do Mark could not guess, but he made up his mind at once as to what he
would do himself. He arose and, just as the agent met the lady, Mark's
arm went through his and he--not of his own volition--turned to face
the ocean.

"Hello, Saunders!" Mark said heartily. "Who'd expect to see you here,
with no one near to buy rare editions?"

Saunders looked at him with annoyance, but Mark was friendly. He
slipped his arm out of the agent's and slapped him on the shoulder.

"Look out at that sea, you old money-grabber. There's a sight for your
soul. Did you ever think of the beauty of it? Such a day!--no wonder
you're loafing. Oh! I beg your pardon, Madam. I am in your way."

Keeping Saunders' back to the lady, Mark stepped aside to let her pass.
Saunders could not even look back, as she walked quickly behind them.
The agent stammered a reply to Mark's unwelcome greeting before he
turned. But it was too late, for Mark heard the click that told him
that the tree had closed. He looked for the constable, to see if he
had been watching her and had discovered the secret door; but the
constable was leisurely walking toward the village.




CHAPTER II

MONSIGNORE