"Frankly," replied Marsh, "that is one of the reasons why I
suggested this walk today. This favorite spot of mine appealed to me
as just the place to tell you something of my story. There it is,"
he added, pointing across the driveway to a little tree-clad hill.
He guided her across the drive, up the winding path through the
trees, to an open space on the hilltop, where they found a bench and
sat down.

"It is beautiful," agreed the girl.

Several miles of the shore line lay stretched before them, and
beyond it miles and miles of blue-green water rolled in, to break
into miniature waves against the embankment. The sun had nearly
touched the treetops behind them, and the gray of evening already
lay out over the lake. The distant horizon changed from a deep
purplish tint, where it met the water, through many, shades, until
it turned to rich gold, where the light of the setting sun fell full
upon fleecy clouds that drifted slowly, far up in the air.

"You asked me a few days ago," began Marsh, "about the nature of my
business. I did not feel free to tell you at that time, because I
was engaged in working out one of my most important cases. That case
is completed; and so is my work along that line. I am a detective,
Miss Atwood--for the last ten years in the Secret Service Division
of the United States Government."

"How interesting," she exclaimed.

"No, you are wrong," returned Marsh. "I thought it was interesting,
but I have found out my mistake. It was a wandering, unnatural life,
full of nervous days and sleepless nights. No home life, no family,
no friends--lacking all the things that really make life worth
living. Miss Atwood, the men who work down there in those great
buildings during the day, and go to a little home at night, to be
greeted by a cheery wife and romping children, are the most
fortunate men in the world. Some of them grow restless at times, and
may long for what they think is the glamour and excitement of a life
like mine. Work such as mine is necessary to the peace, happiness
and progress of the world--but I have come to the conclusion that I
would rather let the other fellow do it."

"What do you plan to do, then?" the girl asked softly.

"Unfortunately, my training has been along one line only, and I must
stick to that. But I intend to follow it in a way that will permit
me to have a home, and some of the things in life which other men
enjoy. I have already sent in my resignation to the