Now as I crouched thus, plagued by the obscene demons of my imagination, I was aroused by a distant sound and opening my eyes saw how the sun touched Diana's sleeping form like the blessing of God. And yet ... what of that night at Raydon Manor? She had volunteered me no word of explanation--not one--and why? Up to me, borne on the sunny air, came the sound of a whistle that brought me to my feet eager for action, for conflict or death itself--anything rather than the harrowing torment of my thoughts. Very cautiously I crossed the uneven floor and lifting the trap as silently as possible, I set the ladder in place and descended. The whistling had stopped, but in its stead I caught a sound of stealthy movement outside the barn, and glancing about, I presently espied my whip where I had dropped it last night, and with this in my hand I gently unbarred the doors and opening them a little way, stepped out into the radiant morning. And then, tossing aside my whip, I ran forward, both hands extended in eager greeting. "Why, Jerry!" I exclaimed. "O Jerry Jarvis, you come like an angel of heaven!" "Lord!" exclaimed the Tinker, grasping my hands very hard. "Lord love you, Mr. Vereker--" "Call me Perry as you used." "Why, then--here's j'y, Perry--but as to angels, who ever see an angel in cord breeches--an' patched at that! But God bless us all--what should bring you hereabouts--" "Love, Jerry--love--" "You mean--Anna?" "Yes, we are to be married as soon as possible." "What, you an' Anna?" "Who else, my Jeremy?" "But she's a-breaking her 'eart over summat or other--" "No, she's lying fast asleep in the loft yonder and looking as sweet--as good and pure as--as--" "As she is, Peregrine!" "Yes, Jerry. But what are you doing here, God bless you!" "Didn't you know as she wrote me two days since--app'inting me to meet her here--and here I am, a bit early p'raps, but then I thought she was lonely--in trouble, d'ye see--in trouble. And then, Lord, if you only knew how hungry--aye, ravenous I am for sight of her arter all this time--" "Why, then, you shall see her--at once." "Nay, let her have her sleep out; let's you an' me get a fire going. I've a frying pan in my cart over yonder--ham an' eggs, lad!" "God bless you again, Jerry--breakfast! And here among the trees it will be like old times, though Jessamy ought to be with us, of course." "Well he's over at my little camp not so far away. I'm pitched t' other side Amberley wood." "How is he, Jerry?" "Mighty well. He's rich again, y' see--aye, richer than ever an' pursooed by several widders in consequence. He's come into a mort o' money, has Jessamy. But you know all about it, o' course?" "Not a word." "Lord, an' 't was your uncle, Sir Jervas, as done it! Left Jess five--thousand--pound! Think o' that!" Thus, talking like the old friends we were, we set about collecting sticks and soon had the fire burning merrily. All at once we stood silent and motionless, for Diana was singing.