While thus soliloquizing after the manner of solitary men, he became aware that a dog-fight was in progress. Jarner's terriers were assaulting Peter in his own dell, and the three combatants were rolling over on the miry ground in a confused mass. Dan, seeing that Peter was outmatched, shut him up in the caravan for safety, and then turned to greet his visitor. The vicar did not immediately respond to his welcome, being busily engaged in correcting the terriers. His hunting-crop was in full play, and Peter answered the howls of his late antagonists from the caravan. At length quiet was restored, and Jarner, wiping the perspiration off his face, shook Dan by the hand. As for the terriers, they retreated to a safe distance and sat down with the air of martyrs. "By St. Beorl!" said Jarner, making use of his favourite expression, "fox-terriers are the most quarrelsome of dogs. Never a day passes without my rascals getting into a scrape." "They resent Peter as a trespasser, no doubt," replied Dan, equably. "I am glad to see you, sir. Sit down on this log, and make yourself at home." "Whew! It's no easy task for a man of my years to climb these hills. I am too flabby for such exertion. So this is your abode for the present?" "Yes. Sufficiently comfortable, don't you think?" "Hum! Sheltered enough; but for my part, sir, I should not care about camping out in such weather as we had last night." "Oh, I was safe in my caravan. But you must be hungry, and the midday meal is ready. I've scratched together some edibles, but I am afraid the fare is rough." "Bottled beer, sausages, cold beef! I must say, young man, that you know how to make yourself comfortable." "We learn other things at Magdalen besides the lore of the schools," said Dan, smiling. "I am not a believer in hermit's fare." Mr. Jarner nodded, to intimate that he was of the same mind, and set to work on what was before him. Dan assisted with no mean appetite, and for the next half-hour they ate, drank, and were merry. Vicar and vagrant fraternized famously, and by the time their pipes were lighted were on the most friendly terms. Pleasure over, they proceeded to business. "Well, sir," said Jarner, looking curiously at his host, "I am here in response to your invitation. What have you to say?" "Many things, Mr. Jarner. I am afraid I roused your curiosity the other night." "I don't deny it, Dan. Why did you couple the name of Merle with that of Tinker Tim?" "Because I believe they have an understanding together." "Humph! An understanding about what?--about whom?" "That is the very thing I wish to find out, Mr. Jarner. It concerns Meg." The vicar suddenly raised his eyes and examined Dan's face with the closest attention. He looked puzzled and thoughtful. "It concerns Meg," he repeated slowly. "Ay, ay; and in what way?" "That I can't say. Now, you----"