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 it. Never mind that, you have something more tangible to deal with and that is your own physical condition. 'Self-preservation is nature's first law,' and it is your duty to obey. Are you doing it? You are utterly cast down, oblivious of the many blessings around you. The doctor says if your nervous system would react—which lies in your own power—in this dry, thin air, your lungs would undoubtedly become restored to a healthy condition. Brooding over misfortune is sinful. Forgive me if I wound you, but no one excepting true friends point out our shortcomings."

Jack seemed in a quandary as he replied quietly, "Leaving out all superfluous words, you mean that I am a coward."

"Not exactly coward, but you are shirking a grave responsibility."

"A shirk, then," he corrected. "You are very frank, Miss Nelson."

But Dora was out of the room by this time, leaving him wholesome food for reflection. More than anything else, Jack detested a "coward" or "shirk," and the thought of his