spring at last set in. The days lengthened rapidly, the snow
disappeared, and the ice was fast weakening in the river. It was a
fine afternoon when Rod was making his regular visit to Whyn that he
saw Jimmy. He was sitting in a sunny spot right in front of the house.
His thick beard had been removed, and his face was very pale after his
illness. Rod recognised him in an instant, and it was with difficulty
that he kept back a cry of astonishment. With fast-beating heart he
rushed into Whyn's room, much to the girl's surprise, for he was in the
habit of entering quietly.

"Why, Rod, what's the matter?" she inquired.

"You look half frightened to death."

"It's him, Whyn!" he exclaimed. "I'm sure of it."

"Who is it? What do you mean?" the girl asked. "Sit down, and be
sensible."

"He's the very man who was knocked down and robbed in the city, Whyn."

"What man?"

"Jimmy. He's out there. His whiskers are all off, and I knew him the
instant I got my eyes on him."

"Does the captain know that?" Whyn questioned, after a moment's
thought. "Isn't it strange that Jimmy should have been helped twice by
our troop? How delighted Captain Josh will be."