Then you must have something right away," and Nell rose to her feet,
glad of an opportunity to be moving about in order to hide her
excitement.

Douglas begged her not to mind as he could get a bite when he went
home. But Nell would not listen to his protests, and in a short time
she brought in a tray containing a fresh, boiled egg, several slices of
excellent home-made bread, cake and tea.

This act of thoughtfulness touched Douglas deeply, and the look that he
gave Nell brought the colour back to her cheeks and made her very
happy. As he ate, he told about his visit to the city, and especially
about the evening he had spent with the Gartons. He said nothing,
however, about what the lawyer had told him concerning Simon Stubbles'
financial difficulties; neither did he say anything about the recovery
of the Big Chief mining concern.

It was about ten o'clock when Douglas bade the professor good-night.

"I am anxious to hear how you are getting on with your book," he told
him. "But we can have a long talk when I come again."

Nell accompanied Douglas to the front door, and for a while they stood
there looking out upon the beautiful night. Then Douglas told her
about Simon Stubbles' financial embarrassment, and how he had appealed
to Garton for assistance. By the light of the moon he could see Nell's
face which, so he thought, was more beautiful than ever, owing to the
serious expression depicted upon it. He could not divine the nature of
her thoughts, but when he mentioned the good news of the Big Chief
mine, she gave a cry of joy, and her face brightened.

"I can hardly believe it is true," and she clasped her hands before
her. "Are you sure there has been no mistake?"

"None at all, Mr. Garton will be here to-morrow, and he will take over
your interest in the mine, providing your father agrees."

"Oh, he will agree all right. What a joy it will be to us all," and
she turned her grateful eyes toward her companion's face.

It was difficult for Douglas at that moment not to reveal to Nell all
that was in his heart. He longed to tell her of his love, to clasp her
in his arms, and to claim her as his own. But no, he must wait. He
would not speak to her until he had thrown off his disguise. He
believed that she cared for him, perhaps loved him. But what would she
think if she knew who he really was, and what a deceiver he had been?

These thoughts flashed through his mind with lightning rapidity. He