ace was betraying him again. But the luncheon was
over, and Mark would not be probed. He had made up his mind to go
early to the rectory, so he left Saunders with a parting shot:

"You'd better go on with the book sales. You've loafed all day.
That's bad business policy for a Yankee. What would your wooden nutmeg
ancestors say to that?"

Saunders grinned.

"They wouldn't like it," he answered. "They're not like ancestors who
wouldn't have been able to sell even a real nutmeg."

Mark acknowledged that in repartee Saunders scored, then went out to
make his way toward the rectory. As he passed the First National Bank
he saw the constable talking to the cashier.

CHAPTER IV

KILLIMAGA

Father Murray was sitting in his favorite chair on the rectory veranda
when Mark came up the lawn. He rose with a welcome.

"You must pardon me, Father," began Mark, "for coming so soon after your
noon meal--" Mark hesitated about saying "luncheon," not knowing the
habits of the rectory--"but, frankly, I wanted to talk to you before--"

"Before we go to Killimaga," supplied Father Murray as Mark paused.
"Yes, I know that you are invited. Sit down and open up. I am always
glad to talk--and to listen, too. What is it?"

Again Mark hesitated. "It's to ask about Miss Atheson."

Father Murray's eyes smiled. "I thought so," he said. "What do you want
to know?"

Mark hesitated. "I know that the lady is very charitable and kind, but
especially so to anyone whom you suggest. You must, therefore, be
interested in anything that concerns her."

"I am," said Father Murray. "Very much interested."

Mark thought he noticed a new and half-suspicious note in the priest's
voice, and was distressed. He felt like blaming himself for having
mentioned the subject. He feared he had lost ground with his new-made
friend; but, having started the discussion, Mark was determined to go
through with it.

"It's just this way, Father," he said. "I think you ought to know that
there is someone besides yourself interested in Miss Atheson. The
incident she mentioned yesterday seemed a small one, but--well, I had to
move pretty quick to keep that man from making himself obnoxious. He had
a photograph in his hand and was determined to see her face in order to
make comparisons. Incidentally, the constable was with him."

Mark, watching closely to note the effect of his words, saw the face
before him whiten.

"The constable with h