“You are quite a philosopher,” Lois laughingly remarked.

“Not at all, dear.  I am merely an observer, and I notice that what happens in nature around us is often true in our own lives.  The law which governs the waves of the ocean affects in a similar manner the ripples of a tiny pool.  I am going to make a prophecy now.”

“Let it be a good one.”

“Certainly.  I am going to predict that this afternoon will bring us the excitement of joy, and that there will be a happy company seated at this table for dinner.  How is that for a prophecy?”

“I hope it will come true,” Lois replied with a smile.

“Do you care for a walk this morning?” she asked.

“No, I think not.  I have some needle-work to finish, and I do so like that shady corner of the verandah.  But don’t you stay in on my account.”

“I’m afraid I couldn’t content myself in any one place this morning,” and Lois gazed thoughtfully out of the window.  “I am so restless that I must be on the move.  I shall visit the Haven first and then go for the mail.  We should hear something from your father.”

Lois enjoyed the walk up along the shaded lane, and when she was almost to the main highway she sat down under a large tree and looked out upon the river.  The last trace of fog was slowly lifting and not a ripple disturbed the surface of the water.  She longed to be out there in her boat and made up her mind to go for a row during the afternoon.  She thought of the day Jasper had rescued her and Margaret.  What was he doing now? she wondered.  Perhaps he was sitting in his lonely cell thinking of her.  The thought brought a flush to her cheeks and a sweet peace to her heart.  No doubt he had received her letter, and that would tell him that she had not forgotten him.

She found the captain in his accustomed place upon the verandah.

“You are early this morning,” was his salutation as he took the pipe from his mouth.

“Why shouldn’t I be?” she asked, as she sat down by his side.  “Wouldn’t it be a pity to stay indoors a morning like this?”

“Sure it would.  But you are lucky to be able to walk about.  Look at me; nothing but a cripple who must stick to this one place with never a chance of moving around.”

“But you don’t need to, Captain.  People come to see you, and you know all that is going on.  You held quite a reception yesterday afternoon.”

“Indeed I did.  And I have been thinking very much about what I heard.  It is wonderful.  I do hope they have caught that rascal.”

“Have you seen Betty lately?” Lois enquired.

“We expect her to-night.  She is coming to stay a few days with us.  It will be good to have her here again, for we miss her very much.”

“Have you any idea what she is going to do?”

“Her mind is set upon being a nurse, so I understand.  She’ll make a good one, mark my word.  The way she took to old David and looked after him was a marvel.”