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DIAMOND TOLLS

to him by the river and its banks. As they approached, they observed that there was a rifle leaning against the cabin at his right elbow.

When he saw them approaching, he turned on his chair and set all four of its legs on the deck. His hand fell to the breech of the rifle.

"Well, he's all ready, anyhow!" Urleigh commented.

"The good, brave boy!" she whispered aloud.

She ran the boat down within hail and threw over the reverse, steering by under losing headway.

"Hello!" she hailed.

"Why—why—that you, Delia!" he cried.

"None else," she laughed, choking. "You are all right?"

"Sure thing. Say, what in——"

"Throw him the line," she ordered Urleigh, and in two minutes the boats were lashed side by side as of old.

"I've worried so about you," she cried. "I thought about it afterward—what you might meet—what might happen to you."

"Well, it didn't happen!" he shook his head. "I found——"

"You found the diamonds?"

"Yes," glancing at Urleigh.

"You have them?" Urleigh exclaimed.