calculating how long it would take to procure a box of fancy mice
through the agency of the EXCHANGE AND MART as a species of hush-
money.

Even in a delicate situation like the present, Agnes Resker could
not endure to remain too long in the-background.

"Why did I ever come down here she asked dramatically.

Tobermory immediately accepted the opening.

"Judging by what you said to Mrs. Cornett on the croquet-lawn
yesterday, you were out for food. You described the Blemleys as
the dullest people to stay with that you knew, but said they were
clever enough to employ a first-rate cook; otherwise they'd find
it difficult to get anyone to come down a second time."

"There's not a word of truth in it! I appeal to Mrs. Cornett--"
exclaimed the discomfited Agnes.

"Mrs. Cornett repeated your remark afterwards to Bertie van Tahn,"
continued Tobermory, "and said, 'That woman is a regular Hunger
Marcher; she'd go anywhere for four square meals a day,' and
Bertie van Tahn said--"

At this point the chronicle mercifully ceased. Tobermory had
caught a glimpse of the big yellow Tom from the Rectory working
his way through the shrubbery towards the stable wing. In a flash
he had vanished through the open French window.