and Captain Franklin said, "You seem badly disappointed at missing your old enemy, Thurston. I never saw you look so savage. I expect Black Jim has tricked us, after all." 

 "I've had several troubles lately, and don't find much amusement in hunting poachers who aren't there," said Geoffrey.  "You will excuse me from going back with you." 

 He departed across the meadows, at a swinging pace, and the keeper, who stared after him, commented: 

 "Something gradely wrang with Mr. Geoffrey to-night. They're an ill folk to counter yon, and it's maybe as well for Black Jim as Mr. Geoffrey didn't get hold on him." 

 Geoffrey saw no more of Millicent, but once he visited her younger sister, a gentle invalid, who, because of the friendship which had long existed between them, said: "You must try to believe I mean it in kindness when I say that I am not wholly sorry, Geoffrey. You and Millicent would never have gotten on well together, and while I wish the awakening could have happened in a more creditable way, you will realize—when somebody else makes you happy—that all has been for the best." 

 "That day will be long in coming," declared the man, grimly, and the sick girl laid a thin white hand on his hard one as she answered him. 

 "It is not a flattering speech, and you must not lose faith in all of us," the invalid went on.  "Lying still here, helpless, I have often thought about both of you, and I feel that you have done well in choosing a new life in a new country. When you go out, Geoffrey, you will take my fervent wishes for your welfare with you." 

 Janet Austin was frail and worn by pain. Her pale face flushed a little as the man suddenly stooped and touched her forehead with his lips. 

 "God bless you for your kindly heart," he said.  "A ruined man has very few friends, and many acquaintances are waiting to convince him that his downfall is the result of his own folly, but"—and he straightened his wiry frame, while his eyes glinted—"they have not seen the end, and even if beaten, there is satisfaction in a stubborn, single-handed struggle." 

 Janet Austin, perhaps thinking of her own helplessness, sighed as she answered: 

 "I do not think you will be beaten, Geoffrey, but if you will take advice from me, remember that over-confidence in your powers and the pride that goes with 

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