Part 15 (2/2)

”Don't know for sure; fancy a gentleman down here after buying one of the horses. I heard it was likely Mameluke would be sold; it's a pity, he's a great horse,” said Abel.

Carl gave what sounded like a sigh of relief.

”Doesn't happen to come from America, does he?” he asked carelessly.

”Not that I'm aware of,” said Abel.

Valentine Braund caught sight of Carl Meason's face in the light; he turned quickly to look again as the motor went past.

”Funny,” he said. ”Fancied I'd seen that fellow before.”

”Which fellow?” asked Alan.

”The man under the lamp. I'm almost sure of it, but it can't be possible in this quiet place,” said Braund.

”His name is Carl Meason, a surveyor I believe; he's studying maps, planning road improvements, and he wants to be quiet,” said Alan.

When they arrived at the house and were seated for a quiet smoke Braund said quickly:

”I can't get that fellow out of my head--it's strange.”

”How strange?” asked Alan.

”He reminds me of a man I had dealings with in America,” said Braund half to himself.

”What sort of dealings?” questioned Alan.

”It's impossible of course; what would he be doing here? He reminds me of a man who once caused a lot of bloodshed at our steel works--a strike leader, if not worse,” said Braund.

Alan smiled as he replied:

”Such a man would not be likely to remain at the Sherwood Inn, Little Trent, for many weeks. He'd find it too slow for him.”

”That's just it, he would; but I'd like to see him again just out of curiosity,” said Braund.

CHAPTER X

CARL MAKES LOVE

”I'm going away for a few days. You'll keep my room; I'll be back at the end of the week,” said Meason.

”I'll keep your room,” said Abel, wis.h.i.+ng he was leaving altogether.

Carl Meason left in his motor car. He took the road to Nottingham, which skirted Trent Park, and ran past the old monastery; he slowed down as he neared the ruin and hooted.

Jane heard it and came out; there was a small door opening on to the road.

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