Beyond him, distributed at intervals about the other paths which converged on the plateau were other men, obviously estate labourers, who appeared to be mounting guard over the forbidden spot.
"Now there's going to be a row!--between me and Chatfield," murmured Audrey.

"You play spectator--don't say a word.

Leave it to me.

We are on our rights along this path--take no notice of Peter." But Chatfield was already bearing down on them, his solemn-featured face dark with displeasure.

He raised his voice while he was yet a dozen yards away.
"I thought I'd told you as you wasn't to come near these here ruins!" he said, addressing Audrey in a fashion which made Copplestone's fingers itch to snatch the oak staff from the agent and lay it freely about his person.