”ByJimminy！you’reright，”hecried，agladlightinhiseye，andatouchofcolourinhispalecheek，andCameronknewhewasstudyingwar。Theturnipfield，letitbesaidfortheenlighteningofthebenightedandunfortunatecity-bredfolk，islaidoutinaseriesofdrills，adrillbeingalongridgeofearthsomesixinchesinheight，someeightinchesbroadonthetopandtwelveatthebase。
　　Uponeachdrilltheseedhasbeensowninonecontinuouslinefromendtoendofthefield。Whenthisseedhasgrowneachdrillwilldiscoveralineofdelicategreen，thislinebeingnothinglessthanacompactgrowthofyoungturnipplantswithweedsmoreorlessthicklyinterspersed。Theoperationofhoeingconsistsintheeliminatingoftheweedsandthesuperfluousturnipplantsinorderthatsingleplants，freefromweeds，maybeleftsomeeightinchesapartinunbrokenline，extendingthewholelengthofthedrill。
　　Theartistichoer，however，isnotcontentwiththis。Hisartisticsouldemandsnotonlythatsingleplantsshouldstandinunbrokenrowfromendtoendalongthedrilltop，butthatthedrillitselfshouldbepareddownoneachsidetothelikenessofahouseroofwithaperfectlyevenridge。”Everhoeturnips？”enquiredPerkins。”Never，”saidCameron，”andIamafraidIwon’tmakemuchofafistatit。””Well，you’vecometoagoodplacetolearn，eh，Tim！We’llshowhim，won’twe？”
　　Timmadenoreply，butsimplyhandedCameronahoeandpickeduphisown。”Now，showme，Tim，”saidCameroninalowvoice，asPerkinsandWebstersetoffontheirdrills。”Thisishowyoudoit，”repliedTim。”Click-click，”forwardandbackwentTim’ssharpshininginstrument，leavingasingleplantstandingshylyalonewherehadboldlybunchedascoreormoreamomentbefore。”Click-click-click，”andtheflat-toppeddrillstoodfreeofweedsandsuperfluousturnipplantsandtrimmedtoitsproperroof-likeappearance。”Isay！”exclaimedCameron，”thisishighart。Ishallneverreachyourclass，though，Tim。””Oh，shucks！”saidTim，”slashin，don’tbeafraid。”Cameronslashedin。”Click-click，””Click-click-click，”whenlo！alongblankspaceofdrilllookedupreproachfullyathim。”Oh，Tim！lookatthismess，”hesaidindisgust。”Nevermind！”saidTim，”letherrip。Betterstickoneinthough。
　　BlankslookbadattheENDofthedrill。”Sosaying，hemadeaholeinCameron’sdrillandwithhishoedugupabunchofplantsfromanotherdrillandpattedthemfirmlyintoplace，and，weedingouttheunnecessaryplants，leftasingleturnipinitsproperplace。”Oh，come，thatisn’tsobad，”saidCameron。”Wecanalwaysfilluptheblanks。””Yes，butittakestime，”repliedTim，evidentlywiththeracingfeverinhisblood。PatientlyTimschooledhispupilthroughouttheforenoon，andbeforethedinnerhourhadcomeCameronwasmakingwhattoTimappearedsatisfactoryprogress。ItwasgreatlyinCameron’sfavorthathepossessedatrainedandtrueeyeandasteadyhandandthathewasquickinallhismovements。”You’redoin’splendid，”criedTim，fullofadmiration。”Isay，Scotty！”saidPerkins，comingupandcastingacriticaleyealongCameron’slastdrill，”you’regoingtomakeaturnip-hoerallright。””I’vegotagoodteacher，yousee，”criedCameron。”Youbetyouhave，”saidPerkins。”ItaughtTimmyself，andintwoorthreeyearshe’llbealmostasgoodasIam，eh，Tim！””Huh！”gruntedTim，contemptuously，butletitgoatthat。”Perhapsyouthinkyou’rethatnow，eh，Tim？”saidPerkins，seizingtheboybythebackoftheneckandrubbinghishandoverhishairinamannerperfectlymaddening。”Don’tyougettooperky，youngfeller，orI’llhangyourshirtonthefencebeforetheday’sdone。”
　　Timwriggledoutofhisgraspandkeptsilent。Hewasnotyetreadywithhischallenge。AllthroughtheafternoonhestayedbehindwithCameron，allowingtheothertwotohelpthemoutattheendofeachdrill，butasthedayworeontherewaslessandlessneedofassistanceforCameron，forhewasmakingrapidprogresswithhisworkandTimwasabletodo，notonlyhisowndrill，butalmosthalfofCameron’saswell。BysuppertimeCameronwasthoroughlydoneout。Neverhadadayseemedsolong，neverhadheknownthathepossessedsomanymusclesinhisback。Thecontinuousstoopingandthesteadyclick-clickofthehoe，togetherwiththeunceasingstrainofhandandeye，andallthisunderthehotburningraysofaJunesun，soexhaustedhisvitalitythatwhenthecowbellrangforsupperitseemedtohimasoundmoredelightfulthanthestrainsofaRichterorchestrainaBeethovensymphony。
　　OnthewaybacktothefieldaftersupperCameronobservedthatTimwasinastateofsuppressedexcitementanditdawneduponhimthatthehourofhischallengeofPerkins’supremacyasaturnip-hoerwasathand。”Isay，Tim，boy！”hesaidearnestly，”listentome。YouaregoingtogetafterPerkinsthisevening，eh？””Howdidyouknow？”saidTim，insurprise。”Nevermind！Nowlistentome；IhaveracedmyselfsomeandIhavetrainedmentorace。Areyounottootiredwithyourday’swork？””Tired！Notabit，”saidthegallantlittlesoulscornfully。”Well，allright。It’sniceandcoolandyoucan’thurtyourselfmuch。Now，howmanydrillsdoyoudoaftersupperasarule？””Downanduptwice，”saidTim。”Howmanydrillscanyoudoatyourtopspeed，yourverytopspeed，remember？””Abouttwodrills，Iguess，”repliedTim，afteramoment’sthought。”Now，listentome！”saidCameronimpressively。”Goquietlyfortwoandahalfdrills，thenletyourselfoutandgoyourbest。
　　And，listen！Ihavebeenwatchingyouthisafternoon。YouhaveeasilydoneonceandahalfwhatPerkinshasdoneandyouaregoingtolickhimoutofhisboots。”
　　Timgulpedamomentortwo，lookedathisfriendwithglisteningeyes，butsaidnotaword。ForthefirsttwoandahalfdrillsCameronexertedtothehighestdegreehisconversationalpowerswiththetwo-foldpurposeofholdingbackPerkinsandWebsterandalsoofsooccupyingTim’smindthathemightforgetforatimetheapproachingconflict，thestrainofwaitingforwhichheknewwouldbeexhaustingforthelad。Butwhenthemiddleofthesecondlastdrillhadbeenreached，Timbeganunconsciouslytoquickenhisspeed。”Isay，Tim，”calledCameron，”comehere！AmIgettingthesespacestoowide？”Timcameovertohisside。”Now，Tim，”saidCameron，inalowvoice，”waitalittlelonger；youcanneverwearhimout。Youronlychanceisinspeed。Waittillthelastdrill。”
　　ButTimwasnottobeheldback。BackhewenttohisplaceandwitharushbroughthisdrillupevenwithWebster，passedhim，andinafewmomentslikeawhirlwindpassedPerkinsandtookthelead。”Hello，Timmy！whereareyougoing？”askedPerkins，insurprise。”Home，”saidTimproudly，”andI’lltell’emyou’recomin’。””Allright，Timmy，myson！”repliedPerkinswithalaugh，”tellthemyouwon’tneednohotbath；I’mafteryou。””Click-click，””Click-click-click”wasTim’sonlyanswer。Itwasadistinctchallenge，and，whilenotopenlybreakingintoracingspeed，Perkinsacceptedit。
　　ForsomeminutesWebsterquickenedhispaceinanattempttofollowtheleaders，butsoongaveitupandfellbacktohelpCameronupwithhisdrill，remarking，”Iain’tnoblamedfool。Iain’tgoingtobustmyselfforanyman。THEY’REracing，notme。””WillTimwin？”enquiredCameron。”Naw！Notthisyear！Why，Perkinsisthebestmaninthewholecountryatturnips。HetooktheAgriculturalSociety’sprizetwoyearsago。””IbelieveTimwillbeathim，”saidCameronconfidently，withhiseyesuponthetwoinfront。”Beatnothing！”saidWebster。”Youjustwaitabit，Perkinsisn’tlettinghimselfoutyet。”
　　InashorttimeTimfinishedhisdrillsomedistanceahead，andthen，thoughitwasquittingtime，withoutapauseheswungintothenext。”Hello，Timmy！”criedPerkinsgood-naturedly，”goingtoworkallnight，eh？Well，I’lljusttakeawhirloutofyou，”andforthefirsttimehefranklythrewhimselfintohisracinggait。”Goodboy，Tim！”calledoutCameron，asTimboredownuponthem，stillintheleadandgoinglikeasmallsteamengine。”You’reallrightandgoingeasy。Don’tworry！”
　　ButPerkins，puttingonagreatspurt，drewupwithinahoe-handlelengthofTimandthereheldhisplace。”Allright，Tim，myboy，youcanholdhim，”criedCameron，astheracerscamedownuponhim。”Hecan，eh？”repliedPerkins。”I’llshowhimandyou，”andwithanaccessionofspeedhedrewuponalevelwithTim。”Ah，ha！Timmy，myboy！we’vegotyouwherewewantyou，Iguess，”
　　heexulted，and，withawhoopandstillincreasinghisspeed，hedrewpasttheboy。
　　ButCameron，whowasnarrowlyobservingthecombatantsandtheirwork，calledoutagain：”Don’tworry，Tim，you’redoingnicecleanworkanddoingiteasily。”Theinferencewasobvious，andPerkins，whohadbeenslashingwildlyandleavingmanyblanksandweedsbehindhimwhereneitherblanksnorweedsshouldbe，steadieddownsomewhat，and，takingmorepainswithhiswork，begantoloseground，whileTim，whoseworkwaswithoutflaw，movedagaintothefrontplace。Thereremainedhalfadrilltobedoneandtheissuewasstilluncertain。
　　Withhalfthelengthofahoehandlebetweenthemthetwoclickedalongatafuriouspace。Tim’shathadfallenoff。Hisfaceshowedwhiteandhisbreathwascomingfast，buttherewasnoslackeningofspeed，andthecleannessandeasewithwhichhewasdoinghisworkshowedthattherewasstillsomereserveinhim。
　　Theywereapproachingthelastquarterwhen，withayell，Perkinsthrewhimselfagainwithawildrecklessnessintohiswork，andagainhegaineduponTimandpassedhim。”Steady，Tim！”criedCameron，who，withWebster，hadgivenuptheirownwork，itbeing，asthelatterremarked，”quittingtimeanyway，”
　　andwerefollowinguptheracers。”Don’tspoilyourwork，Tim！”
　　continuedCameron，”don’tworry。”
　　Hiswordscaughttheboyatacriticalmoment，forPerkins’yellandhisfreshexhibitionofspeedhadshakenthelad’snerve。ButCameron’svoicesteadiedhim，and，quicklyresponding，Timsettleddownagainintohisoldstyle，whilePerkinswasstillinthelead，butslashingwildly。”Finework，Tim，”saidCameronquietly，”andyoucandobetteryet。”Forafewpaceshewalkedbehindtheboy，steadyinghimnowandthenwithaquietword，then，recognisingthatthecrisisofthestrugglewasathand，andbelievingthattheboyhadstillsomereserveofspeedandstrength，hebegantocallonhim。”Comeon，Tim！Quicker，quicker；comeon，boy，youcandobetter！”
　　Hiswords，andhistonemorethanhiswords，werelikeaspurtotheboy。Fromsomesecretsourceofsupplyhecalledupanunsuspectedreserveofstrengthandspeedand，stillkeepinguphiscleancuttingfinishedstyle，footbyfoothedrewawayfromPerkins，whofollowedintherear，slashingmorewildlythanever。
　　Theracewaspracticallywon。Timwaswellinthelead，andapparentlygainingspeedwitheveryclickofhishoe。”Here，youfellers，whatareyehhashin’themturnipsfor？”ItwasHaley’svoice，who，unperceived，hadcomeintothefield。Tim’sreplywasalettingoutofhislastounceofstrengthinaperfectfuryofendeavour。”There——ain’t——no——hashin’——onthis——drill——Dad！”hepanted。
　　Thesuddendemandforcarefulwork，however，atonceloweredPerkins’rateofspeed。Hefellrapidlybehindand，afterafewmomentsoffurtherstruggle，threwdownhishoewithawhoopandcalledout，”Quittingtime，Iguess，”and，stridingafterTim，hecaughthimbythearmsandswunghimroundclearofftheground。”Here，letmego！”gaspedtheboy，kicking，squirming，andtryingtostrikehisantagonistwithhishoe。”Lettheboygo！”saidCameron。ThetoneinhisvoicearrestedPerkins’attention。”What’syourbusiness？”hecried，withanoath，droppingtheboyandturningfiercelyuponCameron。”Oh，nothingverymuch，exceptthatTim’smycandidateinthisraceandhemustn’tbeinterferedwith，”repliedCameroninavoicestillquietandwithapleasantsmile。
　　Perkinswaswhiteandpanting；inamomentmorehewouldhavehurledhimselfatthemanwhostoodsmilingquietlyinhisface。
　　AtthiscriticalmomentHaleyinterposed。”What’stherow，boys？”heenquired，recognisingthatsomethingseriouswason。”Wehavebeenhavingalittleexcitement，Sir，intheformofarace，”repliedCameron，”andI’vebeenbackingTim。””Looksasifyou’vegothimwoundupso’shecan’tstop，”repliedHaley，pointingtotheboy，whowasstillgoingatracingpaceandwasjustfinishinghisdrill。”Oh，well，aboy’saboyandyou’vegottohumourhimnowandthen，”continuedHaley，makingconversationwithdiplomaticskill。ThenturningtoPerkins，asifdismissingatrivialsubject，headded，”Lookstomeasifthathayinthelowermeadowisprettynighfittocut。Guesswe’dbetternotwaittillnextweek。YoubeststartTimonthatwiththemowerinthemornin’。”Then，takingasurveyoftheheavens，headded，”Looksasifitmightbeaspellofgoodweather。”Hisdiplomacywassuccessfulandthemomentofdangerwaspast。MeantimeCameronhadsaunteredtotheendofthedrillwhereTimstoodleaningquietlyonhishoe。”Tim，youareaturnip-hoer！”hesaid，withwarmadmirationinhistone，”andwhat’smore，Tim，you’reasport。I’dliketohandleyouinsomethingbig。Youwillmakeamanyet。”
　　Tim’swholefaceflushedawarmredunderthecoatoffreckles。
　　Foratimehestoodsilentlycontemplatingtheturnips，thenwithdifficultyhefoundhisvoice。”Itwasyoudoneit，”hesaid，chokingoverhiswords。”Iwasbeatthereandwasjustquittin’whenyoucamealongandspoke。My！”hecontinued，withasharpintakeofhisbreath，”Iwasawfulnearquittin’，”andthen，lookingstraightintoCameron’seyes，”Itwasyoudoneit，and——I——won’tforget。”Hisvoicechokedagain，but，readinghiseyes，Cameronknewthathehadgainedoneoflife’sgreatesttreasures，aboy’sadoringgratitude。”Thishasbeenagreatday，Tim，”saidCameron。”Ihavelearnedtohoeturnips，and，”puttinghishandontheboy’sshoulder，”I
　　believeIhavemadeafriend。”AgainthehotbloodsurgedintoTim’sface。Hestoodvoiceless，butheneedednowords。Cameronknewwellthepassionateemotionthatthrilledhissoulandshooktheslightbody，tremblingunderhishand。ForTim，too，ithadbeenanotableday。Hehadachievedthegreatestambitionofhislifeinbeatingthebestturnip-hoerontheline，andhe，too，hadfoundwhattoaboyisapricelesstreasure，amanuponwhomhecouldlavishtheheroworshipofhissoul。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　ARAINYDAY
　　Itwashayingtime。Overthefieldsofyellowingfallwheatandbarley，ofgreytimothyandpurpleclover，theheatshimmeredindancingwaves。Everywherethegrowingcropsweredrinkinginthelightandheatwitheagerthirst，forthecalloftheharvestwasringingthroughtheland。Theairwassweetwithscentsofthehayfields，andthewholecountrysidewashummingwiththesoundofthemowers。Itwasthecrowningtimeoftheyear；towardthisseasonallthelifeofthefarmmovedsteadilythewholeyearlong；
　　thenexttwomonthsorthreewouldbringtothefarmerthefruitoflongdaysoftoilandwaiting。Everyminuteoftheseharvestdays，fromtheearlygreydawn，whenMandycalledthecowsinforthemilking，tillthelongshadowsfromtheorchardlayquiteacrossthewidebarleyfield，whenTim，handlinghisteamwithcarelesspride，droveinthelastloadfortheday，everyminutewaspackedfulloflifeandaction。Butthoughbusywerethedaysandfullofhardandattimesback-breakingandnerve-strainingwork，whatofit？Thecolour，therush，theeagerracewiththeflyinghours，thesenseoftriumph，thepromiseofwealth，thecertaintyofcomfort，allthesehelpedtocarryofftheheaviesttoilwithaswingandvimthatbanishedachesfromthebodyandwearinessfromthesoul。
　　ToCameron，allunskilledashewas，thedaysbroughtmanyanhourofstrenuoustoil，buteverydayhismuscleswereknittingmorefirmly，hishandswerehardening，andhismasteryofhimselfgrowingmorecomplete。
　　Inhayingthereisnolargeplaceforskill。Thisoperation，unlikethatofturnip-hoeing，demandschieflystrength，quickness，andendurance，andespeciallyendurance。Tostandalldayinthehayfieldundertheburningsunwithitsraysleapingbackfromthesuper-heatedground，androllupthewindrowsintohugebundlesandtossthemontothewagon，ortorunupalonglineofcocksandheavethemfork-handlehightothetopofaload，callsforsomethingofskill，butmainlyforstrengthofarmandback。Butskillhaditsplace，andoncemoreitwasTimwhostoodclosetoCameronandshowedhimallthetricksofpitchinghay。ItwasTimwhoshowedhimhowtostandwithhisbacktothewagonsoastogettheloadproperlypoisedwiththeleastexpenditureofstrength；itwasTimwhotaughthimthecunningtrickofusinghisthighasafulcrumingettinghisloadup，ratherthandoingitby”mainstrengthandawkwardness”；itwasTimwhodemonstratedthemethodofliftinghalfacockbyrunningtheendoftheforkhandleintothegroundsothatthewholeearthmightaidinthehoistingoftheload。OfcourseinallthisCameron’sintelligenceandquicknessstoodhimintheplaceoflongexperience，andbeforethefirstday’shaulingwasdonehewasabletokeephiswagongoing。
　　Butwithallthestimulusoftheharvestmovementandcolour，CameronfoundhimselfgrowingwearyofthelifeontheHaleyfarm。
　　Itwasnotthelongdays，andtononeonthefarmwerethedayslongerthantoCameron，whohadtakenuponhimselfthedutyofsupplyingthekitchenwithwoodandwater，nosmallbusiness，eitheratthebeginningorattheendofalongday’swork；itwasnottheheavytoil；itwaschieflythecontinuouscontactwiththedirtanddisorderofhisenvironmentthatworehisbodydownandhisspiritraw。Nomatterwithhowkeenahungerdidheapproachthedinnertable，thedisgustingfiltheverywhereapparentwouldcausehisgorgetoriseand，followedbythecheerfulgibesofPerkins，hewouldretireoftenwithhisstrengthunrecruitedandhishungerunappeased，and，thoughhegraduallyachievedacertainskillinpickinghiswaythroughameal，selectingsucharticlesoffoodascouldbelessaffectedthanothersbytheunsavourysurroundings，thewantofappetisingandnourishingfoodtolddisastrouslyuponhisstrength。Hissleep，too，wasbrokenanddisturbedbythenecessityofsharingabedwithWebster。Hehadneverbeenaccustomedto”doublingup，”andunderthemostfavourablecircumstancestheexperiencewouldnothavebeenconducivetosoundsleep，butWebster’smanneroflifewasnotsuchastorenderhimanaltogetherdesirablebed-fellow。For，whilethemajorityoffarmladsintheneighbourhoodmadeatleastsemi-
　　weeklypilgrimagestothe”dam”foraswim，Websterfeltnonecessitylaiduponhimforsuchanexpenditureofenergyafterahardandsweatydayinthefield。Hisideasofhygienewereofthemostelementarynature；henceitwashisnightlycustom，whenreleasedfromthetoilsoftheday，toproceedupstairstohisroomand，slippinghisbracesfromhisshoulders，allowhisnethergarmentstodroptothefloorand，withoutfurtherpreparation，rollintobed。OftheeffeminacyofanightrobeWebsterknewnothingexceptbysomewhathazyrumour。Onceunderthepatchworkquilthewassafeforthenight，for，heavinghimselfintothemiddleofthebed，hesankintosolidandstertorousslumber，fromwhichallCameron’sprodsandkicksfailedtoarousehimtillthegreydawnoncemoresummonedhimtolife，whereupon，resumingtheaforesaidnethergarments，hewasoncemoresimply，butinhisopinionquitesufficiently，equippedforhisplaceamongmen。ManynightsdidithappenthatthestertorousmelodyofWebster’salltooodourousslumbersdroveCamerontofindabeduponthefloor。
　　OnceagainTimwashisfriend，foritwastoTimthatCameronowedtheblissfulexperienceofanightinthehayloftuponthenewlyharvestedhay。There，buriedinitsfragrantdepthsanddrawingdeepbreathsofthecleanunbreathedairthatsweptinthroughthegreatopenbarndoors，Cameronexperiencedajoyhithertoundreamedofinassociationwiththeverycommonplaceexerciseofsleep。
　　Afterhisfirstnightinthehaymow，whichhesharedwithTim，heawokerefreshedinbodyandwithanewcourageinhisheart。”ByJove，Tim！That’sthefinestthingIeverhadinthewayofsleep。Nowifweonlyhadatub。””Tub！Whatfor？””Adip，myboy，asplash。””Towashin？”enquiredTim，wonderingattheexuberanceofhisfriend’sdesires。”I’llgetatub，”headded，and，runningtothehouse，returnedwithwashtubandtowel。”Tim，myboy，you’reajewel！”exclaimedCameron。
　　FromthestablecisterntheyfilledthevesselfullandfirstCameronand，afterpersuasionandwithratherdubiousdelight，Timtastedthejoyofamorningtub。HenceforthlifebecamedistinctlymoreendurabletoCameron。
　　But，morethanalltheotherirritatingelementsinhisenvironmentputtogether，CameronchafedundertheunceasingraspofPerkins’
　　wit，clever，ifsomewhatcrudeandcumbrous。Perkinshadneverforgottennorforgivenhisdefeatattheturnip-hoeing，whichheattributedchieflytoCameron。HisgibesatCameron’sawkwardnessinthevariousoperationsonthefarm，hisreadinesstoseizeeveryopportunityforridicule，hisskillatcreatingawkwardsituations，allthesesensiblyincreasedthewearonCameron’sspirit。Allthese，however，Cameronfelthecouldputupwithwithoutendangeringhisself-control，butwhenPerkins，withvulgarinnuendo，chaffedthefarmer’sdaughteruponherinfatuationforthe”youngScotty，”
　　asheinvariablydesignatedCameron，orwhenheralliedCameronuponhissupposedtriumphinthematterofMandy’syouthfulaffections，thenCameronragedandwithdifficultykepthishandsfromhischeerfulandeversmilingtormentor。ItdidnothelpmattersmuchthatapparentlyMandytooknooffenseatPerkins’insinuations；
　　indeed，itgraduallydawneduponCameronthatwhattohimwouldseemavulgarimpertinencemighttothisunculturedgirlappearnomorethanaharmlesspleasantry。Atallcostshewasresolvedthatundernocircumstanceswouldheallowhisself-controltobebrokenthrough。Hewouldfinishouthistermwiththefarmerwithoutanyviolentoutbreak。ItwasquitepossiblethatPerkinsandotherswouldtakehimforachicken-heartedfool，butallthesamehewouldmaintainthisattitudeofresoluteself-controltotheveryend。
　　Afterall，whatmatteredthesillygibesofanignorantboor？Andwhenhistermwasdonehewouldabandonthefarmlifeforever。IttookbutlittlecalculationtomakequiteclearthattherewasnotmuchtohopeforinthewayofadvancementfromfarminginthispartofCanada。EvenPerkins，whoreceivedtheveryhighestwageinthatneighbourhood，madenomorethan$300ayear；and，withlandatsixtytoseventy-fivedollarsperacre，itseemedtohimthathewouldbeanoldmanbeforehecouldbecometheownerofafarm。Hewasheartsickofthepettinessandsordidnessofthefarmlife，whosehorizonseemedtobethatofthehundredacresorsothatcomprisedit。ThereforeheresolvedthattothegreatWesthewouldgo，thatgreatwonderfulWestwithitsvastspacesanditsvastpossibilitiesofachievement。Therumourofitfilledthecountryside。Meantimefortwomonthslongerhewouldendure。
　　Arainydaybroughtrelief。Oh，theblessedSabbathofarainyday，whenthewheelsstopandsilencefallsinthefields；andtimetiredharvesthandsreclineateaseuponthenewcutandsweetsmellinghayonthebarnfloor，andthroughthewideopendoorslookoutuponthefallingrainthatroarsupontheshingles，poursdownincataractsfromtheeavesandwashescleantheairthatwandersin，ladenwiththosesubtlescentsthatoldmotherearthreleasesonlywhentherainfalls。Oh，happyrainydaysinharvesttimewhen，undisturbedbyconscience，thewearytoilersstretchandslumberandwaketolarkandchaffincarelesseasethelonghoursthrough！
　　IntheHaleys’barntheywereallgathered，gazinglazilyandwithundisturbedcontentatthesteadydownpourthatindicatedanall-
　　dayrest。EvenHaley，uponwhosecropstherainwasteemingdown，wasenjoyingtherestfromthetoil，formostofthehaythathadbeencutwasalreadyincockorinthebarn。Besides，Haleyworkedashardasthebestofthemandwelcomedaday’srest。Soletitrain！
　　Whiletheylayuponthehayonthebarnfloor，withtiredmusclesallrelaxed，drinkinginthefragrantairsthatstoleinfromtherain-washedskiesoutside，intheslackeningoftheraintwoneighboursdroppedin，big”Mack”MurrayandhisbrotherDanny，fora”crack”aboutthingsingeneralandespeciallytodiscusstheDominionDaypicnicwhichwascomingoffattheendofthefollowingweek。Thispicnicwastobesomethingoutoftheordinary，for，inadditiontotheusualfeastingandfrolicking，therewasadvertisedanathleticcontestofasuperiororder，theprizesinwhichweresufficientlyattractivetodraw，notonlylocalathletes，butevensomeofthebestfromtheneighbouringcity。AcrackrunnerwasexpectedandperhapsevenMcGee，thebigpolicemanoftheLondonCityforce，ahammerthroweroffame，mightbepresent。”Lethimcome，eh，Mack？”saidPerkins。”Iguessweain’tafraidofnocitybugbeatingyouwiththehammer。””Oh！I’mnothrower，”saidMackmodestly。”Ijusttakethethingupandgiveitafling。Ihaven’tgotthetrickofitatall。””Haveyoupractisedmuch？”saidCameron，whoseheartwarmedattheaccentthatmighthavebeentransplantedthatverydayfromhisownNorthcountry。”Neveratall，exceptnowandthenattheblacksmith’sshoponarainyday，”repliedMack。”Haveyoudoneanythingatit？””Oh，IhaveseenagooddealofitatthegamesinthenorthofScotland，”repliedCameron。”Man！Iwishwehadahammerandyoucouldshowmethetrickofit，”saidMackfervently，”fortheywillbelookingtometothrowandIdonotwishtobebeatenjusttooeasily。””There’sabigmason’shammer，”saidTim，”inthetoolhouse，I
　　think。””Getit，Tim，then，”saidMackeagerly，”andwewillhavealittlepractiseatit，forthrowImust，andIhavenowishtobringdiscreditonmycountry，foritwillbeabigday。Theywillbecomingfromallover。TheBandoftheSeventhiscomingoutandPiperSutherlandfromZorrawillbethere。””Apiper！”echoedCameron。”Istheremuchpipeplayinginthiscountry？””Indeed，youmaysaythat！”saidMack，”andgoodpiperstheyaretoo，theytellme。PiperSutherland，Ithink，wasoftheoldForty-twa。Areyouapiper，perhaps？”continuedMack。”Oh，Iplayalittle，”saidCameron。”Ihaveasetinthehouse。””Godblessmysoul！”criedMack，”andweneverknewit。TellDannywheretheyareandhewillfetchthemout。Go，Danny！””Nevermind，Iwillgetthemmyself，”saidCameron，tryingtoconcealhiseagerness，forhehadlongbeenitchingforachancetoplayandhisfingerswerenowtinglingforthechanter。
　　Itwasanoccasionofgreatdelight，notonlytobigMackandhisbrotherDannyandtheothers，buttoCameronhimself。Upanddownthefloorhemarched，makingtheraftersofthebigbarnringwiththeancientmartialairsofScotlandandthen，droppingintoalighterstrain，hesettheirfeeta-rappingwithreelsandstrathspeys。”Man，yon’sgreatplaying！”criedMackwithfervententhusiasmtothecompanywhohadgatheredtothesummonsofthepipesfromthehouseandfromthehighroad，”andthinkofhimkeepingtheminhischestallthistime！Andwhatelsecanyoudo？”wentonMack，withtheenthusiasmofadiscoverer。”Youhavebeeninthebiggames，too，Iwarrantyou。”
　　Cameronconfessedtosomeexperienceofthesethrillingevents。”Blessmysoul！Wewillputyouagainstthebigfolkfromthecity。Comeandshowusthehammer，”saidMack，leadingthewayoutofthebarn，fortherainhadceased，withabigmason’shammerinhishand。ItneededbutasinglethrowtomakeitquitecleartoCameronthatMackwasgreatlyinneedofcoaching。Ashesaidhimselfhe”justtookupthethingandgaveitafling。”Amightyfling，too，itprovedtobe。”Twenty-eightpaces！”criedCameron，andthen，tomakesure，steppeditbackagain。”Yes，”hesaid，”twenty-eightpaces，nearlytwenty-nine。GreatCaesar！Mack，ifyouonlyhadtheBraemarswingyouwouldbeafamousthrower。””Och，now，youarejustjokingme！”saidMackmodestly。”Youcanaddtwentyfeeteasilytoyourthrowifyougettheswing，”assertedCameron。”Lookhere，now，getthisswing，”andCamerondemonstratedinhisbeststylethefamousBraemarswing。”Thirty-twopaces！”saidMackinamazementafterhehadmeasuredthethrow。”Manalive！youcanbeatMcGee，letalonemyself。””Now，Mack，getthethrow，”saidCameron，withenthusiasm。”Youwillbeagreatthrower。”ButtrythoughhemightMackfailedtogettheswing。”Man，comeoverto-nightandbringyourpipes。Dannywillfetchouthisfiddleandwewillhaveabitofafrolic，and，”headded，asifinanafterthought，”Ihaveabighammeryonder，theregulationsize。Wemighthaveathroworso。””Thanks，Iwillbesuretocome，”saidCameroneagerly。”Come，allofyou，”saidMack，”andyoutoo，Mandy。Wewillclearoutthebarnfloorandhavearegularhoe-down。””Oh，pshaw！”giggledMandy，tossingherhead。”Ican’tdance。””Oh，comealongandwatchme，then，”saidMack，ingoodhumour，who，withallhistwohundredpounds，waslightfootedasagirl。
　　TheMurrays’newbigbankbarnwasconsideredthefinestinthecountryandthenewfloorwasstillquitesmoothandeminentlysuitedtoa”hoe-down。”Beforethedarknesshadfallen，however，MackdrewCameron，withDanny，Perkins，andafewoftheneighbourswhohaddroppedin，outtothelaneand，givinghimabighammer，”Trythat，”hesaid，withsomedoubtinhistone。
　　Camerontookthehammer。”Thisistherightthing。Theweightofitwillmakemoredifferencetome，however，thantoyou，Mack。””Oh，I’mnotsosure，”saidMack。”Showushowyoudoit。”
　　ThefirstthrowCamerontookeasily。”Twenty-ninepaces！”criedMack，aftersteppingitoff。”Man！
　　that’sagreatthrow，andyoudoiteasy。””Notmuchofathrow，”laughedCameron。”Tryityourself。”
　　Ignoringtheswing，MacktriedthethrowinhisownstyleandhurledthehammertwopacesbeyondCameron’sthrow。”Youdidthatwithyourarmsonly，”saidCameron。”Nowyoumustputlegsandshouldersintoit。””Let’sseeyoubeatthatthrowyourself，”laughedPerkins，whowasbynomeanspleasedwiththesuddendistinctionthathadcometothe”Scotty。”
　　Camerontookthehammerand，withtheeasyslowgraceoftheBraemarswing，madehisthrow。”Hooray！”yelledDanny，whowasdoingthemeasuring。”Yougotityontimeforsure。Threepacestothegood。You’llhavetoputyourbackintoit，Mack，Iguess。”
　　OncemoreMackseizedthehammer。ThenCamerontookMackinhandand，overandoveragain，coachedhiminthepoiseandswing。”Nowtryit，andthinkofyourlegsandback。Letthehammertakecareofitself。Now，niceandeasyandslow，notfarthistime。”
　　AgainandagainMackpractisedtheswing。”You’regettingit！”criedCameronenthusiastically，”butyouaretryingtoohard。Forgetthedistancethistimeandthinkonlyoftheeasyslowswing。Letyourmusclesgoslack。”Sohecoachedhispupil。
　　Atlength，aftermanyattempts，Macksucceededindeliveringhishammeraccordingtoinstructions。”Man！youareright！”heexclaimed。”That’sthetrickofitanditisassmoothasoil。””Keepitup，Mack，”saidCameron，”andalwayseasy。”
　　Overandoveragainheputthebigmanthroughtheswingtillhebegantocatchthenotionoftherhythmic，harmoniouscooperationofthevariousmusclesinlegsandshouldersandarmssonecessarytothehighestresult。”You’vegottheswing，Mack，”atlengthsaidCameron。”Nowthen，thistimeletyourselfgo。Don’ttryyourbest，butletyourselfout。Easy，now，easy。Getitfirstinyourmind。”
　　ForamomentMackstoodpondering。Hewas”gettingitinhismind。”Then，withalongswing，easyandslow，hegavethegreathammeramightyheave。Withashoutthecompanycrowdedabout。”Thirty-three，thirty-four，thirty-five，thirty-six，thirty-seven！
　　Hooray！bullyforyou，Mack。Youarethelad！””Getthelineonit，”saidMackquietly。Themeasuringlineshowedonehundredandelevenandahalffeet。Theboyscrowdedroundhim，exclaiming，cheering，pattinghimontheback。Mackreceivedthecongratulationsinsilence，then，turningtoCameron，saidveryearnestly：”Man！yon’saseasyaseatingbutter。Youhavedonemeagoodturnto-day。””Oh，that’snothing，Mack，”saidCameron，whowasmorepleasedthananyofthem。”Yougottheswingperfectlythattime。Youcanputtwentyfeettothatthrow。Onehundredandelevenfeet！Why，I
　　canbeatthatmyself。””Manalive！Doyoutellmenow！”saidMackinamazement，runninghiseyesoverCameron’sleanmuscularbody。”IhavedoneitoftenwhenIwasinshape。””Oh，rats！”saidPerkinswithalaugh。”Wherewasthat？”
　　Cameronflushedadeepred，thenturnedpale，butkeptsilent。”Ibelieveyou，myboy，”saidMackwithemphasisandfacingsharplyuponPerkins，”andifeverIdoabigthrowIwilloweittoyou。””Oh，comeoff！”saidPerkins，againlaughingscornfully。”ThereareothersthatknowtheswingbesidesScottyhere。Whatyouhavegotyouowetonoonebutyourself，Mack。””IfIbeatthemanMcGeenextweek，”saidMackquietly，”itwillbefromwhatIlearnedto-night，andIknowwhatIamsaying。Man！
　　it’saluckythingwefoundyou。Butthatwilldoforjustnow。
　　Comealongtothebarn。Hoorayforthepipesandthelassies！
　　Theyareworthallthehammersintheworld！”And，puttinghisarmthroughCameron’s，heledthewaytothebarn，followedbytheothers。”IfScottycouldonlyhoeturnipsandtiewheataswellashecanplaythepipesandthrowthehammer，”saidPerkinstotheothersastheyfollowedintherear，”Iguesshe’dsoonhaveusallleaningagainstthefencetodry。””Hewill，too，someday，”saidTim，whoseindignationatPerkinsovercametheshynesswhichusuallykepthimsilentinthepresenceofoldermen。”Hello，Timmy！Whatareyouchippinginfor？”saidPerkins，reachingfortheboy’scoatcollar。”HethinksthisScottyisthewholeworks，andheisgreattoo——atshowingpeoplehowtodothings。””IhearheshowedTimhowtohoeturnips，”saidoneoftheboysslyly。ThelaughthatfollowedshowedthatthestoryofTim’striumphoverthechampionhadgoneabroad。”Oh，rot！”saidPerkinsangrily。”Tim’sgotalittletooperkybecauseIlethimgetaheadofmeonenightinadrillofturnips。””Yehdoneyerbest，didn’the，Webster？”criedTimwithindignation。”Well，hecertainlywasmakingsomeprettybiggashesinthemdrills，”saidWebsterslowly。”Oh，getout！”repliedPerkins。”ThoughallthesameTim’squiteaturnip-hoer，”heconceded。”Hello！There’squiteacrowdinthebarn，Danny。IwishIhadmystoreclotheson。”
　　Atthisagirlcamerunningtomeetthem。”Comeon，Danny！Tuneup。Icanhardlykeepmyheelsonmyboots。””Oh，you’llnotbewantingmylittlefiddleafteryouhaveheardCamerononthepipes，Isa。””Neveryoufearthat，Danny，”repliedIsa，catchinghimbythearmandhurryinghimonward。”Waitaminute。IwantyoutomeetMr。Cameron，”saidDanny。”Comeaway，then，”repliedIsa。”Iamdyingtogetdonewithitandgetthefiddlegoing。”
　　ButCameronwasinthemeantimeengaged，forMackwasbusyintroducinghimtoabevyofgirlswhostoodatonecornerofthebarnfloor。”My！buthe’sabrawlad！”saidIsagayly，asshewatchedCameronmakinghisbows。”Yes，heisthat，”repliedDannywithenthusiasticadmiration，”andahammer-thrower，too，heis。””What！yonstripling？””Youmaysayit。HecanbeatMackthere。””Mack！”criedIsa，withscorn。”It’sjustbigliesyouaretellingme。””Indeed，hehasbeatenMack’sbestthrowmanyatime。””Andhowdoyouknow？”exclaimedIsa。”Hesaidsohimself。””Ahha！”saidIsascornfully。”Heisgoodatblowinghisownhornwhatever，andIdon’tbelievehecanbeatMack——andIdon’tlikehimabit，”shecontinued，herdarkeyesflashingandtheredcolourglowinginherfullroundcheek。”Come，Isa！”criedMack，catchingsightofherinthedimlight。”Comehere，IwantMr。Camerontomeetyou。””Howdoyoudo？”saidthegirl，givingCameronherhandandglancingsaucilyintohisface。”Ihearyouareapiperandahammer-throwerandaltogetherawonderfulman。””Awonderfullyluckyman，tohavethepleasureofmeetingyou，”
　　saidCameron，glancingboldlybackather。”AndIamsureyoucandancethefling，”continuedIsa。”AlltheHighlandersdo。””Notall，”saidCameron。”ButwithcertainpartnersallHighlanderswouldlovetotry。””Ohaye，”withasoftHighlandaccentthatwarmedCameron’sblood。”Iseeyouhavethetongue。Comeaway，Danny，now，strikeup，orI
　　willgoonwithoutyou。”Andthegirlkiltedherskirtsandbeganareel，andasMack’seyesfollowedhereverysteptherewasnomistakingtheirexpression。ToMacktherewasonlyonegirlinthebarn，orinalltheworldforthatmatter，andthatwastheleal-
　　hearted，light-footed，black-eyedIsaMacKenzie。Bonnieshewas，andthatshewellknew，thebelleofthewholetownship，drivingthementodistractionandforallthatholdingtheloveofherownsexaswell。Butherheartwasstillherown，oratleastshethoughtitwas，forallbigMackMurray’sopenandsimple-heartedadoration，andshewasreadyforafrolicwithanymanwhocouldgiveherwordforwordordancewithhertheHighlandreel。
　　Withthecourtesyofatruegentleman，Dannyledoffwithhisfiddletilltheyhadallgotthoroughlyintothespiritandswingofthefrolic，andthen，puttinghisinstrumentbackintoitsbag，hedeclaredthattheywerealltiredofitandwerewaitingforthepipes。”Notabitofit！”criedIsa。”Butwewillgiveyouarest，Danny，andbesidesIwanttodanceareelwithyoumyself——thoughMr。
　　Cameronisnotbad，”sheadded，withalittlebowtoCameron，withwhomshehadjustfinishedareel。
　　ReadilyenoughCamerontunedhispipes，forhewasachingtogetatthemandonlytoogladtofurnishmusicforthegaycompanyofkindlyheartedfolkwhoweregivinghimhisfirstevening’spleasuresincehehadlefttheCuaghOir。
　　Fromreeltoschottischeandfromschottischetoreel，foursomeandeightsome，theykepthimplaying，everaskingformore，tillthegloamingpassedintomoonlightandstilltheywerenotdone。TherespitecamethroughMandy，who，solidinweightandheavyoffoot，hadlabouredthroughthereelsasoftenasshecouldgetapartner，andatothertimeshadsatgazinginraptdevotionuponthepiper。”Whoopherupagain，Scotty！”criedPerkins，whenCameronpausedattheendofareel。”Don’tyoudoit！”saidMandysharply，herdeepvoiceboomingthroughthebarn。”He’sjusttiredofit，andI’mtiredlookingathim。”
　　TherewasashoutoflaughterwhichcoveredpoorMandywithwrathfulconfusion。”Goodforyou，Mandy，”criedPerkinswithagreatguffaw。”Youwantsomemusicnow，don’tyou？SodoI。Comeon，Danny。””No，Idon’t，”snappedMandy，whocouldunderstandneitherthepreviouslaughnorthatwhichgreetedPerkins’sally。”Allan，”shesaid，stickingalittleoverthename，”istiredout，andbesidesit’stimeweweregoinghome。””That’sright，takehimhome，Mandy，andputthelittledeartobed，”saidPerkins。”Youneedn’tbesosmart，JoePerkins，”saidMandyangrily。”AnywayI’mgoinghome。I’vegottobeupearly。””Metoo，Mandy，”saidCameron，packinguphispipes，forhissympathyhadbeenrousedforthegirlwhowaschampioninghimsobravely。”IhavehadagreatnightandIhaveplayedyoualltodeath；butyouwillforgiveme。Iwaslonelyforthechanter。I
　　havenottoucheditsinceIlefthome。”
　　Therewasauniversalcryofprotestastheygatheredabouthim。”Indeed，Mr。Cameron，youhavegivenusallararetreat，”criedIsa，comingclosetohim，”andIonlywishyoucouldpipeanddanceatthesametime。””That’sso！”criedMack，”butwhat’sthematterwiththefiddle，Isa？Come，Danny，strikeup。Letthemhaveareeltogether。”
　　CameronglancedatMandy，whowasstandingimpatientlywaiting。
　　Perkinscaughttheglance。”Oh，pleaselethimstay，Mandy，”hepleaded。”Hecanstayifhelikes，”sniffedMandyscornfully。”Igotnostringonhim；butI’mgoin’home。Good-night，everybody。””Good-night，Mandy，”calledPerkins。”Tellthemwe’recomin’。””Justamoment，Mandy！”saidCameron，”andI’mwithyou。AnothertimeIhopetodoareelwithyou，MissMacKenzie，”hesaid，biddinghergood-night，”andIhopeitwillbesoon。””Remember，then，”criedIsa，warmlyshakinghandswithhim。”I
　　willkeepyoutoyourpromiseatthepicnic。””Fine！”saidCameron，andwitheasygracehemadehisfarewellsandsetoffafterMandy，whobythistimewassomedistancedownthelane。”Youneedn’tcomeforme，”shesaid，throwinghervoiceathimoverhershoulder。”Whatasplendidnightwehavehad！”saidCameron，ignoringherwrath。”Andwhatawfullynicepeople。”
　　Mandygruntedandinsilencecontinuedherwaydownthelane，pickingherstepsbetweenthemuddyspotsandpoolsleftbytherain。
　　AftersomeminutesCameron，whowastrulysorryforthegirl，venturedtoresumetheconversation。”Didn’tyouenjoytheevening，Mandy？””No，Ididn’t！”sherepliedshortly。”Ican’tdanceandtheyallknowit。””Whydon’tyoulearn，Mandy？Youcoulddanceifyoupractised。””Ican’t。Iain’tliketheothergirls。I’mtooclumsy。””Notabitofit，”saidCameron。”I’vewatchedyousteppingaboutthehouseandyouarenotabitclumsy。Ifyouonlypractisedabityouwouldsoonpickuptheschottische。””Oh，you’rejustsayingthatbecauseyouknowI’mmad，”saidMandy，slightlymollified。”Notatall。Ifirmlybelieveit。Isawyoutryaschottischeto-nightwithPerkinsand——””Oh，shucks！”saidMandy。”Hedon’tgivemenoshow。HegetsmadwhenItramponhim。””Allyouwantispractise，Mandy，”repliedCameron。”Oh，Iain’tgotnoonetoshowme，”saidMandy。”Perkinshewon’tbebothered，and——and——there’snooneelse，”sheaddedshyly。”Why，I——Iwouldshowyou，”repliedCameron，everyinstinctofchivalrydemandingthatheshouldplayuptoherlead，”ifIhadanyopportunity。””When？”saidMandysimply。”When？”echoedCameron，takenaback。”Why，thefirstchanceweget。”
　　Ashespokethewordtheyreachedthenewbridgethatcrossedthedeepditchthatseparatedthelanefromthehighroad。”Here’sagoodplacerighthereonthisbridge，”saidMandywithagiggle。”Butwehavenomusic，”stammeredCameron，aghastattheprospectofadancinglessonbymoonlightuponthepublichighway。”Oh，pshaw！”saidMandy。”Wedon’tneedmusic。Youcanjustcount。IseenIsashowin’Mackonceandtheydidn’thavenomusic。
　　But，”sheadded，regardingCameronwithsuspicion，”ifyoudon’twantto——””Oh，Ishallbegladto，butwouldn’ttheporchbebetter？”herepliedindesperation。”Theporch！That’sso，”assentedMandyeagerly。”Let’shurrybeforetherestcomehome。”Sosaying，shesetoffatagreatpace，followedbyCameronruefullywonderingtowhatextentthelessonintheTerpsichoreanartmightbeexpectedtogo。
　　AssoonastheporchwasreachedMandycried——”Nowlet’satthething。I’mgoingtolearnthatschottischeifitcostsaleg。”
　　Withoutstoppingtoenquirewhoselegmightbeinperil，Cameronproceededwithhislesson，andhehadnotgonethroughmanypacestillhebegantorecognisethemagnitudeofthetasklaiduponhim。
　　Thegirl’ssenseoftimewasaccurateenough，butshewasundeniablyawkwardandclumsyinhermovementsandtherewasanalmosttotalabsenceofcoordinationofmuscleandbrain。Shehad，however，sufferedtoolongandtookeenlyfromherinabilitytojoinwiththeothersinthedancetofailtomakethebestofheropportunitytorelieveherselfofthisseriousdisability。
　　So，withfierceindustryshepoised，countedandhopped，accordingtoCameron’sinstructionsandexample，withneverasignofweariness，butalaswithlittleindicationofprogress。”Oh，shucks！Ican’tdoit！”shecriedatlength，pausingindespair。”Ithinkwecoulddoitbettertogether。That’sthewayMackandIsadoit。I’veseenthematitforanhour。”
　　Cameron’sheartsankwithinhim。HehadcaughtanexchangeofglancesbetweenthetwoyoungpeoplementionedandhecouldquiteunderstandhowalessonintheintricaciesoftheHighlandschottischemightverywellbeextendedoveranhourtotheirmutualsatisfaction，butheshrankwithafeelingofdismay，ifnotdisgust，fromalikeexperiencewiththegirlbeforehim。
　　Hewasonthepointofabruptlypostponingthelessonwhenhiseyefelluponherfaceasshestoodinthemoonlightwhichstreamedinthroughtheopendoor。Wasitthemysticalchemyofthemoononherface，orwasittheglowingpassioninherwonderfuleyesthattransfiguredthecoarsefeatures？AsuddenpityforthegirlroseinCameron’sheartandhesaidgently，”Wewilltryittogether，Mandy。”
　　Hetookherhand，puthisarmaboutherwaist，but，ashedrewhertowardshim，withastartledlookinhereyessheshrankbacksayinghurriedly：”IguessIwon’tbotheryouanymoreto-night。You’vebeenawfullygoodtome。You’retired。””Notabit，Mandy，comealong，”repliedCameronbriskly。
　　Atthatmomentashadowfelluponthesquareofmoonlightonthefloor。Mandystartedbackwithacry。”My！youscairtme。Wewere——Allan——Mr。Cameronwaslearnin’metheHighlandschottische。”Herfaceandhervoicewerefulloffear。
　　ItwasPerkins。White，silent，andrigid，hestoodregardingthem，forminutes，itseemed，thenturnedaway。”Let’sfinish，”saidCameronquietly。”Oh！no，no！”saidMandyinalowvoice。”He’sawfulmad！I’mscairttodeath！He’lldosomething！Oh！dear，dear！He’sawfulwhenhegetsmad。””Nonsense！”saidCameron。”Hecan’thurtyou。””No，butyou！””Oh，don’tworryaboutme。Hewon’thurtme。”
　　Cameron’stonearrestedthegirl’sattention。”Butpromiseme——promiseme！”shecried，”thatyouwon’ttouchhim。”Sheclutchedhisarminafiercegrip。”CertainlyIwon’ttouchhim，”saidCameroneasily，”ifhebehaveshimself。”ButinhishearthewasconsciousofafiercedesirethatPerkinswouldgivehimtheopportunitytowipeoutapartatleastoftheaccumulatedburdenofinsulthehadbeenforcedtobearduringthelastthreeweeks。”Oh！”wailedMandy，wringingherhands。”Iknowyou’regoingtofighthim。Idon’twantyouto！Doyouhearme？”shecried，suddenlygrippingCameronagainbythearmandshakinghim。”I
　　don’twantyouto！Promisemeyouwon’t！”Shewasinatransportoffear。”Oh，thisisnonsense，Mandy，”saidCameron，laughingather。”Therewon’tbeanyfight。I’llrunaway。””Allright，”repliedthegirlquietly，releasinghisarm。”Rememberyoupromised。”Sheturnedfromhim。”Goodnight，Mandy。Wewillfinishourlessonanothertime，eh？”
　　hesaidcheerfully。”Goodnight，”repliedMandy，dully，andpassedthroughthekitchenandintothehouse。
　　Cameronwatchedhergo，thenpouredforhimselfaglassofmilkfromapitcherthatalwaysstooduponthetableforanywhomightbereturninghomelateatnight，anddrankitslowly，ponderingthesituationthewhile。”Whataconfoundedmessitis！”hesaidtohimself。”Ifeellikecuttingthewholething。ByJove！Thatgirlisgettingonmynerves！Andthatinfernalbounder！Sheseemsto——Poorgirl！I
　　wonderifhehasgotanyholdonher。ItwouldbethegreatestsatisfactionintheworldtoteachHIMafewthingstoo。ButI
　　havemadeupmymindthatIamnotgoingtoendupmytimeherewithanyrow，andI’llsticktothat；unless——”and，withatinglinginhisfingers，hepassedoutintothemoonlight。
　　Ashesteppedoutfromthedooradarkmasshurleditselfathim，ahandclutchedathisthroat，missedasheswiftlydodgedback，andcarriedawayhiscollar。ItwasPerkins，hisfacedistorted，hiswhiteteethshowinginasnarlasofafuriousbeast。Againwithabeast-likegrowlhesprang，andagainCameronavoidedhim；whilePerkins，missinghisclutch，stumbledoverablockofwoodandwentcrashingheadfirstamongapileofpotsandpansand，stillunabletorecoverhimselfandwildlygraspingwhateverchancedtobewithinreach，fellupontheboardthatstoodagainstthecorneroftheporchtodirecttherainintothetub；buttheunstableboardslidslowlydownandallowedtheunfortunatePerkinstocomesittinginthetubfullofwater。”Veryneatlydone，Perkins！”criedCameron，whoseangeratthefuriousattackwassuddenlytransformedintoanecstasyofdelightatseeingtheplightofhisenemy。
　　LikeacatPerkinswasonhisfeetand，withoutasinglemoment’spause，cameonagaininsilentfury。Byanevilchancetherelayinhispaththesplittingaxe，gleaminginthemoonlight。Utteringalowchokingcry，asofjoy，heseizedtheaxeandsprangtowardshisfoe。QuickerthanthoughtCameronpickedupaheavyarmchairthatstoodneartheporchtouseitasashieldagainsttheimpendingattack。”Areyoumad，Perkins？”hecried，catchingtheterrificblowthatcamecrashingdown，uponthechair。
　　Then，filledwithindignantrageatthemurderousattackuponhim，andsuddenlycomprehendingthedesperatenatureofthesituation，hesprangathisantagonist，thrustingtheremnantsofthechairinhisfaceand，followinghardandfastuponhim，pushedhimbackwardandstillbackwardtill，trippingoncemore，hefellsupineamongthepotsandpans。Seizingtheaxethathaddroppedfromhisenemy’shand，Cameronhurleditfarbeyondthewoodpileandthenstoodwaiting，acoldanddeadlyragepossessinghim。”Comeon，youdog！”hesaidthroughhisshutteeth。”Youhavebeenneedingthisforsometimeandnowyou’llgetit。””Whatisit，Joe？”
　　CameronquicklyturnedandsawbehindhimMandy，herfaceblanched，hereyeswide，andhervoicefaintwithterror。”Oh，nothingmuch，”saidCameron，strugglingtorecoverhimself。”Perkinsstumbledoverthetubamongthepotsandpansthere。Hemadeagreatrow，too，”hecontinuedwithalaugh，strivingtogethisvoiceundercontrol。”Whatisit，Joe？”repeatedMandy，approachingPerkins。ButPerkinsstoodleaningagainstthecorneroftheporchinakindofdazedsilence。”You’vebeenfighting，”shesaid，turninguponCameron。”Notatall，”saidCameronlightly，”but，ifyoumustknow，Perkinswentstumblingamongthesepotsandpansandfinallysatdowninthetub；andnaturallyheismad。””Isthattrue，Joe？”saidMandy，movingslowlynearerhim。”Oh，shutup，Mandy！I’mallwet，that’sall，andI’mgoingtobed。”
　　Hisvoicewasfaintasthoughhewerespeakingwithaneffort。”Yougointothehouse，”hesaidtothegirl。”I’vegotsomethingtosaytoCameronhere。””Youarequarreling。””Oh，giveusarest，Mandy，andgetout！No，there’snoquarreling，butIwanttohaveatalkwithCameronaboutsomething。Goon，now！”
　　Forafewmomentsshehesitated，lookingfromonetotheother。”It’sallright，Mandy，”saidCameronquietly。”Youneedn’tbeafraid，therewon’tbeanytrouble。”
　　Foramomentmoreshestood，thenquietlyturnedaway。”Wait！”saidPerkinstoCameron，andfollowedMandyintothehouse。
　　ForsomeminutesCameronstoodwaiting。”Now，youmurderousbrute！”hesaid，whenPerkinsreappeared。”Comedowntothebarnwherenogirlcaninterfere。”Heturnedtowardsthebarn。”Holdon！”saidPerkins，breathingheavily。”Notto-night。Iwanttosaysomething。She’swaitingtoseemegoupstairs。”
　　Cameroncameback。”Whathaveyougottosay，youcur？”heaskedinavoicefilledwithacoldanddeliberatecontempt。”Don’tyoucallnonames，”repliedPerkins。”Itain’tnouse。”
　　Hisvoicewaslow，trembling，butgravelyearnest。”Say，Imighthavekilledyouto-night。”Hisbreathwasstillcominginquickshortgasps。”Youtriedyourbest，youdog！”saidCameron。”Don’tyoucallnonames，”pantedPerkinsagain。”Imight——a——
　　killedyeh。I’mmighty——glad——Ididn’t。”Hespokelikeamanwhohadhadagreatdeliverance。”Butdon’tyeh，”herehisteethsnappedlikeadog’s，”don’tyehevergofoolin’withthatgirlagain。Don’tyeh——ever——doit。Iseenyehhuggin’herinthereandItellyeh——Itellyeh——，”hisbreathbegantocomeinsobs，”I
　　won’tstandit——I’llkillyeh，sureasGod’sinheaven”Areyoumad？”saidCameron，scanningnarrowlythewhitedistortedface。”Mad？Yes，Iguessso——Idunno——butdon’tyehdoit，that’sall。
　　She’smine！Mine！D’yehhear？”
　　HesteppedforwardandthrusthissnarlingfaceintoCameron’s。”No，Iain’tgoin’totouchyeh，”asCameronsteppedbackintoapostureofdefense，”notto-night。Someday，perhaps。”Hereagainhisteethcametogetherwithasnap。”ButI’mnotgoingtohaveyouoranyothermancuttinginonmewiththatgirl。D’yehhearme？”andheliftedatremblingforefingerandthrustitalmostintoCameron’sface。
　　Cameronstoodregardinghiminsilentandcontemptuousamazement。
　　Neitherofthemsawadarkformstandingbackoutofthemoonlight，insidethedoor。AtlastCameronspoke。”Nowwhatthedeucedoesallthismean？”hesaidslowly。”Isthisgirlbyanyunhappychanceengagedtoyou？””Yes，sheis——orwasasgoodas，tillyoucame；butyoulistentome。AsGodhearsmeupthere”——heraisedhisshakinghandandpointeduptothemoonlitsky，andthenwenton，chewingonhiswordslikeadogonabone——”I’llcuttheheartoutofyourbodyifIcatchyoumonkeyingroundthatgirlagain。You’vegottogetoutofhere！Everythingwasallrighttillyoucamesneakingin。
　　You’vegottogetout！You’vegottogetout！D’yehhearme？
　　You’vegottogetout！”
　　Hisvoicewasrising，madragewasseizinghimagain，hisfingerswereopeningandshuttinglikeamaninadeathagony。
　　Cameronglancedtowardsthedoor。”I’mdone，”saidPerkins，notingtheglance。”That’smylastword。
　　You’dbetterquitthisjob。”Hisvoiceagaintookonanimploringtone。”You’dbettergoorsomethingwillsurehappentoyou。
　　Nobodywillmissyoumuch，exceptperhapsMandy。”Hisghastlyfacetwistedintoasnarlingsmile，hiseyesappearedglazedinthemoonlight，hisvoicewashusky——themanseemedtrulyinsane。
　　Cameronstoodobservinghimquietlywhenhehadceasedspeaking。”Areyoufinished？Thenhearme。First，inregardtothisgirl，shedoesn’twantmeandIdon’twanther，butmakeupyourmind，I
　　promiseyoutodoallIcantopreventherfallingintothehandsofabrutelikeyou。Thenastoleavingthisplace，Ishallgojustwhenitsuitsme，nosooner。””Allright，”saidPerkins，hisvoicelowandtrembling。”Allright，mindIwarnedyou！MindIwarnedyou！Butifyougofoolin’withthatgirl，I’llkillyeh，sohelpmeGod。”
　　Thesewordsheutteredwiththesolemnityofanoathandturnedtowardstheporch。Adarkfigureflittedacrossthekitchenanddisappearedintothehouse。Cameronwalkedslowlytowardsthebarn。”He’smad。He’scleandaffy，butnonethelessdangerous，”hesaidtohimself。”Whatarottenmessallthisis！”headdedindisgust。”ByJove！Thewholethingisn’tworthwhile。”
　　ButashethoughtofMandy’sfrightenedfaceandimploringeyesandthebrutalmurderousfaceofthemanwhoclaimedherashisown，hesaidbetweenhisteeth：”No，Iwon’tquitnow。I’llseethisthingthrough，whateveritcosts，”andwiththisresolvehesethimselftothebusinessofgettingtosleep；inwhich，aftermanyattempts，hewasatlengthsuccessful。
　　CHAPTERV
　　HOWTHEYSAVEDTHEDAY
　　ThereneverwassuchaDominionDayforweathersincethefirstDominionDaywasborn。Ofthis”Fatty”Freemanwasfullyassured。
　　FattyFreemanwasayoungmanforwhoseopinionoldermenwereaccustomedtowait。Hispersonmorethanjustifiedhispraenomen，forMr。HarperFreeman，Jr。，wasundeniablyfat。”Fat，butfineandfrisky，”waseverhisowncommentuponthedescriptiveadjectivebywhichhisfriendsdistinguishedhim。Andfineandfriskyhewas；fineinhisappreciationofgoodeating，fineinhisjudgmentofgoodcattleandfineinhisestimateofmen；frisky，too，andutterlyirrepressible。”Harp’sjustlikeayoungpup，”
　　hisownfather，theReverendHarperFreeman，theoldMethodistministeroftheMaplehillcircuit，usedtosay。”IfHarphadatailhewouldneverdoanythingbutplaywithit。”Onthis，however，itisdifficulttoholdanywellbasedopinion。Ebullientinhisspirits，heradiatedcheerinesswhereverhewentandwasatthebottomofmostofthepracticaljokesthatkeptthevillageofMaplehillinastateofferment；yetifanymanthoughttoturnasharpcornerinbusinesswithMr。HarperFreeman，Jr。，heinvariablyfoundthatfriskyindividualwaitingforhimroundthecornerwithacheerysmileofwelcome，shrewdanddisconcerting。ItwasthischeeryshrewdnessofhisthatmadehimthemostsuccessfulcattlebuyerinthecountyandatthesametimesecretaryoftheMiddlesexCaledonianSociety。AssecretaryofthissocietyhewasmadechieflyresponsibleforthesuccessoftheDominionDaypicnicand，aswitheverythingthathetookholdof，Fattytoiledatthebusinessofpreparationforthispicnicwithconscientiouszeal，givingtoitallhissparehoursandmanyofhisworkinghoursforthethreemonthspreceding。
　　Itwasduesolelytohiseffortsthatsomanydistinguishedcountymagnatesappearedeagertolendtheirpatronage。ItneededbutalittlepersuasiontosecuretheenthusiasticsupportoftheHonourableJ。J。Patterson，M。P。P。，and，incidentally，thehandsomechallengecupforhammer-throwing，forthehonourablememberofParliamentwasafull-bloodedHighlanderhimselfandanardentsupporterof”thegames。”ButonlyFattyFreeman’sfinessecouldhaveextractedfromDr。Kane，theOppositioncandidateforProvincialParliamentaryhonours，thecupforthehundredyardsrace，andothercupsfromotherindividualsmoreorlessdeeplyinterestedinDominion，Provincial，andMunicipalpolitics。Theprizelistsecured，itneededonlyaskillfulmanipulationofthelocalpressandajudiciousbutpersistentpersonalcorrespondencetoswelltheranksofthecompetitorsinthevariousevents，andthusensureamonsterattendanceofthepeoplefromtheneighbouringtownshipsandfromthecitynearby。
　　Theweatherbeingassured，Fatty’sanxietiesweremostlyallayed，forhehadonthefileinhisofficeacceptancelettersfromthedistinguishedmenwhoweretocastthespelloftheiroratoryovertheassembledmultitude，asalsofromthebigmenintheathleticworldwhohadenteredforthevariouseventsintheprogrammeofsports。Itwasamasterstrokeofdiplomacythatresultedinthesecuringforthehammer-throwingcontesttheredoubtableandfamousDuncanRossofZorra，whohadatfirstdisdainedthebaitoftheMaplehillDominionDaypicnic，butinsomemysteriouswayhadatlengthbeenhookedandlanded。ForDuncanwasanotablemanandheldthechampionshipoftheZorras；andindeedinallOntariohewassecondonlytotheworld-famousRoryMaclennanofGlengarry，whohadbeentoBraemaritselfandwasbeatenthereonlybyafluke。HowhecametoagreetobepresentattheMaplehillpicnic”BlackDuncan”couldnotquiteunderstand，buthadhecomparednoteswithMcGee，thechampionoftheLondonpoliceforceandofvarioustownsandcitiesofthewesternpeninsula，hewoulddoubtlesshavereceivedsomeenlightenment。TotheskillofthesamemasterhandwasduetheappearanceupontheracinglistoftheDominionDaypicnicofsuchdistinguishednamesasCahillofLondon，FullertonofWoodstock，andespeciallyofEugeneLaBelleofnowhereinparticular，whoheldtheprovincialchampionshipforskatingandwasarunnerofprovincialfame。