per was quick to notice.

"Are you cold?" he asked. "I have an extra rug. Let me wrap it around
you."

Carefully as if she had been a child, Jasper placed the rug about Lois'
shoulders and over her head. Then, taking off the precious muffler he
folded it about her body in such a way as to hold the rug in place and
thus form a complete shelter from the driving storm. This
accomplished, he reached over and drew the sleigh-robe around her body.
It was but natural that his arm should remain around her for a while
that the robe might be kept in place. Their heads, too, drew closer
together. Perhaps it was the storm which caused this movement, for it
was difficult to face the tempest. It was merely an incident in their
young lives, and yet it caused their hearts to beat faster and their
faces to flush, the memory of which they would ever cherish. How easy
then it would have been for Jasper to give voice to the promptings of
his heart. He felt that Lois cared for him and would respond to his
love. But just when he might have spoken Pedro plunged into the ditch,
and it took all of his master's attention to get him back on the road
without upsetting the sleigh.

"We nearly went over that time," Jasper remarked. Then they both
laughed. Why they did so they alone knew. But from that moment they
understood each other better than ever before.

It was a hard struggle Pedro put up that night as mile after mile he
crept onward. The froth flew from his champing mouth and the vapour
rose from his steaming body. The footing was uncertain, the snow deep,
and the driving storm almost blinded him. But never for an instant did
he hesitate or show the least sign of discouragement. He seemed to
realise how much depended upon his exertions this night, and he felt
bound to do his utmost. His master held the reins and in his judgment
he had perfect confidence, and for him he would have expended the last
ounce of his marvellous strength. Nevertheless, his eyes brightened
and his weary steps quickened when at length he saw the lights from
Mrs. Bean's house struggling faintly through the night. With a sudden
spurt he dashed through the gateway and surged proudly up to the door
like a hero who had fought a hard battle and had won.

CHAPTER XIX

DEVELOPMENTS

Lois was destined to remain at Mrs. Bean's during January and February.
She camped, as she called it, in the room next to the small one
occupied by her father, a