led.

The air quivered with shouts, the boisterous hurrahs of the men, the
shrill huzzas of the women.

CHAPTER IX.

A LETTER FROM GILL'S MOTHER.

Lizzi recovered soon after she was placed in her bed. Gret Reed had
aided the physician, and was the first person Lizzi saw when her eyes
dreamily opened. They closed again at once, for from downstairs Gill's
voice reached her ears, and she knew he was safe. She was ill (she would
laugh at the word) but a day.

When the excitement over her had subsided, wondering inquiries as to the
origin of the fire began to be voiced. Gill was called to account for
going to bed with his clothes on.

"I was working late at the books," he said, "it being the end of the
month, and I got so sleepy and tired that I just pulled off my coat and
threw myself on the bed and fell asleep."

Colonel Hornberger believed him, and no one had reason to suspect him.

The origin of the fire remained a mystery, but the loss occasioned by
the destruction of the store was severe upon the Three Sisters people.
Colonel Hornberger set out at once for the city to buy a new stock,
first making arrangements with the proprietors of the nearest store to
supply his employes with necessities. The Colonel took Gill with him.

Before departing, the latter called upon Lizzi and, in the presence of
her family, feelingly expressed his gratitude for the heroic rescue of
his unworthy life. He depreciated himself modestly, and the McAnays
thought him very unassuming. Lizzi put up her hand in glad protest as
she heard his graceful sentences, conveying to her a deeper meaning than
thankfulness.

"When I come back," was their promise, "then," they said to her, "I
shall acknowledge you as my wife, Lizzi."

The Colonel was expeditious, and soon returned with a large stock of
goods, some of which were stored in the warehouse at the station; the
balance was placed upon the shelves of the temporary building that had
been erected in his absence. For a few days Gill was very busy, and his
visits to Lizzi were only short calls.

One evening he came early, evidently with the intention of making a
visit. Soon he and Lizzi were left alone together.

"I have had a letter from mother, Lizzi," Gill said eagerly, but his
tone was not loud. "Such a letter about you and the fire, and I am sure
all I have to do is to go and see her, and she will be only too glad to
receive you as her daughter."

Lizzi stood still. Her heart beat