ecause of men, especially the slashers; that's why."

"Who are the slashers?"

"Rebels who oppose the King's men in cutting masts. They wander
everywhere, slashing as they go, and ruining the forests."

"But why should I be afraid of them? They have never heard of me."

"But they will soon hear of you, though." Dane stopped abruptly, and
laid his hand upon her arm. "Say, do you know how beautiful you are?"

Jean was somewhat startled by this strange question.

"What makes you ask that?"

"Because if you don't know, then you are not aware of your danger.
That villain, Lupin, knows of your beauty, so he followed you here.
The slashers and others will soon know, too, and I might not always be
on hand. This is just a friendly warning."

Jean's heart was beating rapidly, while the darkness hid her flushed
face.

"T-thank you," she stammered. "I think I understand your meaning,
although I am not used to such plain words, especially from a stranger.
But I feel I can trust you."

"In a country such as this we use plain language, Miss Sterling. I
have warned you of your danger because I am deeply interested in your
welfare. You can trust me, for, thank God, I have had a noble mother's
training, and was taught to respect women. But, we are almost at your
home, so I must leave you."

"Forgive me," Jean begged, as Dane was about to hurry away. "I
appreciate what you have told me and done for me to-night, I shall
always remember your kindness, and I hope to see you again."

"I hope so, too, and soon at that," was the fervent reply.

Dane hardly knew how he reached the lake. He felt that he had made a
fool of himself. Never before had he spoken to a girl in such a
straightforward manner. What must she think of him?

"I could not help it," he told himself. "She needed to be warned. She
doesn't realise her danger. She can't surely know how beautiful she
is."

CHAPTER V

"TRY IT"

The early morning sun, slanting in through a small window, found Major
Studholme seated at his table lost in deep thought. The letter Dane
had brought was lying open before him. Occasionally he glanced toward
it, and each time his brow knitted in perplexity. At length he rose
and paced rapidly up and down the room. With the exception of the
table and a few stools this office was destitute of any furniture. It
was as bleak as the hill upon which Fort Howe was situated. Here the
men of the garrison received their