"Whew!" and the man whistled softly, while an amused light shone in his
eyes. "Did she send you after me?" he inquired.

"I promised, sir, that I wouldn't tell."

"Oh, I see," and the man relapsed into silence. A picture of Miss
Arabella's angular figure, thin face, and long sharp nose rose before
him. And to think that she was in love with him! It was almost too
good to be true, and he longed to laugh outright. What a story he
would have to relate when he got home.

Miss Arabella was lying just where Rod had left her when John Markham
and the boy entered. She gave a little squeak of joy when the stranger
stepped to her side.

"I knew you would come back," she murmured. "I was certain that you
would not forsake me."

"Not until I had found the horse, madam," was the reply. "I regret
very much that the wagon is broken, but I shall make good your loss."

"Don't mention such a thing," and the invalid feebly waved her thin
hands. "Such material matters don't count for anything to a heart
over-flowing with gratitude."

"Yes, you were most fortunate to escape as you did, madam. You might
have been seriously injured, nay, you might have been killed, and so I
can understand how grateful you must feel."

"Oh, I don't mean that," and Miss Arabella raised her soulful eyes to