e past would be
as nothing compared to what the future would hold in store, if James
Haley ever laid hands on him again.

He wandered on up the mountainside as the hour grew late, until,
driven almost into hysterics by the dreadful lonesomeness about him,
he had cried out for help, hoping, he said, to attract the attention
of some people he knew lived in this vicinity.

The first response to his cries had been Jim's "Hello!" So overjoyed
was Len at hearing a human voice again that he had come near
fainting.

Now that the dreadful trip was a thing of the past, and the boy had
an opportunity to think calmly over the matter, he feared that his
cries had been heard in the valley, and it would be only the question
of a few hours until his uncle would be searching the mountain.

The sympathies of the entire party, particularly those of Dorothy and
Aunt Betty, were with the unfortunate boy, and what action was to be
taken to keep him out of his uncle's hands was to all a pertinent
question.

"Don't let them take me back there," Len begged, while they were
discussing the matter. "I'd rather die--honest to goodness, I would!"

"Oh, we just can't let you go back," was Aunt Betty's rather grim
resolve. "It's against all the principles of human nature to stand by
and see a young boy like you abused. You shall stay with us, Len; you
shall be under our protection. We'll find some way to circumvent your
uncle and keep you out of his hands."

Tears came into the boy's eyes, and he flashed her a look of
gratitude.

"We might take Len back to Baltimore with us and find him a
position," said Dorothy.

"There is enough work at Bellvieu alone to keep him busy for many
months," returned Aunt Betty. "Ephraim is getting old, and Metty is
occupied with the care of the horses and cattle. Len shall be our
yard boy for a while, if he desires."

Len did desire, and did not hesitate to so express himself. He would
work hard for Mrs. Calvert, he said, until he was old enough to
strike out for himself.

This part of the matter was soon settled to the satisfaction of all.
It was then decided that Len should remain in the seclusion of one of
the tents during the day, so that he would be out of sight from
anyone approaching Camp Breck from either direction. Aurora had
brought a bundle of reading matter, including several illustrated
papers, and these were placed at Len's disposal. The boy had had
several years of schooling previous to the