scarlet cap which Ruth knew instantly must be Tom's. Ruth did not know
many boys and, never having had a brother, was not a little bashful.
Besides, she was afraid Tom Cameron would make much of her connection
with his being found on the Wilkins Corners road that dark night,
after his accident.

And there was another thing that made Ruth feel diffident about
approaching the boy. She had borne it all the time in her mind, and
the instant she saw Tom in the automobile it bobbed up to the surface
of her thought again.

"It was Jabe Potter-- he did it."

So, for more reasons than one, Ruth approached the motor car with
hesitation.

"Oh, Ruth!" cried Helen, putting out a gauntleted hand to her. "So
this horrid rain has not washed you away? You won't like the Red Mill
if the weather keeps this way. And how do you get on?" she added,
lowering her voice. "How about the Ogre?"

"He has not ground me into bread-flour yet," responded Ruth, smiling.

"I see he hasn't. You're just as plump as ever, so he hasn't starved
you, either. Now, Ruth, I want you to know my brother Tom, whom you
have met before without his having been aware of it at the time," and
she laughed again.

Tom's left arm was in a sling, and the scarlet bandage around his head
made him look like a pirate; but he grinned broadly at Ruth and put