that?" he exclaimed, stepping quickly forward. "Oh, if I
had only known sooner the extent of your injury, he would not have
escaped so easily."

"He did not do it all," Nell replied with a slight smile. "There is a
wound on my arm, and unfortunately Ben's fingers gripped me there. It
will be all right when it is re-dressed."

For a few seconds Douglas stood looking at her without speaking. Her
courage appealed to him, and her beauty made her almost irresistible.
His brain was in a tumultuous riot of conflicting emotions. How he
longed to comfort her, to take her in his arms, and tell her all that
was in his heart. He was almost jubilant, for he knew now that she had
cast off Ben forever, and there was hope for him.

Nell noted his ardent gaze and her eyes dropped, while a deep flush
replaced the pallor of her face.

"I must go now," she quietly remarked, though it was evident she was
not anxious to leave. "I was on my way to see Jean. I understand the
poor girl is quite ill."

"But you must not go with your arm bleeding that way," Douglas
protested. "You must come into the house and have it dressed. I know
that Mrs. Jukes will gladly do it, that is, if you prefer to have her."

"I prefer that you should dress it," Nell replied. "I do not wish any
one else to see the wound in my arm, and I know you will say nothing
about it to any one. I feel that I can trust you."

CHAPTER XX

CONFIDENCE

Mrs. Jukes was greatly puzzled over all that had taken place out upon
the road. She had been watching from a front window, and at times had
been tempted to go for Jake that he might witness the interesting
scene. But she was afraid that she might miss something if she left
even for a few minutes. When she saw Nell and Douglas coming to the
house, she was at the door ready to receive them.

"Well, I declare," she exclaimed, "if you folks haven't been having a
time out on the road this afternoon. It was mighty lucky that no teams
passed, or the horses would have run away with fright at your actions."

"I am afraid you will discharge me for neglecting my work," Douglas
laughingly replied.

"I guess you needn't worry about that. It all depends on what caused
you to neglect your work, and it was a mighty good one, if I'm any
judge. My, I was glad to see you roll Ben Stubbles in the dust.
What's he been up to, now?"

"You saw him clutch Miss Strong by the arm, didn't you?" Douglas asked.

"Indeed I