“How’s this?” he said in surprise.

“How did you come?” she panted.

“How did you? Have you been to the hut?”

“No! No! I went to Marehay.”

He looked at her curiously, searchingly, and she hung her head a little guiltily.

“And were you going to the hut now?” he asked rather sternly.

“No! I mustn’t. I stayed at Marehay. No one knows where I am. I’m late. I’ve got to run.”

“Giving me the slip, like?” he said, with a faint ironic smile.

“No! No. Not that. Only⁠—”