at
she had given him the old name.

"Thank God you're alive!"

"If you thank Him, so do I," he answered, whether lightly or gravely she
could not tell. His tone was controlled, as if to hide pain. "It's all
right. You mustn't worry any more. Wish I could have sent you news
sooner. I hoped you'd guess we were getting the upper hand when the shots
died away. Coming home I spotted the sneaks fording the river. I turned
the car, and stirred up the boys. Then we had a shindy, and scared the
dogs cold--bagged a few, but I guess nobody croaked--anyhow, none of our
crowd. Half a dozen are after the curs.

"As for me, I feel as if I'd got a dum-dum in my ankle, but I'll be fit
as a fiddle in a week or two. I'm afraid you had a fright."

How strange it was to hear him speak so coolly after what she had
endured! But his calmness quieted her.

"Mr. Van Vreck was with me," she said.

"Van Vreck! Great Scott, then the raid was a frameup! I see. Boys, let's
get along to the house quick."

"Wait an instant!" the girl intervened. "Knight, I never had a chance to
tell you--about the cactus blossoms. I understood. I understand even
better now. Mr. Van Vreck has made me understand. That is all I can tell
you. Let them help you to the house. I'll follow. Some other time I'll
explain."

"No--now!" he said. "Let go a minute, boys. I can stand by myself. Three
words with my wife."

As the two men moved off hastily, Annesley sprang forward, giving her
shoulder for her husband's support.

"Lean on me," she said. "Oh, Knight, you don't need an explanation, for
the three words are, love--love and forgiveness. Forgiveness from _you_
to _me_."

He held out his arms, and caught her to him fiercely. Neither could
speak. The past was forgotten. Only the present and future counted. Both
the man and woman had atoned.

THE END

* * * * *

_Books by the Same Authors_

Car of Destiny, The

Chaperon, The

Everyman's Land

Golden Silence, The

Guests of Hercules, The

Heather Moon, The

It Happened in Egypt

Lady Betty Across the Water

Lightning Conductor, The

Lightning Conductor Discovers America, The

Lion's Mouse, The

Lord Loveland Discovers America

Motor Maid, The

My Friend the Chauffeur

Port of Adventure, The

Princess Passes, The

Princess Virginia

Rosemary in Search of a Father

Secret History

Set in Silver

Soldier of the Legion, A

***END OF TH