tly interested in what she told him, not so much about the
Petersons as others he had in mind. He believed that here was the very
place for old David.

"Do you mind going back with me to see Mrs. Peterson?" he asked.

"Why, no," Lois replied, turning her eyes to his, as if trying to
comprehend why he should wish to meet Mrs. Peterson. "It will be
better than standing here in the heat."

As they walked slowly along the road Jasper told her about David, how
he and the girl had taken refuge in his cabin, where the old man was at
present, and that he was looking for a suitable place where he could
live. He said as little as possible about his own share in the matter,
excepting that he had rescued David from Jim Goban and was going to see
that he was well cared for. He did not say anything about Robert
Westcote, remembering his obligation of silence.

Lois was much interested in what he told her, and her mind was very
busy as she walked along by his side wondering where he was to get the
money to carry out his plan.

"It will cost considerable," she remarked when he was through. "Do you
think you can manage it?"

"I am quite certain that there will be no trouble," he replied. "Just
why I am doing this I cannot explain now, but I assure you there will
be no difficulty. David is to be well provided for, as far as money is
concerned, and he is to have some one to look after him all the time."

"What, at Mrs. Peterson's, if she will take him?" Lois asked in
surprise.

"Yes, that is my idea. If that girl Betty will come, she will be just
the person."

They had paused now and were standing at the entrance of the lane
leading up to the Peterson's house. It was a most beautiful spot, with
tall trees lining both sides of the drive-way. They were on a gentle
elevation with the village of Creekdale on their left but a few rods
away. It was an interesting collection of snug country-homes of
farmers, river boatmen, and several retired sea captains. All the
people in Creekdale knew one another's business, and the women could
see what their neighbours were doing, and some could easily talk from
door to door about the events of the day.

It was only natural that Mrs. Raymond should leave her washing-tub long
enough to watch Lois and Jasper as they stood for a few moments by the
side of the road. She wondered what they were doing there, and her
curiosity was so much aroused when they at length walked up the
drive-wa