on the asphalt lawn-tennis courts of the prison warders' cricket
ground, where this preliminary process was carried out. Michael also
kept records and accounts and indeed organized the whole depôt to
perfection.

"For nearly two years we stuck to this task, lodging here with Mrs.
Gerry. During that time I fell in love with Dartmoor and begged my
husband to build me a bungalow up here when the war was ended, if he
could afford to do so. His pilchard trade with Italy practically
came to an end after the summer of 1914. But the company of Pendean
and Trecarrow owned some good little steamers and these were soon
very valuable. So Michael, who had got to care for Dartmoor as much
as I did, presently took steps and succeeded in obtaining a long
lease of a beautiful and sheltered spot near Foggintor quarries, a
few miles from here.

"Meanwhile I had heard nothing from my uncles, though I had seen
Uncle Robert's name in the paper among those who had won the D.S.O.
Michael advised me to leave the question of my money until after the
war, and so I did. We began our bungalow last year and came back to
live with Mrs. Gerry until it should be completed.

"Six months ago I wrote to Uncle Albert in Italy and he told me that
he should deliberate the proposition; but he still much resented my
marriage. I wrote to Uncle Bendigo at Dartmouth also, who was now in
his new home; but while not particularly angry with me, his reply
spoke slightingly of my dear husband.

"These facts bring me to the situation that suddenly developed a
week ago, Mr. Brendon." She stopped and sighed again.