His fancy for chasing in the precious metals might have its dangers, as well as its attractions, if it became known beyond the pastoral limits of Dimchurch.

Advancing from one suspicion to another, I asked myself if the two men had roamed by mere accident into our remote part of the world--or whether they had deliberately found their way to Browndown with a purpose in view.

Having this doubt in my mind, and happening to encounter the old nurse, Zillah, in the garden as I entered the rectory gates with my little charge, I put the question to her plainly, "Do you see many strangers at Dimchurch ?" "Strangers ?" repeated the old woman.

"Excepting yourself, ma'am, we see no strangers here, from one year's end to another." I determined to say a warning word to Oscar before his precious metals were sent back to Browndown..