"Sure it would. But you are lucky to be able to walk about. Look at
me; nothing but a cripple who must stick to this one place with never a
chance of moving around."

"But you don't need to, Captain. People come to see you, and you know
all that is going on. You held quite a reception yesterday afternoon."

"Indeed I did. And I have been thinking very much about what I heard.
It is wonderful. I do hope they have caught that rascal."

"Have you seen Betty lately?" Lois enquired.

"We expect her to-night. She is coming to stay a few days with us. It
will be good to have her here again, for we miss her very much."

"Have you any idea what she is going to do?"

"Her mind is set upon being a nurse, so I understand. She'll make a
good one, mark my word. The way she took to old David and looked after
him was a marvel."

Mrs. Peterson now came from the house and joined in the conversation.

"You must excuse me, dear," she apologised, "but I haven't had time to
dress up this morning. Betty is coming to-night, and I want to get
some cakes and pies made."

"You won't have to work so hard when you get your money," Lois replied.
"I suppose you have heard nothing more about it?"

"Only that we're to get a thousand a year. Isn't it wonderful! It
seems that it must be all a dream. At first we couldn't understand
where so much money was to come from. But after what Mr. Westcote told
us it is all clear. Betty and her mother are to get the same amount
each, so I believe. Poor old David! We little realised what he would
do for us when we took him to board. I did hear that Mr. Jasper is to
come in for a large share. I hope he does, anyway, for he deserves it."

"Have you heard who will get the balance of the money, property, or
whatever it is?" Lois asked.

"Why, certainly. Don't you know?" Mrs. Peterson asked in astonishment.

"No, I have not the least idea."

"Well, isn't that strange! Why, the bulk of the property is to go to
you and Mr. Jasper."

At these words Lois' eyes opened wide with amazement, and she felt that
she had not heard aright.

"To me?" she gasped.

"So I understand. We didn't mention it to you, thinking that you knew
all about it. But isn't it wonderful what strange things have happened
in such a short time?"

Lois made no reply, for her mind was too much agitated. She wished to
be by herself that she might think over this remarkable piece of news.
Bidding the captain and h