FromthesedreamsofhomeMandyrecalledhimwithasummonstodinner。Ashiseye，stillfilledwiththevisionofhisdreams，felluponherinallthegorgeoussplendourofherSundaydress，hewasconsciousofastrongsenseofrepulsion。Howcoarse，howcrude，howvulgarsheappeared，howhorriblyoutofkeepingwiththosescenesthroughwhichhehadjustbeenwanderinginhisdreams。”Iwantnodinner，Mandy，”hesaidshortly。”IhaveabadheadandIamnothungry。””Nodinner？”ThatamanshouldnotwantdinnerwastoMandyquiteinexplicable，unless，indeed，hewereill。”Areyousick？”shecriedinquickalarm。”No，Ihaveaheadache。Itwillpassaway，”saidCameron，turningoveronhisside。StillMandylingered。”Letmebringyouanicepieceofpieandacupoftea。”
　　Cameronshuddered。”No，”hesaid，”bringmenothing。Imerelywishtosleep。”
　　ButMandyrefusedtobedrivenaway。”Say，I’mawfulsorry。Iknowyou’resick。””Nonsense！”saidCameron，impatiently，waitingforhertobegone。
　　StillMandyhesitated。”I’mawfulsorry，”shesaidagain，andhervoice，deep，tender，full-toned，revealedheremotion。
　　Cameronturnedimpatientlytowardsher。”Lookhere，Mandy！There’snothingwrongwithme。Ionlywantalittlesleep。Ishallbeallrightto-morrow。”
　　ButMandy’sfearswerenottobeallayed。”Say，”shecried，”youlookawfulbad。””Oh，getout，Mandy！Goandgetyourdinner。Don’tmindme。”
　　Cameron’stonewasdecidedlycross。
　　WithoutfurtherremonstranceMandyturnedsilentlyaway，butbeforesheturnedCameroncaughtthegleamoftearsinthegreatblueeyes。Aswiftcompunctionseizedhim。”Isay，Mandy，Idon’twanttoberude，but——””Rude？”criedthegirl。”You？Youcouldn’tbe。Youarealwaysgood——tome——and——I——don’t——know——”Herehervoicebroke。”Oh，come，Mandy，getawaytodinner。Youareagoodgirl。Nowleavemealone。”
　　ThekindnessinhisvoicequitebrokedownMandy’salltooslightcontrol。Sheturnedaway，audiblysniffling，withheraprontohereyes，leavingCameroninastateofwrathfulperplexity。”Oh，confounditall！”hegroanedtohimself。”Thisisarottengo。ByJove！ThismeanstheWestforme。TheWest！Afterall，that’stheplace。Herethereisnochanceanyway。WhydidInotgosooner？”
　　Herosefromthegrass，shiveringwithasuddenchill，wenttohisbedinthehaymow，and，coveringhimselfwithTim’sblanketsandhisown，fellagainintosleep。Here，lateintheafternoon，Timfoundhimandcalledhimtosupper。
　　WithMandy’swatchfuleyeuponhimhewentthroughtheformofeating，butMandywasnottobedeceived。”Youain’teatin’nothin’，”shesaidreproachfullyasherosefromthetable。”Enoughforamanwhoisdoingnothing，”repliedCameron。”WhatI
　　wantisexercise。IthinkIshalltakeawalk。””Goingtochurch？”sheenquired，aneagerlightspringingintohereye。”Tochurch？Ihadn’tthoughtofit，”repliedCameron，but，catchingthegleamofasmileonPerkins’faceandnotingtheutterlywoebegoneexpressiononMandy’s，headded，”Well，Imightaswellwalktochurchasanyplaceelse。Youaregoing，Tim？””Huhhuh！”repliedTim。”IamgoingtohitchupDeck，Mandy，”saidPerkins。”Oh，I’mgoin’towalk！”saidMandy，emphatically。”Allright！”saidPerkins。”GuessI’llwalktoowiththecrowd。””Don’tmindme，”saidMandy。”Idon’t，”laughedPerkins，”youbet！Noranybodyelse。””Andthat’snolie！”sniffedMandy，withatossofherhead。”Betterdrivetochurch，Mandy，”suggestedhermother。”Youknowyou’rejisttiredoutanditwillbelatewhenyougetstarted。””Tired？Late？”criedMandy，withalacrity。”I’llbethroughthemdishesinajiffyandbereadyinnotime。Ilikethewalkthroughthewoods。””Dependsonthecompany，”laughedPerkinsagain。”SodoI。Guesswe’llallgotogether。”
　　Truetoherpromise，Mandywasreadywithinhalfanhour。Cameronshudderedashebeheldthebewilderingvarietyofcolourinherattireandthestillmorebewilderingarrangementofhatandhair。”You’regoodandgay，Mandy，”saidPerkins。”What’sthekilling？”
　　Mandymadenoreplysavebyadisdainfulflirtofherskirtsasshesetoffdownthelane，followedbyPerkins，CameronandTimbringinguptherear。
　　Thelanewasagrassysward，cutwithtwowagon-wheeltracks，andwithapicturesquesnakefenceoneitherside。Beyondthefenceslaythefields，someofthemwithstubblerakedclean，thenextyear’sclovershowinggreenabovetheyellow，somewiththegrainstandingstillintheshock，andsomewiththecrop，thelateoatsforinstance，stilluncut，butreadyforthereaper。Theturnipfieldwassplendidlyandluxuriantlygreenwithneverasignofthebrownearth。Thehaymeadow，too，wasgreenandpurplewiththesecondgrowthofclover。
　　Sodownthelaneandbetweentheshornfields，yellowandgreen，betweenthecloverfieldsandtheturnips，theywalkedinsilence，forthespelloftheSabbatheveninglayuponthesunnyfields，barredwiththeshadowsfromthetreesthatgrewalongthefencelineseverywhere。Atthe”slashing”thewagonrutsfadedoutandtheroadnarrowedtoasinglecowpath，windingitswaybetweenstumpsandroundlogpiles，halfhiddenbyaluxuriantgrowthoffoxgloveandfireweedandasters，andeverywherethegloriousgoldenrod。Thenthroughthebarsthepathledintothewoods，anobleremnantofthebeechandelmandmapleforestfromwhichthefarmhadbeencutsomesixtyyearsbefore。Coolandshadowytheystood，andshotthroughwithbrightshaftsofgoldfromthewesteringsun，fullofmysterioussilenceexceptforthetwitteringofthesleepybirdsorfortheremonstrantcallofthesentinelcrowfromhiswatchtoweronthedeadtopofagreatelm。Deeperintotheshadethepathranuntilinthegloomitfadedalmostoutofsight。
　　Soothedbythecoolshade，Cameronloiteredalongthepath，pausingtolearnofTimthenamesofplantsandtreesashewent。”Ain’tyehnevercomin’？”calledMandyfromthegloomfarinfront。”What’salltherush？”repliedTim，impatiently，wholovednothingbetterthanaquietwalkwithCameronthroughthewoods。”Rush？We’llbelate，andIhatewalkin’upbeforethehullcrowd。
　　Comeon！”criedhissisterinimpatienttone。”Allright，Mandy，we’renearlythroughthewoods。Ibegintoseetheclearingyonder，”saidCameron，pointingtowherethelightwasbeginningtoshowthroughthetreetopsbeforethem。
　　Buttheywerelateenough，andMandywasgladofthecoveroftheopeninghymntoallowhertofindherwaytoagroupofhergirlfriends，themalesofthepartytakingshelterwithaneighbouringgroupoftheirownsexnearby。
　　Upontheslopingsidesofthegrassyhillsandunderthebeechandmapletrees，thevanguardoftheretreatingwoods，satthecongregation，facingthepreacher，whostoodonthegrassylevelbelow。Behindthemwasthesolidwallofthickwoods，overthemtimespreadingboughs，andfarabovethetreesthebluesummersky，allthebluerforthelittlewhitecloudsthatsailedserenelikeshipsuponasea。Attheirfeetlaytheopencountry，checkeredbythesnakefencesintofieldsofyellow，green，andbrown，androllingawaytomeetthewoodsatthehorizon。
　　TheSabbathrestfilledthesweetair，breathedfromtheshadywoods，resteduponthecheckeredfields，andliftedwiththehymntotheblueheavenabove。Astatelycathedralitwas，thisplaceofworship，filledwiththeincenseofflowersandfields，archedbythehighdomeofheaven，andlightedbythegloryofthesettingsun。
　　Relievedbythewalkforatimefromtheacheinhishead，Cameronsurrenderedhimselftothemysteriousinfluencesoftheplaceandthehour。Helethiseyeswanderoverthefieldsbelowhimtothefarhorizon，andbeyond——beyondthewoods，beyondtheinterveningleaguesoflandandsea——andwasagaingazinguponthesunlitlovelinessoftheCuaghOir。TheGlenwasabrimwithgoldenlightthissummerevening，thepurplewasonthehillsandthelittlelochgleamedsapphireatthebottom。
　　Thepreacherwasreadinghistext。”Untoonehegavefivetalents，toanothertwo，toanotherone，toeverymanaccordingtohisseveralability，andstraightwaytookhisjourney，”andsoontotheendofthatmarvellouslywisetale，wisewiththewisdomofGod，confirmedbythewisdomofhumanexperience。
　　TheReverendHarperFreeman’svoicecouldhardly，evenbycourtesy，becalledmusical；infact，itwasharshandstrident；butthiseveningthehills，andthetrees，andthewideopenspaces，Nature’smightymodulator，subduedtheharshness，sothatthevoicerolleduptothepeopleclear，full，andsonorous。Norwasthepreacherpossessedofgreatlearningnorenduedwiththegiftofeloquence。Hehad，however，ashrewdknowledgeofhispeopleandoftheirwaysandoftheirneeds，andhehadakindlyheart，and，morethanall，hehadthepreacher’sgift，thedivinecapacityfortakingfire。
　　ForatimehiswordsfellunheededuponCameron’souterear。”Toeverymanhisownendowments，somegreat，somesmall，but，markyou，nomanleftquitepoverty-stricken。Godgiveseverymanhischance。NomancanlookGodintheface，notoneofyouherecansaythatyouhavehadnochance。”
　　Cameron’svagrantmind，suddenlyrecalled，respondedwithaquickassent。Opportunity？Endowment？Yes，surely。HismindflashedbackovertheyearsofhiseducationattheAcademyandtheUniversity，longlazyyears。Howlittlehehadmadeofthem！
　　Othershadturnedthemintothegoldofsuccess。HewonderedhowoldDunnwasgettingon，andLinklater，andlittleMartin。Howfarawayseemedthosedays，andyetonlysomefourorfivemonthsseparatedhimfromthem。”Onewasafailure，adead，flatfailure，”continuedthepreacher。”Notsomuchawickedman，nomurderer，nodrunkard，nogambler，butamiserablefailure。Poorfellow！Attheendoflifeawretchedbankrupt，losingevenhisoriginalendowment。Howwouldyouliketocomehomeafterten，twenty，thirtyyearsofexperimentwithlifeandconfesstoyourfatherthatyouweredeadbrokeandnogood？”
　　AgainCameron’smindcamebackfromitswanderingwithastart。Gobacktohisfatherafailure！Hedrewhislipdownhardoverhisteeth。Notwhilehelived！Andyet，whatwasthereinprospectforhim？Hiswholesoulrevoltedagainstthedrearymonotonyandthenarrownessofhispresentlife，andyet，whatotherpathlayopen？Cameronwentstrayinginfancyoverthepast，orinexcursionsintothefuture，while，parallelwithhisrambling，thesermoncontinuedtomakeitswaythroughitsvariousheadsandparticulars。”Why？”Thevoiceofthepreacherroseclear，dominant，arresting。”Whydidhefailsoabjectly，someanly，sodespicably？Forthereisnoexcuseforafailure。Listen！NomanNEEDfail。Amanwhoisafailureisamean，selfish，lazychump。”Mr。Freemanwascolloquial，ifanything。”Somemenpityhim。Idon’t。Ihavenouseforhim，andheistheonethinginalltheworldthatGodhimselfhasnousefor。”
　　AgainCameron’smindwasjerkedbackasarunawayhorsebyarein。
　　Sofarhislifehadbeenafailure。Wastherethennoexcuseforfailure？Whatofhisupbringing，hiseducation，hisenvironment？
　　Hehadbeenindulgingthehabitduringtheselastweeksofshiftingresponsibilityfromhimselfforwhathehadbecome。”Whatwasthecauseofthisyoungman’sfailure？”reiteratedthepreacher。Thepreacherhadawholesomebeliefinthevalueofreiteration。Hehadahabitofrubbinginhispoints。”Heblamedtheboss。Listentohisimpudence！’Iknewtheetobeahardman。’Heblamedhisowntemperamentanddisposition。’Iwasafraid。’Butthebossbringshimupsharpandshort。’Quitlying！’hesaid。’I’lltellyouwhat’swrongwithyou。You’vegotameanheart，youain’thonest，andyou’retoolazytolive。Here，takethatmoneyfromhimandgiveittothemanthatcandomostwithit，andtakethisuselessloaferoutofmysight。’Andservedhimright，too，sayI，impudent，lazyliar。”
　　Cameronfoundhismindrisinginwrathfuldefenseoftheunhappywretchedfailureinthestory。Butthepreacherwasutterlyrelentlessandproceededtoenlargeuponthecharacteroftheunhappywretch。”Impudent！Thewaytotellanimpudentmanistolethimtalk。
　　Nowlistentothismancheektheboss！’Iknewyou，’hesaid。
　　’Youskineverybodyinsight。’Ihavealwaysnoticed，”remarkedthepreacher，withatwinkleinhiseye，”thatthehiredmanwhocan’tkeepuphisendisthekindthatcheekstheboss。Andsoitiswithlife。Why，somemenwouldcheekAlmightyGod。TheyturnrightroundandfacetheotherwaywhenGodisexplainingthingstothem，whenHeispersuadingthem，whenHeistryingtohelpthem。
　　Thentheyglancebackovertheirshouldersandsay，’Aw，gwan！I
　　knowbetterthanyou。’Thinkoftheimpudenceofthem！That’swhatmanyamandoeswithGod。WithGOD，mindyou！GOD！YourFatherinheaven，yourBrother，yourSaviour，GodasyouknowhimintheManofGalilee，theManyoualwaysseewiththesickandtheoutcastandthebroken-hearted。ItisthisGodthatownsyouandallyou’vegot——behonestandsayso。YoumustbeginbygettingrightwithGod。””God！”OncemoreCameronwentwanderingbackintothefarawaydaysofchildhood。Godwasverynearthen，andveryfriendly。Howwellherememberedwhenhismotherhadtuckedhiminatnightandhadkissedhimandhadputoutthelight。Heneverfeltaloneandafraid，forshelefthim，soshesaid，withGod。ItwasGodwhotookhismother’splace，neartohisbedside。InthosedaysGodseemedverynearandverykind。Herememberedhismother’slookonedaywhenhedeclaredtoherthathecouldhearGodbreathingjustbesidehiminthedark。HowremoteGodseemedto-dayandhowshadowy，and，yes，hehadtoconfessit，unfriendly。Heheardnomoreofthesermon。Withacuriousacheinhisheartheallowedhismindtodwellamidthosehappy，happymemorieswhenhismotherandGodwerethenearestanddearesttohimofallheknew。Itmayhavebeentheacheinhisheadortheoppressivelanguorthatseemedtopossesshisbody，butthroughouttheprayerthatfollowedthesermonhewasconsciouschieflyofagreatlongingforhismother’stouchuponhishead，andwiththatalongingforhisboyhood’ssenseofthefriendlyGodinhisheart。
　　AndsoasthepreacherledthemuptoGodinprayer，Cameronbowedhisheadwiththeothers，thankfulthathecouldstillbelievethat，thoughcloudsanddarknessmightbeaboutHim，Godwasnotbeyondthereachofthesoul’scrynorquiteunmovedbyhumanneed。
　　Andforthefirsttimeforyearshesentforthasalittlechildhiscryofneed，”Godhelpme！Godhelpme！”
　　CHAPTERVII
　　THECHIVAREE
　　Therewasstilllightenoughtosee。Thelasthymnwasannounced。
　　Cameronwasconsciousofadeep，poignantemotion。Heglancedswiftlyabouthim。Theeyesofallwereuponthepreacher’sfacewhilehereadinslowsonoroustonesthewordsoftheoldMethodisthymn：”Come，ThouFountofeveryblessing！
　　TunemyhearttosingThygrace；”
　　allexceptthegroupofyoungmenofwhomPerkinswasthecentre，who，bymeansofthesaccharinemediumknownasconversationlozenges，wereseekingtodiverttheattentionofthebandofyounggirlssittingbeforethem。AmongthesesatMandy。Ashiseyeresteduponthebillowyoutlinesofherfigure，strugglingwiththelimitationsofherwhiteblouse，trickedoutwithpinkribbons，hewasconsciousofawaveofmingledpityanddisgust。Dull，stupid，andvulgarshelooked。ItwasatherthatPerkinswasflippinghisconversationlozenges。Onefelluponherhymnbook。Withastartsheglancedabout。NotaneyeexceptCameron’swasturnedherway。
　　Withasmileandablushthatburneddeepunderthedulltanofherneckandcheekshetookthelozenge，readitsinscription，burningadeeperred。ThewordswhichshehadreadshetookasCameron’s。
　　Sheturnedhereyesfulluponhisface。Thelightoftremulousjoyintheirlovelydepthsstartledandthrilledhim。Asnickerfromthegroupofyoungmenbehindrousedinhimadeepindignation。
　　Theyweretakingtheircoarsefunoutofthissimple-mindedgirl。
　　Cameron’sfuriousglanceatthemappearedonlytoincreasetheiramusement。ItdidnotlessenCameron’sembarrassmentandragethatnowandthenduringthereadingofthehymnMandy’seyeswereturneduponhimasifwithnewunderstanding。Enragedwithhimself，andmorewiththegroupofhoodlumsbehindhim，Cameronstoodfortheclosinghymnwithhisarmsfoldedacrosshisbreast。
　　Atthesecondverseahandtouchedhisarm。ItwasMandyofferinghimherbook。Oncemoreasnickerfromthegroupofdelightedobserversbehindhimstirredhisindignationonbehalfofthisawkwardanduntutoredgirl。Heforcedhimselftolistentothewordsofthethirdverse，whichroseclearandsonorousinthepreacher’svoice：”HereIraisemyEbenezer，HitherbyThyhelpI’mcome；
　　AndIhope，byThygoodpleasure，Safelytoarriveathome。”
　　ThesereneassuranceoftheoldMethodisthymnrosetriumphantinthesinging，anassurancebornofanexperienceofpastconflictendingintriumph。Thatnoteofhighandsereneconfidenceconjuredupwithaflashofmemoryhismother’sface。Thatwashercharacteristic，aserene，undismayedcourage。Inthedarkesthoursthatsteadyflameofcourageneverdieddown。
　　Butoncemorehewasrecalledtotheserviceofthehourbyavoice，rich，full，low，yetofwonderfulpower，singingtheoldwords。IttookhimamomentortwotodiscoverthatitwasMandysingingbesidehim。Herfacewasturnedfromhimandupwardstowardsthetreesaboveher，throughthenetworkofwhoseleavesthestarswerebeginningtoshine。Amazed，enthralled，helistenedtotheflowingmelodyofhervoice。Itwaslikethesongofabrookrunningdeepintheforestshade，full-tonedyetsoft，quietyetthrilling。Sheseemedtohaveforgottenhersurroundings。HersoulwasholdingconversewiththeEternal。Helostsightofthecoarseandfleshlyhabilimentsintheglimpsehecaughtofthesoulthatlivedwithin，pure，itseemedtohim，tender，andgood。Hisheartwentouttothegirlinanewpity。Beforethehymnwasdonesheturnedherfacetowardshim，and，whetheritwasthemagicofhervoice，ortheglorioussplendourofhereyes，orthemystictouchofthefastdarkeningnight，herfaceseemedtohavelostmuchofitscoarsenessandallofitsstupidity。
　　Asthecongregationdispersed，Cameron，insilence，andwiththespellofhervoicestilluponhim，walkedquietlybesideMandytowardsthegapinthefenceleadingtothehighroad。BehindhimcamePerkinswithhisgroupoffriends，chaffingwitheachotherandwiththegirlswalkinginfrontofthem。AsCameronwassteppingovertherailswherethefencehadbeenletdown，oneoftheyoungmenfollowingstumbledheavilyagainsthim，nearlythrowinghimdown，andbeforehecouldrecoverhimselfPerkinshadtakenhisplacebyMandy’ssideandseizedherarm。Therewasagenerallaughatwhatwasconsideredaperfectlyfairandnotunusualpieceofjockeyinginthesquiringofyoungdamsels。Theproperprocedureinsuchacasewasthatthediscomfitedcavaliershouldbidehistimeandservealiketurnuponhisrival，theyoungladymeanwhilemaintaininganattitudepurelypassive。ButMandywasnotsominded。ReleasingherselffromPerkins’grasp，sheturneduponthegroupofyoungmenfollowing，exclaimingangrily，”Yououghttobeashamedofyourself，SamSailor！”Then，movingtoCameron’sside，shesaidinaclear，distinctvoice：”Mr。Cameron，wouldyoupleasetakemybookforme？””Comeon，boys！”saidPerkins，withhisneverfailinglaugh。”I
　　guesswe’renotinthis。””Takeyourmedicine，Perkins，”laughedoneofhisfriends。”Yes，I’lltakeitallright，”repliedPerkins。Butthelaughcouldnotconcealtheshakeofpassioninhisvoice。”Itwillwork，too，youbet！”
　　Sosaying，hestrodeoffintothegatheringgloomfollowedbyhisfriends。”Comealong，Mr。Cameron，”saidMandywithasillygiggle。”I
　　guesswedon’tneedthemfellows。Theycan’tfoolus，canthey？”
　　Hermanner，herspeech，herlaughrudelydissipatedallCameron’snewfeelingtowardsher。Thewholeepisodefilledhimonlywithdisgustandannoyance。”Come，then，”hesaid，almostroughly。”Weshallneedtohurry，forthereisastormcomingup。”
　　Mandyglancedatthegatheringclouds。”Mygoodness！”shecried；”it’scomin’upfast。My！Ihatetogitmyclotheswet。”Andoffshesetatarapidpace，keepingabreastofhercompanionandmakinggaybutelephantineattemptsatsprightlyconversation。BeforeCameron’sunsympatheticsilence，however，allhersprightlyattemptscametoabjectfailure。”What’sthematterwithyou？”atlengthsheasked。”Don’tyouwanttoseemehome？””What？”saidCameron，abruptly，forhisthoughtswerefaraway。”Oh，nonsense！Ofcourse！Whynot？Butweshallcertainlybecaughtinthestorm。Letushurry。Here，letmetakeyourarm。”
　　Hismannerwasbrusque，almostrude。”Oh，IguessIcangetalong，”repliedMandy，catchingoffherhatandgatheringupherskirtoverhershoulders，”butwe’llhavetohustle，forI’dhatetohaveyouget，wet。”HerimperturbablegoodhumourandhersolicitudeforhimrebukedCameronforhisabruptness。”Ihopeyouwillnotgetwet，”hesaid。”Oh，don’tyouworryaboutme。Iain’tsaltnorsugar，butI
　　forgotallaboutyourbein’sick。”AndwithlabouredbreathpoorMandyhurriedthroughthegrowingdarknesswithCameronkeepingclosebyherside。”Wewon’tbelongnow，”shepanted，astheyturnedfromthesidelinetowardstheirowngate。
　　Asifinreplytoherwordstheresoundedfrombehindthefenceandclosetotheirsidealongloudhowl。Camerongaveastart。”GreatCaesar！Whatdogisthat？”heexclaimed。”Oh，”saidMandycoolly，”guessit’sMacKenzie’sCarlo。”
　　Immediatelythererosefromthefenceontheothersideanansweringhowl，followedbyafullchorusofhowlsandyelpsmingledwithabawlingofcalvesandtheringingofcowbells，asifadozencursormorewereinfullcryafteraherdofcattle。
　　Cameronstoodstillinbewilderedamazement。”Whatthedeucearetheyat？”hecried，peeringthroughthedarkness。”Huh！”gruntedMandy。”Them’scursallright，buttheyain’tmuchdog。YouwaittillIseethemfellows。They’llpayforthis，youbet！””Doyoumeantosaythesearenotdogs？”criedCameron，speakinginherear，sogreatwasthedin。”Dogs？”answeredMandywithindignantscorn。”Naw！Justor’narycurs！Comealong，”shecried，catchinghisarm，”let’shurry。””Here！”hecried，suddenlywrenchinghimselffree，”Iamgoingtoseeintothis。””No，no！”criedMandy，grippinghisarmoncemorewithherstronghands。”Theywillhurtyou。Comeon！We’rejusthome。Youcanseethemagain。No，Iwon’tletyougo。”
　　Invainhestruggled。Herstronghandsheldhimfast。Suddenlytherewasasuccessionofshort，sharpbarks。Immediatelydeadsilencefell。Notasoundcouldbeheard，notashapeseen。”Comeoutintotheopen，youcowardlycurs！”shoutedCameron。”Comeon！One，two，threeatatime，ifyoudare！”
　　Butsilenceansweredhim。”Come，”saidMandyinalowvoice，”let’shurry。It’sgoin’torain。Comeon！Comealong！”
　　Cameronstoodirresolute。Thenaroseoutoftheblackdarknessalongquaveringcatcall。WithasuddendashCameronsprangtowardsthefence。Instantlytherewasasoundofrunningfeetthroughtheplowedfieldontheotherside，thensilence。”Comeback，youcowards！”ragedCameron。”Isn’tthereamanamongyou？”
　　Foransweraclodcamehurtlingthroughthedarkandstruckwithathuduponthefence。Immediately，asifatasignal，therefellaboutCameronaperfecthailofclodsandevenstones。”Oh！Oh！”shriekedMandy，rushingtowardshimandthrowingherselfbetweenhimandthefallingmissiles。”Comeaway！Comeaway！
　　They’lljustkillyou。”
　　ForanswerCameronputhisarmsaboutheranddrewherbehindhim，shieldingherasbesthecouldwithhisbody。”Doyouwanttokillawoman？”hecalledaloud。
　　Atoncethehailofclodsceasedand，ragingashewas，Mandydraggedhimhomeward。Atthedoorofthehousehemadetoturnback。”Notmuch，youdon’t，”saidMandy，stoutly，”orIgowithyou。””Oh，allright，”saidCameron，”letthemgo。Theyareonlyalotofcurs，anyway。”
　　Forafewminutestheystoodandtalkedinthekitchen，Cameronmakinglightoftheincidentandmakingstrenuouseffortstodissembletheragethatfilledhissoul。AfterafewminutesconversationCameronannouncedhisintentionofgoingtobed，whileMandypassedupstairs。Heleftthehouseandstoledownthelanetowardtheroad。Thethrobbingpaininhisheadwasforgottenintheblindragethatpossessedhim。Hehadonlyonelonging，tostandwithinstrikingdistanceofthecowardlycurs，onlyonefear，thattheyshouldescapehim。Swiftly，silently，hestoledownthelane，everynerve，everymuscletenseasasteelspring。Histhroatwashot，hiseyessodazzledthathecouldscarcelysee；hisbreathcameinquickgasps；hishandsweretremblingaswithanervouschill。Thestormhadpartiallyblownaway。Ithadbecomesolightthathecoulddimlydiscernanumberoffiguresattheentrancetothelane。Havinghisquarryinsight，Cameroncrouchedinthefencecorner，holdinghardbytherailtillheshouldbecomemasterofhimself。Hecouldheartheirexplosionsofsuppressedlaughter。Itwassomeminutesbeforehehadhimselfinhand，thenwithaswiftsilentrunhestoodamongthem。Sobusyweretheyinrecountingthevariousincidentsintherecent”chivaree，”thatbeforetheywereawareCameronwasuponthem。Athisapproachthecirclebrokeandscattered，someflyingtothefence。ButPerkinswithsomeothersstoodtheirground。”Hello，Cameron！”drawledPerkins。”Didyouseeourcows？I
　　thoughtIheardsomeofthemdowntheline。”
　　ForanswerCameronlaunchedhimselfathimlikeaboltfromabow。
　　TherewasasinglesharpcrackandPerkinswasliterallyliftedclearoffhisfeetandhurledbackupontheroad，wherehelaystill。FiercelyCameronfacedroundtothenextman，buthegavebackquickly。AthirdsprangtothrowhimselfuponCameron，butoncemoreCameron’shandshotforwardandhisassailantwashurledbackheavilyintothearmsofhisfriends。BeforeCameroncouldstrikeagainayounggiant，knownasSamSailor，flunghisarmsabouthim，crying——”Tut-tut，youngfellow，thiswon’tdo，youknow。Can’tyoutakeabitoffun？”
　　ForanswerCameronclinchedhimsavagely，grippinghimbythethroatandplantingtwoheavyblowsuponhisribs。”Here——boys，”gaspedtheyoungfellow，”he’s——chokin’——the——life——
　　out——ofme。”
　　Fromallsidestheythrewthemselvesuponhimand，striking，kicking，fightingfuriously，Cameronwentdownunderthestrugglingmass，hishandstillgrippingthethroatithadseized。”Say！He’saregularbull-dog，”criedone。”Githoldofhislegsandyankhimoff，”which，withshoutsandlaughter，theyproceededtodoandpiledthemselvesuponhim，chantingtherefrain——”Morebeef！Morebeef！”
　　Afewminutesmoreoffranticstrugglingandawildagonisedscreamrosefrombeneaththemassofmen。”Gitoff，boys！Gitoff！”roaredtheyounggiant。”I’mafraidhe’shurt。”
　　Flingingthemoffoneitherside，hestoodupandwaitedfortheirvictimtorise。ButCameronlayonhisface，moaningandwrithing，ontheground。”Say，boys，”saidSam，kneelingdownbesidehim，”I’mafraidhe’shurtedbad。”
　　InhiswrithingCameronliftedoneleg。Ittoppledovertooneside。”Jumpin’Jeremiah！”saidSaminanawedvoice。”Hisleg’sbroke！
　　WhatinSamHillcanwedo？”
　　Ashespoketherewasasoundofrunningfeet，comingdownthelane。Themoon，shiningthroughthebreakingclouds，revealedafigurewithfloatinggarmentsrapidlyapproaching。”Mycats！”criedSaminaterrifiedvoice。”It’sMandy。”
　　LikeleavesbeforeasuddengustofwindthegroupscatteredandonlySamwasleft。”What——whatareyoudoin’？”pantedMandy。”Whereishe？Oh，isthathim？”SheflungherselfdowninthedustbesideCameronandturnedhimover。Hisfacewaswhite，hiseyesglazed。Helookedlikedeath。”Oh！Oh！”shemoaned。”Havetheykilledyou？Havetheykilledyou？”Shegatheredhisheaduponherknees，moaninglikeawoundedanimal。”GoodLord，Mandy，don’tgoonlikethat！”criedSaminahorrifiedvoice。”It’sonlyhislegbroke。”
　　Mandylaidhisheadgentlydown，thensprangtoherfeet。”Onlyhislegbroke？Whodoneit？Whodoneit，tellme？Whodoneit？”shepanted，hervoicerisingwithhergaspingbreath。”Whatcowarddoneit？Wasityou，SamSailor？””Guesswe’reallinit，”saidSamstupidly。”Itwasjistabitoffun，Mandy。”
　　ForanswersheswungherheavyhandharduponSam’sface。”Say，Mandy！Holdhard！”criedSam，surpriseandtheweightoftheblowalmostknockinghimoffhisfeet。”Youcowardlybrute！”shegasped。”Getoutofmysight。Oh，whatshallwedo？”ShedroppedonherkneesandtookCameron’sheadoncemoreinherarms。”Whatshallwedo？””Guesswe’llhavetogithiminsomewheres，”saidSam。”Howcanwecarryhimthough？Ifwehadsomekindofastretcher？””Wait！Iknow，”criedMandy，flyingoffupthelane。
　　Beforemanyminuteshadpassedshehadreturned，breathinghard。”It’s——the——milkhouse——door，”shesaid。”I——guessthat’ll——do。””That’lldoallright，Mandy。NowIwishsomeofthemfellerswouldcome。”
　　Sampulledoffhiscoatandmadeofitapillow，thenstooduplookingforhelp。HiseyefellupontheprostrateandsenselessformofPerkins。”Say，what’llwedowithhim？”hesaid，pointingtothesilentfigure。”Whoisit？”enquiredMandy。”What’sthematter？””It’sPerkins，”repliedSam。”Hehithimaterriblecrack。””Perkins！”saidMandywithscorn。”Lethimlie，thedog。Comeon，takehishead。””Youcan’tdoit，Mandy，nousetrying。Youcan’tdoit。””Comeon，Itellyou，”shesaidfiercely。”Quityourjawin’。Hemaybedyin’forallIknow。I’dcarryhimaloneifitwasn’tforhisbrokenleg。”Slowly，painfullytheycarriedhimtothehouseandtothefrontdoor。”Waitaminute！”saidMandy。”I’llhavetogitthingsfixedabit。
　　Wemustn’twakemother。Itwouldscarehertodeath。”
　　ShepassedquicklyintothehouseandsoonSamsawalightpassfromroomtoroom。InafewmomentsMandyreappearedatthefrontdoor。”Quick！”whisperedSam。”He’scomin’to。””Oh，thankgoodness！”criedMandy。”Let’sgithiminbeforehewakes。”
　　Oncemoretheyliftedtheirburdenandwithinfinitedifficultyandmuchpainfulmanoeuveringtheygottheinjuredmanthroughthedoorsanduponthespareroombed。”Andnow，SamSailor，”criedMandy，comingclosetohim，”youjisthitchupDeckandhustleforthedoctorifeveryoudidinyourlife。Don’twaitfornothin’，butgo！Go！”Shefairlypushedhimoutofthedoor，runningwithhimtowardsthestable。”Oh，Sam，hurry！”shepleaded，”forifthismanshoulddieIwillneverbethelikeagain。”Herfacewaswhite，hereyesglowinglikegreatstars；hervoicewassoftandtremulouswithtears。
　　Samstoodforamomentgazingasifuponavision。”Whatareyoulookin’at？”shecried，stampingherfootandpushinghimaway。”Jumpin’Jeremiah！”mutteredSam，asherantowardsthestable。”IsthatMandyHaley？Guesswedon’tknowmuchabouther。”
　　HisnimblefingerssoonhadDexterhitchedtothebuggyandspeedingdownthelaneatapacesufficientlyrapidtosuitthehighspiritofeventhatfieryyoungcolt。
　　Atthehighroadhecameuponhisfriends，someofwhomwereworkingwithPerkins，othersconversinginawedandhurriedundertones。”Hello，Sam！”theycalled。”Holdup！””I’minahurry，boys，don’tstopme。I’mscaredtodeath。Andyoubettergithome。She’llbedownonyouagain。””Howishe？”criedavoice。”Don’tknow。I’mgoin’forthedoctor，andthesoonerwegitthatdoctorthebetterforeverybodyaround。”AndSamdisappearedinawhirlofdust。”Say！Whowouldathoughtit？”hemused。”ThatMandyHaley？
　　She’saterror。Andthemeyes！Oh，giton，Deck，whatyoumonkeyin’about？Wonderifshe’sgoneonthatyoungfeller？I
　　guesssheisallright！Say，wasn’tthataclouthehandedPerkins。Anddidn’tshegivemeone。Butthemeyes！MandyHaley！
　　Bythejumpin’Jeremiah！Andthewayshelooksatafeller！Here，Deck，whatyoufoolin’about？Gwannow，oryou’llgitintotrouble。”
　　Deck，whohadbeenindulginghimselfinaseriesofleapsandplunges，shyingateventhemostfamiliarobjectsbytheroadside，settleddownatlengthtoabusinessliketrotwhichbroughthimtothedoctor’sdoorinaboutfifteenminutesfromtheHaleys’gate。
　　ButtoSam’sdismaythedoctorhadgonetoCramm’sMill，sixorsevenmilesaway，andwouldnotbebacktillthemorning。Samwasinaquandary。TherewasanotherdoctoratBrookfield，fivemilesfurtheron，buttherewasapossibilitythathealsomightbeout。”Say，thereain’tnousegoin’backwithoutadoctor。She’d——
　　she’d——Jumpin’Jeremiah！Whatwouldshedo？Say，Deck，you’vegottogitdowntobusiness。We’regoin’tothecity。Therearedoctorstherethickashaironadog。We’lltryDr。Turnbull。
　　Say，it’llbegreatifwecouldgithim！Deck，we’lldoit！Butyougottogitupanddust。”
　　AndthisDeckproceededtodotosuchgoodpurposethatinaboutanhour’stimehestoodbeforeDr。Turnbull’sdoorinthecity，somewhatwet，itistrue，butwithhisfieryspiritstilluntamed。
　　HereagainadversefatemettheunfortunateSam。”DoctorTurnbull’snoathome，”saidthemaid，smartwithcapandapron，whoopenedthedoor。”Howlongwillhebegone？”enquiredSam，wonderingwhatshehadonherhead，andwhy。”There’snotellin’。Anhour，ortwohours，orthree。””Threehours？”echoedSam。”Say，afellermightkickthebucketinthattime。”
　　Themaidsmiledanundisturbedsmile。”Bucket？Whatbucket，eh？Whatbucketareyetalkin’aboot？”sheenquired。”Say，you’resmart，ain’tyeh！ButIgotayoungfellerthat’sbrokehislegand——””Hisleg？”saidthemaidindifferently。”Well，he’sgotanother？””Yes，youbethehas，butonelegain’tmuchgoodwithouttheother。Howwouldyouliketohoparoundononeleg？Andhe’shurtinside，too，hislights，Iguess，andotherthings。”Sam’sanatomicalknowledgewassomewhatvague。”Andbesides，hisgirl’stakin’onawful。””Oh，issheindeed？”repliedthemaid，thisitemapparentlybeingtoheroftheveryslightestimportance。”Say，ifyouonlysawher，”saidSam。”Pretty，Isuppose，”saidthemaidwithatouchofscorn。”Pretty？No，uglyasahedgefence。Butsay，Iwishshewashererightnow。She’dbringyoutoyour——totime，youbet。””Wouldshe，now？I’dsorther。”Andthelittlemaid’sblackeyessnapped。”Say，what’llIdo？Jistgottohaveadoctor。””Ye’llnogithimtillto-morrow。””To-morrow？””Howfarootareye？””Twelvemiles。””Twelvemiles？Ye’llnogethimaminuteaforeto-morrownoon。””Say，thatyoungfeller’llcroak，sure。Awayfromhometoo。Nofriends。AllhisfolksinScotland。””Scotland，didyesay？”Somethingappearedtowakeupinthelittlemaid。”Lookhere，whydon’tyegetadoctorinsteado’
　　daunderin’yourtimehere？””Gitadoctor？”echoedSaminvastsurprise。”Andain’tItryin’
　　togitadoctor？Where’llIgitadoctor？””Gotothehospital，yegawk，andaskforDr。Turnbull，andtellhimtheyoungladisastrangerandthathisfolkareinScotland。
　　Hoots，yegomeril，beoffnoo，an’thepuirladwantin’ye。Come，I’llpityeonyerway。”Themaidbyherspeechwasobviouslyexcited。
　　Samglancedattheclockashepassedout。Hehadbeenawayanhourandahalf。”Jumpin’Jeremiah！I’vegottohurry。She’lltakemyheadoff。””Ofcourseyehave，”saidthemaidsharply。”Godowntwostreetsthere，thentakethefirstturntoyourleftandgostraightonforhalfadozenblocksorso。Mindyetellthedoctorthelad’sfraeScotland！”shecriedtoSamashedroveoff。
　　AtthehospitalSamwasfortunateenoughtocatchDr。Turnbullinthehallwithoneortwoothers，justastheywereabouttopassintotheconsultingroom。SuchwasSam’sdesperatestateofmindthathewentstraightuptothegroup。”IwantDr。Turnbull，”hesaid。”Thereheisbeforeyou，”repliedasharp-facedyoungdoctor，pointingtoabenevolentlookingoldgentleman。”Dr。Turnbull，there’sayoungfellerhurtdreadfuloutourway。
　　Hisleg’sbroke。Guesshe’shurtinsidetoo。Andhe’sastranger。
　　HisfolksareallinScotland。Guesshe’sdyin’，andI’vegot——
　　I’vegotahorseandbuggyatthedoor。Icangityououtandbackinajiffy。Say，doctor，I’mallreadytostart。”
　　Asmilepassedoverthefacesofthegroup。ButDr。Turnbullhadtoolongexperiencewithdesperatecasesandwithdesperatemen。”MydearSir，”hereplied，”Icannotgoforsomehours。””Doctor，Iwantyounow。Igottohavesomebodyrightnow。””Abrokenleg？”musedthedoctor。”Yes，andhurtinside。””Howdidithappen？”saidthedoctor。”Eh？Idon’tknowexactly，”repliedSam，takensomewhataback。”Somethin’fellonhim。Butheneedsyoubad。””Ican’tgo，myman，butwe’llfindsomeone。What’shisnamedidyousay？””HisnameisCameron，andhe’sfromScotland。””Cameron？”saidthesharp-facedyoungdoctor。”Whatdoeshelooklike？””Looklike？”saidSaminaperplexedvoice。”Well，thegirlsallthinkhelooksprettygood。He’sdarkcomplectedandhe’samightysmartyoungfeller。Greatonjumpin’andrunnin’。Say，he’sacrackajack。Why，attheDominionDaypicnic！Butyoumusta’
　　heardabouthim。He’sthechap，youknow，thatwonthehundredyards。Playsthepipesand——””Playsthepipes？”criedDr。Turnbullandtheyoungdoctortogether。”Andhisname’sCameron？”continuedtheyoungdoctor。”Iwondernowif——””Isay，Martin，”saidDr。Turnbull，”Ithinkyouhadbettergo。
　　Thecasemaybeurgent。””Cameron！”criedMartinagain。”Ibetmybatit’s——Here，waittillIgetmycoat。I’llbewithyouinajerk。Haveyougotagoodhorse？””He’sallright，”saidSam。”He’llgityouthereinanhour。””Anhour？Howfarisit？””Twelvemiles。””Greatheavens！Come，then，getamoveon！”AndsoitcamethatwithinanhourCameron，openinghiseyes，lookedupintothefaceofhisfriend。”Martin！ByJove！”hesaid，andclosedhiseyesagain。”Martin！”
　　hesaidagain，lookinguponthefamiliarface。”Say，oldboy，isthisadream？Iseemtobehavinglotsofthem。””It’snodream，oldchap，butwhatinthemischiefisthematter？
　　Whatdoesallthisfevermean？Let’slookatyou。”
　　AbriefexaminationwasenoughtoshowthedoctorthatabrokenlegwastheleastofCameron’strouble。Ahastyinvestigationoftheresourcesofthefarmhousedeterminedthedoctor’scourse。”Thismanhastyphoidfever，abadcasetoo，”hesaidtoMandy。”Wewilltakehimintothehospital。””Thehospital？”criedMandyfiercely。”Willyou，then？””Hewillbealotoftroubletoyou，”saidthedoctor。”Trouble？Trouble？Whatareyoutalkin’about？””We’reawfulbusy，Mandy，”interposedthemother，whohadbeenrousedfromherbed。”Oh，shucks，mother！Oh，don’tsendhimaway，”shepleaded。”I
　　cannursehim，justaseasy。”Shepaused，withquiveringlips。”Itwillbemuchbetterforthepatienttobeinthehospital。Hewillgetconstantandsystematiccare。Hewillbeundermyownobservationeveryhour。Iassureyouitwillbebetterforhim，”
　　saidthedoctor。”Betterforhim？”echoedMandyinafaintvoice。”Well，lethimgo。”
　　Inlessthananhour’stime，suchwasDr。Martin’senergeticpromptness，hehadhispatientcomfortablyplacedinthedemocratonanimprovisedstretcherandonhiswaytothecityhospital。
　　Andthusitcameaboutthattheproblemofhisleave-taking，whichhadvexedCameronforsomanydays，wassolved。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　INAPPLETIME”Anotherbasketofeggs，Mr。Cameron，andsuchdeliciouscream！I
　　amdeeplygrievedtoseeyousonearlywell。””Grieved？””Foryouwillbeleavingusofcourse。””Thanks，thatiskindofyou。””Andtherewillbeanendtoeggsandcream。Ah！Youarealuckyman。”Andthetrim，neat，bright-facednurseshookherfingerathim。”SoIhaveoftenremarkedtomyselfthesesixweeks。””Afriendisagreatdiscoveryandbythesesametokensyouhavefoundone。””Truly，theyhavebeenmorethankind。””Thismakesthetwelfthvisitinsixweeks，”saidthenurse。”Inbusyharvestandthreshingtime，too。Doyouknowwhatthatmeans？””Toacertainextent。Itisawfullygoodofthem。””Butsheisshy，shy——andIthinksheisafraidofYOU。Herchiefinterestappearstobeinthekitchen，whichshehasneverfailedtovisit。”
　　ThebloodslowlyroseinCameron’sface，fromwhichthesummertanhadallbeenbleachedbyhissixweeks’fightwithfever，buthemadenoreplytothebrisk，sharp-eyed，sharp-mindedlittlenurse。”AndIknowsheisdyingtoseeyou，and，indeed，”shechuckled，”itmightdoyougood。Sheistrulywonderful。”Andagainthenurselaughed。”Don’tyouthinkyoucouldbearavisit？”Thesmilebroadeneduponherface。
　　Butunawareshehadtouchedasensitivespotinherpatient，hisHighlandpride。”IshallbemorethanpleasedtohaveanopportunitytothankMissHaleyforhergreatkindness，”herepliedwithdignity。”Allright，”repliedthenurse。”Ishallbringherin。Nowdon’texciteyourself。Thatfeverisnotsofaraway。Andonlyafewminutes。Whenwefarmersgocalling——Iamafarmer，remember，andknowthemwell——whenwegocallingwetakeourknittingandspendtheafternoon。”
　　InafewmomentsshereturnedwithMandy。Thedifferencebetweenthestout，red-faced，coarse-featured，obtrusivelyhealthycountrygirl，heavyoffootandhand，slowofspeechandawkwardofmanner，andtheneat，quick，deft-fingered，bright-facednursewassomarkedthatCameroncouldhardlycontrolthewaveofpitythatsweptthroughhisheart，forhecouldseethatevenMandyherselfwasvividlyawareofthecontrast。InvainCamerontriedtoputheratherease。Shesimplysatandstared，nowatthewalls，nowatthefloor，refusingforatimetouttermorethanmonosyllables，punctuatedwithgiggles。”Iwanttothankyoufortheeggsandcream。Theyarefine，”saidCameronheartily。”Oh，pshaw，that’snothin’！Lotsmorewheretheycomefrom，”
　　repliedMandywithagiggle。”Butit’salongwayforyoutodrive；andinthebusytimetoo。””Oh，wehadtocomeinanywayforthings，”repliedMandy，makinglightofherservice。”Youareallwell？””Oh，prettymiddlin’。Maain’trightsmart。She’stoomuchtodo，andthat’sthetruth。””Andtheboys？”Cameronhesitatedtobemorespecific。”Oh，there’snothin’eatin’them。Idon’tbotherwiththemmuch。”
　　Mandywasdesperatelytwistingherwhitecottongloves。
　　Atthispointthenurse，withafinalwarningtothepatientnottotalktoomuchandnottoexcitehimself，lefttheroom。InamomentMandy’swholemannerchanged。”Say！”shecriedinahurriedvoice；”Perkinsisleft。””Left？””Icouldn’tjiststandhimafter——after——thatnight。Dadwantedhimtostay，butIcouldn’tjiststandhim，andsohequit。””Quit？””Ijisthatehimsince——since——thatnight。WhenIthinkofwhathedoneIcouldkillhim。My，Iwasgladtoseehimlyin’thereinthedust！”Mandy’swordscamehotandfast。”Theymight’akilledyou。”ForthefirsttimeintheinterviewshelookedfairlyintoCameron’seyes。”My，youdolookawful！”shesaid，withdifficultycommandinghervoice。”Nonsense，Mandy！Yousee，itwasn’tmylegthathurtme。Itwasthefeverthatpulledmedown。””Oh，I’llneverforgetthatnight！”criedMandy，strugglingtokeepherlipsfromquivering。”NorwillIeverforgetwhatyoudidformethatnight，Mandy。Samtoldmeallaboutit。Ishallalwaysbeyourfriend。”
　　Foramomentlongersheheldhimwithhereyes。Thenherfacegrewsuddenlypaleand，withvoiceandhandstrembling，shesaid：”Imustgo。Good-by。”
　　Hetookhergreatredhandinhislongthinfingers。”Good-by，Mandy，andthankyou。””My！”shesaid，lookingdownatthefingerssheheldinherhand。”Yourhandsisawfulthin。Areyousuregoin’togitbetter？””OfcourseIam，andIamcomingouttoseeyoubeforeIgo。”
　　Shesatdownquickly，stillholdinghishand，asifhehadstruckheraheavyblow。”Beforeyougo？Where？”Hervoicewashardlyaboveawhisper；herfacewaswhite，herlipsbeyondhercontrol。”OutWesttoseekmyfortune。”Hisvoicewasjauntyandhefeignednottoseeherdistress。”Ishallbewalkinginacoupleofweeksorso，eh，nurse？””Acoupleofweeks？”repliedthenurse，whohadjustentered。”Yes，ifyouaregood。”
　　Mandyhastilyrose。”Butifyouarenot，”continuedthenurseseverely，”itmaybemonths。Stay，MissHaley，IamgoingtobringMr。Cameronhisafternoonteaandyoucanhavesomewithhim。Indeed，youlookquitedoneup。Iamsureallthatworkyouhavebeentellingmeaboutistoomuchforyou。”
　　HerkindlytonesbrokethelastshredofMandy’sself-control。Shesankintoherchair，coveredherfacewithhergreatredhandsandburstintotempestuousweeping。Cameronsatupquickly。”Whatinthenameofgoodnessiswrong，Mandy？””Liedownatonce，Mr。Cameron！”saidthenursesternly。”Hush，hush，MissHaley！Yououghttobeashamedofyourself！Don’tyouknowthatyouarehurtinghim？”
　　Shecouldhavechosennobetterword。InaninstantMandywasonherfeet，moppingoffherfaceandchokingdownhersobs。”Ain’tIafool？”shecriedangrily。”Ablamedfool。Well，I
　　won’tbotheryouanylonger。GuessI’llgonow。Good-byall。”
　　WithoutanotherlookatCameronshewasgone。
　　Cameronlaybackuponhispillows，whiteandnerveless。”Nowcanyoutellme，”hepanted，”what’sup？””Searchme！”saidthenursegaily，”butIforbidyoutospeakasinglewordforhalfanhour。Here，drinkthisrightoff！Now，notaword！WhatwillDr。Martinsay？Notaword！Yes，Ishallseehersafelyofftheplace。Quietnow！”Shekeptupacontinuousstreamofsprightlychattertocoverherownanxietyandtoturnthecurrentofherpatient’sthoughts。Bythetimeshehadreachedtheentrancehall，however，Mandyhadvanished。”Greatsillygoose！”saidtheindignantnurse。”I’dseemyselffarenoughbeforeI’dgivemyselfawaylikethat。Littlefool！He’llhaveatemperaturesureandIwillcatchit。Bah！Thesegirls！
　　Nexttimesheseeshimitwillnotbehere。Ihopethedoctorwilljustgivemeanhourtogethimquietagain。”
　　Butinthishopeshewasdisappointed，foruponherreturntoherpatientshefoundDr。Martinintheroom。Hisfacewasgrave。”What’sup，nurse？Whatisthemeaningofthisrottenpulse？Whathashebeenhavingtoeat？””Well，Dr。Martin，Imayaswellconfessmysins，”repliedthenurse，”forthereisnousetryingtodeceiveyouanyway。Mr。
　　Cameronhashadavisitorandshehasexcitedhim。””Ah！”saidthedoctorinarelievedtone。”Avisitor！Aladyvisitor！Acharming，sympathetic，interested，andinterestingvisitor。””Exactly！”saidthenursewithagiggle。”ItwasMissHaley，Martin，”saidCamerongravely。
　　Thedoctorlookedpuzzled。”ThedaughterofthefarmerwithwhomIwasworking，”explainedCameron。”Ah，Irememberher，”saidthedoctor。”AndadeuceofatimeI
　　hadwithher，too，gettingyouawayfromher，ifIrememberaright。
　　Itrustthereisnothingseriouslywronginthatquarter？”saidMartinwithunusualgravity。”Oh，quitit，Martin！”saidCameronimpatiently。”Don’trag。
　　She’sanawfuldecentsort。Herlooksarenotthebestofher。””Ah！Iamrelievedtohearthat，”saidthedoctorearnestly。”Sheisverykind，indeed，”saidthenurse。”Forthesesixweeksshehasfedusupwitheggsandcreamsothatbothmypatientandmyselfhavefaredsumptuouslyeveryday。Indeed，ifitshouldcontinuemuchlongerIshallhavetoaskanadditionalallowanceforanewuniform。IhavepromisedthatMr。Cameronshallvisitthefarmwithintwoweeksifhebehaveswell。””Exactly！”repliedthedoctor。”Intwoweeksifheisgood。Theonlyquestionthattroublesmeis——isitquitesafe？Youseeinhispresentweakconditionhissusceptibilityisdecidedlyemphasised，hisresistingpowerislow，andwhoknowswhatmighthappen，especiallyifsheshouldinsist？Ishallnotsoonforgetthelookinhereyewhenshedaredmetolayafingeruponhisperson。””Oh，cutitout，Martin！”saidCameron。”Youmakemeweary。”Helaybackonhispillowandclosedhiseyes。
　　Thenursethrewasignaltothedoctor。”Allright，oldman，wemuststopthischaff。Buckupandintwoweekswewillletyougowhereyoulike。Ihavesomethinginmindforyou，butwewon’tspeakofitto-day。”
　　Theharvestwassafelystored。Theyellowstubbleshowedthefieldsatrest，butthevividgreenofthenewfallwheatproclaimedtheastoundingandfamiliarfactthatoncemoreNaturehadbegunherancientperennialmiracle。Forinthosefieldsofvividgreentheharvestofthecomingyearwasalreadyontheway。Onthesegreenfieldsthesnowymantlewouldliesoftandprotectingallthelongwinterthroughandwhenthespringsunswouldshineagainthefallwheatwouldbeamonthormoreonthewaytowardsmaturity。
　　Somehowthecountrylookedmorerested，fresher，cleanertoCameronthanwhenhehadlastlookeduponitinlateAugust。Therainhadwashedthedustfromtheearth’sfaceandfromthegreenswardthatborderedthegreyribbonofthehighroadthatledoutfromthecity。Thepasturesandthehaymeadowsandtheturnipfieldswereallintheirfreshestgreen，andbeyondthefieldstheforeststoodgloriousinallitsautumnsplendour，theashtreesbrightyellow，theoaksrichbrown，andthemaplesallthecoloursoftherainbow。
　　Intheorchard——ah，thewonderandthejoyofit！eventhebareandbonylimbsoftheappletreesonlyhelpedtorevealthesumptuouswealthoftheirlusciousfruit。Foritwasappletimeintheland！