n his
behalf. As he sat there in his cell he thought over his past life and
of the many struggles he had made to succeed. He brooded over the
injustice he had received from so many simply because he was poor and
forced to fight his own battles against almost overwhelming odds. "And
is this the end?" he asked himself. "Will all my efforts amount to
nothing?" He thought of several of his college companions, sons of
rich men, who knew not what it was to fight in order to win their way,
and who were now occupying important positions in life. He knew what
they would say about him now. "Poor Spuds," would be their laconic
comment. "He was always an odd one, anyway." Yes, that was the way
they would talk, and then dismiss him from their minds.

The afternoon slowly passed, and after a while he rose and paced up and
down his small room. He looked through the barred window and saw the
clouds sweeping across the "long savannahs of the blue." How precious
freedom seemed to him, and he longed to be once more in the open. He
thought of Lois, and wondered if she were thinking of him. Perhaps she
was out on the river in her little boat watching those same clouds.
There would be no one near now to rescue her should the water get rough.

Jasper was interrupted in his reverie by the entrance of the jailor.
He carried a letter in his hand, which he gave to the prisoner, and
then retired and bolted the door.

Jasper glanced at the writing and his heart gave a great bound as he at
once recognised Lois' handwriting. Quickly he tore open the envelope
and drew forth the letter.

"Dear Mr. Randall," it began, "I am sending you this little note to
remind you that all your friends have not forgotten you, and that we
are doing what we can on your behalf. Keep up courage. I am very
hopeful now and feel sure that everything will turn out right. I know
you are innocent, and am confident that you will soon be free.
Good-bye.

"Yours in haste,

"Lois Sinclair."

Next to Lois herself nothing could have been more welcome to Jasper
than that letter. He pressed it fervently to his lips, and read it
over and over again. It brought a great comfort to his burdened heart.
He was sure now that Lois was thinking of him and doing what she could
for his release. He wondered what she had discovered, and mused much
upon the words "I am very hopeful now."

Jasper slept well that night and awoke in the morning greatly
refreshed. He