Jess of the Rebel Trail

e in, yer welcome to

d made a good run up the river, and had reached her destination late in the afternoon. Captain Tob

th the crowd of men she allus has. But she might want a recommendation, fer she's mighty per

she could make out all right. She would return in the m

reminded. "An' don't let him stay too long. T

reply. "Eben can return just as soon as he

h anyone as he is with her. Why, his face brightens the instant she speaks to him. Seems to me he's head over heels in love with her. It's only nat'ral, I s'p

e with the beautiful girl, so his words were few. But as they advanced, he felt more at ease, and readily answered all of her questions. He explained how the truck, carrying the granite blocks, was im

steep hill?" Jess asked, as she looked up the

me hair was standin' straight on end, an' I didn't have

e girl enthusiastically declared.

ed and stared at his c

like a little excitem

ye must

like it better. We are chums, you kno

a friendly way. He believed that she liked him, too, and that meant a great deal to

almost at the base of the hill, when

ime laying his hand upon the girl's arm and drawing he

its mad career to the valley below. Just at this exciting instant, however, the bushes close to the line were suddenly parted, and a large cow appeared. She stepped upon the track, stopped, and looked up. Before a word could

sight. This was but for an instant, however, for she realised, that something must be done to help the unfort

he groaned. "Oh,

see," was the r

Suppose the men were dead! And if not dead, they surely must be fearfully mangled. How could she endure the sight? But struggle on she did, and at length saw one of the men l

s side. Her fears had all vanished, and she tho

ly. But for God's sake do something for Bill. He's over th

he opened his eyes and moaned. Fortunately none of the monster stones rested upon him, but only a small bent tree held his legs as in a vice. With considerable difficulty Eben was able to free the man, and then lifting him in his arms

imed, turning to Eben. "Is there a doc

ing the wounded man and asking numerous questions. Jess rose to her feet and stepped back. As she did so someone touched her lightly on the arm, and whispe

pon her face, and the light of joy which leaped i

g man asked. "This is no place for you,

eply. "We must look aft

you can for

his companions doing what they could for his welfare. Into her heart stole a peace such as she had not known for days. The one she loved was with her, and she knew that he loved her with all the strength of his true

what should be done with their battered comrade. The accident alone so arrested and held their at

f the lovers. A feeling such as he had never before known leaped into his heart. He forgot all about the injured man, and paid no attention to what was being done with him. He could think onl

with each other, though so low that Eben could not understand what they were saying. As they moved forward, he skulked a short distance behind. The girl paid no attention to him now. In fact, she di

situated a short distance from the main highway. Here Bill Dobbins and his wife lived during the summer months while work was being carried on i

Eben was curt in his reply, saying that he did not know. Not until the next morning did Captain Tobin hear about the accident, for he had been in the cabin when it had occurred. He then questioned his son as to the details, but received no satisfactory information. Later he learned of the whole affair from two men from the quarry, when th

der where in the world she dropped from. Ye don't see the

seem to be very thick,"

each other before by

tain asked. "D'ye mean Widder

at the quarry yesterday afternoon, and has been hanging a

down the river the day before, and he smiled to himself, He understood now why the young fellow was so interest

to give vent to his intensely wrought-up feelings. He worked with a feverish energy, and seemed to possess the strength of two men as he helped at the derrick as the big blocks of

g forward to sailing early the next morning. To all outward appearance Eben's mind was entirely upon the big stones which were being h

if he had seen a ghost. His face became suddenly pale, and his hands trembled as he watched two people walking slowly down the track. He recognised them at once, and it was their appearance he had been

ch Eben surmised contained the articles his father had purchased for Jess at the store. When once again upon the wharf, they stood and talked for a few minutes. What they said Eben could not make out, but presently he heard his father calling his name. This caused him to crouch lower upon the ground, fearful lest he should be observed. One of the quarrymen then spoke and motioned his hand in the direction the boy had gone. Eben heard the amused laughter which followed, and he fully comprehended its

from the one window facing the road, and toward this Eben stealthily moved. There was no blind to the window, so when near enough he could easily see all that was taking place within. The sight that met his first glance stirred him to a high pitch of angry jealousy. He saw the two sitting close

oped down, and finding a stone lying right at his feet, he took careful aim, and hurled it with his full force through the window, straight at the head of his enemy. The sudden crash was followed instantly by a cry of pain, and then all was still. With fast-beating heart Eben looked, expect