persons
aboard, a man and woman. The boat is similar to the one which Sir Donald
must have taken, but where is Esther or Alice? The boat moves away
rapidly. Both figures are now standing. Applying the glasses to
determine which of the girls is on board, he beholds a struggle. The
girl falls overboard and sinks out of sight. The boat pulls rapidly
away, passing out of view beyond a timbered point not far distant.

Oswald's sail is soon at the place where he had seen the girl disappear.
Looking around, he is surprised to behold the apparently lifeless form
on the surface of the water.

The mystery is cleared when he sees that a projecting bush holds up the
body by contact with a knotted scarf around the neck of the drowned
girl.

Oswald places the limp form in the bottom of the boat, and soon reaches
the shore. Removing the body to a grassy bank, he sees Esther and Sir
Donald approaching.

They are terribly shocked. He begins to explain, when there is a
movement, with positive signs of returning consciousness. Soon the eyes
open with a wild stare. Slowly the wet figure revives. All are surprised
to recognize Alice Webster returned to life.

The girl seems dazed, but at length knows her friends. For a while
explanations are deferred. Without search for the missing boat, all are
taken by Oswald in his sail, and are soon at the point of embarking,
where a carriage awaits them. Reaching Northfield, they enter its doors,
without reference to the day's events.

In about an hour Alice is able to relate her experiences. In the mean
time, Oswald had acquainted Esther and Sir Donald with his part in this
mysterious drama. The explanation is startling.

"I was sitting on the shore near the boat. Both of you had taken a
stroll, and were out of sight. I heard stealthy steps, and looking up
was frightened to see Paul Lanier. He spoke very gently, begging my
pardon for the intrusion. Then Paul said: 'I have heard of your trouble,
Miss Webster, and came to offer my sympathy and help. Father and I will
be able to render you some assistance, as we know all the facts. Will
you do us the honor to accept our aid in thwarting this unjust attempt
to rob you of all means of support?'

"I was surprised at the kind offer, and consented. After a while Paul
spoke of seeing two people among the trees farther up the lake, and
said he thought they must have been Miss Randolph and her father. He
then said, 'Why not take a sail in that directi