"Poachers?"
"Oh no, they are quite different, but Father can't bear the sight of such men. He says they are useless vagabonds and will steal anything they can lay their hands on."
Carl smiled.
"I wonder if he thinks I'm one of that sort?" he said.
"He knows you are not. Abel told him you are always very busy making maps, that you are a surveyor."
"So he's talked me over with Abel?"
"Yes; I fancy they both wonder why you picked on Sherwood Inn to work in."
"That's easily explained; because it's quiet, and such a splendid country. I love the country; I came across it quite by accident, I was motoring and stopped there for lunch; it struck me as an ideal place to work in," he said.
"And when you are not at work you like to ramble about the country."
"Yes, it is a pleasant relaxation. There are many charming spots about here I have not seen, there is no one to guide me," he said. "That old ruin where your cottage is must have an interesting history, and the keep with the moat round."