Jess of the Rebel Trail Part 36

"It was used very often by the Loyalists in the early days as they travelled overland to the river from a settlement beyond the hills.

The Loyalists, you know, were called rebels by the people in the country from which they fled. When those who had settled back in the hills visited the ones along the river, they were often jokingly greeted by the words 'Oh, you rebels!' and in that way the path through the woods got its name. Of course, that was long ago, and few people know about it now. An old man once told me about it, and it always stuck in my mind."

"I guess the name is very suitable," and Jess sighed. "Another rebel is travelling over it now, for I am sure that is what my parents and others think I am."

"A rebel in a worthy cause, dear," Mrs. Hampton comforted. "It matters very little what people call you when you feel that you have done right."

"And wouldn't you do the same if you were in my place?" Jess asked.

"Wouldn't you rebel against marrying a man you despised and hated?"

"I certainly should. I would do almost anything rather than marry the man I disliked."

Further conversation was interrupted by the sudden stopping of the car.

John opened the door and stepped out.

"We are here at last," he explained. "This is where we take the boat.

I shall leave the car here."

It took them but a few minutes to carry their luggage to the lake and place it on board a small flat-bottomed boat lying upon the sh.o.r.e.

With the women seated astern, John took the oars, and soon they were out upon the water.

"This is a wonderful adventure," Jess remarked after they had gone a short distance. "How still and mysterious everything is! I was never in such a place before."

"I hope you will not get homesick here," Mrs. Hampton replied, at the same time taking the girl's right hand in hers.

"Not with you near me, Mrs. Hampton. What lovely times we shall have!"

"I hope so, dear," and the elder woman sighed. "But here we are at the island. You see, it is not far across."

The house on Island Lake was built mostly of logs, and was a cosy abode. It was comfortably furnished, and a rough fireplace was situated at one end of the living room. Jess was overjoyed as she looked around after the lamp had been lighted.

"What a delightful place!" she exclaimed. "I never expected to find such a house as this so far in the wilderness."

"My dear husband and I used to spend very happy days here," Mrs.

Hampton told her. "I used to keep house while he worked at the mine.

We made very little money, but we were happy, and after all, that is worth more than gold. When he died, I did not have the heart to disturb anything, but left the house just as it was. John has looked after it, and if he had his way he would spend most of his time here."

"And so should I," the girl enthusiastically replied. "I know I shall be happy here. Oh, I am so glad we have come."

John was happy, too, and as he looked upon the bright, animated face before him, he longed to live there in the woods the rest of his life, if only he might have the one who was so dear to him always by his side.

CHAPTER XXIII

STRAIGHT TALK

"I'm sartinly proud of ye, Eben. I didn't think it was in ye."

This was Captain Tobin's comment as he listened for the second time to his son's story of the night on the river, and the rescue from the falls. Supper had been over for some time, but the family lingered at the table, and for once the dishes remained unwashed. Eben was at last a hero in his own home, and his eyes sparkled as he noted how proud the members of his family were of his achievements. This was an unusual experience for him, and his heart glowed with pride. He did not mind telling them what he had done, and how the two men had helped him to hoist the sail.

"Who were they?" his mother asked.

"Oh, just two chaps who happened along in a motor-boat. Guess they were mighty glad to find shelter from the storm."

Eben glanced at his father as he spoke, wondering if he suspected anything. But the captain gave no sign, so the boy was quite relieved.

"And did the people on the wharf cheer when the tug brought you back from the falls?" Flo eagerly asked.

"I guess so, though I can't remember much about it now. It all seems like a dream."

At that instant a loud rap sounded outside. Flo sprang at once to her feet, and when she had opened the door, a man stepped across the threshold.

"Does Captain Tobin live here?" he asked.

"Yes, and he's right in there," Flo replied, motioning to the dining-room which opened off the little hall.

The captain turned to view the visitor, and then attempted to rise. He sank back, however, with a groan, for he had given his foot a slight twist.

"So you are Captain Tobin, eh?" the stranger accosted.

"Yes, all that's left of him," was the reply.

"And you are the owner of the woodboat, the 'Eb and Flo'?"

The visitor's abrupt manner irritated the captain. He knew the man to be Henry Randall, for he had seen him on several occasions. He never liked the man from what he had heard of him, and his repugnance was now steadily increasing.

"You ask me if I own the 'Eb an' Flo,' eh?"

"That's what I said."

"Well, first of all, Mister, I want to know what bizness is it of yours if I do? D'ye want to buy her?"

"I should say not," was the impatient retort. "My name is Henry Randall, and I want to know if my daughter was on board your boat the night she was supposed to have drowned herself off Benton's wharf?"

"No, I didn't see yer daughter," the captain replied. "I never sot eyes on her."

Randall's eyes opened wide in amazement at this unexpected answer. The word "liar" was on his lips, but with an effort he checked himself.

"I am surprised to hear you say that you never saw my daughter," and he looked sternly at the captain. "I have almost certain proof that she boarded your boat off Benton's wharf, and was concealed in the cabin while men were dragging the river for her body. Can you deny that?"

Exclamations from both Flo and her mother caused Randall to turn quickly around. Mrs. Tobin had risen to her feet, and her eyes were blazing with indignation. She was about to speak when her husband lifted his hand.

"Keep calm, Martha. Keep calm," he advised. "Let me handle this gent." Then he turned to Randall, "So ye say yer daughter ran away from home, eh?"

"She did, and that's why I'm here."

"What did she run away fer?"