their voices, they were not at all satisfied at the outcome of the
meeting. Simon Stubbles walked behind. He was limping and carried a
cane in his hand. His head was bent, and his face was turned to the
ground as if in deep thought. Douglas at once stepped forward and
touched him on the arm. Stubbles gave a sudden start and looked
quickly around.

"Oh, it's you, is it?" he gasped. He did not altogether relish the
idea of meeting the man he had ordered from the parish.

"Yes, that's who it is," Douglas replied. "I want to have a word with
you."

"Didn't you receive my message?" Stubbles asked.

"I did, and I want an explanation."

"There's nothing to explain. You have made yourself very obnoxious
here, and you must get out."

"And suppose I do not obey?"

"Then you will have to put up with the consequences."

"That is a pretty serious threat. This is a free country, and if
anything should happen to me, what then? You might find yourself in an
awkward position."

"Oh, I'm not worrying about that. All I ask you to do is to leave this
place at once. You've had fair warning, and I haven't time to argue
with you any longer."

Stubbles was about to move forward, when Douglas blocked his way.

"Just stay where you are," the latter ordered. "If you make any
outcry, you'll regret it. But I won't hurt you if you keep quiet. Now
listen to me, Simon Stubbles. You have lorded it over the people in
this parish too long for their welfare. It is through you that the
Church life is dormant here, and no clergyman can stay for any length
of time. You know this to be true, notwithstanding your canting words
in the hall to-night. I am not afraid of you, and I shall remain in
this parish as long as I please. If you interfere with me in any way
it will be at your own peril. I have given you timely warning, and you
may go."

Simon Stubbles listened to these plain words in amazement. He had
never been thus spoken to before, and his anger was intense. He began
to stamp, rage and denounce the man who dared to speak to him in such
an audacious manner. He attracted the attention of those waiting for
him in the car some distance off. Seeing that two men were approaching
to learn what was the matter, Douglas leaped aside and disappeared
among the trees surrounding the hall.

CHAPTER XV

A WET DAY

Douglas was very tired and slept soundly that night. When he awoke
next morning the rain was beating do