friend; but, having started the discussion, Mark was determined to go
through with it.

"It's just this way, Father," he said. "I think you ought to know that
there is someone besides yourself interested in Miss Atheson. The
incident she mentioned yesterday seemed a small one, but--well, I had to
move pretty quick to keep that man from making himself obnoxious. He had
a photograph in his hand and was determined to see her face in order to
make comparisons. Incidentally, the constable was with him."

Mark, watching closely to note the effect of his words, saw the face
before him whiten.

"The constable with him?"

"And I am confident that the other man is a detective. I feel sure he
thinks Miss Atheson is someone he has been commissioned to find. And
they evidently think that I am in the matter to defend the lady. This
morning I left some papers in the safety deposit vault at the First
National, and as I passed the bank a little while ago I saw the constable
talking to the cashier--about me, judging from their confusion as they
acknowledged my greeting through the window. My room was searched this
morning. They didn't find anything, though." Mark laughed as he thought
how disappointed Saunders must have been.

"I hope you will pardon me, Mr. Griffin," said Father Murray, "if I
confine myself for the present to asking questions. Have you ever
noticed the camp of Slavic laborers about a mile east of Killimaga--along
the line of the new railway?"