ike a starving man. Hitherto, his mind had craved only solid works of
the masters. But of late he had turned his attention more to books of
romance, for in them he could find more heart satisfaction than in the
others. How he revelled in the outstanding characters of Dickens,
Scott, Thackeray and Kingsley. But it remained for Charles Reed to
completely captivate him in "The Cloister and the Hearth."

He was reading it this Christmas Eve as he lay stretched out upon his
cot. The lamp was at his head and the camp stove was sending out its
genial heat. It was a scene of peace and comfort. But Jasper thought
nothing of his surroundings as he lay there, for he was lost in the
tragic story of Gerard and Margaret. Nothing had ever moved him as
much as the sad tale of these two unfortunate lovers. His disengaged
right hand often clenched hard as he read of the contemptible ones who
plotted to separate them. But how Margaret appealed to him. What
strength of character was hers, and how true and unselfish was her love
through long, trying years.

At length, laying aside the book, he began to meditate upon what he
would do under like circumstances, if Lois' love for him were as deep
as that of Margaret for Gerard. He blamed Gerard for what he
considered weakness on his part. Why did he not arouse himself and
throw off the shackles which bound him? What right had any Church to
separate two loving ones, and make their young lives so miserable?

While thus musing Jasper fell asleep. He was awakened by a loud
rapping upon the door. With no idea what time it was he sprang to his
feet, hurried across the room and threw open the door. As he did so he
saw a young lad standing before him. His face was flushed and he was
panting heavily as if from a long run.

"Hello! Who are you? And what do you want here at this time of the
night?" Jasper demanded.

"I'm Steve Bean, Betty's brother," the boy replied as he stepped
briskly into the cabin. "My, that was a hard run!" he added. "I left
home jist a quarter to twelve an' I don't think I've been over twenty
minutes comin'."

"Is it that late?" Jasper asked in surprise, as he drew forth his
watch. "Why, it's half-past twelve! I didn't think I was asleep that
long. But, say, boy, what do you want at this time of the night?"

"I want ye to go fer the doctor as quick as ye can."

"Go for the doctor!" Jasper gasped. "Who's sick? Your mother?"

"Oh, no; she's all ri