"Well, he might be in much better business. Are you fond of him?"

"I like him very much," she answered, simply, "but sometimes I am
afraid."

He laughed.

"He'll not hurt you. He dare not."

"But he may hurt you."

Another laugh.

"Don't you think I can take care of myself?"

"Oh, yes"--hurriedly--"but one of you may get hurt, and I don't want
anything to happen to either of you. Oh, Grant! You must be careful!"

He was impressed, though he did not show it. There may have been some
of that magnetic connection, of which the scientists have told us so
little, between minds tending toward each other, with sinister intent
or otherwise, when all conditions are complete. Harlson felt in his
heart that the girl's apprehensions were not altogether groundless,
but, as was said, he was in perfect health and had a pride, and he cast
away the thought and but made love. And he prospered wickedly. It was
late when the girl reached her home again, and she went in tremblingly
and silently. So bent had been their footsteps that neither Harrison
Woodell nor other living thing could have been near them and unseen.

Down the tree-fringed roadway and across the field to the barn went