Theponyregardedthemwithindifference，butthecoltshiedandplunged。
　　"Whoa，Liz！"LizwasRanald'scontractionforLizette，thenameoftheFrenchhorse-trainerandbreeder，JulesLaRocque，gavetohermother，whoinherdaywasqueenoftheiceatL'OriginalChristmasraces。
　　"Bequate，Nigger，willyou！"Thedogs，whoknewRanaldwell，ceasedtheirclamor，butnotbeforethekitchendooropenedandDonCameroncameout。
　　DonwasaboutayearolderthanRanaldandwashisfriendandcomrade。
　　"It'sme，Don——andMrs。Murraythere。"
　　Dongazedspeechless。
　　"Andwhat——"hebegan。
　　"Fatherisnotwell。Heishurted，andMrs。Murrayisgoingtoseehim，andwemustgo。"
　　Ranaldhurriedthroughhisstory，impatienttogeton。
　　"Butareyougoingupthroughthebush？"askedDon。
　　"Yes，whatelse，Don？"askedMrs。Murray。"Itisagoodroad，isn'tit？"
　　"Oh，yes，Isupposeitisgoodenough，"saidDon，doubtfully，"butIheard——"
　　"Wewillcomeoutatourownclearingattheback，youknow，"
　　Ranaldhurriedtosay，givingDonakick。"Whist，man！Sheissetupongoing。"Atthatmomentawayofftowardtheswamp，whichtheywereavoiding，thelong，heart-chillingcryofamotherwolfquaveredonthestillnightair。Inspiteofherself，Mrs。Murrayshivered，andtheboyslookedateachother。
　　"Thereisonlyone，"saidRanaldinalowvoicetoDon，buttheybothknewthatwheretheshewolfisthereisapacknotfaroff。
　　"Andwewillbethroughthebushinfiveminutes。"
　　"Come，Ranald！Comeaway，youcantalktoDonanytime。Goodnight，Don。"Andsosayingsheheadedherponytowardtheclearingandwasoffatagallop，andRanald，shakinghisheadathisfriend，ejaculated：
　　"Manalive！whatdoyouthinkofthat？"andwasoffafterthepony。
　　Togethertheyenteredthebush。Theroadwaswellbeatenandthehorseswerekeentogo，sothatbeforemanyminuteswereovertheywerehalfthroughthebush。Ranald'sspiritsroseandhebegantotakesomeinterestinhiscompanion'sobservationsuponthebeautyofthelightsandshadowsfallingacrosstheirpath。
　　"Lookatthatverydarkshadowfromthesprucethere，Ranald，"shecried，pointingtoadeep，blackturnintheroad。Foranswertherecamefrombehindthemthelong，mournfulhunting-cryofthewolf。Hewasontheirtrack。Immediatelyitwasansweredbyachorusofhowlsfromthebushontheswampside，butstillfaraway。Therewasnoneedofcommand；theponysprangforwardwithasnortandthecoltfollowed，andafterafewminutes'running，passedher。
　　"Whow-oo-oo-oo-ow"rosethelongcryofthepursuer，summoninghelp，anddrawingnearer。
　　"Wow-ee-wow，"cametheshorter，sharperanswerfromtheswamp，butmuchnearerthanbeforeandmoreinfront。Theyweretryingtoheadofftheirprey。
　　Ranaldtuggedathiscolttillhegothimbackwiththepony。
　　"Itisagoodroad，"hesaid，quietly；"youcanlettheponygo。I
　　willfollowyou。"Heswunginbehindthepony，whowasnowrunningfordearlifeandsnortingwithterrorateveryjump。
　　"Godpreserveus！"saidRanaldtohimself。Hehadcaughtsightofadarkformasitdartedthroughthegleamoflightinfront。
　　"Whatdidyousay，Ranald？"Thevoicewasquietandclear。
　　"Itisagreatponytorunwhatever，"saidRanald，ashamedofhimself。
　　"Isshenot？"
　　Ranaldglancedoverhisshoulder。Downtheroad，runningwithsilent，awfulswiftness，hesawthelong，lowbodyoftheleadingwolfflashingthroughthebarsofmoonlightacrosstheroad，andthepackfollowinghard。
　　"Lethergo，Mrs。Murray，"criedRanald。"Whipherandneverstop。"Buttherewasnoneed；theponywaswildwithfear，andwasdoingherbestrunning。
　　Ranaldmeantimewasgraduallyholdinginthecolt，andtheponydrewawayrapidly。Butasrapidlythewolveswereclosinginbehindhim。Theywerenotmorethanahundredyardsaway，andgainingeverysecond。Ranald，rememberingthesuspiciousnatureofthebrutes，loosenedhiscoatanddroppeditontheroad；withachorusofyelpstheypaused，thenthrewthemselvesuponit，andinanotherminutetookupthechase。
　　Butnowtheclearingwasinsight。Theponywasfarahead，andRanaldshookouthiscoltwithayell。Hewasnonetoosoon，forthepursuingpack，nowutteringshort，shrillyelps，werecloseatthecolt'sheels。Lizette，fleetasthewind，couldnotshakethemoff。Closerandeverclosertheycame，snappingandsnarling。
　　Ranaldcouldseethemoverhisshoulder。Ahundredyardsmoreandhewouldreachhisownbacklane。Theleaderofthepackseemedtofeelthathischanceswereslippingswiftlyaway。WithaspurthegaineduponLizette，reachedthesaddle-girths，gatheredhimselfintwoshortjumps，andsprangforthecolt'sthroat。InstinctivelyRanaldstoodupinhisstirrups，andkickinghisfootfree，caughtthewolfunderthejaw。Thebrutefellwithahowlunderthecolt'sfeet，andnextmomenttheywereinthelaneandsafe。
　　Thesavagebrutes，discouragedbytheirleader'sfall，sloweddowntheirfiercepursuit，andhearingthedeepbayoftheMacdonalds'
　　greatdeerhound，Bugle，upatthehouse，theypaused，sniffedtheairafewminutes，thenturnedandswiftlyandsilentlyslidintothedarkshadows。Ranald，knowingthattheywouldhardlydareenterthelane，checkedthecolt，andwheeling，watchedthemdisappear。
　　"I'llhavesomeofyourhidessomeday，"hecried，shakinghisfistafterthem。Hehatedtobemadetorun。
　　Hehadhardlysetthecolt'sfacehomewardwhenheheardsomethingtearingdownthelanetomeethim。Thecoltsnorted，swerved，andthendroppinghisears，stoodstill。ItwasBugle，andafterhimcameMrs。Murrayonthepony。
　　"Oh，Ranald！"shepanted，"thankGodyouaresafe。Iwasafraidyou——you——"Hervoicebrokeinsobs。Herhoodhadfallenbackfromherwhiteface，andhereyeswereshiningliketwostars。ShelaidherhandonRanald'sarm，andhervoicegrewsteadyasshesaid："ThankGod，myboy，andthankyouwithallmyheart。Youriskedyourlifeformine。Youareabravefellow！Icanneverforgetthis！"
　　"Oh，pshaw！"saidRanald，awkwardly。"YouarebetterstuffthanI
　　am。YoucamebackwithBugle。AndIknewLizcouldbeattheponywhatever。Thentheywalkedtheirhorsesquietlytothestable，andnothingmorewassaidbyeitherofthem；butfromthathourRanaldhadafriendreadytoofferlifeforhim，thoughhedidnotknowitthennortillyearsafterward。
　　CHAPTERV
　　FORGIVEUSOURDEBTS
　　MacdonaldDubh'sfarmlayaboutthreemilesnorthandwestfromthemanse，andthehousestoodfarbackfromthecross-roadinasmallclearingencircledbythickbush。Itwasahardfarmtoclear，thetimberwasheavy，thelandlaylow，andMacdonaldDubhdidnotmakeasmuchprogressashisneighborsinhisconflictwiththeforest。
　　Notbutthathewasahardworkerandagoodmanwiththeax，butsomehowhedidnotsucceedasafarmer。Itmayhavebeenthathisheartwasmoreintheforestthaninthefarm。Hewasafamoushunter，andinthedeerseasonwasnevertobefoundathome，butwaseverrangingthewoodswithhisrifleandhisgreatdeerhound，Bugle。
　　Hemademoneyattheshanties，butmoneywouldnotsticktohisfingers，andbythetimethesummerwasovermostofhismoneywouldbegone，withthegovernmentmortgageonhisfarmstillunlifted。Hishabitsoflifewroughtakindofwildnessinhimwhichsethimapartfromthethrifty，steady-goingpeopleamongwhomhelived。True，theshanty-menwerehisstanchfriendsandadmirers，butthentheshanty-men，thoughwell-doing，couldhardlybecalledsteady，exceptthebossoftheMacdonaldgang，MacdonaldBhain，whowasaregularattendantandstanchsupporterofthechurch，andindeedhadbeenspokenofforanelder。ButfromthechurchMacdonaldDubhheldaloof。Hebelongeddistinctlytothe"careless，"thoughhecouldnotbecalledirreligious。Hehadallthereverencefor"theWordofGod，andtheSabbathday，andthechurch"thatcharacterizedhispeople。Alltheseheldahighplaceinhisesteem；andthoughhewouldnotpresumeto"takethebooks，"
　　notbeingamemberofthechurch，yetontheSabbathdaywhenhewasathomeitwasthecustomofthehouseholdtogatherforthereadingoftheWordbeforebreakfast。HewouldnevertakehisriflewithhimthroughthewoodsontheSabbath，andevenwhenabsentfromhomeonahuntingexpedition，whentheSabbathdaycameround，hereligiouslykeptcamp。Itistrue，hedidnotoftengotochurch，andwhentheministerspoketohimaboutthis，healwaysagreedthatitwasagoodthingtogotochurch。Whenhehadnobetterexcuse，hewouldapologizeforhisabsenceupontheground"thathehadnottheclothes。"Thegreaterpartofthetroublewasthathewasshyandproud，andfelthimselftobedifferentfromthechurch-goingpeopleofthecommunity，andshrankfromthesurprisedlooksofmembers，andevenfromthewordsofapprovingwelcomethatoftengreetedhispresenceinchurch。
　　ItwasnotaccordingtohisdesirethatRanaldwassenttothemanse。Thatwasthedoingofhissister，Kirsty，whoforthelasttenyearshadkepthouseforhim。NotthattherewasmuchhousekeepingskillaboutKirsty，asindeedanyonemightseeevenwithoutenteringMacdonaldDubh'shouse。Kirstywasbigandstrongandwilling，butshehadnotthemostelementalideasoftidiness。
　　Herred，bushyhairhunginwispsaboutherface，afterthegreaterpartofithadbeengatheredintoatightknobatthebackofherhead。Shewasamartyrtothe"neuralagy，"andsufferedfromaperennialcoldinthehead，whichmadeitnecessaryforhertowearacloud，whichwasonlyremovedwhenitcouldbereplacedbyhernightcap。Herfacealwaysborethemarksofherlabors，andfromitonecouldgatherwhethershewasamongthepotsorbusywiththebaking。Butshewaskindhearted，and，uptoherlight，soughttofilltheplaceleftemptybythedeathofthewifeandmotherinthathome，tenyearsbefore。
　　Whentheminister'swifeopenedthedoor，ahot，close，foulsmellrushedforthtomeether。Uponthekitchenstovealargepotofpig'sfoodwasboiling，andthesteamandsmellfromthepotmadetheatmosphereoftheroomoverpoweringlyfetid。Offthekitchenorliving-roomweretwosmallbedrooms，inoneofwhichlayMacdonaldDubh。
　　Kirstymettheminister'swifewithawarmwelcome。Shehelpedheroffwithherhoodandcoat，pattingherontheshoulderthewhile，andmurmuringwordsofendearment。
　　"Ah，M'eudail！M'eudailbheg！anddidyoucomethroughthenightalltheway，anditisashamedthatIamtohavesentforyou，buthewasverybadandIwasafraid。Comeaway！comeaway！Iwillmakeyouacupoftea。"Buttheminister'swifeassuredKirstythatshewasgladtocome，anddecliningthecupoftea，wenttotheroomwhereMacdonaldDubhlaytossingandmoaningwiththedeliriumoffeveruponhim。Itwasnotlongbeforesheknewwhatwasrequired。
　　Withhotfomentationssheproceededtoallaythepain，andinhalfanhourMacdonaldDubhgrewquiet。Histossingsandmutteringsceasedandhefellintoasleep。
　　Kirstystoodbyadmiring。
　　"Mercyme！Lookatthatnow；anditisyourselfthatisthegreatdoctor！"
　　"Now，Kirsty，"saidMrs。Murray，inaverymatter-of-facttone，"wewilljustmakehimalittlemorecomfortable。"
　　"Yes，"saidKirsty，notquitesurehowthefeatwastobeachieved。
　　"Alittlehotsomethingforhisinsidewillbegood，butindeed，many'sthedrinkIhavegivenhim，"shesuggested。
　　"Whathaveyoubeengivinghim，Kirsty？"
　　"Sennyanddandylion，andalittlewhisky。Theywillbetellingmeitisferrygoodwhateverforthestomachandbow'ls。"
　　"Idon'tthinkIwouldgivehimanymoreofthat；butwewilltryandmakehimfeelalittlemorecomfortable。"
　　Mrs。Murrayknewshewastreadingondelicateground。TheHighlandprideisquicktotakeoffense。
　　"Sickpeople，yousee，"sheproceededcarefully，"needveryfrequentchanges——sheetsandclothing，youunderstand。"
　　"Aye，"saidKirsty，suspiciously。
　　"Iamsureyouhaveplentyofbeautifulsheets，andwewillchangethesewhenhewakesfromhissleep。"
　　"Indeed，theyareveryclean，forthereisnoonebutmyselfhassleptinthemsincehewentawaylastfalltotheshanties。"
　　Mrs。Murrayfeltthedelicacyofthepositiontobesensiblyincreased。
　　"Indeed，thatisright，Kirsty；onecannevertelljustwhatsortofpeoplearetravelingaboutnowadays。"
　　"Indeed，andit'strue，"saidKirsty，heartily，"butIneverlettheminhere。Ijustkeepthemtothebunk。"
　　"But，"pursuedMrs。Murray，returningtothesubjectinhand，"itisveryimportantthatforsickpeoplethesheetsshouldbethoroughlyairedandwarmed。Why，inthehospitalinMontrealtheytaketheverygreatestcaretoairandchangethesheetseveryday。
　　Youseesomuchpoisoncomesthroughtheporesoftheskin。"
　　"Doyouhearthatnow？"saidKirsty，amazed。"Indeed，IwouldbeoftenhearingthatthoseFrenchpeoplearejustfullofpoisonandsuch，andindeed，itisnowonder，forthefoodtheyputinsideofthem。"
　　"O，no，"saidMrs。Murray，"itisthesamewithallpeople，butespeciallysowithsickpeople。"
　　Kirstylookedasdoubtfulaswasconsistentwithherrespectfortheminister'swife，andMrs。Murraywenton。
　　"Soyouwilljustgetthesheetsreadytochange，and，Kirsty，acleannight-shirt。"
　　"Night-shirt！andindeed，hehasnotsuchathingtohisname。"
　　Kirsty'stonebetrayedherthankfulnessthatherbrotherwasfreefromtheeffeminacyofanight-shirt；butnotingthedismayandconfusiononMrs。Murray'sface，shesuggested，hesitatingly，"Hemighthaveoneofmyown，butIamthinkingitwillbesmallforhimacrosstheback。"
　　"Iamafraidso，Kirsty，"saidtheminister'swife，strugglinghardwithasmile。"Wewilljustuseoneofhisownwhiteshirts。"ButthisscandalizedKirstyasanunnecessaryandwastefulluxury。
　　"Indeed，thereisplentyoftheminthechist，buthewillbekeepingthemforthecommunionseason，andthefunerals，andsuch。
　　Hewillnotbewearingtheminhisbed，fornoonewillbeseeinghimthereatall。"
　　"Buthewillfeelsomuchbetter，"saidMrs。Murray，andhersmilewassosweetandwinningthatKirsty'soppositioncollapsed，andwithoutmorewordsbothsheetsandshirtwereproduced。
　　AsKirstylaidthemoutsheobservedwithasigh："Aye，aye，shewasthecleverwoman——thewife，Imean。Shewasgoodwiththeneedle，andindeed，atanythingshetriedtodo。"
　　"Ididnotknowher，"saidMrs。Murray，softly，"buteveryonetellsmeshewasagoodhousekeeperandagoodwoman。"
　　"Shewasthat，"saidKirsty，emphatically，"andshewasthelightofhiseyes，anditwasabaddayforHughwhenshewentaway。"
　　"Now，Kirsty，"saidMrs。Murray，afterapause，"beforeweputonthesecleanthings，wewilljustgivehimaspongebath。"
　　Kirstygasped。
　　"Mercysakes！Hewillnotbeneedingthatinthewinter，andhewillbegettingacoldfromit。Inthesummer-timehewillbegoingtotheriverhimself。Andhowwillyoubegivinghimabathwhatever？"
　　Mrs。Murraycarefullyexplainedtheprocess，againfortifyingherpositionbyreferringtothepracticesoftheMontrealhospital，till，asaresultofherpersuasionsandinstructions，inanhourafterMacdonaldhadawakenedfromhissleephewaslyinginhisSabbathwhiteshirtandbetweenfreshsheets，andfeelingcleanerandmorecomfortablethanhehadformanyaday。Thefeverwasmuchreduced，andhefellagainintoadeepsleep。
　　Thetwowomenwatchedbesidehim，forneitherwouldleavetheothertowatchalone。AndRanald，whocouldnotbepersuadedtogouptohisloft，layonthebunkinthekitchenanddozed。Afteranhourhadpassed，Mrs。MurrayinquiredastothenourishmentKirstyhadgivenherbrother。
　　"Indeed，hewillnotbetakinganythingwhatever，"saidKirsty，inavexedtone。"AnditisnomatterwhatIwillbegivinghim。"
　　"Andwhatdoeshelike，Kirsty？"
　　"Indeed，hewillbetakinganythingwhenheisnotseek，andheisthatfondofbuckwheatpancakesandporkgravywithmaplesyrupoverthem，butwouldhelookatit！AndImadehimnewporridgeto-night，buthewouldnottouchthem。"
　　"Didyoutryhimwithgruel，Kirsty？"
　　"Mercyme，andisitMacdonaldDubhandgruel？Hewouldbeflingingthe'feushionless'stuffoutofthewindow。"
　　"ButIamsureitwouldbegoodforhimifhecouldbepersuadedtotryit。Ishouldliketotryhim。"
　　"Indeed，andyoumaytry。Itwillbeeasyenough，fortheporridgearestillinthepot。"
　　Kirstytookthepotfromthebench，withtheremainsoftheporridgethathadbeenmadeforsupperstillinit，setitonthefire，andpouringsomewaterinit，begantostiritvigorously。
　　Itwasthickandslimy，andaltogetheramostrepulsive-lookingmixture，andMrs。MurraynolongerwonderedatMacdonaldDubh'sdistasteforgruel。
　　"IthinkIwillmakesomefresh，ifyouwillletme，Kirsty——inthewayImakeitfortheminister，youknow。"
　　Kirsty，bythistime，hadcompletelysurrenderedtoMrs。Murray'sguidance，andproducingtheoatmeal，allowedhertohaveherway；
　　sothatwhenMacdonaldawokehefoundMrs。Murraystandingbesidehimwithabowlofthenicestgruelandasliceofthindrytoast。
　　Hegreetedtheminister'swifewithgravecourtesy，drankthegruel，andthenlaydownagaintosleep。
　　"Willyoulookatthatnow？"saidKirsty，amazedatMacdonaldDubh'sforbearance。"Hewouldnotliketobeoffendingyou。"
　　ThenMrs。MurraybesoughtKirstytogoandliedownforanhour，whichKirstyveryunwillinglyagreedtodo。
　　ItwasnotlongbeforeMacdonaldbegantotossandmutterinhissleep，breakingforthnowandthenintowildcriesandcurses。HewasfightingoncemorehisgreatfightintheGlengarryline，andbeatingbackLeNoir。
　　"Back，yedevil！Wouldye？Takethat，then。Comeback，Mack！"
　　ThenfollowedacrysowildthatRanaldawokeandcameintotheroom。
　　"Bringinsomesnow，Ranald，"saidtheminister'swife；"wewilllaysomeonhishead。"
　　Shebathedthehotfaceandhandswithice-coldwater，andthenlaidasnowcompressonthesickman'shead，speakingtohiminquiet，gentletones，tillhewassoothedagaintosleep。
　　Whenthegraylightofthemorningcameinthroughthelittlewindow，Macdonaldwokesaneandquiet。
　　"Youarebetter，"saidMrs。Murraytohim。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"Iamverywell，thankyou，exceptforthepainhere。"Hepointedtohischest。
　　"Youhavebeenbadlyhurt，Ranaldtellsme。Howdidithappen？"
　　"Well，"saidMacdonald，slowly，"itisveryhardtosay。"
　　"Didthetreefallonyou？"askedMrs。Murray。
　　Macdonaldglancedatherquickly，andthenanswered："Itisverydangerousworkwiththetrees。Itiswonderfulhowquicktheywillfall。"
　　"Yourfaceandbreastseemverybadlybruisedandcut。"
　　"Aye，yes，"saidMacdonald。"Thebreastisbadwhatever。"
　　"IthinkyouhadbettersendforDoctorGrant，"Mrs。Murraysaid。
　　"Theremaybesomeinternalinjury。"
　　"No，no，"saidMacdonald，decidedly。"Iwillhavenodoctoratme，andIwillsoonberoundagain，iftheLordwill。Whenwilltheministerbehome？"
　　ButMrs。Murray，ignoringhisattempttoescapethesubject，wenton："Yes，but，Mr。Macdonald，IamanxioustohaveDoctorGrantseeyou，andIwishyouwouldsendforhimto-morrow。"
　　"Ah，well，"saidMacdonald，notcommittinghimself，"wewillbeseeingaboutthat。Butthedoctorhasnotbeeninthishouseformanyaday。"Then，afterapause，headded，inalowvoice，"Notsincethedayshewastakenfromme。"
　　"Wassheilllong？"
　　"Indeed，no。Itwasjustonenight。Therewasnodoctor，andthewomencouldnothelpher，andshewasverybad——andwhenitcameitwasagirl——anditwasdead——andthenthedoctorarrived，buthewastoolate。"MacdonaldDubhfinishedwithagreatsigh，andtheminister'swifesaidgentlytohim：
　　"Thatwasaverysadday，andagreatlosstoyouandRanald。"
　　"Aye，youmaysayit；shewasabonniewomanwhatever，andgrandatthespinningandthebutter。And，oich-hone，itwasasaddayforus。"
　　Theminister'swifesatsilent，knowingthatsuchgriefcannotbecomforted，andpityingfromherheartthelonelyman。Afteratimeshesaidgently，"Sheisbetteroff。"
　　AlookofdoubtandpainandfearcameintoMacdonald'seyes。
　　"Shenevercameforward，"hesaid，hesitatingly。"Shewasafraidtocome。"
　　"Ihaveheardofheroften，Mr。Macdonald，andIhaveheardthatshewasagoodandgentlewoman。"
　　"Aye，shewasthat。"
　　"Andkindtothesick。"
　　"Youmaybelieveit。"
　　"AndshelovedthehouseofGod。"
　　"Aye，andneitherrainnorsnownormudwouldbekeepingherfromit，butshewouldbegoingeverySabbathday，bringingherstockingswithher。"
　　"Herstockings？"
　　"Aye，tochangeherfeetinthechurch。Whatelse？Herstockingswouldbewetwiththesnowandwater。"
　　Mrs。Murraynodded。"AndshelovedherSaviour，Mr。Macdonald。"
　　"Indeed，Ibelieveitwell，butshewasafraidshewouldnotbehaving'themarks。'"
　　"Neveryoufear，Mr。Macdonald，"saidMrs。Murray。"IfshelovedherSavioursheiswithhimnow。"
　　Heturnedaroundtoherandliftedhimselfeagerlyonhiselbow。
　　"Anddoyoureallythinkthat？"hesaid，inavoicesubduedandanxious。
　　"IndeedIdo，"saidMrs。Murray，inatoneofcertainconviction。
　　Macdonaldsankbackonhispillow，andafteramoment'ssilence，said，inavoiceofpain："Oh，butitisapeetyshedidnotknow！
　　Itisapeetyshedidnotknow。Formany'sthetimebefore——
　　before——herhourcameonher，shewouldbeafraid。"
　　"Butshewasnotafraidatthelast，Mr。Macdonald？"
　　"Indeed，no。Iwonderedather。Shewaslikeababeinitsmother'sarms。Therewasalightonherface，andImindwellwhatshesaid。"Macdonaldpaused。Therewasastirinthekitchen，andMrs。Murray，glancingbehindher，sawRanaldstandingnearthedoorintentlylistening。ThenMacdonaldwenton。"Imindwellthewords，asifitwasyesterday。'Hugh，myman，'shesaid，'amnofeared'shewasfromtheLowlands，butshewasafinewoman；'I
　　haenathemarks，but'mnofearedbutHe'llkenme。Ye'lltak'
　　careo'Ranald，for，oh，Hugh！Iha'gi'enhimtotheLord。TheLordhelpyoutomak'aguidmano'him。'"Macdonald'svoicefalteredintosilence，then，afterafewmoments，hecried，"Andoh！MistressMurra'，Icannottellyoutheoftenthesewordsdokeepcomingtome；anditismyselfthathasnotkeptthepromiseI
　　madetoher，andmaytheLordforgiveme。"
　　ThelookofmiseryinthedarkeyestouchedMrs。Murraytotheheart。ShelaidherhandonMacdonald'sarm，butshecouldnotfindwordstospeak。SuddenlyMacdonaldrecalledhimself。
　　"Youwillforgiveme，"hesaid；"andyouwillnotbetellinganyone。"
　　Bythistimethetearswerestreamingdownherface，andMrs。
　　Murraycouldonlysay，brokenly，"YouknowIwillnot。"
　　"Aye，Ido，"saidMacdonald，withasighofcontent，andheturnedhisfaceawayfromhertothewall。
　　"Andnowyouletmereadtoyou，"shesaid，softly，andtakingfromherbagtheGaelicBible，whichwithmuchtoilshehadlearnedtoreadsincecomingtothisHighlandcongregation，shereadtohimfromtheoldPsalmthosewords，brave，tender，andbeautiful，thathavesooftencomfortedthewearyandwanderingchildrenofmen，"TheLordismyShepherd，"andsoontotheend。Thenfrompsalmtopsalmshepassed，selectingsuchpartsassuitedherpurpose，untilMacdonaldturnedtoheragainandsaid，admiringly：
　　"ItisyourselfthathasthebonnieGaelic。"
　　"Iamafraid，"shesaid，withasmile，"itisnotreallygood，butitisthebestasouthcountrywomancando。"
　　"Indeed，itisverypretty，"hesaid，earnestly。
　　Thentheminister'swifesaid，timidly，"IcannotprayintheGaelic。"
　　"Oh，theEnglishwillbeverygood，"saidMacdonald，andshekneltdownandinsimplewordspouredoutherheartinprayer。BeforesherosefromherkneessheopenedtheGaelicBible，andturnedtothewordsoftheLord'sPrayer。
　　"Wewillsaythisprayertogether，"shesaid，gently。
　　Macdonald，bowinghisheadgravely，answered："Itiswhatshewouldoftenbedoingwithme。"
　　Therewasstillonlyonewomantothislonelyheartedman，andwithasuddenrushofpitythatshoweditselfinherbreakingvoice，theminister'swifebeganinGaelic，"OurFatherwhichartinheaven。"
　　Macdonaldfollowedherinawhisperthroughthepetitionsuntiltheycametothewords，"Andforgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors，"whenhepausedandwouldsaynomore。Mrs。Murrayrepeatedthewordsofthepetition，butstilltherewasnoresponse。Thentheminister'swifeknewthatshehadherfingeruponasorespot，andshefinishedtheprayeralone。
　　Foratimeshesatsilent，unwillingtoprobethewound，andyettoobravetoflinchfromwhatshefelttobeduty。
　　"Wehavemuchtobeforgiven，"shesaid，gently。"Morethanwecaneverforgive。"Stilltherewassilence。
　　"AndtheheartthatcannotforgiveaninjuryisclosedtotheforgivenessofGod。"
　　Themorningsunwasgleamingthroughthetreetops，andMrs。Murraywaswornwithhernight'svigil，andanxioustogethome。Sherose，andofferingMacdonaldherhand，smileddownintohisface，andsaid："Goodby！Wemusttrytoforgive。"
　　Ashetookherhand，Macdonald'sdarkfacebegantowork，andhebrokeforthintoabittercry。
　　"Hetookmeunawares！Anditwasacoward'sblow！andIwillnotforgivehimuntilIhavegivenhimwhathedeserves，iftheLordsparesme！"Andthenhepouredforth，inhotandbitterwords，thestoryofthegreatfight。BythetimehehadfinishedhistaleRanaldhadcomeinfromthekitchen，andwasstandingwithclenchedfistsandfacepalewithpassionatthefootofthebed。
　　AsMrs。Murraylistenedtothisstoryhereyesbegantoburn，andwhenitwasover，sheburstforth："Oh，itwasacruelandcowardlyandbrutalthingformentodo！Anddidyoubeatthemoff？"sheasked。
　　"Aye，andthatwedid，"burstinRanald。AndinbreathlesshasteandwithflashingeyehetoldthemofMacdonaldBhain'spartinthefight。
　　"Splendid！"criedtheminister'swife，forgettingherselfforthemoment。
　　"Buthelethimgo，"saidRanald，sadly。"Hewouldnotstrikehim，butjustlethimgo。"
　　Thentheminister'swifecriedagain："Ah，heisagreatman，youruncle！AndagreatChristian。GreaterthanIcouldhavebeen，forIwouldhaveslainhimthenandthere。"Hereyesflashed，andthecolorflamedinherfaceassheutteredthesewords。
　　"Aye，"saidMacdonaldDubh，regardingherwithdeepsatisfaction。
　　Histoneandlookrecalledtheminister'swife，andturningtoRanald，sheadded，sadly：
　　"Butyourunclewasright，Ranald，andwemustforgiveevenashedid。"
　　"That，"criedRanald，withfierceemphasis，"Iwillneverdo，untilonceIwillbehavingmyhandsonhisthroat。"
　　"Hush，Ranald！"saidtheminister'swife。"Iknowitishard，butwemustforgive。YouseeweMUSTforgive。AndwemustaskHimtohelpus，whohasmoretoforgivethananyother。"
　　ButshesaidnomoretoMacdonaldDubhonthatsubjectthatmorning。
　　Thefireofthebattlewasinherheart，andshefeltshecouldmoreeasilysympathizewithhisdesireforvengeancethanwiththeChristiangraceofforgiveness。Butastheyrodehometogetherthroughthebush，wheredeathhadtrailedthemsocloselythenightbefore，thesweetsunlightandthecrisp，freshair，andallthestillbeautyofthemorning，workingwiththememoryoftheirsaving，rebukedandsoothedandcomfortedher，andwhenRanaldturnedbackfromthemansedoor，shesaidsoftly："OurFatherinheavenwasverygoodtous，Ranald，andweshouldbelikehim。Heforgivesandloves，andweshould，too。"
　　AndRanald，lookingintothesweetface，palewiththelongnight'strials，buttingednowwiththefaintesttouchofcolorfromthemorning，feltsomehowthatitmightbepossibletoforgive。
　　Butmanydayshadtocomeandgo，andmanywatersflowoverthesoulsofMacdonaldDubhandhissonRanald，beforetheywereabletosay，"Forgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors。"
　　CHAPTERVI
　　ANEWFRIEND
　　ThenightracewiththewolvesbegananewphaseoflifeforRanald，forinthathourhegainedafriendsuchasitfallstofewladstohave。Mrs。Murray'shighcourageinthebush，herskillinthesick-room，andthatfinespiritualairshecarriedwithhermadeforheraplaceinhisimaginationwheremensettheirdivinities。Theheroandthesaintinherstirredhispoeticandferventsoulandsetitaglowwithafeelingneartoadoration。ToMrs。MurrayalsotheeventsofthatnightsetforthRanaldinanewlight。Intheshy，awkward，almostsullenladtherehadsuddenlybeenrevealedinthosemomentsofperilthecool，daringman，fullofresourceandcapableofself-sacrifice。Herheartwentouttowardhim，andshesetherselftowinhisconfidenceandtoestablishafirmfriendshipwithhim；butthiswasnoeasymatter。
　　MacdonaldDubhandhisson，livingahalf-savagelifeintheirlonelybackclearing，wereregardedbytheirneighborswithacertaindegreeofdistrustandfear。Theywerenotlikeotherpeople。Theyseldommingledinthesocialfestivitiesofthecommunity，andconsequentlyweremoreorlessexcludedfromfriendshipandfreeintercoursewiththeirneighbors。Ranald，shy，proud，andsensitive，feltthisexclusion，andinreturnkepthimselfaloofevenfromtheboys，andespeciallyfromthegirls，ofhisownage。Hisattendanceatschoolwasofafragmentaryandspasmodicnature，andheneverreallycametobeonfriendlytermswithhisfellow-pupils。HisonefriendwasDonCameron，whomtheboyscalled"Wobbles，"fromhisgaitinrunning，whosefather'sfarmbackedthatofMacdonaldDubh。AndthoughDonwasayearolder，hegavetoRanaldahomagealmostamountingtoworship，forinallthosequalitiesthatgotoestablishleadershipamongboys，Ranaldwaseasilyfirst。Inthesportthatcalledforspeed，courage，andenduranceRanaldwaschiefofall。Fleetoffoot，therewasnorunnerfromtheTwelfthtotheTwentieththatcouldkeephiminsight，andwhenhestooduptofight，themereblazeofhiseyesoftenwonhimvictorybeforeablowwasstruck。ToDon，Ranaldopenedhisheartmorethantoanyoneelse；allothershekeptatadistance。
　　ItwasinvainthatMrs。Murray，inherdailyvisitstoMacdonaldDubh，soughttofindoutRanaldandtocometospeechwithhim。
　　AuntKirstyneverknewwherehewas，andtohercalls，longandloud，fromthebackdoorandfromthefront，noresponseevercame。
　　ItwasHughieMurraywhofinallybroughtRanaldoncemoreintotouchwiththeminister'swife。
　　Theyhadcomeoneearlymorning，HughiewithFido"hitched"inasleddrivingoverthe"crust"onthesnowbanksbytheroadside，andhismotheronthepony，tomaketheircalluponthesickman。
　　Astheydrewnearthehousetheyheardasoundofhammering。
　　"That'sRanald，mother！"exclaimedHughie。"Letmegoandfindhim。Idon'twanttogoin。"
　　"Besureyoudon'tgofaraway，then，Hughie；youknowwemusthurryhometo-day"；andHughiefaithfullypromised。ButalasforHughie'spromises！whenhismothercameoutofthehousewithKirsty，hewaswithinneithersightnorhearing。
　　"Theywilljustbeatthecamp，"saidKirsty。
　　"Thecamp？"
　　"Aye，thesugaringcampdownyonderinthesugarbush。Itisnotfarofffromthewoodroad。Iwillbegoingwithyou。"
　　"Notatall，Kirsty，"saidtheminister'swife。"IthinkIknowwhereitis，andIcangohomethatwayquitewell。Besides，I
　　wanttoseeRanald。"Shedidnotsayshewouldratherseehimalone。
　　"Indeed，heisthequarelad，andheisworsesincecomingbackfromtheshanties。"KirstywasevidentlymuchworriedaboutRanald。
　　"Nevermind，"saidtheminister'swife，kindly；"wemustjustbepatient。Ranaldisgoingonfasttowardmanhood，andhecanbeheldonlybytheheart。"
　　"Aye，"saidKirsty，withasigh，"Idoubthisfatherwillneverbeableanymoretotakeastraptohim。"
　　"Yes，"saidMrs。Murray，smiling，"I'mafraidheisfarbeyondthat。"
　　"Beyondit！"exclaimedKirsty，astonishedatsuchadoctrine。
　　"Indeed，andhisfatherandhisunclewouldbegettingitthen，whentheywereasbeegastheywilleverbe，andmuchthebetterweretheyforit。"
　　"Idon'tthinkitwoulddoforRanald，"saidtheminister'swife，smilingagainasshesaidgoodbytoKirsty。Thenshetookherwaydownthewoodroadintothebush。Shefoundthecamproadeasily，andafteraquarterofanhour'sride，sheheardthesoundofanax，andsooncameuponthesugarcamp。Ranaldwasputtingthefinishingtouchestoalittleshantyofcedarpolesandinterwovenbalsambrush，andHughiewaslookingoninadmirationandblissfuldelight。
　　"Why，that'sbeautiful，"saidMrs。Murray；"Ishouldliketoliveinahouselikethatmyself。"
　　"Oh，mother！"shoutedHughie，"isn'titsplendid？RanaldandDonaregoingtoliveinitallthesugaringtime，andRanaldwantsmetocome，too。Mayn'tI，mother？Aw，doletme。"
　　Themotherlookeddownupontheeagerface，smiled，andshookherhead。"Whataboutthenight，Hughie？"shesaid。"Itwillbeverydarkinthewoodshere，andverycold，too。RanaldandDonarebigboysandstrong，butI'mafraidmylittleboywouldnotbeverycomfortablesleepingoutside。"
　　"Oh，mother，we'llbeinside，andit'llbeawfulwarm——andoh，youmightletme！"Hughie'stearswererestrainedonlybytheshameofweepingbeforehishero，Ranald。
　　"Well，wewillseewhatyourfathersayswhenhecomeshome。"
　　"Oh，mother，hewilljustsay'no'rightoff，and——"
　　Ashadowcrossedhismother'sface，butsheonlyansweredquietly，"Nevermindjustnow，Hughie；wewillthinkofit。Besides，"sheadded，"Idon'tknowhowmuchRanaldwantstobebotheredwithaweeboylikeyou。"
　　Ranaldgaveheraquick，shyglanceandanswered：
　　"Hewillbenotrouble，Mrs。Murray"；andthen，noticingHughie'simploringface，heventuredtoadd，"andindeed，Ihopeyouwilllethimcome。Iwilltakegoodcareofhim。"
　　Mrs。Murrayhesitated。
　　"Oh，mother！"criedHughie，seeingherhesitation，"justonenight；
　　Iwon'tbeabitafraid。"
　　"No，Idon'tbelieveyouwould，"lookingdownintothebraveyoungface。"Butwhataboutyourmother，Hughie？"
　　"Oh，pshaw！youwouldn'tbeafraid。"Hughie'sconfidenceinhismother'scouragewasunbounded。
　　"Idon'tknowaboutthat，"shereplied；andthenturningtoRanald，"Howaboutourfriendsoftheothernight？"shesaid。"Willtheynotbeabout？"Hughiehadnotheardaboutthewolves。
　　"Oh，thereisnofearofthem。Wewillkeepabigfireallnight，andbesides，wewillhaveourgunsandthedogs。"
　　"Guns！"criedMrs。Murray。Thiswasanewterrorforherboy。
　　"I'mafraidIcannottrustHughiewherethereareguns。Hemight——"
　　"Indeed，letmecatchhimtouchingagun！"saidRanald，quickly，andfromhistoneandthelookinhisface，Mrs。MurrayfeltsurethatHughiewouldbesafefromself-destructionbytheguns。
　　"Well，well，comeaway，Hughie，andwewillsee，"saidMrs。Murray；
　　butHughiehungbacksulking，unwillingtomovetillhehadgothismother'spromise。
　　"Come，Hughie。GetFidoready。Wemusthurry，"saidhismotheragain。
　　StillHughiehesitated。ThenRanaldturnedswiftlyonhim。"Didyehearyourmother？Come，getoutofthis。"HismannerwassofiercethatHughiestartedimmediatelyforhisdog，andwithoutanotherwordofentreatymadereadytogo。Themothernotedhisquickobedience，andsmilingatRanald，said："IthinkImighttrusthimwithyouforanightortwo，Ranald。Whendoyouthinkyoucouldcomeforhim？"
　　"Wewillfinishthetappingto-morrow，andIcouldcomethedayafterwiththejumper，"saidRanald，pointingtothestout，home-
　　madesleighusedforgatheringthesapandthewoodforthefire。
　　"Oh，Iseeyouhavebeguntapping，"saidMrs。Murray；"anddoyoudoityourself？"
　　"Why，yes，mother；don'tyouseeallthosetrees？"criedHughie，pointingtoanumberofmaplesthatstoodbehindtheshanty。
　　"RanaldandDondidallthose，andmadethespiles，too。See！"Hecaughtupaspilefromaheaplyingnearthedoor。"Ranaldmadeallthese。"
　　"Why，that'sfine，Ranald。Howdoyoumakethem？Ihaveneverseenonemade。"
　　"Oh，mother！"Hughie'svoicewasfullofpityforherignorance。
　　Hehadseenhisfirstthatafternoon。
　　"AndIhaveneverseenthetappingofatree。IbelieveIshalllearnjustnow，ifRanaldwillonlyshowme，fromtheverybeginning。"
　　HereagerinterestinhisworkwonRanaldfromhisreserve。"Thereisnotmuchtosee，"hesaid，apologetically。"Youjustcutanatchinthetree，anddriveinthespile，and——"
　　"Oh，butwait，"shecried。"That'sjustwhatIwantedtosee。Howdoyoumakethespile？"
　　"Oh，thatiseasy，"saidRanald。Hetookupaslightlyconcavechiselorgouge，andslitaslimslabfromoffablockofcedaraboutafootlong。
　　"Thisisaspile，"heexclaimed。"Wedriveitintothetree，andthesaprunsdownintothetrough，yousee。"
　　"No，Idon'tsee，"saidtheminister'swife。Shewastoothoroughgoingtodothingsbyhalves。"Howdoyoudrivethisintothetree，andhowdoyougetthesaptorundownit？"
　　"Iwillshowyou，"hesaid，andtakingwithhimagougeandax，heapproachedamaplestilluntapped。"Youfirstmakeagashlikethis。"Sosaying，withtwoorthreeblowsofhisax，hemadeaslantingnotchinthetree。"Andthenyoumakeaplaceforthespilethisway。"Withthebackofhisaxhedrovehisgougeintothecornerofthenotch，andthenfittedhisspileintotheincisionsomade。
　　"Ah，nowIsee。Andyouputthetroughunderthedripfromthespile。Buthowdoyoumakethetroughs？"
　　"Ididnotmakethem，"saidRanald。"Someofthemfathermade，andsomeofthembelongtotheCamerons。Butitiseasyenough。Youjusttakeathickslabofbasswoodandhollowitoutwiththeadze。"
　　Mrs。Murraywasgreatlypleased。"I'mverymuchobligedtoyou，Ranald，"shesaid，"andIamgladIcamedowntoseeyourcamp。
　　Now，ifyouwillaskme，Ishouldliketoseeyoumakethesugar。"
　　Hadherrequestbeenmadebeforethenightoftheirfamousride，Ranaldwouldhavefoundsomepolitereasonforrefusal，butnowhewasrathersurprisedtofindhimselfurginghertocometoasugaring-offatthecloseoftheseason。
　　"Ishallbedelightedtocome，"criedMrs。Murray，"anditisverygoodofyoutoaskme，andIshallbringmyniece，whoiscomingwithMr。Murrayfromtowntospendsomeweekswithme。"
　　Ranald'sfacefell，buthisHighlandcourtesyforbaderetreat。"Ifshewouldcare，"hesaid，doubtfully。
　　"Oh，Iamsureshewouldbeveryglad！Shehasneverbeenoutsideofthecity，andIwanthertolearnallshecanofthecountryandthewoods。Itispositivelypainfultoseetheignoranceofthesecitychildreninregardtoalllivingthings——beastsandbirdsandplants。Why，manyofthemcouldn'ttellabeechfromabasswood。"
　　"Oh，mother！"protestedHughie，aghastatsuchignorance。
　　"Yes，indeed，itisdreadful，Iassureyou，"saidhismother，smiling。"Why，Iknowagrown-upwomanwhodidn'tknowtillaftershewasmarriedthedifferencebetweenaspruceandapine。"
　　"Butyouknowthemallnow，"saidHughie，alittleanxiousforhismother'sreputation。
　　"Yes，indeed，"saidhismother，proudly；"everyone，Ithink，atleastwhentheleavesareout。SoIwantMaimietolearnallshecan。"
　　Ranalddidnotliketheideaanytoowell，butaftertheyhadgonehisthoughtskeptturningtotheproposedvisitofMrs。Murrayandherniece。
　　"Maimie，"saidRanaldtohimself。"Sothatishername。"Ithadamusicalsound，andwasdifferentfromthenamesofthegirlsheknew——BetsyandKirstyandJessieandMargetandJinny。Itwasfinersomehowthanthese，andseemedtosuitbetteracitygirl。
　　Hewonderedifshewouldbenice，buthedecidedthatdoubtlessshewouldbe"proud。"Tobe"proud"wastheunpardonablesinwiththeGlengarryboy。Theboyorgirlconvictedofthiscrimeearnedthecontemptofallself-respectingpeople。Onthewhole，Ranaldwassorryshewascoming。Eveninschoolhewasshywiththegirls，andkeptawayfromthem。Theywerealwaysgigglingandblushingandmakingonefeelqueer，andtheynevermeantwhattheysaid。HehadnodoubtMaimiewouldbeliketherest，andperhapsalittleworse。Ofcourse，beingMrs。Murray'sniece，shemightbesomethinglikeher。Still，thatcouldhardlybe。Nogirlcouldeverbeliketheminister'swife。HeresolvedhewouldturnMaimieovertoDon。Heremembered，withgreatrelief，thatDondidnotmindgirls；indeed，hesuspectedDonratherenjoyedplayingthe"forfeit"gamesatschoolwiththem，inwhichthepenaltieswerepaidinkisses。Howoftenhadheshudderedandadmiredfromadistance，whileDonandtheothersplayedthosedaringgames！Yes，DonwoulddothehonorsforMaimie。PerhapsDonwouldevenventuretoplay"forfeits"withher。Ranaldfelthisfacegrowhotatthisthought。Then，withsuddenself-detection，hecried，angrily，aloud："Idon'tcare；lethim；hemayforallIcare。"
　　"Whomaywhat？"criedavoicebehindhim。ItwasDonhimself。
　　"Nothing，"saidRanald，blushingshamefacedly。
　　"Why，whatareyoumadabout？"askedDon，noticinghisflushedface。
　　"Whoismad？"saidRanald。"Iamnotmadwhatever。"
　　"Well，youlookmightylikeit，"saidDon。"Youlookmadenoughtofight。"
　　ButRanald，ignoringhim，simplysaid，"Wewillneedtobegatheringthesapthisevening，forthetroughswillbefull。"
　　"Huh-huh，"saidDon。"Iguesswecancarryallthereisto-day，butwewillhavetogetthecoltto-morrow。Gotthespilesready？"
　　"Enoughforto-day，"saidRanald，wonderinghowhecouldtellDonoftheproposedvisitofMrs。Murrayandherniece。Takingeachabundleofspilesandanax，theboyssetoutforthepartofthesugarbushasyetuntapped，andbegantheirwork。
　　"Theminister'swifeandHughiewereherejustnow，"beganRanald。
　　"Huh-huh，Imetthemdowntheroad。Hughiesaidhewascomingdayafterto-morrow。"
　　"DidMrs。Murraytellyou——"
　　"Tellmewhat？"
　　"Didshetellyoushewouldliketoseeasugaring-off？"
　　"No；theydidn'tstoplongenoughtotellmeanything。Hughieshoutedatmeastheypassed。"
　　"Well，"saidRanald，speakingslowlyandwithdifficulty，"shewantedbadtoseethesugar-making，andIaskedhertocome。"
　　"Youdid，eh？Iwonderatyou。"
　　"Andshewantedtobringherniece，and——and——Ilether，"saidRanald。
　　"Herniece！Jee-roo-sa-LEM！"criedDon。"Doyouknowwhohernieceis？"
　　"NotI，"saidRanald，lookingratheralarmed。
　　"Well，sheisthedaughterofthebiglumberman，St。Clair，andsheisagreatswell。"
　　Ranaldstoodspeechless。
　　"Thatdoesbeatall，"pursuedDon；"andyouaskedhertoourcamp？"
　　ThenRanaldgrewangry。"Andwhynot？"hesaid，defiantly。"Whatiswrongaboutthat？"
　　"O，nothingmuch，"laughedDon，"ifIhaddoneit，butforyou，Ranald！Why，whatwillyoudowiththatswellyoungladyfromthecity？"
　　"Iwilljustdonothing，"saidRanald。"TherewillbeyouandMrs。
　　Murray，and——"
　　"Oh，Isay，"burstinDon，"that'sbully！Let'sasksomeoftheboys，and——youraunt，and——mymother，and——someofthegirls。"
　　"Oh，shucks！"saidRanald，angrily。"YoujustwantMargetAird。"
　　"Yougetout！"criedDon，indignantly；"MargetAird！"Then，afterapause，headded，"Allright，Idon'twantanybodyelse。I'lllookafterMrs。Murray，andyouandMaimiecandowhatyoulike。"
　　ThiscombinationsoundedsoterribletoRanaldthathesurrenderedatonce；anditwasarrangedthatthereshouldbeagrandsugaring-
　　off，andthatothersbesidestheminister'swifeandhernieceshouldbeinvited。
　　ButMrs。MurrayhadnoticedthefallingofRanald'sfaceatthementionofMaimie'svisittothecamp，andfeelingthatshehadtakenhimatadisadvantage，shedeterminedthatshewouldtheverynextdayputherselfrightwithhim。ShewaseagertofollowuptheadvantageshehadgainedthedaybeforeinestablishingtermsoffriendshipwithRanald，forherheartwentouttotheboy，inwhosedeep，passionatenatureshesawvastpossibilitiesforgoodorill。OnherreturnfromherdailyvisittoMacdonaldDubh，shetookthecamproad，andhadthegoodfortunetofindRanaldalone，"riggingup"hiskettlespreparatorytotheboiling。Butshehadnotimeforkettlesto-day，andshewentstraighttoherbusiness。
　　"Icametoseeyou，Ranald，"shesaid，aftershehadshakenhandswithhim，"aboutoursugaring-off。I'vebeenthinkingthatitwouldperhapsbebettertohavenostrangers，butjustoldfriends，youandDonandHughieandme。"
　　Ranaldatoncecaughthermeaning，butfoundhimselfstrangelyunwillingtobeextricatedfromhispredicament。
　　"Imean，"saidMrs。Murray，frankly，"wemightenjoyitbetterwithoutmyniece；andso，perhaps，wecouldhavethesugaringwhenIcometobringHughiehomeonFriday。MaimiedoesnotcometillSaturday。"
　　HerfranknessdisarmedRanaldofhisreserve。"Iknowwellwhatyoumean，"hesaid，withouthisusualawkwardness，"butIdonotmindnowatallhavingyourniececome；andDonisgoingtohaveaparty。"Thequiet，gravetonewasthatofaman，andMrs。Murraylookedattheboywithneweyes。Shedidnotknowthatitwasherownfrankconfidencethathadwonlikeconfidencefromhim。
　　"Howoldareyou，Ranald？"shesaid，inherwonder。
　　"Iwillbegoingoneighteen。"
　　"Youwillsoonbeaman，Ranald。"Ranaldremainedsilent，andshewentonearnestly："Astrong，good，braveman，Ranald。"
　　Thebloodrushedtotheboy'sfacewithasuddenflood，butstillhestoodsilent。
　　"I'mgoingtogiveyouHughiefortwodays，"shecontinued，inthesameearnestvoice；andleaningdownoverherpony'snecktowardhim："Iwanthimtoknowstrongandmanlyboys。Heisveryfondofyou，Ranald。Hethinksyouarebetterthananymanintheworld。"Shepaused，herlipspartinginasmilethatmadeRanald'sheartbeatquick。Thenshewentonwithashyhesitancy："Ranald，Iknowtheboyssometimesdropwordstheyshouldnotandtellstoriesunfittohear"；thebloodwasbeginningtoshowinhercheek；"andIwouldnotlikemylittleboy——"Hervoicebrokesuddenly，butrecoveringquicklyshewentoningrave，sweettones：
　　"Itrusthimtoyou，Ranald，forthistimeandafterward。Helooksuptoyou。Iwanthimtobeagood，braveman，andtokeephisheartpure。"Ranaldcouldnotspeak，buthelookedsteadilyintoMrs。Murray'seyesashetookthehandsheoffered，andsheknewhewaspledginghimselftoher。
　　"You'llcomeforhimto-morrow，"shesaid，assheturnedaway。BythistimeRanaldhadfoundhisvoice。
　　"Yes，ma'am，"hereplied。"AndIwilltakegoodcareofhim。"
　　OncemoreMrs。MurrayfoundherselflookingatRanaldasifseeinghimforthefirsttime。Hehadthesolemnvoiceandmannerofamanmakingoathofallegiance，andsherodeawaywithherheartatrestconcerningherlittleboy。WithRanald，atleast，hewouldbesafe。
　　*****
　　ThosetwodayshadbeenforHughielongandweary，butatlastthegreatdaycameforhim，asallgreatdayswillcomeforthosewhocanwait。Ranaldappearedatthemansebeforethebreakfastwaswellbegun，andHughie，withtheunconsciousegoismofchildhood，wasforrushingoffwithoutthoughtofpreparationforhimselforoffarewellforthoseleftbehind。Indeed，hewasforleavinghisporridgeuntasted，declaringhe"wasn'tabithungry，"buthismotherbroughthimtohissenses。
　　"Nobreakfast，nosugarbushto-day，Hughie，"shesaid；"wecannotsendmenouttothewoodsthatcannoteatbreakfast，canwe，Ranald？"
　　Hughieatoncefelluponhisporridgewithvigor，whileRanald，whowasmuchtooshytoeatattheminister'stable，satandwaited。
　　Afterbreakfastwasover，Jessiewascalledinforthemorningworship，withoutwhichnodaywaseverbeguninthemanse。Atworshipintheminister'shouseeveryonepresenttookpart。ItwasHughie'sspecialjoytoleadthesingingofthepsalm。Hisvoicerosehighandclear，evenabovehismother's，forhelovedtosing，andRanald'spresenceinspiredhimtodohisbest。Ranaldhadoftenheardthepsalmsunginthechurch——
　　Itothehillswillliftmineeyes，Fromwhencedothcomemineaid；
　　andthetunewastheold，familiar"French，"butsomehowitwasallnewtohimthatday。Thefreshvoicesandthecrisp，promptmovementofthetunemadeRanaldfeelasifhehadneverheardthepsalmsungbefore。Inthereadinghetookhisversewiththeothers，stumblingalittle，notbecausethewordsweretoobigforhim，butbecausetheyseemedtorunintooneanother。ThechapterforthedaycontainedPaul'sinjunctiontoTimothy，urginghimtofidelityandcourageasagoodsoldierofJesusChrist。
　　Whenthereadingwasdone，Mrs。MurraytoldthemastoryofayoungmanwhohadshedhisblooduponaScottishmoorbecausehewastoobravetobeuntruetohislord，andthen，inafewwords，madethemallseethatstillsomeconflictwasbeingwaged，andthattherewasstillopportunityforeachtodisplayloyalcourageandfidelity。
　　Intheprayerthatfollowed，thefirstthingthatsurprisedRanaldwastheabsenceofthesetformsandtonesofprayer，withwhichhewasfamiliar。Itwasallsosimpleandreal。ThemotherwastellingthegreatFatherinheavenhercaresandanxieties，andtheday'sneedsforthemall，surethathewouldunderstandandanswer。
　　Everyonewasremembered——theabsentheadofthefamilyandthosepresent；theyoungmanworshipingwiththem，thathemightbeatruemanandagoodsoldierofJesusChrist；andattheclose，thelittleladgoingawaythismorning，thathemightbekeptfromallharmandfromallevilthoughtsanddeeds。Thesimplebeautyofthewords，themusicinthevoice，andthetender，trustfulfeelingthatbreathedthroughtheprayerawakenedinRanald'sheartemotionsandlongingshehadneverknownbefore，andherosefromhiskneesfeelinghowwickedandhowcruelathingitwouldbetocauseoneoftheselittleonestostumble。
　　Aftertheworshipwasover，HughieseizedhisScotchbonnetandrushedforthejumper，andinafewminuteshismotherhadallthespacenottakenupbyhimandRanaldpackedwithblanketsandbaskets。
　　"Jessiethinksthatevengreatshanty-menlikeyouandDonandHughiewillnotobjecttosomethingbetterthanbreadandpork。"
　　"Indeed，wewillnot，"saidRanald，heartily。
　　ThenHughiesuddenlyrememberedthathewasactuallyleavinghome，andclimbingoutofthejumper，herushedathismother。
　　"Oh，mother，goodby！"hecried。
　　Hismotherstoopedandputherarmsabouthim。"Goodby，mydarling，"shesaid，inalowvoice；"Itrustyoutobeagoodboy，and，Hughie，don'tforgetyourprayers。"
　　ThencametoHughie，forthefirsttime，thethoughtthathadbeeninthemother'sheartallthemorning，thatwhennightcamehewouldliedowntosleep，forthefirsttimeinhislife，withoutthenightlystoryandhergood-nightkiss。
　　"Mother，"whisperedthelittlelad，holdinghertightabouttheneck，"won'tyoucome，too？Idon'tthinkIliketogoaway。"
　　Hecouldhavesaidnomorecomfortingword，andthemother，whosehearthadbeensoreenoughwithherfirstpartingfromherboy，wasmorethangladtofindthatthepainwasnotallonherside；soshekissedhimagain，andsaid，inacheeryvoice："Nowhaveagoodtime。Don'ttroubleRanaldtoomuch，andbringmebacksomesugar。"Herlastwordbracedtheladasnothingelsecould。
　　"Oh，mother，I'llbringyouheaps！"hecried，andwiththevisionofwhathewouldbringhomeagainshiningvividlybeforehiseyes，hegotthroughthepartingwithouttears，andwassoonspeedingdownthelanebesideRanald，inthejumper。
　　ThemotherstoodandwatchedthelittlefigureholdingtighttoRanaldwithonehand，andwiththeotherwavingfranticallyhisbonnetbythetails，tillatlastthebushhidhimfromhersight。
　　Thensheturnedbackagaintothehousethatseemedsoempty，withherhandpressedhardagainsthersideandherlipquiveringaswithsharppain。
　　"Howfoolish！"shesaid，impatientlytoherself；"hewillbehomeintwodays。"Butinspiteofherselfshewentagaintothedoor，andlookedlongatthespotwherethebushswalloweduptheroad。
　　Thenshewentupstairsandshutherdoor，andwhenshecamedownagaintherewasthatinherfacethattoldthatherhearthadhaditsfirsttouchoftheswordthat，soonerorlater，mustpierceallmothers'hearts。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　MAIMIE
　　BeforeHughiecamebackfromthesugarcamp，theministerhadreturnedfromthepresbytery，bringingwithhimhiswife'sniece，MaimieSt。Clair，whohadcomefromherhomeinaWesterncitytomeethim。Herfather，EugeneSt。Clair，waspresidentofRaymondandSt。ClairLumberCompany。NineteenyearsbeforethistimehehadmarriedMrs。Murray'seldestsister，andestablishedhishomewitheveryprospectofaprosperousandhappylife，butafterthreeshort，brightyearsofalmostperfectjoy，hisyoungwife，hisheart'sidol，aftertwodays'illness，flutteredoutfromherbeautifulhome，leavingwithherbroken-heartedhusbandherlittleboyandababygirltwoweeksold。ThenEugeneSt。ClairbesoughthissistertocomeoutfromEnglandandpresideoverhishomeandcareforhischildren；andthathemightforgethisgrief，hegavehimself，heartandmind，tohisbusiness。Wealthcametohim，andunderhissister'srulehishomebecameaplaceofculturedeleganceandacenteroffashionablepleasure。
　　MissFrancesSt。Clairwasawomanoftheworld，proudofherfamily-tree，whoserootdisappearedinthedepthsofpastcenturies，anddevotedtothepursuitandcultivationofthosegracesandmannersthataresupposedtodistinguishpeopleofbirthandbreedingfromthecommonsort。Indeed，fromcommonmenandthingssheshrankalmostwithhorror。Theentranceof"trade"intothesocialsphereofherlifeshewouldregardasanimpertinentintrusion。Itwasasmuchasshecouldbeartoallowtheapproachof"commerce，"whichherbrotherrepresented。Shesupposed，ofcourse，theremustbepeopletocarryonthetradesandindustriesofthecountry——veryworthypeople，too——butthesewerepeopleonecouldnotbeexpectedtoknow。MissSt。ClairthankedheaventhatshehadhadtheadvantagesofanEnglisheducationandup-bringing，andshelamentedthestubborndemocraticopinionsofherbrother，whoinsistedthatHarryshouldattendthepublicschool。Shewasnotsurprised，therefore，thoughgreatlygrieved，thatHarrychosehisfriendsinschoolwithafinedisregardof"theirpeople。"ItwaswithsurpriseamountingtopainthatshefoundherselfonedayintroducedbyhernephewtoBillieBarclay，whoturnedouttobethesonofHarry'sfavoriteconfectioner。Tohisaunt'sremonstranceitseemedtoHarryasufficientreplythatBillywasa"brick"andashining"quarter"ontheschoolRugbyteam。
　　"But，Harry，thinkofhispeople！"urgedhisaunt。
　　"Oh，rot！"repliedherirreverentnephew；"Idon'tplaywithhispeople。"
　　"Yes，butHarry，youdon'texpecttomakehimyourfriend？"
　　"Butheismyfriend，andIdon'tcarewhathispeopleare。
　　Besides，Ithinkhisgovernorisafineoldboy，andIknowhegivesusjollygoodtaffy。"
　　"But，Harry，"answeredhisaunt，indespair，"youarepositivelydreadful。Whycan'tyoumakefriendsinyourownset？ThereisHubertEvansandtheLangfordboys。"
　　"Evans！"snortedHarry，withcontempt；"beastlysnob，andtheLangfordsareregularMollies！"WhereuponMissSt。Clairgaveuphernephewasimpossible。ButBilliedidnotrepeathisvisittohisfriendHarry'shome。MissFrancesSt。Clairhadawayoflookingthroughherpince-nezthatevenaboycouldunderstandandwouldseektoavoid。
　　WithMaimie，MissSt。Clairachievedbetterresults。Shewasagentlegirl，withanaffectionate，yieldingdisposition，tendingtowardsindolenceandself-indulgence。Heraunt'schiefconcernaboutherwasthatsheshouldbefrockedandmanneredasbecameherposition。Hereducationwascommittedtoaveryselectyoungladies'school，whereonlythedaughtersofthefirstfamilieseverentered。Whatorhowtheyweretaught，herauntneverinquired。
　　Shefeltquitesurethattheladyprincipalwouldresent，asindeedsheought，anysuchinquiry。HenceMaimiecametohaveasmatteringoftheEnglishpoets，couldtalkinconversation-bookFrench，andcoulddashoffmostofthenotesofafewwaltzesandmarchesfromthebestcomposers，herpiecederesistance，however，being"LaPriered'uneVierge。"Shecarriedwithherfromschoolaportfolioofcrayonsofapparentlyveryancientandverybatteredcastles；andwater-colorsoflandscapes，wherethewaterwasquiteassolidastheland。True，shewasquiteunabletokeepherownsmallaccounts，andwhenherfatherchancedtoaskheronedaytodoforhimasimpleaddition，hewasamazedtofindthatonlyafterthethirdattemptdidshegetitright；but，intheeyesofheraunt，thesewerequiteunimportantdeficiencies，andforyoungladiesshewasnotsurebutthatthekeepingofaccountsandtheaddingoffigureswerealmostvulgaraccomplishments。Herfatherthoughtotherwise，buthewasabusyman，andbesides，heshrankfromenteringintoaregionstrangetohim，butwherehissistermovedwithassuredtread。Hecontentedhimselfwithgratifyinghisdaughter'sfanciesandindulgingherineverywayallowedhimbyhersystemoftrainingandeducation。Themainmarvelintheresultwasthatthegirldidnotgrowmoreselfish，superficial，andignorantthanshedid。Somethinginherbloodhelpedher，butmore，itwasheraunt'stouchuponherlife。Foreveryweekalettercamefromthecountrymanse，bringingwithitsomeofthesweetsimplicityofthecountryandsomethinglikeabreathofheaven。