TWORUNAWAYSFROMLONESOME
　　ThedaysofthatAprilhadbeendaysofmistandrain。Sometimes，forhours，therewouldcomeamiracleofbluesky，whitecloud，andyellowlight，butalwaysbetweendarkanddarktherainwouldfallandthemistcreepupthemountainsandsteamfromthetops——onlytorolltogetherfromeitherrange，dripbackintothevalleys，andlift，straightway，asmistagain。Sothat，allthewhileNaturewastryingtogivelustierlifetoeverylivingthinginthelowlandBluegrass，allthewhileagauntskeletonwasstalkingdowntheCumberland——tappingwithfleshlessknuckles，nowatsomeunlovelycottageoffadedwhiteandgreen，andnowatalogcabin，starkandgray。PassingthemouthofLonesome，heflashedhisscytheintoitsunlifeingshadowsandwentstalkingon。Highup，atthesourceofthedismallittlestream，thepointoftheshiningbladedartedthriceintotheopendoorofacabinsetdeepintoashaggyflankofBlackMountain，andthreespirits，within，werequicklyloosedfromachingfleshforthelongflightintotheunknown。
　　Itwasthespiritoftheplaguethatpassed，takingwithitthebreathoftheunluckyandtheunfit：andinthehutonLonesomethreeweredead——agauntmountaineer，agauntdaughter，andagauntson。Later，themother，too，"jes'
　　kindo'gottired，"aslittleChadsaid，andsoontoherwornhandsandfeetcamethewell-earnedrest。NobodywasleftthenbutChadandJack，andJackwasadogwithabellytofeedandwentforlessthannothingwitheverybodybuthislittlemasterandthechancemountaineerwhohadsheeptoguard。So，forthefourthtime，Chad，withJackathisheels，trudgeduptothepointofawoodedspurabovethecabin，where，atthefootofagiantpoplarandunderawildernessofshakingJuneleaves，werethreepilesofroughboards，looselycoveringthreehillocksofrain-beatenearth；and，nearthem，anopengrave。
　　Therewasnoservicesungorspokenoverthedead，forthecircuit-riderwasthenmonthsaway；so，unnoticed，Chadstoodbehindthebigpoplar，watchingtheneighborsgentlyletdownintotheshallowtrenchahome-madecoffin，rudelyhollowedfromthehalfofabee-gumlog，and，unnoticed，slippedawayatthefirstmuffledstrokeofthedirt——doublinghisfistsintohiseyesandstumblingagainstthegnarledbodiesoflaurelandrhododendronuntil，outinaclearsunnyspace，hedroppedonathick，velvetmatofmossandsobbedhimselftosleep。Whenheawoke，Jackwaslickinghisfaceandhesatup，dazedandyawning。Thesunwasdroppingfast，theravineswerefillingwithblueshadows，luminousandmisty，andafardrowsytinklingfromthevalleytoldhimthatcowswerestartinghomeward。Fromhabit，hesprangquicklytohisfeet，but，sharplyconsciousonasudden，droppedslowlybacktothemossagain，whileJack，whohadstarteddownthespur，circledbacktoseewhatthematterwas，andstoodwithupliftedfoot，muchpuzzled。
　　TherehadbeenaconsultationaboutChadearlythatmorningamongtheneighbors，andoldNathanCherry，wholivedoveronStoneCreek，inthenextcovebutone，saidthathewouldtakechargeoftheboy。Nathandidnotwaitfortheburial，butwentbackhomeforhiswagon，leavingwordthatChadwastostayallnightwithaneighborandmeethimatthedeath-strickencabinanhourbysun。TheoldmanmeanttohaveChadboundtohimforsevenyearsbylaw——theboyhadbeentoldthat——andNathanhateddogsasmuchasChadhatedNathan。Sotheladdidnotlielong。Hedidnotmeantobeboundout，nortohaveJackmistreated，andherosequicklyandJacksprangbeforehimdowntherockypathandtowardthehutthathadbeenahometoboth。Underthepoplar，Jacksniffedcuriouslyatthenew-madegrave，andChadcalledhimawaysosharplythatJack'staildroopedandhecrepttowardhismaster，asthoughtoaskpardonforafaultofwhichhewasnotconscious。Foronemoment，Chadstoodlooking。Againthestrokeofthefallingearthsmotehisearsandhiseyesfilled；acuriouspaincaughthimbythethroatandhepassedon，whistling——downintotheshadowsbelowtotheopendoorofthecabin。
　　Itwasdeathlystill。Thehomespunbedclothesandhand-madequiltsofbrilliantcolorshadbeenthrowninaheapononeofthetwobedsofhickorywithes；thekitchenutensils——acraneandafewpotsandpans——hadbeenpiledonthehearth，alongwithstringsofherbsandbeansandredpepper-pods——allreadyforoldNathanwhenheshouldcomeoverforthem，nextmorning，withhiswagon。Notalivingthingwastobeheardorseenthatsuggestedhumanlife，andChadsatdowninthedeepeningloneliness，watchingtheshadowsriseupthegreenwallsthatboundhimin，andwonderingwhatheshoulddo，andwhereheshouldgo，ifhewasnottogotooldNathan；whileJack，whoseemedtoknowthatsomecrisiswascome，settledonhishaunchesalittlewayoff，towait，withperfectfaithandpatience，fortheboytomakeuphismind。
　　Itwasthefirsttime，perhaps，thatChadhadeverthoughtveryseriouslyabouthimself，orwonderedwhohewas，orwhencehehadcome。Diggingbackintohismemoryasfarashecould，itseemedtohimthatwhathadjusthappenednowhadhappenedtohimoncebefore，andthathehadsimplywanderedaway。Hecouldnotrecollectwherehehadstartedfromfirst，buthecouldrecallmanyoftheplaceswherehehadlived，andwhyhehadleftthem——usuallybecausesomebody，likeoldNathan，hadwantedtohavehimboundout，orhadmisusedJack，orwouldnotletthetwostrayoffintothewoodstogether，whentherewasnothingelsetobedone。Hehadstayedlongestwherehewasnow，becausetheoldmanandhissonandhisgirlhadalltakenagreatfancytoJack，andhadletthetwoguardcattleinthemountainsanddrivesheepand，iftheystayedoutinthewoodsovernight，struckneitherastrokeofhandnortongue。Theoldmotherhadbeenhismotherand，oncemore，Chadleanedhisheadagainstthewornlintelandweptsilently。Sofar，nobodyhadseemedtocareparticularlywhohewas，orwasnot——norhadChad。Mostpeoplewereverykindtohim，lookinguponhimasoneofthewanderingwaifsthatonefindsthroughouttheCumberland，uponwhomthegoodfolksofthemountainsdonotvisitthefather'ssin。Heknewwhathewasthoughttobe，anditmatteredsolittle，sinceitmadenodiscriminationagainsthim，thathehadaccepteditwithoutquestion。Itdidnotmatternow，exceptasitboreonthequestionastowhereheshouldstarthisfeet。Itwasalongtimeforhimtohavestayedinoneplace，andtherovingmemories，stirredwithinhimnow，tookroot，doubtless，intherestlessspiritthathadledhisunknownancestorintothosemountainwildsaftertheRevolution。
　　Allthiswhilehehadbeensittingonthelowthreshold，withhiselbowsinthehollowsofhisthighsandhislefthandacrosshismouth。Oncemore，hemeanttobeboundtonoman'sserviceand，atthefinalthoughtoflosingJack，thelibertylovinglittletrampspatoverhishandwithsharpdecisionandrose。
　　Justabovehimandacrossthebuckantlersoverthedoor，layalongflint-lockrifle；abullet-pouch，apowder-horn，andasmallraccoon-skinhaversackhungfromoneoftheprongs：andonthemtheboy'seyesrestedlongingly。OldNathan，heknew，claimedthatthedeadmanhadowedhimmoney；
　　andhefurtherknewthatoldNathanmeanttotakeallhecouldlayhishandsoninpayment：butheclimbedresolutelyuponachairandtookthethingsdown，arguingthequestion，meanwhile：
　　"UncleJimsaidonceheaimedtogivethisrifleguntome。Mebbehewasfoolin'，butIdontbelieveheowedoleNathansomuch，an'，anyways，hemutteredgrimly，"IreckonUncleJimudkindo'likefermetogitthebetterofthatoledevil——jesaLEETLE，anyways。"
　　Therifle，heknew，wasalwaysloaded，therewasnotmuchpowderinthehornandtherewerenotmorethanadozenbulletsinthepouch，buttheywouldlasthimuntilhecouldgetfaraway。Nomorewouldhetake，however，thanwhathethoughthecouldgetalongwith——oneblanketfromthebedand，fromthefireplace，alittlebaconandaponeofcorn-bread"An'IKNOWAuntJanewouldn't'a'keeredabouttheseleetlefixin's，ferI
　　havetohave'em，an'IknowI'veearned'emanyways。"
　　Thenheclosedthedoorsoftlyonthespiritsonthedeadwithin，andcaughttheshort，deerskinlatch-stringtothewoodenpinoutside。WithhisBarlowknife，heswiftlystrippedabarkstringfromapawpawbushnearby，foldedandtiedhisblanket，andwasswingingthelittlepacktohisshoulder，whenthetinkleofacow-bellcamethroughthebushes，closeathand。OldNance，leanandpied，wascominghome；hehadforgottenher，itwasgettinglate，andhewasanxioustoleaveforfearsomeneighbormightcome；buttherewasnoonetomilkand，whenshedrewnearwithalowmoo，hesawthatherudderswerefullanddripping。Itwouldhurthertogounmilked，soChadputhisthingsdownandtookupacedarpigginfromashelfoutsidethecabinanddidthetaskthoroughly——puttingthestrippingsinacupand，sostrongwasthehabitinhim，hurryingwithbothtotherudespring-houseandsettingthemincoolrunningwater。Amomentmoreandhehadhispackandhisrifleononeshoulderandwasclimbingthefenceatthewood-pile。Therehestoppedoncemorewithasuddenthought，andwrenchinglooseashortaxefromthefaceofahickorylog，staggeredundertheweightofhisweaponsupthemountain。Thesunwasyetanhourhighand，onthespur，heleanedhisrifleagainstthebigpoplarandsettoworkwithhisaxeonasaplingcloseby——talkingfranklynowtotheGodwhomadehim：
　　"IreckonYouknowit，butI'ma-goin'torunawaynow。Ihain'tgotnodaddyan'nomammy，an'Ihain'tneverhadnoneasIknows——butAuntJanehyeh——she'sbeenjes'likeamothertomean'I'ma-doin'ferherjes'whutI
　　wishYou'dhavesomebodydofermymother，efYouknowwharshe'sa-layin'。"
　　Eightroundstickshecutswiftly——fourlongandfourshort——andwiththesehebuiltalowpen，asisthecustomofthemountaineers，closeaboutthefreshmound，and，borrowingaboardortwofromeachoftheothermounds，coveredthegravefromtherain。Thenhesunktheaxeintothetrunkofthegreatpoplarashighupashecouldreach——sothatitcouldeasilybeseen——andbrushingthesweatfromhisface，hekneltdown：
　　"God！"hesaid，simply，"Ihain'tnothin'butaboy，butIgottoacklikeamannow。I'ma-goin'now。Idon'tbelieveYoukeermuchandseemslikeIbringever'bodybadluck：an'I'ma-goin'toliveuphyehonthemountainjes'aslongasIcan。IdontwantyoutothinkI'ma-complainin'——ferIain't。Onlyhitdoesseemsorto'curiousthatYou'dletmebedownhych——withmea-keerintfernobodynow，an'nobodya-keerin'ferme。ButThywaysisinscrutable——leastwise，that'swhutthecircuit-ridersays——an'Iain'tgotawordmoretosay——Amen。"
　　ChadrosethenandJack，whohadsatperfectlystill，withhisheadcockedtooneside，andhisearsstraightforwardinwonderoverthisstrangeproceeding，sprangintotheair，whenChadpickeduphisgun，and，withajoyfulbark，circledaclumpofbushesandspedback，leapingashighasthelittlefellow'sheadandtryingtolickhisface——forJackwasarover，too。
　　Thesunwaslowwhenthetwowaifsturnedtheirbacksuponit，andtheblueshadowsinvalleyandravineweredarkeningfast。Downthespurtheywentswiftly——acrosstheriveranduptheslopeofPineMountain。Astheyclimbed，Chadheardthelastfaintsoundofacow-bellfarbelowhimandhestoppedshort，withalumpinhisthroatthathurt。Soondarknessfell，and，ontheverytop，theboymadeafirewithhisflintandsteel，cookedalittlebacon，warmedhiscorn-pone，munchedthemand，wrappinghisblanketaroundhimandlettingJackcurlintothehollowofhislegsandstomach，turnedhisfacetothekindlystarsandwenttosleep。
　　CHAPTER2
　　FIGHTINGTHEIRWAY
　　Twice，duringthenight，JackrousedhimbytryingtopushhimselffartherundertheblanketandChadrosetorebuildthefire。Thethirdtimehewasawakenedbythesubtleprescienceofdawnandhiseyesopenedonaflamingradianceintheeast。Againfromhabithestartedtospringhurriedlytohisfeetand，againsharplyconscious，helaydownagain。Therewasnowoodtocut，nofiretorekindle，nowatertocarryfromthespring，nocowtomilk，nocorntohoe；therewasnothingtodo——nothing。Morningaftermorning，withaday'shardtoilataman'staskbeforehim，whatwouldhenothavegiven，whenoldJimcalledhim，tohavestretchedhisachinglittlelegsdownthefoldsofthethickfeather-bedandslippedbackintothedeliciousrestofsleepanddreams？Nowhewashisownmasterand，withahappysenseoffreedom，hebrushedthedewfromhisfaceand，shiftingthechunkunderhishead，pulledhisoldcapdownalittlemoreononesideandclosedhiseyes。
　　ButsleepwouldnotcomeandChadhadhisfirstwonderovertheperverseresultofthefullchoicetodo，ornottodo。Atonce，thefirstkeensavoroffreedomgrewlesssweettohisnostrilsand，straightway，hebegantofeelthefirstpressureofthechainofdutiesthatwastobeforgedforhimoutofhisperfectliberty，linkbylink，andhelayvaguelywondering。
　　Meanwhile，thelakeofdullredbehindthejaggedlinesofroseandcrimsonthatstreakedtheeastbegantoglowandlookangry。Asheenoffieryvaporshotupwardandspreadswiftlyoverthemiracleofmistthathadbeenwroughtinthenight。Anoceanofitand，whiteandthickassnowdust，itfilledvalley，chasm，andravinewithmysteryandsilenceuptothedarkjuttingpointsanddarkwavinglinesofrangeafterrangethatlookedlikebreakers，surgedupbysomestrangenewlawfromanunder-seaoffoam；motionless，itsweptdownthevalleys，pouredswifttorrentsthroughhighgapsinthehillsandonelongnoiselesscataractoveralesserrange——allsilent，allmotionless，likeagreatwhiteseastilledinthefuryofastorm。Morningaftermorning，theboyhadlookeduponjustsuchglory，calmlywatchingthemistpart，likethewaters，fortheland，andthedaybreak，withonephrase，"Lettherebelight，"everinhismind——forChadknewhisBible。And，mostoften，insoftsplendor，trailingcloud-mist，andyellowlightleapingfromcresttocrest，andinthesingingofbirdsandtheshiningofleavesanddew——therewaslight。
　　ButthatmorningtherewasahushinthewoodsthatChadunderstood。Onasudden，alightwindscurriedthroughthetreesandshoweredthemistdropsdown。Thesmokefromhisfireshotthroughthelowundergrowth，withoutrising，andthestartingmistsseemedtoclutchwithlong，whitefingersatthetree-tops，asthoughloathtoleavethesafe，warmearthfortheupperair。Alittlelater，hefeltsomegreatshadowbehindhim，andheturnedhisfacetoseeblackcloudsmarshallingoneitherflankoftheheavensandfittingtheirblackwingstogether，asthoughtheretreatingforcesofthenightweregatheringforalastsweepagainsttheeast。Aswordflashedblindinglyfromthedomehighabovethemand，afterit，cameoneshakingpealthatmighthavebeenthecommandtocharge，forChadsawtheblackhostsstartfiercely。Afaroff，thewindwascoming；thetreesbegantoswayabovehim，andthelevelseaofmistbelowbegantoswell，andthewoodedbreakersseemedtopitchangrily。
　　Challengingtonguesranquiveringuptheeast，andthelakeofredcoalsunderthembegantoheavefiercelyinanswer。Oneithersidethelightningleapedupwardandforward，strikingstraightandlow，sometimes，asthoughitwererippingupthehorizontoletintotheconflictthehostofdroppingstars。
　　Thentheartilleryofthethundercrashedinearnestthroughtheshakingheavens，andthemistsbelowpitchedlikesmokebelchedfromgiganticunseencannon。Thecomingsunansweredwithupleapingswordsoffireand，astheblackthunderhostssweptoverhead，Chadsaw，foronemoment，thewholeeastinawrithingstormoffire。Athickdarknessrosefromthefirstcrashofbattleand，withtherushofwindandrain，themightyconflictwentonunseen。
　　Chadhadseenotherstormsatsunrise，butsomethinghappenednowandhecouldneverrecalltheothersnoreverforgetthis。Allitmeanttohim，youngashewasthen，wasunrolledslowlyastheyearscameon——morethanthefirstgreatrebellionofthepowersofdarknesswhen，inthebeginning，theMastergavethefirstcommandthatthesevendays'workofHishandshouldfloatthroughspace，smittenwiththewelcomingraysofamillionsuns；morethanthebeginningthusoflight——oflife；moreeventhanthefirstbirthofaspiritinalivingthing：for，longafterward，heknewthatitmeantthedawnofanewconsciousnesstohim——thebirthofanewspiritwithinhim，andtheforeshadowedpainofitsslowmasteryoverhispassion-rackedbodyandheart。
　　Neverwasthereacrisis，bodilyorspiritual，onthebattle-fieldoraloneunderthestars，thatthisstormdidnotcomebacktohim。And，always，throughalldoubt，and，indeed，intheendwhenitcametohimforthelasttimeonhisbedofdeath，theslowandsullendispersionofwindandrainonthemountainthatmorningfar，farbackinhismemory，andthequickcomingoftheSun-king'svictoriouslightoverthegladhillsandtreesheldouttohimthepromiseofafinalvictorytotheSun-king'sKingoverthedarknessofalldeathandthefinalcomingtohisownbravespiritofpeaceandrest。
　　SoChad，withJackdrawnclosetohim，layback，awe-strickenandwithhisfacewetfrommysterioustears。Thecomfortofthechildishself-pitythatcamewitheverythoughtofhimself，wandering，alostspiritalongthemountain-tops，wasgonelikeadreamandreadyinhisheartwasthestrongnewpurposetostrikeintotheworldforhimself。Heeventookitasagoodomen，whenherose，tofindhisfirequenched，thestopperofhispowder-hornout，andthepreciousblackgrainsscatteredhopelesslyonthewetearth。Therewerebarelymorethanthreechargesleft，andsomethinghadtobedoneatonce。First，hemustgetfartherawayfromoldNathan：theneighborsmightsearchforhimandfindhimandtakehimback。
　　Sohestartedout，briskandshivering，alongtheridgepathwithJackbouncingbeforehim。Anhourlater，hecameuponahollowtree，filledwithdotywoodwhichhecouldtearoutwithhishandsandhebuiltafireandbroiledalittlemorebacon。
　　Jackgotonlyabitthistimeandbarkedreproachfullyformore；butChadshookhisheadandthedogstartedout，withbotheyesopen，tolookforhisownfood。Thesunwashighenoughnowtomakethedrenchedworldflashlikeanemeraldanditswarmthfeltgood，asChadtrampedthetopmostedgeofPineMountain，wherethebrushwasnotthickandwhere，indeed，heoftenfoundapathrunningashortwayandturningintosomeravine——thetrailofcattleandsheepandthepathwaybetweenonelittlevalleysettlementandanother。Hemusthavemadetenmilesandmorebynoon——forhewasasturdywalkerandastirelessalmostasJack——andtenmilesisalongwayinthemountains，evennow。So，already，Chadwasfarenoughawaytohavenofearofpursuit，evenifoldNathanwantedhimback，whichwasdoubtful。Onthetopofthenextpoint，JacktreedasquirrelandChadtookarestandbroughthimdown，shotthroughtheheadand，thenandthere，skinnedandcookedhimanddividedwithJacksquarely。
　　"Jack，"hesaid，ashereloadedhisgun，"wecan'tkeepthisupmuchlonger。I
　　hain'tgotmore'ntwomoreloadso'powderhere。"
　　And，thereupon，Jackleapedsuddenlyintheairand，turningquitearound，lightedwithhisnosepointed，asitwasbeforehesprang。Chadcockedtheoldgunandsteppedforward。Alowhissingwhirroseafewfeettoonesideofthepathand，verycarefully，theboyclimbedafallentrunkandedgedhisway，verycarefully，towardthesound：andthere，byadeadlimbandwithhisuglyheadrearedthreeinchesabovehiscoilofsprings，wasarattlesnake。Thesuddenhateintheboy'sfacewascurious——itwasinstinctive，primitive，deadly。Hemustshootoff-handnowandhelookeddownthelongbarrel，shadedwithtin，untilthesightcaughtononeofthebeady，unblinkingeyesandpulledthetrigger。Jackleapedwiththesound，inspiteofChad'syellofwarning，whichwasuseless，fortheballhadgonetrueandthepoisonwassetlooseintheblack，crushedhead。
　　"Jack，"saidChad，"wejustGOTtogodownnow。"
　　Sotheywentonswiftlythroughtheheatoftheearlyafternoon。Itwasverysilentupthere。Nowandthen，abrilliantblue-jaywouldliltfromastuntedoakwiththeflute-likelove-notesofspring；oralonelylittlebrownfellowwouldhopwithalowchirpfromonebushtoanotherasthoughhehadbeenlostupthereforyearsandhadgrownquitehopelessaboutseeinghiskindagain。
　　Whentherewasagapinthemountains，hecouldhearthequerulous，senselesslove-quarrelofflickersgoingonbelowhim；passingadeepravine，thenoteofthewood-thrush——thatshylyristofthehills——mightrisetohimfromadensecovertofmapleandbeech：or，withastartlingcall，ared-crestedcockofthewoodswouldbeathiswhite-stripedwingsfromspurtospur，asthoughhewerekeepingclosetothelongswellsofanunseensea。Severaltimes，apertflickersquattinglikeaknottoadeadlimborthecrimsonplumeofacockofthewoods，asplainasasplashofbloodonawallofvividgreen，temptedhimtoletloosehislastload，buthewithstoodthem。Alittlelater，hesawafreshbear-tracknearaspringbelowtheheadofaravine；and，laterstill，heheardthefar-awaybarkingofahoundandadeerleapedlightlyintoanopensunnyspotandstoodwithupliftedhoofandpointedears。Thiswastoomuchandtheboy'sgunfollowedhishearttohisthroat，butthebuckspranglightlyintothebushandvanishednoiselessly。
　　Thesunhaddroppedmidwaybetweenthezenithandthebluebulksrollingwestwardand，atthenextgap，abroaderpathranthroughitanddownthemountain。This，Chadknew，ledtoasettlementand，withalastlookofchokingfarewelltohisownworld，heturneddown。Atonce，thesenseofpossiblehumancompanionshipwascuriouslypotent：atonce，theboy'shalf-wildmannerchangedand，thoughalertandstillwatchful，hewhistledcheerilytoJack，threwhisgunoverhisshoulder，andwalkederectandconfident。Hispaceslackened。Carelesslynowhisfeettrampedbedsofsoftexquisitemossandlonelittlesettlementsofforget-me-nots，andhislongriflebarrelbrushedlaurelblossomsdowninashowerbehindhim。Onceeven，hepickeduponeoftheprettybellsandlookedidlyatit，turningitbottomupward。Thewaxencupmighthaveblossomedfromatinywaxenstar。Therewasalittlegreenstarforacalyx；abovethis，alittlewhitestarwithitsprongsoutstretched——tinyarmstoholdupthepink-fleckedchalicefortherainanddew。Therecameatimewhenhethoughtofitasastar-blossom；butnowhisgreedytonguesweptthehoneyfromitandhedroppeditwithoutanotherthoughttotheground。Atthefirstspurdownwhichtheroadturned，hecouldseesmokeinthevalley。Thelaurelbloomsandrhododendronbellshunginthickerclustersandofadeeperpink。Hereandtherewasablossomingwildcucumberandanumbrella-treewithhugerflowersandleaves；and，sometimes，agiantmagnoliawithathickcreamyflowerthattheboycouldnothavespannedwithbothhandsandbig，thinovalleaves，aman'sstridefromtiptostem。
　　Soon，hewasbelowthesunlightandinthecoolshadowswherethewaterrannoisilyandtheairhummedwiththewingsofbeesOnthelastspur，hecameuponacowbrowsingonsassafras-bushesrightinthepathandthelastshadowofhislonelinessstraightwaylefthim。Shewasold，mild，andunfearing，andshestarteddowntheroadinfrontofhimasthoughshethoughthehadcometodriveherhome，orasthoughsheknewhewashomelessandwasleadinghimtoshelter。Alittlefartheron，theriverflashedupawelcometohimthroughthetreesandattheedgeofthewater，hermellowbellledhimdownstreamandhefollowed。Inthenexthollow，hestoopedtodrinkfromabranchthatranacrosstheroadand，whenherosetostartagain，hisbarefeetstoppedasthoughrivensuddenlytotheground；for，halfwayupthenextlowslope，wasanotherfigureasmotionlessashis——withabarehead，barefeet，astartledfaceandwideeyes——butmotionlessonlyuntiltheeyesmethis：thentherewasaflashofbrighthairandscarlethomespun，andthelittlefeet，thathadtroddownthecenturiestomeethis，lefttheearthasthoughtheyhadwingsandChadsawthem，inswiftflight，passsilentlyoverthehill。Thenextmoment，Jackcametooneartheoldbrindleand，withasweepofherhornsathimandatossoftailandheelsintheair，she，too，sweptovertheslopeandon，untilthesoundofherbellpassedoutofhearing。Evento-day，inlonelypartsoftheCumberland，thesuddencomingofastrangermayputwomenandchildrentoflight——somethinglikethishadhappenedbeforetoChad——butthesuddendesertionandthesuddensilencedrewhiminaflashbacktothelonelycabinhehadleftandthelonelygravesunderthebigpoplarand，withaquiveringlip，hesatdown。Jack，too，droppedtohishaunchesandsathopeless，butnotforlong。ThechillofnightwascomingonandJackwasgettinghungry。Soherosepresentlyandtrottedaheadandsquattedagain，lookingbackandwaiting。ButstillChadsatirresoluteandinamoment，Jackheardsomethingthatdisturbedhim，forhethrewhisearstowardthetopofthehilland，withagrowl，trottedbacktoChadandsatclosetohim，lookinguptheslope。Chadrosethenwithhisthumbonthelockofhisgunandoverthehillcameatallfigureandashortone，aboutChad'ssizeandadog，withwhitefeetandwhiteface，thatwasbiggerthanJack：andbehindthem，threemorefigures，oneofwhichwasthetallestofthegroup。AllstoppedwhentheysawChad，whodroppedthebuttofhisgunatoncetotheground。Atoncethestrangedog，withalowsnarl，starteddowntowardthetwolittlestrangerswithhisyellowearspointed，thehairbristlingalonghisback，andhisteethinsight。Jackansweredthechallengewithaneagerwhimper，butdroppedhistail，atChad'ssharpcommand——forChaddidnotcaretomeettheworldasanenemy，whenhewaslookingforafriend。Thegroupstooddumbwithastonishmentforamomentandthesmallboy'smouthwaswide-openwithsurprise，butthestrangedogcameonwithhistailrigid，andliftinghisfeethigh。
　　"Begone！"saidChad，sharply，butthedogwouldnotbegone；hestillcameonasthoughbentonafight。
　　"Callyo'dogoff，"Chadcalledaloud。"Mydog'llkillhim。Youbettercallhimoff，"hecalledagain，insomeconcern，butthetallboyinfrontlaughedscornfully。
　　"Let'sseehim，"hesaid，andthesmallonelaughed，too。
　　Chad'seyesflashed——noboycanstandaninsulttohisdog——andthecurvesofhisopenlipssnappedtogetherinastraightredline。"Allright，"hesaid，placidly，and，beingtired，hedroppedbackonastonebythewaysidetoawaitresults。TheverytoneofhisvoicestruckallshacklesofrestraintfromJack，who，withaspringytrot，wentforwardslowly，asthoughheweremakingupadefiniteplanofaction；forJackhadafightingwayofhisown，whichChadknew。
　　"Sickhim，Whizzer！"shoutedthetallboy，andthegroupoffivehurriedeagerlydownthehillandhaltedinahalfcircleaboutJackandChad；sothatitlookedanunevenconflict，indeed，forthetwowaifsfromoverPineMountain。
　　Thestrangedogwasgameandwastednotime。WithaboundhecaughtJackbythethroat，tossedhimseveralfeetaway，andsprangforhimagain。Jackseemedhelplessagainstsuchstrengthandfury，butChad'sfacewasasplacidasthoughithadbeenJackwhowasplayingthewinninggame。
　　Jackhimselfseemedlittledisturbed；hetookhispunishmentwithoutanoutcryofrageorpain。Youwouldhavethoughthehadquietlycometotheconclusionthatallhecouldhopetodowastostandthestrainuntilhisopponenthadwornhimselfout。ButthatwasnotJack'sgame，andChadknewit。Thetallboywaschuckling，andhisbrotherofChad'sagewasbentalmostdoublewithdelight。
　　"Killmydawg，willhe？"hecried，shrilly。
　　"Oh，Lawdy！"groanedthetallone。
　　Jackwasmuchbittenandchewedbythistime，and，whilehispluckandpurposeseemedunchanged，Chadhadrisentohisfeetandwasbeginningtolookanxious。Thethreesilentspectatorsbehindpressedforwardand，forthefirsttime，oneofthese——thetallestofthegroup——spoke：
　　"Takeyo'dawgoff，DawsDillon，"hesaid，withquietauthority；butDawsshookhishead，andthelittlebrotherlookedindignant。
　　"Hesaidhe'dkillhim，"saidDaws，tauntingly。
　　"Yo'dawg'sbiggerandhitain'tfair，"saidtheotheragainand，seeingChad'sworriedlook，hepressedsuddenlyforward；butChadhadbeguntosmile，andwassittingdownonhisstoneagain。Jackhadleapedthistime，withhisfirstgrowlduringthefight，andWhizzergaveasharpcryofsurpriseandpain。Jackhadcaughthimbythethroat，closebehindthejaws，andthebigdogshookandgrowledandshookagain。SometimesJackwasliftedquitefromtheground，butheseemedclampedtohisenemytostay。Indeedheshuthiseyes，finally，andseemedtogoquitetosleep。Thebigdogthreshedmadlyandswungandtwisted，howlingwithincreasingpainandterrorandincreasingweakness，whileJack'sfacewasaspeacefulasthoughhewereapuppyoncemoreandhangingtohismother'sneckinsteadofherbreast，asleep。Byandby，Whizzerceasedtoshakeandbegantopant；and，thereupon，Jacktookhisturnatshaking，gentlyatfirst，butwithmaddeningregularityandwithoutatalllooseninghishold。Thebigdogwastooweaktoresistsoonand，whenJackbegantojerksavagely，Whizzerbegantogasp。
　　"YoutakeYO'dawgoff，"calledDaws，sharply。
　　Chadnevermoved。
　　"Willyousay'noughforhim？"heasked，quietly；andthetalloneofthesilentthreelaughed。
　　"Callhimoff，Itellye，"repeatedDaws，savagely；butagainChadnevermoved，andDawsstartedforaclub。Chad'snewfriendcameforward。
　　"Hol'on，now，hol'on，"hesaid，easily。"Noneo'that，Ireckon。"
　　Dawsstoppedwithanoath。"Whutyougottodowiththis，TomTurner？"
　　"Youstartedthisfight，"saidTom。
　　"Idon'tkeerefIdid——takehimoff，"Dawsanswered，savagely。
　　"Willyousay'noughferhim？"saidChadagain，andagainTallTomchuckled。
　　ThelittlebrotherclinchedhisfistsandturnedwhitewithfearforWhizzerandfuryforChad，whileDawslookedatthetallTurner，shookhisheadfromsidetoside，likeabalkingsteer，anddroppedhiseyes。
　　"Y-e-s，"hesaid，sullenly。
　　"Sayit，then，"saidChad，andthistimeTallTomroaredaloud，andevenhistwosilentbrotherslaughed。AgainDaws，withafuriousoath，startedforthedogswithhisclub，butChad'sallysteppedbetween。
　　"Yousay'nough，DawsDillon，"hesaid，andDawslookedintothequiethalf-smilingfaceandatthestalwarttwogrinningbehind。
　　"Takin'upaginyo'neighborsferawood-colt'airye？"
　　"I'ma-takin'upferwhat'srightandfair。Howdoyouknowhe'sawood-colt——an'supposeheis？Yousay'noughnow，or——"
　　AgainDawslookedatthedogs。Jackhadtakenafreshgripandwasshakingsavagelyandsteadily。Whizzer'stonguewasout——oncehisthroatrattled。
　　"Nough！"growledDaws，angrily，andthewordwashardlyjerkedfromhislipsbeforeChadwasonhisfeetandpryingJack'sjawsapart。"Heain'tmuchhurt，"hesaid，lookingatthebloodyholdwhichJackhadclampedonhisenemy'sthroat，"buthe'da-killedhimthough，heal'aysdoes。Tharain'tnochanceferNOdog，whenJackgitsTHAThold。"
　　Thenheraisedhiseyesandlookedintothequiveringfaceoftheownerofthedog——thelittlefellow——who，withthebellowofayearlingbull，sprangathim。AgainChad'slipstookastraightredlineandbeingononekneewasanadvantage，for，ashesprangup，hegotbothunderholdsandtherewasamightytussle，thespectatorsyellingwithfranticdelight。
　　"Triphim，Tad，"shoutedDaws，fiercely。
　　"Sticktohim，littleun，"shoutedTom，andhisbrothers，stoicalDolphandRube，dancedaboutmadly。Evenwithunderholds，Chad，beingmuchtheshorterofthetwo，hadnoadvantagethathedidnotneed，and，withasharpthud，thetwofiercelittlebodiesstrucktheroadsidebyside，spurtingupacloudofdust。
　　"Dawg——fall！"criedRube，andDolphrushedforwardtopullthecombatantsapart。
　　"Hedon'tfightfair，"saidChad，panting，andrubbinghisrighteyewhichhisenemyhadtriedto"gouge"；"butlemmeathim——Icanfightthataway，too。"
　　TallTomheldthemapart。
　　"You'retoolittle，andhedon'tfightfair。Ireckonyoubettergoonhome——youtwo——an'yo'meandawg，"hesaidtoDaws；andthetwoDillons——theonesullenandtheothercryingwithrage——movedawaywithWhizzerslinkingclosetothegroundafterthem。Butatthetopofthehillbothturnedwithbanteringyells，derisivewrigglingoftheirfingersattheirnoses，andwithotherrudegestures。And，thereupon，DolphandRubewantedtogoafterthem，butthetallbrotherstoppedthemwithaword。
　　"That'saboutallthey'refitfer，"hesaid，contemptuously，andheturnedtoChad。
　　"Wharyoufrom，littleman，an'wharyougoin'，an'whatmoughtyo'namebe？"
　　Chadtoldhisname，andwherehewasfrom，andstopped。
　　"Wharyougoin'？"saidTomagain，withoutawordorlookofcomment。
　　Chadknewthedisgraceandthesuspicionthathisanswerwaslikelytogenerate，buthelookedhisquestionerinthefacefearlessly。
　　"Idon'tknowwharI'mgoin'。"
　　Thebigfellowlookedathimkeenly，butkindly。
　　"Youain'tlyin'an'Ireckonyoubettercomewithus。"Heturnedforthefirsttimetohisbrothersandthetwonodded。
　　"Youan'yo'dawg，thoughMammydon'tlikedawgsmuch；butyouairastrangeran'youain'tafeerd，an'youcanfight——youan'yo'dawg——an'IknowDad'lltakeyebothin。"
　　SoChadandJackfollowedthelongstridesofthethreeTurnersoverthehillandtothebendoftheriver，wherewerethreelongcanefishing-poleswiththeirbuttsstuckinthemud——thebrothershadbeenfishing，whentheflyingfigureofthelittlegirltoldthemofthecomingofastrangerintothoselonelywilds。Takingtheseup，theystrodeon——ChadafterthemandJacktrotting，incheerfulconfidence，behind。ItisprobablethatJacknoticed，assoonasChad，theswirlofsmokerisingfromabroadravinethatspreadintobroadfields，skirtedbythegreatsweepoftheriver，forhesniffedtheairsharply，andtrottedsuddenlyahead。ItwasacheeringsightforChad。Twonegroslaveswerecomingfromworkinacorn-fieldcloseby，andJack'shairrosewhenhesawthem，and，withagrowl，heslunkbehindhismaster。Dazed，Chadlookedatthem。
　　"Whut'vethemfellersgotontheirfaces？"heasked。Tomlaughed。
　　"Hain'tyounuverseedaniggerafore？"heasked。
　　Chadshookhishead。
　　"Lotso'folksfromyo'sideo'themountainsnuverhaveseedanigger，"saidTom。"Sometimeshitskeers'em。"
　　"Hitdon'tskeerme，"saidChad。
　　Atthegateofthebarn-yard，inwhichwasalongstablewithadeeplyslopingroof，stoodtheoldbrindlecow，whoturnedtolookatJack，and，asChadfollowedthethreebrothersthroughtheyardgate，hesawaslimscarletfigurevanishswiftlyfromtheporchintothehouse。
　　Inafewminutes，Chadwasinsidethebiglogcabinandbeforeabiglog-fire，withJackbetweenhiskneesandturninghissofthumaneyeskeenlyfromonetoanotherofthegroupabouthislittlemaster，tellinghowthemountaincholerahadcarriedoffthemanandthewomanwhohadbeenfatherandmothertohim，andtheirchildren；atwhichtheoldmothernoddedherheadingrowingsympathy，forthereweretwofreshmoundsinherowngraveyardonthepointofalowhillnotfaraway；howoldNathanCherry，whomhehated，hadwantedtobindhimout，andhow，ratherthanhaveJackmistreatedandhimselfbeill-used，hehadrunawayalongthemountain-top；howhehadsleptonenightunderalogwithJacktokeephimwarm；howhehadeatensassafrasandbirchbackandhadgottendrinkfromthegreenwater-bulbsofthewildhoneysuckle；
　　andhow，onthesecondday，beinghungry，andwithoutpowderforhisgun，hehadstarted，whenthesunsank，fortheshadowsofthevalleyatthemouthofKingdomCome。Beforehewasdone，theoldmotherknockedtheashesfromherclaypipeandquietlywentintothekitchen，andJack，forallhisgoodmanners，couldnotrestrainawhineofeagernesswhenheheardthecrackleofbaconinafrying-panandthedelicioussmellofitstruckhisquiveringnostrils。Afterdark，oldJoel，thefatherofthehouse，camein——agiantinsizeandamightyhunter——andheslappedhisbigthighsandroareduntiltheraftersseemedtoshakewhenTallTomtoldhimaboutthedog-fightandtheboy-fightwiththefamilyinthenextcove：foralreadytheclanshipwasformingthatwastoaddthelasthorrortothecominggreatwarandprolongthathorrorfornearlyhalfacenturyafteritsclose。
　　Byandby，thescarletfigureoflittleMelissacameshylyoutofthedarkshadowsbehindanddrewshylycloserandcloser，untilshewascrouchedinthechimneycornerwithherfaceshadedfromthefirebyonehandandatangleofyellowhair，listeningandwatchinghimwithherbig，solemneyes，quitefearlessly。Alreadythehousewasfullofchildrenanddependents，butnowordpassedbetweenoldJoelandtheoldmother，fornowordwasnecessary。Twowaifswhohadsosufferedandwhocouldsofightcouldhaveahomeunderthatroofiftheypleased，forever。AndChad'ssturdylittlebodylaydeepinafeather-bed，andthefriendlyshadowsfromabigfireplaceflickeredhardlythriceoverhimbeforehewasasleep。AndJack，forthatnightatleast，wasallowedtocurlupbythecoveredcoals，orstretchouthistiredfeet，ifhepleased，toawarmththatinallthenightsofhislife，perhaps，hehadneverknownbefore。
　　CHAPTER3。A"BLABSCHOOL"ONKINGDOMCOME
　　Chadwasawakenedbythetouchofacoldnoseathisear，theraspofawarmtongueacrosshisface，andthetugoftwopawsathiscover。Gitdown，Jack！"
　　hesaid，andJack，withawhimperofsatisfaction，wentbacktothefirethatwasroaringupthechimney，andadeepvoicelaughedandcalled：
　　"IreckonyoubettergitUP，littleman！"
　　OldJoelwasseatedatthefirewithhishugelegscrossedandapipeinhismouth。Itwasbeforebusilyastir。Therewasthesoundoftrampinginthefrostyairoutsideandthenoiseofgettingbreakfastreadyinthekitchen。AsChadsprangup，hesawMelissa'syellowhairdropoutofsightbehindthefootofthebedinthenextcorner，andheturnedhisfacequickly，and，slippingbehindthefootofhisownbedandintohiscoatandtrousers，wassoonatthefirehimself，witholdJoellookinghimoverwithshrewdkindliness。
　　"Yo'dawg'sgotaheapo'sense，"saidtheoldhunter，andChadtoldhimhowoldJackwas，andhowacattle-buyerfromthe"settlements"oftheBluegrasshadgivenhimtoChadwhenJackwasbadlyhurtandhisownerthoughthewasgoingtodie。AndhowChadhadnursedhimandhowthetwohadalwaysbeentogethereversince。Throughthedoorofthekitchen，Chadcouldseetheoldmotherwithhercraneandpotsandcooking-pans；outside，hecouldhearthemoooftheoldbrindle，thebleatofhercalf，thenickerofahorse，onelustysheep-call，andthehungrybellowofyoungcattleatthebarn，whereTallTomwasfeedingthestock。PresentlyRubestampedinwithabacklogandDolphcamethroughwithamilk-pail。
　　"Icanmilk，"saidChad，eagerly，andDolphlaughed。
　　"Allright，I'llgiveyeachance，"hesaid，andoldJoellookedpleased，foritwasplainthatthelittlestrangerwasnotgoingtobeadroneinthehousehold，and，takinghispipefromhismouthbutwithoutturninghishead，hecalledout：
　　"Gitupthar，Melissy。"
　　Gettingnoanswer，helookedaroundtofindMelissastandingatthefootofthebed。
　　"Comeheretothefire，littlegal，nobody'sagointoeatye。"
　　Melissacameforward，twistingherhandsinfrontofher，andstood，rubbingonebarefootovertheotheronthehearth-stones。SheturnedherfacewithablushwhenChadsuddenlylookedather，and，thereafter，thelittlemangazedsteadilyintothefireinordertoembarrasshernomore。
　　Withthebreakingoflightoverthemountain，breakfastwasoverandtheworkofthedaybegan。Tomwasofftohelpaneighbor"snake"logsdownthemountainandintoKingdomCome，wheretheywouldbe"rafted"andfloatedondowntherivertothecapital——ifasummertideshouldcome——tobeturnedintofinehousesforthepeopleoftheBluegrass。DolphandRubedisappearedatoldJoel'sorderto"gomeetthemsheep。"Melissahelpedhermotherclearawaythetableandwashthedishes；andChad，outofthetailofhiseye，sawhersurreptitiouslyfeedinggreedyJack，whileoldJoelstillsatbythefire，smokingsilently。Chadsteppedoutside。Theairwaschill，butthemistswererisingandalongbandofrich，warmlightlayoveraslopingspuruptheriver，andwherethismetthebluemorningshadows，thedewwasbeginningtodripandtosparkle。Chadcouldnorstandinactionlong，andhiseyelightedupwhenheheardagreatbleatingatthefootofthespurandtheshoutsofmenandboys。Justthentheoldmothercalledfromtherearofthecabin。
　　"Joel，themsheepaircomin'！"
　　ThebigformoftheoldhunterfilledthedoorwayandJackboundedoutbetweenhislegs？whilelittleMelissaappearedwithtwobooks，readyforschool。Downtheroadcametheflockofleanmountain-sheep，DolphandRubedrivingthem。
　　Behind，slouchedtheDillontribe——DawsandWhizzerandlittleTad；Daws'sfather，oldTad，long，lean！stooping，crafty：andtwonewonescousinstoDaws——JakeandJerry，thegianttwins。"JoelTurner，"saidoldTad，sourly，"here'syo'sheep！"
　　JoelhadboughttheDillons'sheepandmeanttodrivethemtothecounty-seattenmilesdowntheriver。Therehadevidentlybeenadisagreementbetweenthetwowhenthetradewasmade，forJoelpulledoutagraypouchofcoonskin，tookfromitarollofbills，and，withoutcountingthem，heldthemout。
　　"TadDillon，"hesaid，shortly，"here'syo'money！
　　TheDillonfathergavepossessionwithagestureandtheDillonfaction，includingWhizzerandthegianttwins，drewasidetogether——thefathermorose；
　　DawswatchingDolphandRubewithalookofmuchmeanness；littleTadbehindhim，watchingChad，hisfacescrewedupwithhate；andWhizzer，pretendingnottoseeJack，butdartingasurreptitiousglanceathimnowandthen，forthenandtherewasstartingafeudthatwastorunfiercelyon，longafterthewarwasdone。
　　"Gitmyhoss，Rube，"saidoldJoel，andRubeturnedtothestable，whileDolphkeptaneyeonthesheep，whichwerelyingontheroadorstragglingdowntheriver。AsRubeopenedthestable-door，adirtywhiteobjectboundedout，andRube，withaloudcurse，tumbledoverbackwardintothemud，whileafierceoldramdashedwithatriumphantbleatfortheopengate。Beelzebub，astheTurnermotherhadchristenedthemischievousbrute，hadbeenplacedinthewrongstallandBeelzebubwasmakingforfreedom。HegaveanothertriumphantbaaashesweptbetweenDolph'slegsandthroughthegate，and，withanansweringchorus，thesillysheepsprangtotheirfeetandfollowed。Asheephateswater，butnotmorethanhelovesaleader，andBeelzebubfearednothing。Straightforthewaterofthelowfordtheoldconquerormadeand，inthewakeofhismasterfulsummons，theflockswept，likeaMormonhousehold，afterhim。Thenwasthereacommotionindeed。OldJoelshoutedandswore；
　　DolphshoutedandsworeandRubeshoutedandswore。OldDillonsmiledgrimly，DawsandlittleTadshoutedwithderisivelaughter，andthebigtwinsgrinned。
　　Themothercametothedoor，broominhand，and，withafrowningface，watchedthesheepsplashthroughthewaterandintothewoodsacrosstheriver。LittleMelissalookedfrightened。Whizzer，losinghishead，hadrundownafterthesheep，barkingandhasteningtheirflight，untilcalledbackwithamightycursefromoldJoel，whileJacksatonhishauncheslookingatChadandwaitingfororders。
　　"Goddlemighty！"saidJoel，"howairwegoin'togitthemsheepback？"Upanduprosethebleatingandbaaing，forBeelzebub，liketheprinceofdevilsthathewas，seemedbentonmakingallthemischiefpossible。
　　"HowAIRwegoin'togit'emback？"
　　Chadnoddedthen，andJackwithaneageryelpmadefortheriver——Whizzerathisheels。AgainoldJoelyelledfuriously，asdidDolphandRube，andWhizzerstoppedandturnedbackwithadroopingtail，butJackplungedin。HeknewbutonevoicebehindhimandChad'swasnotinthechorus。
　　"Callyo'dawgback，boy，"saidJoel，sternly，andChadopenedhislipswithanythingbutacallforJacktocomeback——itwasinsteadafinehighyellofencouragementandoldJoelwasspeechless。
　　"Thatdawg'llkillthemsheep，"saidDawsDillonaloud。
　　Joel'sfacewasredandhiseyesrolled。
　　"Callthatdamnedfeistback，Itellye，"heshoutedatlast。"Hyeh，Rube，gitmygun，gitmygun！"
　　Rubestartedforthehouse，butChadlaughed。Jackhadreachedtheotherbanknow，andwasflashinglikeaballofgraylightthroughtheweedsandupintothewoods；andChadslippeddownthebankandintotheriver，hieinghimonexcitedly。
　　Joelwasbesidehimselfandhe，too，lumbereddowntotheriver，followedbyDolph，whiletheDillonsroaredfromtheroad。
　　"Boy！"heroared。"Eh，boy，eh！what'shisname，Dolph？Callhimback，Dolph，callthelittledevilback。IfIdon'twearhimoutwithahickory；hollerfer'em，damn'em！Heh-o-oo-ee！"Theoldhunter'sbellowrangthroughthewoodslikeadinner-horn。Dolphwasshouting，too，butJackandChadseemedtohavegonestone-deaf；andRube，whohadrundownwiththegun，startedwithanoathintotheriverhimself，butJoelhaltedhim。
　　"Hol'on，hol'on！"hesaid，listening。"Bytheeternal，he'sa-roundin''emup！"Thesheepwereevidentlymuchscattered，tojudgefromthebleating，buthere，there，andeverywhere，theycouldhearJack'sbark，whileChadseemedtohavestoppedinthewoodsand，fromoneplace，wasshoutingorderstohisdog。
　　Plainly，Jackwasnosheep-killerandbyandbyDolphandRubeleftoffshouting，andoldJoel'sfacebecameplacidandallofthemfromswearinghelplesslyfelltowaitingquietly。Soonthebleatingbecamelessandless，andbegantoconcentrateonthemountain-side。Notfarbelow，theycouldhearChad：
　　Coo-oo-sheep！Coo-oo-sh'p-cooshy-cooshy-coo-oo-sheep！"
　　Thesheepwereanswering。Theywerecomingdownaravine，andChad'svoicerangoutabove：
　　"Somebodycomeacross，an'standoneachsideo'theholler。"
　　DolphandRubewadedacrossthen，andsoonthesheepcamecrowdingdownthenarrowravinewithJackbarkingbehindthemandChadshooingthemdown。ButforDolphandRube，Beelzebubwouldhaveledthemupordowntheriver，anditwashardworktogethimintothewateruntilJack，whoseemedtoknowwhatthematterwas，sharplynippedseveralsheepnearhim。Thesesprangviolentlyforward，thewholeflockinfrontpushedforward，too，andBeelzebubwasthrustfromthebank。Nothingelsebeingpossible，theoldramsettledhimselfwithasnortintothewaterandmadefortheothershore。ChadandJackfollowedand，whentheyreachedtheroad，Beelzebubwasagainaprisoner；thesheep，swollenlikesponges，werestragglingdowntheriver，andDillonsandTurnerswerestandingaroundinsilence。Jackshookhimselfanddroppedpantinginthedustathismaster'sfeet，withoutsomuchasanupwardglanceoraliftofhisheadforapatofpraise。AsoldJoelraisedonefootheavilytohisstirrup，hegrunted，quietly：
　　"Well，Ibedamned。"Andwhenhewascomfortablyinhissaddlehesaidagain，withunction：
　　"IDObedamned。I'lljusttakethatdawgtohelpdrivethemsheepdowntotown。Comeon，boy。"
　　Chadstartedjoyfully，buttheoldmothercalledfromthedoor："Who'sa-goin'
　　totakethisgaltoschool，I'dliketoknow？"
　　OldJoelpulledinhishorse'straightenedoneleg，andlookedallaround——firstattheDillons，whohadstartedaway，thenatDolphandRube，whoweremovingdeterminedlyafterthesheepitwasCourtDayintownandtheycouldnotmissCourtDay，andthenatChad，whohalted。
　　"Boy，"hesaid，"don'tyouwanttogotoschool——yououghttogotoschool？"
　　"Yes，"saidChad，obediently，thoughthetriptotown——andChadhadneverbeentoatown——wasasoretemptation。
　　"Goon，then，an'telltheteacherIsentye。Here，Mammy——eh，what'syo'
　　name，boy？Oh，Mammy——Chad，here'lltakeher。Takegoodkeero'thatgal，boy，an'learnyo'a-b-abslikeamannow。"
　　MelissacameshylyforwardfromthedoorandJoelwhistledtoJackandcalledhim，butJackthoughhelikednothingbetterthantodrivesheeplaystill，lookingatChad。
　　"Go'long，Jack，"saidChad，andJacksprangupandwasoff，thoughhestoppedagainandlookedback，andChadhadtotellhimagaintogoon。Inamomentdog，men，andsheepweremovinginacloudofdustaroundabendintheroadandlittleMelissawasatthegate。
　　"Takegoodkeerof'Lissy，"saidthemotherfromtheporch，kindly；andChad，curiouslytouchedallatoncebythetrustshownhim，stalkedaheadlikealittlesavage，whileMelissawithherbasketfollowedsilentlybehind。Theboyneverthoughtoftakingthebaskethimselfthatisnotthewayofmenwithwomeninthehillsandnotoncedidhelookaroundorspeakonthewayuptheriverandpasttheblacksmith'sshopandthegrist-milljustbeyondthemouthofKingdomCome；butwhentheyarrivedatthelogschool-houseitwashisturntobeshyandhehungbacktoletMelissagoinfirst。Within，therewasnofloorbutthebareearth，nowindowbutthecracksbetweenthelogs，andnodesksbuttheflatsidesofslabs，heldupbywobblingpegs。Ononesideweregirlsinlinseyandhomespunsomethin，undersized，underfed，andwithweak，dispiritedeyesandyellowtousledhair；others，round-faced，round-eyed，dark，andsturdy；mostofthemlarge-waistedandround-shouldered——especiallytheolderones——fromworkinthefields；but，nowandthen，onelikeMelissa，thedaughterofavalleyfarmer，erect，agile，spirited，intelligent。Ontheothersideweretheboys，inphysicalcharacteristicsthesameandsuggestingthesamesocialdivisions：atthetopthefarmer——nowandthenaslave-holderandperhapsofgentleblood——whohaddroppedbythewayonthewestwardmarchofcivilizationandhadclearedsomerichriverbottomandaneighboringsummitofthemountains，wherehesenthissheepandcattletograze；whereacreekopenedintothisvalleysomefree-settler，whosegrandfatherhadfoughtatKing'sMountain——usuallyofScotch-Irishdescent，oftenEnglish，butsometimesGermanorsometimesevenHuguenot——wouldhavehisrudehomeoflogs；
　　underhim，andinwretchedcabinsattheheadofthecreekoronthewashedspurofthemountainabove，orinsome"deadenin"'stillhigherupandsweptbymistsandlow-trailingclouds，thepoorwhitetrash——worthlessdescendantsoftheservileandsometimescriminalclasswhomighthavetracedtheiroriginbacktotheslumsofLondonhand-to-mouthtenantsofthevalley-aristocrat，hewersofwoodforhiminthelowlandsanduplandguardiansofhiscattleandsheep。Andfinally，walkingupanddowntheearthfloor——sternandsmoothoffaceandofapreternaturaldignityhardlytobefoundelsewhere——themountainschool-master。
　　Itwasa"blabschool，"asthemountaineerscharacterizeaschoolinwhichthepupilsstudyaloud，andthedroningchorusasshrillaslocustcriesceasedsuddenlywhenChadcamein，andeveryeyewasturnedonhimwithasexlessgazeofcuriositythatmadehisfacereddenandhisheartthrob。Butheforgotthemwhentheschool-masterpiercedhimwitheyesthatseemedtoshootfromunderhisheavybrowslikeastronglightfromdeepdarkness。Chadmetthem，nordidhischindroop，andCalebHazelsawthattheboy'sfacewasfrankandhonest，andthathiseyewasfearlessandkind，and，withoutquestion，hemotionedtoaseat——withonewaveofhishandsettingChadonthecornerofaslabandthestudiousdronetovibratingagain。Whentheboyventuredtoglancearound，hesawDawsDilloninonecorner，makingafaceathim，andlittleTadscowlingfrombehindabook：andontheotherside，amongthegirls，hesawanotherhostileface——nextlittleMelissawhichhadthepointedchinandthenarroweyesofthe"Dillonbreed，"asoldJoelcalledthefamily，whosefarmwasatthemouthofKingdomComeandwhoseboundarytouchedhisown。Whenthefirstmorningrecesscame"littlerecess，"asitwascalled——themasterkeptChadinandaskedhimhisname；ifhehadeverbeentoschool，andwhetherheknewhisABC's；andheshowednosurprisewhenChad，withoutshame，toldhimno。SothemastergotMelissa'sspelling-bookandpointedoutthefirstsevenlettersofthealphabet，andmadeChadrepeatthemthreetimes——watchingtheboy'searnest，wrinklingbrowcloselyandwithgrowinginterest。Whenschool"tookup"again，Chadwastoldtosaythemaloudinconcertwiththeothers——whichhedid，untilhecouldrepeatthemwithoutlookingathisbook，andthemastersawhimthussayingthemwhilehiseyesrovedaroundtheroom，andhenoddedtohimselfwithsatisfaction——forhewasaccustomedtovisiblecommunionwithhimself，inschoolandout。Atnoon——"bigrecess"MelissagaveChadsomecorn-breadandbacon，andtheboysgatheredaroundhim，whilethegirlslookedathimcuriously，merelybecausehewasastranger，andsomeofthem——especiallytheDillongirl——whispered，andChadblushedandwasuncomfortable，foroncetheDillongirllaughedunkindly。Theboyshadnogames，buttheyjumpedandthrew"rocks"withgreataccuracyatalittlebirch-tree，andDawsandTadalwaysspatontheirstonesandpointedwithheforefingerofthelefthandfirstatwhattheyweregoingtothrowat，whileChadsattoonesideandtooknopart，thoughhelongedtoshowthemwhathecoulddo。Byandbytheyfelltowrestling，andfinallyTadbanteredhimforatrial。Chadhesitated，andhislateenemymisunderstood。
　　"I'llgiveyebothunderholtsagin，"hesaid，loftily，"you'reafeerd！"
　　Thiswastoomuch，andChadsprangtohisfeetandgrappled，disdainingtheprofferedadvantage，andgothurledtotheground，hisheadstrikingtheearthviolently，andmakinghimsodizzythatthebravesmilewithwhichhetookhisfalllookedrathersicklyandpathetic。
　　"Yes，an'Whizzercanwhoopyo'dawg，too，"saidTad，andChadsawthathewasgoingtohavetroublewiththoseDillons，forDawswinkedattheotherboys，andtheDillongirllaughedagainscornfully——atwhichChadsawMelissa'seyesflashandherhandsclinchas，quiteunconsciously，shemovedtowardhimtotakehispart；andallatoncehewasgladthathehadnobodyelsetochampionhim。
　　"Youwouldn'daretechhimifoneofmybrotherswashere，"shesaid，indignantly，"an'dontyoudaretechhimagain，TadDillon。Anyou——shesaid，witheringly，"you——"sherepeatedandstoppedhelplessforthewantofwordsbuthereyesspokewiththefierceauthorityoftheTurnerclan，anditsdominantpowerforhalfacentury，andNancyDillonshrank，thoughsheturnedandmadeaspitefulface，whenMelissawalkedtowardtheschool-housealone。
　　ThatafternoonwasthelongestofChad'slife——itseemedasthoughitwouldnevercometoanend；forChadhadneversatsostillforsolong。Histhroatgotdryrepeatingthedrearyroundoflettersoverandoverandhisheadachedandhefidgetedinhischairwhiletheslowhourspassedandthesunwentdownbehindthemountainandlefttheschool-houseinrapidlycoolingshadow。Hisheartleapedwhenthelastclasswasheardandthesignalwasgiventhatmeantfreedomforthelittleprisoners；butMelissasatpoutinginherseat——shehadmissedherlessonandmustbekeptinforawhile。SoChad，too，kepthisseatandthemasterheardhimsayhisletters，withoutthebook，andnoddedhisheadasthoughtosaytohimselfthatsuchquicknesswasexactlywhathehadlookedfor。BythetimeChadhadlearneddowntotheletter0，Melissawasready，forshewasquick，too，anditwasherangerthatmadehermiss——andthetwostartedhome，Chadstalkingaheadoncemore。Tosavehim，hecouldnotsayawordofthanks，buthowhewishedthatabearorawild-catwouldspringintotheroad！Hewouldfightitwithteethandnakedhandstoshowherhowhefeltandtosaveherfromharm。
　　ThesunlightstilllaywarmandyellowfarunderthecrestofPineMountain，andtheyhadnotgonefarwhenCalebHazelovertookthemandwithlongstridesforgedahead。Theschool-master"boardedaround"anditwashisweekwiththeTurners，andChadwasglad，forhealreadylovedthetall，gaunt，awkwardmanwhoaskedhimquestionafterquestionsokindly——lovedhimasmuchashereveredandfearedhim——andtheboy'sartless，sturdyanswersinturnpleasedCalebHazel。AndwhenChadtoldwhohadgivenhimJack，themasterbegantotalkaboutthefaraway，curiouscountryofwhichthecattle-dealerhadtoldChadsomuch：wherethelandwaslevelandtherewerenomountainsatall；
　　whereononefarmmightbemoresheep，cattle，andslavesthanChadhadseeninallhislife；wherethepeoplelivedinbighousesofstoneandbrick——whatbrickwasChadcouldnotimagine——androdealonghard，whiteroadsinshinycoveredwagons，withtwo"niggers"onahighseatinfrontandonelittle"nigger"behindtoopengates，andwereproudandveryhigh-heeledindeed；
　　wherethereweretownsthathadmorepeoplethanawholecountyinthemountains，withrockroadsrunningthroughthemineverydirectionandnarrowrockpathsalongtheseroads——likerowsofhearth-stones——forthepeopletowalkon——thelandofthebluegrass——the"settlemintsofoldKaintuck。"
　　Andtherewerechurcheseverywhereastallastreesandschool-housesa-plenty；andbigschools，calledcolleges，towhichtheboyswentwhentheywerethroughwiththelittleschools。Themasterhadgonetooneofthesecollegesforayear，andhewastryingtomakeenoughmoneytogoagain。AndChadmustgosomeday，too；therewasnoreasonwhyheshouldn't，sinceanyboycoulddoanythinghepleasedifheonlymadeuphismindandworkedhardandnevergaveup。Themasterwasanorphan，too，hesaidwithaslowsmile；
　　hehadbeenanorphanforalongwhile，andindeedthelonelystruggleofhisownboyhoodwaswhatwashelpingtodrawhimtoChad。Thiscollege，hesaid，wasahugebrownhouseasbigasacliffthatthemasterpointedout，that，grayandsolemn，toweredhighabovetheriver；andwitharockporchbiggerthanagreatbowlderthathungjustunderthecliff，withtwentylong，longstonestepstoclimbbeforeonecametothebigdoublefrontdoor"Howdoyougitthar？"ChadaskedsobreathlesslythatMelissalookedquicklyupwithasuddenforebodingthatshemightloseherlittleplayfellowsomeday。Themasterhadwalked，andittookhimaweek。Agoodhorsecouldmakethetripinfourdays，andtheriver-menfloatedlogsdowntherivertothecapitalineightortendays，accordingtothe"tide。""Whendidtheygo？Inthespring，whenthe'tides'came。TheTurnerswentdown，didn'tthey，Melissa？"AndMelissasaidthatherbrotherTomhadmadeonetrip，andthatDolphandRubewere"might'nighcrazy"togothatcomingspring；and，thereupon，amightyresolutionfilledChad'shearttothebrimandsteadiedhiseyes，buthedidnotopenhislipsthen。
　　DuskwassettlingwhentheTurnercabincameinsight。Noneofthemen-folkshadcomehomeyet，andthemotherwasworried；therewaswoodtocutandthecowstomilk，andChad'sfriend，oldBetseythebrindle，hadstrayedoffagain；butshewasgladtoseeCalebHazel，who，withoutaword，wentouttothewood-pile，tookoffhiscoat，andswungtheaxewithmightyarms，whileChadcarriedinthewoodandpileditinthekitchenandthenthetwowentaftertheoldbrindletogether。
　　Whentheygotbacktherewasagreattumultatthecabin。Tomhadbroughtsomefriendsfromoverthemountain，andhadtoldtheneighborsashecamealongthattherewasgoingtobeapartyathishousethatnight。
　　SotherewasagreatbustleaboutthebarnwhereRubewasgettingthestockfedandthemilkingdone；andaroundthekitchen，whereDolphwascuttingmorewoodandpilingitupatthedoor。Inside，themotherwashurryingupsupperwithSintha，anolderdaughter，whohadjustcomehomefromavisit，andMelissahelpingher，whileoldJoelsatbythefireinthesleeping-roomandsmoked，withJacklyingonthehearth，oranywherehepleased，forJack，withhisgentleways，waswinningthehouseholdonebyone。HesprangupwhenheheardChad'svoice，andflewathim，jumpingupandpawinghimaffectionatelyandlickinghisfacewhileChadhuggedhimandtalkedtohimasthoughhewerehumanandabrother；neverbeforehadthetwobeenseparatedforaday。So，whilethemasterhelpedRubeatthebarnandChadhelpedDolphatthewood-pile，Jackhungabouthismaster——tiredandhungryashewasandmuchashewantedtobebythefireorwaitinginthekitchenforaslybitfromMelissa，whomheknewatonceasthebestofhisnewfriends。
　　Aftersupper，Dolphgotouthisbanjoandplayed"ShadyGrove，"and"BlindCoonDog，"and"SugarHill，"and"Gamblin'Man，"whileChad'seyesglistenedandhisfeetshuffledunderhischair。AndwhenDolphputtherudethingdownonthebedandwentintothekitchen，Chadedgedtowarditand，whileoldJoelwasbraggingaboutJacktotheschool-master，hetookholdofitwithtremblingfingersandtouchedthestringstimidly。Thenhelookedaroundcautiously：nobodywaspayinganyattentiontohimandhetookitupintohislapandbegantopick，eversosoftly。NobodysawhimbutMelissa，whoslippedquietlytothebackoftheroomanddrewnearhim。SoftlyandswiftlyChad'sfingersworkedandMelissacouldscarcelyhearthesoundofthebanjounderherfather'sloudvoice，butshecouldmakeoutthathewasplayingatunethatstillvibratesunceasinglyfromthePennsylvaniabordertothepine-coveredhillsofGeorgia——"SourwoodMountain。"Melissaheldherbreathwhileshelistened——Dolphcouldnotplaylikethat——andbyandbysheslippedquietlytoherfatherandpulledhissleeveandpointedtoChad。OldJoelstoppedtalking，butChadnevernoticed；hisheadwasbentovertheneckofthebanjo，hisbodywasswayingrhythmically，hischubbyfingersweregoinglikelightning，andhiseyeswereclosed——theboywasfairlylosttotheworld。Thetunecameoutinthesuddensilence，clean-cutandswinging；
　　Heh-o-dee-um-dee-eedle-dahdee-deetrangthestringsandoldJoel'seyesdanced。
　　"Singit，boy！"heroared，"singit！"AndChadsprangfromthebed，onfirewithconfusionandtwistinghisfingershelplessly。HelookedalmostfrightenedwhenDolphranbackintotheroomandcried：
　　"Whowasthata-pickin'thatbanjer？"
　　ItwasnotoftenthatDolphshowedsuchexcitement，buthehadgoodcause，and，whenhesawChadstanding，shamefacedandbashful，inthemiddleofthefloor，andMelissajoyouslypointingherfingerathim，hecaughtupthebanjofromthebedandputitintotheboy'shands。"Here，youjustplaythattuneagin！"
　　Chadshrankback，halfdistressedandhalfhappy，andonlyahailoutsidefromthefirstofthecomingguestssavedhimfromutterconfusion。Oncestarted，theycameswiftly，andinhalfanhourallwerethere。EachgotaheartywelcomefromoldJoel，who，withawinkandalaughandanodtotheoldmother，gaveaheartysqueezetosomebuxomgirl，whilethefireroaredaheartierwelcomestill。Thenwasthereadanceindeed——nosoftswishoflaceandmuslin，buttheactiveswingoflinseyandsimplehomespun；noFrenchfiddler'sbowsandscrapings，nointricatelancers，nolanguidwaltz；butneatshufflingforwardandback，witheverynoteofthemusicbeat；floor-thumping"cuttingsofthepigeon'swing，"andjollyjigs，twobytwo，andagreat"swingingofcorners，"and"cagingthebird，"and"fustladytotherightCHEATan'swing"；noflirtingfrombehindfansandunderstairwaysandlittlenooks，buthonest，opencourtship——strongarmsabouthealthywaists，andakisstakennowandthen，witheverybodytoseeandnobodytocarewhosaw。Ifachairwaslacking，apairofbrawnykneesmadeonechairservefortwo，butnever，ifyouplease，fortwomen。Rude，rough，semi-barbarous，ifyouwill，butsimple，natural，honest，sane，earthy——andoftheearthwhencespringstheoakandintime，maybe，theflowerofcivilization。
　　Atthefirstpauseinthedance，oldJoelcalledloudlyforChad。Theboytriedtoslipoutofthedoor，butDolphseizedhimandpulledhimtoachairinthecornerandputthebanjoinhishands。Everybodylookedonwithcuriosityatfirst，andforalittlewhileChadsuffered；butwhenthedanceturnedattentionfromhim，heforgothimselfagainandmadetheoldthinghumwithalltherousingtunesthathadeversweptitsstring。Whenhestoppedatlast，towipetheperspirationfromhisface，henoticedforthefirsttimetheschool-master，whowasyetdividedbetweenthechurchandthelaw，standingatthedoor，silent，grave，disapproving。Andhewasnotaloneinhiscondemnation；inmanyacabinupanddowntheriver，sterntalkwasgoingonagainsttheungodly'carryingson，'undertheTurnerroof，and，farfromacceptingthemasproofsofabetterbirthandbroadersocialideas，theseCalvinistsofthehillssetthemerry-makersdownasthespecialpreyofthedevil，andthedanceandthebanjoasslyplotsofthesametodrawtheirsoulstohell。
　　Chadfeltthemaster'slook，andhedidnotbeginplayingagain，butputthebanjodownbyhischairandthedancecametoanend。OncemoreChadsawthemasterlook，thistimeatSintha，whowasleaningagainstthewallwithasturdyyouthinafringedhunting-shirtbendingoverher——hiselbowagainstalogdirectlyoverhershoulder，Sinthasawthelook，too，andsheansweredwithalittletossofherhead，butwhenCalebHazelturnedtogooutthedoor，Chadsawthatthegirl'seyesfollowedhim。Alittlelater，Chadwentouttoo，andfoundthemasteratthecornerofthefenceandlookingatalowredstarwhoserich，peacefullightcamethroughagapinthehills。Chadshylydrewnearhim，hopinginsomewaytogetakindlyword，butthemasterwassoabsorbedthathedidnotseeorheartheboyandChad，awedbythestern，solemnface，withdrewand，withoutawordtoanybody，climbedintotheloftandwenttobed。Hecouldheareverystrokeonthefloorbelow，everycalloftheprompter，andtherudelaughterandbanter，buthegavelittleheedtoitall。ForhelaythinkingofCalebHazelandlisteningagaintothestoriesheandthecattle-dealerhadtoldhimaboutthewonderfulsettlements。
　　"God'sCountry，"thedealeralwayscalledit，andsuchitmustbe，ifwhatheandthemastersaidwastrue。Byandbythesteadybeatoffeetunderhim，theswiftnotesofthebanjo'thecallsoftheprompterandthelaughterfused，becameinarticulate，distant——ceased。AndChad，ashewaswonttodo，journeyedonto"God'sCountry"inhisdreams。