house, in the gloom
of a dripping cliff. Here the Parson climbed down and tugged at an iron
bell-handle. The bell sounded far within the house, and was answered
pretty promptly by the butler, a grizzled, ruddy-faced man, who (it was
understood) had followed Sir Miles out of the Service, and carried
confirmation of this in the wrinkles about his eyes--those peculiar,
unmistakable wrinkles which are only acquired by keeping look-out in
many a gale of wind.

"Ah? Good morning, Matters!" said Parson Chichester. "Sorry to disturb
you, but I've driven over to ask for Sir Miles's address."

"Certainly, sir. That's curious too," added Mr. Matters half to
himself. "His address . . . yes, to be sure, sir, I'll write it down
for you. But you must let me get you something in the way of luncheon
after your drive. Sir Miles would be annoyed if you went away without--
though, the house being closed, you'll pardon deficiencies. As for the
horse, sir--"

"I hope I know how to stable him," struck in the Parson. "But I won't
stay--thank you all the same. I've eaten my sandwiches on the road, and
couldn't make a second meal if you paid me. What's curious, by the
way?"

"I beg your pardon, sir?"

"I am quoting you. 'Curious,' you said."

"Ah, to be sure, sir. Well, less than half an hour ago there was a
stranger here--a clergyman too--putting the very same question."

"I met him at the lodge gates. Oldish man, grey whiskers, mouth like a
trap."

"That's him, sir."

"It's a coincidence, certainly. The more remarkable, I guess, because
Meriton nowadays is not much infested with parsons. 'Wonder who he was,
and what he wanted?"

"He would not give his name, sir. He wanted the address."

"You gave it to him?"

"I did not, sir."

"Was he annoyed?"

"He was, sir; very much annoyed. He said words to himself, which unless
I'm mistaken--"

Matters paused.

Parson Chichester laughed.

"If you had refused _me_, you 'd have heard 'em quite distinctly."

"Yes, sir. The address is, Grand Hotel, Monte Carlo. I heard from Sir
Miles only yesterday. You understand, sir, that as a rule he does not
choose for everyone to know his movements."

"I do, and am obliged by your confidence. I want it for Miss Sally
Breward; and, if this reassures you, I shall give it to her and to no
one else."

"I thank you, sir; it was unnecessary. But I may tell you, sir, that
Sir Miles has a very high opinion of Miss Sally, as