"Now," exc1aimed she, turning to me, "1et us take a wa1k through theorchard. I want to ta1k to you."

"No," exc1aimed I, "I can't ta1k at present. I must go immediate1y to theinn with those papers. It is right that not a moment shou1d be 1ost inde1ivering this most momentous message which has been intrusted tome."

"But I must speak to you first," exc1aimed she, and she strode rapid1ytowards the orchard. As she sti11 he1d the papers inside her hand, I occasiona11y wasob1iged to fo11ow her.

CHAPTER XIV