ps of the
pointed trees. The forest then seemed to be alive, and not so
inanimate as on a cold frosty morning. It was more companionable in
such a mood, and it seemed to her like a wonderful organ with all the
stops out under the control of some mighty unseen master. It was a
pleasure to her to stand and listen to the varying sounds. But Steve
and Dora knew nothing of such feelings and kept her constantly on the
move. The tracks of the rabbits or those of a fox thrilled them far
more than Nature's mysterious melodies.

It was a Saturday afternoon such as this that Lois was with Steve and
Dora on their regular rounds. They led her this day farther than usual
to some new snares that Steve had set. At length they came out upon
the trail leading from Mrs. Bean's to the falls, travelled chiefly by
Jimmy. Lois was standing on the path with Dora by her side waiting
until Steve had set one more snare in a good place he had spied. She
presented a picture of perfect health and beauty as she stood there,
with the rich blood mantling her face. Jasper was sure that he had
never seen any one so lovely as he appeared suddenly in sight around a
bend in the trail. He was walking fast with an axe over his shoulder,
but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Lois before him. At first he
was half tempted to turn back, lest his presence might not be desired.
He did not wish to have the appearance of spying upon those before him.
But before he had time to decide, Dora saw him.

"Oh, look," she cried, "there is Mr. Jasper."

Startled more than was her wont, Lois quickly turned and her eyes
rested upon the young man who was now hastening forward.

"Pardon me," Jasper began, "I am so sorry that I have frightened you."

"Oh, it is not as bad as that," Lois replied with a smile. "I was not
frightened, only startled. Anyway, we are glad to see you, for you
have deserted us of late."

"It was not my fault, I assure you," Jasper explained. "We have been
so busy that I have had no time to come, though I sent Jimmy often, to
enquire about your father. I have had to go to the city every Saturday
since I saw you last and never got back until late Sunday night. The
company is pushing us hard, and now that the portable saw-mill has
arrived there is no let-up. To-day I was cruising the woods for some
special trees the company wants, and as I came so near I made up my
mind to drop in and see for myself how you are all making out."

"