“Yes, it’s four miles, and it’s a bad road, with ever so many turns,” said the girl.

     Carlos stepped to the door and looked out. It had nearly stopped raining, but the darkness was intense, and the water could be heard rushing in torrents in the ditch beside the road.

     “If I only knew the way,” he said, straining his eyes inthe vain endeavor to discern surrounding objects; “if I only knew the way, I would not hesitate a moment.”

     “If you don’t know the way,” said the girl, “you couldn’t possibly find it. No, it wouldn’t do for you to try. You will have to stay with us until daylight.”

     This seemed to be the only alternative, and Carlos reluctantly submitted. A fire was built for him to dry his clothes by, and the room was abandoned to his sole occupancy.

     He was agitated, and bewailed the necessity of inaction.

     “To remain away all night will make them suspect me,” he thought.

     But he was exhausted, and, lying down on the couch, he sank into a troubled sleep. His dreams were disturbing, and he flung his arms and talked wildly as he slept.

     Not till morning dawned and the sun was up did he awake. He sprang from the couch, and it took him some moments to recover full consciousness of his situation. Then with a groan he commenced dressing, and was soon in a presentable condition.

     The father and daughter were already up, and in the next room had a breakfast prepared, although it was not yet six o’clock.

     “We thought you ought to have something to eat before setting out,” said the girl, greeting him with a smile.

     “I thank you very much,” replied Carlos. “I will take a cup of coffee, and then must be off.”

     During the meal he inquired the names of his host and hostess. The man was Jake Heath, and the girl was his daughter Kate.

     “Thank you,” said Carlos. “I will remember you, and repay you some time, if I ever have an opportunity.”

     He shrank from offering money, as he instinctively felt that it would offend Kate. So, after again and again expressing his gratitude, he took leave of the two, shaking hands with them heartily.

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