her than any one else. She could
help him. It seemed a haven of refuge to her.

Twenty-four hours later the old Doctor was sitting in his room. He
looked worn and old and dispirited. The death of an old friend had left
a void in his life.

There was a light step outside and a rap at the door.

"It's the servant," thought the Doctor, and called somewhat gruffly,
"Come in."

When the door opened it was not the servant. For a moment the old man
scarcely took in who it was. She seemed to be almost a vision. He had
never thought of Lois in black. She was so like a girl he had known
long, long ago.

Then she ran forward, and as the old man rose to his feet she threw her
arms about his neck, and the world suddenly changed for him--changed as
much as if it had been new-created.

From New York Keith went down to the old plantation to see his father.
The old gentleman was renewing his youth among his books. He was much
interested in Keith's account of his yachting-trip. While there Keith
got word of important business which required his presence in New Leeds
immediately. Ferdy Wickersham had returned, and had brought suit against
his company, claiming title to all the lands they had bought from
Adam Rawson.

On his arrival at New Leeds, Keith learned that Wickersham had been
there just long enough to institute his suit, the papers in which had
been already prepared before he came. There was much excitement in the
place. Wickersham had boasted that he had made a great deal of money in
South America.

"He claims now," said Keith's informant, Captain Turley, "that he owns
all of Squire Rawson's lands. He says you knew it was all his when you
sold it to them Englishmen, and that Mr. Rhodes, the president of the
company, knew it was his, and he has been defrauded."

"Well, we will see about that," said Keith, grimly.

"That's what old Squire Rawson said. The old man came up as soon as he
heard he was here; but Wickersham didn't stay but one night. He had
lighted out."

"What did the squire come for?" inquired Keith, moved by his old
friend's expression.

"He said he came to kill him. And he'd have done it. If Wickersham's got
any friends they'd better keep him out of his way." His face testified
his earnestness.

Keith had a curious feeling. Wickersham's return meant that he was
desperate. In some way, too, Keith felt that Lois Huntington was
concerned in his movements. He was glad to think that she was abroad.

B