"Iamsuretheywould，"saidMaimie，notknowingwhattosay。
　　"Whatwerethey，Ran——Mr。Macdonald？"
　　"Iwasthinkingofyou，"saidRanald，gravely，lookingstraightather。
　　"Howlovely，"murmuredthelieutenant。
　　"Andofyouraunt，Mrs。Murray，andofwhattheywouldbedoingthisnight——"
　　"Andwhatwouldthatbe？"saidKate，comingtothereliefofherfriend。ButRanaldwassilent。
　　"Iknow，"criedHarry。"Let'ssee，itisteno'clock；theywillallbesittinginthemansedining-roombeforethebigfire；or，no，theywillbeintheparlorwherethepianois，andJohn'Aleck'
　　willbethere，andtheywillbesinging"；andhewentontodescribehislastSabbathevening，twoyearsbefore，intheGlengarrymanse。Ashebegantopicturehisauntandherwork，hisenthusiasmcarriedhimaway，andmadehimeloquent。
　　"Itellyou，"heconcluded，"she'sararewoman，andshehasahundredmentherereadytodieforher，eh，Ranald？"
　　"Yes，"saidRanald，andhisdeepvoicevibratedwithintensefeeling。"Theywouldjustdieforher，andwhynot？Sheisagreatwomanandagood。"Hisdarkfacewastransformed，andhiseyesglowedwithaninnerlight。
　　InthesilencethatfollowedKatewenttotheharmoniumandbegantoplaysoftly。Ranaldstoodupastogo，butsuddenlychangedhismind，andwentoverandstoodbesideher。
　　"Yousing，don'tyou？"saidKate，assheplayedsoftly。
　　"Yououghttojusthearhim，"saidHarry。
　　"Oh，whatdoeshesing？"
　　"Ionlysingthepsalmtunesinchurch，"saidRanald，"andafewhymns。"
　　"Yegods！"ejaculatedthelieutenanttoMaimie，"psalmsandhymns；
　　andhowthefellowknockedthoseFrenchmenabout！"
　　"Singsomething，Kate，won'tyou？"saidMaimie，andKate，withoutawordbeganthebeautifulairfromMendelssohn'sSt。Paul：——
　　"ButtheLordismindfulofHisown，"
　　singingitwithapowerofexpressionmarvellousinsoyoungagirl。Then，withoutfurtherrequest，sheglidedintothelovelyaria，"ORestintheLord。"ItwasallnewandwonderfultoRanald。Hedidnotdreamthatsuchmajestyandsweetnesscouldbeexpressedinmusic。Hesatsilentwitheyeslookingfaraway，andfacealightwiththejoythatfilledhissoul。
　　"Oh，thanks，verymuch，"murmuredthelieutenant，whenKatehadfinished。"Lovelythingthataria，don'tyouknow？"
　　"Verynice，"echoedMr。Sims，"andsobeautifullydone，too。"
　　Ranaldlookedfromonetotheotherinindignantsurprise，andthenturningawayfromthemtoKate，said，inatonealmostofcommand：
　　"Singitagain。"
　　"I'llsingsomethingelse，"shesaid。"Didyoueverhear——"
　　"No，Ineverheardanythingatalllikethat，"interruptedRanald。
　　"Singsomemorelikethelast。"
　　ThedeepfeelingshowinginhisfaceandinhistonetouchedKate。
　　"Howwouldthisdo？"shereplied。"Itisalittlehighforme，butI'lltry。"
　　Sheplayedafewintroductorychords，andthenbeganthatsweetestbitofthegreatestofalltheoratorios"HeshallFeedHisFlock。"
　　Andfromthatpassedintothesoul-moving"HeWasDespised"fromthesamenoblework。Themusicsuitedtherangeandqualityofhervoiceperfectly，andshesangwithherheartthrillinginresponsetothepassionatefeelinginthedarkeyesfixeduponherface。
　　ShehadneversungtoanyonewholistenedasRanaldnowlistenedtoher。Sheforgottheothers。Shewassingingforhim，andhewascompellinghertoherbest。Shewasconsciousofasubtlesenseofmasteryoverpoweringher，andwithastrangedelightsheyieldedherselftothatcommandinginfluence；butasshesangshebegantorealizethathewasthinkingnotofher，butofhersong，andsoonshe，too，wasthinkingofit。Sheknewthathiseyeswerefilledwiththevisionof"TheManofSorrows"ofwhomshesang，andbeforeshewasaware，thepathosofthatlonelyanddespisedlife，setforthinthenoblewordsoftheancientprophet，waspouringforthinthegreatMaster'smusic。
　　Whenthesongwasended，noonespokeforatime，andevenMr。Simswassilent。Thenthelieutenantcameovertotheharmonium，andleaningtowardKate，said，inanearnestvoice，unusualwithhim，"ThankyouMissRaymond。Thatwastrulygreat。"
　　"Greatindeed；"saidHarry，withenthusiasm。"Ineverheardyousinglikethatbefore，Kate。"
　　ButRanaldsatsilent，findingnowordsinwhichtoexpressthethoughtsandfeelingshersinginghadarousedinhim。
　　Thereisthatinnoblemusicwhichforbidsunreality，rebukesfrivolityintosilence，subduesignoblepassions，soothestheheart'ssorrow，andsummonstothesoulhighandholythoughts。Itwasdifficulttobegintheconversation；thetrivialthemesoftheearlierpartoftheeveningseemedforeigntothemoodthathadfallenuponthecompany。AtlengthMr。Simsventuredtoremark，withagiggle："It'sawfullyfine，don'tyouknow，butatriflefunereal。Makesonethinkofgravesandthatsortofthing。Verynice，ofcourse，"headded，apologetically，toKate。Ranaldturnedandregardedthelittlemanforsomemomentsinsilence，andthen，withunutterablescorn，exclaimed："Nice！man，it'swonderful，wonderfultomewhatever！MakesmethinkofallthegreatthingsI
　　eversaw。"
　　"Whatthings？"Kateventuredtosay。
　　ForafewmomentsRanaldpaused，andthenreplied："Itmakesmethinkofthebigpinetreeswavingandwailingovermeatnight，andthebigriverrollingdownwiththemoonlightonit——and——otherthings。"
　　"Whatotherthings，Ranald，"persistedKate。
　　ButRanaldshookhisheadandsatsilentforsometime。Thenheroseabruptly。
　　"Iwillbegoingnow，"hesaid。
　　"Youwillcomeagainsoon，Ranald，"saidMaimie，comingtowardhimwithalookonherfacethatremindedhimofthedaysintheGlengarrymanse。Shehadforgottenallabouthisredshirtandsilkhandkerchief。AsRanaldcaughtthatlookagreatjoyleapedintohiseyesforamoment，thenfadedintoagazeofperplexity。
　　"Yes，docome，"addedKate。
　　"Willyousingagain？"heasked，bluntly。
　　"Yes，indeed，"shereplied，withaslightblush，"ifyouwantmeto。"
　　"Iwillcome。When？To-morrownight？"
　　"Yes，certainly，to-morrownight，"saidKate，blushingdeeplynow，forshenoticedtheslightsmileonHarry'sface，andtheglancethatpassedbetweenMr。Simsandthelieutenant。ThenRanaldsaidgoodnight。
　　"Ihaveneverhadsuchpleasureinmylife，"hesaid，holdingherhandamoment，andlookingintohereyesthatsparkledwithahappylight。"Thatis，"headded，withaswiftglanceatMaimie，"frommusicorthingslikethat。"
　　Katecaughttheglance，andthehappylightfadedfromhereyes。
　　"Goodnight，"saidRanald，offeringhishandtoMaimie。"IamgladIcamenow。Itmakesmethinkofthelastnightatthemanse，althoughIamalwaysthinkingofit，"headded，simply，withatouchofsadnessinhisvoice。Maimie'sfacegrewhotwithblushes。
　　"Yes，"sheanswered，hurriedly。"DearAuntMurray！"
　　Hestoodamomentortwoasifabouttospeak，whileMaimiewaitedinanagonyoffear，notknowingwhattoexpectinthisextraordinaryyoungman。Thenheturnedabruptlyaway，andwithagoodnighttoDeLacyandanodtoMr。Sims，strodefromtheroom。
　　"GreatCaesar'sghost！"exclaimedthelieutenant；"pardonme，buthasanythinghappened？Thatyoungmannowandthengivesmeasenseoftragedy。WhatHAStakenplace？"hepanted，weakly。
　　"Nonsense，"laughedMaimie，"yournervoussystemisratherdelicate。"
　　"Ah，thanks，nodoubtthat'sit。MissKate，howdoyoufeel？"
　　"I，"saidKate，wakingsuddenly，"thankyou，quitehappy。"
　　"Happy，"sighedDeLacy。"Ah，fortunateyoungman！"
　　"Greatchap，that，"criedHarry，comingbackfromseeingRanaldtothedoor。
　　"Very，"saidDeLacy，soemphaticallythateveryonelaughed。
　　"Someonereallyoughttodresshim，though，"suggestedMr。Sims，withaslightsneer。
　　"Why？"saidKate，quietly，facinghim。
　　"Oh，well，youknow，MissRaymond，"stammeredMr。Sims，"thatsortofattire，youknow，ishardlythethingforthedrawing-room，youknow。"
　　"Heisashantyman，"saidMaimie，apologetically，"andtheyalldresslikethat。Idon'tsupposethathehasanyotherclotheswithhim。"
　　"Oh，ofcourse，"assentedMr。Sims，retreatingbeforethisdoubleattack。
　　"Besides，"continuedKate，"itisgoodtastetodressinthegarbofyourprofession，isn'tit，LieutenantDeLacy？"
　　"Oh，comenow，MissKate，that'sallright，"saidthelieutenant，"butyoumustdrawthelinesomewhere，youknow。Thosecolorsnowyoumustconfessarealittlestartling。"
　　"Youdidn'tmindthecolorswhenhesavedyoutheotherdayfromthatawfulmob！"
　　"Oneforyou，DeLacy，"criedHarry。
　　"Quiteright，"answeredthelieutenant，"butdon'tmistakeme。I
　　distinguishbetweenafellowandhisclothes。"
　　"Formypart，"saidKate，"Idon'tcarehowamanisdressed；ifI
　　likehim，Ilikehimshouldheappearinablanketandfeathers。"
　　"Don'tspeakofit，"gaspedthelieutenant。
　　"Dolet'stalkofsomethingelse，"saidMaimie，impatiently。
　　"Delighted，Iamsure，"saidDeLacy；"andthatremindsmethatmadamwasthinkingofapicnicdowntheriverthisweek——justasmallcompany，youknow。Themanwoulddriveherdownandtakethehamperandthings，andwewouldgodownbyboat。Awfulpullback，though，"headded，regretfully，"butifitshouldgiveanypleasure——delighted，youknow，"bowinggallantlytotheladies。
　　"Delightful！"criedMaimie。
　　"AndRanaldpullssplendidly，"saidKate。
　　Maimielookedather，wonderinghowsheknewthat。"Idon'tthinkRanaldcangetawayeveryday。I'msurehecan't；canhe，Harry？"
　　shesaid。
　　"No，"saidHarry，"nomorecanI，worseluck！Thegovernorisstickingawfullyclosetoworkjustnow。"
　　"And，ofcourse，youcan'tbespared，"saidKate，mockingly。
　　"Butcouldn'tyoubothcomelater？Wecouldwaitteaforyou。
　　"Might，"saidHarry。"Ishallmakemybestendeavorforyoursake，"bowingtowardKate，"butIamdoubtfulaboutRanald。
　　Perhapswe'dbetternot——"
　　"Why，certainly，oldchap，"saidthelieutenant，"what'sthematter？"
　　"Well，thefactis，"blurtedoutHarry，desperately，"Idon'twanttodraginRanald。Ilikehimawfully，butyoumayfeelasifhewerenotquiteoneofus。YouknowwhatImean；yourmotherdoesn'tknowhim。"
　　Harryfeltextremelyawkwardknowingthathecameperilouslyneartosuspectingthelieutenantofthemostdespicablesnobbery。
　　"Why，certainly，"repeatedthelieutenant。"That'sallright。
　　BringyourGlengarrymanalongifanyonewantshim。"
　　"Ido，"saidKate，decidedly。
　　"Kismet，"repliedthelieutenant。"Itisdecreed。Theyoungmanmustcome，forIsuspectheisverymuch'oneofus。'"Butofthisthelieutenantwasnotquitesocertainbythetimethedayofthepicnichadarrived。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　ONEGAMEATATIME
　　TheGlengarrymenwereontheMontrealboatleavingforhome。
　　MacdonaldBhain'sfarewelltohisnephewwasfullofsadness，forheknewthathenceforththeirwayswouldlieapart，andfullofsolemnwarningsagainstthedangersofthecitywhereRanaldwasnowtobe。
　　"Itisawickedplace，andthepitfallsaremany，andtheyarenotintheplaceswheretheeyeswillbelookingforthem。Yearetakingthewaythatwillbeleadingyoufromusall，andIwillnotbekeepingyouback，norwillIbelayinganyvowsuponyou。Youwillbeatrueman，andyouwillkeepthefearofGodbeforeyoureyes，andyouwillrememberthataMacdonaldneverfailsthemanthattrustshim。"AndlongafterthegreatmanwasgonehislastwordskepttuggingatRanald'sheart："Ranald，lad，rememberusupyonderintheIndianLands，"hesaid，holdinghishandwithagripthatsqueezedthebonestogether；"wewillbealwaysthinkingofyou，andmorethanall，attheBibleclassandthemeetingsshewillbeaskingforyouandwonderinghowyouaredoing，andbynightandbydaythedoorwillbeonthelatchforyourcoming；
　　for，laddie，laddie，youareasontomeandmore！"ThebreakinthebigMacdonald'svoicetookawayfromRanaldallpowerofspeech，andwithoutawordofreply，hehadtolethisunclego。
　　Yankee'sgoodbywascharacteristic。"Well，guessI'llgitalong。
　　Wishyouwerecomin'backwithus，butyou'vestruckyourgait，I
　　guess，andyou'regoin'tomakequiteadust。Keepyourwindtillthelastquarter；that'swherethemoney'slost。Iain't'fraidofyou；you'regreen，buttheycan'tbreakyou。Keepyourlefteyeonthesuckers。Thereain'tnodangerfromthefellerthatripsandraresandgitsuponhishindlegs，butthefellerthatsidlesraoundandsorterchumsituptoyouandwantstopayferyourdrinks，byJings，kickhim。Andsay，"Yankee'svoiceheregrewlowandimpressive，"gitsomeclose。Thesehereareallrightforthewoods，butwiththempeopleclosecountsanawfullot。It'sthemaninsidethatwins，butthecloseisoutside。Git'emandgit'emgood；noneofyoursecond-handJewoutfits。It'llcost，ofcourse，but——hereYankeecloseduptoRanaldbuthere'sawad；
　　ain'tnopertickalerusetome。"
　　ThenRanaldsmotehiminthechestandknockedhimbackagainstalumberpile。
　　"Iknowyou，"hecried；"youwouldbegivingmethecoatoffyourback。IfIwouldbetakingmoneyfromanymanI'dtakeitfromyou，butletmetellyouIwillhavenomoneythatIdonotearn；"
　　then，seeingYankee'sdisappointedface，headded，"butindeed，I
　　oweyouforyourhelptome——and——mi——mine，whenhelpwasneededsore，morethanIcaneverpayback。"Then，astheyshookhands，Ranaldspokeagain，andhisvoicewasnonetoosteady。"AndIhavebeenthinkingthatIwouldlikeyoutohaveLisette，foritmaybealongtimebeforeIwillbebackagain，andIknowyouwillbegoodtoher；andifeverIneedyourhelpinthisway，IpromiseI
　　willcometoyou。"
　　Yankeechewedhisquidoftobaccohardandspattwicebeforehecouldreply。Thenheansweredslowly："Nowlook-ye-here，I'lltakethatlittlemareandlookafterher，butthemare'syoursandif——andif——whichIdon'tthinkwillhappen——ifyoudon'tcomebacksoon，why——Iwillsendyouherequivalentincash；butI'druthersee——I'drutherseeyoucomebackforit！"
　　ItwaswithaverylonelyheartthatRanaldwatchedoutofsightthesteamboatthatcarriedtotheirhomesintheIndianLandsthecompanyofmenwhohadbeenhiscomradesforthelongmonthsinthewoodsandontheriver，andallthemorethathewasdimlyrealizingthatthiswideningbluestripofflowingriverwasseparatinghimforeverfromthelifehesopassionatelyloved。Ashiseyesfollowedthemhethoughtofthehome-comingthathewouldhaveshared；theirmeetingsatthechurchdoor，thegravehandshakingsfromtheolderfolk，thesaucy"horos"fromthehalf-grownboys，theshyblushingglancesfromthemaidens，andlastanddearestofall，theglad，proudwelcomeinthesweet，seriousfacewiththegray-browneyes。Itwaswiththememoryofthatfaceinhisheartthatheturnedtomeetwhatmightbecomingtohim，withtheresolvethathewouldplaytheman。
　　"Hello，oldchap，who'sdead？"ItwasHarry'sgayvoice。"Youlooklikeatomb。"HeputhisarmthroughRanald'sandwalkedwithhimupthestreet。
　　"Whereareyougoingnow？"heasked，asRanaldwalkedalonginsilence。
　　"Togetsomeclothes。"
　　"Thankthegreatpowers！"ejaculatedHarrytohimself。
　　"What？"
　　"Andwhereareyougoingtogetthem？"
　　"Idonotknow——somestore，Isuppose。"Ranaldhadthevaguestnotionsnotonlyofwhereheshouldgo，butoftheclothesinwhichheoughttoarrayhimself，buthewasnotgoingtoacknowledgethistohisfriend。
　　"Youcan'tgetanyclothesfittowearinthistown，"saidHarry，inhighcontempt。Ranald'sheartsank。"Butcomealong，wewillfindsomething。"
　　AstheypassedinfrontofthelittleFrenchshops，withwindowsfilledinsideandoutwithready-madegarments，Ranaldpausedtoinvestigate。
　　"Oh！pshaw，"criedHarry，"don'tknowwhatyou'llgethere。We'llfindsomethingbetterthanthischeapstuff，"andRanald，gladenoughofguidance，thoughuncertainastowhereitmightleadhim，followedmeekly。
　　"Whatsortofasuitdoyouwant？"saidHarry。
　　"Idon'tknow，"saidRanald，doubtfully。Ithadneveroccurredtohimthattherecouldbeanygreatdifferenceinsuits。Therehadneverbeenanychoosingofsuitswithhim。
　　"Likeyours，Isuppose，"hecontinued，glancingatHarry'sattire，butadding，cautiously，"iftheydonotcosttoomuch。"
　　"Aboutfortydollars，"saidHarry，lightly；then，noticingthedismayedlookonRanald'sface，headdedquickly，"butyoudon'tneedtospendthatmuch，youknow。Isay，youletmemanagethisthing。"AndfortunateitwasforRanaldthathehadhisfriend'sassistanceinthisall-importantbusiness，butittookallHarry'sjudgment，skill，anddelicacyofhandlingtopilothisfriendthroughthedeviouswaysofoutfitters，forRanald'signoranceofallthatpertainedtoagentleman'swardrobewasequaledonlybythesensitiveprideontheonehandthatmadehimshrinkfromappearingpoorandmean，andbyhisScotchcautionontheotherthatforbadeundueextravagance。Itwasahardhourandahalfforthemboth，butwhenallwasover，Ranald'sgratitudemorethanrepaidHarryforhispains。
　　"Comeupto-night，"saidHarry，astheystoodatthedooroftheHotelduNord，whereRanaldhadtakenuphisquarters。
　　"No，"saidRanald，abruptly，unconsciouslyglancingdownathisroughdress。
　　"ThenI'llcomedownhere，"saidHarry，notingtheglance。
　　"Iwillbeveryglad，"repliedRanald，hisfacelightingup，forhewasmoreafraidthanhecaredtoshowofthelonelyhoursofthatnight。Itwouldbethefirstnightinhislifeawayfromhisownkinandfriends。Buthewasnotsogladwhen，aftertea，ashestoodatthedoorofthehotel，hesawsaunteringtowardhimnotonlyHarry，butalsoLieutenantDeLacyandhisfriendMr。Sims。
　　"Thesefellowswouldcomealong，"explainedHarry；"Itoldthemyoudidn'twantthem。"
　　"Showedhowlittleheknew，"saidthelieutenant。"Itoldhimyouwouldbedelighted。"
　　"Willyoucomein？"saidRanald，rathergrudgingly，"thoughthereisnothingmuchinside。"
　　"Whatabear，"saidMr。SimstoHarry，disgustedly，inalowvoice。
　　"Nothingmuch！"saidthelieutenant，"agooddealIshouldsayfromwhatonecanhear。"
　　"Oh，thatisnothing，"repliedRanald；"theboysarehavingsomegames。"
　　Thebar-roomwasfilledwithmeninshantydress，somesittingwithchairstippedbackagainstthewall，smokingtheblackFrench"twist"tobacco；othersdrinkingatthebar；andothersstillatthetablesthatstoodinonecorneroftheroomplayingcardswithloudexclamationsandoathsofdelightordisgust，accordingtotheirfortune。Thelieutenantpushedhiswaythroughthecrowd，followedbytheothers。
　　"Ajollylot，byJove！"heexclaimed，lookingwithmildinterestonthescene，"andwiththeofferofsomesport，too，"headded，glancingatthecard-playersinthecorner，wheremenwerelosingtheirwinter'swages。
　　"Whatwillyoutake？"saidRanald，promptedbyhisHighlandsenseofcourtesy，"andwouldyouhaveitinthenextroom？"
　　"Anywhere，"saidthelieutenant，withalacrity；"alittlebrandyandsodaforme；nothingelseintheseplacesisworthdrinking。"
　　Ranaldgavetheorder，andwithsomedegreeofpride，noticedtheobsequiousmannerofthebar-tendertowardhimandhisdistinguishedguests。Theypassedintoaninnerandsmallerroom，litbytwoorthreesmokylampsinbracketsonthewalls。Inthisroom，sittingatoneofthetables，weretwoFrenchmenplayingecarte。Asthelieutenantentered，oneofthemglancedupandutteredanexclamationofrecognition。
　　"Ah，itisourwarlikefriend，"criedDeLacy，recognizinghiminreturn；"youplaythisgamealso，"hecontinuedinFrench。
　　"Notmoche，"saidLeNoir，foritwashe，withagrandsalute。
　　"Willthecapitainejoin，andhisfriends？"
　　Ranaldshookhisheadandrefused。
　　"Comealong，"saidthelieutenant，eagerly，toRanald。Thegamewashispassion。"Mr。Sims，youwill；Harry，whatdoyousay？"
　　"IwilllookonwithRanald。"
　　"Oh，comeinMacdonald，"saidthelieutenant，"themorethebetter，andwe'llmakeitpoker。Youknowthegame？"hesaid，turningtoLeNoir；"andyourfriend——Ihavenotthepleasure——"
　　"Mr。Rouleau，"saidRanaldandLeNoirtogether，presentingtheyoungFrenchmanwhospokeandlookedlikeagentleman。
　　"Doyouplaythegame？"saidthelieutenant。
　　"Averieleetle，butIcanlearnhim。"
　　"That'sright，"criedthelieutenant，approvingly。
　　"Whatdoyousay，Ranald，"saidHarry，whoalsolovedthegame。
　　"No，"saidRanald，shortly，"Ineverplayformoney。"
　　"Makeitpennies，"saidMr。Sims，withaslightlaugh。
　　"Goon，DeLacy，"saidHarry，angryatMr。Sims'stone。"You'vegotfour——that'lldo！"
　　"Oh，verywell，"saidDeLacy，hiseasy，languidairreturningtohim。"Whatshallitbe——quarterchipswithadollarlimit？Brandyandsoda，Mr。LeNoir？Andyou，Mr。Rouleau？Twomoreglasses，garcon，"andthegamebegan。
　　FromtheoutsetRouleausteadilywontillhischipswerepiledhighinfrontofhim。
　　"Youplaythegamewell，"saidthelieutenant。"Shallweraisethelimit？"
　　"Asyoulak，"saidRouleau，withapolitebow。
　　"Let'smakeitfivedollars，"suggestedMr。Sims，towhichallagreed。
　　ButstillthegamewasRouleau's，whogrewmoreandmoreexcitedwitheverywin。Thelieutenantplayedcoolly，andwithseemingindifference，inwhichhewasimitatedbyMr。Sims，thelossofafewdollarsbeingamatterofsmallmomenttoeither。
　　"Itwouldmakeitmoreinterestingifwemadeitadollartoplay，"
　　atlengthsaidMr。Sims。Thesuggestionwasaccepted，andthegamewenton。Atoncetheluckbegantoturn，andinahalfhour'splayRouleau'swinningsdisappearedandpassedovertothelieutenant'shand。Inspiteofhisbadluck，however，Rouleaucontinuedtobeteagerlyandrecklessly，untilRanald，whohatedtoseetheyounglumbermanlosinghisseason'swages，suggestedthatthegamecometoanend。
　　"Thenightisearly，"saidthelieutenant，"butifyouhavehadenough，"hesaid，bowingtoLeNoirandRouleau。
　　"Non！"exclaimedRouleau，"thefortunewilltomeencore。Wemakitdetwo-dollartoplay。Datwillbrakdeluck。"
　　"Ithinkyououghttostopit，"saidHarry。
　　ButthedemonofplayhadtakenfullpossessionofbothRouleauandthelieutenantandtheywerenottobedenied。Rouleautookfromhispocketarollofbillsandcountedthem。
　　"Fiftydollars，"hecried。"Bon！Iplayhim，me！"
　　Theothersdepositedalikesumbeforethem，andthegameproceeded。
　　ThedealwasDeLacy's。Afterafewmoment'sconsideration，Mr。
　　SimsandLeNoireachdrewthreecards。Inatoneoftriumphwhichhecouldnotaltogethersuppress，Rouleauexclaimed"Deesaregoodenoughforme。"Thelieutenantdrewonecard，andthebettingbegan。
　　TwiceRouleau，whenitcametohisturn，betthelimit，theotherscontentingthemselvesby"raising"onedollar。OnthethirdroundLeNoir，remarking，"Dasleetletooqueekforme，"droppedout。
　　OncemoreRouleauraisedthebettothelimit，whenMr。Simsrefused，andleftthegametohimandthelieutenant。TherewasnomistakingtheeagertriumphintheFrenchman'spaleface。Hebegantobetmorecautiously，hisonlyfearbeingthathisopponentwould"call"toosoon。DollarbydollarthebetwasraisedtillatlastRouleaujoyouslygatheredhislastchips，raisedthebetoncemorebythelimit，exclaiming，ashedidso，"Alas！dereeesnomore！"
　　Hehadplayedhisseason'swagesthatnight，butnowhewouldrecoverall。
　　DeLacy，whosecoolnesswasundisturbed，thoughhisfaceshowedsignsofhismanybrandy-and-sodas，coveredthebet。
　　"Hola！"exclaimedRouleauintriumph。"Eeteestome！"Hethrewdownhiscardsandreachedforthepile。
　　"Excuseme，"saidthelieutenant，quietlylookingatRouleau'scards。"Ah，astraightflush，queenhigh。"Coollyhelaidhiscardsonthetable。"Thoughtyoumighthavehadtheace，"hesaid，languidly，leaningbackinhischair。He，too，heldastraightflush，butwiththeking。
　　Rouleaugazedthunderstruck。
　　"MortDieu！"heexclaimed，excitedly。"Thedealwasfromyou。"
　　"Mine，"saidDeLacy，quietly，lookingupattheexcitedFrenchman。
　　"Ah，"criedRouleau，besidehimself。"Itis——whatyoucall？Onecheat！cheat！"
　　Thelieutenantsatupstraightinhischair。
　　"DoyoumeanthatIcheatedyou？"hesaid，withslowemphasis。
　　"Bewarewhatyousay。"
　　"Oui！"criedtheFrenchman；"sacr-r-re——soImean！"
　　Beforethewordshadwelllefthislips，andbeforeanyonecouldinterfereDeLacyshotouthisarm，liftedtheFrenchmanclearoffhisfeet，andhurledhimtothefloor。
　　"Stop！youcoward！"Ranaldstoodbeforethelieutenantwitheyesblazingandbreathcomingquick。
　　"Coward？"saidDeLacy，slowly。
　　"Youhitamanunprepared。"
　　"Youareprepared，Isuppose，"repliedDeLacy，deliberately。
　　"Yes！Yes！"criedRanald，eagerly，thegladlightofbattlecomingintohiseyes。
　　"Good，"saidDeLacy，slowlyputtingbackhischair，andproceedingtoremovehiscoat。
　　"Glengarry！"criedLeNoir，raisingthebattlecryhehadcausetoremembersowell；andflingingoffhiscoatuponthefloor，hepattedRanaldontheback，yelling，"Goin，bullyboy！"
　　"Shutthedoor，LeNoir，"saidRanald，quickly，"andkeepitshut。"
　　"DeLacy，"criedHarry，"thismustnotgoon！Ranald，thinkwhatyouaredoing！"
　　"Youdidn'tnoticehisremark，apparently，St。Clair，"saidthelieutenant，calmly。
　　"Nevermind，"criedHarry，"hewasexcited，andanywaythethingmustendhere。"
　　"Thereisonlyoneway。Doesheretract？"saidDeLacy，quietly。
　　"Ranald，"Harrycried，beseechingly，"youknowheisnocoward；youdidnotmeanthat。"
　　BythistimeRanaldhadhimselfinhand。
　　"No，"hesaid，regretfully，forcinghimselftospeakthetruth。"I
　　knowheisnocoward；Ihaveseenhimwherenocowardwouldbe，but，"headded，"hestruckamanunguarded，andthatwasacoward'sblow。"
　　"Macdonald，"saidDeLacydeliberately，"youareright。True，hecalledmeacheat，butIshouldhavegivenhimtime。Still，"headded，rollinguphissleeves，"Ihopeyouwillnotdepriveyourselformeoftheprivilegeofsettlingthislittlebusiness。"
　　"Iwillbeglad，"saidRanald，hiseyesoncemorelightingup。
　　"Verygladindeed，ifyouwish。"
　　"Nonsense，"criedHarry，passionately，"ItellyouIwillnothaveit。Hehasgivenyouampleapology，DeLacy；andyou，Ranald，I
　　thoughtaMacdonaldneverfoughtexceptforsufficientcause！"
　　HarryrememberedthefightingruleoftheMacdonaldgang。
　　"Thatistrue，"saidRanald，gravely，"butitwasacruelblow，"
　　pointingtoRouleau，who，supportedbyLeNoir，wassittingonachair，hisfacebadlycutandbleeding，"andthat，too，aftertakingfromhimthewagesofsixmonthsinthebush！"
　　"Isupposeyouadmitthegamewasfair，"saidthelieutenant，movingnearertoRanald，thethreatinhistoneevidenttoall。
　　"Thegamewasfair，"saidRanald，facingDeLacy，"butIwillsaytheladwasnofairmatchforyou！"
　　"Hechosetoriskhismoney，whichyouwerenotwillingtodo。"
　　DeLacyfeltthathewasbeingputinanunpleasantlightandwasdeterminedtoangerRanaldbeyondcontrol。Ranaldcaughtthesneer。
　　"IfIdidnotplay，"hecried，hotly，"itwasfornofearofyouoranyofyou。Itwasnoman'sgamewhatever，"hecontinued，contemptuously。
　　"Now，DeLacy，"criedHarry，again，"letthisstop。Themanwhofightswillfirstfightme！"
　　"PerhapsMr。Macdonaldwouldshowushowthegameshouldbeplayed，"saidMr。Sims，comingasneartoasneerashedared。
　　"Itwouldnotbehardtoshowyouthisgame，"saidRanald，ignoringMr。Sims，andlookingthelieutenantintheeyes，"orperhapstheother！"
　　"Good！"criedHarry，gladlyseizingtheopportunityofavertingafight。"Thegame！Takeyourplaces，gentlemen！"
　　Thelieutenanthesitatedforamoment，asifuncertainwhattodo。
　　Then，withaslightlaugh，hesaid，"Verywell，onethingatatime，theothercanwait。"
　　"Comeon！"criedHarry，"whogoesin？LeNoir，you？"
　　LeNoirlookedatRanald。
　　"Whatyousay？"
　　"No，"saidRanald，shortly，"thisismygame！"WiththatheturnedasidefromthetableandspokeafewwordsinalowtonetoLeNoir，whoassistedRouleaufromtheroom，andaftersomeminutes'absence，returnedwithalittlelinenbag。Ranaldtookthebagandbegantocountoutsomemoneyuponthetablebeforehim。
　　"Iwillplaytoonehundreddollars，"hesaid。
　　ThelieutenantandMr。Simseachlaidthesameamountbeforethemuponthetable。
　　"Ihavenotsomuchonme，"saidHarry，"butperhapsmyI。O。U。
　　willdo。"
　　"Whatshallwesay，"saidMr。Sims，"adollartoplayandfivedollarslimit？"
　　"Sayfiveandtwenty-five，"saidDeLacy，whowascommandinghimselfwithagreateffort。
　　"Isthattoohigh？"saidHarry，lookingtowardRanald。
　　"No，"saidRanald，"thehigherthebetter。"
　　ItwassoonevidentthatRanaldknewthegame。HehadlearneditduringthelongwinternightsintheshantyfromYankee，whowasamasteratit，andheplayeditwarilyandwithironnerve。Heseemedtoknowasbyinstinctwhentoretreatandwhentopursue；
　　andheplayedwiththesinglepurposeofbleedingthelieutenantdry。OftendidherefusetotaketollofHarryorMr。Simswhenopportunityoffered，butneveroncedidheallowthelieutenanttoescape。
　　"Youflatterme，"saidthelieutenant，sarcastically，asRanald'spurposebecameincreasinglyclear。
　　"Iwillhavefromyouallyouhavewon，"repliedRanald，inatoneofsuchsettledresolvethatitseemedasifnothingcouldpreventtheaccomplishmentofhispurpose。Invainthelieutenantsoughttobracehisnerveswithhisbrandy-and-sodas。Heplayednowrecklesslyandagainwithover-caution，whileRanald，takingadvantageofeveryslipandeverysignofweakness，followedhimwithrelentlessdetermination。
　　Withsuchstakesthegamewassoonover。Itwasnotlongbeforethelieutenantwasstrippedofhishundred，whileHarryandMr。
　　Simshadeachlostsmalleramounts。
　　"Youwilltryanotherhundred？"saidthelieutenant，burningtogetrevenge。
　　WithoutawordRanaldlaiddownhishundred；theothersdidlikewise，andoncemorethegameproceeded。TherewasnochangeinRanald'splay。Thoroughknowledgeofthegame，absoluteself-
　　command，aninstinctivereadingofhisopponent'smind，andunswervingpurposesoonbroughtabouttheonlyresultpossible。
　　Thelieutenant'ssecondhundredwithapartofHarry'sandMr。
　　Sims'spassedintoRanald'spossession。
　　AgainDeLacychallengedtoplay。
　　"No，"saidRanald，"Ihavedone。"Heputbackintohislinenbaghisonehundreddollars，countedouttwohundred，andgaveittoLeNoir，saying："ThatisRouleau's，"andthrewtherestuponthetable。"Iwantnoman'smoney，"hesaid，"thatIdonotearn。"
　　Thelieutenantsprangtohisfeet。
　　"Hold！"hecried，"youforget，thereissomethingelse！"
　　"No，"saidRanald，asHarryandMr。SimsputthemselvesinDeLacy'sway，"thereisnothingelseto-night；anotherday，andanydayyouwish，youcanhavetheothergame，"andwiththathepassedoutoftheroom。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　HERCLINGINGARMS
　　TheancientcapitalofCanada——theoldgrayqueenofthemightySt。
　　Lawrence——isacityofmanycharmsandofmuchstatelybeauty。Itsnarrow，climbingstreets，withtheirquaintshopsandcuriousgables，itsoldmarket，withchafferinghabitantfarmersandtheirwives，arefulloflivinginterest。Itsnoblerock，crownedwiththeancientcitadel，anditssweepingtidalriver，lenditadignityandmajesticbeautythatnoothercityknows；andeverywhereaboutitscitadelandwalls，andvenerable，sacredbuildings，therestilllingertheromanceandchivalryofheroicdayslonggone。Buttherearetimeswhenneithertheinterestsofthelivingpresentnorthecharmsoftheromanticpastcanavail，andsoashadowlayuponMaimie'sbeautifulfaceasshesatintheparloroftheHoteldeChevalBlanc，lookingoutuponthemightystreetsandthehuddledroofsofthelowertown。Sheheldinherhandanopennote。
　　"Itisjustawfullystupid，"shegrumbled，"andIthinkprettymeanofhim！"
　　"Ofwhom，mayIask？"saidKate，pausinginhersinging，"oristhereanyneed？Whatsaysthegallantlieutenant？"
　　Maimietossedherthenote。
　　"Thepicnicispostponed。Well，ofcoursetheraintoldusthat；
　　andheisunavoidablypreventedfromcalling，andentreatsyoursympathyandcommiseration。Well，that'saverynicenote，Iamsure。"
　　"Wherehashebeenthesethreedays！Hemighthaveknownitwouldbestupid，andHarrygivesonenosatisfaction。"Maimiewasundeniablycross。"AndRanald，too，"shewenton，"wherehashebeen？Notevenyourmusiccouldbringhim！"withalittlespiceofspite。"Ithinkmenarejusthorrid，anyway。"
　　"Especiallywhentheywillkeepaway，"saidKate。
　　"Well，whataretheygoodforifnottoentertainus？Iwishwecoulddowithoutthem！ButIdothinkRanaldmighthavecome。"
　　"Well，"saidKate，emphatically，"Ican'tseewhyyoushouldexpecthim。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Ithinkyououghttoknow。"
　　"I，howshouldIknow？"Maimie'sinnocentblueeyeswerewideopenwithsurprise。
　　"Nonsense，"criedKate，withimpatiencerareinher，"don'tbeabsurd，Maimie；Iamnotachild。"
　　"WhatdoYOUmean？"
　　"Youneedn'ttellmeyoudon'tknowwhyRanaldcomes。Doyouwanthimtocome？"
　　"Why，ofcourseIdo；howsillyyouare。"
　　"Well，"saidKate，deliberately，"Iwouldratherbesillythancruelandunkind。"
　　"Why，Kate，howdreadfulofyou！"exclaimedMaimie；"'cruelandunkind！'"
　　"Yes。"saidKate；"youarenottreatingRanaldwell。Youshouldnotencouragehimto——to——careforyouwhenyoudonotmeanto——
　　to——goonwithit。"
　　"Oh，whatnonsense；Ranaldisnotababy；hewillnottakeanyhurt。"
　　"Oh，Maimie，"saidKate，andhervoicewaslowandearnest，"Ranaldisnotlikeothermen。Hedoesnotunderstandthings。Helovesyouandhewillloveyoumoreeverydayifyoulethim。Whydon'tyoulethimgo？"
　　"Lethimgo！"criedMaimie，"who'skeepinghim？"Butasshespoketheflushinhercheekandthewarmlightinhereyetoldmoreclearlythanwordsthatshedidnotmeantolethimgojustthen。
　　"Youare，"saidKate，"andyouaremakinghimloveyou。"
　　"Why，howsillyyouare，"criedMaimie；"ofcoursehelikesme，but——"
　　"No，Maimie，"saidKate，withsadearnestness，"helovesyou；youcanseeitinthewayhelooksatyou；inhisvoicewhenhespeaksand——oh，youshouldn'tlethimunlessyoumeanto——to——goon。Sendhimrightaway！"ThereweretearsinKate'sdarkeyes。
　　"Why，Katie，"criedMaimie，lookingathercuriously，"whatdifferencedoesitmaketoyou？Andbesides，howcanIsendhimaway？IjusttreathimasIdoMr。DeLacy。"
　　"DeLacy！"criedKate，indignantly。"DeLacycanlookafterhimself，butRanaldisdifferent。Heissoseriousand——andsohonest，andhemeansjustwhathesays，andyouaresonicetohim，andyoulookathiminsuchaway！"
　　"Why，Kate，doyoumeanthatItryto——"Maimiewasrighteouslyindignant。
　　"Youperhapsdon'tknow，"continuedKate，"butyoucan'thelpbeingfascinatingtomen；youknowyouare，andRanaldbelievesyouso，and——andyououghttobequitestraightforwardwithhim！"PoorKatecouldnolongercommandhervoice。
　　"There，now，"saidMaimie，caressingherfriend，notunpleasedwithKate'sdescriptionofher；"I'mgoingtobegood。Iwilljustbehorridtobothofthem，andthey'llgoaway！But，oh，dear，thingsareallwrong！PoorRanald，"shesaidtoherself，"IwonderifhewillcometothepicniconSaturday？"
　　Katelookedatherfriendamomentandwipedawayhertears。
　　"IndeedIhopehewillnot，"shesaid，indignantly，"forIknowyoumeantojustleadhimon。Ihaveamindtotellhim。"
　　"Tellhimwhat？"saidMaimie，smiling。
　　"Justwhatyoumeantodo。"
　　"Iwishyouwouldtellmethat。"
　　"NowItellyou，Maimie，"saidKate，"ifyougoonwithRanaldsoanylongerIwilljusttellhimyouareplayingwithhim。"
　　"Do，"saidMaimie，scornfully，"andbecarefultomakecleartohimatthesametimethatyouarespeakingsolelyinhisinterest！"
　　Kate'sfaceflushedredattheinsinuation，andthengrewpale。
　　Shestoodforsometimelookinginsilenceatherfriend，andthenwithaproudflashofherdarkeyes，shesweptfromtheroomwithoutaword，nordidMaimieseeheragainthatafternoon，thoughshestoodoutsideherdoorentreatingwithtearstobeforgiven。
　　PoorKate！Maimie'sshafthadgonetoonearavitalspot，andthewoundamazedandterrifiedher。WasitforRanald'ssakealoneshecared？Yes，surelyitwas。Thenwhythissharpnewpainunderthehandpressingharduponherheart？
　　Oh，whatdidthatmean？Sheputherfaceinherpillowtohidetheredthatsheknewwasflaminginhercheeks，andforafewmomentsgaveherselfuptothejoythatwasfloodingherwholeheartandsoulandallhertinglingveins。Oh，howhappyshewas。ForlongshehadheardoftheGlengarryladfromMaimieandmorefromHarrytilltherehadgrownupinherheartawarm，admiringinterest。
　　Andnowshehadcometoknowhimforherself！Howlittleafterallhadtheytoldherofhim。Whatamanhewas！Howstrongandhowfearless！Howtrue-heartedandhowhiseyescouldfillwithlove！
　　Shestartedup。Love？Love？Ah，wherewasherjoy！Howchillthedayhadgrownandhowhatefulthesunlightontheriver。Shedrewdowntheblindandthrewherselfoncemoreuponthebed，shiveringandsickwithpain——thebitterestthatheartcanknow。
　　Oncemoreshestartedup。
　　"Sheisnotworthyofhim！"sheexclaimed，aloud；"herheartisnotdeepenough；shedoesnot，cannotlovehim，andoh，ifsomeonewouldonlylethimknow！"
　　Shewouldtellhimherself。No！No！Maimie'ssharparrowwasquiveringstillinherheart。Oncemoreshethrewherselfuponthebed。Howcouldshebearthisthathadstrickenher？Shewouldgohome。Shewouldgotohermotherto-morrow。Goawayforeverfrom——
　　ah——couldshe？No，anythingbutthat！Shecouldnotgoaway。
　　Overthebroadriverthewarmsunlightlaywithkindlyglow，andtheworldwasfullofthesoft，sweetairofspring，andthesongsofmatingbirds；butthehourspassed，andovertherivertheshadowsbegantocreep，andthewholeworldgrewdark，andthesongsofthebirdswerehushedtosilence。Then，fromherroom，Katecamedownwithfaceserene，andbutfortheeyesthatsomehowmadeonethinkoftears，withoutasignofthestormthathadswepthersoul。Shedidnotgohome。Shewastoobraveforthat。Shewouldstayandfightherbattletotheend。
　　ThatwasadrearyweekforRanald。Hewaslonelyandheartsickforthewoodsandforhishomeandfriends，butchieflywasheoppressedwiththesenseofhavingplayedthefoolinhisquarrelwithDeLacy，whomhewasbeginningtoadmireandlike。Hesurelymighthaveavoidedthat；andyetwheneverhethoughtofthegamethathadsweptawayfromRouleauallhiswinter'searnings，andofthecruelblowthathadfollowed，hefelthismusclesstiffenandhisteethsettightinrage。No，hewoulddoitallagain，norwouldheretreatonesinglestepfromthepositionhehadtaken，butwouldseehisquarrelthroughtotheend。ButworstofallhehadnotseenMaimiealltheweek。HisexperiencewithHarryintheorderingofhissuithadtaughthimtheimportanceofclothes，andhenowunderstoodashecouldnotbefore，Maimie'smannertohim。"Thatwouldbeit，"hesaidtohimself，"andnowonder。Whatwouldshedowithagreat，coarsetykelikeme！"Then，inspiteofallhisloyalty，hecouldnothelpcontrastingwithMaimie'suncertainanddoubtfultreatmentofhim，thewarm，frankfriendlinessofKate。
　　"SHEdidnotmindmyclothes，"hethought，withaglowofgratitude，butsharplycheckinghimself，headded，"butwhyshouldshecare？"
　　ItratherpleasedhimtothinkthatMaimiecaredenoughtofeelembarrassedathisroughdress。SohekeptawayfromtheHoteldeChevalBlanctillhisnewsuitshouldbeready。Itwasnotbecauseofhisdress，however，thathesteadilyrefusedHarry'sinvitationtothepicnic。
　　"No，Iwillnotgo，"hesaid，withbluntdecision，afterlisteningtoHarry'spleading。"ItisLieutenantDeLacy'spicnic，andI
　　willhavenothingtodowithhim，andindeedhewillnotbewantingme！"
　　"Oh，he'sforgottenallaboutthatlittleaffair，"criedHarry。
　　"Hashe？Indeedthenifheisamanhehasnot！"
　　"Iguesshehasn'trememberedmuchofanythingforthelastweek，"
　　saidHarry，withaslightlaugh。
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Oh，pshaw，he'sbeenonabigtear。Heonlysoberedupyesterday。"
　　"Huh！"gruntedRanald，contemptuously。Hehadlittlerespectforamanwhodidnotknowwhenhehadhadenough。"Whatabouthisjob？"
　　heasked。
　　"Hisjob？Oh，Isee。Hisjobdoesn'tworryhimmuch。He'sabsentonsick-leave。Buthe'sallfitagainandIknowhewillbedisappointedifyoudonotcometo-morrow。"
　　"Iwillnotgo，"saidRanald，withfinaldecision，"andyoucantellhimso，andyoucantellhimwhy。"
　　AndHarrydidtellhimwithconsiderablefullnessandemphasisnotonlyofRanald'sdecision，butalsoRanald'sopinionofhim，forhefeltthatitwoulddothatlordlyyoungmannoharmtoknowthatamanwhomhewasinclinedtopatronizeheldhimincontemptandforcause。ThelieutenantlistenedforatimetoallHarryhadtosaywithapparentindifference，thensuddenlyinterruptinghim，hesaid："Oh，Isay，oldchap，Iwouldn'trubitinifIwereyou。I
　　haveamoreorlessvagueremembranceofhavingratherindulgedinheroics。Onecan'tkeephisheadwithpokerandunlimitedbrandy-
　　and-sodas；theydon'tgotogether。It'sathingIalmostneverdo；
　　neverinabiggame，butthethinggotinterestingbeforeIknew。
　　ButIsay，thatGlengarrychapplaysamightygoodgame。Mustgethimonagain。Feelshot，eh？Iwillmakethatallright，andwhat'stheFrenchchap'sname——Boileau，Rondeau，eh？Rouleau。
　　Yes，andwherecouldoneseehim？"
　　"IcanfindoutfromLeNoir，whowillbesomewherenearRanald。
　　Youcan'tgethimawayfromhim。"
　　"Well，do，"saidthelieutenant，lazily。"BringLeNoirtoseeme。
　　IowethatRouleauchapanapology。Beastlybusiness！AndI'llfixitupwithMacdonald。Hehastherightofit，byJove！Ratherlucky，Ifancy，hedidn'tyieldtomysolicitationsforatryattheothergame——fromwhatIrememberofthestreetriot，eh？Wouldnotmindhavingagowithhimwiththegloves，though。Iwillseehimto-morrowmorning。Keepyourmindatrest。"
　　NextmorningwhenLeNoircametohisworkhewasfullofthelieutenant'spraisestoRanald。
　　"DasfinefellerleCapitaine，eh？DasdeGrandSeigneurforsure！
　　He'smakeetallrightwitRouleau！He'spaydecashmoneyandhe'smakeetdegoodposishforhim，an'sethimupthechampagne，too，bygar！"
　　"Huh，"gruntedRanald。"RunthatcribaroundtheboomthereLeNoir；breakitupandkeepyourgangmovingto-day！"
　　"Bon！"saidLeNoir，withalacrity。"Igive'emdebigmove，me！"
　　ButhoweverunwillingRanaldwastolistentoLeNoirsingingthelieutenant'spraises，whenhemetHarryatnoonintheofficehewasevenmoreenthusiasticthanLeNoirinhisadmirationofDeLacy。
　　"Ineversawthelikesofhim，"hesaid。"Hecouldbringthebirdsoutofthetreeswiththattongueofhis。Indeed，Icouldnothavedonewhathedidwhatever。Man，butheisagentleman！"
　　"Andareyougoingthisevening？"
　　"ThatIam，"saidRanald。"WhatelsecouldIdo？Icouldnothelpmyself；hemademefeelthatmeanthatIwasreadytodoanything。"
　　"Allright，"saidHarry，delighted，"Iwilltakemycanoearoundforyouaftersix。"
　　"And，"continuedRanald，withalittlehesitation，"hetoldmehewouldbewearingajerseyandducktrousers，andIthinkthatwasveryfineofhim。"
　　"Why，ofcourse，"saidHarry，quitemystified，"whatelsewouldhewear？"
　　Ranaldlookedathimcuriouslyforamoment，andsaid："Aswallow-
　　tail，perhaps，orablanket，maybe，"andheturnedawayleavingHarrymoremystifiedthanever。
　　Soonaftersix，Harrypaddledaroundinhiscanoe，andgavethesterntoRanald。Whatajoyitwastohimtobeinacanoesternagain；tofeeltherushofthewaterunderhisknees；tohaveherglideswiftlyonhersoundlesswaydownthefull-bosomed，sunbathedriver；toseeherputhernoseintothelittlewavesandgently，smoothlypushthemasunderwithneverasplashorswerve；tosendheralongstraightandtrueasanarrowinitsflight，andthenflip！fliptoswingheroffafloatinglogoraroundanawkwardboatlumberingwithclumsyoars。Thatwastobealiveagain。Oh，thejoyofit！Ofallthingsthatmovetothewillofmanthereisnonelikethecanoe。Italonehasthesweet，smoothglide，theswift，silentdartansweringthepaddlesweep；thequickswerveinresponsetotheturnofthewrist。Ranaldfeltasifhecouldhavegladlypaddledonrightouttotheopensea；butsweepingaroundabendalong，clearcallhailedthem，andthere，fardownatthebottomofalittlebay，atthefootofthebig，scarred，andwrinkledrockthesmokeandglimmerofthecamp-firecouldbeseen。
　　Aflipofthesternpaddle，andthecanoepointedforthewavingfigure，andundertherhythmicsweepofthepaddles，spedlikeanarrowdownthewaters，slopingtotheshore。There，onagreatrock，stoodKate，directingtheircourse。
　　"Here'sagoodlanding，"shecried。Rightattherockdashedthecanoeatfullspeed。Amomentmoreandherdaintynosewouldbebatteredoutofallshapeonthecruelrock，butastrongbackstroke，aturnofthewrist，flip，andshelayfloatingquietlybesidetherock。
　　"Splendid！"criedKate。
　　"Welldone，byJove！"exclaimedthelieutenant，whowashimselfanexpertwiththepaddle。
　　"Isupposeyouhavenoideahowfineyoulook，"criedKate。
　　"AndIamquitesure，"answeredHarry，"youhavenosuspicionofwhatabeautifulpictureyouallmake。"Andabeautifulpictureitwas：thegreatrockycliffinthebackground，trickedoutinitsnewspringgreenofmossandshrubandtree；thegrassyplotatitsfootwherealittlestreamgurgledoutfromtherock；theblazingcamp-firewiththelittlegroupaboutit；andinfrontthesunlitriver。Howhappytheyallwere！Andhowreadytopleaseandtobepleased。EvenlittleMr。Simshadhischarm。Andatthemakingofthetea，whichKatehadtakeninchargewithRanaldsuperintending，whatfuntherewaswithburningoffingersandupsettingofkettles！Andthen，thetalkandthelaughteratthelieutenant'sbrilliantjokes，andthechaffingofthe"lumbermen"overtheirvoraciousappetites！Itwasanhourofnever-to-be-forgottenpleasure。Theywereallchildrenagain，andwithchildren'sheartswerehappyinchildhood'ssimplejoys。Andwhynot？Therearenojoyspurerthanthoseoftheopenair；ofgrassandtreesfloodedwiththewarmlightandsweetscentsofthesoftspringtime。Toosoonitallcametoanend，andthentheysetofftoconvoythestatelyoldladytohercarriageatthetopofthecliff。FarinfrontwentKate，disdainingtheassistanceofHarryandMr。Sims，whoescortedher。NearathandthelieutenantwasinattendanceuponMaimie，whoseemedtoneedhisconstantassistance；forthewaywasrough，andthereweresomanyjuttingpointsofrockforwonderfulviews，andoftentheveryprettiestplantswerejustoutofreach。LastofallcameMadameDeLacy，climbingthesteeppathwithdifficultyandholdingfasttoRanald'sarm。Withcharminggraceshediscoursedofthebravedaysofoldinwhichherancestorshadplayedaworthypart。Aninterestingtaleitwas，butinspiteofallhercharmofspeech，andgraceofmanner，Ranaldcouldnotkeephismindfromfollowinghisheartandeyesthatnotedeverystepandmoveofthebeautifulgirl，flittinginandoutamongthetreesbeforethem。Andwellitwasthathiseyeswerefollowingsoclose；for，asshewasreachingforadaintysprayofgoldenbirch，holdingbythelieutenant'shand，thetreacherousmossslippedfromunderMaimie'sfeet，andwithapiercingshriekshewentrollingdowntheslopingmountain-side，draggingherescortwithher。LikeaflashoflightRanalddroppedmadame'sarm，andseizingthetopofatallbirchthatgrewupfromthelowerledge，withatricklearnedasaboyintheGlengarrywoods，heswunghimselfclearovertheedge，anddroppinglightlyonthemossybankbelow，threwhimselfinfrontoftherollingbodies，andseizingthemheldfast。Inanothermomentleavingthelieutenanttoshiftforhimself，RanaldwasonhiskneesbesideMaimie，wholayuponthemoss，whiteandstill。"Somewater，forGod'ssake！"hecried，hoarsely，toDeLacy，whostooddazedbesidehim，andthen，beforethelieutenantcouldmove，RanaldliftedMaimieinhisarms，asifshehadbeenaninfant，andboreherdowntotheriver'sedge，andlaidheronthegrassybank。Then，takingupadoublehandfulofwater，hedasheditinherface。Withalittlesighsheopenedhereyes，andlettingthemrestuponhisface，said，gently，"Oh，Ranald，Iamsogladyou——IamsosorryI
　　havebeensobadtoyou。"Shecouldsaynomore，butfromherclosedeyestwogreattearsmadetheirwaydownherpalecheeks。
　　"Oh，Maimie，Maimie，"saidRanald，inabrokenvoice，"tellmeyouarenothurt。"
　　Againsheopenedhereyesandsaid，"No，Iamnothurt，butyouwilltakemehome；youwillnotleaveme！"Herfingerscloseduponhishand。
　　Withaquick，strongclasp，hereplied："Iwillnotleaveyou。"
　　Inafewminutesshewasabletositup，andsoontheywereallabouther，exclaimingandlamenting。
　　"WhatasillygirlIam，"shesaid，withalittletremulouslaugh，"andwhatafrightImusthavegivenyouall！"
　　"Don'trise，mydear，"saidMadameDeLacy，"untilyoufeelquitestrong。"
　　"Oh，Iamquiteright，"saidMaimie，confidently；"IamsureIamnothurtintheleast。"
　　"Oh，Iamsothankful！"criedKate。
　　"ItistheLord'smercy，"saidRanald，inavoiceofdeepemotion。
　　"Areyouquitesureyouarenothurt？"saidHarry，anxiously。
　　"Yes，IreallythinkIamallright，butwhatafrightImustlook！"
　　"ThankGod！"saidHarryfervently；"Iguessyou'reimproving，"atwhichtheyalllaughed。
　　"NowIthinkwemustgethome，"saidMadameDeLacy。"Doyouthinkyoucanwalk，Maimie？"
　　"Oh，yes，"criedMaimie，andtakingRanald'shand，shetriedtostandup，butimmediatelysankbackwithagroan。
　　"Oh，itismyfoot，"shesaid，"Iamafraiditishurt。"
　　"Letmesee！"criedHarry。"Idon'tthinkitisbroken，"hesaid，afterfeelingitcarefully，"butIhavenodoubtitisaverybadsprain。Youcan'twalkforcertain。"
　　"Thenweshallhavetocarryher，"saidMadameDeLacy，andsheturnedtoherson。
　　"IfearIcanoffernoassistance，"saidthelieutenant，pointingtohisarmwhichwashanginglimpathisside。
　　"Why，Albert，areyouhurt？Whatisthematter？Youarehurt！"
　　criedhismother，anxiously。