"Hum! Sheltered enough; but for my part, sir, I should not care about camping out in such weather as we had last night."
"Oh, I was safe in my caravan. But you must be hungry, and the midday meal is ready. I've scratched together some edibles, but I am afraid the fare is rough."
"Bottled beer, sausages, cold beef! I must say, young man, that you know how to make yourself comfortable."
"We learn other things at Magdalen besides the lore of the schools," said Dan, smiling. "I am not a believer in hermit's fare."
Mr. Jarner nodded, to intimate that he was of the same mind, and set to work on what was before him. Dan assisted with no mean appetite, and for the next half-hour they ate, drank, and were merry. Vicar and vagrant fraternized famously, and by the time their pipes were lighted were on the most friendly terms. Pleasure over, they proceeded to business.
"Well, sir," said Jarner, looking curiously at his host, "I am here in response to your invitation. What have you to say?"
"Many things, Mr. Jarner. I am afraid I roused your curiosity the other night."
"I don't deny it, Dan. Why did you couple the name of Merle with that of Tinker Tim?"
"Because I believe they have an understanding together."
"Humph! An understanding about what?--about whom?"