about this, and put you, if you wish, on the track of such accurate
knowledge as there is."

Whilst they were looking at the heap of stones, they noticed that another
carriage had drawn up beside them, and the passenger--there was only
one--was regarding them curiously. The carriage was an old heavy
travelling one, with arms blazoned on it gorgeously. The men took off
their hats, as the occupant, a lady, addressed them.

"How do you do, Sir Nathaniel? How do you do, Mr. Salton? I hope you
have not met with any accident. Look at me!"

As she spoke she pointed to where one of the heavy springs was broken
across, the broken metal showing bright. Adam spoke up at once:

"Oh, that can soon be put right."

"Soon? There is no one near who can mend a break like that."

"I can."

"You!" She looked incredulously at the dapper young gentleman who spoke.
"You--why, it's a workman's job."

"All right, I am a workman--though that is not the only sort of work I
do. I am an Australian, and, as we have to move about fast, we are all
trained to farriery and such mechanics as come into travel--I am quite at
your service."

"I hardly know how to thank you for your kindness, of which I gladly