“But, of course, you can’t report officially, not being a physician,” mused the other. “Still, when Dr. Pruyn comes, it will be evidence for him, won’t it?” “Undoubtedly. I should consider any delay after twenty-four hours risky for your party.” “What shall you do? Stay?” “Oh, I’ve my place in the mountains. That’s remote enough to be safe. Thank Heaven, there’s a cloud over the sun! Let’s sit down by this tree for a minute.” Unthinkingly, as he stretched himself out, the Unspeakable Perk pushed his goggles back and presently slipped them off. Thus, when Carroll, who had been gazing at the mist-capped peak of the mountain in front, turned and met his companion’s eyes, he underwent something of the same shock that Polly Brewster had experienced, though the nature of his sensation was profoundly different. But his impression of the suddenly revealed face was the same. Ribbed-in though his mind was with tradition, and distorted with falsely focused ideals and prejudices, Preston Fairfax Fitzhugh Carroll possessed a sound underlying judgment of his fellow man, and was at bottom a frank and honorable gentleman. In his belief, the suddenly revealed face of the man beside him came near to being its own guaranty of honor and good faith. “By Heavens, I don’t believe it!” he blurted out, his gaze direct upon the Unspeakable Perk. “What don’t you believe?” “That rotten club gossip.” “About me?” “Yes,” said Carroll, reddening. The hermit pushed his glasses down, settled into place the white gloves, with their soothing contents of emollient greases, and got to his feet. “We’d best be moving. I’ve got much to do,” he said. “Not yet,” retorted Carroll. “Perkins, is there a woman up there on the mountains with you?” “That is purely my own business.” “You told Miss Brewster there wasn’t. If you tell me—” “I never told her any such thing. She misunderstood.” “Who is the woman?” “If you want it even more frankly, that is none of your concern.” “You have been letting Miss Brewster—” “Are you engaged to marry Miss Brewster?” “No.” “Then you have no authority to question me. But,” he added wearily, “if it will ease your mind, and because of what you’ve done to-day, I’ll tell you this—that I do not expect ever to see Miss Brewster again.” “That isn’t enough,” insisted Carroll, his face darkening. “Her name has already been connected with yours, and I intend to follow this through. I am going to find out who the woman is at your place.” “How do you propose to do it?” “By coming to see.” “You’ll be welcome,” said the other grimly. “By the way, here’s a map.” He made a quick sketch on the back of an envelope. “I’ll be there at work most of to-morrow. Au revoir.” He rose and started down the hill. “Better keep to yourself this evening,” he warned. “Take a dilute carbolic bath. You’ll be all right, I think.”