inquiringly around the room as if uncertain where he was.

"Don't be afraid, Mr. David," Betty assured him. "Supper's all ready,
and we have a visitor as hard up as we are to share it with us. So
come at once and let us get through."

Jasper was greatly amused at the way Betty took full possession of
everything in the place. There was nothing forward about her, for she
seemed more like a grown-up woman than a girl. He admired her
confident and buoyant manner, as well as the thoughtful and deferential
way she looked after the old man. The best on the table was for him
and he had to be served first. She treated him sometimes as a child,
but more often as a superior being. He noted the look of reverential
respect in her eyes as she turned them upon him, and he wondered.

During the meal David acted the part of a perfect gentleman. His
manners could not have been better had he been at a royal banquet
instead of a most humble repast in a rude cabin. He asked Jasper no
questions but talked merely about his experience upon the river that
afternoon. He was somewhat anxious lest the owner of the cabin should
return and resent their intrusion. Jasper endeavoured to allay his
fears, reminding him that no one in his senses would be angry at people
seeking refuge on such a night.

During the meal Betty had been observing Jasper quite closely, and once
the semblance of a twinkle might have been detected in her eyes. She
made no remark, however, as to what she was thinking, but while the men
smoked when supper was over, she busied herself washing up the few
dishes.