“I have nothing.  I gave up everything when I left home.”

“My lad, never mind about that,” said the Colonel, laying his hand on Clarke’s knee.  “We don’t need riches.  I have so often said that we need nothing out here on the border but honest hearts and strong, willing hands.  These you have.  That is enough for me and for my people, and as for land, why, I have enough for an army of young men.  I got my land cheap.  That whole island there I bought from Cornplanter.  You can have that island or any tract of land along the river.  Some day I shall put you at the head of my men.  It will take you years to cut that road through to Maysville.  Oh, I have plenty of work for you.”

“Col.  Zane, I cannot thank you,” answered Alfred, with emotion.  “I shall try to merit your friendship and esteem.  Will you please tell your sister I shall come over in the morning and beg to see her alone.”

“That I will, Alfred.  Goodnight.”

Col.  Zane strode across his threshold with a happy smile on his face.  He loved to joke and tease, and never lost an opportunity.

“Things seem to be working out all right.  Now for some fun with Her Highness,” he said to himself.

As the Colonel surveyed the pleasant home scene he felt he had nothing more to wish for.  The youngsters were playing with a shaggy little pup which had already taken Tige’s place in their fickle affections.  His wife was crooning a lullaby as she gently rocked the cradle to and fro.  A wonderful mite of humanity peacefully slumbered in that old cradle.  Annie was beginning to set the table for the evening meal.  Isaac lay with a contented smile on his face, fast asleep on the couch, where, only a short time before, he had been laid bleeding and almost dead.  Betty was reading to Myeerah, whose eyes were rapturously bright as she leaned her head against her sister and listened to the low voice.

“Well, Betty, what do you think?” said Col.  Zane, stopping before the girls.

“What do I think?” retorted Betty.  “Why, I think you are very rude to interrupt me.  I am reading to Myeerah her first novel.”

“I have a very important message for you.”

“For me?  What!  From whom?”

“Guess.”

Betty ran through a list of most of her acquaintances, but after each name her brother shook his head.

“Oh, well, I don’t care,” she finally said.  The color in her cheeks had heightened noticeably.

“Very well.  If you do not care, I will say nothing more,” said Col.  Zane.

At this juncture Annie called them to supper.  Later, when Col.  Zane sat on the doorstep smoking, Betty came and sat beside him with her head resting against his shoulder.  The Colonel smoked on in silence.  Presently the dusky head moved restlessly.

“Eb, tell me the message,” whispered Betty.

“Message?  What message?” asked Col.  Zone.  “What are you talking about?”