She dropped her eyes--the blood curling to the edge of the tiny ringlets that clung to her forehead. Her brother gave a low laugh. "He would be only too pleased, Sis, and he is a capital chap. He's a great favorite at the frat with all the boys. Shall I invite him?" "Yes ... for day after to-morrow evening. Will that suit you?" "Let me see," reflected Frederick, "we are having a meeting at the fraternity, but we might come down afterward, unless we are kept too late." "Don't let them keep you," pleaded Teola, flashing her brilliant eyes into Frederick's face, "you and Mr. Jordan have influence enough to get away, even if you are freshmen." The student stooped and kissed his sister fondly. "I'll arrange it to suit you, Sister ... I want to go to the Skinner trial to-morrow. I suppose father will go, too?" "Everybody will be there," rejoined Teola. "I wonder if his daughter will be permitted to see him after she has been discovered breaking the law." This time it was Frederick who flushed--it suddenly dawned upon him that he was going to the court simply to see the squatter girl again. He explained his embarrassment by exclaiming: "Poor little soul! She is the loneliest child in the world. I wish we could do something for her!" "Father wouldn't let us," put in Teola in dismay; "then, too, I don't know what we could do for a squatter." "Neither do I, that's the problem," finished Frederick, and after he was gone Teola mused long with Dan Jordan in her mind. * * * * * At the break of the first day of the Skinner trial, smoke could be seen curling up from the chimney of Tessibel's hut. A candle stood in the window, flickering its smoky flame toward the light streaks in the east. From the lighthouse to the ragged rocks the lake was covered with the ice and snow of an early winter. Beyond, the little waves curled up and washed over the frozen masses, adhering here and there, making an icy fringe along the edge. Flocks of wild ducks fluttered close to the lake surface, filling the morning air with discordant quacking. Tessibel had not forgotten that her father was to be brought that day before his accusers,--she had made elaborate preparations for the reception of her dear one, when he should be free to return to her. She would stay in the shanty during the trial--and pray. Daddy was playing a part in a most agonizing drama--he and the student and herself were the principals--while a few others, their enemies, made the background. ... When the curtain fell Tessibel would bring "Daddy" home to the hut--and it was for this that she was preparing.