"That's so, sir."
"An American?" asked the doctor, noting the last reply.
Dan laughed. "No," he said; "but I have been in the States. No doubt I have picked up a few flowers of American speech."
"In short, you are a gentleman masquerading under the name of Dan?"
"I don't think I am bound to answer that question," replied the other, with marked significance.
Merle apologized at once. "Forgive me for being so curious. I do not seek to know your secret, but my daughter Margaret was talking about you, and I wondered who you were."
"I hope Miss Merle is well," said Dan, evading a direct reply.
"She is never ill. Strong as a young colt. That comes of her open-air life."
"Do you think it is quite safe for her to wander on these moors alone?"
"Of course I do! Every one knows her. I should be sorry for the man who insulted Meg. She can hold her own. Why do you laugh?"