Beyond all doubt the young master was in danger.

But Miss Iris ought to have known his nature better than to suppose that he would beat a retreat, if all the land-leaguers in Ireland threatened him together.

No! It was his bold way to laugh at danger.

He had left his farm to visit a friend in the next county; and it was shrewdly guessed that a young lady who was staying in the house was the attraction which had kept him so long away.

"Anyhow, he means to come back to-morrow," Mrs.Lewson said.