genteel tramp, and it isn't because I am afraid you might make off
with my belongings." She added the last by way of apology.

He smiled--and then frowned as he cast an uneasy look at the black
clouds now rolling ominously up over the mountain ridge.

"By Jove, we're going to catch it good and hard," he exclaimed.
"Better take my advice. These storms are terrible. I know, for I've
encountered half a dozen of them in the past week. They fairly tear
one to pieces."

"Are you trying to frighten me?"

"Yes," he confessed. "Better to frighten you in advance than to let it
come later on when you haven't any one to turn to in your terror. You
are a stranger in these parts?"

"Yes. The railway station is a few miles below here. I have walked all
the way. There was no one to meet me. You are a stranger also, so it
is useless to inquire if you know whether this road leads to Green
Fancy."

"Green Fancy? Sounds attractive. I'm sorry I can't enlighten you." He
drew a small electric torch from his pocket and directed its slender
ray upon the sign-post. So fierce was the gale by this time that he
was compelled to brace his strong body against the wind.

"It is on the road to Frogg's Corner," she explained nervously. "A
mile and a half, so I am told. It isn't on the sign-post. It is a
house, not a village. Thank you for your kindness. And I am not at all