the tangle
of leaves, trying to free his hand, but the clasp was like iron. The
captor was not the Britisher, but a man of quite another sort. He was
young, handsome, splendidly formed. As he lay at full length upon the
moss Andy thought he had never seen so tall a man. He wore velvet
knee-breeches, long blue coat, and a wide-brimmed hat, which shielded a
pair of friendly, laughing eyes. One glance and Andy lost all fear.

"Now that you have come from your hole, you young mole, good-morning to
you, and where have you fared?" The voice was ringing and full of cheer.

"Good-morning, sir," Andy made answer.

"And where have you fared?"

"That I cannot tell you, sir."

"You cannot tell me!" the man sighed, impatiently. "Now, do you know,
for a moment I fancied that you were just the lad who could guide me
over your interesting island. What with all this excitement, a peaceful
traveler has no show above-ground. I hoped you might lead me
mole-fashion."

"I will gladly show you through the pass, sir, as far as the gate a
mile or so below."

"As far as the gate! Always as far as something! I want to go
beyond--'as far!' What care I for countersigns and passports. I want the
freedom of the island, and a chance to study its rocks and flowers and
very interesting weeds. Boys often know paths unknown to any one
else--except Indians!"

"But I am a lame boy much dependent upon a crutch."

"You can dispense with it at times," laughed the stranger. "For a good
two hours you did without it to-day. It and I have been keeping company.
I followed you at a distance, thinking easily to overtake you, when
piff! you were gone, and I and the crutch--for you see I searched the
hole--were alone!"

For some moments Andy's hand had been free, and now as he looked at the
speaker he saw that he was holding in his open palm the charm which last
he had beheld that glorious morning by the riverside.

With a glad cry he sprang up. "I am Andy McNeal!" he said, and he
doffed Sam's hat, which was his only martial possession.

"And I--am the schoolmaster!"

The two clasped hands. That was the beginning. Through the following
days the master abode in Janie's house. The good woman asked no
questions. Her curiosity burned and burned, but wisdom held it in check.
Enough that Andy was the companion of this mighty person. Enough that
her humble roof sheltered him, and her able hands served him faithfully.
It was wonderful, and--enough. Ruth, too,