CHAPTERXII
SEED-TIME
ThedayafterBigMack'sfuneral，RanaldwasbusypolishingLizette'sglossyskin，beforethestabledoor。Thiswashisfavoriteremedyforgloomythoughts，andRanaldwasfullofgloomythoughtsto-day。Hisfather，thoughgoingaboutthehouse，wasstillweak，andworsethanall，wasfrettinginhisweakness。Hewasoppressedwiththeterriblefearthathewouldneveragainbeabletodoaman'swork，andRanaldknewfromthedarklookinhisfather'sfacethatdayandnightthedesireforvengeancewasgnawingathisheart，andRanaldalsoknewsomethingofthebitternessofthisdesirefromthefiercelongingthatlaydeepinhisown。Someday，whenhisfingerswouldbefeelingforLeNoir'sthroat，hewoulddrinklongandfullythatsweetdraughtofvengeance。Heknew，too，thatitaddedtothebitternessinhisfather'shearttoknowthat，inthespring'sworkthateverywarmdaywasbringingnearer，hecouldtakenopart；andthatwaspartlythecauseofRanald'sgloom。Withtheslow-movingoxen，hecouldhardlyhopetogettheseedinintime，andtheyneededthecropthisyearifevertheydid，forlastyear'sinterestonthemortgagewasstillunpaidandthenextinstallmentwasnearlydue。
AshewasputtingthefinishingtouchesuponLisette'ssatinskin，YankeedroveuptotheyardwithhisFoxhorseandbuckboard。Hisboxwasstrappedonbehind，andhisblankets，rolledupinabundle，filledtheseatbesidehim。
"Mornin'，"hecalledtoRanald。"Purtyfineshine，that，andpurtyfinemare，allround，"hecontinued，walkingaboutLisetteandnotingadmiringlyherbeautifulproportions。
"Purtyfinebeast，"hesaid，inalowtone，runninghishandsdownherlegs。"Guessyouwouldn'tcaretopartwiththatmare？"
"No，"saidRanald，shortly；butashespokehisheartsankwithinhim。
"Oughttofetchafairlygoodfigure，"continuedYankee，meditatively。"Le'ssee。She'sfromLaRoque'sLisette，ain'tshe？Oughttohavesomespeed。"HeuntiedLisette'shalter。
"Takeherdownintheyardyonder，"hesaidtoRanald。
RanaldthrewthehalteroverLisette'sneck，sprangonherback，andsentherdownthelaneatagoodsmartpace。Atthebottomofthelanehewheeledher，andridinglowuponherneck，camebacktothebarnlikeawhirlwind。
"Byjings！"exclaimedYankee，surprisedoutofhislazydrawl；
"she'sgotit，youbetyourlastbrick。Seehere，boy，there'smoneyintothatanimal。ThoughtIwouldliketohaveherformybuckboard，butIhavegotanonfortunitconsciencethatwon'tletmedoupanypartner，soIguessIcan'tmakeanyoffer。"
RanaldstoodbesideLisette，hisarmthrownoverherbeautifulneck，andhishandfondlinghergentlyabouttheears。"Iwillnotsellher。"Hisvoicewaslowandfierce，andallthemoresobecauseheknewthatwasjustwhathewoulddo，andhisheartwassickwiththepainofthethought。
"Isay，"saidYankee，suddenly，"cudn'tbunkmeinyourloft，cudyou！Can'tstandthetown。Tooclose。"
TheconfininglimitationsoftheTwentieth，thatmetropolitancenterofsomedozenbuildings，includingthesawmillandblacksmithshop，weretootryingforYankee'snervoussystem。
"Yes，indeed，"saidRanald，heartily。"Wewillbeverygladtohaveyou，anditwillbetheverybestthingforfather。"
"S'poseoldFoxcudnibbleroundthebrule，"continuedYankee，noddinghisheadtowardhissorrelhorse。"Don'tthinkIwilldomuchdrivin'machinebusiness。Ratherslow。"Yankeespentthesummermonthssellingsewing-machinesandnewpatentchurns。
"There'splentyofpasture，"saidRanald，"andFoxwillsoonmakefriendswithLisette。Sheisverykind，whatever。"
"Ain'teverhitchedher，haveyou？"saidYankee。
"No。"
"Well，mighthitchherupsomeday。Guessyouwudn'thurtthebuckboard。"
"Notlikely，"saidRanald，lookingattheold，ramshackleaffair。
"Usedtodrivesomemyself，"saidYankee。ButtothisideaRanalddidnottakekindly。
Yankeestoodforafewmomentslookingdownthelaneandoverthefields，andthen，turningtoRanald，said，"Guessit'saboutreadytobeginplowin'。Gotquitealotofittodo，too，ain'tyou？"
"Yes，"saidRanald，"IwasthinkingIwouldbebeginningto-morrow。"
"Purtyslowbusinesswiththeoxen。HowwoulditdotohitchupLisetteandoldFoxyonder？"
ThenRanaldunderstoodthepurposeofYankee'svisit。
"Iwouldbeveryglad，"saidRanald，agreatloadliftingfromhisheart。"Iwasafraidoftheworkwithonlytheoxen。"Andthen，afterapause，headded，"WhatdidyoumeanaboutbuyingLisette？"
Hewasanxioustohavethatpointsettled。
"IsaidwhatImeant，"answeredYankee。"Ithoughtperhapsyouwouldratherhavethemoneythanthecolt；butItellyouwhat，I
hain'tgotmoneyenoughtoputintothatbird，anddon'tyoutalksellingtoanyonetillweseehergaithitchedup。ButIguessalittleoftheplowwon'thurtforafewweeksorso。"
NextdayLisetteleftbehindherforeverthefree，happydaysofcolthood。AtfirstRanaldwasunwillingtotrusthertoanyotherhandsthanhisown，butwhenhesawhowskillfullyandgentlyYankeehandledher，soothingherwhileheharnessedandhitchedherup，herecognizedthatshewassaferwithYankeethanwithhimself，andallowedhimtohavethereins。
TheyspentthemorningdrivingupanddownthelanewithLisetteandFoxhitchedtothestone-boat。Thecolthadbeenkindlytreatedfromherearliestdays，andconsequentlyknewnothingoffear。ShesteppeddaintilybesideoldFox，frettingandchafingintheharness，butwithoutthoughtofanyviolentobjection。Intheafternoonthecoltwasputthroughhermorningexperience，withthevariationthatthestone-boatwaspiledupwithafairlyheavyloadofearthandstone。Andaboutnoonthedayfollowing，Lisettewasturningherfurrowwithallthesteadinessofahorsetwiceherage。
Beforetwoweekswereover，Yankee，withthehorses，andRanald，withtheoxen，hadfinishedtheplowing，andinanothertendaysthefieldslaysmoothandblack，withtheseedharrowedsafelyin，waitingfortherain。
Yankee'svisithadbeenagodsend，notonlytoRanaldwithhiswork，butalsotoMacdonaldDubh。Hewouldtalktothegrim，silentmanbythehour，aftertheday'sworkwasdone，farintothenight，tillatlengthhemanagedtodrawfromhimthesecretofhismisery。
"Iwillneverbeamanagain，"hesaid，bitterly，toYankee。"Andthereisthefarmalltopayfor。Ihaveputitofftoolongandnowitistoolate，anditisallbecauseofthat——that——brutebeastofaFrenchman。"
"Meancuss！"ejaculatedYankee。
"AndIamsaying，"continuedMacdonaldDubh，openinghisheartstillfurther，"Iamsaying，itwasnofairfight，whatever。I
couldwhiphimwithonehand。ItwaswhenIwaspullingoutBigMack，poorfellow，fromundertheheap，thathetookmeunawares。"
"That'sso，"assentedYankee。"Blamedlowdowntrick。"
"And，oh，IwillbeprayingGodtogivemestrengthjusttomeethim！Iwillasknomore。But，"headded，inbitterdespair，"thereisnouseformetopray。Strengthwillcometomenomore。"
"Well，"saidYankee，brightly，"needn'tworryaboutthatvarmint。
Heain'tworthit，anyhow。"
"Aye，heisnotworthit，indeed，andthatisthemanwhohasbroughtmetothis。"ThatwasthebitterparttoMacdonaldDubh。
Amanhedespisedhadbeatenhim。
"Nowlookhere，"saidYankee，"courseIain'tmuchgoodatthis，butifyouwilljustquitworryin'，I'llundertaketosettlethislittleaccountwithMr。LeNware。"
"Andwhatgoodwouldthatbetome？"saidMacdonaldDubh。"Itismyselfthatwantstomeethim。"ItwasnotsomuchthedestructionofLeNoirthathedesiredasthatheshouldhavethedestroyingofhim。Whilehecherishedthisfeelinginhisheart，itwasnotstrangethattheministerinhisvisitsfoundBlackHughunapproachable，andconcludedthathewasinastateofsettled"hardnessofheart。"Hiswifeknewbetter，butevenshedarednotapproachMacdonaldDubhonthatsubject，whichhadnotbeenmentionedbetweenthemsincethemorninghehadopenedhishearttoher。Thedark，haggard，gloomyfacehauntedher。Shelongedtohelphimtopeace。Itwasthisthatsenthertohisbrother，MacdonaldBhain，towhomshetoldasmuchofthestoryasshethoughtwise。
"IamafraidhewillnevercometopeacewithGoduntilhecomestopeacewiththisman，"shesaid，sadly，"anditisabitterloadthatheiscarryingwithhim。"
"Iwilltalkwithhim，"answeredMacdonaldBhain，andattheendoftheweekhetookhiswayacrosstohisbrother'shome。
Hefoundhimdowninthebrule，wherehespentmostofhisdaystoilinghardwithhisax，inspiteoftheearnestentreatiesofRanald。Hewasbuttingabigtreethatthefirehadlaidprone，buttheaxwasfallingwiththestrokeofaweakman。
Ashefinishedhiscut，hisbrothercalledtohim，"Thatisnoworkforyou，Hugh；thatisnoworkforamanwhohasbeenforsixweeksinhisbed。"
"Itisworkthatmustbedone，however，"BlackHughanswered，bitterly。
"Givemetheax，"saidMacdonaldBhain。Hemountedthetreeashisbrothersteppeddown，andswunghisaxdeepintothewoodwithamightyblow。Thenheremembered，andstopped。Hewouldnotaddtohisbrother'sbitternessbyanexhibitionofhismighty，unshakenstrength。Hestucktheaxintothelog，andstandingup，lookedoverthebrule。"Itisafinebitofground，Hugh，andwillraiseagoodcropofpotatoes。"
"Aye，"saidMacdonaldDubh，sadly。"Ithaslainlikethisforthreeyears，andoughttohavebeenclearedlongago，ifIhadbeendoingmyduty。"
"Indeed，itwillburnallthebetterforthat，"saidhisbrother，cheerfully。"Andasforthepotatoes，thereisabitofmyclearingthatRanaldmightaswelluse。"
ButBlackHughshookhishead。"Ranaldwillusenoman'sclearingbuthisown，"hesaid。"Iamafraidhehasgottoomuchofhisfatherinhimforhisowngood。"
MacdonaldBhainglancedathisbrother'sfacewithalookofmingledpityandadmiration。"Ah，"hesaid，"Hugh，it'saproudmanyouare。Macdonaldshaveplentyofthat，whatever，andwecomebyitgoodenough。Doyourememberathome，whenourfather"——andhewentoffintoareminiscenceoftheirboyhooddays，talkingingentle，kindly，lovingtones，tilltheshadowbegantoliftfromhisbrother'sface，andhe，too，begantotalk。Theyspokeoftheirfather，whohadalwaysbeentothemakindofhero；andoftheirmother，whohadlived，andtoiled，andsufferedforherfamilywithuncomplainingpatience。
"Shewasagoodwoman，"saidMacdonaldBhain，withanoteoftendernessinhisvoice。"Anditwasthehardloadshehadtobear，andIwouldtoGodshewerelivingnow，thatImightmakeuptohersomethingofwhatshesufferedforme。"
"AndIamthankfultoGod，"saidhisbrother，bitterly，"thatsheisnotheretoseemenow，foritwouldbutaddtotheheavyburdenIoftenlaiduponher。"
"Youwillnotbesayingthat，"saidMacdonaldBhain。"ButIamsayingthattheLordwillbehonoredinyouyet。"
"Indeed，thereisnotmuchforme，"saidhisbrother，gloomily，"butthesick-bedandsixfeetormoreofthedampearth。"
"Hugh，man，"saidhisbrother，hastily，"youmustnotbetalkinglikethat。Itisnotthespeechofabraveman。Itisthespeechofamanthatisbeateninhisfight。"
"Beaten！"echoedhisbrother，withakindofcry。"Youhavesaidtheword。Beatenitis，andbyamanthatisnoequalofmine。
Youknowthat，"hesaid，appealing，almostanxiously，tohisbrother。"Youknowthatwell。YouknowthatIambroughttothis"——hehelduphisgaunt，bonyhands——"byamanthatisnoequalofmine，andIwillneverbeabletolookhiminthefaceandsayasmuchtohim。ButiftheAlmightywouldsendhimtohell，I
wouldbefollowinghimthere。"
"Whisht，Hugh，"saidMacdonaldBhain，inavoiceofawe。"Itisaterriblewordyouhavesaid，andmaytheLordforgiveyou。"
"Forgiveme！"echoedhisbrother，inakindoffrenzy。"Indeed，hewillnotbedoingthat。Didnottheminister'swifetellmeasmuch？"
"No，no，"saidhisbrother。"Shewouldnotbesayingthat。"
"Indeed，thatisherveryword，"saidBlackHugh。
"Shecouldnotsaythat，"saidhisbrother，"foritisnottheWordofGod。"
"Indeed，"repliedBlackHugh，likeamanwhohadthoughtitallout，"shewouldbereadingitoutoftheBooktomethatunlessI
wouldbeforgiving，that——that——"hepaused，notbeingabletofindaword，butwenton——"thenIneednothopetobeforgivenmyownself。"
"Yes，yes。Thatistrue，"assentedMacdonaldBhain。"But，bythegraceofGod，youwillforgive，andyouwillbeforgiven。"
"Forgive！"criedBlackHugh，hisfaceconvulsedwithpassion。
"Hearme！"——heraisedhishandtoheaven——"IfIeverforgive——"
Buthisbrothercaughthisarmanddrewitdownswiftly，saying：
"Whisht，man。Don'ttempttheAlmighty。"Thenheadded，"YouwouldnotbeshuttingyourselfoutfromthepresenceoftheLordandfromthepresenceofthosehehastakentohimself？"
Hisbrotherstoodsilentafewmoments，hishard，darkfacesweptwithastormofemotions。Thenhesaid，brokenly："Itisnotforme，Idoubt。"
Buthisbrothercaughthimbythearmandsaidtohim，"Hearme，Hugh。Itisforyou。"
Theywalkedoninsilencetilltheywerenearthehouse。RanaldandYankeeweredrivingtheirteamsintotheyard。
"Thatisafinelad，"saidMacdonaldBhain，pointingtoRanald。
"Aye，"saidhisbrother；"itisapityhehasnotabetterchance。
Heisgreatforhisbooks，buthehasnochancewhatever，andhewillbeabowedmanbeforehehasclearedthisfarmandpaidthedebtonit。"
"Neveryoufear，"saidhisbrother。"Ranaldwilldowell。But，man，whatasizeheis！"
"Heisthat，"saidhisfather，proudly。"Heisasbigashisfather，andIdoubtsomedayhemaybeasgoodamanashisuncle。"
"Godgranthemaybeabetter！"saidMacdonaldBhain，reverently。
"Ifhebeasgood，"saidhisbrother，kindly，"Iwillbecontent；
butIwillnotbeheretoseeit。"
"Whisht，man，"saidhisbrother，hastily。"Youarenottospeaksuchthings，norhavetheminyourmind。"
"Ah，"saidMacdonaldDubh，sadly，"mydayisnotfaroff，andthatIknowrightwell。"
MacdonaldBhainflunghisarmhastilyroundhisbrother'sshoulder。
"Donotspeaklikethat，Hugh，"hesaid，hisvoicebreakingsuddenly。Andthenhedrewawayhisarmasifashamedofhisemotion，andsaid，withkindlydignity，"PleaseGod，youwillseemanydaysyet，andseeyourboycometohonoramongmen。"
ButBlackHughonlyshookhisheadinsilence。
Beforetheycametothedoor，MacdonaldBhainsaid，withseemingindifference，"Youhavenotbeentochurchsinceyougotup，Hugh。
Youwillbegoingto-morrow，ifitisafineday？"
"Itistoolongawalk，Idoubt，"answeredhisbrother。
"Thatitis，butYankeewilldriveyouinhisbuckboard，"saidMacdonaldBhain。
"Inthebuckboard？"saidMacdonaldDubh。"And，indeed，Iwasneverinabuckboardinmylife。"
"Itisnottoolatetobeginto-morrow，"saidhisbrother，"anditwilldoyougood。"
"Idoubtthat，"saidBlackHugh，gloomily。"Thechurchwillnotbedoingmemuchgoodanymore。"
"Donotsaysuchathing；andYankeewilldriveyouinhisbuckboardto-morrow。"
Hisbrotherdidnotpromise，butnextdaythecongregationreceivedashockofsurprisetoseeMacdonaldDubhwalkdowntheaisletohisplaceinthechurch。Andthroughallthedaysofthespringandsummerhisplacewasneverempty；andthoughtheshadowneverliftedfromhisface，theminister'swifefeltcomfortedabouthim，andwaitedforthedayofhisdeliverance。
CHAPTERXIII
THELOGGINGBEE
MacdonaldBhain'svisittohisbrotherwasfruitfulinanotherway。
AftertakingcounselwithYankeeandKirsty，heresolvedthathewouldspeaktohisneighborsandmakea"bee，"toattackthebrule。
Heknewbetterthantoconsulteitherhisbrotherorhisnephew，feelingsurethattheirHighlandpridewouldforbidacceptinganysuchfavor，andallthemorebecauseitseemedtobeneeded。Butwithouttheirleavethebeewasarranged，andinthebeginningofthefollowingweekthehouseofMacdonaldDubhwasthrownintoastateofunparalleledconfusion，andKirstywentaboutinastateofdishevelmentthatgavetokenthatthedailystrugglewithdirthadreachedtheacutestage。Fromtoptobottom，insideandoutside，everythingthatcouldbescrubbedwasscrubbed，andthenshesettledaboutherbaking，butwithallcaution，lestsheshouldexciteherbrother'sorhernephew'ssuspicion。Itwasagoodthingthatlittlebakingwasrequired，fortheteamsthatbroughtthemenwiththeiraxesandlogging-chainsfortheday'sworkatthebrulebroughtalsotheirsistersandmotherswithbasketsofprovisions。Aloggingbeewithoutthesistersandmotherswiththeirbasketswouldhardlybeanunmixedblessing。
ThefirstmantoarrivewithhisteamwasPeterMcGregor'sAngus，andwithhimcamehissisterBella。Hewasshortlyafterwardfollowedbyotherteamsinrapidsuccession——theRosses，theMcKerachers，theCamerons，bothDonandMurdie，theRoryMcCuaigs，theMcRaes，twoorthreefamiliesofthem，theFrasers，andothers——
tillsomefifteenteamsandfortymen，andboys，whothoughtthemselvesquitemen，linedupinfrontofthebrule。
Thebeewasagreataffair，forMacdonaldBhainwasheldinhighregardbythepeople；andbesidesthis，themisfortunethathadbefallenhisbrother，andthecircumstancesunderwhichithadovertakenhim，hadarousedinthecommunityaverydeepsympathyforhim，andpeopleweregladoftheopportunitytomanifestthissympathy。Andmorethanall，aloggingbeewasaneventthatalwayspromisedmoreorlessexcitementandsocialfestivity。
Yankeewas"boss"fortheday。ThispositionwouldnaturallyhavefallentoMacdonaldBhain，butathisbrother'sbee，MacdonaldBhainshrankfromtakingtheleadingplace。
Themenwiththeaxeswentfirst，choppingupthehalf-burnedlogsintolengthssuitablefortheburning-piles，clearingawaythebrushwood，andcuttingthroughthebigrootsofthefire-eatenstumpssothattheymightmoreeasilybepulled。Thenfollowedtheteamswiththeirlogging-chains，haulingthelogstothepiles，jerkingoutanddrawingoffthestumpswhosehugerootsstuckuphighintotheair，anddrawinggreatheapsofbrush-woodtoaidinreducingtheheavylogstoashes。Ateachlog-pilestoodamanwithahand-spiketohelpthedrivertogetthelogintoposition，aworkrequiringstrengthandskill，andaboveall，aknowledgeofthewaysoflogswhichcomesonlybyexperience。ItwasatthisworkthatMacdonaldBhainshone。Withhismightystrengthhecouldholdsteadyoneendofaloguntiltheteamcouldhaultheotherintoitsplace。
Thestump-pullingwasalwaysattendedwithmoreorlessinterestandexcitement。Stumps，aswellaslogs，havetheirways，andittakesalongexperiencetounderstandthewaysofstumps。
Instump-hauling，youngAleckMcGregorwasanexpert。Herarelyfailedtodetecttheweaksideofastump。Heknewhisteam，andwhatwasoffargreaterimportance，histeamknewhim。TheywerepartlyofFrench-Canadianstock，notaslargeasFarquharMcNaughton'sbig，fatblacks，but"asfullofspiritasabottleofwhisky，"asAleckhimselfwouldsay。Theirfirsttentativepullsatthestumpweretakenwithcaution，untiltheirdriverandthemselveshadtakenthefullmeasureofthestrengthoftheenemy。
ButwhenonceAleckhadmadeuphismindthatvictorywaspossible，andhadgiventhemthecallforthefinaleffort，thenhisteamputtheirbodiesandsoulsintothepull，andneverdrewbacktillsomethingcame。Theirdriverwasaccustomedtoboastthatneveryethadtheyfailedtohonorhiscall。
Farquhar'shandsomeblacks，ontheotherhand，wereneverhandledafterthisfashion。Theywereslowandsureandsteady，liketheirdriver。Theirgreatweightgavethemamightyadvantageinapull，butnever，inallthesolemncourseoftheirexistence，hadtheythrownthemselvesintoanydoubtfultrialofstrength。Inaslow，steadyhaultheyweretobereliedupon；buttheynevercouldbegottojerk，andajerkisanimportantfeatureinstump-haulingtactics。To-day，however，anewexperiencewasawaitingthem。
Farquharwasanoldmanandslow，andYankee，whilehewasunwillingtohurryhim，wasequallyunwillingthathisteamshouldnotdoafullday'swork。HepersuadedFarquharthathispresencewasnecessaryatoneofthepiles，notwiththehand-spike，butsimplytosuperintendthearrangingofthemassforburning。"Foritain'teveryman，Yankeedeclared，"couldbuildapiletoburn。"Asforhisteam，YankeepersuadedtheoldmanthatRanaldwasunequaledinhandlinghorses；thatlastwinternodriverinthecampwasuptohim。ReluctantlyFarquharhandedhisteamovertoRanald，andstoodforsometimewatchingtheresultofthenewcombination。
Ranaldwasabornhorseman。Helovedhorsesandunderstoodthem。
Slowlyhemovedtheblacksattheirwork，knowingthathorsesaresensitivetoanewhandandvoice，andthathemustadapthimselftotheirways，ifhewouldbringthematlasttohis。BeforelongFarquharwascontentedtogoofftohispile，satisfiedthathisteamwasingoodhands，andnotsorrytoberelievedofthenecessityofhurryinghispacethroughthelong，hotday，aswouldhavebeennecessaryinordertokeepupwiththeotherdrivers。
Foreachteamastripofthebrulewasmarkedouttoclearaftertheaxes。Thelogs，brush，andstumpshadtoberemovedanddraggedtotheburning-piles。Aleck，withhisactive，invincibleFrench-Canadians，RanaldwithFarquhar'sbig，sleekblacks，andDonwithhisfather'steam，workedsidebyside。Acontestwasinevitable，andbeforeanhourhadpassedDonandAleck，whilemakingagreatshowofdeliberation，werestrivingforthefirstplace，withAleckeasilyleading。Likeapieceofmachinery，Aleckandhisteamworkedtogether。Quicklyandneatlybothdriverandhorsesmovedabouttheirworkwithperfectunderstandingofeachother。Withhardlyatouchofthelines，butalmostentirelybywordofcommand，Aleckguidedhisteam。Andwhenhetookupthewhiffletreestoswingthemaroundtoalogorstump，hishorseswheeledatonceintoplace。Itwasbeautifultoseethem，wheeling，backing，hauling，pulling，withoutlossoftimeortemper。
WithDonandhisteamitwasallhardwork。Hishorseswerewillingandquickenough，buttheywereill-trainedandneededconstanttuggingatthelines。InvainDonshoutedandcrackedhiswhip，hurryinghisteamtohispileandbackagain；thehorsesonlygrewmoreandmoreawkward，whiletheyfoamedandfrettedandtiredthemselvesout。
BehindcameRanald，stillhumoringhisslow-goingteamwitheasyhandandquietvoice。Butwhileherefrainedfromhurryinghishorses，hehimselfworkedhard，andbyhisgoodjudgmentandskillwiththechain，andinskiddingthelogsintohispile，inwhichhistrainingintheshantyhadmadehimmorethanamatchforanyoneinthefield，manyminutesweresaved。
Whenthecowbellsoundedfordinner，Aleck'steamsteppedoffforthebarn，wet，butfreshandfriskyasever，andinperfectheart。
Don'shorsesappearedfrettedandjaded，whileRanaldbroughtinhisblackswiththeirglossyskinswhitewithfoamwheretheharnesshadchafed，butunfretted，andapparentlyasreadyforworkaswhentheybegan。
"Youhavespoiledtheshineofyourteam，"saidAleck，lookingoverRanald'shorsesashebroughtthemuptothetrough。"Betterturnthemoutfortheafternoon。Theycan'tstandmuchmoreofthatpace。"
Aleckwasevidentlytryingtobegood-natured，buthecouldnothidethesneerinhistone。Theyhadneitherofthemforgottentheincidentatthechurchdoor，andbothfeltthatitwouldnotbecloseduntilmorehadbeensaidaboutit。Butto-day，Ranaldwasintheplaceofhost，anditbehoovedhimtobecourteous，andAleckwasingoodhumorwithhimself，forhisteamhadeasilyledthefield；andbesides，hewasengagedinakindandneighborlyundertaking，andhewastoomuchofamantospoilitbyanyprivategrudge。HewouldhavetowaitforhissettlementwithRanald。
Duringthehourandahalfallowedfordinner，Ranaldtookhishorsestothewell，washedofftheirlegs，removedtheirharness，andledthemtoacoolspotbehindthebarn，andthere，whiletheymunchedtheiroats，hegavethemagoodhardrub-down，sothatwhenhebroughtthemintothefieldagain，histeamlookedasglossyandfeltasfreshasbeforetheybegantheday'swork。
AsRanaldappearedonthefieldwithhisglossyblacks，Aleckglancedatthehorses，andbegantofeelthat，inthecontestforfirstplace，itwasRanaldhehadtofear，withhiscool，steadyteam，ratherthanDon。NotthatanysuspicioncrossedhismindthatFarquharMcNaughton'ssleek，slow-goinghorsescouldeverholdtheirownwithhis，buthemadeuphismindthatRanald，atleast，wasworthwatching。
"Bringupyourgentry，"hecalledtoRanald，"ifyouarenottoofineforcommonfolks。Man，thatteamofyours，"hecontinued，"shouldneverbeputtoworklikethis。Theirfeetshouldneverbeoffpavement。"
"Neveryoumind，"saidRanald，quietly。"Iamcomingafteryou，andperhapsbeforenighttheblacksmayshowyoutheirheelsyet。"
"There'slotsofroom，"saidAleck，scornfully，andtheybothsettoworkwithalltheskillandstrengththatlayinthemselvesandintheirteams。
ForthefirsthourortwoRanaldwascontentedtofollow，lettinghisteamtaketheirway，butsavingeverymomenthecouldbyhisownefforts。Sothat，withoutfrettinghishorsesintheleast，orwithoutmovingthemperceptiblyoutoftheirordinarygait，hefoundhimselfalittlenearertoAleckthanhehadbeenatnoon；
buttheheavyliftingandquickworkbegantotelluponhim。Hishorses，heknew，wouldnotstandverymuchhurrying。Theyweretoofatforanyextraexertioninsuchheat，andsoRanaldwasabouttoresignhimselftodefeat，whenheobservedthatinthewesternskycloudswerecomingup。Atthesametimeacoolbreezebegantoblow，andhetookfreshheart。Ifhecouldhurryhisteamalittlemore，hemightcatchAleckyet；soheheldhisownalittlelonger，preservingthesamesteadypace，untilthecloudsfromthewesthadcoveredallthesky。Thengraduallyhebegantoquickenhishorses'movementsandtoputthemonheavierloads。Whereveropportunityoffered，insteadofasinglelog，oratmosttwo，hewouldtakethreeorfourforhisload；andinwaysknownonlytohorsemen，hebegantostirupthespiritofhisteam，andtomakethemfeelsomethingofhisownexcitement。
Tosuchgoodpurposedidheplan，andsonoblydidhisteamrespondtohisquietbutpersistentpressure，that，ereAleckwasaware，Ranaldwasuponhisflank；andthentheyeachknewthatuntilthesupper-bellranghewouldhavetousetothebestadvantageeverymomentoftimeandeveryounceofstrengthinhimselfandhisteamifhewastowinfirstplace。
Somehowthereportofthecontestwentoverthefield，tillatlengthitreachedtheearsofFarquhar。Atoncetheoldman，seizedwithanxietyforhisteam，andmovedbythefearofwhatKirstymightsayifthenewseverreachedherears，setoffacrossthebruletoremonstratewithRanald，andifnecessary，rescuehisteamfromperil。
ButDonsawhimcoming，andknowingthateverymomentwasprecious，anddreadinglesttheoldmanwouldsnatchfromRanaldthevictorywhichseemedtobeatleastpossibleforhim，hearrestedFarquharwithacallforassistancewithabiglog，andthenengagedhiminconversationuponthemeritsofhissplendidteam。
"Andlook，"criedhe，admiringly，"howRanaldishandlingthem！
Didyoueverseethelikesofthat？"
Theoldmanstoodwatchingforafewmoments，doubtfullyenough，whileDoncontinuedpouringforththepraisesofhishorses，andthelatter，ashenoticedFarquhar'seyesglistenwithpride，venturedtohintthatbeforethedaywasdone"hewouldmakeAleckMcRaeandhisteamlooksick。Andwithoutahurttotheblacks，too，"heputin，diplomatically，"forRanaldisnotthemantohurtateam。"AndasFarquharstoodandwatchedRanaldathiswork，andnotedwithsurprisehowbrisklyandcleverlytheblacksswungintotheirplaces，anddetectedalsowithhisexperiencedeyethatAleckwasbeginningtoshowsignsofhurry，heenteredintothespiritofthecontest，anddeterminedtoallowhisteamtowinvictoryforthemselvesandtheirdriveriftheycould。
Theaxmenhadfinishedtheir"stent。"Itwantedstillanhourofsupper-time，andsurelyifslowly，Ranaldwasmakingtowardfirstplace。Theotherteamswereleftfarbehindwiththeirwork，andthewholefieldbegantocenterattentionuponthetwothatwerenowconfessedlyengagedindesperateconflictatthefront。Onebyonetheaxmendrewtowardtheendofthefield，whereRanaldandAleckwerefightingouttheirfight，allpretenseofdeliberationonthepartofthedrivershavingbythistimebeendropped。Theynolongerwalkedastheyhitchedtheirchainsaboutthelogsorstumps，butsprangwitheagerhastetotheirwork。Onebyonetheotherteamstersabandonedtheirteamsandmovedacrossthefieldtojointhecrowdalreadygatheredaboutthecontestants。AmongthemcameMacdonaldBhain，whohadbeenworkingatthefarthestcornerofthebrule。Assoonashearriveduponthescene，andunderstoodwhatwasgoingon，hecriedtoRanald："Thatwilldonow，Ranald；
itwillbetimetoquit。"
Ranaldwasabouttostop，andindeedhadcheckedhishorses，whenAleck，whosebloodwasup，calledouttauntingly，"Aye，itwouldbebetterforhimandhishorsestostop。Theyneeditbadenough。"
ThiswastoomuchforevenFarquhar'ssluggishblood。"Letthemgo，Ranald！"hecried。"Letthemgo，man！Neveryoufearforthehorses，ifyoutakedownthespunko'yoncrowingcock。"
ItwasjustwhatRanaldneededtospurhimon——atauntfromhisfoeandleavefromFarquhartopushhisteam。
Beforeeachlayafallentreecutintolengthsandtwoorthreehalf-burnedstumps。Ranald'streewasmuchthebigger。Asinglelengthwouldhavebeenanordinaryloadfortheblacks，buttheirdriverfeltthattheirstrengthandspiritwerebothequaltomuchmorethanthis。Hedeterminedtoclearawaythewholetreeatasingleload。AssoonasheheardFarquhar'svoice，heseizedholdofthewhiffletrees，struckhisteamasharpblowwiththelines——
theirfirstblowthatday——swungthemroundtothetopofthetree，ranthechainthroughitsswivel，hookedanendroundeachofthetoplengths，swungthemintowardthebutt，unhookedhischain，gatheredallthreelengthsintoasingleload，facedhishorsestowardthepile，andshoutedatthem。Theblacks，unusedtothissortoftreatment，wereprancingwithexcitement，andwhenthewordcametheythrewthemselvesintotheircollarswithafiercenessthatnothingcouldcheck，andamidtheadmiringshoutsofthecrowd，torethelogsthroughtheblacksoilandlandedthemsafelyatthepile。Itwastheworkofonlyafewminutestounhitchthechain，haulthelogs，onebyone，intoplace，anddashbackwithhisteamatthegallopforthestumps，whileAleckhadstillanotherloadoflogstodraw。
Ranald'sfirststumpcameoutwithlittletrouble，andwasborneatfullspeedtothepile。Thesecondstumpgavehimmoredifficulty，andbeforeitwouldyieldhehadtosevertwoorthreeofitsthickestroots。
Togethertheteamsswungroundtotheirlaststump。Theexcitementinthecrowdwasintense。Aleck'steamwasmovingswiftlyandwiththesteadinessofclockwork。Theblackswerefranticwithexcitementandhardtocontrol。Ranald'slaststumpwasapineofmediumsize，whoserootswerepartlyburnedaway。Itlookedlikeaneasyvictim。Aleck'swasanugly-lookinglittleelm。
Ranaldthoughthewouldtryhisfirstpullwithouttheuseoftheax。Quicklyhebackeduphisteamtothestump，passedthechainroundarootonthefarside，drewthebighookfarupthechain，hitcheditsoastogivetheshortestpossibledraught，threwthechainoverthetopofthestumptogiveitpurchase，pickeduphislines，andcalledtohisteam。Witharushtheblackswentatit。
Thechainslippedupontheroot，tightened，bitintothewood，andthentheblacksflungback。Ranaldswungthemroundthepointandtriedthemagain，butstillthestumprefusedtobudge。
AllthistimehecouldhearAleckchoppingfuriouslyathiselm-
roots，andheknewthatunlesshehadhisstumpoutbeforehisrivalhadhischainhitchedforthepullthevictorywaslost。
Foramomentortwohehesitated，lookingroundfortheax。
"Trythemagain，Ranald，"criedFarquhar。"Hawthemabit。"
OncemoreRanaldpickedupthelines，swunghishorsesroundtotheleft，heldthemsteadyamomentortwo，andthenwithayellsentthemattheirpull。Magnificentlytheblacksresponded，furiouslytearingupthegroundwiththeirfeet。Amomentortwotheyhungstrainingontheirchain，refusingtocomeback，whenslowlythestumpbegantomove。
"Youhavegotit，"criedFarquhar。"Geethemapointortwo。"
ButalreadyRanaldhadseenthatthiswasnecessary，andoncemorebackedhisteamtoreadjustthechainwhichhadslippedoffthetop。Ashefastenedthehookheheardasharp"Back！"behindhim，andheknewthatthenextmomentAleck'steamwouldbeawaywiththeirload。Withayellhesprangathislines，lashedtheblacksovertheback，andcalledtothemoncemore。Againhisteamresponded，andwithamightyheave，thestumpcameslowlyout，carryingwithitwhatlookedlikehalfatonofearth。Butevenasitheaved，heheardAleck'scallandtheansweringcrash，andbeforehecouldgethisteama-going，theFrench-Canadianswereofffortheirpileatagallop，withthelinesflyingintheairbehindthem。Amomentlaterhefollowed，theblackshaulingtheirstumpatarun。
TogetherheandAleckreachedthepile。Itonlyremainednowtounhookthechain。Invainhetuggedandhauled。Thechainwasburieddeepbeneaththestumpandrefusedtomove，andbeforehecouldswinghisteamaboutandturnthestumpover，heheardAleck'sshoutofvictory。
Butashedroppedhischainandwasleisurelybackinghishorses，heheardoldFarquharcry，"Hurry，man！Hurry，forthelifeofyou！"
Withoutwaitingtoinquirethereason，Ranaldwheeledhisteam，gavethestumpahalfturn，releasedhischain，anddroveofffromthepile，tofindAleckstillbusyhookinghischaintohiswhiffletree。
AleckhadhadthesamedifficultyinfreeinghischainasRanald，butinsteadoftryingtodetachitfromthestump，hehadunhookedtheotherend，andthen，withamightybackwardjerk，hadsnatcheditfromthestump。Butbeforehecouldattachittohisplaceonthewhiffletreeagain，Ranaldstoodreadyforwork。
"Awin，lad！Awin！"criedoldFarquhar，moreexcitedthanhehadbeenforyears。
"Itisnowin，"saidAleck，hotly。
"No，no，lads，"saidMacdonaldBhain，beforeFarquharcouldreply。
"Itisasevenamatchascouldwellbe。Itisfineteamsyoubothhavegot，andyouhavehandledthemwell。"
Butallthesame，Ranald'sfriendswerewildlyenthusiasticoverwhattheycalledhisvictory，andDoncouldhardlykeephishandsoffhim，forveryjoy。
Aleck，ontheotherhand，whileclaimingthevictorybecausehisteamwasatthepilefirst，wasnotsosureofitbutthathewasreadytofightwithanyoneventuringtodisputehisclaim。Butthemenalllaughedathimandhisrage，untilhefounditwisertobegood-humoredaboutit。
"Yonladwillbemakingasgoodamanasyourself，"saidFarquhar，enthusiastically，toMacdonaldBhain，asRanalddrovehisteamtothestable。
"Aye，andabetter，prayGod，"saidMacdonaldBhain，fervently，lookingafterRanaldwithlovingeyes。Therewasnochildinhishome，andhisbrother'ssonwasashisown。
MeanwhileDonhadhurriedon，leavinghisteamwithMurdiethathemightsingRanald'spraisesto"thegirls，"withwhomRanaldwashighlypopular，althoughheavoidedthem，orperhapsbecausehedidso，thewaysofwomenbeingpastunderstanding。
ToMrs。MurrayandMaimie，whowiththeministerandHughie，hadcomeovertothesupper，hewentfirstwithhistale。Graphicallyhedepictedthestrugglefromitsbeginningtothelastdramaticrushtothepile，dilatinguponRanald'sskillandpluck，anduponthewonderfulandhithertounknownvirtuesofFarquhar'sshinyblacks。
"Yououghttoseethem！"criedDon。"Youbettheynevermovedintheirlivesthewaytheydidtoday。Tiedhim！"hecontinued。
"Tiedhim！Beathim，Isay，butMacdonaldBhainsays'Tiedhim'——
AleckMcRae，whothinkshimselfsomightysmartwithhisteam。"
DonforgotinhisexcitementthattheMcRaesandtheirfriendswerethereinnumbers。
"Soheis，"criedAnnieRoss，oneofAleck'sadmirers。"ThereisnotamanintheIndianLandsthatcanbeatAleckandhisteam。"
"Well，"exultedDon，"aboycameprettynearitto-day。"
ButAnnieonlystuckoutherlipathimintheinimitablefemalemanner，andranofftoaddtothemischiefthatDonhadalreadymadebetweenRanaldandhisrival。
Butnowtheday'sworkwasover，andthehourfortheday'seventhadcome，forsupperwasthegreateventtowhichallthingsmovedatbees。Thelongtablesstoodunderthemapletrees，spreadwiththerichest，rarest，deadliestdaintiesknowntothehousewivesandmaidensofthecountryside。Aboutthetablesstoodingroupsthewhite-apronedgirls，tuckedandfrilled，curledandribbonedintoalldegreesofbewitchingloveliness。Themenhurriedawaywiththeirteams，andthengavethemselvestotheseriousdutyofgettingreadyforsupper，usingmanypailsofwaterintheireffortstoremovetheblackfromtheburntwoodofthebrule。
Atlengththewomenlostallpatiencewiththem，andsentAnnieRoss，withtwoorthreecompanions，tocallthemtosupper。Witharmsintertwined，andwithmuchchatteringandgiggling，thegirlsmadetheirwaytothegroupofmen，someofwhomwereengagedinputtingthefinishingtouchestotheirtoilet。
"Supperisready，"criedAnnie，"andlongpastready。Youneednotbetryingtofixyourselvesupsofine。Youarejustasbadasanygirls。Oh！"Herspeechendedinashriek，whichwasechoedbytheothers，forAleckMcRaerushedatthem，stretchingouthisblackhandstowardthem。Buttheyweretooquickforhim，andfledforprotectiontothesafeprecinctsofthetables。
Atlength，whenthelastofthemenhadmadethemselves，astheythought，presentable，theybegantomaketheirapproachtothetables，slowlyandshylyforthemostpart，eachwaitingfortheother。AleckMcRae，however，knewlittleofshyness，butwalkedpastthedifferentgroupsofgirls，throwingoneitherhandasmile，awink，oraword，ashemightfindsuitable。
Suddenlyhecameuponthegroupwheretheminister'swifeandherniecewerestanding。Here，forthemoment，hiseaseforsookhim，butMrs。Murraycametomeethimwithoutstretchedhand。
"Soyoustillretainyourlaurels？"shesaid，withafranksmile。
"Ihearitwasagreatbattle。"
Aleckshookhandswithherratherawkwardly。Hewasnotontheeasiesttermswiththeministerandhiswife。Hebelongeddistinctlytothecarelessset，andratherenjoyedthedistinction。
"Oh，itwasnotmuch，"hesaid；"theteamswerewellmatched。"
"Oh，Ishouldliketohavebeenthere。Youshouldhavetoldusbeforehand。"
"Oh，itwasmorethanIexpectedmyself，"hesaid。"Ididn'tthinkitwasinFarquhar'steam。"
HecouldnotbringhimselftogiveanycredittoRanald，andthoughMrs。Murraysawthis，sherefusedtonoticeit。ShewasnonethelessanxioustowinAleck'sconfidence，becauseshewasRanald'sfriend。
"Doyouknowmyniece？"shesaid，turningtoMaimie。
AlecklookedintoMaimie'sfacewithsuchopenadmirationthatshefelttheblushcomeupinhercheeks。
"Indeed，sheisworthknowing，butIdon'tthinkshewillcaretotakesuchahandasthat，"hesaid，stretchingoutahandstillgrimyinspiteofmuchwashing。ButMaimiehadlearnedsomethingsincecomingtoheraunt，andshenolongerjudgedmenbythefitoftheirclothes，orthecoloroftheirskin，orthelengthoftheirhair；andindeed，asshelookedatAleck，withhisclose-
buttonedsmock，andoverallswiththelegstuckedneatlyintothetopsofhisboots，shethoughthewasthetrimmestfigureshehadseensincecomingtothecountry。ShetookAleck'shandandshookitwarmly，thefulladmirationinhishandsomeblackeyessettingherbloodtinglingwiththatloveofconquestthatliesineverywoman'sheart。Sosheflungoutherflagofwar，andsmiledbackathimhersweetest。
"Youhaveafineteam，Ihear，"shesaid，asherauntmovedawaytogreetsomeoftheothermen，whowereevidentlywaitingtogetawordwithher。
"ThatIhave，youbetterbelieve，"repliedAleck，proudly。
"ItwasverycleverofRanaldtocomesonearbeatingyou，wasn'tit？"shesaid，innocently。"Hemustbeasplendiddriver。"
"Hedrivesprettywell，"admittedAleck。"Hedidnothingelsealllastwinterintheshanties。"
"Heissoyoung，too，"wentonMaimie。"Justaboy，isn'the？"
Aleckwasnotsurehowtotakethis。"Hedoesnotthinkso，"heanswered，shortly。"Hethinksheisnoendofaman，buthewillhavetolearnsomethingbeforeheismucholder。"
"Buthecandrive，yousay，"continuedMaimie，wickedlykeepingherfingeronthesorespot。
"Oh，pshaw！"repliedAleck，boldly。"Youthinkalotofhim，don'tyou？AndIguessyouareapair。"
Maimietossedherheadatthis。"Weareverygoodfriends，ofcourse，"shesaid，lightly。"Heisaveryniceboy，andweareallfondofhim；butheisjustaboy；heisHughie'sgreatfriend。"
"Aboy，ishe？"laughedAleck。"Thatmaybe，butheisveryfondofyou，whatever，andindeed，Idon'twonderatthat。Anybodywouldbe，"headded，boldly。
"Youdon'tknowabitaboutit，"saidMaimie，withcheeksglowing。
"Aboutwhat？"
"AboutRanaldand——and——whatyousaid。"
"WhatIsaid？Aboutbeingfondofyou？Indeed，Iknowallaboutthat。Theboysareallbrokeup，nottospeakofmyself。"
ThiswasgoingalittletoofastforMaimie。Sheknewnothing，asyet，ofthefreedomofcountrybanter。Shewasnewtothewarfare，butshewasnotgoingtolowerherflagorretreat。Shechangedthesubject。"Yourteammusthavebeenverytired。"
"Tired！"exclaimedAleck，"notabit。Theywillgohomelikebirds。Comealongwithme，andyouwillsee。"
Maimiegasped。"I——"shehesitated，glancedpastAleck，blushed，andstammered。
AleckturnedaboutquicklyandsawRanaldstaringatMaimie。"Oh，"
hesaid，banteringly，"Isee。Youwouldnotbeallowed。"
"Allowed！"echoedMaimie。"Andwhynot，pray？Whowillhinderme？"
ButAleckonlyshruggedhisshouldersandlookedatRanald，whopassedontohisplaceatthetable，blackasathunder-cloud。
Maimiewasindignantathim。Whatrighthadhetostareandlooksosavage？Shewouldjustshowhim。SosheturnedoncemoretoAleck，andwithagaylaugh，cried，"SomedayIwillacceptyourinvitation，sojustmakeready。"
"Anyday，oreveryday，andthemoredaysthebetter，"criedAleck，ashesatdownatthetable，whereallhadnowtakentheirplaces。
Thesupperwasagreatsuccess。Withmuchlaughterandchaffing，thegirlsflittedfromplacetoplace，pouringcupsofteaandpassingthevariousdishes，urgingthementoeat，till，asDonsaid，theywere"fulltotheneck。"
Whenallhadfinished，Mr。Murray，whosatattheheadofthetable，roseinhisplaceandsaid："Gentlemen，beforewerisefromthistable，whichhasbeenspreadsobountifullyforus，IwishtoreturnthanksonbehalfofMr。Macdonaldtotheneighborsandfriendswhohavegatheredto-daytoassistinthiswork。Mr。
Macdonaldaskedmetosaythatheisallthemoresurprisedatthiskindness，inthathefeelshimselftobesounworthyofit。I
promisedtospeakthiswordforhim，butIdonotagreewiththesentiment。Mr。Macdonaldisamanwhomwealllove，andinwhosemisfortunewedeeplysympathize，andIonlyhopethatthisProvidencemaybegreatlyblessedtohim，andthatwewillallcometoknowhimbetter，andtoseeGod'shandinhismisfortune。"
Theministerthen，aftersomefurtherremarksexpressiveofthegoodwilloftheneighborsforMr。Macdonald，andinappreciationofthekindspiritthatpromptedthebee，returnedthanks，andthesupperwasover。
Asthemenwereleavingthetable，AleckwatchedhisopportunityandcalledtoMaimie，whenhewassureRanaldcouldhear，"Well，whenwillyoubereadyforthatdrive？"
AndMaimie，whowasmoreindignantatRanaldthaneverbecausehehadignoredallheradvancesatsupper，andhadreceivedhercongratulationsuponhisvictorywithnothingmorethanagrunt，answeredAleckbrightly。"Oh，anydaythatyouhappentoremember。"
"Remember！"criedAleck；"thenthatwillbeeverydayuntilourridecomesoff。"
Afewminuteslater，asRanaldwashitchingupFarquhar'steam，Aleckpassedby，andingreatgoodhumorwithhimself，chaffinglycalledouttoRanaldinthepresenceofanumberofthemen，"That'safinegirlyou'vegot，Ranald。Butyoubetterkeepyoureyeonher。"
Ranaldmadenoreply。Hewasfastlosingcommandofhimself。
"Prettyskittishtohandle，isn'tshe？"continuedAleck。
"Whaty'retalkin''bout？ThatLisettemare？"saidYankee，walkingroundtoRanald'sside。"Purtyslickbeast，that。Guessthereain'tanythin'inthiscountrywillmakehertakedust。"
TheninalowvoicehesaidtoRanald，hurriedly，"Don'tyoumindhim；don'tyoumindhim。Youcan'ttouchhimto-day，onyourownplace。Letmehandlehim。"
"No，"saidAleck。"WeweretalkingaboutanothercoltofRanald's。"
"What'sthat？"saidYankee，pretendingnottohear。"Yes，youbet，"hecontinued。"Ranaldcanhandleherallright。Heknowssomethingabouthorses，asIguessyouhavefoundout，perhaps，bythistime。Neversawanythingsopurty。Didn'tknowyourteamhadgotthatmoveinthem，Mr。McNaughton，"YankeewentontoFarquhar，whohadjustcomeup。
"Indeed，theyarenonetheworseofit，"saidFarquhar，rubbinghishandsoverthesleeksidesofhishorses。
"Worse！"criedYankee。"They'reworthahundreddollarsmorefromthisdayon。"
"Idon'tknowthat。Thehundreddollarsoughttogouponthedriver，"saidFarquhar，puttinghishandkindlyuponRanald'sshoulder。
ButthisRanaldwarmlyrepudiated。"Theyareagreatteam，"hesaidtoFarquhar。"Andtheycoulddobetterthantheydidto-dayiftheywerebetterhandled。'
"Indeed，itwouldbedifficulttogetthat，"saidFarquhar，"for，inmyopinion，thereisnotamaninthecountrythatcouldhandlethemaswell。"
ThiswastoomuchforAleck，who，havingbythistimegothishorseshitched，mountedhiswagonseatandcameroundtothedooratagallop。
"Savedyouthattime，myboy，"saidYankeetoRanald。"Youwouldhavemadeafoolofyourselfinabouttwominutesmore，Iguess。"
ButRanaldwasstilltoowrathfultobegratefulforYankee'shelp。
"Iwillbeevenwithhimsomeday，"hesaid，betweenhisteeth。
"Iguessyouwillhavetolearntwoorthreethingsfirst，"saidYankee，slowly。
"Whatthings？"
"Well，howtouseyourhead，firstplace，andthenhowtouseyourhands。Heistooheavyforyou。Hewouldcrumpleyouupinacoupleofminutes。"
"Lethim，then，"saidRanald，recklessly。
"Ratheronpleasant。BetterwaitawhiletillyoulearnwhatItoldyou。"
"Yankee，"saidRanald，afterapause，"willyoushowme？"
"Why，sartinsure，"saidYankee，cheerfully。"Youhavegottolickhimsomeday，orhewon'tbehappy；andbyjings！itwillbeworthseein'，too。"
BythistimeFarquharhadcomebackfromsayinggoodbytoMacdonaldDubhandMr。andMrs。Murray，whowereremainingtillthelast。
"Youwillbeamanyet，"saidFarquhar，shakingRanald'shand。
"Youhavegotthepatienceandtheendurance。"TheseweregreatvirtuesinFarquhar'sopinion。
"Notmuchpatience，Iamafraid，"saidRanald。"ButIamgladyoutrustedmewithyourteam。"
"Andanydayyouwantthemyoucanhavethem，"saidFarquhar，hisrecklessmoodleadinghimtoforgetKirstyforthemoment。
"Thankyou，sir，"saidRanald，wonderingwhatKirstywouldlooklikeshouldheeverventuretoclaimFarquhar'soffer。
Onebyonetheteamsdroveawaywiththeirloads，tillonlytheministerandhispartywereleft。AwayunderthetreesMr。Murraywasstanding，earnestlytalkingtoMacdonaldDubh。Hehadfoundtheopportunityhehadlongwaitedforandwasmakingthemostofit。Mrs。MurraywasbusywithKirsty，andMaimieandHughiecametowardthestablewhereYankeeandRanaldwerestillstanding。AssoonasRanaldsawthemapproachinghesaidtoYankee，abruptly，"Iamgoingtogettheminister'shorse，"anddisappearedintothestable。Nordidhecomeforthagaintillheheardhisfathercallingtohim："Whatiskeepingyou，Ranald？Theministeriswaitingforhishorse。"
"Soyouwonagreatvictory，Ranald，Ihear，"saidtheminister，asRanaldbroughtBlacktothedoor。
"Itwasatie，"saidRanald。
"Oh，Ranald！"criedHughie，"youbeathim。Everybodysaysso。YouhadyourchainhitchedupandeverythingbeforeAleck。"
"Ihearitwasagreatexhibition，notonlyofskill，butofenduranceandpatience，Ranald，"saidtheminister。"Andthesearenoblevirtues。Itisagreatthingtobeabletoendure。"
ButRanaldmadenoreply，busyinghimselfwithBlack'sbridle。
Mrs。Murraynoticedhisgloomandguesseditscause。
"WewillseeyouattheBibleclass，Ranald，"shesaid，kindly，butstillRanaldremainedsilent。
"Canyounotspeak，man？"saidhisfather。"Doyounotheartheminister'swifetalkingtoyou？"
"Yes，"saidRanald，"Iwillbethere。"
"Wewillbegladtoseeyou，"saidMrs。Murray，offeringhimherhand。"AndyoumightcomeinwithHughieforafewminutesafterward，"shecontinued，kindly，forshenotedthemiseryinhisface。
"Andwewillbegladtoseeyou，too，Mr。Macdonald，ifitwouldnotbetoomuchforyou，andifyoudonotscornawoman'steaching。"
"Indeed，Iwouldbeproud，"saidMacdonaldDubh，courteously，"asfarasthatisconcerned，forIheartherearebettermenthanmeattending。"
"IamsureMrs。Murraywillbegladtoseeyou，Mr。Macdonald，"
saidtheminister。
"Iwillbethinkingofit，"saidMacdonaldDubh，cautiously。"Andyouarebothverykind，whatever，"hesaid，losingforatimehishabitualgloom。
"Well，then，Iwilllookforyouboth，"saidMrs。Murray，astheywereabouttodriveoff，"sodonotdisappointme。"
"Goodby，Ranald，"saidMaimie，offeringRanaldherhand。
"Goodby，"saidRanald，holdingherhandforamomentandlookinghardintohereyes，"andIhopeyouwillenjoyyourride，whatever。"
ThenMaimieunderstoodRanald'ssavagemanner，andasshethoughtitovershesmiledtoherself。Shewastakingherfirstsipsofthatcup，towoman'slipsthesweetest，andshefounditnotunpleasant。Shehadsucceededinmakingonemanhappyandanothermiserable。Butitwaswhenshesaidtoherself，"PoorRanald！"
thatshesmiledmostsweetly。
CHAPTERXIV
SHEWILLNOTFORGET
IfMrs。MurraywasnotsurprisedtoseeMacdonaldDubhandYankeewalkinonSabbatheveningandsitdowninthebackseat，herclasswere。Indeedtheappearanceofthesetwomenattheclasswasconsideredaneventsoextraordinaryastogiveadecidedshocktothosewhoregularlyattended，andtheirpresencelenttothemeetinganunusualinterest，andanundertoneofexcitement。ToseeMacdonaldDubh，whoseattendanceattheregularSabbathserviceswassomethingunusual，presentatareligiousmeetingwhichnoonewouldconsideritadutytoattend，wasenoughinitselftoexcitesurprise，butwhenYankeecameinandsatbesidehim，thesurprisewasconsiderablyintensified。ForYankeewasconsideredtobequiteoutsidethepale，andindeed，inaway，incapableofreligiousimpression。NooneexpectedYankeetobereligious。HewasnotaPresbyterian，knewnothingoftheShorterCatechism，nottospeakoftheConfessionofFaith，andconsequentlywaswoefullyignorantoftheelementsofChristianknowledgethatweredeemednecessarytoanytruereligiousexperience。
ItwasrumoredthatuponYankee'sfirstappearanceinthecountry，somefewyearsbefore，hehad，inanunguardedmoment，acknowledgedthathispeoplehadbelongedtotheMethodists，andthathehimself"leanedtoward"thatpeculiarsect。Suchaconfessionwasinitselfenoughtostamphim，intheeyesofthecommunity，asonewhosereligioushistorymustalwaysbeattendedwithmoreorlessuncertainty。FewofthemhadeverseenaMethodistintheflesh。
ThereweresaidtobesomeatMooseCreekMooscrick，asitwascalled，buttheywereknownonlybyreport。Theyoungerandmoreuntraveledportionofthecommunitythoughtofthemwithacertainamountofaweandfear。
Itwasnowonder，then，thatYankee'sappearanceinBibleclassproducedasensation。Itwasaneveningofsensations，fornotonlywereMacdonaldDubhandYankeepresent，butAleckMcRaehaddrivenupaloadofpeoplefrombelowtheSixteenth。Ranaldregardedhispresencewithconsiderablecontempt。
"ItisnotmuchhecaresfortheBibleclass，whatever，"heconfidedtoDon，whowassittingbesidehim。
ButmoreremarkableanddisturbingtoRanaldthanthepresenceofAleckMcRae，wasthatofayoungmansittingbetweenHughieandMaimieintheminister'spew。Hewasevidentlyfromthecity。Onecouldseethatfromhisfineclothesandhiswhiteshirtandcollar。Ranaldlookedathimwithdeepeningcontempt。"Pride"waswrittenalloverhim。Notonlydidhewearfineclothes，andawhiteshirtandcollar，butheworethemwithoutanysignofawkwardnessorapologyinhismanner，andindeedasifheenjoyedthem。Butthecrowningproofofhis"pride，"Donnotedwithunutterablescorn。
"Lookathim，"hesaid，"splitshisheadinthemiddle。"
Ranaldfoundhimselfwonderinghowtheyoungfopwouldlooksittinginapoolofmuddywater。Howinsufferabletheyoungfellow'smannerswere！HesatquiteclosetoMaimie，nowandthenwhisperingtoher，evidentlyquiteignorantofhowtobehaveinchurch。AndMaimie，whooughttoknowbetter，wasactingmostdisgracefullyaswell，whisperingbackandsmilingrightintohisface。Ranaldwasthoroughlyashamedofher。Hecouldnotdenythattheyoungfellowwashandsome，hatefullyso，buthewasevidentlystuckfullofconceit，andashelethiseyeswanderoverthecongregationassembled，withaboldandcriticalstare，makingremarkstoMaimieinanundertonewhichcouldbeheardoverthechurch，Ranaldfelthisfingerstwitching。TheyoungmanwasolderthanRanald，butRanaldwouldhavegivenagooddealforanopportunityto"takehimwithonehand。"
AtthispointRanald'sreflectionswereinterruptedbyMrs。Murrayrisingtoopentheclass。
"WillsomeonesuggestaPsalm？"sheasked，hercheek，usuallypale，showingaslightcolor。Itwasalwaysanordealforhertofaceherclass，eversincethemenhadbeenallowedtocome，andthefirstmomentswerefulloftrialtoher。Onlyherconscienceandherfinecouragekeptherfromturningbackfromthis，herpathofduty。
Atonce，fromtwoorthreecameresponsestoherinvitation，andaPsalmwaschosen。
ThesingingwasadistinctfeatureoftheBibleclass。Therewasnothinglikeit，notonlyintheotherservicesofthecongregation，butinanycongregationinthewholecounty。TheyoungpeoplethatformedthatBibleclasshavelongsincegrownintooldmenandwomen，buttheechoesofthatsingingstillreverberatethroughthechambersoftheirheartswhentheystanduptosingcertaintunesorcertainPsalms。Onceaweek，throughthelongwinter，theyusedtomeetandsingtoJohn"Aleck's"soundingbeatfortwoorthreehours。Theylearnedtosing，notonlytheoldpsalmtunesbutpsalmtunesneverheardinthecongregationbefore，asalsohymnsandanthems。Theanthemsandhymnswere，ofcourse，neverusedinpublicworship。TheywerereservedforthesacredconcertwhichJohn"Aleck"gaveonceayear。ItwasintheBibleclassthatheandhisfellowenthusiastsfoundopportunitytosingtheirnewPsalmtunes，withnowandthenahymn。WhenJohn"Aleck，"ahandsome，broad-shouldered，six-footer，stoodupandbithistuning-forktocatchthepitch，thepeoplestraightenedupintheirseatsandpreparedtofollowhislead。Andafterhisgreatresonantvoicehadrolledoutthefirstfewnotesofthetune，theycaughthimupwithavigorandenthusiasmthatcarriedhimalong，andinspiredhimtohismightiestefforts。Wonderfulsingingitwas，fulltoned，rhythmicalandwellbalanced。
Withcharacteristiccourage，theminister'swifehadchosenPaul'sEpistletotheRomansforthesubjectofstudy，andto-nightthelessonwastheredoubtableninthchapter，thatarsenalforCalvinisticchampions。Firsttheverseswererepeatedbytheclassinconcert，andthemembersviedwitheachotherinmakingthisaperfectexercise，thentheteachingofthechapterwassetforthinsimple，lucidspeech。Thelasthalfhourwasdevotedtothediscussionofquestions，raisedeitherbytheteacherorbyanymemberoftheclass。To-nighttheclasswasslowinaskingquestions。TheywerefacetofacewiththetremendousPaulineDoctrineofSovereignty。ItwassignificantthatbyMacdonaldDubh，hisbrother，andtheotherolderandmoreexperiencedmembersoftheclass，thedoctrinewasregardedasabsolutelyinevitableandwasacceptedwithoutquestion，whilebyYankeeandRanaldandalltheyoungermembersoftheclass，itwasrejectedwithfierceresentment。Theoldermenhadbeentaughtbytheexperienceoflongandbitteryears，thatabovealltheirstrength，howevermighty，apower，resistlessandofteninscrutable，determinedtheirlives。Theyoungermen，theirheartsbeatingwithconsciouspowerandfreedom，resentedthiscontrol，oracceptingit，refusedtoassumetheresponsibilityfortheoutcomeoftheirlives。Itwastheold，oldstrife，theinsolublemystery；andtheminister'swife，farfrommakinglightofit，alloweditsfullweighttopressinuponthemembersofherclass，andwiselyleftthequestionastheapostleleavesit，withastatementofthetwogreattruthsofSovereigntyandFreeWillwithoutattemptingtheimpossibletaskofharmonizingtheseintoaperfectsystem。Afterahalf-hourofdiscussion，shebroughtthelessontoaclosewithaveryshortandverysimplepresentationofthepracticalbearingofthegreatdoctrine。Andwhilethemysteryremainedunsolved，thelimpidclearnessofherthought，thehumbleattitudeofmind，thesympathywithdoubt，andaboveall，thesweetandtenderpathosthatfilledhervoice，senttheclassawayhumbled，subdued，comforted，andwillingtowaitthedayofclearerlight。NotthattheyweredonewithPharaohandhisuntowardfate；thatoccupiedthemformanyaday。
Theclasswasclosedwithprayerandsinging。Asakindoftreat，thelastsingingwasahymnandtheystooduptosingit。ItwasPerronet'sgreathymnsungtooldCoronation，andwhentheycametotherefrain，"CrownhimLordofall，"theveryraftersofthelittlechurchrangwiththemightyvolumeofsound。TheBibleclassalwaysclosedwithagreatoutburstofsinging，andasarule，Ranaldwentouttinglingandthrillingthroughandthrough。
Buttonight，sodeeplywasheexercisedwiththeunhappydoomoftheunfortunatekingofEgypt，fromwhich，apparently，therewasnoescape，fixedasitwasbytheDivinedecree，andoppressedwiththefeelingthatthesamedecreewoulddeterminethecourseofhislife，hemissedhisusualthrill。Hewaswalkingoffbyhimselfinaperplexedanddowncastmood，avoidingeveryone，evenDon，andwasnearlypasttheminister'sgatewhenHughie，excitedandbreathless，caughtuptohimandexclaimed："Oh，Ranald，wasnotthatsplendid？Man，IliketohearJohn'Aleck'sing'Crownhim'
thatway。AndIsay，"hecontinued，"motherwantsyoutocomein。"
ThenallatonceRanaldrememberedtheyoungmanwhohadbehavedsodisgracefullyinchurch。
"No，"hesaid，firmly，"Imustbehurryinghome。Thecowswillbetomilkyet。"
"Oh，pshaw！youmustcome，"pleadedHughie。"Wewillhavesomesinging。Iwantyoutosingbass。PerhapsJohn'Aleck'willcomein。"Thiswassheerguessing，butitwasgoodbait。Buttheyoungmanwith"hisheadsplitinthemiddle"wouldbethere，andperhapsMaimiewouldbe"goingon，"withhimasshedidintheBibleclass。
"YouwilltellyourmotherIcouldnotcome，"hesaid。"Yankeeandfatherarebothout，andtherewillbenooneathome。"
"Well，Ithinkyouareprettymean，"saidHughie，grievouslydisappointed。"Iwantedyoutocomein，andmotherwantedCousinHarrytoseeyou。"
"CousinHarry？"
"Yes；Maimie'sbrothercamelastnight，youknow，andMaimieisgoingbackwithhimintwoweeks。"
"Maimie'sbrother。Well，well，isthatthenice-lookingfellowthatsatbyyou？"
"Huh-huh，heisawfulnice，andmotherwanted——"
"Indeedhelooksit，Iamsure，"Ranaldsaid，withsuddenenthusiasm；"Iwouldjustliketoknowhim。IfIthoughtYankeewould——"
"Oh，pshaw！OfcourseYankeewillmilkthecows，"exclaimedHughie。"Comeon，comeonin。AndRanaldwenttomeetoneofthegreatnightsofhislife。
"HereisRanald！"calledHughieatthetopofhisvoice，asheenteredtheroomwherethefamilyweregathered。
"Youdon'tsayso，Hughie？"answeredhiscousin，comingforward。
"Yououghttomakethatfactknown。Weallwanttohearit。"
Ranaldlikedhimfromthefirst。Hewasnotabit"proud"inspiteofhisfineclothesandhisheadbeing"splitinthemiddle。"
"You'rethechap，"hesaid，stretchingouthishandtoRanald，"thatsnatchedMaimiefromthefire。Mightycleverthingtodo。
Wehaveheardalotaboutyouatourhouse。Why，everyweek——"
"Letsomeoneelsetalk，Harry，"interruptedMaimie，withcheeksflaming。"Wearegoingtohavesomesingingnow。Hereisauntie。
Mayn'tweusethepiano？"
"Why，yes，Isupposeso，"saidMrs。Murray。"Iwasgladtoseeyourfatherthereto-night，"shesaidtoRanald。
"AndYankee，mother。"
"Hush，Hughie；youmustcallpeoplebytheirrightnames。Nowletushavesomesinging。IhearRanaldissingingbassthesedays。"
"Andbullygoodbass，too，"criedHughie。"John'Aleck'saysthatit'sthefinestbassinthewholesingingschool。"
"Well，Hughie，"saidhismother，quietly，"Idon'tthinkitisnecessarytoshoutevensuchpleasantinformationasthat。Nowgotoyoursinging，andIshalllisten。"