"Suppose the old man should suspect her and come up with the supper himself," he thought, anxiously.
But his anxiety proved groundless.
A little after five the door was opened and disclosed the young girl, Nancy. His face lighted up joyfully.
"I'm glad it's you, Nancy," he said. "I was afraid I should see your uncle. Does he suspect anything?"
"No; he scolded me for allowing you so long to eat your dinner, that's all."
"I'll take it off the plate and eat afterward. Now, I want to talk a little. Have you found out any way to help me?"
"I don't know. Do you think you could get out of this window?"
Jasper looked at the aperture critically.
"Yes, I think I could," he said, after a pause, "with some one on the other side to pull me through."
"I'll do that," said Nancy.