IntheracingFattywasparticularlyinterestedbecausehisyoungbrotherWilbur，ofwhomhewasuncommonlyproud，ahandsomelad，swiftandgracefulasadeer，wastomakehisfirstessayformorethanlocalhonours。
　　Thelistsfortheothereventswereequallywellfilledandeverydetailofthearrangementsforthedayhadpassedunderthesecretary’spersonalreview。ThefeedingofthemultitudewasinchargeoftheMethodistLadies’Aid，anenergeticandexceptionallybusinesslikeorganization，whichfullyexpectedtomakesufficientprofitfromtheenterprisetoclearoffthedebtfromtheirchurchatMaplehill，anachievementgreatlydesirednotonlybytheladiesthemselvesbutbytheirminister，theReverendHarperFreeman，nowinthethirdyearofhisincumbency。ThemusicwastobefurnishedbytheBandoftheSeventhfromLondonandbynolessadistinguishedpersonagethanPiperSutherlandhimselffromZorra，formerPipeMajorof”TheoldForty-twa。”ThediscoveryofanotherpiperinCameronbroughtjoytothesecretary’sheart，whoonlyregrettedthatanearlierdiscoveryhadnotrenderedpossibleapipecompetition。
　　EarlyintheafternoonthecrowdsbegantogathertoMacBurney’swoods，abeautifulmaplegrovelyingmidwaybetweentheHaleys’
　　farmandMaplehillvillage，abouttwomilesdistantfromeach。Thegroveofnoblemapletreesoverlookingagrassymeadowprovidedanidealspotforpicnicking，furnishingasitdidbothshadefromthesunandafineopenspacewithfirmfootingforthecontestantsinthegames。HighoveranoblemapleinthecentreofthegrassymeadowfloatedtheRedEnsignoftheEmpire，which，withtheCanadiancoatofarmsonthefly，bycommonusagehadbecomethenationalflagofCanada。Fromthegreattreestheswingswerehung，andundertheirnoblespreadingboughswereplacedthetables，andtheplatformforthespeechmakingandthedancing，whileatthebaseoftheencirclinghillssurroundingthegrassymeadow，hardbythegroveanotherplatformwasplaced，fromwhichdistinguishedvisitorsmightviewwitheaseandcomfortthecontestsuponthecampusimmediatelyadjacent。
　　Throughthefence，letdownforthepurpose，thepeopledroveinfromthehighroad。Theycameintopbuggiesandinlumberwagons，indemocratsandin”threeseatedrigs，”whilefromthecitycamea”four-in-hand”withMcGee，Cahill，andtheirbackers，aswellasothercarriagesfilledwithgoodcitizensofLondondrawnthitherbythepromiseofaday’ssportofmorethanusualexcellenceorbythelureofadayinthewoodsandfieldsofGod’sopencountry。A
　　speciallyfinecarriageandpair，ownedanddrivenbythehonourablememberofParliamenthimself，conveyedPiperSutherland，withcoloursstreamingandpipesplaying，tothepicnicgrounds。Warmlywastheoldpiperwelcomed，notonlybythefriskycheerysecretary，butbymanyoldfriends，andbynonemorewarmlythanbytheReverendAlexanderMunro，thedouceoldbachelorPresbyterianministerofMaplehill，agreatloverofthepipesandaspecialfriendofPiperSutherland。Butthewelcomewashardlyoverwhenoncemorethesoundofthepipeswasheardfarupthesideline。”SurelythatwillbeGunn，”saidMr。Munro。
　　Sutherlandlistenedforaminuteortwo。”No，itissnotGunn。IssRosscoming？No，yonissnotRoss。
　　Thatwillbeastranger，”hecontinued，turningtothesecretary，butthesecretaryremainedsilent，enjoyingtheoldman’ssurpriseandperplexity。”Man，thatissnotsobadpiping！Notsobadatall！Whoissit？”
　　headdedwithsomeimpatience，turninguponthesecretaryagain。”Oh，that’sHaley’steamandIguessthat’shishiredman，ayoungfellowjustoutfromScotland，”repliedthesecretaryindifferently。”Iamnogreatjudgeofthepipesmyself，buthestrikesmeasacrackajackandIshouldn’tbesurprisedifhewouldmakeyouallsitup。”
　　Buttheoldpiper’searwasclosedtohiswordsandopenonlytothestrainsofmusiceverdrawingnearer。”Aye，yon’sapiper！”hesaidatlengthwithemphasis。”Yon’sapiper！””IonlywishIhaddiscoveredhimintimeforacompetition，”saidFattyregretfully。”Aye，”saidSutherland。”Yon’sapiperworthplayingagainst。”
　　AndverybraveandgallantyoungCameronlookedasTimswunghisteamthroughthefenceanduptotheplatformunderthetreeswherethegreatonesofthepeoplewerestandingingroups。Theywereallthere，PattersontheM。P。P。，andDr。KanetheOppositioncandidate，ReeveRobertson，fortenyearstheMunicipalheadofhiscounty，InspectorGrant，alittlemanwithamassiveheadandaluminouseye，Patterson’sunderstudyandgenerallyregardedashissuccessorinProvincialpolitics，theReverendHarperFreeman，Methodistminister，tallandlank，withshrewdkindlyfaceandatwinklingeye，theReverendAlexanderMunro，thePresbyterianminister，solidandsedate，slowtotakefirebutwhenkindledaveryfurnaceforheat。These，withtheirvariouswivesanddaughters，suchashadthem，andmanyotherslessnotablebutnolessimportant，constitutedasortofinformalreceptioncommitteeunderFattyFreeman’sgeneraldirectionandmanagement。Andhereandthereandeverywherecrowdsofyoungmenandmaidens，conspicuousamongthelatterIsaMacKenzieandherspecialfriends，mademerrywitheachother，asbraveandgallantacompanyofsturdysun-brownedyouthsandbonniewholesomelassiesasanylandoragecouldevershow。”Lookatthem！”criedtheReverendHarperFreeman，wavinghishandtowardthekaleidoscopicgathering。”There’syourDominionDayorationforyou，Mr，Patterson。””Mostofitdoneinbrown，too，”chuckledhisson，HarperFreeman，Jr。”Yes，andsetinjewelsandgold，”repliedhisfather。”Youholdoverme，Dad！”criedhisson。”Here！”hecalledtoCameron，whowasstandingalooffromtheothers。”ComeandmeetabrotherScotandabrotherpiper，Mr。SutherlandfromZorra，thoughtoyourignorantScottishearthatmeansnothing，buttoeveryintelligentCanadian，Zorrastandsforallthat’sfinestinbrainandbrawninCanada。””Andittakesbothtoplaythepipes，eh，Sutherland？”saidtheM。P。P。”Ohaye，butmostlywind，”saidthepiper。”Justlikepolitics，eh，Mr。Patterson？”saidtheReverendHarperFreeman。”Yes，orlikepreaching，”repliedtheM。P。P。”Oneonyou，Dad！”saidtheirrepressibleFatty。
　　MeantimeSutherlandwaswarmlycomplimentingCamerononhisplaying。”Youhafbeenwelltaught，”hesaid。”Noonetaughtme，”saidCameron。”ButwehadafamousoldpiperathomeinourGlen，Macphersonwashisname。””Macpherson！DidheefferplayattheBraemargathering？””Yes，butMaclennanbeathim。””Maclennan！Ihafheardhim。”ThetonewasquitesufficienttoclassifytheunhappyMaclennan。”AndIhafheardMacphersontoo。
　　Youissaplayer。Noneofthefal-de-ralsofyourmodernplayers，butgrandandmighty。””Iagreewithyouentirely，”repliedCameron，hisheartwarmingatthepraiseofhisoldfriendoftheGlenCuaghOir。”But，”headded，”Maclennanisagreatplayertoo。””Agreatplayer？Yesandno。Hehasthefingersandthenotes，butheissnotthebeegman。Itissthesoulthatbreathesthroughthechanter。Thesoul！”HerehegrippedCameronbythearm。”Man！itisslikepraying。Abeegmanwillneffershowhimselfinsmallthings，butwhenhewillbeincommunionwithhisMakerorwhenhewillbepouringouthissoulinapibrochthenthebeegnessofthemanwillbemanifest。Aye，”continuedthepiper，warmingtohisthemeandencouragedbytheeagersympathyofhislistener，”andnotonlythebeegnessbutthequalityofthesoul。Ameanmancanplaythepipes，buthecannefferbeapiper。Itissonlyabeegmanandafinemanand，Iwillventuretosay，agoodman，andtherearenotmanymencanbepipers。””Aye，Mr。Sutherland，”brokeintheReverendAlexanderMunro，”whatyousayistrue，butitistruenotonlyofpiping。Itistruesurelyofanythinggreatenoughtoexpressthedeepestemotionsofthesoul。Amanisneverathisbestinanythingtillheisexpressinghisnoblestself。””Forinstanceinpreaching，eh！”saidDr。Kane。”Aye，inpreachingorinpoliticaloratory，”repliedtheminister。
　　Atthis，however，theoldpipershookhisheaddoubtfully。”YoudonotagreewithMr。Munrointhat？”saidtheM。P。P。”No，”repliedSutherland，”speakingissonething，pipingissanother。””Andthatisnolie，andamightygoodthingtooitis，”saidDr。
　　Kaneflippantly。”Itissnolie，”repliedtheoldpiperwithdignity。”Andifyouknewmuchabouteitherofthemyouwouldsayitdeeferently。””Why，whatisthedifference，Mr。Sutherland？”saidDr。Kane，anxioustoappeasetheoldman。”Theybotharemeansofexpressingtheemotionsofthesoul，yousay。””Thedeeference！Thedeefereneeissit？Thedeeferenceisshere，thatthepipeswillnefferlie。”
　　Therewasashoutoflaughter。”Oneforyou，Kane！”criedtheReverendHarperFreeman。”And，”hecontinuedwhenthelaughinghadceased，”wewillhavetotakeoursharetoo，Mr。Munro。”
　　Butthehourforbeginningtheprogrammehadarrivedandthesecretaryclimbedtotheplatformtoannouncetheeventsfortheday。”Ladiesandgentlemen！”hecried，inahigh，clear，penetratingvoice，”thespeechofwelcomewillbedeliveredtowardthecloseofthedaybythepresidentoftheMiddlesexCaledonianSociety，theHonourableJ。J。Patterson，M。P。P。MydutyistheverysimpleoneofannouncingtheorderofeventsontheprogrammeandofexpressingonbehalfoftheMiddlesexCaledonianSocietytheearnesthopethatyouallmayenjoytheday，andthateacheventontheprogrammewillprovemoreinterestingthanthelast。TheprogrammeislongandvariedandImustaskyourassistancetoputitthroughonscheduletime。Firsttherearetheathleticcompetitions。IshallendeavourtoassistDr。Kaneandthejudgesinrunningthesethroughwithoutunnecessaryandannoyingdelays。Thenwillfollowpiping，dancing，andfeastingintheirproperorder，afterwhichwillcomethepresentationofprizesandspeechesfromourdistinguishedvisitors。
　　Ontheplatformoveryonderthereareplacesforthespeakers，theofficials，andtheguestsofthesociety，butsuchistheveryexcellentcharacterofthegroundthatallcanbeaccommodatedwithgrandstandseats。Onedisappointment，andoneonly，Imustannounce，theBandoftheSeventh，London，cannotbewithusto-day。””Butwewillnevermissthem，”interpolatedtheReverendAlexanderMunrowithsolemnemphasis。”Exactlyso！”continuedFattywhenthelaughhadsubsided。”Andnowlet’sallgoinforagoodoldtimepicnic，’whereeventhefarmersceasefromgrumblingandthepreacherstakearest。’Nowtakeyourplaces，ladiesandgentlemen，forthegrandparadeisabouttobegin。”
　　Theprogrammeopenedwiththeonehundredyardflatrace。Forthisracetherewerefourentries，CahillfromLondon，FullertonfromWoodstock，LaBellefromnowhereinparticular，andWilburFreemanfromMaplehill。ButWilburwasnowheretobeseen。Thesecretarycamebreathlesstotheplatform。”Where’sWilbur？”heaskedhisfather。”Wilbur？Surelyheisinthecrowd，orinthetentperhaps。”
　　Atthetentthesecretaryfoundhisbrothernursingatwistedankle，heart-sickwithdisappointment。Earlyinthedayhehadinjuredhisfootinanattempttofastenaswinguponatree。Everyminutesincethattimehehadspentinrubbingandmanipulatingtheinjuredmember，butalltonopurpose。Whilethepainwasnotgreat，aracewasoutofthequestion。Thesecretarywasgreatlydisturbedandasnearlywrathfulaseverheallowedhimselftobecome。Hewassetonhisbrothermakingagoodshowinginthisrace；moreover，withoutWilburtherewouldbenocompetitortoupholdthehonourofMaplehillinthiscontestandthiswoulddepriveitofmuchofitsinterest。”Whatthedickenswereyouclimbingtreesfor？”hebeganimpatiently，butaglanceathisyoungbrother’spaleandwoe-
　　strickenfacechangedhiswrathtopity。”Nevermind，oldchap，”
　　hesaid，”betterlucknexttime，andyouwillbefittertoo。”
　　Backherantotheplatform，forhemustreportthedismalnewstohismother，whosechiefinterestintheprogrammeforthedaylayinthisraceinwhichherlatestbornwastowinhisspurs。Thecheerysecretarywasnearlydesperate。Itwasanominousbeginningfortheday’ssports。Whatshouldhedo？HeconfidedhiswoetoMackandCameron，whowerestandingclosebytheplatform。”Itwillplaytheverymischiefwiththeprogramme。Itwillspoilthewholeday，forWilburwasthesoleMaplehillrepresentativeinthethreeraces；besides，Ibelievetheyoungsterwouldhaveshownupwell。””Hewouldthat！”criedMackheartily。”Hewasabird。ButistherenooneelsefromtheHillthatcouldenter？””No，noonewithachanceofwinning，andnofellowlikestogoinsimplytobebeaten。””Whatdifference？”saidCameron。”It’sallinaday’ssport。””That’sso，”saidMack。”IfIcouldrunmyselfIwouldenter。I
　　wonderifDannywould——””Danny！”saidthesecretaryshortly。”Youknowbetterthanthat。
　　Danny’stooshytoappearbeforethiscrowdevenifheweredeadsureofwinning。””Say，itistoobad！”continuedMack，asthemagnitudeofthecalamitygrewuponhim。”Surelywecanfindsomeonetomakeanappearance。Whataboutyourself，Cameron？Didyoueverrace？””Some，”saidCameron。”IracedlastyearattheAtholeGames。”
　　Fattythrewhimselfuponhim。”Cameron，youaremyman！Doyouwanttosaveyourcountry，andperhapsmylife，certainlymyreputation？Getoutofthosefrills，”touchinghiskilt，”andI’llgetasuitfromoneofthejumpersforyou。Go！Blessyoursoul，anythingyouwantthat’smineyoucanhave！Onlyhustlefordearlife’ssake！Go！Go！Go！
　　Takehimaway，Mack。We’llgetsomethingelseon！”
　　FattyactuallypushedCameronclearawayfromtheplatformandafterhimbigMack。”Thereseemstobenohelpforit，”saidCameron，astheywenttothetenttogether。”It’sawfulgoodofyou，”repliedMack，”butyoucanseehowhardFattytakesit，thoughitisnotabitfairtoyou。””Oh，nobodyknowsmehere，”saidCameron，”andIdon’tmindbeingavictim。”
　　ButasMacksawhimgetintohisjerseyandshortshebegantowonderabit。”Man，itwouldbegreatifyoushouldbeatyonFrenchman！”heexclaimed。”Frenchman？””Yes！LaBelle。Heisthatstuckonhimself；hethinksheisawinnerbeforehestarts。””It’sagoodwaytothink，Mack。Nowletusgetdownintothewoodsandhaveabitofapractiseinthe’getaway。’Howdotheystarthere？Withapistol？””No，”repliedMack。”Wearenotsoswell。Thestartergivesthewordthisway，’Allset？Go！’””Allright，Mack，yougivemethewordsharp。IamoutofpractiseandImustgettheideaintomyhead。””Youaregreatontheidea，Isee，”repliedMack。”Rightyouare，anditisjustthesamewiththehammer，Mack。””Aye，Ihavefoundthatout。”
　　FortwentyminutesorsoCameronpractisedhisstartandateveryattemptMack’sconfidencegrew，sothatwhenhebroughthismanbacktotheplatformheannouncedtoagroupofthegirlsstandingnear，”Don’tsayanything，butIhavethewinnerrighthereforyou。””Why，Mr。Cameron，”criedIsa，”whatawonderyouare！Whatelsecanyoudo？Youareapiper，adancer，ahammer-thrower，andnowarunner。””Jack-of-all-trades，”laughedPerkins，who，withMandy，wasstandingnear。”Yes，butyoucan’tsay’Masterofnone，’”repliedIsasharply。”Betterwait，”saidCameron。”IhaveenteredthisraceonlytosaveMr。Freemanfromcollapse。””Collapse？Fatty？Hecouldn’t，”saidIsawithemphasis。”Lass，Idonotknow，”saidMackgravely。”HelookedmorehollowthaneverIhaveseenhimbefore。””Well，we’llallcheerforyou，Mr。Cameron，anyway，”criedIsa。”Won’twe，girls？Oh，ifwisheswerewings！””Wings？”saidMandy，withapuzzledair。”Whatfor？ThisisaRACE。””Didn’tyouneverseeahenrun，Mandy？”laughedPerkins。”Yes，Ihave，butItellyouMr。Cameronain’tnohen，”repliedMandyangrily。”Andmore！He’sgoingtowin。””Say，Mandy，thatisthetalk，”saidMack，whenthelaughhadpassed。”Didyouhearyon？”headdedtoCameron。
　　Cameronnodded。”Itisagoodomen，”hesaid。”Iamgoingtodomybest。””And，byJingo！ifyouonlyhadachance，”saidMack，”Ibelieveyouwouldlickthemall。”
　　AtthisFattybustledup。”Allready，eh？Cameron，Ishalloweyousomethingforthis。LaBellekickedlikeasteeragainstyourenteringatthelastminute。
　　Itisagainsttherules，youknow。Buthe’sgivenin。”
　　FattydidnotexplainthathehadintimatedtoLaBellethattherewasnoneedforanxietyasfarasthe”chapfromtheoldcountry”
　　wasconcerned；hewastheremerelytofillup。
　　ButifLaBelle’sfearswereallayedbythesecretary’sdisparagingdescriptionofthelatestcompetitor，theysprangfullgrownintolifeagainwhenhesawCameron”allset”forthestart，andmoreespeciallysowhenheheardhisprotestagainsttheFrenchman’smethodinthe”getaway。””Iwantyoutonotice，”hesaidfirmlytoDr。Kane，whowasactingasstarter，”thatthismangetsawayWITHtheword’Go’andnotAFTERit。Itisanoldtrick，butlongagoplayedout。”
　　ThentheFrenchmanfellintoarage。”Eeteesnotreeck！”sputteredLaBelle。”Eeteestooqueeckforhim。””Allright！”saidDr。Kane。”Youaretostartaftertheword’Go。’
　　Remember！Sorrywehavenopistol。”
　　Oncemorethecompetitorscrouchedoverthescratch。”Allset？Go！”
　　Likethereleasingofawhirlwindthefourrunnersspringfromthescratch，LaBelle，whosespecialtyishis”getaway，”infront，FullertonandCameroninsecondplace，Cahillaclosethird。A
　　blanketwouldcoverthemall。Atumultofcheersfromthefriendsofthevariousrunnersfollowsthemalongtheirbriefcourse。”Whoisit？Whoisit？”criesMandybreathlessly，clutchingMackbythearm。”Cameron，Iswear！”roarsMack，pushinghiswaythroughthecrowdtothejudges。”No！No！LaBelle！LaBelle！”criedtheFrenchman’sbackersfromthecity。Thejudgesareapparentlyindispute。”IswearitisCameron！”roarsMackagainintheirears，hiseyesaflameandhisfacealightwithafierceandtriumphantjoy。”ItisCameronIamtellingyou！””Oh，getout，youbigbluffer！”criesathin-facedman，pressingcloseuponthejudges。”ItisLaBellebyamile！””Byamile，isit？”shoutsMack。”Thengoandhuntyourman！”andwithaswiftmotionhisbighandfallsuponthethinfaceandsweepsitclearoutofview，themanbearingitcomingtohisfeetinawhitefurysomepacesaway。AsecondlookatMack，however，calmshisrage，andfromadistancehecontinuesleapingandyelling”LaBelle！LaBelle！”
　　Afterafewmoments’consultationtheresultisannounced。”AtieforthefirstplacebetweenLaBelleandCameron！Timeelevenseconds！Thetiewillberunoffinafewminutes。”
　　InatumultoftriumphbigMackshouldersCameronthroughthecrowdandcarrieshimofftothedressingtent，wherehespendsthenexttenminutesrubbinghisman’slegsandchantinghisglory。”WhoisthisCameron？”enquiredtheM。P。P。，leaningovertheplatformrailing。
　　Quickcametheanswerfromthebevyofgirlsthrongingpasttheplatform。”Cameron？He’sourman！”ItwasMandy’svoice，boldandstrong。”Yourman？”saidtheM。P。P。，laughingdownintothecoarseflushedface。”Yes，OURman！”criedIsaMacKenziebackathim。”Andawinner，youmaybesure。””Ah，happyman！”exclaimedtheM。P。P。”Whowouldnotwinwithsuchbackers？Why，Iwouldwinmyself，MissIsa，wereyoutobackmeso。ButwhoisCameron？”hecontinuedtotheMethodistministerathisside。”HeisHaley’shiredman，Ibelieve，andthatfirstgirlisHaley’sdaughter。””Poorthing！”echoedMrs。Freeman，akindlysmileonhermotherlyface。”ButshehasagoodhearthaspoorMandy。””Butwhy’poor’？”enquiredtheM。P。P。”Oh，well，”answeredMrs。Freemanwithhesitation，”youseesheissoveryplain——and——well，notlikeothergirls。Butsheisagoodworkerandhasakindheart。”
　　Oncemoretherunnersfacethestarter，LaBellegay，alert，confident；Cameronsilent，pale，andgrim。”Allset？Go！”LaBelleisawayerethewordisspoken。Thebell，however，bringshimback，wrathfulandlessconfident。
　　Oncemoretheystandcrouchingoverthescratch。Oncemorethewordreleasesthemlikeshaftsfromthebow。Abeautifulstart，LaBelleagaininthelead，butCameronhardathisheelsandevidentlywithsomethingtospare。Thusforfiftyyards，sixty，yes，sixty-five。”LaBelle！LaBelle！Hewins！Hewins！”yellhisbackersfrantically，thethin-facedmandancingmadlynearthefinishingtape。TwentyyardstogoandstillLaBelleisinthelead。HighabovetheshoutingrisesMack’sroar。”Now，Cameron！Forthelifeofyou！”
　　ItwasasifhisvoicehadtouchedaspringsomewhereinCameron’sanatomy。AgreatleapbringshimevenwithLaBelle。Another，another，andstillanother，andhebreaststhetapeawinnerbyayard，timetenandthreefifthsseconds。TheMaplehillfolkgomad，andmadderthanallIsaandhercompanyofgirlfriends。”Igot——one——bad——start——me！He——pull——meback！”pantedLaBelletohisbackerswhowereholdinghimup。”Whopulledyouback？”indignantlycriedthethin-facedman，lookingforblood。”Thatsacrestartair！””Youranafinerace，LaBelle！”saidCameron，comingup。”Non！Peste！Imakheemintenandonefeeft，”repliedthedisgustedLaBelle。”Ihavemadeitinten，”saidCameronquietly。”Aha！”exclaimedLaBelle。”Youareoneblackhorse，eh？So！I
　　racenomoreto-day！””ThennomoredoI！”saidCameronfirmly。”Why，LaBelle，youwillbeatmeinthenextracesure。Ihavenowind。”
　　UnderpressureLaBellechangedhismind，andwellforhimhedid；
　　forinthetwohundredandtwentyyardsandinthequartermileCameron’slackofconditiontoldagainsthim，sothatintheoneheransecondtoLaBelleandintheotherthirdtoLaBelleandFullerton。
　　TheMaplehillfolkweregloriouslysatisfied，andFattyinanecstasyofdelightradiatedgoodcheereverywhere。Throughoutthevariousconteststheinterestcontinuedtodeepen，thesecretary，withablegeneralship，reservingthehammer-throwingasthemostthrillingeventtothelastplace。For，morethananythingintheworld，men，andespeciallywomen，lovestrongmenandlovetoseetheminconflict。Forthatfatallovecruelwarshavebeenwaged，landshavebeendesolated，kingdomshavefallen。Therewasthepromiseofaveryprettyfightindeedbetweenthethreeenteredforthehammer-throwingcontest，twoofthemexperiencedinthiswarfareandbearinghighhonours，thethirdnewtothegameandunskilled，butlovedforhismodestcourageandforthesimple，gentlehearthecarriedinhisgreatbody。Hecouldnotwin，ofcourse，forMcGee，thechampionofthecitypoliceforce，hadmanyscalpsathisgirdle，andDuncanRoss，”BlackDuncan，”theprideoftheZorras，theunconqueredheroofsomethinglessthanahundredfights——whocouldhopetowinfromhim？ButallthemoreforthisthepeoplelovedbigMackandwishedhimwell。Sodowntheslopingsidesoftheencirclinghillsthecrowdspressedthick，andontheplatformthegreatmenleanedovertherail，whiletheyliftedtheirladiestoplacesofvantageuponthechairsbesidethem。”Oh，Icannotseeabit！”criedIsaMacKenzie，vainlypressinguponthecrowdingmenwho，stolidlyunawareofallbutwhatwasdoinginfrontofthem，effectuallyshutoffherview。”Andyouwanttosee？”saidtheM。P。P。，lookingdownather。”Oh，somuch！”shecried。”Comeuphere，then！”and，givingherahand，heliftedher，smilingandblushing，toaplaceontheplatformwhenceshewithabsorbinginterestfollowedthemovementsofbigMack，andincidentallyoftheothersinasfarastheymightbearanyrelationtothoseofherhero。
　　Andnowtheyweredrawingforplace。”Aha！Mackisgoingtothrowfirst！”saidtheReverendAlexanderMunro。”Thatisapity。””It’sashame！”criedIsa，withflashingeyes。”Whydon’ttheyputoneofthoseolder——ah——？””Stagers？”suggestedtheM。P。P。”Duffers，”concludedIsa。”Thelotdeterminestheplace，MissIsa，”saidMr。Freeman，withasmileather。”Butthebestmanwillwin。””Oh，Iamnotsosureofthat！”criedthegirlinadistressedvoice。”Mackmightgetnervous。””Nervous？”laughedtheM。P。P。”Thatgiant？””Yes，indeed，Ihaveseenhimthatnervous——”saidIsa，andstoppedabruptly。”Ah！Thatisquitepossible，”repliedtheM。P。P。withaquizzicalsmile。”AndthereisyoungCameronyonder。Heisnotgoingtothrow，ishe？”enquiredMr。Munro。”HeiscoachingMack，”explainedIsa，”andfineheisatit。Oh，there！Heisgoingtothrow！Oh，ifheonlygetstheswing！Oh！
　　Oh！Oh！Hehasgotitfine！”
　　AstormofcheersfollowedMack’sthrow，thenadeepsilencewhilethejudgestookthemeasurement。”Onehundredandtwenty-onefeet！””Onehundredandtwenty-one！”echoedahundredvoicesinamazement。”Onehundredandtwenty-one！Itisalie！”criedMcGeewithanoath，stridingouttopersonallysupervisethemeasuring。”Onehundredandtwenty-one！”saidDuncanRoss，shakinghisheaddoubtfully，buthewastoomuchofagentlemantodootherthanwaitforthejudges’decision。”Onehundredandtwenty-onefeetandtwoinches，”wasthefinalverdict，andfromthecrowdthererosearoarthatrolledlikethunderaroundthehills。”It’safluke，andsoitis！”saidMcGeewithanotheroath。”Givemeyourhand，lad，”saidDuncanRoss，evidentlymuchroused。”Itissanoblethrowwhateffer，andworthyofbeegRoryhimself。
　　Ihafdonebetter，howeffer，butindeedImaynotto-day。”
　　Itwasindeedagreatthrow，andoneimmediateresultwasthattherewasnoholdingbackinthecontest，noplaying’possum。
　　Mack’sthrowwastheretobebeaten，andneitherMcGeenorevenBlackDuncancouldaffordtothrowawayasinglechance。Forhammer-throwingisanartrequiringnotonlystrengthbutskillaswell，andnotonlystrengthandskillbutsomethingelsemostdifficulttosecure。Withthestrengthandtheskilltheremustgoarhythmicandperfectcoordinationofallthemusclesinthebody，withexactlythepropercontractingandrelaxingofeachatexactlythepropermomentoftime，andthisperfectcoordinationisaresultrarelyachievedevenbythegreatestthrowers，butwhenachieved，andwiththeman’sfullstrengthbehindit，hisrecordthrowistheresult。
　　MeantimeCameronwashoveringabouthismaninanecstasyofdelight。”Oh，Mack，oldman！”hesaid。”Yougottheswingperfectly。Itwasadream。Andifyouhadputyourfullstrengthintoityouwouldhavemadeaworldrecord。Why，man，youcouldaddtenfeettoit！””Itisafluke！”saidMcGeeagain，ashetookhisplace。”Makeonelikeit，then，mylad，”saidBlackDuncanwithagrimsmile。
　　ButthisMcGeefailedtodo，forhisthrowmeasuredninety-sevenfeet。”Averyfairthrow，McGee，”saidBlackDuncan。”Butnotyourbest，andnothingbutthebestwilldothedayappearingly。”
　　WiththatBlackDuncantookplaceforhisthrow。One——twice——
　　thriceheswungthegreathammerabouthishead，thensentitwhirlingintotheair。Againamightyshoutannouncedagreatthrowandagainadeadsilencewaitedforthemeasurement。”Onehundredandfourteenfeet！””Aha！”saidBlackDuncan，andsteppedbackapparentlywellsatisfied。
　　ItwasagainMack’sturn。”Youhavetheprivilegeofallowingyourfirstthrowtostand，”
　　saidDr。Kane。”Bestletitstand，lad，tillitissbeat，”advisedBlackDuncankindly。”Itissanoblethrow。””Hecandobetter，though，”saidCameron。”Verywell，verywell！”saidDuncan。”Lethimtry。”
　　ButMack’ssuccesshadkeyedhimuptothehighestpitch。Everynervewastingling，everymuscletaut。Hisfirstthrowhehadtakenwithoutstrain，beingmainlyanxious，underCameron’scoaching，togettheswing，butundertheexcitementincidenttothecontesthehadputmorestrengthintothethrowthanappearedeithertohimselfortohiscoach。Now，however，withnervesandmusclestaut，hewaseagertoincreasehisdistance，tooeageritseemed，forhissecondthrowmeasuredonlyeighty-ninefeet。
　　AsilencefelluponhisfriendsandCameronbegantochidehim。”Youwentrightbacktoyouroldstyle，Mack。Therewasn’tthesignofaswing。””Iwillgetityet，orbust！”saidbigMackbetweenhisteeth。
　　McGee’ssecondthrowwentonehundredandseventeenfeet。Acheerarosefromhisbackers，foritwasagreatthrowandwithinfivefeetofhisrecord。UndoubtedlyMcGeewasingreatformandhemightwellbeexpectedtomeasureuptohisbestto-day。
　　BlackDuncan’ssecondthrowmeasuredonehundredandnineteenfeetseven，whichwasfifteenfeetshortofhisrecordandshowedhimtobeclimbingsteadilyupward。
　　OncemoretheturncametoMack，andoncemore，withalmostsavageeagerness，heseizedthehammerpreparatorytohisthrow。”Now，Mack，forheaven’ssakegoeasy！”saidCameron。”Takeyourswingeasyandslow。”
　　ButMackheededhimnot。”Icanbeatit！”hemutteredbetweenhisshutteeth，”andIwill。”So，witheverynervetautandeverymusclestrainedtoitslimit，hemadehisthirdattempt。Itwasinvain。Themeasureshowedninety-sevenfeetsix。AsuppressedgroanrosefromtheMaplehillfolk。”Agrandthrow，lad，forabeginner，”saidBlackDuncan。
　　Theexcitementnowbecameintense。Byhisfirstthrowofonehundredandtwenty-onefeettwo，Mackremainedstillthewinner。
　　ButMcGeehadonlyfourfeettogainandBlackDuncanlessthantwotoequalhim。Thelittlesecretarywentskippingaboutaglowwithsatisfactionanddelight。ThedaywasalreadyfamousinthehistoryofCanadianathletics。
　　AgainMcGeetookplaceforhisthrow，histhirdandlast。Thecrowdgatheredinasnearastheydared。ButMcGeehaddonehisbestforthatday，andhisfinalthrowmeasuredonlyonehundredandfivefeet。
　　ThereremainedyetbutasinglechancetowrestfromMackMurraytheprizeforthatday，butthatchancelayinthehandsofDuncanRoss，thecoolandexperiencedchampionofmanyahard-foughtfight。AgainBlackDuncantookthehammer。Itwashislastthrow。
　　Hehadstillfifteenfeettogotoreachhisownrecord，andhehadoftenbeatenthethrowthatchallengedhimto-day，but，ontheotherhand，hehadpassedthroughmanyacontestwherehisthrowhadfallenshortoftheonehemustnowbeattowin。AhushfelluponthepeopleasBlackDuncantookhisplace。Once——twice——and，witheverincreasingspeed，thriceheswungthegreathammer，thenhighandfarithurtledthroughtheair。”Jerusalem！”criedMack。”Whatafling！””Toohigh，”mutteredBlackDuncan。”Youhavegotit，lad，youhavegotit，andyouwelldeserveit。””Tut-tut，nonsense！”saidMackimpatiently。”Waityouaminute。”
　　Silentandexpectantthecrowdawaitedtheresult。Twiceoverthejudgesmeasuredthethrow，thenannounced”Onehundredandtwenty-
　　onefeet。”Mackhadwonbytwoinches。
　　Agreatroarrosefromthecrowd，roundMacktheysurgedlikeaflood，eagertogriphishandsandeagertocarryhimoffshoulderhigh。ButhethrewthemoffasarockthrowsbacktheincomingtideandmadeforDuncanRoss，whostood，calmandpale，andwithhandoutstretched，waitinghim。ItwasanewexperienceforBlackDuncan，andabitter，tobesecondinacontest。Onlyonceinmanyyearshadhebeenforcedtolowerhiscolours，andtobebeatenbyarawandunknownyouthaddedtothehumiliationofhisdefeat。
　　ButDuncanRosshadinhisveinsthebloodofalonglineofHighlandgentlemenwhoknewhowtotakedefeatwithasmile。”Icongratulateyou，MackMurray，”hesaidinafirm，clearvoice。”YourfamewillbethroughCanadatomorrow，andwellyoudeserveit。”
　　ButMackcaughttheoutstretchedhandinbothofhisand，leaningtowardBlackDuncan，heroaredathimabovethedin。”Mr。Ross，Mr。Ross，itisnowin！Listentome！”hepanted。”Whataretwoinchesinahundredandtwentyfeet？Astretchingofthetapewilldoit。No，no！Listentome！Youmustlistentomeasyouareaman！Iwillnothaveit！Youcanbeatmeeasilyinthethrow！AtbestitisatieandnothingelsewillIhaveto-day。Atleastletusthrowagain！”hepleaded。ButtothisRosswouldnotlistenforamoment。”Theladhasmadehiswin，”hesaidtothejudges，”andhiswinhemusthave。”
　　ButMackdeclaredthatnothingunderheavenwouldmakehimchangehismind。Finallythejudges，too，agreedthatinviewofthepossibilityofamistakeinmeasuringwiththetape，itwouldbeonlyrightandfairtocounttheresultatie。BlackDuncanlistenedrespectfullytothejudges’decision。”Youareaskingmeagooddeal，Mack，”hesaidatlength，”butyouareagallantladandIamanoldermanand——””Aye！Andabetter！”shoutedMack。”AndsoIwillagree。”
　　Oncemorethefieldwascleared。Andnowtherefelluponthecrowdingpeopleahushasiftheystoodinthepresenceofdeathitself。”Ladiesandgentlemen！”saidtheM。P。P。”Doyourealisethatyouarelookinguponatrulygreatcontest，acontestgreatenoughtobeofnational，yes，ofinternational，importance？””Youbetyoursweetlife！”criedtheirrepressibleFatty。”We’regoingsome。’What’sthematterwithourMack？’”heshouted。”’HE’S——ALL——RIGHT！’”camebackthechantfromthesurroundinghillsinhundredsofvoices。”Andwhat’sthematterwithDuncanRoss？”criedMack，wavingahandabovehishead。
　　Againtheassuranceofperfectrightnesscamebackinamightyroarfromthehills。Butitwashushedintoimmediatesilence，asilencebreathlessandoverwhelming，forBlackDuncanhadtakenoncemorehisplacewiththehammerinhishand。”Oh，Idowishtheywouldhurry！”gaspedIsa，herhandspressedharduponherheart。”Myheartisratherweak，too，”saidtheM。P。P。”IfearIcannotlastmuchlonger。Ah！Therehegoes，thankGod！””Amen！”ferventlyrespondslittleMrs。Freeman，who，intheintensityofherexcitement，isstandingonachairholdingtightbyherhusband’scoatcollar。
　　NotasoundbreaksthesilenceasBlackDuncantakeshisswing。
　　Itisacrucialmomentinhiscareer。OnlybyonemaninCanadahasheeverbeenbeaten，andwiththepowersofhisantagonistalluntriedandunknown，foranyonecouldseethatMackhasnotyetthrownhisbest，hemaybecalledupontosurrenderwithinthenextfewminutestheproudpositionhehasheldsolongintheathleticworld。Butthereisnotasignofexcitementinhisface。Withgreatcare，andwithalmostpainfuldeliberation，hebalancesthehammerforamomentortwo，thenonce——twice——and，withatremendousquickeningofspeed，——thrice——heswings，andhisthrowismade。A
　　greatthrowitis，anyonecansee，andonethatbeatsthewinner。
　　Inhushedandstrainedsilencethepeopleawaittheresult。”Onehundredandtwenty-onefeetnine。”
　　Thenrisestheroarthathasbeenheldpentupduringthelastfewnerve-rackingminutes。”Itissagoodenoughthrow，”saidBlackDuncanwithaquietsmile，”butthereissmoreinmeyet。Now，lad，doyourbestandtherewillbenohardfeelingwiththissmanwhatefferhappens。”
　　BlackDuncan’saccentandidiomsrevealtheintenseexcitementthatliesbehindhisquietface。
　　Macktakesthehammer。”Iwillnotbeatit，youmaybesure，”hesays。”ButIwilljusttakeaflingatitanyway。””Now，Mack，”saysCameron，”forthesakeofallyouloveforgetthedistanceandshowthemtheBraemarswing。Easyandslow。”
　　ButMackwaveshimasideandstandspondering。Heis”gettingtheidea。””Man，doyouseehim？”whispershisbrotherDanny，whostandsneartoCameron。”Ibelievehehasgotit。”
　　Cameronnodshishead。Mackwearsanimpressiveairofconfidenceandstrength。”Itwillbeagreatthrow，”saysCamerontoDanny。”Easyandslow”Mackpoisesthegreathammerinhishand，swingingitgentlybackwardandforwardasifithadbeenaboy’stoy，thegreatmusclesinarmsandbackripplingupanddowninfirmfullwavesunderhiswhiteskin，forheisnowstrippedtothewaistforthisthrow。
　　Suddenly，asifatcommand，themusclesseemtospringtotheirplaces，tense，alert。”Easy。”Yes，truly，butbynomeans”slow。””Easy，”thegreathammerswingsabouthisheadinwhirlingcircles，swiftandeverswifter。Once——andtwice——thegreatmusclesinbackandarmsandbackandlegsknottedinbunches——thrice！”Ah-h-h！”Along，wailing，horriblesound，halfmoan，halfcry，breaksfromthepeople。Mackhasmissedhisdirection，andthegreathammer，weightedwiththepotentialitiesofdeath，isdescribingaparabolahighovertheheadsofthecrowding，shrieking，scatteringpeople。”Oh，myGod！MyGod！Oh，myGod！MyGod！”Withhishandscoveringhiseyesthebigmanisswayingfromsidetosidelikeamightytreebeforeatempest。CameronandRossbothspringtohim。
　　Onthehillsidesmenstandrigid，pale，shaking；womenshriekandfaint。Oneghastlymomentofsuspense，andthenahorridsickeningthud；onemoreagonisingsecondofsilence，andthenfromascoreofthroatsrisesacry：”It’sallright！Allright！Noonehurt！”
　　Fromfivehundredthroatsbreaksaweirdunearthlyminglingofstrangesounds；cheersandcries，shoutsandsobs，prayersandoaths。InthemidstofitallMacksinkstohisknees，withhandsoutstretchedtoheaven。”GreatGod，IthankThee！IthankThee！”hecriesbrokenly，thetearsstreamingdownhisghastlyface。Then，fallingforwarduponhishands，hesteadieshimselfwhilegreatsobscomeheavingfromhismightychest。CameronandRoss，stillupholdinghim，throughthecrowdamancomespushinghisway，hurlingmenandwomenrightandleft。”Back，people！Andbestill。”Itistheminister，AlexanderMunro。”Bestill！ItisagreatdeliverancethatGodhaswrought！
　　Peace，woman！Godisnear！Letuspray。”
　　Instantlyallnoisesarehushed，hatscomeoff，andalluptheslopinghillsmenandwomenfalltotheirknees，orremainstandingwithheadsbowed，whiletheminister，uprightbesidethekneelingman，spreadshishandstowardsheavenandpraysinavoicesteady，strong，thrilling：”AlmightyGod，greatandwonderfulinThyways，mercifulandgraciousinThyprovidence，Thouhastwroughtagreatdeliverancebeforeoureyesthisday。AllpowerisinThyhands。AllforcesmoveatThycommand。Thinehanditisthatguidedthisdreadhammerharmlesstoitsownplace，savingthepeoplefromdeath。
　　Itiseverthus，Father，forThouartLove。WelifttoTheeourhearts’praise。MaywewalksoftlybeforeTheethisdayandalway。
　　Amen！””Amen！Amen！”Oneveryhandandupthehillsidesrisestheferventsolemnattestation。”Rise，Mr。Murray！”saystheministerinaloudandsolemnvoice，givingMackhishand。”Godhasbeengracioustoyouthisday。Seethatyoudonotforget。””Hehasthat！Hehasthat！”sobsMack。”AndGodforgivemeifIeverforget。”And，suddenlypushingfromhimthemanyhandsstretchedouttowardshim，hestumbleshiswaythroughthecrowd，ledoffbyhistwofriendstowardsthetent。”Holdonthereaminute！Letusgetthismeasurementfirst。”Itwasthematter-of-fact，cheeryvoiceofFattyFreeman。”IfIamnotmistakenwehaveagreatthrowtomeasure。””Quiteright，Mr。Freeman，”saidtheminister。”Letusgetthemeasurementandletnotthedaybespoiled。””Here，youpeople，don’tstandtheregawkinglikealotofdottychumps！”criedthesecretary，strivingtowhipthemoutofthemoodofhorrorintowhichtheyhadfallen。”Getamoveon！Givethejudgesachance！Whatisit，doctor？”
　　Thejudgeswereconsulting。Atlengththedecisionwasannounced。”Onehundredandtwenty-nineseven。””Hooray！”yelledFatty，flinginghisstrawhathigh。”Onehundredandtwenty-nineseven！Itisaworldthrow！Whydon’tyouyell，youpeople？Don’tyouknowthatyouhaveaworld-beateramongyou？
　　Yell！Yell！””ThreecheersforMackMurray！”calledouttheReverendHarperFreemanfromtheplatform，swinginghisgreatblackbeaverhatoverhishead。
　　Itwaswhatthepeoplewanted。Again，andagain，andyetagainthecrowdexhausteditspent-upemotionsinfranticcheers。Thecloudsofgloomwererolledback，thesunwasshiningbrightagain，andwithfreshzestthepeopleturnedtotheenjoymentoftherestoftheprogramme。”Thankyou，Sir！”saidFattyamidtheuproar，grippingthehandofMr。Munro。”Youhavesavedthedayforus。Wewereallgoingtosmash，butyoupulledusout。”
　　MeantimeinthetentDuncanRosswasdiscoursingtohisfriends。”Man，Mack！Yon’samightythrow！DoyouknowitisswithinfivefeetofmyownrecordandwithintenofBigRory’s？Then，”hesaidsolemnly，”youareintheworld’sfirstclassto-day，myboy，andyouarejustbeginning。””Ihavejustquit！”saidMack。”Whist，lad！Thississnotthedayforsayinganythingaboutit。
　　Wewillwaitaweeandto-daywewilljustbethankful。”Andwiththattheyturnedtootherthings。
　　Theywerestillinthedressingtentwhenthesecretarythrusthischeeryfaceundertheflap。”Isay，boys！Areyouready？Cameron，wewantyouonthepipes。””Harp！”saidMack。”Iamgoinghome。Iamquiteuseless。””Andme，too，”saidCameron。”Ishallgowithyou，Mack。””What？”criedFattyinconsternation。”Lookhere，boys！Isthisasquaredeal？GodknowsIamnearlyallinmyself。I’vehadenoughtokeepthisthingfromgoingtopieces。Don’tyougobackonmenow！””Thatisso！”saidMackslowly。”Cameron，youmuststay。Youareneeded。Iwillspoilthingsmorebystayingthanbygoing。I
　　wouldbeforeverseeingthathammercrushingdown——”Hecoveredhisfacewithhishandsandshuddered。”Allright，Mack！Iwillstay，”saidCameron。”Butwhataboutyou？””Oh，”saidBlackDuncan，”MackandIwillwalkaboutandhaveasmokeforalittle。””Thanks，boys，youarethestuff！”saidFattyfervently。”Oncemoreyouhavesavedtheday。Comethen，Cameron！Getyourpipes。
　　OldSutherlandiswaitingforyou。”
　　ButbeforehesetoffMackcalledCamerontohim。”YouwillseeIsa，”hesaid，”andtellherwhyIcouldnotstay。
　　Andyouwilltakeherhome。”Hisfacewasstillpallid，hisvoiceunsteady。”Iwilltakecareofher，Mack，neverfear。Butcouldyounotremain？Itmighthelpyou。”
　　ButMackonlyshookhishead。HisferventHighlandsoulhadtoorecentlypassedthroughthevalleyofdeathanditsshadowswerestilluponhim。
　　FourhourslaterFattylookedinuponMackathisownhome。Hefoundhimsittinginthemoonlightintheopendoorofthebignewbarn，withhisnew-madefriend，DuncanRoss，atonedoorpostandoldPiperSutherlandattheother，whileupanddownthefloorintheshadowwithinCameronmarched，droningthewildmelodyofthe”MaccrimmonLament。”Mournfulandweirditsoundedthroughthegloom，butupontheheartsoftheseHighlandersitfelllikeasoothingbalm。WithawaveofhishandMackindicatedaseat，whichFattytookwithoutaword。Irrepressiblethoughhewas，hehadalltheinstinctsofatruegentleman。Heknewitwasthetimeforsilence，andsilenthestoodtilltheLamenthadrunthroughits”doubling”andits”trebling，”endingwiththesimplestatelymovementofitsoriginaltheme。ToFattyitwasameremadandunmelodiousnoise，but，readingthefacesofthethreemenbeforehiminthemoonlight，hehadsenseenoughtorecognisehisownlimitations。
　　AtlengththeLamentwasfinishedandCameroncameforwardintothelight。”Ah！Thatissgoodforthesoul，”saidoldpiperSutherland。”DoyouknowwhatyourpipeshavebeensayingtomeinyonLament？
　　’Yea，thoughIwalkthroughDeath’sdarkvale，YetwillIfearnoneill；
　　ForThouartwithme，andThyrodAndstaffmecomfortstill。’
　　Andwehavebeeninthevalleythissday。”
　　Mackrosetohisfeet。”Icouldnothavesaiditmyself，but，astrueasdeath，thatisthewordforme。””Well，”saidFatty，risingbriskly，”Iguessyouareallright，Mack。IconfessIwasabitanxiousaboutyou，but——””Thereisnoneed，”saidMackgravely。”Icansleepnow。””Good-night，then，”repliedFatty，turningtogo。”Cameron，Ioweyouawholelot。Iwon’tforgetit。”Hesethishatuponthebackofhishead，stickinghishandsintohispocketsandsurveyingthegroupbeforehim。”Say！YouHighlandersareagreatbunch。Idonotpretendtounderstandyou，butIwanttosaythatbetweenyouyouhavesavedtheday。”Andwiththatthecheery，frisky，irrepressible，butkindlylittlemanfadedintothemoonlightandwasgone。
　　Forthefourthtimethedayhadbeensaved。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　ASABBATHDAYINLATEAUGUST
　　ItwasaSabbathdayinlateAugust，andinnomonthoftheyeardoesaSabbathdaysochimewiththetime。FortheSabbathdayisadayforrestandholythought，andthelateAugustistheresttimeoftheyear，whenthewoodsandfieldsareallasleepinaslumberousbluehaze；thesacredtime，too，forinlateAugustoldMotherEarthisbreathingherholiestaspirationsheavenward，havingmadeofferingofherbestinthefullfruitageoftheyear。
　　HenceaSabbathdayinlateAugustchimesmarvellouslywellwiththetime。
　　AndthisparticularSabbathdaywasperfectofitskind，adreamy，drowsyday，adaywhengenialsunsandhazycoolairsmingleinexcellentharmony，andthetiredworker，freedfromhisweek’stoil，basksandstretches，yawnsandrevelsinrestundertheorchardtrees；unless，indeed，hegoestomorningchurch。AndtomorningchurchCameronwentasarule，butto-day，owingtoadullacheinhisheadandageneralsenseoflanguorpervadinghislimbs，hehadchoseninstead，aslikelytobemorehealingtohisachingheadandhislanguidlimbs，thegenialsun，temperedwithcoolandlazyairsundertheorchardtrees。AndhencehelaywatchingthedemocratdownthelanedrivenofftochurchbyPerkins，withMandybesidehiminthefrontseat，theseatofauthorityandofactivity，andMr。Haleyaloneinthebackseat，theseatofhonourandofretirement。Mrs。Haleywastoooverbornebytheheatandrushofthebusyweektoadventuretheheatanddustoftheroad，andtosustainthesomewhatstrenuousdiscourseoftheReverendHarperFreeman，towhoseflocktheHaleysbelonged。
　　This，however，wasnotMrs。Haley’sinvariablecustom。InthecoolerweatheritwasherhabittodriveonaSundaymorningtochurch，sittinginthebackseatbesideherhusband，withTimandMandyoccupyingthefrontseatbesidethehiredman，butduringtheheatandhurryoftheharvesttimeshewouldtakeadvantageofthequietnessofthehouseandofthetwoorthreehours’respitefromtheburdenofhouseholddutiestomakeuparrearsofsleepaccumulatedduringtheprecedingweek，salvingherconscience，forshehadaconscienceinthematter，withapromisethatshemightgointheeveningwhenitwascoolerandwhenshewasmorerested。
　　Thispromise，however，havingserveditsturn，wasneverfulfilled，forbytheeveningthewheelsofhouseholdtoilbeganoncemoretoturn，andMrs。Haleyfounditeasiertoworshipvicariously，sendingMandyandTimtotheeveningservice。Andtothisservicetheyoungpeoplewerebynomeansloathtogo，foritwasheldonfaireveningsinMacBurney’swoods，twomilesawaybytheroad，onemilebythepaththroughthewoods。OnoccasionPerkinswouldhitchupinthesinglebuggyDexter，thefieryyoungcolt，toofieryforanyothertodrive，and，asaspecialattentiontohisemployer’sdaughter，woulddrivehertotheservice。ButsincethecomingofCameron，Mandyhadallowedthiscustomtofallintodisuse，atfirstsomewhattoPerkins’relief，forthecoltwasrestlessandfrettedagainstthetierein；and，besides，Perkinswasnotasyetquitepreparedtoacknowledgeanyspecialrelationshipbetweenhimselfandtheyoungladyinquestionbeforetheassembledcongregation，preferringtoregardhimselfandtoberegardedbyothersasafreelance。Later，however，asMandy’spreferenceforawalkthroughthewoodsbecamemoremarked，Perkins，muchtohisdisgust，foundhimselfreducedtotheattitudeofasuppliant，urgingthesuperiorattractionofaswiftdrivebehindDexterasagainstawearywalktotheservice。Mandy，however，withthedirectnessofhersimplenature，hadnocompunctioninfranklymaintainingherpreferenceforawalkwithTimandCameronthroughthewoods；indeed，morethanoncesheallowedPerkinstodriveoffwithhisfierycolt，aloneinhisglory。
　　ButthisSabbathmorning，asCameronlayundertheorchardtrees，hewasfirmlyresolvedthathewouldgivethewholedaytothenursingoftheacheinhisheadandthepainfullanguorinhisbody。Andsolyingheallowedhismindtowanderuncontrolledoverthehappeningsofthepastmonths，troubledbyalazyconsciousnessofasorespotsomewhereinhislife。Graduallytheregrewintoclearnesstherealisationofthecauseofthissorespot。”WhatisthematterwithPerkins？”heaskedofTim，whohaddeclinedtogotochurch，andwhohadstrolledintotheorchardtobenearhisfriend。”WhatisthematterwithPerkins？”Cameronaskedasecondtime，forTimwasapparentlytoomuchengagedwithalateharvestappletoanswer。”How？”saidtheboyatlength。”Heissoinfernallygrumpywithme。””Grumpy？He’ssore，Iguess。””Sore？””Youbet！EversinceIbeathimintheturnipsthatday。””EversinceYOUbeathim？”askedCameroninamazement。”Whyshouldhebesoreagainstme？””Heknowsitwasyoudoneit，”saidTim。”Nonsense，Tim！Besides，Perkinsisn’tababy。Hesurelydoesn’tholdthatagainstme。””Huh，huh，”saidTim，”everybody’spokin’funathim，andhehatesthat，andeversincethepicnic，too，hehatesyou。””Butwhyintheworld？””Oh，shucks！”saidTim，impatientatCameron’sdensity。”Iguessyouknowallright。””Know？NotI！””Gitout？””Honorbright，Tim，”repliedCameron，sittingup。”Now，honestly，tellme，Tim，whyintheworldPerkinsshouldhateme。””Youputhisnoseoutofjoint，Iguess，”saidTimwithagrin。”Oh，rot，Tim！How？””Everyhow，”saidTim，proceedingtoelaborate。”Firstwhenyoucamehereyouwerenogood——Imean——”Timcheckedhimselfhastily。”Iknowwhatyoumean，Tim。Goon。Youarequiteright。I
　　couldn’tdoanythingonthefarm。””Now，”continuedTim，”youcandoanythingjistasgoodashim——
　　exceptbindin’，ofcourse。He’saterroratbindin’，butatpitchin’andshockin’andloadin’you’rejistasgood。””But，Tim，that’sallnonsense。Perkinsisn’tsuchafoolastohatemebecauseIcankeepupmyend。””Hedon’tlikeyou，”saidTimstubbornly。”Butwhy？Whyinthenameofcommonsense？””Well，”saidTim，summingupthesituation，”beforeyoucomeheusedtobethehullthing。Nowhe’sgottoplaysecondfiddle。”
　　ButCameronremainedunenlightened。”Oh，pshaw！”continuedTim，makingfurtherconcessionstohisfriend’sstupidity。”Atthedances，attheraisin’s，runnin’，jumpin’——everythin’——PerkinsusedtobetheKingBee。Now——”
　　Tim’ssilencefurnishedanimpressiveclosetothecontrast。”Why！
　　Theyallthinkyouarejustfine！”saidTim，withasuddenburstofconfidence。”They？””Alltheboys。Yes，andthegirls，too，”saidTim，allowinghissolemnfacetheunusualluxuryofasmile。”Thegirls？””Aw，yehknowwellenough——theMurraygirls，andtheMacKenzies，andthehulllotofthem。Andthen——andthen——there’sMandy，too。”
　　HereTimshotakeenglanceathisfriend，whonowsatleaningagainstthetrunkofanappletreewithhiseyesclosed。”Now，Tim，youareashrewdlittlechap”——hereCameronsatupright——”buthowdoyouknowaboutthegirls，andwhatisthisyousayaboutMandy？Mandyisgoodtome——verykindandallthat，but——””SheusedtolikePerkinsprettywell，”saidTim，withakindofhesitatingshyness。”AndPerkins？””Oh，hethoughthejistownedher。Guessheain’tsosurenow，”
　　addedTim。”Iguessyou’vechangedMandyallright。”
　　ItwastheonethingCameronhatedtohear，buthemadelightofit。”Oh，nonsense！”heexclaimed。”ButifIdidIwouldbemightygladofit。MandyistoogoodforamanlikePerkins。Why，heisn’tsafe。””He’saterror，”repliedTimseriously。”Theyareallscairtofhim。He’saterrortofight。Why，atMacKenzie’sraisin’lastyearhejistwentroundfoamin’likeanoldboarandnobodydastsayawordtohim。EvenMackMurraywasscairttotouchhim。Whenhegetslikethatheain’tafraidofnothin’andhe’sawfulquickandstrong。”
　　Timproceededtoenlargeuponthistheme，whichapparentlyfascinatedhim，withtalesofPerkins’prowessinrough-and-tumblefighting。ButCameronhadlostinterestandwaslyingdownagainwithhiseyesclosed。”Well，”hesaid，whenTimhadfinishedhisrecital，”ifheisthatkindofamanMandyshouldhavenothingtodowithhim。”
　　ButTimwastroubled。”Dadlikeshim，”hesaidgloomily。”Heisagoodhand。Andmalikeshim，too。Hetaffiesherup。””AndMandy？”enquiredCameron。”Idon’tknow，”saidTim，stillmoregloomy。”Iguesshekindofmakesher。I’d——I’djistliketotakealumpoutofhim。”Tim’seyesblazedintoasuddenfire。”Herunsthingsonthisfarmaltogethertoomuch。””Buckupthen，Tim，andbeathim，”saidCameron，dismissingthesubject。”AndnowImusthavesomesleep。Ihavegotanawfulheadon。”
　　Timwasquickenoughtounderstandthehint，butstillhehoveredabout。”Say，I’mawfulsorry，”hesaid。”Can’tIgitsomethin’？Youdidn’teatnobreakfast。””Oh，allIwantissleep，Tim。Iwillbeallrighttomorrow，”
　　repliedCameron，touchedbythetoneofsympathyinTim’svoice。”Youareafinelittlechap。Trotalongandletmesleep。”
　　ButnosleepcametoCameron，partlybecauseofthehammerknockinginhishead，butchieflybecauseofthethoughtssetgoingbyTim。
　　Cameronwasnotabnormallyegotistical，buthewasdelightedlyawareofthenewplaceheheldinthecommunityeversincethenowfamousDominionDaypicnic，and，nowthattheharvestrushhadsomewhatslackened，socialengagementshadbeguntocrowduponhim。
　　Dancesandfrolics，coonhuntsandraisingswerebecomingthevoguethroughoutthecommunity，andnosocialfunctionwascompletewithoutthepresenceofCameron。Butthissuddenpopularityhaditsembarrassments，andamongthem，andthreateningtobecomeannoying，wasthehostilityofPerkins，veiledasyet，butnonethelessreal。Moreover，behindPerkinsstoodabandofyoungfellowsofwhomhewastherecognisedleaderandoverwhomhisabilityinthevariousartsandcraftsofthefarm，hisphysicalprowessinsports，hisgay，cheerymanner，and，itmustbesaid，thereputationheboreforacertainfiercebrutecourageinrough-and-
　　tumblefighting，gavehimasortofascendency。
　　ButPerkins’attitudetowardshimdidnotafterallcauseCameronmuchconcern。Therewasanotherandmoreannoyingcauseofembarrassment，andthatwasMandy。Tim’swordskeptreiteratingthemselvesinhisbrain，”You’vechangedMandyallright。”OverthisdeclarationofTim’s，Cameronproceededtoarguewithhimself。
　　Hesatboltuprightthathemightfacehimselfonthematter。”Now，then，”hesaidtohimself，”let’shavethisthingout。””Mostwillingly。ThisgirlwasonthewaytoengagementtothisyoungmanPerkins。Youcomeonthescene。Everythingischanged。””Well！Whatofit？It’samightygoodthingforher。””Butyouarethecauseofit。””Theoccasion，rather。””No，thecause。Youhaveattractedhertoyou。””Ican’thelpthat。Besides，itisamerepassingwhim。She’llgetoverallthat？”AndCameronlaughedscornfullyinhisownface。”Doyouknowthat？Andhowdoyouknowit？Timthinksdifferently。””Oh，confounditall！IseethatIshallhavetogetoutofhere。””Awisedecisiontruly，andthesoonerthebetter。Doyouproposetogoatonce？””Atonce？Well，Ishouldliketospendthewinterhere。Ihavemadeanumberoffriendsandlifeisbeginningtobepleasant。””Exactly！Itsuitsyourconvenience，buthowaboutMandy？””Oh，rubbish！MustIbegovernedbythefanciesofthatsillygirl？Besides，thewholethingisabsurdlyridiculous。””Butfactsarestubborn，andanyonecanseethatthegirlis——””Hangitall！I’llgoattheendofthemonth。””Verywell。Andintheleave-taking——？””What？””Itispleasanttobeappreciatedandtocarryawaywithonememories，Iwillnotsaytender，butappreciative。””Ican’tactlikeaboor。Imustbedecenttothegirl。Besides，sheisn’taltogetherafool。””No，butverycrude，veryprimitive，verypassionate，andthereforeverydefenseless。””Allright，Ishallsimplyshakehandsandgo。”
　　So，withtheconsequentsenseofreliefthathighresolvealwaysbrings，Cameronlaydownagainandfellintoslumberanddreamsofhome。