the apparition. I must confess to a momentary creepy sensation as I
passed, in company with other men, the corridor of the adventure; but
nothing happened to disturb my rest materially.

I like to be stirring at a pretty early hour, to get a morning pipe of
peace. But in a strange house it is not always convenient to prowl about
too soon; however, I could not interfere with any one in the garden, so
to the garden I promptly betook myself. It wanted an hour until
breakfast, and I was rather surprised to find the Benedictine already
pacing the broad walk under the terrace, which was out of view of the
windows. He was not smoking, though, and when I accosted him it seemed
to me that he looked somewhat disturbed and embarrassed. We passed a few
desultory remarks, and then he asked whether I intended to leave early
after breakfast or stay for lunch. As it happened, I had arranged for
Willy to bring the cart in time to start soon after ten; for Val had to
drive somewhere in the afternoon, and it was as well to give Tim a rest
before starting out again. This I explained to Father Vansome.

"I wonder whether you could give me a lift," was his remark. "I should
very much like to consult Father Fleming upon a certain matter, and if
you could take me, it would avoid a fuss here. I shall enjoy the tramp
back again."

Of course I was delighted to give him a lift. So we set off in due time
with Willy on the back seat. I had been rejoicing in the prospect of an
agreeable drive with a pleasant companion, for I had been greatly
attracted by the young monk; but I was doomed to disappointment. My
constant efforts at conversation fell flat; for the priest seemed
preoccupied, and his responses were evidently merely mechanical.