reached the end of the trail, he moved swiftly along the main
highway. He was almost to his cabin when he saw an auto by the side of
the road. Something had evidently gone wrong, for two men were
anxiously examining it. Jasper was about to pass when one of the men
accosted him.

"Excuse me," he began, "but could you tell me if there is a hotel or
any place where we can get supper? We have been stalled here for some
time, and my chauffeur can't find what is the matter with the car."

"There is no hotel," Jasper replied, "and I know of no people who serve
meals. But I have a place right near, and you are welcome to such
accommodation as I have. It is very humble, and I warn you not to
expect much. I have merely bachelor's quarters, and so am my own
housekeeper."

"Thank you kindly," the man returned, "I am very grateful to you, and
we shall be delighted to go with you, though we do not wish to trouble
you too much. The trout you have make my mouth water. You evidently
went in head-first after them," and he smiled as he observed the young
man's wet clothes.

Jasper liked this man, and this impression was increased as they walked
toward the cabin. He was well spoken, and so gentlemanly in manner
that he found it quite easy to converse with him. Everything seemed to
interest and please him, especially the cabin. He called Jasper a
lucky fellow for having such a place where he could live so quietly
away from all bustle and stress of the great outside world.

"It is quiet enough as a rule," Jasper remarked with a laugh, as he
lighted the fire in his little stove after he had changed his wet
clothes for dry ones.

"Have you lived here long?" the stranger inquired, as he stretched
himself out upon the cot.

"Since the middle of May," was the reply. "But I expect to leave
shortly. I'm out of a job now, and so must look elsewhere."

"What have you been working at?"

"Oh, anything that turns up."

The stranger was quick to note the almost hopeless tone in Jasper's
voice as he uttered these words, and he studied the young man more
closely.

"Where did you live before you came here?" he asked.

"At college. I was almost through when reverses came, and so I had to
get out. I have been trying to earn enough to finish my course, but
everything seems to be against me. I understand farming and naturally
took to the land in preference to other work."

"What were you studying at college?" the man asked.