y to the Peterson's house that she slipped over next door to
discuss it with Mrs. Markham.

The people of Creekdale often talked about the Petersons, calling them
stuck-up because they mingled but little in the social life of the
place. "I have lived next door to them for nigh on to ten years," Mrs.
Raymond once confided to a neighbour, "and only once have they been in
my house. I guess Captain Peterson must have some money laid by, for
he does nothing but work in his garden and look after his hens, cow and
pig."

When, however, the Captain was stricken with partial paralysis and was
unable to work, the belief became general that he certainly did have
considerable money laid away.

The Petersons' house was as neat and cosy as hands could make it. A
spacious verandah swept the front and south end of the building. Over
this clambered a luxuriant growth of grape vines. Here Captain
Peterson was lying in a large invalid's chair, puffing away at a
short-stemmed corn-cob pipe. He was surprised to see Lois back so
soon, and he looked with curiosity upon Jasper, wondering where he had
come from.

"Couldn't leave us, eh?" he questioned, as he gazed with admiration
upon the bright, animated face before him.

"No, I had to come back," Lois laughingly replied. "Your company is so
attractive that I could not resist the temptation of bringing another
to enjoy it. This is Mr. Jasper Randall, Captain Peterson. He has
come to see you on special business."

"Glad to see you, sir," and the captain reached out his hand. "Have a
chair; there's one right there. Do ye smoke?"

"Oh, yes," and Jasper thrust his hand at once into his pocket. "Do you
mind?" he asked, turning toward Lois.

"Not at all," was the reply. "But you two smoke to your hearts'
content while I have a chat with Mrs. Peterson. I suppose she's in the
house, Captain?"

"Yes, in the kitchen. At least, I heard her there a short time ago."

Lois was absent for about twenty minutes and when she returned the two
men were talking in the most friendly manner.

"This is the first good chat I've had with a man for a long time," the
captain told her. "He has made me feel better already."

"I hope he hasn't forgotten the object of his visit in listening to
your sea yarns," Lois laughingly replied.

"Tut, tut, girl," and the captain blew a great cloud of smoke into the
air. "D'ye think that is all I talk about? We had something just as
interesting to dis