CHAPTER4。THECOMINGOFTHETIDE
　　Whilethecorngrew，schoolwentonand，likethecorn，Chad'sschoolingputforthleavesandborefruitrapidly。Theboy'smindwasasclearashiseyeand，likeamountain-pool，gavebackeveryimagethatpassedbeforeit。Notaworddroppedfromthemaster'slipsthathefailedtohearandcouldn'trepeat，and，inamonth，hehadputDolphandRube，who，bigastheywere，hadlittlemorethanlearnedthealphabet，toopenshame；andhewonimmunitywithhisfistsfromgibeandinsultfromeveryboywithinhisinchesinschool——includingTadDillon，whocameintimetoknowthatitwasgoodtolettheboyalone。Heworkedlikealittleslaveaboutthehouse，and，likeJack，wonhiswayintotheheartsofoldJoelandhiswife，andevenofDolphandRube，inspiteoftheirsorenessoverChad'shavingspelledthembothdownbeforethewholeschool。AsforTallTom，hetookasmuchprideastheschool-
　　masterintheboy，andintown，atthegrist-mill，thecross-roads，orblacksmithshop，neverfailedtotellthestoryofthedogandtheboy，whenevertherewasasoultolisten。AndasforMelissa，whilesheruledhimlikeaqueenandChadpaidsturdyanduncomplaininghomage，shewouldhavescratchedouttheeyesofoneofherownbrothershadhedaredtolayafingerontheboy。ForChadhadGod'sowngift——towinlovefromallbutenemiesandnothingbutrespectandfearfromthem。Everymorning，soonafterdaybreak，hestalkedaheadofthelittlegirltoschool，withDolphandRubeloungingalongbehind，and，anhourbeforesunset，stalkedbackinthesamewayhomeagain。
　　Whennotatschool，thetwofishedandplayedtogether——inseparable。
　　Cornwasripenow，andschoolclosedandChadwentwiththemenintothefieldsanddidhispart，strippingthegraybladesfromtheyellowstalks，bindingthemintosheaves，stowingthemawayunderthelowroofofthebigbarn，orstackingthemtent-likeinthefields——leavingeachearperchedlikeabigroostingbirdoneachlonestalk。Andwhentheautumncame，therewerehuskingpartiesanddancesandmuchmerriment；and，nightafternight，ChadsawSinthaandtheschool-masterinfrontofthefire——"settin'up"——closetogetherwiththeirarmsabouteachother'snecksandwhispering。Andtherewerequiltingpartiesandhousewarmingsandhouse-raisings——onethatwasofgreatimportancetoCalebHazelandtoChad。For，onemorning，Sinthadisappearedandcamebackwiththetallyounghunterinthedeerskinleggings——blushingfuriously——abride。AtonceoldJoelgavethemsomeclearedlandattheheadofacreek；theneighborscameintobuildthemacabin，andamongthemall，noneworkedharderthantheschool-master；andnoonebutChadguessedhowsorelyhithewas。
　　Meanwhile，thewoodshighandlowwereringingwiththemellowechoesofaxes，andthethunderingcrashofbigtreesalongthemountain-side；foralreadythehillsmenwerefellingtreeswhilethesapwasintheroots，sothattheycouldlieallwinter，drybetterandfloatbetterinthespring，whentheraftsweretakendowntherivertothelittlecapitalintheBluegrass。AndCalebHazelsaidthathewouldgodownonaraftinthespringandperhapsChadcouldgowithhimwhoknew？Fortheschool-masterhadnowmadeuphismindfinally——hewouldgooutintotheworldandmakehiswayoutthere；andnobodybutChadnoticedthathisdecisioncameonlyafter，andonlyalittlewhileafter，thehouse-raisingattheheadofthecreek。
　　Whenwintercame，schoolopenedagain，andonSaturdaysandSundaysandcoldsnowynights，Chadandtheschool-master——forhetoolivedattheTurners'
　　now——satbeforethefireinthekitchen，andtheschool-masterreadtohimfrom"Ivanhoe"and"TheTalisman，"whichhehadbroughtfromtheBluegrass，andfromtheBiblewhichhadbeenhisownsincehewasachild。Andtheboydrankinthetalesuntilhewasdrunkwiththemandlearnedtheconsciousscornofalie，theconsciousloveoftruthandprideincourage，andtheconsciousreverenceforwomenthatmaketheessenceofchivalryasdistinguishedfromtheunthinkingcodeofbrave，simplepeople。Headoptedthemaster'sdignifiedphraseologyasbesthecould；hewatchedhim，asthemasterstoodbeforethefirewithhishandsunderhiscoat-tails，hischinraised，andhiseyesdreamilyupward，andTallTomcaughttheboyinjustthisattitudeonedayandmadefunofhimbeforealltheothers。Hetriedsomehigh-soundingphrasesonMelissa，andMelissatoldhimhemustbecrazy。Once，even，hetriedtokissherhandgallantlyandsheslappedhisface。Undaunted，hemadealanceofwhiteash，threadedsomelooseyarnintoMelissa'scolors，ashetoldhimself，sneakedintothebarn，whereBeelzebubwastied，gotonthesheep'sbackand，astheoldramsprangforward，couchedhislanceatthetroughandshattereditwithathrillthatlefthimtremblingforhalfanhour。Itwastoogoodtogiveupthatsecretjoustandhemadeanotherlanceandessayedanothertournament，butthistimeBeelzebubbuttedthedooropenandsprangwithaloudba-a-aintotheyardandchargedforthegate——infullviewofoldJoel，thethreebrothers，andtheschool-master，whowerestandingintheroad。Instinctively，Chadswungoninspiteoftheroaroflaughterandastonishmentthatgreetedhimand，asTombangedthegate，theramswervedandChadshotoffsidewiseasfromacatapultanddropped，amostunheroiclittleknight，inthemire。ThatendedChad'schivalryinthehills，forintheroarsoflaughterthatgreetedhim，ChadrecognizedCalebHazel'sastheloudest。IfHElaughed，chivalrycouldneverthrivethere，andChadgaveitup；buttheseedsweresown。
　　Thewinterpassed，andwhatatimeChadandJackhad，snakinglogsoutofthemountainswithtwo，four，six——yes，eveneightyokeofoxen，whenthelogwastheheartofamonarchoakorpoplar——snakingthemtothechute；watchingthemrollandwhirlandleaplikejack-strawsfromendtoenddownthesteepinclineand，withonelastshootintheair，roll，shaking，quivering，intoamightyheaponthebankofKingdomCome。Andthenthe"rafting"ofthoselogs——draggingthemintothepoolofthecreek，lashingthemtogetherwithsaplingsdriventothelogswithwoodenpinsinauger-holes——wadingabout，meanwhile，waistdeepinthecoldwater：andthefinallashingoftherafttoanear-bytreewithagrape-vinecable——toawaitthecomingofa"tide。"
　　Wouldthattidenevercome？Itseemednot。Thespringploughingwasover，thecornplanted；therehadbeenrainafterrain，butgentlerainsonly。Therehadbeenprayersforrain：
　　"OLord，"saidthecircuit-rider，"wedonotpresumetodictatetoThee，butweneedrain，an'needitmightybad。Wedonotpresumetodictate，but，ifitpleasesThee，sendus，notagentlesizzle-sizzle，butasod-soaker，OLord，agullywasher。Giveusatide，OLord！"Sunriseandsunset，oldJoelturnedhiseyetotheeastandthewestandshookhishead。TallTomdidthesame，andDolphandRubestudiedtheheavensforasign。Theschool-mastergrewvisiblyimpatientandChadwasinafeverofrestlessexpectancy。Theoldmotherhadmadehimasuitofclothes——mountain-clothes——forthetrip。OldJoelgavehimafive-dollarbillforhiswinter'swork。EvenJackseemedtoknowthatsomethingunusualwasonhandandhungcloseraboutthehouse，forfearhemightbeleftbehind。
　　Softlyatlast，onenight，camethepatteroflittlefeetontheroofandpassed——cameagainandpaused；andthentherewasarushandasteadyroarthatwakenedChadandthrilledhimashelaylistening。Itdidnotlastlong，buttheriverwasmuddyenoughandhighenoughfortheTurnerbrotherstofloattheraftslowlyoutfromthemouthofKingdomComeanddowninfrontofthehouse，whereitwasanchoredtoahugesycamoreinplainsight。AtnoonthecloudsgatheredandoldJoelgaveuphistriptotown。
　　"Hit'llbegininaboutanhour，boys，"hesaid，andinanhouritdidbegin。
　　Therewastobenodoubtaboutthisflood。Atdusk，theriverhadrisentwofeetandtheraftwaspullingatitscablelikeanawakeningsea-monster。
　　Meanwhile，themotherhadcookedagreatponeofcorn-bread，threefeetindiameter，andhadgroundcoffeeandgotsidesofbaconready。Allnightitpouredandthedawncameclear，onlytodarkenintograyagain。Buttheriver——theriver！Theroarofitfilledthewoods。Thefrothinghemofitswishedthroughthetopsofthetreesandthroughtheunderbrush，highonthemountain-side。Archedslightlyinthemiddle，fortheriverwasstillrising，itleapedandsurged，tossingtawnymaneandfleckandfoamasitthunderedalong——amad，moltenmassofyellowstruckintogoldbythelightofthesun。
　　Andtheretheraft，nolongertheawkwardmonsteritwasthedaybefore，floatedlikealily-pad，strainingatthecableaslightlyasagreyhoundleapingagainstitsleash。
　　Theneighborsweregatheredtowatchthedeparture——oldJerryBudd，blacksmithand"yarbdoctor，"andhisfolks；theCultonsandMiddletons，andeventheDillons——littleTadandWhizzer——andall。AndabrightpictureofArcadiathesimplefolkmade，themeninhomespunandthewomenwiththeirbrilliantshawls，astheystoodonthebanklaughing，callingtooneanother，andjestinglikechildren。Allwereaboardnowandtherewasnokissingnorshakinghandsinthefarewell。Thegoodoldmotherstoodonthebank，withMelissaholdingtoherapronandlookingatChadgravely。
　　"Takegoodkeero'yo'self，Chad，"shesaidkindly，andthenshelookeddownatthelittlegirl。"He'sa-comin'back，honey——Chad'sa-comin'back。"AndChadnoddedbrightly，butMelissadrewherapronacrosshermouth，droppedhereyestotheoldrifleintheboy'slap，anddidnotsmile。
　　Allwereaboardnow——DolphandRube，oldSquireMiddleton，andtheschool-master，allexceptTallTom，whostoodbythetreetounwindthecable。
　　"Holdon！"shoutedtheSquire。
　　AraftshotsuddenlyaroundthebendabovethemandsweptpastwiththeDillonbrothersJakeandJerry，nephewsofoldTadDillon，atbowandstern——passedwithasullenwavefromJerryandagood-naturedsmilefromstupidJake。
　　"Allright，"Tomshouted，andheunwoundthegreatbrownpliantvinefromthesycamoreandleapedaboard。JustthentherewasamadhowlbehindthehouseandagraystreakoflightflashedoverthebankandJack，withawispofropearmoredhisneck，sprangthroughtheairfromarocktenfeethighandlandedlightlyonthelastlogastheraftshotforward。Chadgulpedonceandhisheartleapedwithjoy，forhehadagreedtoleaveJackwitholdJoel，andoldJoelhadtiedthedoginthebarn。
　　"Hi！"shoutedtheoldhunter。"Throwthatdawgoff，Chad——throwhimoff。"
　　ButChadshookhisheadandsmiled。
　　"Hewon'tgoback，"heshouted，and，indeed，therewasJacksquattedonhishaunchesclosebyhislittlemasterandlookinggravelybackasthoughhewerelookingalastgood-by。
　　"Hithere！"shoutedoldJoelagain。"HowamIgointogitalongwithoutthatdawg？Throwhimoff，Boy——throwhimoff，Itellye！"Chadseizedthedogbytheshoulders，butJackbracedhimselfand，likeachild，lookedupinhismaster'sface。Chadletgoandshookhishead。
　　AfranticyellfromTallTomatthebowoardreweveryeyetohim。Thecurrentwasstrongerthananyoneguessedandtheraftwasbeingsweptbyaneddystraightforthepointoftheoppositeshorewheretherewasasharpturnintheriver。
　　"Watchoutthar，"shoutedoldJoel，"you'regointo'bow'！"DolphandRubewereslashingthesternoarforwardandbackthroughtheswiftwater，butstraightthehugecraftmadeforthatdeadlypoint。Everymanhadholdofanoarandwastusslinginsilenceforlife。Everymanonshorewasyellingdirectionsandwarning，whilethewomenshrankbackwithfrightenedfaces。
　　Chadscarcelyknewwhatthematterwas，buthegrippedhisrifleandsqueezedJackclosertohim。HeheardTomroaralastwarningasthecraftstruck，quiveredamoment，andthesternsweptaround。Thecrafthad"bowed。"
　　"Watchout——jump，boys，jump！Watchwhenshehumps！Watchyo'legs！"Thesewerethecriesfromtheshore，andstillChaddidnotunderstand。HesawTomleapfromthebow，and，asthesternswungtotheothershore，Dolph，too，leaped。Thenthesternstruck。Therafthumpedinthemiddlelikeabuckinghorse——thelogsgroundsavagelytogether。ChadheardacryofpainfromJackandsawthedogflyupintheairanddropinthewater。Heandhisgunhadgoneup，too，buthecamebackontheraftwithoneleginbetweentwologsandhedrewitupintimetokeepthelimbfrombeingsmashedtoapulpasthelogscrashedtogetheragain，butnotquicklyenoughtosavethefootfromapainfulsqueeze。ThenhesawTomandDolphleapbackagain，theraftwhirledonandsteadiedinitscourse，andbehindhimhesawJackswimmingfeeblyfortheshore——fightingthewavesforhislife，forthedogwashurt。TwiceheturnedhiseyesdespairinglytowardChad，andtheboywouldhaveleapedinthewatertosavehimifTomhadnotcaughthimbythearm。
　　"Tellhimtogittoshore，"hesaidquickly，andChadmotioned，whenJacklookedagain，andthedogobedientlymadeforland。OldJoelwascallingtenderly：
　　"Comeon，Jack；comeon，olefeller！"
　　Chadwatchedwithathumpingheart。OnceJackwentunder，butgavenosound。
　　Againhedisappeared，andwhenhecameuphegaveacryforhelp，butwhenheheardChad'sansweringcryhefoughtonstrokebystrokeuntilChadsawoldJoelreachoutfromthebushesandpullhimin。AndChadcouldseethatoneofhishindlegshunglimp。Thentheraftswungaroundthecurveoutofsight。
　　Behind，thewholecrowdrusheddowntothewater'sedge。JacktriedtogetawayfromoldJoelandscrambleafterChadonhisbrokenleg，butoldJoelheldhim，soothinghim，andcarriedhimbacktothehouse，wheretheold"yarbdoctor"putsplintsonthelegandboundituptightly，justasthoughithadbeenthelegofachild。Melissawascryingandtheoldmanputhishandonherhead。
　　"He'llbeallright，honey。Thatleg'llbeasgoodastheotheroneintwoorthreeweeks。It'sallright，littlegal。"
　　Melissastoppedweepingwithasuddengulp。ButwhenJackwaslyinginthekitchenbythefirealone，sheslippedinandputherarmaroundthedog'shead，and，whenJackbegantolickherface，shebentherownheaddownandsobbed。
　　CHAPTER5。OUTOFTHEWILDERNESS
　　OnthewaytoGod'sCountryatlast！AlreadyChadhadschooledhimselfforthepartingwithJack，andbutforthishemust——littlemanthathewas——haveburstintotears。Asitwas，thelumpinhisthroatstayedtherealongwhile，butitpassedintheexcitementofthatmadracedowntheriver。TheoldSquirehadneverknownsuchatide。
　　"Boys，"hesaid，gleefully，"we'regoin'tomakeaREcordonthistrip——youjus'seeifwedon't。Thatis，ifweevergittharalive。"
　　Allthetimetheoldmanstoodinthemiddleoftheraftyellingorders。AheadwastheDillonraft，andthetwinbrothers——thegiants，onemild，theothersour-faced——weregesticulatingangrilyateachotherfrombowandstern。Asusual，theywerequarrelling。OntheTurnerraft，Dolphwasatthebow，theschool-masteratthestern，whileRube——whowascook——andChad，inspiteofastingingpaininonefoot，builtanovenofstones，wherecoffeecouldbeboiledandbaconbroiled，andstartedafire，fortheairwaschillontheriver，especiallywhentheywererunningbetweenthehillsandnosuncouldstrikethem。
　　Whenthefireblazedup，ChadsatbyitwatchingTallTomandtheschool-masteratthesternoarandRubeatthebow。Whentheturnwassharp，howtheylashedthehugewhitebladesthroughtheyellowwater——withthehandleacrosstheirbroadchests，catchingwiththeirtoesinthelittlenotchesthathadbeenchippedalongthelogsandtossingtheoarsdownandupwithamightyswingthatmadethebladesquiverandbendlikethetopsofpliantsaplings！Then，onarun，theywouldrushbacktostartthestrokeagain，whiletheoldSquireyelled：
　　"Hitheruptharnow——easy——easy！NOW！Hitherup！Hitherup——NOW！"
　　Nowtheypassedbetweenupright，wooded，graymountain-sides，threadedwithfaintlinesofthecominggreen；nowbetweengraywallsofrockstreakedwhitewithwater-falls，andnowpastnarrowlittlevalleyswhichwerejustbeginningtosproutwithcorn。Atthemouthofthecreekstheysawotherraftsmakingreadyand，nowandthen，araftwouldshootoutintheriverfromsomecreekaheadorbehindthem。Inanhour，theystruckasmoothrunofseveralhundredyardswherethemenattheoarscouldsitstillandrest，whiletheraftshotlightlyforwardinthemiddleofthestream；anddowntherivertheycouldseethebigDillonsmakingthenextsharpturnand，eventhatfaraway，theycouldhearJerryyellingandswearingathispatientbrother。
　　"Someo'thesedays，"saidtheoldSquire，"thatfoolJake'sa-goin'topickupsomethin'an'knockthatmeanJerry'sheadoff。Iwonderhehain'tdoneitafore。Hit'sfunnyhowbrotherscanhatewhentheydogittohatin'。"
　　Thatnight，theytiedupatJackson——tobefamouslongafterthewarastheseatofabittermountain-feud。Atnoonthenextday，theystruck"theNahrrers"Narrows，wheretheriverranlikeatorrentbetweenhighsteepwallsofrock，andwherethemenstoodtotheoarswatchfullyandtheoldsquirestoodupright，watchingeverymovementoftheraft；for"bowing"therewouldhavemeantdestructiontotheraftandthedeathofthemall。ThatnighttheywereinBeattyville，whencetheyfloatednextday，alonglowerhillsand，nowandthen，pastabroadvalley。OnceChadlookedattheschool-master——hewonderediftheywereapproachingtheBluegrass——butCalebHazelsmiledandshookhishead。AndhadChadwaitedanotherhalfhour，hewouldnothaveaskedthequestion，evenwithhiseyes，fortheysweptbetweenhighcliffsagain——higherthanhehadyetseen。
　　Thatnighttheyranfromdarktodawn，fortheriverwasbroaderandabrilliantmoonwashigh；and，allnight，Chadcouldheartheswishoftheoars，astheyfloatedinmysterioussilencepastthetreesandthehillsandthemoonlitcliffs，andhelayonhisback，lookingupatthemoonandthestars，andthinkingaboutthelandtowhichhewasgoingandofJackbackinthelandhehadleft；andoflittleMelissa。ShehadbehavedverystrangelyduringthelastfewdaysbeforetheboyhadleftShehadnotbeensharpwithhim，eveninplay。Shehadbeenveryquiet——indeed，shescarcelyspokeawordtohim，butshedidlittlethingsforhimthatshehadneverdonebefore，andshewasunusuallykindtoJack。Once，Chadfoundhercryingbehindthebarn，andthenshewasverysharpwithhim，andtoldhimtogoawayandcriedmorethanever。Herlittlefacelookedverywhite，asshestoodonthebank，and，somehow，Chadsawitallthatnightintheriverandamongthetreesandupamongthestars，buthelittleknewwhatitallmeanttohimortoher。HethoughtoftheTurnersbackathome，andhecouldseethemsittingaroundthebigfire——Joelwithhispipe，theoldmotherspinningflax，Jackasleeponthehearth，andMelissa'sbigsolemneyesshiningfromthedarkcornerwhereshelaywide-awakeinbedand，whenhewenttosleep，hereyesfollowedhiminhisdreams。
　　Whenheawoke，thedaywasjustglimmeringoverthehills，andthechillairmadehimshiver，ashebuiltupthefireandbegantogetbreakfastready。Atnoon，thatday，thoughthecliffswerestillhigh，theraftswungoutintoabroadercurrent，wherethewaterransmoothlyand，once，thehillspartedand，lookingpastalog-cabinonthebankoftheriver，Chadsawastonehouse——relicofpioneerdays——and，fartherout，throughagapinthehills，ahugehousewithgreatpillarsarounditand，onthehill-side，manysheepandfatcattleandagreatbarn。TheredweltoneofthelordsoftheBluegrassland，andagainChadlookedtotheschool-masterand，thistime，theschool-mastersmiledandnoddedasthoughtosay：
　　"We'regettingclosenow，Chad。"SoChadrosetohisfeetthrilled，andwatchedthesceneuntilthehillsshutitoffagain。Onemorenightandonemoredawn，and，beforethesunrose，thehillshadgrownsmallerandsmallerandtheglimpsesbetweenthemmorefrequentand，atlast，fardowntheriver，Chadsawacolumnofsmokeandallthemenontherafttookofftheirhatsandshouted。Theendofthetripwasnear，forthatblackcolumnmeantthecapital！
　　Chadtrembledonhisfeetandhisheartroseintohisthroat，whileCalebHazelseemedhardlylessmoved。Hishatwasoffandhestoodmotionless，withhisfaceuplifted，andhisgraveeyesfastenedonthatdarkcolumnasthoughitrosefromthepillaroffirethatwasleadinghimtosomepromisedland。
　　Astheyroundedthenextcurve，somemonstersweptoutofthelowhillsontheright，withashriekthatstartledtheboyalmostintoterrorand，withamightypuffingandrumbling，shotoutofsightagain。Theschool-mastershoutedtoChad，andtheTurnerbrothersgrinnedathimdelightedly：
　　"Steam-cars！"theycried，andChadnoddedbackgravely，tryingtoholdinhiswonder。
　　Sweepingaroundthenextcurve，anothermonsterhoveinsightwiththesamepuffingandalong"h-o-o-ot！"Amonsterontheriverandmovingupstreamsteadily，withnooarandnomaninsight，andtheTurnersandtheschool-mastershoutedagain。Chad'seyesgrewbigwithwonderandheranforwardtoseethericketylittlesteamboatapproachand，withwideeyes，devouredit，asitwheezedandlaboredup-streampastthem——watchedthethunderingstern-wheelthreshingthewaterintoawakeoffoamfarbehinditandflashingitsblades，water-drippinginthesun——watchedittillitpuffedandwheezedandlaboredonoutofsight。GreatHeavens！tothinkthathe——Chad——wasseeingallthat！
　　Aboutthenextbend，morebutthinnercolumnsofsmokewerevisible。Soontheveryhillsoverthecapitalcouldbeseen，withlittlegreenwheat-fieldsdottingthemand，astheraftdrewalittlecloser，Chadcouldseehousesonthehills——morestrangehousesofwoodandstone，andporches，andqueertowersonthemfromwhichglistenedshiningpoints。
　　"What'sthem？"heasked。
　　"Lightnin'-rods，"saidTom，andChadunderstood，fortheschool-masterhadtoldhimaboutthembackinthemountains。WasthereanythingthatCalebHazelhadnottoldhim？Thehazeoverthetownwasnowvisible，andsoontheysweptpasttallchimneyspuffingoutsmoke，greatwarehousescoveredontheoutsidewithweather-browntin，and，straightahead——Heavens，whatabridge！——archingclearovertheriverandcoveredlikeahouse，fromwhichpeoplewerelookingdownonthemastheysweptunder。Therewerethehouses，intworowsonthestreets，jammedupagainsteachotherandwithoutanyyards。Andpeople！Wherehadsomanypeoplecomefrom？Closetotheriverandbeyondthebridgewasanothergreatmansion，withtallpillars，aboutitwasagreenyard，assmoothasafloor，andnegroesandchildrenwerestandingontheoutskirtingstonewallandlookingdownatthemastheyfloatedby。Andanothergreathousestill，andabiggardenwithlittlepathsrunningthroughitandmorepatchesofthatstrangegreengrass。Wasthatbluegrass？Itwas，butitdidn'tlookblueanditdidn'tlooklikeanyothergrassChadhadeverseen。Belowthisbridgewasanotherbridge，butnotsohigh，and，whileChadlooked，anotherblackmonsteronwheelswerecrashingoverit。
　　Tomandtheschool-masterwereworkingtheraftslowlytotheshorenow，and，alittlefartherdown，Chadcouldseemoreraftstiedup——rafts，rafts，nothingbutraftsontheriver，everywhere！Upthebankamightybuzzingwasgoingon，amidacloudofdust，andlittlecarswithlogsonthemwereshootingaboutamidthegleamingsofmanysaws，and，nowandthen，alogwouldleapfromtheriverandstartuptowardthatdust-cloudwithtwoglisteningironteethsunkinoneendandalongironchainstretchingupalongagroovebuiltofboards——andHeavenonlyknewwhatwaspullingitup。Onthebankwasastout，jolly-lookingman，whosered，kindfacelookedfamiliartoChad，asherandownshoutingawelcometotheSquire。Thentheraftslippedalonganotherraft，Tomsprangaboarditwiththegrape-vinecable，andtheschool-masterleapedaboardwithanothercablefromthestern。
　　"Why，boy，"criedthestoutman。"Where'syo'dog？"ThenChadrecognizedhim，forhewasnoneotherthanthecattle-dealerwhohadgivenhimJack。
　　"Ilefthimathome。"
　　"Isheallright？"
　　"Yes——Ireckon。"
　　"ThenI'dliketohavehimbackagain。"
　　Chadsmiledandshookhishead。
　　"Notmuch。"
　　"Well，he'sthebestsheep-dogonearth。"
　　Theraftslowedup，creaking——slower——strainingandcreaking，andstopped。Thetripwasover，andtheSquirehadmadehis"record，"forthered-facedmanwhistledincredulouslywhentheoldmantoldhimwhatdayhehadleftKingdomCome。
　　AnhourlaterthebigDillontwinshoveinsight，justastheTurnerpartywasclimbingthesawdusthillintothetown，whereDolphandRubewerefortakingthemiddleofthestreetlikeothermountaineers，whoweremarchingthusaheadofthem，singlefile，butTomandtheschool-masterlaughedatthemanddrewthemovertothesidewalk。Bricksandstoneslaiddownforpeopletowalkon——howwonderful。Andallthehouseswereofbrickorwereweather-boarded——allbuilttogetherwallagainstwall。Andthestoreswiththebigglasswindowsallfilledwithwonderfulthings！Thenapairofswinginggreenshuttersthroughwhich，whileChadandtheschool-masterwaitedoutside，TominsistedontakingDolphandRubeandgivingthemtheirfirstdrinkofBluegrasswhiskey——redliquor，asthehill-mencallit。Alittlefartheron，theyallstoppedstillonacornerofthestreet，whiletheschool-masterpointedouttoChadandDolphandRubetheCapitol——amightystructureofmassivestone，withmajesticstonecolumns，wherepeoplewenttotheLegislature。Howtheylookedwithwonderingeyesatthegreatflagfloatinglazilyoverit，andatthewonderfulfountaintossingwaterintheair，andwiththewaterthreewhiteballswhichleapedanddancedinthejetofshiningsprayandneverflewawayfromit。Howdidtheystaythere？Theschool-masterlaughed——Chadhadaskedhimaquestionatlastthathecouldn'tanswer。Andthetallspikedironfencethatranallthewayaroundtheyard，whichwasfulloftrees——howwonderfulthatwas，too！Astheystoodlooking，law-makersandvisitorspouredoutthroughthedoors——abravearray——someofthemintighttrousers，highhats，andbluecoatswithbrassbuttons，and，astheypassed，CalebHazelreverentlywhisperedthenamesofthoseheknew——distinguishedlawyers，statesmen，andMexicanveterans：wittyTomMarshall；RogerHanson，bulky，brilliant；statelyPreston，eagle-eyedBuckner，andBreckenridge，themagnificent，forensicinbearing。Chadwasthrilled。
　　Alittlefartheron，theyturnedtotheleft，andtheschool-masterpointedouttheGovernor'smansion，andthere，closeby，wasahighgraywall——awallashighasahouse，withawoodenboxtallerthanamanoneachcorner，and，inside，anotherbiggraybuildinginwhich，visibleabovethewalls，weregratedwindows——thepenitentiary！Everymountaineerhasheardthatword，andanother——theLegislator。
　　Chadshiveredashelooked，forhecouldrecallthatsometimesdowninthemountainsamanwoulddisappearforyearsandturnupagainathome？whitenedbyconfinement；and，duringhisabsence，whenanyoneaskedabouthim，theanswerwaspenitentiary。Hewonderedwhatthoseboxesonthewallswerefor，andhewasabouttoask，whenaguardsteppedfromoneofthemwithamusketandstartedtopatrolthewall，andhehadnoneedtoask。TomwantedtogouponthehillandlookattheArmoryandthegraveyard，buttheschool-mastersaidtheydidnothavetime，and，onthemoment，theairwasstartledwithwhistlesfarandnear——sixo'clock！AtonceCalebHazelledthewaytosupperintheboarding-house，whereakind-facedoldladyspoketoChadinamotherlyway，andwheretheboysawhisfirsthotbiscuitandwasalmostafraidtoeatanythingatthetableforfearhemightdosomethingwrong。Forthefirsttimeinhislife，too，hesleptonamattresswithoutanyfeather-bed，andChadlaywondering，butunsatisfiedstill。Notyethadhebeenoutofsightofthehills，butthemasterhadtoldhimthattheywouldseetheBluegrassnextday，whentheyweretostartbacktothemountainsbytrainasfarasLexington。
　　AndChadwenttosleep，dreaminghisolddream。
　　CHAPTER6
　　LOSTATTHECAPITAL
　　Ithadbeenarrangedbytheschool-masterthattheyshouldallmeetattherailwaystationtogohome，nextdayatnoon，and，astheTurnerboyshadtohelptheSquirewiththelogsattheriver，andtheschool-masterhadtoattendtosomebusinessofhisown，Chadroamedallmorningaroundthetown。
　　Soengrossedwashewiththepeopleandthesightsandsoundsofthelittlevillagethathecametohimselfwithastartandtrottedbacktotheboarding-houseforfearthathemightnotbeabletofindthestationalone。
　　Theoldladywasstandinginthesunshineatthegate。
　　Chadpanted——"Where's——？"
　　"They'regone。"
　　"Gone！"echoedChad，withasinkingheart。
　　"Yes，they'vebeengone——"ButChaddidnotwaittolisten；hewhirledintothehall-way，caughtuphisrifle，and，forgettinghisinjuredfoot，fledatfullspeeddownthestreet。Heturnedthecorner，butcouldnotseethestation，andheranonaboutanothercornerandstillanother，and，justwhenhewasabouttoburstintotears，hesawthelowroofthathewaslookingfor，andhot，panting，andtired，herushedtoit，hardlyabletospeak。
　　"HasthatenJINEgone？"heaskedbreathlessly。Themanwhowaswhirlingtrunksontheircornersintothebaggage-roomdidnotanswer。Chad'seyesflashedandhecaughtthemanbythecoat-tail。
　　"HasthatenJINEgone？"hecried。
　　Themanlookedoverhisshoulder。
　　"Leggomycoat，youlittledevil。Yes，thatenJINE'Sgone，"headded，mimicking。Thenhesawtheboy'sunhappyfaceandhedroppedthetrunkandturnedtohim。
　　"What'sthematter？"heasked，kindly。
　　Chadhadturnedawaywithasob。
　　"They'velef'me——they'velef'me，"hesaid，andthen，controllinghimself：
　　"Istharanothergoin'？"
　　"Nottillto-morrowmornin'。"
　　Anothersobcame，andChadturnedaway——hedidnotwantanybodytoseehimcry。Andthiswasnotimeforcrying，forChad'sprayerbackatthegraveunderthepoplarflashedsuddenlybacktohim。
　　"Igottoacklikeamannow。"And，soberedatonce，hewalkedonupthehill——thinking。Hecouldnotknowthattheschool-masterwasbackinthetown，lookingforhim。Ifhewaiteduntilthenextmorning，theTurnerswouldprobablyhavegoneon；whereas，ifhestartedoutnowonfoot，andwalkedallnight，hemightcatchthembeforetheyleftLexingtonnextmorning。AndifhemissedtheSquireandtheTurnerboys，hecouldcertainlyfindtheschool-masterthere。Andifnot，hecouldgoontothemountainsalone。Orhemightstayinthe"settlemints"——whathadhecomefor？Hemight——hewould——oh，he'dgetalongsomehow，hesaidtohimself，wagginghishead——healwayshadandhealwayswould。Hecouldalwaysgobacktothemountains。IfheonlyhadJack——ifheonlyhadJack！Nothingwouldmakeanydifferencethen，andhewouldneverbelonely，ifheonlyhadJack。But，cheeredwithhisdetermination，herubbedthetearsfromhiseyeswithhiscoat-sleeveandclimbedthelonghill。TherewastheArmory，which，yearslater，wastoharborUniontroopsinthegreatwar，andbeyonditwasthelittlecityofthedeadthatsitsontopofthehillfarabovetheshiningriver。Atthegreatirongateshestoppedamoment，peeringthrough。Hesawawildernessofwhiteslabsand，notuntilhemadehiswayacrossthethickgreenturfandspelledoutthenamescarvedonthem，couldhemakeoutwhattheywerefor。Howhewonderedwhenhesawtheinnumerablegreenmounds，forhehardlyknewtherewereasmanypeopleintheworldlivingashesawtheremustbeinthatplace，dead。
　　Buthehadnotimetospareandheturnedquicklybacktothepike——saddened——forhisheartwentback，ashisfaithfulheartwasalwaysdoing，tothelonelygravesunderthebigpoplarbackinthemountains。
　　Whenhereachedthetopoftheslope，hesawarollingcountryoflowhillsstretchingoutbeforehim，greeningwithspring；withfarstretchesofthickgrassandmanywoodlandsunderalong，lowsky，andhewonderedifthiswastheBluegrass。Buthe"reckoned"not——notyet。Andyethelookedinwonderatthegreenslopes，andthewoods，andtheflashingcreek，andnowhereinfrontofhim——wonderofall——couldheseeamountain。ItwasasCalebHazelhadtoldhim，onlyChadwasnotlookingforanysuchmysteriousjoyasthrilledhissensitivesoul。Therehadbeenalightsprinkleofsnow——suchafallasmaycomeeveninearlyApril——butthenoonsunhadletthewheat-fieldsandthepasturesblossomthroughit，andhadsweptitfromthegraymoistpikeuntilnowtherewerepatchesofwhiteonlyingullyandalongnorthhill-sidesunderlittlegroupsofpinesandinthewoods，wherethesunlightcouldnotreach；
　　andChadtrudgedsturdilyoninspiteofhisheavyrifleandhislamefoot，keenlyalivetothenewsightsandsoundsandsmellsofthenewworld——onuntiltheshadowslengthenedandtheairchilledagain；on，untilthesunbegantosinkclosetothefar-awayhazeofthehorizon。Neverhadthehorizonlookedsofaraway。Hisfootbegantohurt，andonthetopofahillhehadtostopandsitdownforawhileintheroad，thepainwassokeen。Thesunwassettingnowinagloryofgold，rose，pink，andcrimsonoverhim，thestillcloudscaughtthedivinelightwhichsweptswiftlythroughtheheavensuntilthelittlepinkcloudsovertheeast，too，turnedgoldenpinkandthewholeheavensweresuffusedwithgreenandgold。Inthewest，cloudwaspiledoncloudlikevastcathedralsthatmusthavebeenbuiltforworshiponthewaystraighttotheverythroneofGod。AndChadsatthrilled，ashehadbeenatthesunriseonthemountainsthemorningafterheranaway。Therewasnostorm，butthesamelonelinesscametohimnowandhewonderedwhatheshoulddo。Hecouldnotgetmuchfartherthatnight——hisfoothurttoobadly。Helookedup——thecloudshadturnedtoashesandtheairwasgrowingchill——andhegottohisfeetandstartedon。Atthebottomofthehillanddownalittlecreekhesawalightandheturnedtowardit。Thehousewassmall，andhecouldhearthecryingofachildinsideandcouldseeatallmancuttingwood，sohestoppedatthebarsandshouted"Hello！"
　　Themanstoppedhisaxeinmid-airandturned。Awoman，withababyinherarms，appearedinthelightofthedoorwithchildrencrowdingabouther。
　　"Hello！"answeredtheman。
　　"Iwanttogittostayallnight。"Themanhesitated。
　　"Wedon'tkeeppeopleallnight。"
　　"Notkeeppeopleallnight，"thoughtChadwithwonder。
　　"Oh，Ireckonyouwill，"hesaid。Wasthereanybodyintheworldwhowouldn'ttakeinastrangerforthenight？Fromthedoorwaythewomansawthatitwasaboywhowasaskingshelterandthetrustinhisvoiceappealedvaguelytoher。
　　"Comein！"shecalled，inapatient，whiningtone。"Youcanstay，Ireckon。"
　　ButChadchangedhismindsuddenly。Iftheywereindoubtaboutwantinghim——hewasinnodoubtastowhathewoulddo。
　　"No，IreckonI'dbettergiton，"hesaidsturdily。andheturnedandlimpedbackupthehilltotheroad——stillwondering，andherememberedthat，inthemountains，whenpeoplewantedtostayallnight，theyusuallystoppedbeforesundown。Travellingafterdarkwassuspiciousinthemountains，andperhapsitwasinthisland，too。So，withthisthought，hehadhalfamindtogobackandexplain，buthepushedon。Halfamilefarther，hisfootwassobadthathestoppedwithacryofpainintheroadand，seeingabarncloseby，heclimbedthefenceandintotheloftandburrowedhimselfunderthehay。Fromundertheshedhecouldseethestarsrising。Itwasverystillandverylonelyandhewashungry——hungrierandlonelierthanhehadeverbeeninhislife，andasobofhelplessnessrosetohislips——ifheonlyhadJack——buthehelditback。
　　"Igottoacklikeamannow。"And，sayingthisoverandovertohimself，hewenttosleep。
　　CHAPTER7。AFRIENDONTHEROAD
　　Rainfellthatnight——gentlerainandwarm，forthesouthwindroseatmidnight。AtfouroclockashowermadetheshinglesoverChadrattlesharply，butwithoutwakeningthelad，andthentherainceased；andwhenChadclimbedstifflyfromhisloft——theworldwasdrenchedandstill，andthedawnwaswarm，forspringhadcomethatmorning，andChadtrudgedalongtheroad——unchilled。Everynowandthenhehadtostoptoresthisfoot。Nowandthenhewouldseepeoplegettingbreakfastreadyinthefarm-housesthathepassed，and，thoughhislittlebellywasdrawnwithpain，hewouldnotstopandaskforsomethingtoeat——forhedidnotwanttoriskanotherrebuff。Thesunroseandthelightleapedfromeverywetbladeofgrassandburstingleaftomeetit——leapedasthoughflashingbackgladnessthatthespringwascome。
　　ForalittlewhileChadforgothishungerandforgothisfoot——liketheleafandgrass-bladehisstoutheartansweredwithgladness，too，andhetrudgedon。
　　Meanwhile，farbehindhim，anoldcarriagerolledoutofabigyardandstartedtowardhimandtowardLexington。Inthedriver'sseatwasanoldgray-haired，gray-beardednegrowithknottyhandsandakindlyface；while，ontheovalshapedseatbehindthelumberingoldvehicle，satalittledarkywithhisbarelegsdanglingdown。InthecarriagesatamanwhomighthavebeenastoutsquirestraightfrommerryEngland，exceptthattherewasalittletilttothebrimofhisslouchhatthatoneneverseesexceptontheheadofaSoutherner，andinhisstrong，buteasy，good-naturedmouthwasapipeofcorn-cobwithalongcanestem。Thehorsesthatdrewhimwereahandsomepairofhalfthoroughbreds，andtheolddriver，withhiseyeshalfclosed，lookedasthough，eventhatearlyinthemorning，heweredozing。Anhourlater，thepikeranthroughanoldwooden-coveredbridge，toonesideofwhicharoadleddowntothewater，andtheoldnegroturnedthecarriagetothecreektolethishorsesdrink。Thecarriagestoodstillinthemiddleofthestreamandpresentlytheolddriverturnedhishead："MarsCal！"hecalledinalowvoice。TheMajorraisedhishead。TheoldnegrowaspointingwithhiswhipaheadandtheMajorsawsomethingsittingonthestonefence，sometwentyyardsbeyond，whichstirredhimsharplyfromhismoodofcontemplation。
　　"ShadesofDan'lBoone！"hesaid，softly。Itwasaminiaturepioneer——thelittlestillfigurewatchinghimsolemnlyandsilently。Acrosstheboy'slaplayalongrifle——theMajorcouldseethatithadaflintlock——andonhistangledhairwasacoonskincap——thescalpabovehissteadydarkeyesandthetailhangingdownthelad'sneck。Andonhisfeetwere——moccasins！Thecarriagemovedoutofthestreamandtheolddrivergotdowntohookthecheck-reinsovertheshiningbitofmetalthatcurvedbackoverthelittlesaddlestowhichtheboy'seyeshadswiftlystrayed。ThentheycamebacktotheMajor。
　　"Howdye！"saidChad。
　　"Good-mornin'，littleman，"saidtheMajorpleasantly，andChadknewstraightwaythathehadfoundafriend。Buttherewassilence。Chadscannedthehorsesandthestrangevehicleandtheolddriverandthelittlepickaninnywho，hearingtheboy'svoice，hadstooduponhisseatandwasgrinningoveroneofthehindwheels，andthenhiseyesrestedontheMajorwithasimpleconfidenceandunconsciousappealthattouchedtheMajoratonce。
　　"Areyougoin'myway？"TheMajor'snaturewastoomellowandeasy-goingtopayanyattentiontofinalg's。Chadliftedhisoldgunandpointeduptheroad。
　　"I'ma-goin'thataway。"
　　"Well，don'tyouwanttoride？"
　　"Yes，"hesaid，simply。
　　"Climbrightin，myboy。"
　　SoChadclimbedin，and，holdingtheoldrifleuprightbetweenhisknees，helookedstraightforward，insilence，whiletheMajorstudiedhimwithaquietsmile。
　　"Whereareyoufrom，littleman？"
　　"Icomefromthemountains。"
　　"Themountains？"saidtheMajor。
　　TheMajorhadfishedandhuntedinthemountains，andsomewhereinthatunknownregionheownedakingdomofwildmountain-land，butheknewaslittleaboutthepeopleasheknewabouttheHottentots，andcaredhardlymore。
　　"Whatareyoudoin'uphere？"
　　"I'mgoin'home，"saidChad。
　　"Howdidyouhappentocomeaway？"
　　"Oh，Ibeenwantin'toseethesettleMINTS。"
　　"ThesettleMINTS，"echoedtheMajor，andthenheunderstood。HerecalledhavingheardthemountaineerscalltheBluegrassregionthe"settlemints"
　　before。
　　"IcomedownonaraftwithDolphandTomandRubeandtheSquireandtheschool-teacher，an'IgotlostinFrankfort。They'vegoneon，Ireckon，an'
　　I'mtryin'toketch'em。"
　　"Whatwillyoudoifyoudon't？"
　　"Foller'em，"saidChad，sturdily。
　　"Doesyourfatherlivedowninthemountains？"
　　"No，"saidChad，shortly。
　　TheMajorlookedattheladgravely。
　　"Don'tlittleboysdowninthemountainseversaysirtotheirelders？"
　　"No，"saidChad。"No，sir，"headdedgravelyandtheMajorbrokeintoapleasedlaugh——theboywasquickaslightning。
　　"Iain'tgotnodaddy。An'nomammy——Iain'tgot——nothin'。"Itwassaidquitesimply，asthoughhispurposemerelywasnottosailunderfalsecolors，andtheMajor'sanswerwasquickandapologetic：
　　"Oh！"hesaid，andforamomenttherewassilenceagain。Chadwatchedthewoods，thefields，andthecattle，thestrangegraingrowingabouthim，andthebirdsandthetrees。Notathingescapedhiskeeneye，and，nowandthen，hewouldaskaquestionwhichtheMajorwouldanswerwithsomesurpriseandwonder。Hisartlesswayspleasedtheoldfellow。Youhaven'ttoldmeyourname。
　　"Youhain'taxedme。"
　　"Well，Iaxeyounow，"laughedtheMajor，butChadsawnothingtolaughat。
　　"Chad，"hesaid。
　　"Chadwhat？"
　　Nowithadalwaysbeenenoughinthemountains，whenanybodyaskedhisname，forhimtoanswersimply——Chad。Hehesitatednowandhisbrowwrinkledasthoughhewerethinkinghard。
　　"Idon'tknow，"saidChad。
　　"What？Don'tknowyourownname？"TheboylookedupintotheMajor'sfacewitheyesthatweresofrankandunashamedandatthesametimesovaguelytroubledthattheMajorwasabashed。
　　"Ofcoursenot，"hesaidkindly，asthoughitwerethemostnaturalthingintheworldthataboyshouldnotknowhisownname。PresentlytheMajorsaid，reflectively：
　　"Chadwick。"
　　"Chad，"correctedtheboy。
　　"Yes，Iknow"；andtheMajorwentonthinkingthatChadwickhappenedtobeanancestralnameinhisownfamily。
　　Chad'sbrowwasstillwrinkled——hewastryingtothinkwhatoldNathanCherryusedtocallhim。
　　"IreckonIhain'tthoughto'mynamesinceIleftoldNathan，"hesaid。Thenhetoldbrieflyabouttheoldman，andliftinghislamefootsuddenly，hesaid："Ouch！"TheMajorlookedaroundandChadexplained：
　　"Ihurtmyfootcomin'downtheriveran'hitgotwusswalkin'somuch。"TheMajornoticedthenthattheboy'sfacewaspale，andthatthereweredarkhollowsunderhiseyes，butitneveroccurredtohimthattheladwashungry，for，intheMajor'sland，nobodyeverwenthungryforlong。ButChadwassufferingnowandheleanedbackinhisseatandneithertalkednorlookedatthepassingfields。Byandby，hespiedacrossroadsstore。
　　"IwonderifIcan'tgitsomethin'toeatinthatstore。"
　　TheMajorlaughed："Youain'tgettin'hungrysosoon，areyou？Youmusthaveeatenbreakfastprettyearly。"
　　"Iain'thadnobreakfast——an'Ididn'thevnosupperlastnight。"
　　"What？"shoutedtheMajor。
　　Chadstatedthefactwithbraveunconcern，buthislipquiveredslightly——hewasweak"Well，Ireckonwe'llgetsomethingtoeattherewhetherthey'vegotanythingornot。"
　　AndthenChadexplained，tellingthestoryofhiswalkfromFrankfort。TheMajorwasamazedthatanybodycouldhavedeniedtheboyfoodandlodging。
　　"Whowerethey，Tom？"heaskedTheolddriverturned：
　　"Theywassomepo'whitetrashdownonCaneCreek，Ireckon，suh。Must'a'
　　been。"Therewasaslightcontemptinthenegro'swordsthatmadeChadthinkofhearingtheTurnerscalltheDillonswhitetrash——thoughtheyneversaid"po'whitetrash。"
　　"Oh！"saidtheMajor。Sothecarriagestopped，andwhenamaninablackslouchhatcameout，theMajorcalled：
　　"Jim，here'saboywhoain'thadanythingtoeatfortwenty-fourhours。Gethimacupofcoffeerightaway，andIreckonyou'vegotsomecoldhamhandy。"
　　"Yes，indeed，Major，"saidJim，andheyelledtoanegrogirlwhowasstandingontheporchofhishousebehindthestore。
　　ChadateravenouslyandtheMajorwatchedhimwithgenuinepleasure。Whentheboywasthrough，hereachedinhispocketandbroughtouthisoldfive-dollarbill，andtheMajorlaughedaloudandpattedhimonthehead。
　　"Youcan'tpayforanythingwhileyouarewithme，Chad。"
　　Thewholeearthworeasmilewhentheystartedoutagain。Theswellinghillshadstretchedoutintogentlerslopes。Thesunwaswarm，thecloudswerestill，andtheairwasalmostdrowsy。TheMajor'seyesclosedandeverythinglapsedintosilence。ThatwasawonderfulrideforChad。Itwasalltrue，justastheschool-masterhadtoldhim；thebig，beautifulhouseshesawnowandthenupavenuesofblossominglocusts；theendlessstonefences，thewhitewashedbarns，thewoodlandsandpastures；themeadow-larksflittinginthesunlightandsingingeverywhere；fluting，chatteringblackbirds，andastrangenewblackbirdwithredwings，atwhichChadwonderedverymuch，ashewatcheditbalancingitselfagainstthewindandsingingasitpoised。
　　Everythingseemedtosinginthatwonderfulland。Andtheseasofbluegrassstretchingawayoneveryside，withtheshadowsofcloudspassinginrapidsuccessionoverthem，likemysticfloatingislands——andneveramountaininsight。Whatastrangecountryitwas。
　　"MaybesomeofyourfriendsarelookingforyouinFrankfort，"saidtheMajor。
　　"No，sir，Ireckonnot，"saidChad——forthemanatthestationhadtoldhimthatthemenwhohadaskedabouthimweregone。
　　"Allofthem？"askedtheMajor。
　　Ofcourse，themanatthestationcouldnottellwhetherallofthemhadgone，andperhapstheschool-masterhadstayedbehind——itwasCalebazelifanybody。
　　"Well，now，Iwonder，"saidChad——"theschool-teachermight'a'stayed。"
　　Againthetwolapsedintosilence——Chadthinkingveryhard。Hemightyetcatchtheschool-masterinLexington，andhegrewverycheerfulatthethought。
　　"Youain'ttoldmeyo'name，"hesaid，presently。TheMajor'slipssmiledunderthebrimofhishat。
　　"Youhain'taxedme。"
　　"Well，Iaxeyounow。"Chad，too，wassmiling。
　　"Cal，"saidtheMajor。"Calwhat？"
　　"Idon'tknow。"
　　"Oh，yes，youdo，now——youfoolin'me"——theboyliftedonefingerattheMajor。
　　"Buford，CalvinBuford。"
　　"Buford——Buford——Buford，"repeatedtheboy，eachtimewithhisforeheadwrinkledasthoughheweretryingtorecallsomething。
　　"Whatisit，Chad？"
　　"Nothin'——nothin'。"
　　AndthenhelookedupwithbewilderedfaceattheMajorandbrokeintothequaveringvoiceofanoldman。
　　"ChadBuford，youlittledevil，comehyehthisminuteorI'llbeatthelifeoutenyou！"
　　"What——what！"saidtheMajorexcitedly。Theboy'sfacewasashonestastheskyabovehim。"Well，that'sfunny——veryfunny。"
　　"Well，that'sit，"saidChad，"that'swhatoleNathanusedtocallme。I
　　reckonIhain'tnaverthoughto'mynameagintellyouaxedme。"TheMajorlookedattheladkeenlyandthendroppedbackinhisseatruminating。
　　Awaybackin1778alinchpinhadslippedinawagonontheWildernessRoadandhisgrandfather'sonlybrother，ChadwickBuford，hadconcludedtostopthereforawhileandhuntandcomeonlater——thusrananoldletterthattheMajorhadinhisstrongboxathome——andthatbrotherhadneverturnedupagainandthesuppositionwasthathehadbeenkilledbyIndians。Nowitwouldbestrangeifhehadwanderedupinthemountainsandsettledthereandifthisboywereadescendantofhis。Itwouldbevery，verystrange，andthentheMajoralmostlaughedattheabsurdityoftheidea。ThenameBufordwasallovertheState。Theboyhadsaid，withamazingfranknessandwithoutaparticleofshame，thathewasawaif——a"woodscolt，"hesaid，withparalyzingcandor。AndsotheMajordroppedthematteroutofhismind，exceptinsofarthatitwasapeculiarcoincidence——againsaying，halftohimself——
　　"Itcertainlyisveryodd！"
　　CHAPTER8。HOMEWITHTHEMAJOR
　　Aheadofthem，itwasCourtDayinLexington。Fromthetown，asacentre，whiteturnpikesradiatedineverydirectionlikethestrandsofaspider'sweb。Alongthem，onthedaybefore，cattlesheep，andhogshadmadetheirslowway。Sincedawn，thatmorning，thefinedusthadbeenrisingunderhoofandwheeloneveryoneofthem，forCourtDayisyetthegreatdayofeverymonththroughouttheBluegrass。ThecrowdhadgoneaheadoftheMajorandChad。Onlynowandthenwouldalaggardbuggyorcarriageturnintothepikefromapasture-roadorlocust-borderedavenue。Onlymenwereoccupants，fortheladiesrarelygototownoncourtdays——andprobablynonewouldgoonthatday。Troublewasexpected。Anabolitionist，oneBrutusDean——notfromtheNorth，butaKentuckian，aslave-holderandagentleman——wouldprobablystartapaperinLexingtontoexploithisviewsintheheartoftheBluegrass；andhisquondamfriendswouldshatterhispressandtearhisofficetopieces。SotheMajortoldChad，andhepointedoutsome"hands"atworkinafield。
　　"An'，markmywords，somedaythere'sgoin'tobethedamnedestfighttheworldeversawovertheseveryniggers。An'thedayain'tsofaraway。"
　　ItwasnoonbeforetheyreachedthebigcemeteryontheedgeofLexington。
　　ThroughariftinthetreestheMajorpointedoutthegraveofHenryClay，andtoldhimaboutthebigmonumentthatwastoberearedabovehisremains。ThegraveofHenryClay！Chadknewallabouthim。HehadheardCalebHazelreadthegreatman'sspeechesaloudbythehour——hadheardhimintoningthemtohimselfashewalkedthewoodstoandfrofromschool。Wouldwondersnevercease。
　　Thereseemedtobenoendtothehousesandstreetsandpeopleinthisbigtown，andChadwonderedwhyeverybodyturnedtolookathimandsmiled，and，laterintheday，hecameneargettingintoafightwithanotherboywhoseemedtobemakingfunofhimtohiscompanions。Hewonderedatthat，too，untilitsuddenlystruckhimthathesawnobodyelsecarryingarifleandwearingacoonskincap——perhapsitwashiscapandhisgun。TheMajorwasamusedandpleased，andhetookacertainprideintheboy'scalmindifferencetotheattentionhewasdrawingtohimself。Andheenjoyedthelittlemysterywhichheandhisqueerlittlecompanionseemedtocreateastheydrovethroughthestreets。
　　Ononecornerwasagreathempfactory。
　　ThroughthewindowsChadcouldseenegroes，dustyasmillers，bustlingabout，singingastheyworked。Beforethedoorweretwomen——oneonhorseback。TheMajordrewupamoment。
　　"Howareyou，John？Howdye，Dick？"Bothmenansweredheartily，andbothlookedatChad——wholookedintentlyatthem——thegraceful，powerfulmanonfootandtheslender，wirymanwithwonderfuldarkeyesonhorseback。
　　"Pioneering，Major？"askedJohnMorgan。
　　"Thisisanamesakeofminefromthemountains。He'scomeuptoseethesettlements。"
　　RichardHuntturnedonhishorse。"Howdoyoulike'em？"
　　"Neverseednothin'like'eminmylife，"saidChad，gravely。MorganlaughedandRichardHuntrodeonwiththemdownthestreet。
　　"WasthatCaptinMorgan？"askedChad。
　　"Yes，"saidtheMajor。"Haveyouheardofhimbefore？"
　　"Yes，sir。Afellerontheroadtol'me，ifIwaslookin'fersomethin'todohyehinLexingtontogotoCaptinMorgan。"
　　TheMajorlaughed："That'swhateverybodydoes。"
　　Atonce，theMajortooktheboytoanoldinnandgavehimaheartymeal；andwhiletheMajorattendedtosomebusiness，Chadroamedthestreets。
　　"Don'tgetintotrouble，myboy，"saidtheMajor，ancomebackhereanhourortwobysun。
　　Naturally，theladdriftedwherethecrowdwasthickest——toCheapside。
　　Cheapside——atoncethemarket-placeandtheforumoftheBluegrassfrompioneerdaystothepresenthour——theplatformthatknewClay，Crittenden，Marshall，Breckenridge，asitknowsthelessermenofto-day，whoresemblethosegiantsofoldasthewoodlandsoftheBluegrassto-dayresembletheprimevalforestsfromwhichtheysprang。
　　Cheapsidewasthrongedthatmorningwithcattle，sheep，hogs，horses，farmers，aristocrats，negroes，poorwhites。Theairwasababelofcriesfromauctioneers——head，shoulders，andwaistbandabovethecrowd——andthecriesofanimalsthatwerechangingownersthatday——oneofwhichmightnowandthenbeahumanbeing。TheMajorwasbusy，andChadwanderedwherehepleased——keepingasharplookouteverywherefortheschool-master，butthoughheaskedrightandlefthecouldfindnobody，tohisgreatwonder，whokneweventhemaster'sname。InthemiddleoftheafternoonthecountrypeoplebegantoleavetownandCheapsidewascleared，but，asChadwalkedpasttheoldinn，hesawacrowdgatheredwithinandaboutthewidedoorsofalivery-stable，andinacircleoutsidethatlappedhalfthestreet。Theauctioneerwasinplainsightabovetheheadsofthecrowd，andthehorseswereledoutonebyonefromthestable。Itwasevidentlyasaleofconsiderablemoment，andtherewerehorse-raisers，horse-trainers，jockeys，stable-boys，gentlemen——alleagerspectatorsorbidders。Chadedgedhiswaythroughtheouterrimofthecrowdandtotheedgeofthesidewalk，and，whenaspectatorsteppeddownfromadry-goodsboxfromwhichhehadbeenlookingon，Chadsteppedupandtookhisplace。Straightway，hebegantowishhecouldbuyahorseandridebacktothemountains。Whatfunthatwouldbe，andhowhewouldastonishthefolksonKingdomCome。Hehadhisfivedollarsstillinhispocket，andwhenthefirsthorsewasbroughtout，theauctioneerraisedhishammerandshoutedinloudtones：
　　"HowmuchamIofferedforthishorse？"
　　Therewasnoanswer，andthesilencelastedsolongthatbeforeheknewitChadcalledoutinavoicethatfrightenedhim：
　　"Fivedollars！"Nobodyheardthebid，andnobodypaidanyattentiontohim。
　　"Onehundreddollars，"saidavoice。
　　"Onehundredandtwenty-five，"saidanother，andthehorsewasknockeddownfortwohundreddollars。
　　Ablackstallionwithcurvingneckandrednostrilsandtwowhitefeetwalkedproudlyin。
　　"HowmuchamIoffered？"
　　"Fivedollars，"saidChad，promptly。Amanwhosatnearheardtheboyandturnedtolookatthelittlefellow，andwashardlyabletobelievehisears。
　　Andsoitwenton。EachtimeahorsewasputupChadshoutedout：
　　"Fivedollars，"andthecrowdaroundhimbegantosmileandlaughandencouragehimandwaitforhisbid。Theauctioneer，too，sawhim，andenteredintothefunhimself，addressinghimselftoChadateveryopeningbid。
　　"Keepitup，littleman，"saidavoicebehindhim。"You'llgetonebyandby。"
　　Chadlookedaround。RichardHuntwassmilingtohimfromhishorseontheedgeofthecrowd。
　　Thelasthorsewasabrownmare——ledinbyahalter。Shewasoldandatriflelame，andChad，stillundispirited，calledoutthistimelouderthanever：
　　"Fivedollars！"
　　Heshoutedoutthistimeloudlyenoughtobeheardbyeverybody，andauniversallaughrose；thencamesilence，and，inthatsilence，animperiousvoiceshoutedback：
　　"Lethimhaveher！"Itwastheownerofthehorsewhospoke——atallmanwithanoblefaceandlongiron-grayhair。Thecrowdcaughthismood，andasnobodywantedtheoldmareverymuch，andtheownerwouldbethesoleloser，nobodybidagainsthim，andChad'sheartthumpedwhentheauctioneerraisedhishammerandsaid：
　　"Fivedollars，fivedollars——whatamIoffered？Fivedollars，fivedollars，goingatfivedollars，fivedollars——goingatfivedollars——going——going，lastbid，gentlemen！"ThehammercamedownwithablowthatmadeChad'sheartjumpandbroughtaroaroflaughterfromthecrowd。
　　"Whatisthename，please？"saidtheauctioneer，bendingforwardwithgreatrespectanddignitytowardthediminutivepurchaser。
　　"Chad。"
　　Theauctioneerputhishandtooneear。
　　"Ibegyourpardon——Dan'lBoonedidyousay？
　　"No！"shoutedChadindignantly——hebegantofeelthatfunwasgoingonathisexpense。"Youheerdme——CHAD。"
　　"Ah，Mr。Chad。"
　　Notasoulknewtheboy，buttheylikedhisspirit，andseveralfollowedhimwhenhewentupandhandedhisfivedollarsandtookthehalterofhisnewtreasuretremblingsothathecouldscarcelystand。Theownerofthehorseplacedhishandonthelittlefellow'shead。
　　"Waitaminute，"hesaid，and，turningtoanegroboy："Jim，gobringabridle。"Theboybroughtoutabridle，andthetallmanslippeditontheoldmare'shead，andChadledheraway——thecrowdwatchinghim。JustoutsidehesawtheMajor，whoseeyesopenedwide：
　　"Where'dyougetthatoldhorse，Chad？"
　　"Boughther，"saidChad。
　　"What？What'dyougiveforher？"
　　"Fivedollars。"
　　TheMajorlookedpained，forhethoughttheboywaslying，butRichardHuntcalledhimasideandtoldthestoryofthepurchase；andthenhowtheMajordidlaugh——laugheduntilthetearsrolleddownhisface。
　　Andthenandtherehegotoutofhiscarriageandwentintoasaddler'sshopandboughtabrandnewsaddlewitharedblanket，andputitontheoldmareandhoistedtheboytohisseat。Chadwastohavenolittlehonorinhisday，butheneverknewaproudermomentthanwhenheclutchedthereinsinhislefthandandsqueezedhisshortlegsagainstthefatsidesofthatoldbrownmare。
　　Herodedownthestreetandbackagain，andthentheMajortoldhimhehadbetterputtheblackboyonthemare，torideherhomeaheadofhim，andChadreluctantlygotoffandsawthelittledarkyonhisnewsaddleandhisnewhorse。
　　"Takegoodkeero'thathoss，boy，"hesaid，withawarningshakeofhishead，andagaintheMajorroared。
　　First，theMajorsaid，hewouldgobytheoldUniversityandleavewordwiththefacultyfortheschool-masterwhenheshouldcometheretomatriculate；
　　andso，ataturnstilethatledintoamightygreenyardinthemiddleofwhichstoodahugegraymassofstone，thecarriagestopped，andtheMajorgotoutandwalkedthroughthecampusandupthegreatflightofstonestepsanddisappeared。Themightycolumns，thestonesteps——wherehadChadheardofthem？Andthenthetruthflashed。Thiswasthecollegeofwhichtheschool-masterhadtoldhimdowninthemountains，and，looking，Chadwantedtogetcloser。
　　"Iwonderifit'llmakeanydifferenceifIgoupthar？"hesaidtotheolddriver。
　　"No，"theoldmanhesitated——"no，suh，co'senot。"AndChadclimbedoutandtheoldnegrofollowedhimwithhiseyes。Hedidnotwhollyapproveofhismaster'spickingupanunknownboyontheroad。Itwasallrighttolethimride，buttobetakinghimhome——oldTomshookhishead。
　　"JesswaittillMissLucyseesthatpieceo'whitetrash，"hesaid，shakinghishead。Chadwaswalkingslowlywithhiseyesraised。Itmustbethecollegewheretheschool-masterhadgonetoschool——forthebuildingwasasbigasthecliffthathehadpointedoutdowninthemountains，andtheporchwasasbigastheblackrockthathepointedoutatthesametime——thecollegewhereCalebHazelsaidChad，too，mustgosomeday。TheMajorwascomingoutwhentheboyreachedthefootofthesteps，andwithhimwasatall，graymanwithspectaclesandawhitetieandverywhitenails，andtheMajorsaid：
　　"Thereheisnow，Professor。"AndtheProfessorlookedatChadcuriously，andsmiledandsmiledagainkindlywhenhesawtheboy'sgrave，unsmilingeyesfastenedonhim。
　　Then，outofthetownandthroughthelateradiantafternoontheywentuntilthesunsankandthecarriagestoppedbeforeagate。Whilethepickaninnywasopeningit，anothercarriagewentswiftlybehindthem，andtheMajorcalledoutcleanlytotheoccupants——aquiet，sombre，dignified-lookingmanandtwohandsomeboysandalittlegirl。"They'remyneighbors，Chad，"saidtheMajor。
　　Notasounddidthewheelsmakeonthethickturfastheydrovetowardtheold-fashionedbrickhouseithadnopillars，withitswindowsshiningthroughthefirsandcedarsthatfilledtheyard。TheMajorputhishandontheboy'sshoulder：
　　"Well，hereweare，littleman。"
　　Attheyardgatetherewasagreatbarkingofdogs，andagreatshoutofwelcomefromthenegroeswhocameforwardtotakethehorses。ToeachofthemtheMajorgavealittlepackage，whicheachdarkytookwithshiningteethandalaughofdelight——alllookingwithwonderatthecuriouslittlestrangerwithhisrifleandcoonskincap，untilascowlfromtheMajorcheckedthesmilethatstartedoneachblackface。ThentheMajorledChadupaflightofstepsandintoabighallandonintoabigdrawing-room，wheretherewasahugefireplaceandagreatfirethatgaveChadapangofhomesicknessatonce。
　　Chadwasnotaccustomedtotakingoffhishatwhenheenteredahouseinthemountains，buthesawtheMajortakeoffhis，andhedroppedhisowncapquickly。TheMajorsankintoachair。
　　"Hereweare，littleman，"hesaid，kindly。
　　Chadsatdownandlookedatthebooks，andtheportraitsandprints，andthebigmirrorsandthecarpetsonthefloor，noneofwhichhehadeverseenbefore，andhewonderedatitallandwhatitallmightmean。Afewminuteslater，atallladyinblack，withacurldowneachsideofherpaleface，camein。LikeoldTom，thedriver，theMajor，too，hadbeenwonderingwhathissister，MissLucy，wouldthinkofhisbringingsostrangeawaifhome，andnow，withsuddenhumor，hesawhimselffortified。
　　"Sister，"hesaid，solemnly，"here'salittlekinsmanofyours。He'sagreat-great-grandsonofyourgreat-great-uncle——ChadwickBuford。That'shisname。Whatkindoesthatmakeus？"
　　"Hush，brother，"saidMissLucy，forshesawtheboyreddeningwithembarrassmentandshewentacrossandshookhandswithhim，takinginwithaglancehiscoarsestrangeclothesandhissoiledhandsandfaceandhistangledhair，butpleasedatoncewithhisshynessandhisdarkeyes。Shewasreallyneversurprisedatanycapriceofherbrother，andshedidnotshowmuchinterestwhentheMajorwentontotellwherehehadfoundthelad——forshewouldhavethoughtitquitepossiblethathemighthavetakentheboyoutofacircus。AsforChad，hewasinaweofheratonce——whichtheMajornoticedwithaninwardchuckle，fortheboyhadshownnoaweofhim。Chadcouldhardlyeatforshynessatsupperandbecauseeverythingwassostrangeandbeautiful，andhescarcelyopenedhislipswhentheysataroundthegreatfire，untilMissLucywasgonetobed。ThenhetoldtheMajorallabouthimselfandoldNathanandtheTurnersandtheschool。master，andhowhehopedtocomebacktotheBluegrass，andgotothatbigcollegehimself，andheamazedtheMajorwhen，glancingatthebooks，hespelledoutthetitlesoftwoofScott'snovels，"TheTalisman"and"Ivanhoe，"andtoldhowtheschool-masterhadreadthemtohim。AndtheMajor，whohadapassionforSirWalter，testedChad'sknowledge，andhecouldmentionhardlyacharacterorasceneinthetwobooksthatdidnotdrawanexcitedresponsefromtheboy。
　　"Wouldn'tyouliketostayhereintheBluegrassnowandgotoschool？"
　　Chad'seyeslightedup。