pon this when an idea came into his mind. It was suggested by a thick
clump of hazel bushes by the side of the road. As quick as thought he
darted behind these and crouched low upon the ground. From this
position it was possible for him to watch the road without being
observed. He wished to find out whether any one was really following
him, or if it was merely imagination on his part.

He had not been there long ere he heard faint footfalls upon the road,
which grew more distinct as he listened. He was now sure that his
surmises had been true, and it made him angry. He knew that it was not
an ordinary pedestrian, for why had he come after him along the path
leading from the Sinclair house? It must be some one stalking him, for
what purpose he could not imagine.

Peering forth from his concealed position Jasper was ere long able to
see the dim form of a man slouching cautiously along, keeping well to
the side of the road where the trees and bushes were the thickest. He
even brushed the hazel bushes in passing and Jasper held his breath
lest he should be detected by his breathing. He was sure now that the
man had been following him with no good intentions, and his first
inclination was to rush forward and find out what was his business. He
resisted, however, thinking it better to remain where he was and see
what the night prowler would do next.

Not long did he have to wait for the man, coming to the path leading
across the fields, stopped and looked carefully around. The dim form
of the little cabin could be seen in the distance, and for this he at
once started. There were no trees now to hide him, and he started on a
run across the open space. Jasper, seeing this, sprang from his hiding
place and hurried forward. By the time he reached the path the man was
nowhere to be seen. He had evidently reached the cabin, and was no
doubt at the door or listening at the window. Jasper knew that it was
now time for him to act and he at once bounded across the field
straight for his cabin. He had scarcely reached it when the prowler
came suddenly around the corner, and the two met. In an instant Jasper
reached out his hand and caught the man by the shoulder and demanded
what he was doing around his cabin at that time of the night. With an
angry oath, the other tried to free himself from the tightening grip,
and when he failed to do so he struck Jasper a blow right in the face
with the clenched fist of his right