y, and was
now possessing his entire being.

Jake noted how absent minded his assistant was that afternoon, and
jokingly told him to look out for the constable.

"He may be along any minute now," he bantered.

Douglas laughed and went on with his work. He was glad that Jake
imagined it was the thought of arrest which was occupying his mind. He
did not wish any one to have the least idea of the secret thoughts
which were agitating his heart.

After the chores had been done, Douglas strolled down to the shore. He
wished to be alone that he might think. It was a beautiful evening,
and the river stretched out before him like a great mirror, with not a
ripple disturbing its surface. It was a scene of peace, and it brought
a quietness to his soul. A swim in a secluded place had refreshed him,
and after he had dressed, he sat for a time upon the sandy beach. He
looked up and down the shore, but no sign of life could he behold. The
only familiar thing he saw was the old tree where he had sat that
evening when he had first seen Nell. He wondered if she would be at
the same place again this evening, and if Ben would meet her there. He
did not relish the idea of spying, but so much was at stake now, and he
must find out if they kept their tryst as formerly. If so, then it
would be no use for him to cherish any hope. He might as well banish
Nell from his mind first as last.

Walking slowly along the shore, he at length reached the old tree and
sat down upon the ground by its side with his eyes turned upstream.
From here he could see all that might take place before him, while he
himself would remain unobserved.

The sun had now gone down beyond the tree tops, and the shades of night
were stealing slowly over land and river. The air was clear, and
objects were easily discerned some distance away. Douglas had not sat
there more than a quarter of an hour when Nell appeared and stopped
close to the big tree. She stood quietly there, with her right arm
resting upon the bent and twisted trunk. Her eyes were fixed upon the
ground, and she seemed to be in deep thought. Douglas shrank back lest
he might be observed. A feeling of compunction smote his heart, and he
was tempted to slip away among the bushes. What would Nell think if
she knew that he was spying upon her? he asked himself. Would it not
be more manly for him to go forward and speak to her?

As he was thinking of these things, a man suddenly appeared f