heap of stones and were gathering round him. This n