living in a dream from which she would
suddenly awaken. She took her place as usual at the head of the table,
but made so many mistakes that Dick laughed at her.

"What's the matter, Lois?" he enquired. "You're surely strong on hot
water. You've given me a cup of it instead of tea, and the rest you
poured into the milk pitcher."

"Did I do that?" Lois asked in surprise. "Well, I guess I'm rattled,
anyway. You have told me so many things during the last half hour that
my brain is all in a whirl."

Jasper was as much excited as Lois, though outwardly he remained calm.
He said very little, and let Mr. Westcote tell how their car had broken
down and but for the timely arrival of Mr. Sinclair and Dick they would
not have been able to reach their destination. He recalled his feeling
of dismay when they were stalled, and he feared that he would not be
able to see Lois that night. He did want to tell her how grateful he
was for what she had done for him. But now he was near her and yet he
had not told her. He had thought over the proper words he would say,
but when he had taken her hand as she met him at the verandah steps, he
did not utter them.

After dinner they all went out upon the verandah, and what a delightful
time that was. It was a happy company, and for a while all cares were
banished. It was a balmy evening, the wind of the afternoon having
subsided, and all nature was hushed in repose as the shades of night
began to steal over the land. It was the hour of enchantment, and
while Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Westcote discussed matters relating to the
work at the falls, Dick and Margaret strolled slowly down to the river.

Jasper and Lois thus found themselves sitting alone on the verandah
steps.

"Suppose we pay a visit to the Haven," Jasper suggested. "It is a
perfect night for a walk, and I know the captain and his wife will be
glad to hear the news. Your father won't mind our leaving him, will
he?"

"He won't realise that we have gone," Lois laughingly replied. "He is
very happy just now."

Jasper and Lois were in no great hurry to reach the Haven. Their
hearts were happy, and as they walked slowly along Jasper told Lois all
that had happened to him since the day of his arrest.

"I can never thank you enough for sending me that letter of
encouragement, and what you have done for me," he told her.

"Don't try to do so," Lois replied. "It was a joy to me to be able to
do something."

They wer