As Lois was thus talking, Jasper was doing some serious thinking.  He was greatly interested in what she told him, not so much about the Petersons as others he had in mind.  He believed that here was the very place for old David.

“Do you mind going back with me to see Mrs. Peterson?” he asked.

“Why, no,” Lois replied, turning her eyes to his, as if trying to comprehend why he should wish to meet Mrs. Peterson.  “It will be better than standing here in the heat.”

As they walked slowly along the road Jasper told her about David, how he and the girl had taken refuge in his cabin, where the old man was at present, and that he was looking for a suitable place where he could live.  He said as little as possible about his own share in the matter, excepting that he had rescued David from Jim Goban and was going to see that he was well cared for.  He did not say anything about Robert Westcote, remembering his obligation of silence.

Lois was much interested in what he told her, and her mind was very busy as she walked along by his side wondering where he was to get the money to carry out his plan.

“It will cost considerable,” she remarked when he was through.  “Do you think you can manage it?”

“I am quite certain that there will be no trouble,” he replied.  “Just why I am doing this I cannot explain now, but I assure you there will be no difficulty.  David is to be well provided for, as far as money is concerned, and he is to have some one to look after him all the time.”

“What, at Mrs. Peterson’s, if she will take him?” Lois asked in surprise.

“Yes, that is my idea.  If that girl Betty will come, she will be just the person.”

They had paused now and were standing at the entrance of the lane leading up to the Peterson’s house.  It was a most beautiful spot, with tall trees lining both sides of the drive-way.  They were on a gentle elevation with the village of Creekdale on their left but a few rods away.  It was an interesting collection of snug country-homes of farmers, river boatmen, and several retired sea captains.  All the people in Creekdale knew one another’s business, and the women could see what their neighbours were doing, and some could easily talk from door to door about the events of the day.

It was only natural that Mrs. Raymond should leave her washing-tub long enough to watch Lois and Jasper as they stood for a few moments by the side of the road.  She wondered what they were doing there, and her curiosity was so much aroused when they at length walked up the drive-way to the Peterson’s house that she slipped over next door to discuss it with Mrs. Markham.

The people of Creekdale often talked about the Petersons, calling them stuck-up because they mingled but little in the social life of the place.  “I have lived next door to them for nigh on to ten years,” Mrs. Raymond once confided to a neighbour, “and only once have they been in my house.  I guess Captain Peterson must have some money laid by, for he does nothing but work in his garden and look after his hens, cow and pig.”