“No, sir, my mother will remain at Cliff Castle.”
“What, alone?”
“No, sir, she has old Peggy.”
“It is a dreary, weird place to dwell, Mark.”
“She likes it, and she prefers to remain, for we have talked it over,” answered Mark.
Soon after making a few purchases for home, he went on his way to his boat just as the sun was setting.
As he passed the tavern, Virgene Rich called to him, and said:
“Mark, I have just learned that Scott Clemmons has also an appointment to the naval academy. You must beware of him, Mark, for he is your bitter foe now, and mine, too, since I testified against him.”
“He is not dangerous, Miss Virgene,” replied Mark indifferently.
“You mistake; for all snakes are dangerous, as they strike from cover. I will see you before you go, will I not?”