It took Lois and Margaret but a few seconds to step on board of the rafting boat, and then their own craft was taken in tow.  There was no time for words now, as Jasper had all he could do to handle his own boat, for she was rolling heavily as he swung her around and headed for the shore.  Running almost broadside to the waves a great deal of water was shipped, which kept Tom busy at the pump.

Jasper had no time to pay any attention to the women, but he intuitively knew that Lois was watching him.  He was really happier than he had been for days, and he was so pleased that he had been of some service to the woman he loved.  This was the second time he had rescued her from the water, and his mind went back to the experience up the brook below the falls.  There was no Sammie Dingle present now to mar his pleasure, for which he was most thankful.

It did not take the boat long to run to the Sinclair shore, and here in a snug place, safe from the wind, she was beached.

“We can never thank you for what you have done for us to-day,” Lois remarked as she and Margaret walked with Jasper to the house.  “You have saved our lives.”

“Don’t thank me,” Jasper replied.  “It was a pleasure for me to do what I did.”

“But how did you know we were out there?” Margaret asked.

“It was Tom who saw you first and pointed your boat out to me.  He is the one you should thank.”

“But why was Tom looking toward the island?” Lois enquired.  “Your explanation does not satisfy me.”

“Do you imagine that I was spying upon your little outing?” Jasper questioned.

“Not exactly spying.  I don’t like that word.  But you must have known that we were there.”

“Yes, I did.  I saw you go over this afternoon, and when the wind sprang up it was only natural to suppose you would have trouble in getting home.  That is all there is about it.”

“And so you kept watch, and then came to our assistance?”

“Yes.”

Lois said no more just then, but walked quietly to the house.  She was doing considerable thinking, however, and when she and Margaret went upstairs to change their wet clothes, she again referred to the matter.

“It is just like him,” Margaret remarked.  “He knew that we were over there and that our lives would be in danger on the water.  Not many men would have thought of such a thing.”

Lois made no reply, but there was a deep happiness in her heart.  She believed that Jasper had been thinking of her throughout the day and that she was always much in his mind.  Margaret somewhat divined her thoughts and twined her arms around her neck.

“I believe he thinks a great deal of you, dear,” she said, “and I am so glad.  It is only natural, for who could resist you?  You are as sweet and loveable as can be.  If I were a man I am sure I would fall in love with you the first time I met you.”