out upon the settle. Outside, the storm increased in fury, and the
rain heat against the window. Within, all was snug and warm. The girl
even hummed softly to herself as she went on with her work.

When supper was ready, Betty spoke to David. As he made no reply, she
went to his side and, to her surprise, found that he was asleep. An
expression of tender compassion came into the girl's eyes as she
watched him. She knew how tired he was and she would not wake him. It
was better, so she thought, that he should sleep. Drawing up a chair,
she sat down by his side. A feeling came to her that it was her duty
to care for this old man who was so helpless. She could not do much,
but when Betty Bean had once made up her mind it was seldom that she
could be turned from her purpose.




CHAPTER V

UNMASKED

All the morning Jasper Randall was busy hoeing potatoes in the large
field near the main highway. He liked the work, for he was alone and
could give himself up to thought as he drove the hoe into the yielding
earth. His task suited him well, and as he tore out innumerable weeds,
slashing down a big one here and another there, he was in reality
overcoming and defeating opponents of the brain. They were all there
between the rows, and he could see them so plainly. The lesser ones he
could sweep away at one stroke, but that quitch grass was more
difficult to conquer. He could cut it off, but its roots would remain