and in meeting those who had been approached by him
in the matter of the recruiting. It was well nigh impossible, during
this time, to seize a moment for pleasure, precious moments during which
Anderson, as he thought, had been making favorable progress both with
his suit and with his sinister work. If Marjorie had forgotten him
quite, Stephen knew that he alone was responsible. Him she had seen but
seldom; Anderson was ever at her side. No girl should be put to this
test. It was too exacting.

Despite his appreciation of these facts, his soul had been seized with a
very great anguish over the thought of his lost prize; and if he had
failed to conceal his feelings in her presence, it was due to the fact
that his sensitive nature was not equal to the strain imposed upon it.
Who can imagine the great joy that now filled his heart to overflowing
as a result of his conversation today, when he learned from her own
lips that throughout it all she had been steadfast and true to him
alone? His great regard for her was increased immeasurably. Her
character had been put to the test, and she had emerged more beautiful,
more radiant, more steadfast than before.

This new analysis led him to a very clear decision. First of all he
would defeat the cunning Anderson at his own game; then he would rescue
his countrymen from their unfortunate and precarious condition; and,
finally, he would return to Marjorie to claim his reward. Altogether he
had spent an advantageous and a delightful afternoon. He was ready to
enter the meeting house with renewed energy.

CHAPTER VII

I

The hall was very ordinary within. Small in proportion to its great high
ceiling, bleak in its white-washed walls and scantily covered floor,
oppressive from its damp, stifling air and poor ventilation, it gave
every indication of the state of disuse into which it had fallen. It was
no more than an anteroom to the vestry of the church, though quite
detached from it, yet one could almost feel through the stout south wall
the impenetrable weight of darkness which had settled down within the
great building beyond. The gloomy shadows had penetrated here, too, for
although the antechamber contained a half dozen windows, they were
shuttered and barred against every hue of twilight from the outside. The
very atmosphere was indicative of the sinister nature of the business at
hand.

To the front of the room a small platform stood surmounted by a table,
surround