debt."

"You like to pay your debts," Alice remarked, fixing a level glance on
him.

"When I can; but that's not all. I'm not in Lawrence's debt alone,"
Foster answered with some diffidence. "I came over here, a stranger,
ignorant of your ideas and customs, and you made me welcome. Of
course, if I had jarred you, you wouldn't have let me know; but there
are degrees of hospitality."

Alice smiled. "You needn't labor your excuses for wanting to help us,
and you are not a stranger now. You must have understood this when my
father showed you the letter."

"Thank you," Foster replied with feeling, and was silent for the next
few moments. Alice, who was proud and reserved, trusted him, and he
must somehow justify her confidence. He had a vague plan in his mind,
but it needed working out.

"But we must be practical," she resumed. "Can you help? You must see
that there is nobody else who can."

Foster made a sign of agreement, for it was plain that Featherstone
could not tell his friends about his trouble.

"I begin to think I might; but although I haven't quite made my plans
yet, I see some danger. Would you take a risk for your brother's sake?"

The girl's eyes sparkled, and he saw that she had Lawrence's reckless