He looked around. His messenger was taking an eager interest in the situation.

“That’s why I came to see you,” he explained. “Of course, if it’s necessary to confide also in your neighbor over there, I’ll do it; but I thought that perhaps you could suggest some less public place.”

She appeared frightened in a different sort of way now.

“But, Mr. Pendleton––”

265

“I’m going to remain here perhaps a day or two,” he interrupted.

To him the most obvious course was for her to ask him to meet her aunt and invite him to remain there.

“Is there a hotel in town?” he asked.

“I––I don’t think so,” she faltered.

“Then,” he decided, “I must find some sort of camping-place. If you know a bit of woods where I can spend the night, you might direct me.”