ILLUSTRATIONS
"Something happened and I was strangely glad and came here because I--I just _had_ to see you, Jean" _Frontispiece_
FACING PAGE
He was young, The Homesteader--just passed twenty-two--and vigorous, strong, healthy and courageous 22
He raised on an elbow and looked into her face while she staggered forward in great surprise 35
"But, Jean, the cases are not parallel. What I did for you I would have done for anybody. It was merely an act of providence; but yours--oh, Jean, _can't you understand_!" 138
"Miss Pitt was so anxious to meet you and I was, too, because I think you and her would like each other. She's an awfully good girl and willing to help a fellow" 159
"He's going to kill you out here to make him rich, and then when you are dead and--" "Please don't, father!" she almost screamed. She knew he was going to say: "in your grave, he will marry another woman to enjoy what you have died for," but she could not quite listen to that 245
He tried to throw off the uncanny feeling, but it seemed to hang on like grim death. And as he stood enmeshed in its sinister thraldom, he thought he saw her rise and point an accusing finger at him 518