Mr. Carleton, Mr. Bacon, George Branford and Sailor Jack had taken seats somewhat apart from the others, and the four were busily engaged in talking over some matter in low, earnest tones. Edward Lawton and his mother, Mr. and Mrs. George Woodhull, and Jacob Woodhull formed another group, and their conversation was with reference to the latest rumor on the streets of Afton--namely, that iron ore in paying quantities had been found in the hills back of that village, and that parties interested desired to buy the old Forge site and water privilege, that they might establish a smelting furnace and iron works there. For three of this group there was special interest in this rumor; for if true, it meant unexpected financial gain to them. Mrs. Lawton and Edward knew that the sale of the Black Forge water privilege and tenement houses would bring them no small sum, from a property that for four years had been absolutely non-productive; while Mr. Jacob Woodhull knew that he was by far the largest owner of the wild and rugged tract on the mountain where the ore was said to have been discovered. The shrewd old gentleman admitted to Mrs. Lawton that negotiations had already been entered into with him for the purchase of this land, and that on his acceptance of the liberal offer made him there would be no doubt but that the Black Forge property could be sold. Doctor Gasque, Mr. Shephard, Mrs. Carleton, Mrs. Bacon, Mrs. George Branford, and the others of the vivacious company were grouped on both sides of the aisle near the centre of the car. Ray occupied a seat with Daisy Lawton, near enough to the others to join in the animated conversation, yet far enough away for him and his fair companion to occasionally converse in low tones of the studies each had been specially interested in during the past year--of the work each had tried to do for the Master, and of the hopes they had of greater spiritual growth and higher usefulness in that Master's service. "Shall you, when your studies are completed, choose work on the home or some foreign field?" Daisy had asked, with unusual interest. "I have not decided," Ray answered. "I do not think much about that yet. I am just trying to do each day's work for Jesus as it comes. I simply want him to show me the work; and whatever it is, or wherever it is, I am ready to go." He had special reason to remember those words at a later period. The car they were on went through to Afton without change, and the minutes passed away so swiftly and pleasantly, it seemed almost incredible when the brakeman announced that the next station would be Afton. At this announcement, however, Mr. Carleton arose from his seat, and came along where Ray and Daisy were sitting. "Miss Daisy," he asked, somewhat roguishly, "is Ray going to stop at Afton, or is he going on to Wenton to-night?" A slight flush passed over the fair face, but she frankly replied: "He stops at Afton to-night, I believe, sir."