Jasper was interrupted in his reverie by the entrance of the jailor.  He carried a letter in his hand, which he gave to the prisoner, and then retired and bolted the door.

Jasper glanced at the writing and his heart gave a great bound as he at once recognised Lois’ handwriting.  Quickly he tore open the envelope and drew forth the letter.

“Dear Mr. Randall,” it began, “I am sending you this little note to remind you that all your friends have not forgotten you, and that we are doing what we can on your behalf.  Keep up courage.  I am very hopeful now and feel sure that everything will turn out right.  I know you are innocent, and am confident that you will soon be free.  Good-bye.

“Yours in haste,

“Lois Sinclair.”

Next to Lois herself nothing could have been more welcome to Jasper than that letter.  He pressed it fervently to his lips, and read it over and over again.  It brought a great comfort to his burdened heart.  He was sure now that Lois was thinking of him and doing what she could for his release.  He wondered what she had discovered, and mused much upon the words “I am very hopeful now.”

Jasper slept well that night and awoke in the morning greatly refreshed.  He wondered what the day would bring forth, and as he paced up and down his room in order to get a little exercise, he squared back his shoulders and held his head high.  He felt fit and ready for battle and longed for activity of some kind.  As the morning hours wore slowly away he became restless and impatient.  The silence of his room was affecting his nerves, and he thought with a shudder of men who were condemned for life to solitary confinement.  What more horrible punishment could be meted out to any man?  He was sure that he would go mad in a few days.

Jasper could eat but little of the meagre dinner the jailor brought him.  He was hoping that there would be a letter or some message for him, and when there was none he felt sadly disappointed.  How long would it be before he had any word from the lawyer? he wondered.

He was brooding at the table when the door again opened and to his great joy and surprise Mr. Westcote entered.  Jasper sprang to his feet and seized the hand held out to him.

“Are you quite repentant now?” Mr. Westcote smilingly asked.

“Quite,” was the reply.  “I think this dose will do me all my life.  I am willing to do anything you ask me, even to blacking your boots.”

“That’s good, so obey me at once and leave this confounded hole.”

“What, go with you?”

“Certainly.  What else would have brought me here but to take you away?”

“To the court-room, I suppose,” was the bitter rejoinder.

“Not at all.  But come now, and I will explain everything on our way to the city.  My car is just outside.”

How good Jasper felt to be once again out of doors, and he expanded his chest and inhaled great draughts of the fresh air.