red whether it would be advisable to
face the tempest on such a night and in the teeth of so furious a storm.

As the passengers came forth what was his surprise to see not a
stranger as he had expected but Lois Sinclair. Scarcely had she
stepped upon the platform ere Jasper hurried forward. Her face
brightened when she saw him and she reached out her gloved hand.

"How is my father?" was her first question. "I have been so uneasy
about him."

As they walked along the platform Jasper told her all he could about
the sick man, and how the doctor was staying with him, to assist Mrs.
Bean until the nurse arrived.

"I little expected to see you," he added, "I am afraid it will be a
terrible drive in the face of this storm. But if we wait until morning
the roads will be so blocked that we may not be able to get there for
several days."

"Let us go to-night," Lois replied. "I can stand the storm, but it is
a great pity to give you so much trouble. How far is it?"

"About fifteen miles. You get good and warm in the waiting-room while
I go for Pedro. Wrap yourself up well before we start."

In about a quarter of an hour they had left the station and Pedro was
speeding up the road with long swinging strides. So far but little
snow had fallen to interfere with the travelling, and they made
excellent progress. But after they had been on the way for about an
hour Pedro was forced to slow down and walk most of the time. Drifts
were forming across the road and the snow was blinding. At times they
obtained considerable shelter from stretches of woods they passed
through. But out in the open the tempest struck them with full force,
blotting out everything from view.

But notwithstanding the discomforts of the journey, Jasper was
supremely happy. For a few brief hours this beautiful woman by his
side was his, and he was her guide and protector. The unexpected had
happened and come what might he would always look back upon this drive
as one of the happiest times in his life.

Lois, too, enjoyed the drive. She was content to sit there and to feel
Jasper's strength by her side, as he guided Pedro through the night.
Owing to the storm there was very little conversation. But it was not
necessary. They were happy in each other's presence and words were not
needed.

The farther they went the heavier became the roads and the more violent
the storm. It was cold as well, and once a shiver shook Lois' body,
which Jas