TheHarvesteragainrangthebell。Anothermaidopenedthedoor，andoncemoreheaskedtospeakwiththeladyofthehouse。Asthegirlturned，ahandsomeoldwomanincapandmorninggowncamedownthestairs。
``Whathaveyouthere？’’sheasked。
TheHarvesterliftedtheleavesandexposedthemusky，crimpled，bigmushrooms。
``Oh！’’shecriedindelight。``Indeed，yes！Weareveryfondofthem。Iwilltakethebasket，anddividewithmysons。Youaresureyouhavenopoisonousonesamongthem？’’
``Quitesure，’’saidtheHarvesterfaintly。
``Howmuchdoyouwantforthebasket？’’
``Theyareadollaradozen；Ihaven’tcountedthem。’’
``Dearme！Isn’tthatratherexpensive？’’
``Itis。Very！’’saidtheHarvester。``Soexpensivethatmostpeopledon’tthinkoftakingoveradozen。
Theyarelargeandveryrich，sotheygoalongway。’’
``Isupposeyouhavetospendagreatdealoftimehuntingthem？Itdoesseemexpensive，buttheyarefresh，andtheboysaresofondofthem。I’mnotoftenextravagant，I’lljusttakethelot。Sarah，bringapan。’’
AgaintheHarvesterstoodandwatchedanentirebasketcountedoverandcarriedaway，andhefelttherobberhehadbeencalledashetookthemoney。
Atthenexthousehehadlearnedalesson。Hecarpetedabasketwithleavesandcountedoutadozenandahalfintoit，leavingtheremainderinthewagon。Threeblocksononesideofthestreetexhaustedhisstoreandhewasshoweredwithorders。Hehadnotseenanyonethatevenresembledadark-eyedgirl。Ashecamefromthelasthouseabig，redmotorshotpastandthensuddenlyslowedandbackedbesidehiswagon。
``Whatinthenameofsenseareyoudoing？’’demandedDoctorCarey。
``InvadingtheresidencedistrictofOnabasha，’’saidtheHarvester。``Madam，wouldyoulikesomenice，fresh，countrymushrooms？Iguaranteethattherearenopoisonousonesamongthem，andtheyweregatheredthismorning。Consideringtheirrarityandthedifficultworkofcollecting，theyareexceedinglylowatmyprice。
Iamofferingtheseforfivedollarsadozen，madam，andformercysakedon’ttakethemorI’llhavenoexcusetogotothenexthouse。’’
Thedoctorstared，thenunderstood，andbegantolaugh。Whenatlasthecouldspeakhesaid，``David，I’llbetyoustartedwiththreebushelsandbeganattheheadofthisstreet，andtheyareallgone。’’
``Putupagoodone！’’saidtheHarvester。``Youwin。ThefirsthouseItriedtheyorderedmetothebackdoor，tookamarketbasketfullawayfrommebyforce，triedtobuytheload，andIdidn’tseeanyonesaveamaid。’’
Thedoctorlayonthesteeringgearandfaintlygroaned。
TheHarvesterregardedhimsympathetically。``Isn’titacrime？’’hequestioned。``Mushroomsarenogo。
Icanseethat！——orrathertheyareentirelytoomuchofago。Ineversawanythinginsuchdemand。I
mustseekalesspopulararticleformypurpose。To-
morrowlookoutforme。IshallbeginwhereIleftoffto-day，butIwillhavechangedmyproduct。’’
``David，forpitysake，’’peepedthedoctor。
``WhatdoIcarehowIdoit，soIlocateher？’’
superblyinquiredtheHarvester。
``Butyouwon’tfindher！’’gaspedthedoctor。
``I’vecomeascloseitasyousofar，anyway，’’saidtheHarvester。``Yourmushroomsareonthedeskinyouroffice。’’
HedroveslowlyupanddownthestreetsuntilBetsywabbledonherlegs。Thenhelefthertorestandwalkeduntilhewabbled；andbythattimeitwasdark，sohewenthome。
Atthefirsthintofdawnhewasatworkthefollowingmorning。Withloadedbasketscloselycovered，hestartedtoOnabasha，andbeganwherehehadquitthedaybefore。Thistimehecarriedasmall，crudelyfashionedbarkbasket，leaf-covered，andherangatthefrontdoorwithconfidence。
Everyoneseemedtohaveamaidinthatpartofthecity，forafreshlycappedandapronedgirlopenedthedoor。
``Arethereanyyoungwomenlivinghere？’’blandlyinquiredtheHarvester。
``What’sthatofyourbusiness？’’demandedthemaid。
TheHarvesterflushed，butcontinued，``Iamofferingsomethingespeciallyintendedforyoungwomen。Iftherearenone，Iwillnottroubleyou。’’
``Thereareseveral。’’
``Willyoupleaseaskthemiftheywouldcareforbouquetsofviolets，freshfromthewoods？’’
``Howmucharethey，andhowlargearethebunches？’’
``Pricesdiffer，andtheyaretherightsizetoappearwell。Theyhadbetterseeforthemselves。’’
Themaidreachedforthebasket，buttheHarvesterdrewback。
``Ikeeptheminmypossession，’’hesaid。``Youmaytakeasample。’’
Heliftedtheleavesanddrewforthamedium-sizedbunchoflong-stemmedbluevioletswiththeirleaves。
Theflowerswerefresh，crisp，andstrongodoursofthewoodsarosefromthem。
``Oh！’’criedthemaid。``Oh，howlovely！’’
Shehurriedawaywiththemandreturnedcarryingapurse。
``Iwanttwomorebunches，’’shesaid。``Howmucharethey？’’
``Arethegirlswhowantthemdarkorfair？’’
``Whatdifferencedoesthatmake？’’
``Ihavebluevioletsforblondes，yellowforbrunettes，andwhitefortheothers。’’
``WellInever！Oneisfair，andtwohavebrownhairandblueeyes。’’
``Oneblueandtwowhites，’’saidtheHarvestercalmly，asifmatchingwomen’shairandeyeswithflowerswereaninheritedvocation。``Theyaretwentycentsabunch。’’
``Aha！’’hechortledtohimselfashewhistledtoBetsy。
``Atlastwehaveit。Therearenodark-eyedgirlshere。
Nowwearemakingheadway。’’
Downthestreethewent，withvaryingfortune，butwithpatienceandpersistenceateveryhouseheatlastmanagedtolearnwhethertherewasadark-eyedgirl。
Theredidnotseemtobemany。Longbeforehisstoreofyellowvioletswasgonethelastblueandwhitehaddisappeared。Buthecalmlywentonaskingfordark-
eyedgirls，andexplainingthatalltheblueandwhiteweretaken，becausefairwomenweremostnumerous。
Atonehousetheowner，whoremindedtheHarvesterofhismother，cametothedoor。Heuncoveredandinhissuavesttonesinquiredifabrunetteyoungwomanlivedthereandifshewouldlikeanosegayofyellowviolets。
``Wellblessmysoul！’’criedshe。``Whatisthisworldcomingto？Doyoumeantotellmethattherearenowable-bodiedmenofferingatourdoors，flowerstomatchourgirls’complexions？’’
``Yesmadam？’’saidtheHarvestergravely，``andalsosellingthemasfastashecanshowthem，atpricesthatmakeaprofitverywellworthwhile。Ihadanequalnumberofblueandwhite，butIseethedarkgirlsareverymuchintheminority。Theothersweregonelongago，andInowhaveflowerstoofferbrunettesonly。’’
``Wellforevermore！Andyoudon’tcallthatfiddlin’
businessforabig，healthy，youngman？’’
TheHarvester’sgaylaughwasinfectious。
``Idonot，’’hesaid。``IhavetostartassoonasI
cansee，tramplongdistancesinwetwoodsandgatherthevioletsonmyknees，makethemintobunches，andbringthemhereinwatertokeepthemfresh。Ihaveanotheroccupation。Ionlykilltimeonthese，butIwouldbeashamedtotellyouwhatIhavegottenforthemthismorning。’’
``Humph！I’mgladtohearit！’’saidthewoman。
``Shameinsomeformisasignofgrace。Ihavenouseforahumanbeingwithoutageneroussupplyofit。
Thereisaverybeautifuldark-eyedgirlinthehouse，andIwilltaketwobunchesforher。Howmucharethey？’’
``Ihaveonlythreeremaining，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Wouldyouliketoallowhertomakeherownselection？’’
``WhenI’mgivingthingsIusuallytakemychoice。I
wantthat，andthatone。’’
``Asmystockissonearlyout，I’llmakethetwofortwenty，’’saidtheHarvester。``Won’tyouacceptthelastonefromme，becauseyouremindmejustalittleofmymother？’’
``Iwillindeed，’’saidshe。``Thankyouverymuch！
Ishalllovetohavethemasdearlyasanyofthegirls。
IusedtogatherthemwhenIwasachild，butIalmostneverseetheblueonesanymore，andIdon’tknowasIeverexpectedtoseeayellowvioletagainaslongasI
live。Wheredidyougetthem？’’
``Inmywoods，’’saidtheHarvester。``YouseeI
growseveralmembersoftheviolapedatafamily，bird’sfoot，snake，andwoodviolet，andthreeoftheodorata，English，marsh，andsweet，forourbigdrughouses。
Theyusetheflowersinmakingdelicatetestsforacidsandalkalies。Theentireplant，flower，seed，leaf，androot，goesintodifferentremedies。Thebedsseedthemselvesandspread，soIhavemorethanIneedforthechemists，andIsellafew。Idon’tusethewhiteandyellowinmybusiness；Ijustgrowthemfortheirbeauty。
Ialsosellmysurplusliliesofthevalley。Wouldyouliketoordersomeofthemforyourhouseormorevioletsforto-morrow？’’
``Wellblessmysoul！Doyoumeantotellmethatliliesofthevalleyaremedicine？’’
TheHarvesterlaughed。
``IgrowimmensebedsoftheminthewoodsonthebanksofLoonLake，’’hesaid。``TheyaretheconvallarismajallisofthedrughousesandIscarcelyknowwhattheweak-heartedpeoplewoulddowithoutthem。I
uselargequantitiesintrade，andthisseasonIamsellingafewbecausepeoplesolovethem。’’
``Liliesinmedicine；welldearme！Arerosesgoodforourinnardstoo？’’
ThentheHarvesterdidlaugh。
``Iimaginetherosesyouknowgointoperfumesmostly，’’heanswered。``TheydomakemedicineofCanadianrockroseandrosebay，laurel，andwillow。
Igrowthebushes，buttheyarenotwhatyouwouldconsiderroses。’’
``Iwondernow，’’saidthewomanstudyingtheHarvesterclosely，``ifyouarenotthatqueergeniusI’veheardof，whospendshistimehuntingandgrowingstuffinthewoodsandpeoplecallhimtheMedicineMan。’’
``Istronglysuspectmadam，Iamthatman，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Wellblessme！’’criedshe。``I’vealwayswantedtoseeyouandherewhenIdo，youlookjustlikeanybodyelse。Ithoughtyou’dhavelonghair，andbewild-
eyedandferocious。Andyourtalksoundslikeoutofabook。Wellthatbeatsme！’’
``Metoo！’’saidtheHarvester，liftinghishat。``Youdon’twantanyliliesto-morrow，then？’’
``YesIdo。Medicineornomedicine，I’vealwaysliked’em，andI’mgoingtokeeponlikingthem。Ifyoucanbringmeagood-sizedbunchaftertheweak-
kneed——’’
``Weak-hearted，’’correctedtheHarvester。
``Well`weak-hearted，’then；it’sallthesamething。
Ifyou’vegotanyleft，asIwassaying，youcanfetchthemtomeforthesmell。’’
TheHarvesterlaughedallthewaydowntown。TherehewenttoDoctorCarey’soffice，examinedadirectory，andgotthenamesofallthenumberswherebehadsoldyellowviolets。Afewquestionswhenthedoctorcameinsettledallofthem，buttheflowerschemewasbetter。Becausetheyellowwerenotsoplentifulasthewhiteandblue，nextdayheaddedbuttercupsandcowslipstohisstoreforthedarkgirls。Whenhehadrifledhisbedsforthelasttime，afterthreeweeksofalmostdailytripstotown，andhadpaidhighpricestosmallboyshesetsearchingtheadjoiningwoodsuntilnomoreflowerscouldbefound，hedrovefromtheoutskirtsofthecityonedaytowardthehospital，andashestopped，downthestreetcameDoctorCareyfranticallywavingtohim。Asthebigcarslackened，``ComeonDavid，quick！I’veseenher！’’criedthedoctor。
TheHarvesterjumpedfromthewagon，threwthelinestoBelshazzar，andlandedinthepantingcar。
``ForHeaven’ssakewhere？Areyousure？’’
Thecarwentspeedingdownthestreet。Apolicemanbeckonedandcriedafterit。
``Itwon’tdoanygoodtogetarrested，Doc，’’cautionedtheHarvester。
``Nowrightalonghere，’’pantedDoctorCarey。``Watchbothsidessharply。IfIstopyoujumpout，andtelltheblamepolicementogetattheirjob。Thepartytheyarehiredtofindisrightundertheirnoses。’’
TheHarvesterbegantoperspire。``Doc，don’tyouthinkyoushouldtellme？Maybesheisinsomestore。
MaybeIcoulddobetteronfoot。’’
``Shutup！’’growledthedoctor。``IamdoingthebestIknow。’’
Hehurriedupthestreetforblocksandbackagain，andatlaststoppedbeforealargestoreandwentin。
Whenhereturnedhedrovetothehospitalandtogethertheyenteredtheoffice。ThereheturnedtotheHarvester。
``Itisn’tsohardtounderstandyounow，myboy，’’
hesaid。``ShadesofDiana，butshe’llbeabeautywhenshegetsalittlemorefleshandcolour。ShecameoutofWhitlaw’sandwalkedrighttothecrossing。Ialmostcouldhavetouchedher，butIdidn’tnotice。Twogirlspassedbeforeme，andinhurrying，atall，darkoneknockedoffoneofyourbunchesofyellowviolets。Sheglancedatitandlaughed，butletitlay。Thenyourgirlhesitatedstoopedandpickeditup。Thecrazypolicemanyelledatmetoclearthecrossinganditdidn’thitmeforahalfblockhowtallandwhiteshewasandhowdarkhereyeswere。Iwasjustthinkingaboutherpickinguptheflowers，andthatitwasqueerforhertodoit，whenlikeabrickithitme，THAT’SDAVID’SGIRL！Itriedtoturnaround，butyouknowwhatMainStreetisinthemiddleoftheday。Andthoseidiotsofpolicemen！
Theyorderedmeon，andIcouldn’tturnforastreetcarcoming，soIcalledtooneofthemthatthegirlwewantedwasdownthestreet，andhelookedatmelikeanaddle-
pateandsaid，`Whatgirl？Moveonoryou’llgetinajamhere。’YoucanusemeforafootballifI
don’tgobackandsmashhim。Paidhimfivedollarsmyselflessthantwoweeksagotokeephiseyesopen。
`TOKEEPHISEYESOPEN！’’’pantedthedoctor，shakinghisfistatDavid。``Yessir！`Tokeephiseyesopen！’
Andhemotionedforthingstocomealong，andsoI
losthertoo。’’
``Ithinkwehadbettergobacktothestreet，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Oh，I’dbeenbackandforthalongthatstreetfornearlyanhourbeforeIgaveupandcameheretoseeifIcouldfindyou，andwe’vehunteditanhourmore！
What’stheuse？She’sgoneforthistime，butbygum，Isawher！Andshewasworthseeing！’’
``Didsheappearilltoyou？’’
Thedoctordroppedonachairandthrewouthishandshopelessly。
``Thiswasawfulsudden，David，’’hesaid。``IwasgoingalongasItoldyou，andInoticedherstopandthoughtshehadagoodheadtowaitasecondinsteadofrunninginbeforeme，andtherecamethosetwogirlsrightunderthecarfromtheotherside。Ionlyhadaglimpseofherasshestoopedfortheflowers。Isawabigbraidofhair，butIwashalfablockawaybeforeIgotitallconnected，andthencamethecrushinthestreet，andIwasblocked。’’
Thedoctorbrokedownandwipedhisfaceandexpressedhisfeelingsunrestrainedly。
``Don’t！’’saidtheHarvesterpatiently。``It’snousetofeelsobadly，Doc。Iknowwhatyouwouldgivetohavefoundherforme。Iknowyoudidallyoucould。
Iletherescapeme。Wewillfindheryet。It’sgloriousnewsthatshe’sinthecity。Itgivesmehearttohearthat。Can’tyoujustrememberifsheseemedill？’’
Thedoctormeditated。
``Shewasn’tthetallestgirlIeversaw，’’hesaidslowly，``butshewasthetallestgirltobepretty。Shehadonawhitewaistandagrayskirtandblackhat。Hereyesandhairwerelikeyousaid，andshewasplain，whitefaced，withahuethatmightpossiblybenatural，anditmightbeconfinementinbadlightandairandpoorfood。Shedidn’tseemsick，butsheisn’twell。Thereissomethingthematterwithher，butit’snotimmediateordangerous。Sheappearedlikeaflowerthathadgotalittlemoistureandsproutedinacellar。’’
``Yousawherallright！’’saidtheHarvester，``andIthinkyourdiagnosisiscorrecttoo。That’sthewaysheseemedtome。I’vethoughtsheneededsunandair。
ItoldtheSouthWindsotheotherday。’’
``Whyyoublamefool！’’criedthedoctor。``Isthisthinggoingtoyourhead？Say，Iforgot！Thereissomethingelse。Itracedherinthestore。Shewasattheembroiderycounterandsheboughtsomesilk。Ifsheevercomesagaintheclerkisgoingtoholdherandtelephonemeorgetheraddressifshehastostealit。Oh，wearegettingthere！Wewillhaveherprettysoonnow。
YououghttofeelbetterjusttoknowthatsheisintownandthatI’veseenher。’’
``Ido！’’saidtheHarvester。``IndeedIdo！’’
``Itcan’tbemuchlonger，’’saidthedoctor。``She’sgottobelocatedsoon。Butthosepolicemen！Iwouldn’tgiveanickelforthelot！I’llbetshe’swalkedoverthemfortwoweeks。IfIwereyouI’ddischargethebunch。They’dbepeacefullyasleepifshepassedthem。
Ifthey’dletmealone，I’dhavehadher。Icouldhaveturnedaroundeasily。I’vebeenindozensofcloserplaces。’’
``Don’tworry！Thiscan’tlastmuchlonger。She’sofandinthecityorshewouldn’thavepickeduptheflowers。Doc，areyousuretheyweremine？’’
``Yes。Halfthegirlshavebeentrickedoutinyoursthepasttwoweeks。IcanspotthemasfarasIcansee。’’
``DearLord，that’sgettingclose！’’saidtheHarvesterintensely。``Seemsasifthevioletswouldtellher。’’
``NowcutoutflowerstalkingandtheSouthWind！’’
orderedthedoctor。``Thisisbusiness。Thevioletsprovesomethingallright，though。Ifshewasinthecountry，shecouldgatherplentyherself。Sheisworkingatsewinginsomeroomintown，eitheroverastoreorinahouse。Ifshehadn’tbeenstarvedforflowerssheneverwouldhavestoppedforthemonthestreet。
Icouldseejustaflashofhesitation，butshewantedthemtoomuch。David，onebouquetwillgoinwaterandbecaredforaweek。Man，it’sgettingclose！Thisdoesseemlikealink。’’
``Sinceyousayit，possiblyIdareagreewithyou，’’
saidtheHarvester。
``Hownearareyouthroughwiththatcanvassofyours？’’
``Aboutthreefourths。’’
``WellI’dgoonwithit。Afterallwehavegottofindherourselves。Thosesenilepolicemen！’’
``Iamgoingonwithit；youneedn’tworryaboutthat。ButI’vegottochangetootherflowers。I’vestrippedthevioletbeds。There’squiteacropofberriescoming，buttheyarenotripeyet，andatragedytopick。Thepondliliesarejustbeginningtoopenbythethousand。Thelakeborderisbluewithsweet-flagthatislovelyandthemarshpalegoldwithcowslips。
Thefernsareprimeandthewoodssolidsheetsofeverycolourofbloom。IbelieveI’llgoaheadwiththewildflowers。’’
``Iwouldtoo！David，youdofeelbetter，don’tyou？’’
``Icertainlydo，Doctor。Surelyitwon’tbelongnow！’’
TheHarvesterwassohopefulthathewhistledandsangonthereturntoMedicineWoods，andthatnightforthefirsttimeinmanydayshesatlongoveracandlestick，andtookafarewellpeepintoherroombeforehewenttobed。
Thenextdayheworkedwithallhismightharvestingthelastremnantsofearlyspringherbs，inthedry-roomandstore-house，andonfurnitureandcandlesticks。
Thenhewentbacktoflowergatheringandeverydayofferedbunchesofexquisitewoodandfieldflowersandwhiteandgoldwaterliliesfromdoortodoor。
ThreeweekslatertheHarvester，perceptiblythin，pale，andworriedenteredtheoffice。Hesankintoachairandgroanedwearily。
``Isn’tthisthebitterestluck！’’hecried。``I’vefinishedthetown。I’vealmostwalkedoffmylegs。I’vesoldflowersbythemillion，butI’venothadasightofher。’’
``It’sbeenalmostatragedywithme，’’saidthedoctorgloomily。``I’vekilledtwodogsandgrazedababy，becauseIwaswatchingthesidewalksinsteadofthestreet。Whatareyougoingtodonow？’’
``IamgoinghomeandbringuptheworktotheJulymark。IamgoingtotakeiteasyandrestafewdayssoIcanthinkmoreclearly。Idon’tknowwhatI’lltrynext。I’vepunchedupthedepotandthepolicemenagain。WhenIgetsomethingnewthoughtoutI’llletyouknow。’’
Thenhebeganemptyinghispocketsofmoneyandheapingitonthetable，smallcoins，bills，bigandlittle。
``Whatonearthisthat？’’
``That，’’saidtheHarvester，givingtheheapashoveofcontempt，``thatisthepriceofmyprideandhumiliation。
Thatiswhatitcostpeoplewhoallowedmetocheekmywayintotheirhomesandrobthem，asonemaidsaid，formyownpurposes。Doc，whereonearthdoesallthemoneycomefrom？InalmosteveryhouseIentered，womenhadittowaste，inmanycasestothrowaway。Ineversawsomuchpaidfornothinginallmylife。Thatwholeheapisfrommushroomsandflowers。’’
``Whatareyoupilingittherefor？’’
``Foryourfreeward。Idon’twantapennyofit。I
wouldn’tkeepit，notifIwasstarving。’’
``WhyDavid！Youcouldn’tcompelanyonetobuy。
Youofferedsomethingtheywanted，andtheypaidyouwhatyouasked。’’
``Yes，andtokeepthemfrombuying，andtomakethestuffgofarther，Inamedpricestoshameashark。
WhenIthinkofthatmushroomdealIcanfeelmyfaceburn。I’vemadethesearchIwantedto，andI
amsatisfiedthatIcan’tfindherthatway。Ihavekeptupmyworkathomebetweentimes。Iamnotoutanythingbutmytime，anditisn’tfairtoplunderthecitytopaythat。TakethatcussedmoneyandputitwhereI’llneverseeorhearofit。Doanythingyouplease，excepttoaskmeevertoprofitbyacent。WhenIwashmyhandsaftertouchingitforthelasttimemaybeI’llfeelbetter。’’
``Youareafanatic！’’
``Ifgettingridofthatisbeingafanatic，Iamproudofthetitle。Youcan’timaginewhatI’vebeenthrough！’’
``Can’tIthough？’’laughedthedoctor。``Inworkofthatkindyougetintoeveryvarietyofplace；andsomeofitisnewtoyou。Nevermind！Noonecancontaminateyou。Itisthelawthatonlyamancandegradehimself。Knowingthingswillnotharmyou。
Doingthemisadifferentmatter。Whatyouknowwillbeaprotection。Whatyoudoruins——ifitiswrong。Youarenotharmed，youareonlydisgusted。
Thinkitover，andinafewdayscomebackandgetyourmoney。Itisstrictlyhonest。Youearnedeverycentofit。’’
``IfyoueverspeakofitagainorforceitonmeI’lltakeithomeandthrowitintothelake。’’
HewentafterBetsyandslowlydrovetoMedicineWoods。Belshazzar，ontheseatbesidehim，recognizedasilent，disappointedmasterandwhimperedasherubbedtheHarvester’sshouldertoattracthisattention。
``Thisistoughluck，oldboy，’’saidtheHarvester。
``IhadsuchhopesandIworkedsohard。Isufferedinthefleshforeveryhourofit，andIfailed。OhbutIhatetheword！IfIknewwheresheisrightnow，Bel，I’dgiveanythingI’vegot。Butthere’snousetowailandgetsorryformyself。That’sagainstthelawofcommondecency。I’lltakeaswim，sleepitoff，straightenuptheherbsalittle，andgoatitagain，oldfellow；that’saman’sway。She’ssomewhere，andshe’sgottobefound，nomatterwhatitcosts。’’
CHAPTERVIII
BELSHAZZAR’SRECORDPOINT
TheHarvestersettheneglectedcabininorder；
thenhecarefullyanddeftlypackedallhisdriedherbs，barks，androots。Nextcamecarryingthecouchgrass，wildalum，andsoapwortintothestore-
room。ThenfollowedJulyherbs。Hefirstwenttohisbedsoffoxglove，becausethetenderleavesofthesecondyearshouldbestrippedfromthematfloweringtime，andthatusuallybegantwoweeksearlier；buthisbedlayinashaded，damplocationandthetallbloomstalkswereonlyinhalfflower，theirpalelavendermakinganexquisitepicture。Itpaidtocollectthoseleaves，sotheHarvesterhastilystrippedtheamounthewanted。
Yarrowwasbeginningtobloomandhegatheredasmuchasherequired，takingthewholeplant。Thatonlybroughtafewcentsapound，butitwasusedentire，sotheweightmadeitworthwhile。
Catniptopsandleaveswerealsoready。Asitgrewintheopenindrysoilandthebedshadbeenweededthatspring，hecouldgathergreatarmloadsofitwithasickle，buthehadtowatchtheswarmingbees。Heleftthemalefernandmulleinuntilthelastfordifferentreasons。
Onthedamp，cool，rockyhillside，beneathdeepshadeofbigforesttrees，grewtheferns，theirlong，gracefulfrondswavingsoftly。Treetoadssangonthecoolrocksbeneaththem，chewinksnestedundergnarledrootsamongthem，rose-breastedgrosbeakssangingrape-vinesclamberingoverthethickets，andSingingWaterranclosebeside。SotheHarvesterleftdiggingtheserootsuntilnearlythelast，becausehesodislikedtodisturbthebed。Hecouldnothavedoneitifhehadnotbeenforced。Allofthedemandforhisfernnevercouldbesupplied。OfhisproductsnonewasmoreimportanttotheHarvesterbecausethisformedthebasisofoneoftheoldestandmostreliableremediesforlittlechildren。Thefernhadtobegatheredwithespecialcare，deterioratedquickly，andnostaplewasmoresubjecttoadulteration。
Sohekepthisbedintact，liftedtherootsatthepropertime，carefullycleanedwithoutwashing，rapidlydriedincurrentsofhotair，andshippedtheminbottlestothetrade。Hechargedandreceivedfifteencentsapound，wherecarelessandindifferentworkersgotten。
OnthebanksofSingingWater，attheheadofthefernbed，theHarvesterstoodunderagraybeechtreeandlookeddowntheswayinglengthofdelicategreen。Hewasleanandrapidlybronzing，forheseldomrememberedaheadcoveringbecausehelovedthesweepofthewindinhishair。
``Ihatetotouchyou，’’hesaid。``HowIwishshecouldseeyoubeforeIbegin。Ifshedid，probablyshewouldsayitwasasin，andthenInevercouldmustercouragetodoitatall。I’dgiveasmallfarmtoknowifthosevioletsrevivedforher。IwascrazytoaskDociftheywerewilted，butIhatedto。IftheywerefromtheonesIgatheredthatmorningtheyshouldhavebeenallright。’’
Atreetoaddaredhimtocomeon；achipmunkgrewsaucyastheHarvesterbenttoanunlovedtask。Ifhestrippedthebedascloselyashedaredandnotinjureit，hecouldnotfillhalfhisorders；so，deftlyandwithswift，skilfulfingersandanearnestface，heworked。
Belshazzarcamedownthehillonarush，nosetoearthandbeganhuntingamongtheplants。Henevercouldunderstandwhyhislovedmasterwassocarelessastogotoworkbeforehehadpronounceditsafe。Whenthefernbedwasfinished，theHarvestertooktimetomakeatriptotown，buttherewasnowordwaitinghim；sohewenttothemullein。Itlayonasunnyhillsidebeyondthecouchgrassandjoinedafewsmallfields，theonlyclearedlandofthesixhundredacresofMedicineWoods。
Overrocksandlittlehillsandhollowsspreadthepale，grayish-yellowofthegreenleaves，andfromfivetosevenfeetarosetheflowerstems，whiletheentireearthbetweenwascoveredwithrosettesofyoungplants。Belshazzarwentbeforetogivewarningifanybigrattlerscurledinthesunonthehillside，andafterhimfollowedtheHarvestercuttingleavesinheaps。Thatwaswarmworkandhecoveredhisheadwithafloppyoldstrawhat，withwetgrassinthecrown，andstoppedoccasionallytorest。
Helovedthatyellow-facedhillside。Becausesomuchofhisreapinglayintheshadeandcommonlyhisfeetsankindeadleavesanddampearth，thechangewasarest。Hecheerfullystubbedhistoesonrocks，andenduredtheheatwithoutcomplaint。Itappearedtohimasifamemberofeveryspeciesofbutterflyheknewwavereddownthehillside。Thereweregolden-browndanais，withtheirblack-stripedwings，jettytroiluswithanattemptattrailers，bigasterias，velvetyblackwithlongertrailsandwidebandsofyellowdots。CoeniaweremostnumerousofallandtotheHarvesterwonderfullyattractiveinrich，subduedcolourswithawealthofmarkingsandeyespots。Manysmallmoths，withtransparentwingsandnosesredasblood，flashedpasthimhuntingpollen。Goldfinches，intentonthistlebloom，waveredthroughtheairtrailingmellow，happynotesbehindthem，andoftenahumming-birdvisitedthemullein。Onthelakewildlifesplashedandchatteredincessantly，andsometimestheHarvesterpausedandstoodwitharmsheapedwithleaves，tointerpretsomeunusuallyappealingnoteofpainorangerorsomeveryattractivemelody。Thered-wingswereswarming，thekilldeersbusy，andhethoughtoftheDreamGirlandsmiled。
``Iwonderifshewouldlikethis，’’hemused。
Whenthemulleinleavesweredeeponthetraysofthedry-househebeganonthebloomandthatwasataskheloved。Justtolayoffthebedsinswathsandfollowthem，deftlypickingthestamensandyellowpetalsfromtheblooms。Thesehewoulddryspeedilyinhotair，bottle，andsendatoncetobiglaboratories。Thelistedpricewasseventy-fivecentsapound，butthebeautifulgoldenbottlesoftheHarvesteralwaysbroughtmore。
Theworkwasworthwhile，andhelikedthelocationandgatheringofthisparticularcrop:forthesereasonshealwaysleftituntilthelast，andthenrevelledinthegoldofsunshine，bird，butterfly，andflower。Severaldayswererequiredtoharvestthemulleinandduringthetimethemanworkedwithnimblefingers，whilehisbrainwasintenselyoccupiedwiththequestionofwhattodonextinhissearchfortheGirl。
Whentheworkwasfinished，hewenttothedeepwoodtotakeapeepatacresofthriftyginseng，andhewassatisfiedashesurveyedthebigbed。Longyearshehadlaboureddiligently；sooncamethereward。Hehadnotrealizeditbefore，butashestudiedthesituationhesawthatheeithermustbeginthisharvestatonceoremployhelp。IfhewaiteduntilSeptemberhecouldnotgatheronethirdofthecropalone。
``ButtherootswillweighlessifItakethemnow，’’heargued，``andIcanworkatnothingincomfortuntilIhavelocatedher。Iwillgoonwithmysearchandallowtheginsengtogrowthatmuchheavier。Whatapicture！Itisfollytodisturbthisnow，forIwilllosetheseedofeveryplantIdig，andthatisworthalmostasmuchastheroot。ItisaquestionwhetherIwanttofurnishthemarketwithseed，andsoraisecompetitionformybed。Ithink，bejabbers，thatI’llwaitforthisharvestuntiltheseedisripe，andthenburypartofaheadwhereIdigaroot，astheIndiansdid。That’stheidea！ThemoreIgrow，themoremoney；andI
mayneedconsiderableforher。OnethingI’dliketoknow:Aretheseplantscultivated？AllthebooksquotethewildathighestratesandallI’veeversoldwaswild。
Thestartgrewherenaturally。WhatIaddedfromthesurroundingcountrywaswild，butthroughandamongitI’vesownseedIbought，andI’vetendeditwitheverycare。Butthisisdeepwoodandwildconditions。I
thinkIhaveaperfectrighttosolabelit。I’llaskDoc。
AndanotherthingI’llgothroughthewoodswestofOnabashawhereIusedtofindginseng，andseeifI
cangetalittleandthentakethesameamountofplantsgrownhere，andmakeatest。ThatwayIcandiscoveranydifferencebeforeIgotomarket。Thisismygoldmine，andthatpointismightyimportanttome，soI’llgothisveryday。IusedtofinditinthewoodsnortheastoftownandonthelandJamesonbought，west。Wonderifhelivesthereyet。Heshouldhavediedofpuremeannesslongago。I’lldrivetotheriverandhuntalongthebank。’’
EarlythefollowingmorningtheHarvesterwenttoOnabashaandstoppedatthehospitalfornews。Findingnone，hewentthroughtownandseveralmilesintothecountryontheotherside，toapieceoflowlandlyingalongtheriverbank，whereheoncehadfoundandcarriedhometoresetabigbedofginseng。Ifhecouldgetonlyahalfpoundofrootsfromtherenow，theywouldservehispurpose。Hewentdownthebank，Belshazzarathisheels，andatlastfoundtheplace。Manytreeshadbeencut，butthereremainedenoughforshade；
thefieldsboretheragged，unattractiveappearanceofold。TheHarvestersmiledgrimlyasherememberedthatthemanwholivedthereoncehadchargedhimfordamagehemightdototreesindrivingacrosshiswoods，andboastedtohisneighboursthatayoungfoolwaspayingfortheprivilegeofdoinghisgrubbing。IfJamesonhadknownwhattherootshewassoanxioustodisposeofbroughtapoundonthemarketatthattime，hewouldhavebeeninsanewithanger。SotheHarvester’seyesweredancingwithfunandawrygrintwistedhislipsasheclamberedoverthebanksoftherecentlydredgedriver，andlookedatitspitifulconditionandstraight，muddyflow。
``AppearstomatchtheremainderoftheJamesonproperty，’’hesaid。``Idon’tknowwhoheisorwherehecamefrom，buthe’snofarmer。Perhapsheusesthislandtocorralthestockhebuysuntilhecansellitagain。’’
Hewentdowntheembankmentandbegantosearchforthelocationwhereheformerlyhadfoundtheginseng。
Whenhecametotheplacehestoodamazed，forfromseed，roots，andplantshehadmissed，thegrowthhadsprungupandspread，sothatatarapidestimatetheHarvesterthoughtitcontainedatleastfivepounds，allowingforwhatitwouldshrinkonaccountofbeinggatheredearly。Hehesitatedaninstant，andthoughtofcominglater；butthedrivewaslongandthelosswouldnotamounttoenoughtopayforasecondtrip。
Abouttakingit，heneverthoughtatall。Heoncehadpermissionfromtheownertodigalltheshrubs，bushes，andweedshedesiredfromthatstretchofwoods，andhadpaidforpossibledamagesthatmightoccur。Ashebenttothetasktheredidcomeafleetingthoughtthatthepatchwasweedlessandinunusualshapeforwildstuff。
Then，withswiftstrokesofhislightmattock，heliftedtheroots，crammedthemintohissack，whistledtoBelshazzar，andgoingbacktothewagon，droveaway。
Reachinghomehewashedtheginseng，andspreaditonatraytodry。Thefirsttimehewantedthemattockherealizedthathehadleftitlyingwherehehadworked。
Itwasanimplementthathehaddirectedablacksmithtofashiontomeethisrequirements。Nostorecontainedanythinghalfsousefultohim。Hehadworkedwithitforyearsanditjustsuitedhim，sotherewasnothingtodobutgoback。Betsywastootiredtoreturnthatday，soheplannedtodighisginsengwithsomethingelse，finishhisworkthefollowingmorning，andgetthemattockintheafternoon。
``It’slikeaknifeyou’vecarriedforyears，oragun，’’
mutteredtheHarvester。``Iactuallydon’tknowhowtogetalongwithoutit。WhatmademesocarelessI
can’timagine。Ineverbeforeinmylifedidatricklikethat。IwonderifIhurriedalittle。Icertainlywasfreetotakeit。Healwayswantedthestuffdugup。Ofallthestupidtricks，Belshazzar，thatwastheworst。
NowBetsyandahalfdayofwastedtimemustpayformycarelessness。SinceIhavetogo，I’lllookalittlefarther。Maybethereismore。Thosewoodsusedtobefullofit。’’
Accordingtothisprogramme，thenextafternoontheHarvesteragainwalkeddowntheembankmentofthemourningriverandthroughtheraggedwoodstotheplacewheretheginsenghadbeen。Hewentforward，steppinglightly，asmenofhisracehadwalkedtheforestforages，swervingtoavoidboughs，andlookingstraightahead。Contrarytohisusualcustomofcomingtoheelinastrangewood，Belshazzarsuddenlydartedaroundthemanandtookthepaththeyhadfollowedthepreviousday。Theanimalwasperforminghisofficeinlife；hehadheardorscentedsomethingunusual。TheHarvesterknewwhatthatmeant。Helookedinquiringlyatthedog，glancedaround，andthenattheearth。Belshazzarproceedednoiselesslyatarapidpaceovertheleaves:
Suddenlythemastersawthedogstopinastiffpoint。
Liftinghisfeetlightlyandstraininghiseyesbeforehim，theHarvesterpassedaspicethicketandcameinline。
ForonesecondhestoodasrigidasBelshazzar。Thenexthisrightarmshotupwardfulllength，andbegandescribingcircles，hisopenpalmheavenward，andintohisfaceleaptaglorifiedexpressionofexultation。Facedownintherifledginsengbedlayasobbinggirl。Herframewaslongandslender，athickcoilofdarkhair；
boundherhead。AsecondmoreandtheHarvesterbentandsoftlypattedBelshazzar’shead。Thebeastbrokepointandlookedup。Themancaughtthedog’schininacaressinggrip，againtouchedhishead，movedsoundlesslips，andwavedtowardtheprostratefigure。Thedoghesitated。TheHarvestermadethesamemotions。
Belshazzarsoftlysteppedovertheleaves，passedaroundthefeetofthegirl，andpausedbesideher，nosetoearth，softlysniffing。
Inonemomentshecameswiftlytoasittingposture。
``Oh！’’shecriedinaspasmoffright。
Belshazzarreachedaninvestigatingnoseandwaggedaneagertail。
``Whyyouareanicefriendlydog！’’saidthetremblingvoice。
Heimmediatelyverifiedtheassertionbyofferinghisnoseforakiss。Thegirltimidlylaidahandonhishead。
``HeavenknowsI’mlonelyenoughtokissadog，’’
shesaid，``butsupposeyoubelongtothemanwhostolemyginseng，andthenranawaysofastheforgothis——
hispiecehediggedwith。’’
Belshazzarpressedcloser。
``Iamjustkilled，andIdon’tcarewhosedogyouare，’’
sobbedthegirl。
ShethrewherarmsaroundBelshazzar’sneckandlaidherwhitefaceagainsthissatinyshoulder。TheHarvestercouldendurenomore。Hetookastepforward，hisfaceconvulsedwithpain。
``Pleasedon’t！’’hebegged。``Itookyourginseng。
I’llbringitbackto-morrow。Therewasn’tmorethantwenty-fiveorthirtydollars’worth。Itdoesn’tamounttoonetear。’’
Thegirlarosesoquickly，theHarvestercouldnotseehowshedidit。Withastartledfrightonherface，andthedarkeyesswimming，sheturnedtohiminonelonglook。
Wordsrolledfromthelipsofthemaninajumble。Behindthetearstherewasadull，expressionlessblueinthegirl’seyesandherfacewassowhitethatitappearedblank。Hebegantalkingbeforeshecouldspeak，inanefforttosecureforgivenesswithoutcondemnation。
``Yousee，IgrowitforalivingonlandIown，andI’vealwaysgatheredalltherewasinthecountryandnoonecared。Thereneverwasenoughinoneplacetopay，andnoothermanwantedtospendthetime，andsoI’vealwaysfeltfreetotakeit。EveryoneknewIdid，andnooneeverobjectedbefore。OnceIpaidHenryJamesonfortheprivilegeofcleaningitfromthesewoods。Thatwassixorsevenyearsago，anditdidn’toccurtomethatIwasn’tatlibertytodigwhathasgrownsince。I’llbringitbackatonce，andpayyoufortheshrinkagefromgatheringittooearly。Therewon’tbemuchoversixpoundswhenit’sdry。Please，pleasedon’tfeelbadly。
Won’tyoutrustmetoreturnit，andmakegoodthedamageI’vedone？’’
ThefaceoftheHarvesterwaseagerandhistonesappealing，asheleanedforwardtryingtomakeherunderstand。
``Certainly！’’saidtheGirlasshebenttopatthedog，whileshedriedhereyesundercoverofthemovement。
``Certainly！Itcanmakenodifference！’’
ButastheHarvesterdrewadeepbreathofrelief，shesuddenlystraightenedtofullheightandlookedstraightathim。
``Ohwhatistheusetotellapitifullie！’’shecried。
``Itdoesmakeadifference！Itmakesallthedifferenceintheworld！Ineedthatmoney！Ineeditunspeakably。
IoweadebtImustpay。What——whatdidI
understandyoutosayginsengisworth？’’
``Ifyouwilltakeafewsteps，’’saidtheHarvester，``andmakeyourselfcomfortableonthislogintheshade，IwilltellyouallIknowaboutit。’’
Thegirlwalkedswiftlytothelogindicated，seatedherself，andwaited。TheHarvesterfollowedtoarespectfuldistance。
``Ican’ttelltoanouncewhatwetrootswouldweigh，’’
hesaidaseasilyashecouldcommandhisvoicetospeakwiththeheartinhimbeatingwildly，``andofcoursetheylosegreatlyindrying；butI’vehandledenoughthatIknowtheweightIcarriedhomewillcometosixpoundsattheveryleast。Thenyoumustfigureonsomeloss，becauseIdugthisbeforeitreallywasready。ItdoesnotreachfullgrowthuntilSeptember，andifitistakentoosoonthereisadecreaseinweight。IwillmakethatuptoyouwhenIreturnit。’’
Thetroubledeyesweregazingonhisfaceintently，andtheHarvesterstudiedthemashetalked。
``Youwouldthink，then，therewouldbeallofsixpounds？
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester，``closereight。WhenI
replacetheshrinkagethereisboundtobeoverseven。’’
``AndhowmuchdidIunderstandyoutosayitbroughtapound？’’
``Thatalldepends，’’answeredhe。``Ifyoucureityourself，anddryittoomuch，youloseinweight。IfyoucarryitinasmalllottothedruggistsofOnabasha，probablyyouwillnotgetoverfivedollarsforit。’’
``Five？’’
Itwasastartledcry。
``Howmuchdidyouexpect？’’askedtheHarvestergently。
``UncleHenrysaidhethoughthecouldgetfiftycentsapoundforallIcouldfind。’’
``IfyourUncleHenryhaslearnedatlastthatginsengisasalablearticleheshouldknowsomethingaboutthepricealso。Willyoutellmewhathesaid，andhowyoucametothinkofgatheringrootsforthemarket？’’
``TherewerementalkingbeneaththetreesoneSundayafternoonaboutoldtimesandhuntingdeer，andtheyspokeofpeoplewhomademoneylongagogatheringrootsandbarks，andtheymentionedonemanwholivedbyityet。’’
``WashisnameLangston？’’
``Yes，IrememberbecauseIlikedthename。Iwassoeagertoearnsomething，andIcan’tleaveherejustnowbecauseAuntMollyisveryill，sothethoughtcamethatpossiblyIcouldgatherstuffworthmoney，aftermyworkwasfinished。Iwentoutandaskedquestions。
Theysaidnothingbroughtenoughtomakeitpayanyone，exceptthisginsengplant，andtheLangstonmanalmosthadstrippedthecountry。Thenunclesaidheusedtogetstuffhere，andhemighthavegotsomeofthat。Iaskedwhatitwaslike，sotheytoldmeandI
hunteduntilIfoundthat，anditseemedaquantitytome。OfcourseIdidn’tknowithadtobedried。UncletookarootIdugtoastore，andtheytoldhimthatitwasn’tmuchusedanymore，buttheywouldgivehimfiftycentsapoundforit。WhatMAKESyouthinkyoucangetfivedollars？’’
``Withyourpermission，’’saidtheHarvester。
Heseatedhimselfonthelog，drewfromhispocketanoldpamphlet，andspreadingitbeforeher，ranapencilalongthelineofalistofschedulepricesforcommondrugrootsandherbs。Becauseheunderstood，hiseyeswereverybright，andhisvoiceatriflecrisp。Alatentangerspringinginhisbreastwasagoodcurbforhisemotions。HewascloselyacquaintedwithallofthedruggistsofOnabasha，andheknewthatnotoneofthemhadofferedlessthanstandardpricesforginseng。
``ThereasonIthinkso，’’hesaidgently，``isbecausegrowingitisthelargestpartofmyoccupation，anditwasastaplewithmyfatherbeforeme。IamDavidLangston，ofwhomyouheardthosemenspeak。SinceIwasaverysmallboyIhavelivedbycollectingherbsandroots，andIgetmoreforginsengthananythingelse。VeryearlyItiredofhuntingotherpeople’swoodsforherbs，soIbegantransplantingthemtomyown。Imovedthatbedouttheresevenyearsago。WhatyoufoundhasgrownsincefromrootsIoverlookedandseedsthatfellatthattime。NowdoyouthinkIamenoughofanauthoritytotrustmywordonthesubject？’’
Therewasnotachangeofexpressiononherwhiteface。
``Yousurelyshouldknow，’’shesaidwearily，``andyoucouldhavenopossibleobjectindeceivingme。Pleasegoon。’’
``Anycountryboyorgirlcanfindginseng，gather，wash，anddryit，andgetfivedollarsapound。Icanreturnyoursto-morrowandyoucancureandtakeittoadruggistIwillnameyou，andsellforthat。Butifyouwillallowmetomakeasuggestion，youcangetmore。Yourrootsarenowonthetraysofanevaporatinghouse。Theywilldrytotheproperdegreedesiredbythetrade，sothattheywillnotloseanextraounceinweight，andifIsendthemwithmystufftobigwholesalehousesIdealwith，theywillbegradedwiththefinestwildginseng。Itisworthmorethanthecultivatedandyouwillgetclosereightdollarsapoundforitthanfive。Thereissomespeculationinit，andthemarketfluctuates:but，asarule，Isellforthehighestpricethedrugbrings，and，attimeswhentheseasonisverydry，Isetmyownprices。ShallIreturnyoursormayIcureandsellit，andbringyouthemoney？’’
``Howmuchtroublewouldthatmakeyou？’’
``None。Theworkofdiggingandwashingisalreadyfinished。AllthatremainsistoweighitandmakeamemorandumoftheamountwhenIsell。Ishouldverymuchliketodoit。Itwouldbeacomforttoseethemoneygointoyourhands。Ifyouareafraidtotrustme，Iwillgiveyouthenamesofseveralpeopleyoucanaskconcerningmethenexttimeyougotothecity。’’
Shelookedathimsteadily。
``Nevermindthat，’’shesaid。``Butwhydoyouoffertodoitforastranger？Itmustbesometrouble，nomatterhowsmallyourepresentittobe。’’
``PerhapsIamgoingtopayyoueightandsellforten。’’
``Idon’tthinkyoucan。Fivesoundsfabuloustome。
Ican’tbelievethat。Ifyouwantedtomakemoneyyouneedn’thavetoldmeyoutookit。Ineverwouldhaveknown。Thatisn’tyourreason！’’
``PossiblyIwouldliketoatoneforthosetearsI
caused，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Don’tthinkofthat！Theyareofnoconsequencetoanyone。Youneedn’tdoanythingformeonthataccount。’’
``Don’tsearchforareason，’’saidtheHarvester，inhisgentlesttones。``Forgetthatfeatureofthecase。
SayI’mpeculiar，andallowmetodoitbecauseitwouldbeapleasure。InclosetwoweeksIwillbringyouthemoney。Isitabargain？’’
``Yes，ifyoucaretomakeit。’’
``Icareverymuch。Wewillcallthatsettled。’’
``IwishIcouldtellyouwhatitwillmeantome，’’saidtheGirl。
``Ifyouonlywould，’’pleadtheHarvester。
``Imustnotburdenastrangerwithmytroubles。’’
``Butifitwouldmakethestrangersohappy！’’
``Thatisn’tpossible。Imustfacelifeandbearwhatitbringsmealone。’’
``Notunlessyouchoose，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thatis，ifyouwillpardonme，anarrowviewoflife。Itcutsotherpeopleoutofthejoyofservice。Ifyoucan’ttellme，wouldyoutrustaverylovelyandgentlewomanI
couldbringtoyou？’’
``Nomorethanyou。Itismyaffair；Imustworkitoutmyself。’’
``Iammightysorry，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ibelieveyouerrinthatdecision。Thinkitoveradayorso，andseeiftwoheadsarenotbetterthanone。Youwillrealizewhenthisginsengmatterissettledthatyouprofitedbytrustingme。Thesamewillholdgoodalongotherlines，ifyouonlycanbringyourselftothinkso。
Atanyrate，try。Tellingatroublemakesitlighter。
Sympathyshouldhelp，ifnothingcanbedone。Andasformoney，Icanshowyouhowtoearnsumsatleastworthyourtime，ifyouhavenothingelseyouwanttodo。’’
TheGirlbenttowardhim。
``Ohpleasedotellme！’’shecriedeagerly。``I’vetriedandtriedtofindsomewayeversinceIhavebeenhere，buteveryoneelseIhavemetsaysIcan’t，andnothingseemstobeworthanything。IfyouonlywouldtellmesomethingIcoulddo！’’
``Ifyouwillexcusemysayingso，’’saidtheHarvester，``itappealstomethatease，notwork，isthethingyourequire。Youappearextremelyworn。Won’tyouletmehelpyoufindawaytoalongrestfirst？’’
``Impossible！’’criedtheGirl。``IknowIamwhiteandappearill，buttrulyIneverhavebeensickinallmylife。Ihavebeenhavingtroubleandworkingtoomuch，butI’llbebettersoon。Believeme，thereisnorestformenow。ImustearnthemoneyIowefirst。’’
``Thereisaway，ifyoucaretotakeit，’’saidtheHarvester。``InmyworkIhavebecomeverywellacquaintedwiththechiefsurgeonofthecityhospital。
ThroughhimIhappentoknowthathehasafreebedinabeautifulroom，whereyoucouldrestuntilyouareperfectlystrongagain，andthatroomisemptyjustnow。
Whenyouarewell，Iwilltellyouaboutthework。’’
AsshearosetheHarvesterstood，andtallandstraightshefacedhim。
``Impossible！’’shesaid。``Itwouldbebrutaltoleavemyaunt。Icannotpaytorestinahospitalward，andIwillnotacceptcharity。Ifyoucanputmeinthewayofearning，evenafewcentsaday，atanythingIcoulddooutsidetheworknecessarytoearnmyboardhere，itwouldbringmeclosertohappinessthananythingelseonearth。’’
``WhatIsuggestisnotimpossible，’’saidtheHarvestersoftly。``Ifyouwillgo，insideanhourasweetandgentleladywillcomeforyouandtakeyoutoeaseandperfectrestuntilyouarestrongagain。Iwillseethatyourauntiscaredforscrupulously。Ican’thelpurgingyou。Itisacrimetotalkofworktoawomansomanifestlywornasyouare。’’
``Thenwewillnotspeakofit，’’saidtheGirlwearily。
``Itistimeformetogo，anyway。Iseeyoumeantobeverykind，andwhileIdon’tintheleastunderstandit，IdohopeyoufeelIamgrateful。Ifhalfyousayabouttheginsengcomestrue，IcanmakeapaymentworthwhilebeforeIhadhopedto。Ihavenowordstotellyouwhatthatwillmeantome。’’
``Ifthisdebtyouspeakofwerepaid，couldyourestthen？’’
``Icouldliedownandgiveupinpeace，andIthinkIwould。’’
``Ithinkyouwouldn’t，’’saidtheHarvester，``becauseyouwouldn’tbeallowed。Therearepeopleinthesedayswhomakeabusinessofsecuringrestforthetiredandoverweary，andtheywouldcomeandpreventthatifyoutriedit。Pleaseletmemakeanothersuggestion。
Ifyouowemoneytosomeoneyoufeelneedsitandthedebtispreyingonyou，let’spayit。’’
Hedrewasmallcheck-bookfromhispocketandslippedapenfromaband。
``Ifyouwillnametheamountandgivemetheaddress，youshallbefreetogototherestIaskforyouinsideanhour。’’
Thenslowlyfromheadtofootshelookedathim。
``Why？’’
``Becauseyourfaceandattitudeclearlyindicatethatyouareovertired。Believeme，youdoyourselfwrongifyourefuse。’’
``Inwhatwaywouldchangingcreditorsrestme？’’
``Ithoughtperhapsyouwereowingsomeonewhoneededthemoney。Iamnotarichman，butIhavenoonesavemyselftoprovideforandIhavefundslyingidlethatIwouldbegladtouseforyou。Ifyoumakeapointofit，whenyouarerested，youcanrepayme。’’
``Mycreditorneedsthemoney，butIshouldpreferowinghimratherthanaperfectstranger。Whatyousuggestwouldhelpmenotatall。Imustgonow。’’
``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ifyouwilltellmewhomtoaskforandwhereyoulive，Iwillcometoseeyouto-morrowandbringyousomepamphlets。Withtheseandwithalittlehelpyousooncanearnanyamountagirlislikelytoowe。Itwillrequirebutalittlewhile。
WherecanIfindyou？’’
TheGirlhesitatedandforthefirsttimeahintofcolourflushedhercheek。Butcourageappearedtobeherstrongpoint。
``Doyouliveinthispartofthecountry？’’sheasked。
``Ilivetenmilesfromhere，eastofOnabasha，’’heanswered。
``DoyouknowHenryJameson？’’
``Bysightandbyreputation。’’
``Didyoueverknowanythingkindorhumaneofhim？’’
``Ineverdid。’’
``MynameisRuthJameson。AtpresentIamindebtedtohimfortheonlyshelterIhave。Hiswifeisillthroughoverworkandworry，andIampayingformybedandwhatIdon’teat，principally，byattemptingherwork。ItscarcelywouldbefairtoUncleHenrytosaythatIdoit。IstaggeraroundaslongasIcanstand，thenIsitthroughhisabuse。Heisapleasantman。
Pleasedon’tthinkIamtellingyouthistoharrowyoursympathyfurther。ThereasonIexplainisbecauseI
amdriven。IfIdonot，youwillmisjudgemewhenI
saythatIonlycanseeyouhere。IunderstoodwhatyoumeantwhenyousaidUncleHenryshouldhaveknownthepriceofginsengifheknewitwasforsale。
Hedid。Heknewwhathecouldgetforit，andwhathemeanttopayme。Thatisoneofhisoriginalmethodswithawoman。IfhethoughtIcouldearnanythingworthwhile，hewouldallowme，ifIkilledmyselfdoingit；andthenhewouldtakethemoneybyforceifnecessary。
SoIcanmeetyouhereonly。IcanearnjustwhatImayinsecret。Hebuyscattleandhorsesandisawayfromhomemuchoftheday，andwhenAuntMollyiscomfortableIcanhaveafewhours。’’
``Iunderstand，’’saidtheHarvester。``Butthisisanaddedhardship。Whydoyouremain？Whysubjectyourselftoforceandworktooheavyforyou？’’
``BecausehisistheonlyroofonearthwhereIfeelI
canpayforallIget。Idon’tcaretodiscussit，Ionlywantyoutosayyouunderstand，ifIaskyoutobringthepamphletshereandtellmehowIcanearnmoney。’’
``Ido，’’saidtheHarvesterearnestly，althoughhisheartwashotinprotest。``YoumaybeverysurethatIwillnotmisjudgeyou。ShallIcomeattwoo’clockto-morrow，MissJameson？’’
``Ifyouwillbesokind。’’
TheHarvestersteppedasideandshepassedhimandcrossingtherifledginsengpatchwenttowardalowbrownfarmhouselyinginanunkeptgarden，besidearaggedhighway。Themansatonthelogshehadvacated，heldhisheadbetweenhishandsandtriedtothink，buthecouldnotforbigwavesofjoythatsweptoverhimwhenherealizedthatatlasthehadfoundher，hadspokenwithher，andhadarrangedameetingforthemorrow。
``Belshazzar，’’hesaidsoftly，``IwishIcouldleaveyoutoprotecther。EverydayyouprovetomethatIneedyou，butHeavenknowshernecessityisgreater。Bel，shemakesmyheartacheuntilitfeelslikejelly。Thereseemstobejustonethingtodo。Getthatfooldebtpaidlikelightning，andliftheroutofherequickerthanthat。Now，wewillgoandseeDoc，andcalloffthewatch-dogsofthelaw。Aheadofthem，aren’twe，Belshazzar？Thereisabetterdaycoming；wefeelitinourbones，don’twe，oldpartner？’’
TheHarvesterstartedthroughthewoodsonarush，andastheexercisewarmedhisheart，hegrewwonderfullyglad。Atlasthehadfoundher。Uncertaintywasover。Ifeveragirlneededahomeandcarehethoughtshedid。Hewassojubilantthathefeltlikecryingaloud，shoutingforjoy，butbyandbytheyearsofsoberrepressionmadetheirweightfelt，soheclimbedintothewagonandpolitelyrequestedBetsytomakeherbesttimetoOnabasha。Betsyhadbeenaskedtomakehastesofrequentlyoflatethatsheatfirstalmostdoubtedthesanityofhermaster，thelawofwhoselife，untilrecently，hadbeentotakehistime。Nowheappearedtobeinhasteeveryday。Shehadbecomesoaccustomedtobeingurgedtohurrythatshealmosthaddevelopedagait；soattheHarvester’ssuggestionshedidherlevelbesttoOnabashaandthehospital，whereshelovedtonoseBelshazzarandrestnearthewateringtapunderabigtree。
TheHarvesterwentdownthehallandintotheofficeontherun，andhisfaceappearedlikeamaterializedembodimentoflivingjoy。DoctorCareyturnedathisapproachandthenboundedhalfwayacrosstheroom，hishandsoutstretched。
``You’vefoundher，David！’’
TheHarvestergrabbedthehandofhisfriendandstoodpumpingitupanddownwhilehegulpedatthelumpinhisthroat，andbigtearssqueezedfromhiseyes，buthecouldonlynodhisproudhead。
``Foundher！’’exultedDoctorCarey。``Reallyfoundher！Wellthat’sgreat！Sitdownandtellme，boy！
Isshesick，aswefeared？Didyouonlyseeherordidyougettotalkwithher？’’
``Wellsir，’’saidtheHarvester，chokingbackhisemotions，``yourememberthatginsengItoldyouaboutgettingontheoldJamesonplacelastnight。To-day，IlearnedI’dlostthathand-mademattockIusemost，andIwentbackforit，andthereshewas。’’
``Inthecountry？’’
``Yessir！’’
``Wellwhydidn’twethinkofitbefore？’’
``Isupposefirstwewouldhavehadtosatisfyourselvesthatshewasn’tintown，anyway。’’
``Sure！Thatwouldbethelogicalwaytogoatit！
Andsoyoufoundher？’’
``Yessir，Ifoundher！JustBelshazzarandI！Iwasgoingalongonmywaytotheplace，andheranpastmeandmadeastiffpoint，andwhenIcameup，thereshewas！’’
``Thereshewas？’’
``Yessir；thereshewas！’’
Theyshookhandsagain。
``Thenofcourseyouspoketoher。’’
``YesIspoketoher。’’
``Wereyoupleased？’’
``Withherspeechandmanner？——yes。But，Doc，ifeverawomanneededeverythingonearth！’’
``Welldidyougetanykindofastartmade？’’
``Icouldn’tdosoverymuch。Ihadtogoalittleslowforfearoffrighteningher，butItriedtogethertocomehereandshewon’tuntiladebtsheowesispaid，andshe’sinnoconditiontowork。’’
``Gotanyideahowmuchitis？’’
``No，butitcan’tbeanylargesum。Itriedtooffertopayit，butshehadnohesitationintellingmeshepreferredowingamansheknewtoastranger。’’
``Wellifsheissoparticular，howdidshecometotellyoufirstthingthatshewasindebt？’’
TheHarvesterexplained。
``OhIsee！’’saidthedoctor。``Wellyou’llhavetobabyheralongwiththeideathatsheisearningmoneyandpayherdoubleuntilyougetthatoffhermind，andwhileyouareatit，putinyourbestlicks，myboy；perkrightupandcourtherlikeahouseafire。Womenlikeit。
Allofthemdo。Theygloryinfeelingthatamaniscrazyaboutthem。’’
``WellI’minsaneenoughoverher，’’saidtheHarvester，``butI’dhatelikethenationforhertoknowit。
Seemsasifawomancouldn’trespectsuchanaddle-pateasIamlately。’’
``Don’tyouworryaboutthat，’’advisedthedoctor。
``Justyoumakelovetoher。Goatitinthegoodold-
fashionedway。’’
``Butmaybethe`goodold-fashionedway’isn’tmyway。’’
``What’sthedifferencewhosewayitis，ifitwins？’’
``ButKiplingsays:`Eachmanmakeslovehisownway！’’’
``Iseemtohaveheardyoumentionthatnamebefore，’’saidthedoctor。``Doyouregardhimasanauthority？’’
``Ido！’’saidtheHarvester。``Especiallywhenheadvisesmeaftermyownheartandreason。MissJamesonisnotasillygirl。She’sawoman，andtwenty-fouratleast。Idon’twanthertocareforatrickorapretence。Idowanthertoloveme。NotthatIamworthherattention，butbecausesheneedssomestrongmanfearfully，andIamreadyandmore`willing’thantheoriginalBarkis。But，likehim，Ihavetoletherknowitinmyway，andcourtheraccordingtothepromptingsofmyheart。’’
``Youdeceiveyourself！’’saidthedoctorflatly。``That’sallbosh！Yourtonguesaysitforthesatisfactionofyourears，anditdoessoundwell。Youwillcourtheraccordingtoyourideasoftheconventions，asyouunderstandthem，andstrictlyinaccordancewithwhatyouconsidertherespectdueher。Ifyouhadfollowedthethingyoucallthe`promptingsofyourheart，’youwouldhavepickedherupbymainforceandbroughthertomybestward，insteadofmerelysuggestingitandgivingupwhenshesaidno。Ifyouhadfollowedyourheart，youwouldhavechokedthenameandamountoutofherandpaidthatdevilishdebt。Youwalkawayinacaselikethat，andthenhavethenervetocomehereandpratetomeaboutfollowingyourheart。I’llwagermylastdollaryourheartissorebecauseyouwerenotallowedtohelpher；butonthepropositionthatyoufolloweditspromptingsIwouldn’tstakeapenny。That’salltommy-rot！’’
``Itis，’’agreedtheHarvester。``Utter！Butwhatcanamando？’’
``Idon’tknowwhatyoucando！I’dhavepaidthatdebtandbroughthertothehospital。’’
``I’llgoandaskMrs。Careyaboutyourcourtship。I
wantherhelponthis，anyway。IcanpickupMissJamesonandbringherhereifanymancan，butsheisnursingasickwomanwhodependssolelyonherforcare。
Sheisaboveaveragesize，andshehasaverydecidedmindofherown。Idon’tthinkyouwoulduseforceanddowhatyouthinkbestforher，ifyouwereinmyplace。Youwouldwaituntilyouunderstoodthesituationbetter，andknewthatwhatyoudidwasforthebest，ultimately。’’
``Idon’tknowwhetherIwouldornot。Onethingissure:I’mmightygladyouhavefoundher。MayI
tellmywife？’’
``Pleasedo！AndaskherifImaydependonherifIneedawoman’shelp。NowI’llcalloffthevaliantpoliceandgohomeandtakeagood，soundsleep。Haven’thadmanysinceIfirstsawher。’’
SoBetsytrotteddownthevalley，uptheembankment，crossedtherailroad，overtheleveeacrossSingingWater，andupthehilltothecabin。Astheypassedit，theHarvesterjumpedfromthewagon，tossedthehitchingstraptoBelshazzar，andentered。Hewalkedstraighttoherdoor，unlockedit，anduncovering，wentinside。
Softlyhepassedfrompiecetopieceofthefurniturehehadmadeforher，andthensurveyedthewallsandfloor。
``Itisn’thalfgoodenough，’’hesaid，``butitwillhavetoansweruntilIcandobetter。SurelyshewillknowItriedandcareforthat，anyway。Iwonderhowlongitwilltakemetogetherhere。Oh，ifIonlycouldknowshewascomfortableandhappy！Happy！Shedoesn’tappearasifsheeverhadheardthatword。Wellthiswillbeagoodplacetoteachher。I’vealwaysenjoyedmyselfhere。I’mgoingtohavefaiththatIcanwinherandmakeherhappyalso。WhenIgotothestabletodomyworkforthenightifIcouldknowshewasinthiscabinandgladofit，andifIcouldhearherdownheresinginglikeahappycare-freegirl，I’dscarcelybeabletoendurethejoyofit。’’
CHAPTERIX
THEHARVESTERGOESCOURTING
``SheisonHenryJameson’sfarm，fourmileswestofOnabasha，’’saidtheHarvester，asheopenedhiseyesnextmorning，andlaidacaressinghandonBelshazzar’shead。``Attwoo’clockwearegoingtoseeher，andwearegoingtoprolongthevisittotheultimatelimit，soweshouldmakethingscountherebeforewestart。’’
Heworkedinamannerthataccomplishedmuch。Thereseemednoendtohisenergythatmorning。Despatchingtheusualroutine，hegatheredtheherbsthatwereready，spreadthemontheshelvesofthedry-house，foundtimetodoseveralthingsinthecabin，andpolishapieceoffurniturebeforeheatehislunchandhitchedBetsytothewagon。Healsohadrecoveredhisvoice，andtalkedalmostincessantlyasheworked。Whenitnearedtimetostarthedressedcarefully。HestoodbeforehisbookcaseandselectedseveralpamphletspublishedbytheDepartmentofAgriculture。Hewenttohisbedsandgatheredalargearmloadofplants。ThenhewasreadytomakehisfirsttriptoseetheDreamGirl，butitneveroccurredtohimthathewasgoingcourting。
Hehaddecidedfullythattherewouldbenousetotrytomakelovetoagirlmanifestlysoillandintrouble。
Thefirstthing，itappearedtohim，wastodispelthedepression，improvethehealth，andthendothelovemaking。So，inthemostbusiness-likemannerpossibleandwithoutashadeofembarrassment，theHarvestertookhisherbsandbooksandstartedfortheJamesonwoods。Attimesashedrovealongheespiedsomethingthatheusedgrowingbesidetheroadandstoppedtosecureaspecimen。
Hecamedowntheriverbankandreachedtheginsengbedathalf-pastone。Hewaspurposelyearly。Helaiddownhisbooksandplants，androlledthelogonwhichshesatthedaybeforetoamoreshadedlocation，whereabigtreewouldserveforabackrest。Hepulledawaybrushandwindfalls，heapeddrybrownleaves，andtrampedthemdownforherfeet。Thenhelaidthebooksonthelog，thearmloadofplantsbesidethem，andwenttotherivertowashhissoiledhands。
Belshazzar’sshortbarktoldhimtheGirlwascoming，andbetweenthetreeshesawthedogracetomeetherandshebenttostrokehishead。Sheworethesamedressandappearedevenpalerandthinner。TheHarvesterhurriedupthebank，wipinghishandsonhishandkerchief。
``Gladtoseeyou！’’hegreetedhercasually。``I’vefixedyouaseatwithabackrestto-day。Don’tbefrightenedatthestackofherbs。Youneedn’tgatherallofthose。Theyareonlysuggestions。Theyarejustcommonroadsideplantsthathavesomemedicinalvalueandareworthcollecting。Pleasetrymydavenport。’’
``Thankyou！’’shesaidasshedroppedonthelogandleanedherheadagainstthetree。Itappearedasifhereyesclosedafewsecondsinspiteofher，andwhiletheywereshuttheHarvesterlookedsteadilyandintentlyonafaceofexquisitebeauty，butsomarredbypallorandlinesofcarethatsearchwasrequiredtorecognizejusthowhandsomeshewas，andifhehadnotseenherinperfectioninthedreamtheHarvestermighthavemissedgloriouspossibilities。Tobringbackthatvisionwouldbeataskworthwhilewashisthought。WiththefirstfaintquiverofaneyelashtheHarvestertookafewstepsandbentoveraplant，andashedidsotheGirl’seyesfollowedhim。
Heappearedsotallandstrong，sobronzedbysummersunandwind，hisfacesokeenandintense，thatswiftfearcaughtherheart。Whywashethere？Whyshouldhetakesomuchtroubleforher？Withdifficultysherestrainedherselffromspringingupandrunningaway。
TurningwiththeplantinhishandtheHarvestersawthepanicinhereyes，andittroubledhisheart。Foraninstanthewasbewildered，thenheunderstood。
``Idon’twantyoutoworkwhenyouarenotable，’’hesaidinhismostmatter-of-factvoice，``butifyoustillthinkthatyouare，I’llbeveryglad。Ineedhelpjustnow，morethanIcantellyou，andthereseemtobesofewpeoplewhocanbetrusted。Gatheringstufffordrugsisreallyveryseriousbusiness。Yousee，I’veareputationtosustainwithsomeofthebiggestlaboratoriesinthecountry，nottomentionthefactthatIsometimestrycompoundinganewremedyforsomecommoncomplaintmyself。IrathertakeprideinthefactthatmystuffgoesinsofreshandcleanthatIalwaysgetanywherefromthreetotencentsapoundabovethelistedpricesforit。I
wantthatmoney，butIwantanunbrokenrecordfordoingajobrightandbeingsquareandcareful，muchmore。’’
Hethoughttheappearanceoffrightwasfading，andatingeofinteresttakingitsplace。Shewaslookingstraightathim，andashetalkedhecouldseehersummoninghertiredforcestounderstandandfollowhim，sohecontinued:
``Onewouldthinkthatasmedicinesarerequiredincasesoflifeanddeath，collectorswoulduseextremecaution，butsomeofthemarecriminallycareless。It’sacommonthingtogatheralmostanyfernformalefern；tothrowinanythingthatwillincreaseweight，towashimperfectly，andcommitmanyothersinsthatliewiththecollector；beyondthatIdon’tliketothink。Isupposetherearemenwhodeliberatelyadulteratepurestufftomakeitgofarther，butwhenitcomestodrugs，Iscarcelycanspeakofitcalmly。Iliketodoathingright。I
raisemostofmyplants，bushes，andherbs。Igatherexactlyinseason，washcarefullyifwaterdarebeused，cleanthemotherwiseifnot，anddrythembyahotairsysteminanevaporatorIbuiltpurposely。EachpackageIputupispurestuff，clean，properlydried，andfresh。IfIcaughtanymanintheactofadulteratinganyofitI’mafraidhewouldgethurtbadly——andusuallyIamapeaceableman。Iamexplainingthistoshowhowverycarefulyoumustbetokeepthingsseparateandcollecttherightplantsifyouaregoingtosellstufftome。Iamextremelyparticular。’’
TheGirlwasleaningtowardhim，watchinghisface，andherswasslowlychanging。Shewasdeeplyinterested，muchimpressed，andmoreatease。WhentheHarvestersawhehadtalkedherintoconfidencehecrossedtheleaves，andsittingonthelogbesideher，pickedupthebooksandopenedone。
``OhIwillbecareful，’’saidtheGirl。``Ifyouwilltrustmetocollectforyou，IwillundertakeonlywhatIamsureIknow，andI’lldoexactlyasyoutellme。’’
``Thereareadozenthingsthatbringapricerangingfromthreetofifteencentsapound，thatareinseasonjustnow。Isupposeyouwouldliketobeginonsomecommon，easythings，thatwillbringthemostmoney。’’
Withoutabreathofhesitationsheanswered，``Iwillcommenceonwhateveryouareshortofandneedmosttohave。’’
TheheartoftheHarvestergavealeapthatalmostchokedhim，forhewasvividlyconsciousofabrokenshoeshewashidingbeneathherskirts。Hewantedtosay``thankyou，’’buthewasafraidto，soheturnedtheleavesofthebook。
``Iamworkingjustnowonmullein，’’hesaid。
``OhIknowmullein，’’shecried，withalmostahintofanimationinhervoice。``Thetall，yellowflowerstemrisingfromacircleofgreenfeltleaves！’’
``Good！’’saidtheHarvester。``Whataprettywaytodescribeit！Doyouknowanymoreplants？’’
``Onlyafew！Ihadahigh-schoolcourseinbotany，butitwasallaboutflowerandleafformation，nothingatallofwhatanythingwasgoodfor。Ialsolearnedafew，drawingthemforleatherandembroiderydesigns。’’
``Lookhere！’’criedtheHarvester。``Icamewithanarmloadofherbsandexpectedtotellyouallaboutfoxglove，mullein，yarrow，jimson，purplethornapple，blessedthistle，hemlock，hoarhound，lobelia，andeverythinginseasonnow；butifyoualreadyhaveaprofession，whydoyouattemptanewone？Whydon’tyougoondrawing？Ineversawanythingsostupidasmostofthedesignsfromnatureforbookcoversanddecorations，leatherworkandpottery。Theyarethesameoldsubjectsworkedoverandover。Ifyoucandrawenoughtomakeoriginalcopies，Icanfurnishyouwithflowers，vines，birds，andinsects，new，unused，andofexquisitebeauty，foreverymonthintheyear。I’velookedintothematteralittle，becauseIamratherhandywithaknife，andIcarvecandlesticksfromsuitablepiecesofwood。Ialwayshavetroublegettingmydesignscopied；securingsomethingnewandunusual，never！Ifyoucandrawjustwellenoughtoreproducewhatyousee，gatheringdrugsistooslowandtiresome。
WhatyouwanttodoistoreproducethesubjectsI
willbring，andI’llbuywhatIwantinmywork，andselltheremainderattheartsandcraftsstoresforyou。