seemed to burn in the sunlight; "Marah. Found drowned." I had been to
the other end of the world, but no one had been to shed a tear over the
little grave.




CHAPTER V.


The face of an old friend is good to see after a long absence. Tears
filled my eyes when the sunny blue ones looked into them, and the
handsome face, quivering with emotion, smiled into mine. I was glad to
feel once more the clasp of that honest hand.

"Ah, Lance," I cried, "I would travel twice as far for one hour with
you!"

I shall never forget that pretty station at Vale Royal. A beautiful
brawling river ran close by, spanned by an old-fashioned rustic bridge;
three huge chestnut trees, now in full flower, seemed to shade the whole
place.

"A pretty spot," said proud, happy Lance; "but wait till you see Dutton!
I tell Frances that I am quite sure it is the original garden of
Paradise!"

"Let us pray that no serpent may enter therein," I said.

"There is no fear, John," he replied; "my Frances would be an antidote