But you haven't the money yet and we must try to be
as happy as we can in the meantime. That's what ma says, and she
really does practise it. So I've got to look after you now when you
can't pay me. I'm going to see if I can't find something to eat. The
man who lives here surely doesn't live on air. He must have some food
in the house."

It did not take Betty long to find the cupboard. This was nothing more
than a box nailed to the wall, on which a rude door had been fastened.
There were three shelves and on these were a loaf of bread, some cold
meat, potatoes, eggs and cheese.

"Isn't this great!" she exclaimed, as she brought forth what she
needed. "I can warm up these potatoes, and we shall have a grand
supper."

"I am worrying about the man who owns those things," David remarked.
"He might not mind our using his house, but when it comes to making
free with his provisions, it might be a different matter. Do you think
it is right for us to touch them?"

"We won't take all," and Betty stood before the table eying the meat
and potatoes. "We can leave enough for him. If he is a kind man he
will not mind our taking some of his supper. How dark it is getting,"
she added. "I shall light that lamp. Now, isn't that better," she
continued when this had been accomplished. "We shall have supper in a
short time."

While Betty busied herself about the stove, David remained stretched
out upon the settle. Outside, the storm increased in fury, and the
rain heat against the window. Within, all was snug and warm. The girl
even hummed softly to herself as she went on with her work.

When supper was ready, Betty spoke to David. As he made no reply, she
went to his side and, to her surprise, found that he was asleep. An
expression of tender compassion came into the girl's eyes as she
watched him. She knew how tired he was and she would not wake him. It
was better, so she thought, that he should sleep. Drawing up a chair,
she sat down by his side. A feeling came to her that it was her duty
to care for this old man who was so helpless. She could not do much,
but when Betty Bean had once made up her mind it was seldom that she
could be turned from her purpose.

CHAPTER V

UNMASKED

All the morning Jasper Randall was busy hoeing potatoes in the large
field near the main highway. He liked the work, for he was alone and
could give himself up to thought as he drove the hoe into the yielding
earth. Hi