meant to her. He was the first one who had ever inspired
her with the spirit of courage and endurance. Not once had she heard
him whine or complain but, in her presence at least, he had always
appeared as master of his fate. Now he was going from her, and she
might never see him again. But no matter what happened she was sure
that he would bear himself manfully, and fight to the very last.

Having reached the gate, they paused. Both knew that the moment for
parting had come and strange feelings stirred their hearts. Jasper
thought that Lois never looked so beautiful. Oh, if he were only
certain that she loved him. If he could only take her in his arms and
tell her of his love, and feel that his great love was returned; then
he could go down into the dark valley of trouble, and perhaps death,
with a braver heart. But, no, it would not do for him to tell of his
love now with such a shadow hanging over his head. There were many
things he longed to do, but all he did was to step forward, seize Lois'
right hand in his, and press it fervently to his lips. Instantly he
realised his boldness.

"Forgive me," he cried, "but I could not help it."

"There is nothing to forgive," Lois quietly replied, though her heart
was beating fast and her face was more flushed than usual. "You had
better go now, for Mr. Westcote may come at any moment. Good-bye, and
may God bless and keep you."

That was the hardest parting Jasper had ever known. But as he walked
up the road a new spirit possessed his soul. He knew what it was to
fight, for he had fought all his life long. But now he had the vision
of a fair woman to sustain him, and for her sake, and to show her that
he was worthy of her trust he would still fight the fiercest battle of
all. What the outcome would be he could not tell, but he was
determined to bear himself in such a manner that Lois would never be
ashamed of him. He well knew that even a defeated man might be more of
a conquerer than those who triumphed over him. And even as he walked
there flashed suddenly into his mind a vision of the Man of Sorrows
bearing his cross. Why had he not thought of Him before? he asked
himself. There was his example to follow; there was the One who was
the victor even on the cross, and there was the One to whom he could
now turn for comfort in the hour of his great need.

CHAPTER XXVII

IN THE TOILS

It was with a heavy heart that Lois made her way slowly toward