saw the light from the road and knew that some one was living here."

"Come in," the girl at once replied. "We have a good fire and supper
is all ready, such as it is," and she gave a little laugh as she moved
back into the room. "We are strangers, too, and I do not know what the
owner will say when he comes back and finds us here."

"Oh, I shall take care of you," Jasper returned. "He won't make a fuss
when he sees me. If he does, we'll pitch him out of the door, eh?"

"I guess you could do it all right," and Betty smiled as she looked at
him. "Mr. David will be so pleased to see you when he wakes. He likes
good company."

"How do you know I am good company?" Jasper asked. "Maybe I'm as cross
as two sticks."

"Well, then, you can't stay if you are."

"You couldn't put me out, could you?"

"Couldn't I, though? I guess you don't know me. Jim Goban once said
that I could beat the devil with my tongue alone, and I guess Jim ought
to know by this time what I'm like when I get my ginger up. But you're
not that kind of a man. I can tell by your eyes that you're all right.
If you're a little cranky now, it's because you're hungry. As soon as
you get something to eat you'll be as sweet as molasses candy. Most
men are that way."

The sound of voices woke old David, and sitting suddenly up he looked