"You have seen him then?"

"Everywhere."

"Which proves he is a reliable constable, even if he is not a good
detective." Saunders looked pleased. "But what about Ruth Atheson?"

But Mark would have his innings now. He knew well how to keep Saunders
anxious.

"I am quite--well, interested in Miss Atheson."

"What!" Saunders half arose.

"Sit down, Saunders," said Mark quietly, "sit down. What's so
astonishing about that?"

"You--you--are engaged to Miss Atheson? You can't mean it!"

"I didn't say _that_."

Saunders sat down again. "You know nothing about her," he gasped.

"The Padre's friends are good enough to appeal to me."

"But does the Padre know?"

Mark's eyes began to steel and glitter. He fixed them on Saunders, and
his voice came very steady and quiet.