“Say now, don’t be hasty.  I don’t mean what you mean.  I take it Americans have a higher opinion of morality than you have even.  What I meant was that the French set about marriage in a businesslike way—­find two people who are suited to one another, look after the money affairs, and see the whole thing practically, and in a businesslike spirit.”

“If you ask me,” said Tommy, “we’re all too damned businesslike nowadays.  We’re always saying, ‘Will it pay?’ The men are bad enough, and the girls are worse!”

“Cool down, son.  Don’t get so heated.”

“I feel heated,” said Tommy.

Julius looked at him and judged it wise to say no more.

However, Tommy had plenty of time to cool down before they reached Holyhead, and the cheerful grin had returned to his countenance as they alighted at their destination.

After consultation, and with the aid of a road map, they were fairly well agreed as to direction, so were able to hire a taxi without more ado and drive out on the road leading to Treaddur Bay.  They instructed the man to go slowly, and watched narrowly so as not to miss the path.  They came to it not long after leaving the town, and Tommy stopped the car promptly, asked in a casual tone whether the path led down to the sea, and hearing it did paid off the man in handsome style.

A moment later the taxi was slowly chugging back to Holyhead.  Tommy and Julius watched it out of sight, and then turned to the narrow path.

“It’s the right one, I suppose?” asked Tommy doubtfully.  “There must be simply heaps along here.”

“Sure it is.  Look at the gorse.  Remember what Jane said?”

Tommy looked at the swelling hedges of golden blossom which bordered the path on either side, and was convinced.

They went down in single file, Julius leading.  Twice Tommy turned his head uneasily.  Julius looked back.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know.  I’ve got the wind up somehow.  Keep fancying there’s some one following us.”

“Can’t be,” said Julius positively.  “We’d see him.”

Tommy had to admit that this was true.  Nevertheless, his sense of uneasiness deepened.  In spite of himself he believed in the omniscience of the enemy.

“I rather wish that fellow would come along,” said Julius.  He patted his pocket.  “Little William here is just aching for exercise!”

“Do you always carry it—­him—­with you?” inquired Tommy with burning curiosity.

“Most always.  I guess you never know what might turn up.”

Tommy kept a respectful silence.  He was impressed by little William.  It seemed to remove the menace of Mr. Brown farther away.

The path was now running along the side of the cliff, parallel to the sea.  Suddenly Julius came to such an abrupt halt that Tommy cannoned into him.

“What’s up?” he inquired.

“Look there.  If that doesn’t beat the band!”