"IreckonIwould；buthowamIgoin'toschool，now，I'dliketoknow？I
ain'tgotnomoneytobuybooks，andtheschool-teachersaidyouhavetopaytogotoschool，uphere。"
"Well，we'llseeaboutthat，"saidtheMajor，andChadwonderedwhathemeant。
PresentlytheMajorgotupandwenttothesideboardandpouredoutadrinkofwhiskeyand，raisingittohislips，stopped：
"Willyoujoinme？"heasked，humorously，thoughitwashardfortheMajortoomitthatformulaevenwithaboy。
"Idon'tkeerifIdo，"saidChad，gravely。TheMajorwasastoundedandamused，andthoughtthattheboywasnotinearnest，buthehandedhimthebottleandChadpouredoutadrinkthatstaggeredhishost，anddrankitdownwithoutwinking。Atthefire，theMajorpulledouthischewingtobacco。This，too，heofferedandChadaccepted，equallingtheMajorintheaccuracywithwhichhereachedthefireplacethereafterwiththejuice，carryingoffhisaccomplishment，too，withperfectandunconsciousgravity。TheMajorwasnightosplittingwithsilentlaughterforafewminutes，andthenhegrewgrave。
"Doeseverybodydrinkandchewdowninthemountains？"
"Yes，sir，"saidChad。"EverybodymakeshisownlickerwhereIcomefrom。"
"Don'tyouknowit'sverybadforlittleboystodrinkandchew？"
"No，sir。"
"Didnobodyevertellyouitwasverybadforlittleboystodrinkandchew？"
"No，sir"——notoncehadChadforgottenthat。
"Well，itis。"
Chadthoughtforaminute。"Willitkeepmefromgittin'tobeaBIGman？"
"Yes。"
Chadquietlythrewhisquidintothefire。
"Well，Ibedamned，"saidtheMajorunderhisbreath。"Areyougoin'toquit？"
"Yes，sir。"
Meanwhile，theolddriver，whosewifelivedonthenextfarm，wastellingtheservantsoverthereaboutthequeerlittlestrangerwhomhismasterhadpickedupontheroadthatday，andafterChadwasgonetobed，theMajorgotoutsomeoldlettersfromachestandreadthemoveragain。ChadwickBufordwashisgreat-grandfather'stwinbrother，andnotawordhadbeenheardofhimsincethetwohadpartedthatmorningontheoldWildernessRoad，awaybackintheearliestpioneerdays。So，theMajorthoughtandthoughtsuppose——suppose？"Andatlasthegotupandwithanupliftedcandle，lookedalongwhileattheportraitofhisgrandfatherthathungonthesouthernwall。
Then，withasuddenhumor，hecarriedthelighttotheroomwheretheboywasinsoundsleep，withhisheadononesturdyarm，hishairlooseonthepillow，andhislipsslightlypartedandshowinghiswhite，eventeeth；helookedattheboyalongtimeandfanciedhecouldseesomeresemblancetotheportraitinthesetofthemouthandthenoseandthebrow，andhewentbacksmilingathisfanciesandthinking——fortheMajorwassensitivetotheclaimofanydropofthebloodinhisownveins——nomatterhowdiluted。Hewasahandsomelittlechap。
"Howstrange！Howstrange！"
Andhesmiledwhenhethoughtoftheboy'slastquestion。
"Where'sYO'mammy？"
IthadstirredtheMajor。
"Iamlikeyou，Chad，"hehadsaid。"I'vegotnomammy——nonothin'，exceptMissLucy，andshedon'tlivehere。I'mafraidshewon'tbeonthisearthlong。Nobodylivesherebutme，Chad。"
CHAPTER9。MARGARET
TheMajorwasintownandMissLucyhadgonetospendthedaywithaneighbor；
soChadwasleftalone。
"Lookaroun'，Chad，andseehowyoulikethings，"saidtheMajor。"Goanywhereyouplease。"
AndChadlookedaround。HewenttothebarntoseehisoldmareandtheMajor'shorses，andtothekennels，wherethefox-houndsrearedagainstthepalingsandsniffedathimcuriously；hestrolledaboutthequarters，wherethelittlepickaninnieswereplaying，andouttothefields，wheretheservantswereatworkundertheoverseer，JeromeConners，atall，thinmanwithshrewdeyes，asour，sullenface，andprotrudingupperteeth。Oneofthefewsmilesthatevercametothatfacecamenowwhentheoverseersawthelittlemountaineer。ByandbyChadgotoneofthe"hands"tolethimtakeholdoftheploughandgooncearoundthefield，andtheboyhandledtheploughlikeaveteran，sothattheotherswatchedhim，andthenegrogrinned，whenhecameback，andsaid"Yousutinlycanploughferafac'！"
Hewaslonesomebynoonandhadalonelydinner，duringwhichhecouldscarcelyrealizethatitwasreallyhe——Chad——Chadsittingupatthetablealoneandbeingrespectfullywaitedonbyakinky-headedlittlenegrogirl——calledThanky-ma'ambecauseshewasbornonThanksgivingday——andhewonderedwhattheTurnerswouldthinkiftheycouldseehimnow——andtheschool-master。Wherewastheschool-master？Hebegantobesorrythathehadn'tgonetotowntotrytofindhim。PerhapstheMajorwouldseehim——buthowwouldtheMajorknowtheschool-master？Hewassorryhehadn'tgone。Afterdinnerhestartedout-doorsagain。Earthandskywereradiantwithlight。
Greatwhitetumblingcloudswerepiledhighallaroundthehorizon——andwhatalonglengthofskyitwasineverydirectiondowninthemountains，hehadtolookstraightup，sometimes，toseetheskyatall。Blackbirdschatteredinthecedarsashewenttotheyardgate。Thefieldoutsidewasfullofsingingmeadow-larks，andcrowswerecawinginthewoodsbeyond。Therehadbeenalightshower，andonthedeadtopofatalltreehesawabuzzardstretchinghiswingsouttothesun。Pasttheedgeofthewoods，ranalittlestreamwithbanksthatweregreentotheverywater'sedge，andChadfolloweditonthroughthewoods，overawornrail-fence，alongasproutingwheat-field，outintoapastureinwhichsheepandcattleweregrazing，andon，pastalittlehill，where，onthenextlowslope，satagreatwhitehousewithbigwhitepillars，andChadclimbedontopofthestonefence——andsat，looking。Ontheporticostoodatallmaninaslouchhatandaladyinblack。Atthefootofthestepsaboy——aheadtallerthanChadperhaps——wasriggingupafishing-pole。Anegroboywasleadingablackponytowardtheporch，and，tohisdyingday，Chadneverforgotthescenethatfollowed。For，thenextmoment，alittlefigureinalongriding-skirtstoodinthebigdoorwayandthenrandownthesteps，whilealaugh，asjoyousasthewaterrunningathisfeet，floateddowntheslopetohisears。Hesawthenegrostoop，thelittlegirlboundlightlytohersaddle；hesawherblackcurlsshakeinthesunlight，againthemerrylaughtinkledinhisears，andthen，withawhiteplumenoddingfromherblackcap，shegallopedoffanddisappearedamongthetrees；andChadsatlookingafterher——thrilled，mysteriouslythrilled——mysteriouslysaddened，straightway。Wouldheeverseeheragain？
Thetallmanandtheladyinblackwentin-doors，thenegrodisappeared，andtheboyatthefootofthestepskeptonrigginghispole。Severaltimesvoicessoundedunderthehighcreekbankbelowhim，but，quickashisearswere，Chaddidnothearthem。Suddenlytherewasacrythatstartledhim，andsomethingflashedinthesunovertheedgeofthebankandfloppedinthegrass。
"Snowball！"animperiousyoungvoicecalledbelowthebank，"getthatfish！"
OnthemomentChadwasalertagain——somebodywasfishingdownthere——andhesprangfromhisperchandrantowardthefishjustasawoollyheadandajet-blackfacepeepedoverthebank。
Thepickaninny'seyeswerestretchedwidewhenhesawthestrangefigureincoonskincapandmoccasinsrunningdownonhim，hisfacealmostblanchedwithterror，andheloosedhisholdand，withacryoffright，rolledbackoutofsight。Chadlookedoverthebank。Aboyofhisownagewasholdinganotherpole，and，hearingthelittledarkyslidedown，hesaid，sharply：
"Getthatfish，Itellyou！"
"Lookdar，Mars'Dan，lookdar！"
Theboylookedaroundandupandstaredwithasmuchwonderashislittlebody-servant，butwithnofear。
"Howdye！"saidChad；butthewhiteboystaredonsilently。
"Fishin'？"saidChad。
"Yes，"saidDan，shortly——hehadshownenoughcuriosityandheturnedhiseyestohiscork。"Getthatfish，Snowball，"hesaidagain。
"I'llgithimferye，"Chadsaid；andhewenttothefishandunhookeditandcamedownthebankwiththeperchinonehandandthepoleintheother。
"Whar'syo'string？"heasked，handingthepoletothestilltremblinglittledarky。
"I'lltakeit，"saidDan，stickingthebuttofhiscane-poleinthemud。Thefishslippedthroughhiswetfingers，whenChadpassedittohim，droppedonthebank，floppedtotheedgeofthecreek，andthethreeboys，withthesamecry，scrambledforit——Snowballfallingdownonitandclutchingitinbothhisblacklittlepaws。
"Darnow！"heshrieked。"Igothim！"
"Givehimtome，"saidDan。
"Lemmestringhim，"saidtheblackboy。
"Givehimtome，Itellyou！"And，stringingthefish，Dantooktheotherpoleandturnedhiseyestohiscorks，whilethepickaninnysquattedbehindhimandChadclimbedupandsatonthebanklettinghislegsdangleover。WhenDancaughtafishhewouldflingitwithawhoophighoverthebank。Afterthethirdfish，theladwasmollifiedandgotoverhisill-temper。HeturnedtoChad。
"Wanttofish？"
Chadsprangdownthebankquickly。
"Yes，"hesaid，andhetooktheotherpoleoutofthebank，putonafreshwrigglingworm，andmovedalittlefartherdownthecreekwheretherewasaneddy。
"Ketchin'any？"saidavoiceabovethebank，andChadlookeduptoseestillanotherlad，tallerbyaheadthaneitherheorDan——evidentlytheboywhomhehadseenriggingapoleupatthebighouseonthehill。
"Oh，'bout'leven，"saidDan，carelessly。
"Howdye！"saidChad。
"Howdye！"saidtheotherboy，andhe，too，staredcuriously，butChadhadgotusedtopeoplestaringathim。
"I'mgoin'overthebigrock，"addedthenewarrival，andhewentdownthecreekandclimbedaroundasteeplittlecliff，andoutonahugerockthathungoverthecreek，wherehedroppedhishook。Hehadnocork，andChadknewthathewastryingtocatchcatfish。Presentlyhejerked，andayellowmudcatrosetothesurface，fightingdesperatelyforhislife，andDanandSnowballyelledcrazily。ThenDanpulledoutaperch。
"Igotanotherone，"heshouted。AndChadfishedsilently。Theyweremaking"amightybigfuss，"hethought，"overmightylittlefish。Ifhejusthadaminnowan'had'emdowninthemountains，'IGonnies，he'dshow'emwhatfishin'was！"Buthebegantohavegoodluckasitwas。Perchafterperchhepulledoutquietly，andhekeptSnowballbusystringingthemuntilhehadfiveonthestring。Theboyontherockwaswatchinghimandsowastheboynearhim——furtively——whileSnowball'sadmirationwaswoncompletely。andhegrinnedandgurgledhisdelight，untilDanlosthistemperagainandspoketohimsharply。Dandidnotliketobebeatinatanything。Prettysoontherewasalightthunderofhoofsontheturfabovethebank。Ablackponyshotaroundthebankandwaspulledinattheedgeoftheford，andChadwaslookingintothedancingblackeyesofalittlegirlwithablackvelvetcaponherdarkcurlsandawhiteplumewavingfromit。
"Howdye！"saidChad，andhisheartleapedcuriously，butthelittlegirldidnotanswer。She，too，staredathimasalltheothershaddoneandstartedtorideintothecreek，butDanstoppedhersharply：
"Now，Margaret，don'tyourideintothatwater。You'llskeerthefish。"
"No，youwon't，"saidChad，promptly。"Fishdon'tkeernothin'aboutahoss。"
Butthelittlegirlstoodstill，andherbrother'sfaceflushed。Heresentedthestranger'sinterferenceandhisassumptionofabetterknowledgeoffish。
"Mindyourownbusiness，"trembledonhistongue，andthefactthatheheldthewordsbackonlyservedtoincreasehisill-humorandmakeaworseoutbreakpossible。But，ifChaddidnotunderstand，Snowballdid，andhisblackfacegrewsuddenlygraveashesprangmorealertlythaneveratanywordfromhislittlemaster。Meanwhile，allunconscious，Chadfishedon，catchingperchafterperch，buthecouldnotkeephiseyesonhiscorkwhilethelittlegirlwassonear，andmorethanoncehewaswarnedbyasuppressedcryfromthepickaninnywhentopull。Once，whenhewasputtingonaworm，hesawthelittlegirlwatchingtheprocesswithgreatdisgust，andherememberedthatMelissawouldneverbaitherownhook。Allgirlswerealike，he"reckoned"tohimself，andwhenhecaughtafishthatwasunusuallybig，hewalkedovertoher。
"I'llgivethisuntoyou，"hesaid，butsheshrankfromit。
"Go'way！"shesaid，andsheturnedherpony。Danwasredinthefacebythistime。Howdidthispieceofpoorwhitetrashdaretoofferafishtohissister。Andthistimethewordscameoutlikethecrackofawhip：
"S'poseyoumindyourownbusiness！"
Chadstartedasthoughhehadbeenstruckandlookedaroundquickly。Hesaidnothing，buthestuckthebuttofhispoleinthemudatonceandclimbeduponthebankagainandsatthere，withhislegshangingover；andhisownfacewasnotpleasanttosee。Thelittlegirlwasridingatawalkuptheroad。
Chadkeptperfectsilence，forherealizedthathehadnotbeenmindinghisownbusiness；stillhedidnotliketobetoldsoandinsuchaway。Bothcorkswereshakingatthesametimenow。
"Yougotabite，"saidDan，butChaddidnotmove。
"Yougotabite，Itellyou，"hesaid，inalmostthetonehehadusedtoSnowball，butChad，whenthesmallaristocratlookedsharplyaround，droppedhiselbowstohiskneesandhischinintohishand——takingnonotice。Oncehespatdexterouslyintothecreek。Dan'sowncorkwasgoingunder：
"Snowball！"hecried——"jerk！"AfishflewoverChad'shead。Snowballhadrunfortheotherpoleatcommandandjerked，too，butthefishwasgoneandwithitthebait。
"Youlostthatfish！"saidtheboy，hotly，butChadsatsilent——still。Ifhewouldonlysaysomething！Danbegantothinkthatthestrangerwasacoward。
Sopresently，toshowwhatagreatlittlemanhewas，hebegantoteaseSnowball，whowasuponthebankunhookingthefish，ofwhichChadhadtakennonotice。
"What'syourname？"
"Snowball！"henchman，obediently。
"Louder！"
"S-n-o-w-b-a-l-l-l"
"Louder！"Thelittleblackfellowopenedhismouthwide。
"S-N-O-W-B-A-L-L！"heshrieked。
"LOUDER！"
AtlastChadspokequietly。
"Hecan'thollernolouder。"
"Whatdoyouknowaboutit？Louder！"，andDanstartedmenacinglyafterthelittledarkybutChadsteppedbetween。
"Don'thithim！"
NowDanhadneverstruckSnowballinhislife'andhewouldassoonhavestruckhisownbrother——buthemustnotbetoldthathecouldn't。HisfaceflamedandlittleHotspurthathewas，hedrewhisfistbackandhitChadfullinthechest。Chadleapedbacktoavoidtheblow，tumblingSnowballdownthebank；thetwoclinched，and，whiletheytussled，Chadheardtheotherbrotherclamberingovertherocks，thebeatofhoofscomingtowardhimontheturf，andthelittlegirl'scry：
"Don'tyouDAREtouchmybrother！"
Bothwentdownsidebysidewiththeirheadjusthangingoverthebank，wherebothcouldseeSnowball'sblackwoolcomingtothesurfaceinthedeephole，andbothheardhisterrifiedshriekashewentunderagain。Chadwasfirsttohisfeet。
"Gitarail！"heshoutedandplungedin，butDanspranginafterhim。Inthreestrokes，forthecurrentwasratherstrong，Chadhadthekinkywoolinhishand，and，inafewstrokesmore，thetwoboyshadSnowballgaspingonthebank。Harry，thetallerbrother，ranforwardtohelpthemcarryhimupthebank，andtheylaidhim，chokingandbawling，onthegrass。Whipinonehandandwiththeskirtofherlongblackriding-habitintheother，thelittlegirlstoodabove，lookingon——whiteandfrightened。ThehullabaloohadreachedthehouseandGeneralDeanwaswalkingswiftlydownthehill，withSnowball'smammy，toppedbyaredbandannahandkerchief，rushingafterhimandthekitchenservantsfollowing。
"Whatdoesthismean？"hesaid，sternly，andChadwasinastrangeaweatonce——hewassotall，andhestoodsostraight，andhiseyewassopiercing。
Fewpeoplecouldlieintothateye。Thelittlegirlspokefirst——usuallyshedoesspeakfirst，aswellaslast。
"Danand——and——thatboywerefightingandtheypushedSnowballintothecreek。"
"Danwasteasin'Snowball，"saidHarrythejust。
"Andthatboymeddled，"saidDan。
"Whostruckfirst？"askedtheGeneral，lookingfromoneboytotheother。DandroppedhiseyessullenlyandChaddidnotanswer。
"Iwasn'tgoin'tohitSnowball，"saidDan。
"Ithoughtyouwus，"saidChad。
"Whostruckfirst？"repeatedtheGeneral，lookingatDannow。
"ThatboymeddledandIhithim。"
ChadturnedandansweredtheGeneral'seyessteadily。
"IreckonIhadnobusinessmeddlin'！"
"Hetriedtogivesisterafish。"
ThatwasunwiseinDan——Margaret'schinlifted。
"Oh，"shesaid，"thatwasit，too，wasit？Well——"
"Ididn'tseenoharmgivin'thelittlegalafish，"saidChad。"Littlegal，"
indeed！Chadlostthegroundhemighthavegained。Margaret'seyeslookedallatoncelikeherfather's。
"I'malittleGIRL，thankyou。"
Chadturnedtoherfathernow，lookinghiminthefacestraightandsteadily。
"IreckonIhadnobusinessmeddlin'，butIdidn'tthinkhitwasfa'rferhimtohitthenigger；theniggerwaslittler，an'Ididn'tthinkhit'asright。"
"Ididn'tmeantohithim——Iwasonlyplayin'！"
"ButITHOUGHTyouwasgoin'tohithim，"saidChad。HelookedattheGeneralagain。"ButIhadnobusinessmeddlin'。"Andhepickeduphisoldcoonskincapfromthegrasstostartaway。
"Holdon，littleman，"saidtheGeneral。
"Dan，haven'tItoldyounottoteaseSnowball？"Dandroppedhiseyesagain。
"Yes，sir。"
"Youstruckfirst，andthisboysaysheoughtn'ttohavemeddled，butIthinkhedidjustright。Haveyouanythingtosaytohim？"Danworkedthetoeofhisleftbootintotheturfforamoment"No，sir。"
"Well，gouptoyourroomandthinkaboutitawhileandseeifyoudon'towesomebodyanapology。Hurryupnowan'changeyourclothes。
"You'dbettercomeuptothehouseandgetsomedryclothesforyourself，myboy，"headdedtoChad。"You'llcatchcold。"
"Muchobleeged，"saidChad。"ButIdon'tketchcold。"
Heputonhisoldcoonskincap，andthentheGeneralrecognizedhim。
"Why，aren'tyouthelittleboywhoboughtahorsefrommeintowntheotherday？"AndthenChadrecognizedhimasthetallmanwhohadcried"Lethimhaveher。"
"Yes，sir。"
"Well，Iknowallaboutyou，"saidtheGeneral，kindly。"YouarestayingwithMajorBuford。He'sagreatfriendandneighborofmine。Nowyoumustcomeupandgetsomeclothes，Harry！"——ButChad，thoughhehesitated，forheknewnowthatthegentlemanhadpracticallygivenhimthemare，interrupted，sturdily，"No，sir，Ican'tgo——notwhilehe'sa-feelin'hardatme。"
"Verywell，"saidtheGeneral，gravely。Chadstartedoffonatrotandstoppedsuddenly，"Iwishyou'dpleasetellthatlittleGURL"——Chadpronouncedthewordwithsomedifficulty——"thatIdidn'tmeannothin'callin'heralittlegal。Ever'bodycallsgurlsgalswharIcomefrom。"
"Allright，"laughedtheGeneral。ChadtrottedallthewayhomeandthereMissLucymadehimtakeoffhiswetclothesatonce，thoughtheboyhadtogotobedwhiletheyweredrying，forhehadnootherclothes，andwhilehelayinbedtheMajorcameupandlistenedtoChad'sstoryoftheafternoon，whichChadtoldhimwordforwordjustasithadallhappened。
"Youdidjustright，Chad，"saidtheMajor，andhewentdownthestairs，chuckling：
"Wouldn'tgoinandgetdryclothesbecauseDanwouldn'tapologize。Dearme！I
reckonthey'llhaveitoutwhentheyseeeachotheragain。I'dliketobeonhand，andI'dbetmybottomdollaronChad。"Buttheydidnothaveitout。
Halfanhouraftersuppersomebodyshouted"Hello！"atthegate，andtheMajorwentoutandcamebacksmiling。
"Somebodywantstoseeyou，Chad，"hesaid。AndChadwentoutandfoundDanthereontheblackponywithSnowballbehindhim。
"I'vecomeovertosaythatIhadnobusinesshittin'youdownatthecreek，and——"Chadinterruptedhim：
"That'sallright，"hesaid，andDanstoppedandthrustouthishand。Thetwoboysshookhandsgravely。
"An'mypapasaysyouareamanan'hewantsyoutocomeoverandseeusandI
wantyou——andHarryandMargaret。Weallwantyou。"
"Allright，"saidChad。Danturnedhisblackponyandgallopedoff。
"An'comesoon！"heshoutedback。
OutinthequartersMammyAilsie，oldTom'swife，washavingherownsaythatnight。
"OleMarseCalBufordpickin'apieceofwhitetrashoutdegutteran'notsayin'wharhecomefroman'nuttin''bouthim。An'oldMarsHenrytakin'himjus'likehewasquality。MyTomsaydaeboydon'knowwhoishismammynerhisdaddy。Iain'gwinetoletmylittlemistisplaywidnosechtrash，Itellyou——'deedIain't！"Andthistalkwouldreachthedrawing-roombyandby，wheretheGeneralwastellingthefamily，atjustaboutthesamehour，thestoryofthehorsesaleandChad'spurchaseoftheoldbroodmare。
"Iknewwherehewasfromrightaway，"saidHarry"I'veseenmountain-peoplewearingcapslikehisupatUncleBrutus's，whentheycomedowntogotoRichmond。"
TheGeneralfrowned。
"Well，youwon'tseeanymorepeoplelikehimupthereagain。"
"Why，papa？"
"Becauseyouaren'tgoingtoUncleBrutus'sanymore。"
"Why，papa？"
Themotherputherhandonherhusband'sknee。
"Nevermind，son，"shesaid。
CHAPTER10。THEBLUEGRASS
God'sCountry！
NohumorinthatphrasetotheBluegrassKentuckian！Thereneverwas——thereisnonenow。Tohim，thelandseemsinalltheNewWorld，tohavebeenthepetshrineoftheGreatMotherherself。Shefashioneditwithlovinghands。Sheshutitinwithamightybarrierofmightymountainstokeepthemobout。Shegaveitthelovingclaspofamightyriver，andspreadbroad，levelprairiesbeyondthatthemobmightglideby，orbetemptedtotheotherside，wheretheearthwaslevelandtherewasnoneedtoclimb；thatshemightsendpriestsfromhershrinetoreclaimWesternwastesorlettheweakortheunloving——ifsuchcouldbe——haveeasyaccesstoanotherland。
Inthebeginning，suchwasherclearpurposetotheKentuckian'seye，shefilleditwithflowersandgrassandtrees，andfishandbirdandwildbeasts。
JustasshemadeEdenforAdamandEve。TheredmenfoughtfortheParadise——foughttillitwasdrenchedwithblood，butnotribe，withoutmortalchallengefromanotherstraightway，couldevercallarooditsown。Boonelovedthelandfromthemomenttheeagleeyeinhisheadsweptitsshakingwildernessfromamountain-top，andeverymanwhofollowedhimlovedthelandnoless。Andwhenthechosencame，theyfoundtheearthreadytoreceivethem——liftedabovethebanefulbreathofriver-bottomandmarshland，drainedbyriversfulloffish，filledwithwoodsfullofgame，andunderlaid——all——withthick，blue，limestonestratathat，likesomedivineagentworkinginthedark，keptcrumbling——evercrumbling——toenrichthesoilandgivebone-buildingvirtuetoeverydropofwaterandeverybladeofgrass。
Forthosechosenpeoplesuch，too，seemedherpurpose——theMotherwenttotheraceuponwhomshehadsmiledabenedictionforathousandyears——theracethatobstaclebutstrengthens，thatthrivesbestunderanalienefforttokill，thathaseverconquereditsconquerors，andthatseemsbentonthetaskofcarryingthebestidealsanyagehaseverknownbacktotheOldWorldfromwhichitsprang。TheGreatMotherknows！Knowsthatherchildrenmustsuffer，iftheystraytoofarfromhergreatteemingbreasts。AndhowshehasfollowedclosewhenthisSaxonrace——heryoungestborn——seemedlikelytostraytoofar——gatheringitssonstoherarmsinvirginlandsthattheymightsuckleagainandkeeptheoldbloodfreshandstrong。Whocouldknowwhatdangerthreateneditwhenshesentherblue-eyedmenandwomentopeoplethewildernessoftheNewWorld？ToclimbtheAlleghenies，spreadthroughthewastesbeyond，andplanttheirkindacrossacontinentfromseatosea。Whoknowswhatdangersthreatennow，when，histaskdone，sheseemstobeopeningtheeasterngatesoftheearthwithagesturethatseemstosay——"Enter，reclaim，anddwelltherein！"
OnelittleraceofthatraceintheNewWorld，andoneonly，hasshekeptfleshofherflesh，boneofherbone——tothatraceonlydidshegivenooutsideaid。Sheshutitinwithgrayhillandshiningriver。Sheshutitofffromthemotherstateandthemothernationandleftittofightitsownfightwithsavagenature，savagebeast，andsavageman。Andthusshegavethelittleracestrengthofheartandbodyandbrain，andtaughtittostandtogetherasshetaughteachmanoftheracetostandalone，protecthiswomen，mindhisownbusiness，andmeddlenotatall；tothinkhisownthoughtsanddieforthemifneedbe，thoughhedividedhisownhouseagainstitself；taughtthemantocleavetoonewoman，withthepenaltyofdeathifhestrayedelsewhere；
tokeepher——andevenhimself——indarkignoranceofthesinsagainstHerselfforwhichshehasslainothernations，andinthathappyignorancekeepsthemto-day，evenwhilesheisslayingelsewherestill。
AndNatureholdstheKentuckianscloseevento-day——sucklingatherbreastsandlivingafterhersimplelaws。Whatfurtheruseshemayhaveforthemishidbythedarknessofto-morrow，butbeforetheGreatWarcameshecouldlookuponherworkandsaywithasmilethatitwasgood。ThelandwasagreatseriesofwoodedparkssuchasonemighthavefoundinMerryEngland，exceptthatwormfenceandstonewalltooktheplaceofhedgealongthehighways。Itwasalandofpeaceandofaplentythatwasclosetoeasyluxury——forall。
Poorwhiteswerefew，thebeggarwasunknown，andthroughouttheregiontherewasnoman，woman，orchild，perhaps，whodidnothaveenoughtoeatandtowearandarooftocoverhishead，whetheritwashisownroofornot。Ifslaveryhadtobe——thenthefetterswereforgedlightandhungloosely。And，broadcast，throughthepeople，wastheuprightsturdinessoftheScotch-Irishman，withouthisnarrownessandbigotry；thegraceandchivalryoftheCavalierwithouthisQuixoticsentimentandhisweakness；thejovialgood-natureoftheEnglishsquireandtheleaveningspiritofasimpleyeomanrythatboreitselfwithunconscioustenacitytotraditionsthatseepedfromtheveryearth。Andthewingsoftheeaglehoveredoverall。
Forthatlanditwasthefloweringtimeoftheageandthepeople；andthebudthatwasabouttoopenintotheperfectflowerhaditslivingsymbolinthelittlecreatureracingoverthebluegrassfieldsonablackpony，withablackvelvetcapandawhitenoddingplumeabovehershakingcurls，justasthelittlestrangerwhohadfloateddownintothoseElysianfields——withbetterbloodinhisveinsthanheknew——wasareincarnationperhapsofthespiritoftheoldracethathadlaindormantinthehills。Thelongwayfromlog-cabintoGreekporticohadmarkedtheprogressofthegenerationsbeforeher，and，onthissameway，theboyhadsethissturdyfeet。
CHAPTER11。ATOURNAMENT
OnSunday，theMajorandMissLucytookChadtochurch——acountrychurchbuiltofredbrickandovergrownwithivy——andthesermonwasveryshort，Chadthought，for，downinthemountains，thecircuit-riderwouldpreachforhours——andthedeaconspassedaroundvelvetpouchesforthepeopletodropmoneyin，andtheypassedaroundbread，ofwhichnearlyeverybodytookapinch，andasilvergobletwithwine，fromwhichthesamepeopletookasip——allofwhichChaddidnotunderstand。UsuallytheDeanswenttoLexingtontochurch，fortheywereEpiscopalians，buttheywereallatthecountrychurchthatday，andwiththemwasRichardHunt，whosmiledatChadandwavedhisriding-whip。AfterchurchDancametohimandshookhands。Harrynoddedtohimgravely，themothersmiledkindly，andtheGeneralputhishandontheboy'shead。Margaretlookedathimfurtively，butpassedhimby。Perhapsshewasstill"mad"athim，Chadthought，andhewasmuchworried。MargaretwasnotshylikeMelissa，butherfacewaskind。TheGeneralaskedthemallovertotakedinner，butMissLucydeclined——shehadaskedpeopletotakedinnerwithher。AndChad，withkeendisappointment，sawthemdriveaway。
ItwasalonelydayforhimthatSunday。Hegottiredstayingsolongatthetable，andhedidnotunderstandwhattheguestsweretalkingabout。Theafternoonwaslong，andhewanderedrestlesslyabouttheyardandthequarters。JeromeConners，theoverseer，triedtobefriendlywithhimforthefirsttime，buttheboydidnotliketheoverseerandturnedawayfromhim。Hewalkeddowntothepikegateandsatonit，lookingovertowardtheDeans'。HewishedthatDanwouldcomeovertoseehimor，betterstill，thathecouldgoovertoseeDanandHarryand——Margaret。ButDandidnotcomeandChadcouldnotasktheMajortolethimgo——hewastooshyaboutit——andChadwasgladwhenbedtimecame。
Twodaysmoreandspringwascomeinearnest。Itwasinthesoftnessoftheair，thetendernessofcloudandsky，andthewarmthofthesunlight。Thegrasswasgreenerandthetreesquiveredhappily。Hensscratchedandcockscrowedmorelustily。Insectlifewasbusier。Astallionnickeredinthebarn，andfromthefieldscamethemooingofcattle。Field-handsgoingtoworkchaffedthemaidsaboutthehouseandquarters。ItstirreddreamymemoriesofhisyouthintheMajor，anditbroughtasadlightintoMissLucy'sfadedeyes。Wouldsheeverseeanotherspring？ItbroughttendermemoriestoGeneralDean，andoveratWoodlawn，afterheandMrs。Deanhadwatchedthechildrengooffwithhappycriesandlaughtertoschool，itledthembackintothehousehandinhand。AnditsetChad'sheartaglowashewalkedthroughthedewygrassandamidthesingingofmanybirdstowardthepikegate。He，too，wasonhiswaytoschool——inabravenewsuitofclothes——andnobodysmiledathimnow，exceptadmiringly，fortheMajorhadtakenhimtotowntheprecedingdayandhadgottheboyclothessuchasDanandHarrywore。Chadwasworriedatfirst——hedidnotliketoacceptsomuchfromtheMajor。
"I'llpayyouback，"saidChad。"I'llleaveyoumyhosswhenIgo'way，ifI
don't，"andtheMajorlaughinglysaidthatwasallrightandhemadeChad，too，thinkthatitwasallright。AndsospringtooktheshapeofhopeinChad'sbreast，thatmorning，andalittlelaterittooktheshapeofMargaret，forhesoonsawtheDeanchildrenaheadofhimintheroadandherantocatchupwiththem。
Alllookedathimwithsurprise——seeinghisbroadwhitecollarwithruffles，histurned-back，ruffledcuffs，andhisbootswithredtops；buttheyweretoopolitetosayanything。StillChadfeltMargarettakingthemallinandhewasproudandconfident。And，whenhereyeswereliftedtothehandsomefacethatrosefromthecollarandthethickyellowhair，hecaughtthemwithhisowninanunconsciouslookoffealty，thatmadethelittlegirlblushandhurryonandnotlookathimagainuntiltheywereinschool，whensheturnedhereyes，asdidalltheotherboysandgirls，toscanthenew"scholar。"Chad'sworkinthemountainscameinwellnow。Theteacher，agray，sad-eyed，thin-facedman，wassurprisedattheboy'scapacity，forhecouldreadaswellasDan，andinmentalarithmeticevenHarrywasnomatchforhim；andwheninthespellingclasshewentfromthebottomtotheheadinasinglelesson，theteacherlookedasthoughheweregoingtogivetheboyawordofpraiseopenlyandMargaretwasregardinghimwithanewlightinherproudeyes。ThatwasahappydayforChad，butitpassedafterschoolwhen，astheywenthometogether，Margaretlookedathimnomore；elseChadwouldhavegonebytheDeans'housewhenDanandHarryaskedhimtogoandlookattheirponiesandthenewsheepthattheirfatherhadjustbought；forChadwaspuzzledandawedandshyofthelittlegirlItwasstrange——hehadneverfeltthatwayaboutMelissa。Buthisshynesskepthimawayfromherdayafterdayuntil，onemorning，hesawheraheadofhimgoingtoschoolalone，andhisheartthumpedashequietlyandswiftlyovertookherwithoutcallingtoher；buthestoppedrunningthatshemightnotknowthathehadbeenrunning，andforthefirsttimeshewasshywithhim。HarryandDanwerethreatenedwiththemeasles，shesaid，andwouldsaynomore。Whentheywentthroughthefieldstowardtheschool-house，ChadstalkedaheadashehaddoneinthemountainswithMelissa，and，lookingback，hesawthatMargarethadstopped。Hewaitedforhertocomeup，andshelookedathimforamomentasthoughdispleased。Puzzled，Chadgavebackherlookforamomentandturnedwithoutaword——stillstalkingahead。HelookedbackpresentlyandMargarethadstoppedandwaspouting。
"Youaren'tpolite，littleboy。MymammasaysaNICElittleboyalwaysletsalittleGIRLgofirst。"ButChadstillwalkedahead。Helookedbackpresentlyandshehadstoppedagain——whetherangryorreadytocry，hecouldnotmakeout——sohewaitedforher，andasshecameslowlynearhesteppedgravelyfromthepath，andMargaretwentonlikeaqueen。
Intown，afewdayslater，hesawalittlefellowtakeoffhishatwhenaladypassedhim，anditsetChadtothinking。Herecalledaskingtheschool-masteroncewhatwasmeantwhenthelatterreadaboutaknightdoffinghisplume，andtheschool-masterhadtoldhimthatmen，inthosedays，tookofftheirhatsinthepresenceofladiesjustastheydidintheBluegrassnow；butChadhadforgotten。HeunderstooditallthenandhesurprisedMargaret，nextmorning，bytakingoffhiscapgravelywhenhespoketoher；andthelittleladywasgreatlypleased，forherownbrothersdidnotdothat，atleast，nottoher，thoughshehadheardhermothertellthemthattheymust。Allthismustbechivalry，Chadthought，andwhenHarryandDangotwell，herevivedhisoldideas，butHarrylaughedathimandDandid，too，untilChad，rememberingBeelzebub，suggestedthattheyshouldhaveatournamentwithtworamsthattheGeneralhadtiedupinthestable。Theywouldmakespearsandeachwouldgetonaram。Harrywouldletthemoutintothelotandtheywouldhave"arealcharge——sureenough。"ButMargaretreceivedtheplanwithdisdain，untilDan，atChad'ssuggestion，askedtheGeneraltoreadthemthetournamentscenein"Ivanhoe，"whichexcitedthelittleladyagreatdeal；andwhenChadsaidthatshemustbethe"QueenofLoveandBeauty"sheblushedprettilyandthought，afterall，thatitwouldbegreatfun。Theywouldmakelancesofash-woodandhelmetsoftinbuckets，andperhapsMargaretwouldmakeredsashesforthem。
Indeed，shewould，andthetournamentwouldtakeplaceonthenextSaturday。
But，onSaturday，oneofthesheepwastakenovertoMajorBuford'sandtheotherwasturnedlooseintheMajor'sbackpastureandthegreatdayhadtobepostponed。
Itwasonthenightofthereadingfrom"Ivanhoe"thatHarryandDanfoundouthowChadcouldplaythebanjo。PassingoldMammy'scabinthatnightbeforesupper，thethreeboyshadstoppedtolistentooldTomplay，andafterafewtunes，Chadcouldstanditnolonger。
"Ifollerpickin'thebanjeraleetle，"hesaidshyly，andthereuponhehadtakentherudeinstrumentandmadetheoldnegro'seyesstretchwithamazement，whileDanrolledinthegrasswithdelight，andeverynegrowhoheardrantowardtheboy。Aftersupper，DanbroughtthebanjointothehouseandmadeChadplayontheporch，tothedelightofthemall。Andthere，too，theservantsgathered，andevenoldMammywasobservedslylyshakingherfoot——sothatMargaretclappedherhandsandlaughedtheoldwomanintogreatconfusion。AfterthatnoSaturdaycamethatChaddidnotspendthenightattheDeans'，orHarryandDandidnotstayatMajorBuford's。AndnotaSaturdaypassedthatthethreeboysdidnotgocoon-huntingwiththedarkies，orfox-huntingwiththeMajorandtheGeneral。ChadneverforgotthatfirststarlitnightwhenhewasawakenedbythenearwindingofahornandheardtheMajorjumpfrombed。Hejumpedtoo，andwhentheMajorreachedthebarn，adarklittlefigurewascloseathisheels。
"CanIgo，too？"Chadasked，eagerly。
"Thinkyoucanstickon？"
"Yes，sir。"
"Allright。Getmybayhorse。Thatoldmareofyoursistooslow。"
TheMajor'sbigbayhorse！Chadwasdizzywithpride。
Whentheygallopedoutintothedarkwoods，thereweretheGeneralandHarryandDanandhalfadozenneighbors，sittingsilentlyontheirhorsesandlisteningtothemusicofthehounds。
TheGenerallaughed。
"Ithoughtyou'dcome，"hesaid，andtheMajorlaughedtoo，andcockedhisear。"OldRock'sahead，"hesaid，forheknew，asdideveryonethere，theoldhound'stongue。
"He'sbeenaheadforanhour，"saidtheGeneralwithquietsatisfaction，"andIthinkhe'llstaythere。"
Justthenadarkobjectsweptpastthem，andtheMajorwithalowcryhiedonhisfavoritehound。
"Notnow，Ireckon，"hesaid，andtheGenerallaughedagain。
DanandHarrypressedtheirhorsesclosetoChad，andalltalkedinlowvoices。
"Ain'titfun？"whisperedDan。Chadansweredwithashiverofpurejoy。
"He'smakingforthecreek，"saidtheMajor，sharply，andhetouchedspurstohishorse。Howtheyracedthroughthewoods，crackingbrushandwhiskingaroundtrees，andhowtheythunderedovertheturfandclatteredacrosstheroadandon！ForafewmomentstheMajorkeptclosetoChad，watchinghimanxiously，buttheboystucktothebigbaylikeajockey，andheleftDanandHarryontheirponiesfarbehind。Allnighttheyrodeunderthestarlitsky，andtenmilesawaytheycaughtpoorReynard。Chadwasinatthekill，withtheMajorandtheGeneral，andtheGeneralgaveChadthebrushwithhisownhand。
"Wheredidyoulearntoride，boy？"
"Ineverlearned，"saidChad，simply，whereattheMajorwinkedathisfriendsandpattedChadontheshoulder。
"I'vegottoletmyboysridebetterhorses，Isuppose，"saidtheGeneral；"I
can'thaveaboywhodoesnotknowhowtoridebeatingthemthisway。"
DaywasbreakingwhentheMajorandChadrodeintothestable-yard。Theboy'sfacewaspale，hisarmsandlegsached，andhewassosleepythathecouldhardlykeephiseyesopen。
"How'dyoulikeit，Chad？"
"Ineverknowednothinglikeitinmylife，"saidChad。
"I'mgoingtoteachyoutoshoot。"
"Yes，sir，"saidChad。
Astheyapproachedthehouse，asquirrelbarkedfromthewoods。
"Hearthat，Chad？"saidtheMajor。"We'llgethim。"
Thefollowingmorning，Chadroseearlyandtookhisoldrifleoutintothewoods'andwhentheMajorcameoutontheporchbeforebreakfasttheboywascomingupthewalkwithsixsquirrelsinhishand。TheMajor'seyesopenedandhelookedatthesquirrelswhenChaddroppedthemontheporch。Everyoneofthemwasshotthroughthehead。
"Well，I'mdamned！Howmanytimesdidyoushoot，Chad？"
"Seven。"
"What——missedonlyonce？"
"Itookaknotferasquirrelonce，"saidChad。
TheMajorroaredaloud。
"DidIsayIwasgoingtoteachyoutoshoot，Chad？"
"Yes，sir。"
TheMajorchuckledandthatdayhetoldaboutthosesquirrelsandthatknottoeverybodyhesaw。WitheverydaytheMajorgrewfonderandprouderoftheboyandmoreconvincedthaneverthattheladwasofhisownblood。
"There'snothingthatIlikethatthatboydon'ttaketolikeaducktowater。"AndwhenhesawtheboytakeoffhishattoMargaretandobservedhismannerwiththelittlegirl，hesaidtohimselfthatifChadwasn'tagentlemanborn，heoughttohavebeen，andtheMajorbelievedthathemustbe。
Everywhere，atschool，attheDeans'，withthedarkies——witheverybodybutConners，theoverseerhadbecameafavorite，but，astoNapoleon，sotoChad，cameWaterloo——withthelongdeferredtournamentcameWaterlootoChad。
AnditcameafteracertainmiracleonMay-day。TheMajorhadtakenChadtothefestivalwherethedancewasonsawdustinthewoodland——inthebottomofalittlehollow，aroundwhichtheseatsranasinanamphitheatre。ReadytofiddleforthemstoodnoneotherthanJohnMorganhimself，hisgrayeyesdancingandanarchsmileonhishandsomeface；and，takingaplaceamongthedancers，wereRichardHuntand——Margaret。Thepoisedbowfell，amerrytunerangout，andRichardHuntbowedlowtohislittlepartner，who，smilingandblushing，droppedhimthedaintiestofgracefulcourtesies。Thenthemiraclecametopass。RagestraightwayshookChad'ssoul——shookitasaterriershakesarat——andthelookonhisfaceandinhiseyeswentbackathousandyears。
AndRichardHunt，lookingup，sawthestrangespectacle，understood，anddidnotevensmile。Onthecontrary，hewentatonceafterthedancetospeaktotheboyandgotforhisanswerfierce，white，staringsilenceandaclinchedfist，thatwasalmostreadytostrike。SomethingelsethatwasstrangehappenedthentoChad。Hefeltaveryfirmandaverygentlehandonhisshoulder，hisowneyesdroppedbeforethepiercingdarkeyesandkindlysmileabovehim，and，amomentlater，hewasshylymakinghiswaywithRichardHunttowardMargaret。
ItwasonThursdayofthefollowingweekthatDantoldhimthetworamswereoncemoretiedinhisfather'sstable。OnSaturday，then，theywouldhavethetournament。TogetMammy'shelp，Margarethadtotelltheplantoher，andMammystormedagainstthelittlegirltakingpartinanysuchundignifiedproceedings，butimperiousMargaretforcedhertokeepsilentandhelpmakesashesandatentforeachofthetwoknights。Chadwouldbethe"KnightoftheCumberland"andDanthe"KnightoftheBluegrass。"SnowballwastobeDan'ssquireandblackRufus，Harry'sbody-servant，wouldbesquiretoChad。
HarrywasKingJohn，theotherpickaninnieswouldbevarletsandvassals，andoutragedUncleTom，soDantoldhim，would，"bythebeardofAbraham，"havetobea"DogofanUnbeliever。"MargaretwasundecidedwhethershewouldplayRebecca，orthe"QueenofLoveandBeauty，"untilChadtoldhersheoughttobeboth，sobothshedecidedtobe。Soallwasdone——thespearsfashionedofash，thehelmetsbatteredfromtinbuckets，colorsknottedforthespears，andshieldsmadeofsheepskins。OnthestilessatHarryandMargaretinroyalstateunderacanopyofcalico，withindignantMammybehindthem。Ateachendofthestable-lotwasatentofcotton，andbeforeonestoodSnowballandbeforetheotherblackRufus，eachwithhismaster'sspearandshield。NearHarrystoodSam，thetrumpeter，withafox-horntosoundthecharge，andfourblackvassalsstoodatthestable-doortoleadthechargersforth。
Nearthestilesweretheneighbors'children，andaroundthebarnwasgatheredeverydarkyontheplace，whilebehindthehedgeandpeepingthroughitweretheMajorandtheGeneral，theonechuckling，theothersmilingindulgently。
Thestable-doorsopened，thefourvassalsdisappearedandcameforth，eachpairleadingaram，onecoveredwithredcalico，theotherwithbluecotton，andeachwithabandannahandkerchiefaroundhisneck。Eachknightsteppedforthfromhistent，ashischargerwasdragged——ba-a-ingandbutting——towardit，and，graspinghisspearandshieldandsettinghishelmetonmorefirmly，gotastridegravely——eachsquireandvassalsolemn，fortheKinghadgivencommandthatnovarletmustshowunseemlymirth。Behindthehedge，theMajorwasholdinghishandstohisside，andtheGeneralwasgettinggrave。Ithadjustoccurredtohimthatthoseramswouldmakeforeachotherliketornadoes，andhesaidso。
"Ofcoursetheywill，"chuckledtheMajor。"Don'tyousupposetheyknowthat？
That'swhatthey'redoingitfor。Blessmysoul！"
TheKingwavedhishandjustthenandhisblacktrumpetertootedthecharge。
"Leggo！"saidChad。
"Leggo！"saidDan。
AndSnowballandRufusletgo，andeachramranafewpacesandstoppedwithhisheadclosetotheground，whileeachknightbrandishedhisspearanddugwithhisspurredheels。Onechargergaveaba-a！Theotherheard，raisedhishead，sawhisenemy，andba-a-edanansweringchallenge。Thentheystartedforeachotherwitharushthatbroughtasuddenfearsomesilence，quicklyfollowedbyababelofexcitedcries，inwhichMammy'swasloudestandmostindignant。Dan，nearlyunseated，haddroppedhislancetocatchholdofhischarger'swool，andChadhadgallantlyloweredthepointofhis，becausehisantagonistwasunarmed。Butthetemperoframsandnotofknightswasinthatfightnowandtheycametogetherwithashockthatbangedthetwoknightsintoeachotherandhurledbothviolentlytotheground。GeneralDeanandtheMajorrananxiouslyfromthehedge。Severalnegromenrushedfortherams，whowerechargingandbuttinglikedemons。Harrytumbledfromthecanopyinamostunkinglyfashion。MargaretcriedandMammywrungherhands。Chadrosedizzily，butDanlaystill。Chad'selbowhadstruckhiminthetempleandknockedhimunconscious。
TheservantswerethrownintoanuproarwhenDanwascarriedbackintothehouse。Harrywaswhiteandalmostintears。
"Ididit，father，Ididit，"hesaid，atthefootofthesteps。
"No，"saidChad，sturdily，"Idoneitmyself。"
Margaretheardandranfromthehallwayanddownthesteps，brushingawayhertearswithbothhands。
"Yes，youdid——youDID，"shecried。"Ihateyou。"
"Why，Margaret，"saidGeneralDan。
Chadstartledandstung，turnedwithoutawordand，unnoticedbytherest，madehiswayslowlyacrossthefields。
CHAPTER12。BACKTOKINGDOMCOME
Itwasthetournamentthat，atlast，loosedMammy'stongue。ShewassavageinherdenunciationofChadtoMrs。Dean——sosavageandinsuchplainlanguagethathermistresscheckedhersharply，butnotbeforeMargarethadheard，thoughthelittlegirl，withanawedface，slippedquietlyoutoftheroomintotheyard，whileHarrystoodinthedoorway，troubledandsilent。
"Don'tletmehearyouspeakthatwayagainMammy，"saidMrs。Dean，sosternlythattheoldwomansweptoutoftheroominhighdudgeonAndyetshetoldherhusbandofMammy'scharge；
"IamrathersurprisedatMajorBuford。"
"Perhapshedoesn'tknow，"saidtheGeneral。"Perhapsitisn'ttrue。"
"Nobodyknowsanythingabouttheboy。"
"Well，Icannothavemychildrenassociatingwithawaif。"
"Heseemslikeaniceboy。"
"Heusesextraordinarylanguage。Icannothavehimteachingmychildrenmischief。WhyIbelieveMargaretisreallyfondofhim。IknowHarryandDanare。"TheGenerallookedthoughtful。
"IwillspeaktoMajorBufordabouthim，"hesaid，andhedid——nolittletothatgentleman'sconfusion——thoughhedefendedChadstaunchly——andthetwofriendspartedwithsomeheat。
Thereafter，theworldchangedforChad，forifthereanyolderandtruerstorythanthatEvilhaswings，whileGoodgoesaploddingway？Chadfeltthechange，inthenegroes，inthesneeringoverseer，andcouldnotunderstand。
TherumorreachedMissLucy'searsandsheandtheMajorhadaspiriteddiscussionthatratherstaggeredChad'skind-heartedcompanion。Itreachedtheschool，andablack-hairedyoungster，namedGeorgieForbes，whohadlongbeenoneofMargaret'sabjectslaves，andwhohatedChad，broughtouttheterriblechargeinthepresenceofadozenschool-childrenatnoon-recessoneday。Ithadbeennoinsultinthemountains，butChad，dazedthoughhewas，knewitwasmeantforaninsult，andhishardfistshotoutpromptly，landinginhisenemy'schinandbringinghimbawlingtotheearth。Othersgaveoutthecrythen，andtheboyfoughtrightandleftlikeademon。Danstoodsullenlynear，takingnopart，andHarry，whilehestoppedtheunequalfight，turnedawayfromChadcoldly，callingMargaret，whohadrunuptowardthem，awayatthesametime，andChad'sthreefriendsturnedfromhimthenandthere，whiletheboy，forgettingallelse，stoodwatchingthemwithdumbwonderandpain。Theschool-bellclanged，butChadstoodstill——withhisheartwellneighbreakingInafewminutesthelastpupilhaddisappearedthroughtheschool-roomdoor，andChadstoodunderagreatelm——alone。Butonlyamoment，forheturnedquicklyaway，thetearsstartingtohiseyes，walkedrapidlythroughthewoods，climbedthewormfencebeyond，anddropped，sobbing，inthethickbluegrass。
Anhourlaterhewaswalkingswiftlythroughthefieldstowardtheoldbrickhousethathadshelteredhim。Hewasveryquietatsupperthatnight，andafterMissLucyhadgonetobedandheandtheMajorwereseatedbeforethefire，hewassoquietthattheMajorlookedathimanxiously。
"What'sthematterChad？Areyousick？"
"Nothin'——no，sir。"
ButtheMajorwasuneasy，andwhenherosetogotobed，hewentoverandputhishandontheboy'shead。
"Chad，"hesaid，"ifyouhearofpeoplesayingmeanthingsaboutyou，youmustn'tpayanyattentiontothem。"
"No，sir。"
"You'reagoodboy，andIwantyoutoliveherewithme。Good-night，Chad，"headded，affectionately。Chadnearlybrokedown，buthesteadiedhimself。
"Good-by，Major，"hesaid，brokenly。"I'mobleegedtoyou。"
"Good-by？"repeatedtheMajor。"Why？"
"Good-night，Imean，"stammeredChad。
TheMajorstoodinsidehisowndoor，listeningtotheboy'sslowstepsupthesecondflight。"I'mgettin'tolovethatboy，"hesaid，wonderingly——"An'I'mdamnedifpeoplewhotalkabouthimdon'thavemetoreckonwith"——andtheMajorshookhisheadfromsidetoside。Severaltimeshethoughthecouldheartheboymovingaroundintheroomabovehim，andwhilehewaswonderingwhytheladdidnotgotobed，hefellasleep。
Chadwasmovingaround。First，bythelightofacandle，helaboriouslydugoutashortlettertotheMajor——scaldingitwithtears。Thenhetookoffhisclothesandgothisoldmountain-suitoutofthecloset——moccasinsandall——andputthemon。Verycarefullyhefoldedtheprettyclotheshehadtakenoff——justasMissLucyhadtaughthim——andlaidthemonthebed。Thenhepickeduphisoldrifleinonehandandhisoldcoonskincapintheother，blewoutthecandle，slippednoiselesslydownthestairsinhismoccasinedfeet，outtheunbolteddoorandintothestarlitnight。Fromthepikefenceheturnedoncetolookbacktothedark，silenthouseamidthedarktrees。Thenhesprangdownandstartedthroughthefields——hisfacesettowardthemountains。
ItsohappenedthatmischanceledGeneralDeantogoovertoseeMajorBufordaboutChadnextmorning。TheMajorlistenedpatiently——ortriedineffectivelytolisten——andwhentheGeneralwasthrough，heburstoutwithavehemencethatshockedandamazedhisoldfriend。
"Damnthoseniggers！"hecried，inatonethatseemedtoincludetheGeneralinhiscondemnation，"thatboyisthebestboyIeverknew。Ibelieveheismyownblood，helooksalittlelikethatpicturethere"——pointingtotheoldportrait——"andifheiswhatIbelieveheis，by——，sir，hegetsthisfarmandallIhave。Doyouunderstandthat？"
"Ibelievehetoldyouwhathewas。"
"Hedid——butIdon'tbelieveheknows，and，anyhow，whateverheis，heshallhaveahomeunderthisroofaslongashelives。"
TheGeneralrosesuddenly——stiffly。
"Hemustneverdarkenmydooragain。"
"Verywell。"TheMajormadeagesturewhichplainlysaid，"Inthatevent，youaredarkeningminetoolong，"andtheGeneralrose，slowlydescendedthestepsoftheportico，andturned：
"Doyoureallymean，thatyouaregoingtoletalittlebratthatyoupickedupintheroadonlyyesterdaystandbetweenyouandme？"
TheMajorsoftened。
"Lookhere，"hesaid，whiskingasheetofpaperfromhiscoat-pocket。WhiletheGeneralreadChad'sscrawl，theMajorwatchedhisface。
"He'sgone，by。Ahintwasenoughforhim。Ifheisn'tthesonofagentleman，thenI'mnot，noryou。"
"Cal，"saidtheGeneral，holdingouthishand，"we'lltalkthisoveragain。"
Thebeesbuzzedaroundthehoneysucklesthatclamberedovertheporch。Acrowflewoverhead。Thesoundofacryingchildcamearoundthecornerofthehousefromthequarters，andtheGeneral'sfootstepsdiedonthegravel-walk，buttheMajorheardthemnot。MechanicallyhewatchedtheGeneralmounthisblackhorseandcantertowardthepikegate。Theoverseercalledtohimfromthestable，buttheMajordroppedhiseyestothescrawlinhishand，andwhenMissLucycameouthesilentlyhandedittoher。
"Ireckonyouknowwhatfolksisa-sayin'aboutme。Itol'youmyself。ButI
didn'tknowhitwusanyharm，andanywayshitain'tmyfault，Ireckon，an'I
don'tseehowfolkscanblameme。ButIdon'wantnobodywhodon'wantme。An'
I'mleavin''causeIdon'twanttobotheryou。Ineverbringnothingbuttroublenohowan'I'mgoin'backtothemountains。TellMissLucygood-by。Shewasmightygoodtome，butIknowshedidn'tlikeme。Ileftthehossforyou。
Ifyoudon'thavenouseferthesaddle，Iwishyou'dgivehittoHarry，'causehetukupfermeatschoolwhenIwasfightin'，thoughhewouldn'tspeaktomenomore。I'mmightysorrytoleaveyou。I'mobleegedtoyoucauseyouwussogoodtomean'I'mgoin'toseeyouaginsomeday，ifIcan。
Good-by。"
"Leftthatdamnedoldmaretopayforhisclothesandhisboardandhisschooling，"mutteredtheMajor。"Bythegods"——herosesuddenlyandstrodeaway——"Ibegyourpardon，Lucy。"
AtearwasrunningdowneachofMissLucy'sfadedcheeks。
DawnthatmorningfoundChadspringingfromabedinahaystack——tenmilesfromLexington。Byduskthatday，hewasontheedgeoftheBluegrassandthatnighthestayedatafarm-house，goinginboldly，forhehadlearnednowthatthewayfarerwasaswelcomeinaBluegrassfarm-houseasinalog-cabininthemountains。Higherandhighergrewthegreenswellingslopes，until，climbingoneaboutnoonnextday，hesawthebluefoothillsoftheCumberlandthroughtheclearair——andhestoppedandlookedlong，breathinghardfrompureecstasy。Theplain-dwellerneverknowsthefiercehomehungerthatthemountain-bornhaveforhills。
Besides，beyondthosebluesummitsweretheTurnersandtheschool-masterandJack，waitingforhim，andheforgothungerandwearinessashetrodoneagerlytowardthem。Thatnight，hestayedinamountain-cabin，andwhilethecontrastofthedarkroom，thecrowdingchildren，theslovenlydress，andthecoarsefoodwasstrangelydisagreeable，alongwiththestrangenewshockcamethethrillthatallthismeanthillsandhome。Itwasaboutthreeo'clockofthefourthdaythat，trampinguptheKentuckyRiver，hecameuponalong，evenstretchofsmoothwater，fromtheupperendofwhichtwoblackbowlderswerethrustoutofthestream，andwithakeenerthrillherealizedthathewasnearinghome。Herecalledseeingthoserocksastheraftsweptdowntheriver，andtheoldSquirehadsaidthattheywerenamedafteroxen——"BillyandBuck。"
Oppositetherockshemetamountaineer。
"HowferisittoUncleJoelTurner's？"
"Aleetletheriseo'sixmiles，Ireckon。"
Theboywasfaintwithweariness，andthosesixmilesseemedadozen。Ideaofdistanceisvagueamongthemountaineers，andtwohoursofwearytravelfollowed，yetnothingthatherecognizedwasinsight。Onceabendoftheriverlookedfamiliar，butwhenhenearedit，theroadturnedsteeplyfromtheriverandoverahighbluff，andtheboystartedupwithagroan。Hemeanttoreachthesummitbeforehestoppedtorest，butinsheerpain，hedroppedadozenpacesfromthetopandlaywithhistongue，likeadog's，betweenhislips。
Thetopwaswarm，butachillwasrisingfromthefast-darkeningshadowsbelowhim。Therimofthesunwasabouttobrushthegreentipofamountainacrosstheriver，andtheboyroseinaminute，draggedhimselfontothepointwhere，roundingabigrock，hedroppedagainwithathumpingheartandareelingbrain。Thereitwas——oldJoel'scabinintheprettyvalleybelow——oldJoel'scabin——home！Smokewasrisingfromthechimney，andthatfarawayitseemedthatChadcouldsmellfryingbacon。Therewastheoldbarnandhecouldmakeoutoneoftheboysfeedingstockandanotherchoppingwood——wasthattheschool-master？TherewasthehugeformofoldJoelatthefencetalkingwithaneighbor。Hewasgesticulatingasthoughangry，andtheoldmothercametothedoorastheneighbormovedawaywithashufflinggaitthattheboyknewbelongedtotheDillonbreed。WherewasJack？Jack！Chadsprangtohisfeetandwentdownthehillonarun。Heclimbedtheorchardfence，breakingthetoprailinhiseagerness，andashenearedthehouse，hegaveashrillyell。
Ascarletfigureflashedlikeaflameoutofthedoor，withanansweringcry，andtheTurnersfollowed：
"Why，boy，"roaredoldJoel。"Mammy，hit'sChad！"
Dolphdroppedanarmfuloffeed。Themanwiththeaxeleftitstuckinalog，andeachmanshouted：
"Chad！"
Themountaineersareanundemonstrativerace，butMotherTurnertooktheboyinherarmsandtherestcrowdedaround，slappinghimonthebackandallaskingquestionsatonceDolphandRubeandTom。Yes，andtherewastheschool-master——everyfacewasalmosttenderwithlovefortheboy。ButwherewasJack？
"Where's——where'sJack？"saidChad。
OldJoelchangedface——lookingangry；therestweregrave。Onlytheoldmotherspoke：
"Jack'sallright。"
"Oh，"saidChad，buthelookedanxious。
Melissainsideheard。HehadnotaskedforHER，andwiththesuddenchokingofanamelessfearshesprangoutthedoortobecaughtbytheschool-master，whohadgonearoundthecornertolookforher。
"Lemmego，"shesaid，fiercely，breakinghisholdanddartingaway，butstopping，whenshesawChadinthedoorway，lookingatherwithashysmile。
"Howdye，Melissa！"
Thegirlstaredathimmildlyandmadenoanswer，andawaveofshameandconfusionsweptovertheboyashisthoughtsflashedbacktoalittlegirlinablackcapandonablackpony，andhestoodreddeningandhelpless。Therewasahallooatthegate。ItwasoldSquireMiddletonandthecircuit-rider，andoldJoelwenttowardthemwithadarkeningface。
"Why，hello，Chad，"theSquiresaid。"Youbackagain？"
HeturnedtoJoel。
"Lookhyeh，Joel。Tharhain'tnouseo'yourbuckin'aginyo'neighborsandharborin'asheep-killin'dog。"Chadstartedandlookedfromonefacetoanother——slowlybutsurelymakingoutthetruth。
"Youneverseedthedawgaforelastspring。Youdon'tknowthathehain'tasheep-killer。"
"It'salie——alie，"Chadcried，hotly，buttheschool-masterstoppedhim。
"Hush，Chad，"hesaid，andhetooktheboyinsideandtoldhimJackwasintrouble。ADillonsheephadbeenfounddeadonahill-side。DawsDillonhadcomeuponJackleapingoutofthepasture，andJackhadcomehomewithhismuzzlebloody。Evenwiththisoverwhelmingevidence，oldJoelstanchlyrefusedtobelievethedogwasguiltyandorderedoldmanDillonofftheplace。A
neighborhadcomeover，thenanother，andanother，untiloldJoelgotlividwithrage。