you'd issue some passports," said Anthony. "Any way, please
don't go. And, if Gramarye's what you want, you're free to come and
work whenever you like. Nobody'll say anything to you; but if they
did--I'm going to Town to-morrow--my name's Lyveden, and I'm the--the
agent here."

"You're very good," said the artist; and with that he filled his pipe
and set to work again.

Anthony went about his business.

By the time he had washed Patch, the stranger was gone.

Dusk was falling ere Lyveden saw him again--a tall, thin figure
striding up the track from the depths of Gramarye. As he passed the
cottage, the ex-officer hailed him, offering to house his paraphernalia
for the night. After a moment's hesitation, the other accepted....
With the interior of the cabin he was plainly delighted, pointing his
host a score of engaging features which only an antiquary would have
recognized. Anthony gave him some tea, and the two sat smoking for the
inside of an hour.

At length the artist rose.

"I must get back to Girdle," he said. "About two miles, isn't it?"

"About that. I won't say 'Good-bye.' If Gramarye suits you, perhaps I
shall see you again."

"Thanks to your _laisser passer_, you may. I want to get on to
Woodstock, really; but your woods are worth a day or two. Good night."

He swung off into the darkness, and a minute later Anthony heard his
steps upon the metalling of the London road.

It was upon the following afternoon that Lyveden swore under his
breath. At the time in question he was standing in a large
efficient-looking shop which smelt strongly of cordage and was situate
in Drury Lane.

The manager was nervously apologetic.

"They've bin on order a week now, sir, but I can't honestly say as I
expects them under three. You know what labour is now. In the ole
days it was a matter o' 'phonin', an' hanythin' you liked 'd be 'ere by
special messenger in 'alf an hour. But now...."

He threw up his hands helplessly.

"Where else can I try?" said Lyveden.

The man mentioned two or three stores--each of them in the City.

"But I don' think you'll get 'em, sir. You might get an hodd one, but
'alf a dozen o' 'Lightnin'' mattocks at the moment is worth their
weight."

With a sigh Anthony bowed to the inevitable.

"There's my address," he said, handing the man a slip of paper. "Send
me a card the moment they come in."

"I'll set six aside for you, sir."

"All right."

He paid for the go