had noticed
something unusual about Rod's manner. At first they thought that he was
not well, and they watched him carefully as they now sat at the table.
They were naturally proud of the part he had taken in the capturing of
the river-thieves, as well as the way he was developing into such a
strong manly boy.

"I saw Doctor Travis last night," the clergyman at length began. "He and
Doctor Sturgis from the city held a consultation over Whyn yesterday
afternoon. I am afraid that her case is very serious."

"I expected as much," Mrs. Royal replied, with a deep sigh. "The poor
girl has been failing rapidly of late, so I understand."

Rod laid down the knife with which he was spreading his bread, and fixed
his eyes full upon the clergyman's face. His heart beat fast, and he was
very pale.

"She has one chance, however, so the doctor said," the parson continued,
"but I fear that is almost out of the question."

"And what is that?" Mrs. Royal enquired, as her husband paused, and began
to toy thoughtfully with his napkin-ring.

"To send her to some great specialist in New York. An operation of a
most serious nature is necessary, but it will take so much money that it
seems almost ridiculous even to think of such a thing. It is about all
that Mrs. Sinclair can do to make a living as it is."

"But surely there is some one who would be willing to advance the money,"
Mrs. Royal replied. "Is it right that the girl should die without an
effort being made to save her life?"

"It would take a large sum, Martha, and I am afraid that there is no one
sufficiently interested in the girl who is able to do much. The
specialist's fees alone would be great, to say nothing of other expenses.
I know where some of the money could be obtained, but I should be most
loath to use it."

As Rod sat and listened, with flushed face and sparkling eyes, the dream
of the past night once more came into his mind. He saw Whyn holding out
her hands to the scouts while they were busy counting over their money.
Then an idea came to him which caused him to give vent to a slight
expression of delight.

"What is it, dear?" Mrs. Royal enquired. "You seem to be amused over
something."

"I was only thinking, grandma, and could not help it." He wished to
unburden his mind, but thought it best to wait until he had seen either
Captain Josh or the rest of the scouts.

Rod could hardly wait now until breakfast was over, so anxious was he to
rus