NIGHT SUMMONS

All through the fall and winter Jasper had been very busy. The
planning of the work, the overseeing of the men and ordering the
supplies rested upon him alone. He felt the responsibility, and he was
determined that as far as he was concerned the company should not be
disappointed in the amount of logs cut and hauled to the large "brow"
near the falls. He left the woods only when it was absolutely
necessary for him to do so. Several times he was tempted to drive to
the city when new supplies were needed instead of ordering them over
the telephone from Creekdale. He longed to see Lois, even for a few
minutes. Such a visit, no matter how brief, would be an inspiration to
him in his arduous work. But he had always resisted the temptation,
however, and had remained firmly at his post. His desire to see her
and to listen to her voice was great. But he dreaded the idea of
presenting himself at her home when she might have company, and he
would feel so much out of place in their presence. It might embarrass
Lois as well, so he reasoned, and it would be better for him not to go.

As Christmas drew near the men began to talk much about going home.
Jasper listened to them but took no part in the conversation. All of
the men had homes to go to. Most of them were married, and were
looking forward with eagerness to the holiday with their families. But
to Jasper the season brought little joy. No one was expecting him, and
no face would brighten at his home-coming. There was only one place
where he longed to go, and one person he desired to see. If he could
but feel that her eyes would sparkle and her heart beat with joy at his
presence, he would not have hesitated a moment. But he was not sure,
and so he decided to remain in camp and keep watch over the supplies
while the rest went home. If Christmas Day should be fine, he planned
to pay a visit to old David in the afternoon. He might hear something
about Lois from the Petersons, so he thought, and that would be some
comfort.

Jasper lived in a small snug log cabin which he had built for his own
special use. He wished to be alone as much as possible each night that
he might think over the work for the next day, and also have quietness
for reading. He had supplied himself with a number of books, and these
were placed on a small shelf fastened to the wall. So long had he been
denied the privilege of good literature that he now came to the feast
l