Jarner looked steadily at him, but Dan met his eyes with so frank a face that he seemed satisfied of the young man's intentions. Nevertheless he tapped his breast meaningly.
"Don't lose that, sir! Take care--take care!"
"If you mean my heart, Mr. Jarner, there is no danger of my being so foolish. I can look after myself, and so can she. But to speak in a more general way--do you know if Dr. Merle has any dealings with Tim the Tinker?"
"No, I can't say that I do. Why do you couple their names together, young man?"
Dan meditated a few moments before replying. He was not prepared to communicate his suspicions to Jarner until he knew more about him. Unlike the confiding country divine, this haunter of cities was more cautious in unfolding himself to a new acquaintance.
"I cannot answer your question at present, Mr. Jarner," he said at length, with some hesitancy; "but if you will do me the honour to visit my camp, I will explain myself, and ask your opinion on a certain matter."
"Does it concern Meg?" asked Jarner, rendered serious by this speech.
"Yes; it concerns Meg and--myself. No! pray don't ask me if I am in love with her. To-morrow I will tell you all."
"At what hour shall I come?"
"Say at noon. I am generally alone at that hour."