"Thereisthesinging，boys，"saidMurdie。"Comeaway。Letusgoin。
　　HewasallthemoreanxioustogettheboysintothechurchwhenhesawAleckmakingtowardthem。HehurriedPeterinbeforehim，wellpleasedwithhimselfandhissuccessaspeacemaker，butespeciallydelightedthathecouldnowturnhisfacetowardtheminister'spew，withoutshame。Andashetookhisplaceinthebackseat，withPeterRuaghbesidehim，theglanceofprideandgratitudethatflashedacrossthecongregationtohimfromthegray-browneyesmadeMurdiefeelmorethaneverpleasedatwhathehadbeenabletodo。ButhewassomewhatdisturbedtonoticethatneitherRanaldnorDonnorAleckhadfollowedhimintothechurch，andhewaiteduneasilyfortheircoming。
　　InthemeantimeStraightRorywaswindinghissinuouswaythroughColeshill，theGaelicrhythmofthepsalmallowingofquaversandturnsimpossibleintheEnglish。
　　Inthepausefollowingthesecondverse，Murdiewasstartledatthesoundofangryvoicesfromwithout。MorethanMurdieheardthatsound。AsMurdieglancedtowardthepulpithesawthattheministerhadrisenandwaslisteningintently。
　　"Behold——the——sparrow——findeth——out——"chantedtheprecentor。
　　"Youarealiar！"Thewords，inAleck'sfieryvoiceoutside，felldistinctlyuponMurdie'sear，thoughfewinthecongregationseemedtohaveheard。ButwhileMurdiewasmakinguphismindtoslipout，theministerwasbeforehim。Quicklyhesteppeddownthepulpitstairs，psalm-bookinhand，andsingingashewent，walkedquietlytothebackdoor，andleavinghisbookonthewindow-sill，passedout。Thesingingwentcalmlyon，forthecongregationwereneversurprisedatanythingtheirministerdid。
　　Thenextversewasnearlythrough，whenthedooropened，andincameDon，followedbyAleck，lookingsomewhatdisheveledandshakenup，andtwoorthreemore。Inafewmomentstheministercamein，tookhispsalm-bookfromthewindow-sill，andstrikingupwiththecongregation，"Blestisthemanwhosestrengththouart，"marcheduptothepulpitagain，withonlyanaddedflashinhisblueeyesandalittlemoretriumphantswingtohiscoat-tailstoindicatethatanythinghadtakenplace。ButMurdielookedinvainforRanaldtoappear，andwaited，uncertainwhattodo。Hehadawholesomefearoftheminister，moreespeciallyinhispresentmood。Instinctivelyheturnedtowardtheminister'spew，andreadingthelookofanxiousentreatyfromthepalefacethere，hewaitedtillthecongregationroseforprayerandthenslippedout，andwasseennomoreinchurchthatday。
　　Onthewayhomenotawordwassaidaboutthedisturbance。Butaftertheeveningworship，whentheministerhadgonetohisstudyforasmoke，Hughie，whohadheardthewholestoryfromDon，toldittohismotherandMaimieinhismostgraphicmanner。
　　"ItwasnotRanald'sfault，mother，"hedeclared。"YouknowPeterwouldnotlethimalone，andRanaldhithiminthenose，andservedhimright，too。Buttheymadeitallup，andtheywerejustgoingintothechurchagain，whenthatAleckMcRaepulledRanaldback，andRanalddidnotwanttofightatall，buthecalledRanaldaliar，andhecouldnothelpit，butjusthithim。"
　　"Whohitwho？"saidMaimie。"You'renotmakingitveryclear，Hughie。"
　　"Why，Ranald，ofcourse，hitAleck，andknockedhimover，too，"
　　saidHughie，withmuchsatisfaction；"andthenAleck——heisanawfulfighter，youknow——jumpedonRanaldandwaspoundinghimjustawful，thegreatbigbrute，whenoutcamepapa。HesteppedupandcaughtAleckbytheneckandshookhimjustlikeababy，saying，allthetime，'Wouldye？IwillteachyoutofightontheSabbathday！Here！inwithyou，everyoneofyou！'andhethrewhimnearlyintothedoor，andthentheyallskedaddledintothechurch，Itellyou，Donsaid。Theywereprettybadlyscart，too，butDondidnotknowwhatpapadidtoRanald，andhedidnotknowwhereRanaldwent，butheisprettybadlyhurted，Iamsure。ThatgreatbigAleckMcRaeisoldenoughtobehisfather。Wasn'titmeanofhim，mother？"
　　PoorHughiewasalmostintears，andhismother，whosatlisteningtooeagerlytocorrectherlittleboy'sethicsorgrammar，wasasnearlyovercomeashe。ShewishedsheknewwhereRanaldwas。HehadnotappearedattheeveningBibleclass，andMurdiehadreportedthathecouldnotfindhimanywhere。
　　SheputHughietobed，andthensawMaimietoherroom。ButMaimiewasveryunwillingtogotobed。
　　"Oh，auntie，"shewhispered，asherauntkissedhergoodnight，"I
　　cannotgotosleep！"Andthen，afterapause，shesaid，shyly，"Doyouthinkheisbadlyhurt？"
　　Thentheminister'swife，lookingkeenlyintothegirl'sface，madelightofRanald'smisfortune。
　　"Oh，hewillbeallright，"shesaid，"asfarashishurtisconcerned。Thatistheleastpartofhistrouble。Youneednotworryaboutthat。Goodnight，mydear。"AndMaimie，relievedbyheraunt'stone，said"goodnight"withherheartatrest。
　　ThenMrs。Murraywentintothestudy，determinedtofindoutwhathadpassedbetweenherhusbandandRanald。Shefoundhimlyingonhiscouch，luxuriatinginthesatisfactionofagoodday'sworkbehindhim，andhisfirstpipenearlydone。Sheatonceventureduponthethingthatlayheavyuponherheart。Shebeganbytellingallsheknewofthetroublefromitsbeginninginthechurch，andthenwaitedforherhusband'sstory。
　　Forsomemomentshelaysilentlysmoking。
　　"Ah，well，"hesaid，atlength，knockingouthispipe，"perhapsI
　　wasalittleseverewiththelad。Hemaynothavebeensomuchtoblame。"
　　"Oh，papa！Whatdidyoudo？"saidhiswife，inananxiousvoice。
　　"Well，"saidtheminister，hesitating，"IfoundthattheyoungrascalhadstruckAleckMcRaefirst，andaverybadblowitwas。
　　SoIadministeredaprettysevererebukeandsenthimhome。"
　　"Oh，whatashame！"criedhiswife，inindignanttears。"ItwasfarmorethefaultofPeterandAleckandtherest。PoorRanald！"
　　"Now，mydear，"saidtheminister，"youneednotfearforRanald。
　　Idonotsupposehecaresmuch。Besides，hisfacewasnotfittobeseen，soIsenthimhome。Well，it——"
　　"Yes，"burstinhiswife，"great，brutalfellow，tostrikeaboylikethat！"
　　"Boy？"saidherhusband。"Well，hemaybe，butnotmanymenwoulddaretofacehim。"Thenheadded，"IwishIhadknown——IfearI
　　spoke——perhapstheboymayfeelunjustlytreated。HeisasproudasLucifer。"
　　"Oh，papa！"saidhiswife，"whatdidyousay？"
　　"Nothingbutwhatwastrue。IjusttoldhimthataboywhowouldbreaktheLord'sDaybyfighting，andintheveryshadowoftheLord'shouse，whenChristianpeoplewereworshipingGod，wasactinglikeasavage，andwasnotfitforthecompanyofdecentfolk。"
　　Tothishiswifemadenoreply，butwentoutofthestudy，leavingtheministerfeelingveryuncomfortableindeed。Butbytheendofthesecondpipehebegantofeelthat，afterall，Ranaldhadgotnomorethanwasgoodforhim，andthathewouldbenonetheworseofit；inwhichcomfortingconvictionhewenttorest，andsoonfellintothesleepwhichissupposedtobetherightofthejust。
　　Notsohiswife。Weariedthoughshewaswiththelongday，itsexcitementsanditstoils，sleepwouldnotcome。Anxiousthoughtsabouttheladshehadcometoloveasifhewereherownsonorbrotherkeptcrowdinginuponher。Thevisionofhisfierce，dark，stormyfaceheldhereyesawakeandatlengthdrewherfromherbed。Shewentintothestudyandfelluponherknees。Theburdenhadgrowntooheavyforhertobearalone。ShewouldshareitwithHimwhoknewwhatitmeanttobearthesorrowsandthesinsofothers。
　　Assherose，sheheardFidobarkandwhineintheyardbelow，andgoingtothewindow，shesawamanstandingatthebackdoor，andFidofawninguponhim。Startled，shewasabouttowakenherhusband，whenthemanturnedhisfacesothatthemoonlightfelluponit，andshesawRanald。Hastilyshethrewonherdressing-
　　gown，putonherwarmbedroomslippersandcloak，randowntothedoor，andinanothermomentwasstandingbeforehim，holdinghimbytheshoulders。
　　"Ranald！"shecried，breathlessly，"whatisit？"
　　"Iamgoingaway，"hesaid，simply。"AndIwasjustpassingby——
　　and——"hecouldnotgoon。
　　"Oh，Ranald！"shecried，，"Iamgladyoucamethisway。Nowtellmewhereyouaregoing。"
　　Theboylookedatherasifshehadstartedanewideainhismind，andthensaid，"Idonotknow。"
　　"Andwhatareyougoingtodo，Ranald？"
　　"Work。Thereisplentytodo。Nofearofthat。"
　　"Butyourfather，Ranald？"
　　Theboywassilentforalittle，andthensaid，"Hewillsoonbewell，andhewillnotbeneedingme，andhesaidIcouldgo。"Hisvoicebrokewiththeremembranceofthepartingwithhisfather。
　　"Andwhyareyougoing，Ranald？"shesaid，lookingintohiseyes。
　　Againtheboystoodsilent。
　　"Whydoyougoawayfromyourhomeandyourfather，and——and——allofuswholoveyou？"
　　"Indeed，thereisnoone，"hereplied，bitterly；"andIamnotfordecentpeople。Iamnotfordecentpeople。Iknowthatwellenough。Thereisnoonethatwillcaremuch。"
　　"Noone，Ranald？"sheasked，sadly。"Ithought——"shepaused，lookingsteadilyintohisface。
　　Suddenlytheboyturnedtoher，andputtingoutbothhishands，burstforth，hisvoicecomingindrysobs："Oh，yes，yes！Idobelieveyou。Idobelieveyou。AndthatiswhyIcamethisway。
　　IwantedtoseeyourdooragainbeforeIwent。Oh，Iwillneverforgetyou！Never，never，andIamgladIamseeingyou，fornowyouwillknow——howmuch——"Theboywasunabletoproceed。Hissobswereshakinghiswholeframe，andtohisshyHighlandScotchnature，wordsofloveandadmirationwerenoteasy。"Youwillnotbesendingmebackhomeagain？"hepleaded，anticipatingher。
　　"Indeed，Icannotstayinthisplaceafterto-day。"
　　Buttheminister'swifekepthereyessteadilyuponhisfacewithoutaword，tryinginvaintofindhervoice，andtherightwordstosay。Shehadnoneedofwords，forinherface，pale，wetwithherflowingtears，andilluminedwithhergray-browneyes，Ranaldreadherheart。
　　"Oh！"hecriedagain，"youarewantingmetostay，andIwillbeashamedbeforethemall，andtheminister，too。Icannotstay。I
　　cannotstay。"
　　"AndIcannotletyougo，Ranald，myboy，"shesaid，commandinghervoicetospeech。"Iwantyoutobeabraveman。Idon'twantyoutobeafraidofthem。"
　　"Afraidofthem！"saidtheboy，inscornfulsurprise。"Notiftheyweretwiceasmoreandtwiceasbeeg。"
　　Mrs。Murraysawheradvantage，andfolloweditup。
　　"Andtheministerdidnotknowthewholetruth，Ranald，andhewassorryhespoketoyouashedid。"
　　"Didhesaythat？"saidRanald，insurprise。Itwastohim，astoanyoneinthatcommunity，aterriblethingtofallunderthedispleasureoftheministerandtobedisgracedinhiseyes。
　　"Yes，indeed，Ranald，andhewouldbesorryifyoushouldgoaway。
　　Iamsurehewouldblamehimself。"
　　Thiswasquiteanewideatotheboy。Thattheministershouldthinkhimselftobeinthewrongwashardlycredible。
　　"Andhowgladwewouldbe，"shecontinued，earnestly，"toseeyouproveyourselfamanbeforethemall。"
　　Ranaldshookhishead。"Iwouldrathergoaway。"
　　"Perhaps，butit'sbravertostay，andtodoyourworklikeaman。"
　　Andthen，allowinghimnotimeforwords，shepicturedtohimtheselfish，cowardlypartthemanplayswhomarchesbravelyenoughinthefrontranksuntilthebattlebegins，butwhoshrinksbackandseeksaneasyplacewhenthefightcomeson，tillhisfacefellbeforeherinshame。Andthensheshowedhimwhatshewouldlikehimtodo，andwhatshewouldlikehimtobeinpatienceandincourage，tillhestoodoncemoreerectandsteady。
　　"Now，Ranald，"shesaid，notingtheeffectofherwordsuponhim，"whatisittobe？"
　　"Iwillgoback，"hesaid，simply；andturningwithasinglewordoffarewell，hesprangoverthefenceanddisappearedinthewoods。
　　Theminister'swifestoodlookingthewayhewentlongafterhehadpassedoutofsight，andthen，liftinghereyestotheradiantskywithitsshininglights，"Hemadethestarsalso，"shewhispered，andwentuptoherbedandlaidherdownandsleptinpeace。HerSabbathday'sworkwasdone。
　　CHAPTERX
　　THEHOME-COMINGOFTHESHANTYMEN
　　ForsomeweeksRanaldwasnotseenbyanyonebelongingtothemanse。Hughiereportedthathewasnotatchurch，noratBibleclass，andalthoughthiswasnotinitselfanextraordinarything，stillMrs。Murraywasuneasy，andHughiefeltthatchurchwasagreatdisappointmentwhenRanaldwasnotthere。
　　IntheirvisitstoMacdonaldDubhtheministerandhiswifenevercouldseeRanald。HisAuntKirstycouldnotunderstandorexplainhisreluctancetoattendthepublicservices，norhisunwillingnesstoappearinthehouseontheoccasionoftheminister'svisits。
　　"Heisbusywiththefencesandaboutthestablespreparingforthespring'swork，"shesaid；"but，indeed，heisveryqueerwhatever，andIcannotmakehimoutatall。"MacdonaldDubhhimselfsaidnothing。Butthebooksandmagazinesbroughtbytheminister'swifewerealwaysread。"Indeed，whenoncehegetsdowntohisbook，"hisauntcomplained，"neitherhisbednorhisdinnerwillmovehim。"
　　Theministerthoughtlittleoftheboy's"vagaries，"buttohiswifecamemanyananxiousthoughtaboutRanaldandhisdoings。Shewasmoredisappointedthanshecaredtoconfess，eventoherself，thattheboyseemedtobequiteindifferenttothesteadilydeepeninginterestinspiritualthingsthatmarkedthemembersofherBibleclass。
　　Whileshewasplanninghowtoreachhimoncemore，aneventoccurredwhichbroughthimnearertoherthanhehadeverbeenbefore。Astheyweresittingoneeveningattea，thedoorunexpectedlyopened，andwithoutannouncement，inwalkedRanald，splashedwithhardriding，pale，anddazed。Withoutawordofreplytothegreetingsthatmethimfromallatthetable，hewentstraighttotheminister'swife，handedheranopenedletter，andstoodwaiting。ItwasaddressedtoRanaldhimself，andwasthefirsthehadeverreceivedinhislife。ItwasfromYankeeJim，andreadasfollows：
　　DearRanald——TheBossaintfeelinlikeritinmuchandtherestoftheboysisallbrokeup，andsohetoldmetoritetoyouandtotellyousomepurtybadnews。Idon'tknowhowtogoaboutit，butthefactis，MackCamerongotdrowndedyesterdaytryintopullalittlefoolofaFrenchmanoutoftheriverjustbelowtheLachine。
　　We'djustgotthroughtheroughwaterandwerelyinniceandquiet，gettinthingstogetheragainwhenthatijitFrenchmangottiteandgottryinsomefooltrickorotherwalkingatimberstickandgotupsotintothewet。I'dalethimgo，youbet，butMackcudn'tstandtoseehimbobbinupanddownsoherippedoffandinafterhim。Hegothimtoo，butsomehowthevarmintgrippedhimroundtheneck。TheywentdownbutwegotemoutpurtyquickandtheFrenchmancomeroundallright，butsomehowMackwouldn't，chokedappearinlybythattarnellittlefoolwhoaintworthoneofMack'sfingers，andifkillinhimwuddoanygood，thenhewudn'tbelivinlong。Weareallfeelinpurtybad。Wearecomin'homeonThursdaybyCornwall，eightortenofus。Therestwillgoonwiththerafts。TheBosssays，betterhaverigstomeetusandMack。
　　That'sall。Ihaintnogoodatweepin'，neverwas，wishIcudsomehow，itmighteaseoffafelleralittle，buttellyouwhat，Ranald，IhaintfeltsoqueersinceIwasaboylookinatmymotherinhercoffin。TherewasnothinmeanaboutMack。Hewasgoodtotheheart。Hewuddohisworkslickandneveragrowloragroan，andwhenyouwantedafellertoyourback，Mackwasthere。Iknowthereaintnousegoinonlikethis。AllIsayis，ther'sapurtybigholeintheworldforusto-night。Bosssaysyou'dbettertelltheminister。Hesayshe'sgoodstuffandhe'llknowwhattodoatMack'shome。Nomoreatpresent。Good-bye。Yourstruely，J。LATHAM。
　　Theminister'swifebeganreadingtheletter，wonderingnotalittleatRanald'smanner，butwhenshecametothewords，"MackCamerongotdrownded，"shelaidtheletterdownwithalittlecry。
　　Herhusbandcamequicklytoher，tookuptheletter，andreadittotheend。
　　"Iwillgoatonce，"hesaid，andrangthebell。"TellLamberttoputBlackinthebuggyimmediately，Jessie，"hesaid，whenthemaidappeared。"Doyouthinkyououghttogo，mydear？"
　　"Yes，yes，Ishallbereadyinamoment；but，oh，whatcanwedoorsay？"
　　"Perhapsyouhadbetternotgo。Itwillbeverytrying，"saidtheminister。
　　"Oh，yes，Imustgo。Imust。Thepoormother！"ThensheturnedtoRanaldastheministerlefttheroom。"Youaregoinghome，Ranald，Isuppose，"shesaid。
　　"No，IwasthinkingIwouldgototellthepeople。DonaldRosswillgo，andtheCampbells，andFarquharMcNaughton'slightwagonwouldbebest——forthe——forMack。AndthenIwillgoroundbytheMcGregors。"
　　Ranaldhadbeenthinkingthingsoutandmakinghisplans。
　　"Butthatwillbealongroundforyou，"saidMrs。Murray。"CouldnotwegobytheCampbells'，andtheywillsendwordtoDonaldRoss？"
　　"Ithinkitwouldbebetterformetogo，tomakesureoftheteams。"
　　"Verywell，then。Goodby，Ranald，"saidtheminister'swife，holdingoutherhandtohim。
　　ButstillRanaldlingered。"ItwillbehardonBellaPeter，"hesaid，inalowvoice，lookingoutofthewindow。
　　"BellaPeter？BellaMcGregor？"
　　"Yes，"saidRanald，embarrassedandhesitating。"ShewasMack's——
　　Mackwasveryfondofher，whatever。"
　　"Oh，Ranald！"shecried，"doyousayso？Areyousureofthat？"
　　"Yes，Iamsure，"saidRanald，simply。"TheboysintheshantywouldbeteasingMackaboutit，andonedayMacktoldmesomething，andIknowquitewell。"
　　"Iwillgotoher，"saidMrs。Murray。
　　"Thatwillbeverygood，"saidRanald，muchrelieved。"AndIwillbegoingwithyouthatway。"
　　AsMrs。Murraylefttheroom，MaimiecamearoundtowhereRanaldwasstandingandsaidtohim，gently，"Youknewhimwell，didn'tyou？"
　　"Yes，"repliedRanald，inanindifferenttone，asifunwillingtotalkwithheraboutit。
　　"Andyouwereveryfondofhim？"wentonMaimie。
　　Ranaldcaughtthetremorinhervoiceandlookedather。"Yes，"hesaid，withaneffort。"Hewasgoodtomeinthecamp。Many'sthetimehemadeiteasyforme。HewasnexttoMacdonaldBhainwiththeax，and，man，hewasthegrandfighter——thatis，"headded，adoptingthephraseoftheMacdonaldgang，"whenitwasaplainnecessity。"Then，forgettinghimself，hebegantotellMaimiehowBigMackhadbornehimselfinthegreatfightafewweeksbefore。
　　Buthehadhardlywellbegunwhensuddenlyhestoppedwithagroan。
　　"Butnowheisdead——heisdead。Iwillneverseehimnomore。"
　　Hewasrealizingforthefirsttimehisloss。Maimiecamenearerhim，andlayingherhandtimidlyonhisarm，said，"Iamsorry，Ranald"；andRanaldturnedoncemoreandlookedather，asifsurprisedthatsheshouldshowsuchfeeling。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"Ibelieveyouaresorry。"
　　Herbigblueeyesfilledsuddenlywithtears。
　　"DoyouwonderthatIamsorry？DoyouthinkIhavenoheartatall？"sheburstforth，impetuously。
　　"Indeed，Idon'tknow，"saidRanald。"Whyshouldyoucare？Youdonotknowhim。"
　　"Buthaven'tyoujusttoldmehowsplendidhewas，andhowgoodhewastoyou，andhowmuchyouthoughtofhim，and——"Maimiecheckedherrushofwordswithasuddenblush，andthenhurriedontosay，"Besides，thinkofhismother，andallofthem。"
　　WhileMaimiewasspeaking，Ranaldhadbeenscanningherfaceasiftryingtomakeuphismindabouther。
　　"Iamgladyouaresorry，"hesaid，slowly，gazingwithsosearchingalookintohereyesthatsheletthemfall。
　　AtthismomentMrs。Murrayenteredreadyforherride。
　　"Istheponycome？"sheasked。
　　"Indeed，itistheslouchIam，"saidRanald，andhehurriedofftothestable，returninginaveryshorttimewiththeponysaddled。
　　"Youwouldnotcaretogowithyouruncle，Maimie？"saidMrs。
　　Murray，asLambertdroveupBlackinthebuggy。
　　"No，auntie，Ithinknot，"saidMaimie。"IwilltakecareofHughieandthebaby。"
　　"Goodby，then，mydear，"saidMrs。Murray，kissingher。
　　"Goodby，Ranald，"saidMaimie，asheturnedawaytogethiscolt。
　　"Goodby，"hesaid，awkwardly。Hefeltlikeliftinghiscap，buthesitatedtodoanythingsoextremelyunnatural。Withtheboysinthatcountrysuchanactofcourtesywasregardedasasignof"pride，"ifnotofweakness。
　　Theirwaylayalongtheconcessionlineforamile，andthenthroughthewoodsbythebridle-pathtoPeterMcGregor'sclearing。
　　Thegreengrassraneverywhere——alongtheroadside，roundthegreatstumproots，overtheroughpasture-fields，softeningandsmoothingwhereveritwent。Thewoodswereflushingpurple，withjustatingeofgreenfromtheburstingbuds。Thebalsamsandsprucesstillstooddarkintheswamps，butthetamarackswereshylydeckingthemselvesintheirexquisiterobesofspring，andthroughallthebushtheairwasfilledwithsoftsoundsandscents。Inearthandair，infieldandforest，life，thenewspringlife，ranriot。Howstrangelyimpertinentdeathappeared，andhowunlovelyinsuchaworldoflife！
　　Astheylefttheconcessionroadandwereabouttostrikeintothewoods，Mrs。Murraycheckedherpony，andlookinguponthelovelinessabouther，said，softly，"Howbeautifulitallis！"
　　TherewasnoresponsefromRanald，andMrs。Murray，glancingathisgloomyface，knewthathisheartwassoreatthethoughtofthepaintheywerebearingwiththem。Shehesitatedafewmoments，andthensaid，gently："AndIsawanewheavenandanewearth。Andthereshallbenomoredeath。"
　　ButstillRanaldmadenoreply，andtheyrodeonthroughthebushinsilencetilltheycametotheclearingbeyond。Astheyenteredthebrule，Ranaldcheckedhiscolt，andholdinguphishand，said，"Listen！"
　　Throughthequieteveningair，sweetandclearasasilverbell，camethelong，musicalnoteofthecallthatbringsthecowshomeforthemilking。ItwasBella'svoice："Ko——boss，ko——boss，ko——boss！"
　　Faracrossthebruletheycouldseeherstandingonabigpinestumpnearthebars，callingtohercowsthatwereslowlymakingtowardherthroughthefallentimber，pausinghereandtheretocropanespeciallyrichmouthful，andnowandthenrespondingtohercallwithsoftlowings。GentlyBellachidthem。"Come，Blossom，comeawaynow；youareverylazy。Come，Lily；whatareyouwaitingfor？Youslowoldpoke！"Thenagainthelong，musicalnote："Ko——boss，ko——boss，ko——boss！"
　　Ranaldgroanedaloud，"Och-hone！Itwillbeherlastgladhour，"
　　hesaid；"itisahard，hardthing。"
　　"Poorchild，poorchild！"saidMrs。Murray；"theLordhelpher。Itwillbeacruelblow。"
　　"Thatitis，acruelblow，"saidRanald，bitterly；sobitterlythatMrs。Murrayglancedathiminsurpriseandsawhisfacesetinangrypain。
　　"TheLordknowsbest，Ranald，"shesaid，gravely，"andlovesbest，too。"
　　"Itwillbreakherheart，whatever，"answeredRanald，shortly。
　　"Hehealeththebrokeninheart，"saidMrs。Murray，softly。Ranaldmadenoreply，butletthecolttakeherwaythroughthebruletowardthelaneintowhichBellahadnowgothercows。Howhappythegirlwas！Joyfilledeverytoneofhervoice。Andwhynot？
　　Itwasthespringtime，thetimeoflifeandlove。Longwinterwasgone，andsoonherbrotherswouldbebackfromtheshanties。"AndMack，too，"shewhisperedtoherhappyheart。
　　"Andareyesurethenewsistrue？
　　Andareyesurehe'sweel？
　　Isthisatimetothinko'wark？
　　Yejades，flingbyyourwheel。
　　"Forthere'snaeluckabootthehoose，There'snaeluckava，There'slittlepleesureinthehooseWhenoorgudeman'sawa。"
　　Soshesang，nottooloud；fortheboyswereatthebarnandshewouldneverheartheendofit。
　　"Well，Bella，youaregettingyourcowshome。Howareyou，mydear？"
　　Bellaturnedwithascarletfacetomeettheminister'swife，andherblushesonlybecamedeeperwhenshesawRanald，forshefeltquitecertainthatRanaldwouldunderstandthemeaningofhersong。
　　"Iwillgoonwiththecows，"saidRanald，inahoarsevoice，andMrs。Murray，alighting，gavehimherponytolead。
　　PeterMcGregorwasasternmantohisownfamily，andtoalltheworld，withthesingleexceptionofhisonlydaughter，Bella。Hissixboyshekeptinorderwithafirmhand，andnotoneofthemwouldventuretotakealibertywithhim。ButBellahadnofearofhisgrimfaceandsternways，and"justtwiddledherfatherroundherfinger，"ashermothersaid，withagreatshowofimpatience。
　　But，inspiteofallherpettingfromherbigbrothersandherfather，Bellaremainedquiteunspoiled，thelightofherhomeandthejoyofherfather'sheart。Ithadnotescapedthefather'sjealouseyethatBigMackCameronfoundoccasionformanyavisittotheboysonaneveningwhentheday'sworkwasdone，andthatfromthemeetingshefoundhisshortestwayhomeroundbytheMcGregor's。Atfirsttheoldmanwasverygruffwithhim，andwasforsendinghimabouthisbusiness，buthisdaughter'shappyface，andthelightinhereyes，thatcouldmeanonlyonething，madehimpause，andafteralongandsleeplessnight，hesurprisedhisdaughterthenextmorningwithawordofgentlegreetingandanunusualcaress，andthenceforthtookBigMacktohisheart。Notthatanywordorexplanationpassedbetweenthem；ithadnotcometothatasyet；butBigMackfeltthechange，andgavehimthenceforththeobedienceandaffectionofason。
　　Theoldmanwasstandingintheyard，waitingtohelpwiththemilking。
　　Ranalddrovethecowsin，andthen，tyingupthehorses，wentstraighttohim。
　　"Ibringbadnews，Mr。McGregor，"hesaid，anxioustogetdonewithhissadtask。"Therehasbeenanaccidentontheriver，andMackCameronisdrowned。"
　　"Whatdoyousay，boy？"saidPeter，inaharshvoice。
　　"HewastryingtosaveaFrenchman，andwhentheygothimouthewasdead，"saidRanald，hurryingthroughhistale，forhesawthetwofigurescomingupthelaneanddrawingnearer。
　　"Dead！"echoedtheoldman。"BigMack！Godhelpme。"
　　"Andtheywillbewantingateam，"continuedRanald，"togotoCornwallto-morrow。"
　　Theoldmanstoodforafewmoments，lookingstupidlyatRanald。
　　Then，liftinghishatfromhisgrayhead，hesaid，brokenly："Mypoorgirl！WouldGodIhaddiedforhim。"
　　Ranaldturnedawayandstoodlookingdownthelane，shrinkingfromthesightoftheoldman'sagony。Then，turningbacktohim，hesaid："Theminister'swifeiscomingyonderwithBella。"
　　Theoldmanstarted，andwithamightyeffortcommandinghimself，said，"NowmayGodhelpme！"andwenttomeethisdaughter。
　　ThroughthegloomofthefallingnightRanaldcouldseethefrightenedwhitefaceandthestaring，tearlesseyes。TheycamequitenearbeforeBellacaughtsightofherfather。Foramomentshehesitated，tilltheoldman，withoutaword，beckonedhertohim。Withaquicklittlerunshewasinhisarms，whereshelaymoaning，asifinsorebodilypain。Herfatherheldherclosetohim，murmuringoverherfondGaelicwords，whileRanaldandMrs。
　　Murraywentovertothehorsesandstoodwaitingthere。
　　"IwillgonowtoDonaldRoss，"Ranaldsaid，inalowvoice，totheminister'swife。Hemountedthecoltandwasridingoff，whenPetercalledhimback。
　　"Theboyswilltakethewagonto-morrow，"hesaid。
　　"TheywillmeetattheSixteenthatdaylight，"repliedRanald；andthentoMrs。Murrayhesaid，"Iwillcomebackthiswayforyou。
　　Itwillsoonbedark。"
　　ButBella，hearinghim，criedtoher："Oh，youwillnotgo？"
　　"Notifyouneedme，Bella，"saidMrs。Murray，puttingherarmsaroundher。"Ranaldwillruninandtellthemathome。"ThisRanaldpromisedtodo，androdeawayonhiswoefuljourney；andbeforehereachedhomethatnight，thenewshadspreadfarandwide，fromhousetohouse，likeablackcloudoverasunnysky。
　　Thehome-comingofthemenfromtheshantieshadeverbeenatimeofrejoicinginthecommunity。TheMacdonaldgangwereespeciallywelcome，fortheyalwayscamebackwithhonorandwiththerewardsoftheirwinter'swork。Therewasalwaysaseriesofwelcominggatheringsinthedifferenthomesrepresentedinthegang，andthere，inthemidstoftheadmiringcompany，taleswouldbetoldofthedeedsdoneandthetrialsendured，oftheadventuresontheriverandthewondersofthecitieswheretheyhadbeen。Allwerewelcomeeverywhere，andnonemorethanBigMackCameron。Brimmingwithgoodnature，andwitharemarkableturnforstories，hewasthecenterofeverygroupofyoungpeoplewhereverhewent；andatthe"bees"forloggingorforbuildingorforcradling，BigMackwasheldinhonor，forhewassecondinfeatsofstrengthonlytoMacdonaldBhainhimself。Itwaswithnocommongriefthatpeopleheardthewordthattheywerebringinghimhomedead。
　　AttheSixteenthnextmorning，beforethebreakofday，Ranaldstoodinthegloomwaitingforthecomingoftheteams。Hehadbeenupmostofthenightandhewaswearyinbodyandsoreatheart，butMacdonaldBhainhadtrustedhim，andtheremustbenomistake。Onebyonetheteamsarrived。FirsttoappearwasDonaldRoss，theelder。Foryearshehadgivenoverthedrivingofhisteamtohisboys，butto-dayhefeltthatrespecttothefamilydemandedhispresenceonsuchanerrandasthis；andbesides，heknewwellthathissonDannie，Mack'sspecialchum，wouldexpecthimtosohonorthehome-comingofhisdeadfriend。PeterMcGregor，fearingtoleavehisdaughterforthatlongandlonelyday，senthissonJohninhisplace。ItwaswithdifficultythatMack'sfather，LongJohnCameron，hadbeenpersuadedtoremainwiththemotherandtoallowMurdietogoinhisstead。
　　ThelasttoarrivewasFarquharMcNaughton，Kirsty'sFarquhar，withhisfineblackteamandnewlightwagon。Tohimwastobegiventhehonorofbearingthebodyhome。Gravelytheytalkedandplanned，andthenleftalltoRanaldtoexecute。
　　"Youwillseetothesethings，Ranald，myman，saidDonaldRoss，withtheairofonegivingsolemncharge。"Letallthingsbedonedecentlyandinorder。"
　　"Iwilltry，"saidRanald，simply。ButFarquharMcNaughtonlookedathimdoubtfully。
　　"Itisapeety，"hesaid，"thereisnotonewithmoreexperience。
　　Heisbutalad。"
　　ButDonaldRosshadbeenmuchimpressedwithRanald'scapablemannerthenightbefore。
　　"Neveryoufear，Farquhar，"hereplied；"Ranaldisnotonetofailus。"
　　AsRanaldstoodwatchingthewagonsrumblingdowntheroadandoutofsight，hefeltasifyearsmusthavepassedsincehehadreceivedtheletterthathadlaidonhimtheheavyburdenofthissadnews。Thathisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，shouldhavesentthewordtohimbroughtRanaldasenseofresponsibilitythatawakenedthemaninhim，andheknewhewouldfeelhimselfaboynomore。
　　Andwiththatnewfeelingofmanhoodstirringwithinhim，hewentabouthisworkthatday，omittingnodetailinarrangementfortheseemlyconductofthefuneral。
　　NightwasfallingasthewagonsrumbledbackagainfromCornwall，bringingbacktheshantymenandtheirdeadcompanion。UpthroughtheSixteenth，whereagreatcompanyofpeoplestoodsilentandwithbaredheads，thesadprocessionmoved，pasttheoldchurch，upthroughtheswamp，andsoonwardtothehomeofthedead。NoneoftheMacdonaldgangturnedasidetotheirhomestilltheyhadgiventheircomradeoverintothekeepingofhisownpeople。BythetimetheCameron'sgatewasreachedthenighthadgrownthickandblack，andthedriversweregladenoughofthecedarbarktorchesthatRanaldandDonwavedinfrontoftheteamstolightthewayupthelane。InsilenceDonaldRoss，whowasleading，droveuphisteamtothelittlegardengateandallowedthegreatMacdonaldandDannietoalight。
　　AtthegatestoodLongJohnCameron，silentandself-controlled，butwithfaceshowingwhiteandhaggardinthelightoftheflaringtorches。Behindhim，intheshadow，stoodtheminister。Forafewmomentstheyallremainedmotionlessandsilent。Thetimewastoogreatforwords，andthesemenknewwhenitwasgoodtoholdtheirpeace。AtlengthMacdonaldBhainbrokethesilence，sayinginhisgreatdeepvoice，ashebaredhishead："Mr。Cameron，Ihavebroughtyoubackyourson，andGodismywitness，Iwouldhisplacewereminethisnight。"
　　"Bringhimin，Mr。Macdonald，"repliedthefather，gravelyandsteadily。"Bringhimin。ItistheLord；letHimdowhatseemethHimgood。"
　　ThensixoftheMacdonaldmencameforwardfromthedarkness，CurlyandYankeeleadingtheway，andliftedthecoffinfromFarquhar'swagon，andreverently，withheadsuncovered，theyfollowedthetorchestothedoor。Theretheystoppedsuddenly，forastheyreachedthethreshold，therearosealow，long，heart-smitingcryfromwithin。AtthesoundofthatcryRanaldstaggeredasifstruckbyablow，andlethistorchfalltotheground。Thebearerswaited，lookingateachotherinfear。
　　"Whisht，Janet，woman！"saidLongJohn，gravely。"Yoursonisatthedoor。"
　　"Ah，indeed，thatheis，thatheis！Myson！Myson！"
　　Shestoodinthedoorwaywithhandsupliftedandwithtearsstreamingdownherface。"Comein，Malcolm；comein，myboy。Yourmotheriswaitingforyou。"
　　Thentheycarriedhiminandlaidhiminthe"room，"andretiringtothekitchen，satdowntowatchthenight。
　　Inhalfanhourthefathercameoutandfoundthemthere。
　　"Youhavedonewhatyoucould，Mr。Macdonald，"hesaid，addressinghimforall，"andIwillnotbeunmindfulofyourkindness。Butnowyoucandonomore。Yourwifeandyourpeoplewillbewaitingyou。"
　　"And，pleaseGod，ingoodtimetheywillbeseeingus。Asforme，Iwillneithergotomyhomenorupintomybed，butIwillwatchbythemanwhowasmyfaithfulfriendandcompaniontillheislaidaway。"
　　Andinthismindheandhismenremainedfirm，takingturnsatthewatchingallthatnightandthenextday。
　　AsMacdonaldfinishedspeaking，theministercameintothekitchen，bringingwithhimthemotherandthechildren。Themenallrosetotheirfeet，doingrespecttothewomanandtohergrief。Whentheywereseatedagain，theministerroseandsaid："Myfriends，thisisanightforsilenceandnotforwords。ThevoiceoftheLordisspeakinginourears。Itbecomesustohear，andtosubmitourselvestoHisholywill。Letuspray。"
　　AsRanaldlistenedtotheprayer，hecouldnothelpthinkinghowdifferentitwasfromthosehewasaccustomedtohearfromthepulpit。Solemn，simple，anddirect，itliftedtheheartsofallpresentuptothethroneofGod，totheplaceofstrengthandofpeace。Therewasnoattempttoexplainthe"mysteryoftheProvidence，"buttherewasasublimetrustthatrefusedtodespaireveninthepresenceofimpenetrabledarkness。
　　Aftertheministerhadgone，MacdonaldBhaintookRanaldasideandaskedhimastothearrangementsforthefuneral。WhenRanaldhadexplainedtohimeverydetail，Macdonaldlaidhishandonhisnephew'sshoulderandsaid，kindly，"Itiswelldone，Ranald。Nowyouwillbegoinghome，andinthemorningyouwillseeyouraunt，andifshewillbewishingtocometothewaketo-morrownight，thenyouwillbringher。"
　　ThenRanaldwenthome，feelingwellrepaidforhislonghoursofanxietyandtoil。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　THEWAKE
　　ThewakewasanimportantfeatureinthesociallifeofthepeopleofIndianLands。Inancientdays，inthelandoftheirforefathers，thewakehadbeendeemedadirenecessityforthesafeguardingofthedead，whoweresupposedtobepeculiarlyexposedtothemaliciousattacksofevilspirits。Hence，withmanylightedcandles，andwithmuchincantation，friendswouldsurroundthebodythroughtheperiloushoursofdarkness。Itwasaweirdandwearyvigil，andsmallwonderifitappearednecessarythatthecourageandenduranceofthewatchersshouldbefortifiedwithcopiousdraughtsof"mountaindew，"withbreadandcheeseaccompaniments。
　　Andthecompletenessoftheirtrustintheefficacyofsuchsupportswastoooftenevidencedbytheconditionofthewatcherstowardthedawnofthemorning。And，indeed，ifthespiritswerenottoofastidious，andiftheyhadsodesired，theycouldhaveeasilyflownaway，notonlywiththe"waked，"butwiththe"wakers"aswell。
　　Butthosedaysandthosenotionshadlongpassedaway。Thewakestillremained，butitsmeaningandpurposehadchanged。Nolongerfortheguardingofthedead，butforthecomfortoftheliving，thefriendsgatheredtothehouseofmourningandwatchedthewearyhours。ButHighlandcourtesyforbadethatthecustomofrefreshingthewatchersshouldbeallowedtodieout，andhence，throughthenight，onceandagain，thewhisky，bread，andcheesewerehandedaroundbysomeclosefriendofthefamily，andwerethenplaceduponthetableforgeneraluse。Itwasnotsurprisingthat，whereallwerefreetocomeandwelcometostay，andwhereanythinglikescantinessinprovidingorniggardlinessinservingwouldbeamatteroffamilydisgrace，thewakeoftendegeneratedintoafrolic，ifnotadebauch。Inordertocheckanysuchtendency，ithadbeenthecustomoflateyearstointroducereligiousservices，begunbytheministerhimselfandcontinuedbytheelders。
　　Astheeveningfell，agroupofeldersstoodbythebackdoorofLongJohnCameron'ssorrow-strickenhome，talkingquietlyoverthesadeventandarrangingforthe"exercises"ofthenight。AtalittledistancefromthemsatYankee，withRanaldbesidehim，bothsilentandlisteningsomewhatindifferentlytothetalkoftheothers。Yankeewasnotinhiselement。Hewasalwayswelcomeinthehomesofhiscomrades，forhewasreadywithhistongueandcleverwithhisfingers，butwiththegraverandreligioussideoftheirliveshehadlittleincommon。Itwas，perhaps，thisfeelingthatdrewhimtowardMacdonaldDubhandRanald，sothatforweeksatatimehewouldmaketheirhousehishome。Hehad"nouseforwakes，"ashesaidhimself，andhaditnotbeenthatitwasoneofthegangthatlaydeadwithin，Yankeewouldhaveavoidedthehouseuntilallwasoverandtheelderssafelyaway。
　　Oftheelders，onlyfourwerepresentasyet：DonaldRoss，whowaseverreadytobringthelightofhiskindlyfacetocheertheheartsofthemourners；StraightRory，whonever，byanychance，allowedhimselftomissthesolemnjoyofleadingthefuneralpsalm；PeterMcRae，whocarriedbehindhissternoldfaceaheartofgenuinesympathy；andKennyCrubach，towhomattendanceatfuneralswasatonceadutyandahorror。
　　DonaldRoss，towhomalltheeldersaccorded，instinctively，theplaceofleader，wasarrangingtheorderof"theexercises。"
　　"Mr。McCuaig，"hesaidtoStraightRory，"youwilltakechargeofthesinging。Therestofuswill，inturn，giveoutapsalmandreadaportionofScripturewithafewsuitableremarks，andleadinprayer。Wewillnotbeforgetting，brethren，"saidoldDonald，"thattherewillbesoreheartsherethisnight。'
　　StraightRory'sanswerwasasighsowoefulandsodeepthatYankeelookedoverathimandremarkedinanundertonetoRanald，"Heain'tsocheerfulashemightbe。Hemustfeelawfulinside。"
　　"ItisasadandterribledayfortheCamerons，"saidPeterMcRae。
　　"Aye，itissad，indeed，"repliedDonaldRoss。"Hewasagoodsonandtheywillbemissinghimbad。Itisagreatloss。"
　　"Yes，thelossisgreat，"saidPeter，grimly。"But，afterall，thatisasmallthing。"
　　StraightRorysighedagainevenmoredeeplythanbefore。DonaldRosssaidnothing。
　　"Whatdoestheoldduckmean，anyhow？"saidYankeetoRanald。
　　Theboymadenoreply。HisheartwassickwithhorroratPeter'smeaning，whichheunderstoodonlytoowell。
　　"Aye，"wentonPeter，"itisaterrible，mysteriousProvidence，andaheavywarningtotheungodlyandcareless。"
　　"Hemeansme，Iguess，"remarkedYankeetoRanald。
　　"Itwillperhapsbenotamisstoanyofus，"saidKennyCrubach，sharply。
　　"Indeed，thatistrue，"saidDonaldRoss，inaveryhumblevoice。
　　"Yes，Mr。Ross，"saidPeter，ignoringKennyCrubach，"butattimesthevoiceofProvidencecannotbemisunderstood，anditwillnotdofortheeldersofthechurchtobespeakingsoftthingswhentheLordisspeakinginjudgmentandwrath。"
　　Donaldwassilent，whileStraightRoryassentedwithaheartrending"Aye，aye，"whichstirredYankee'sbileagain。
　　"What'shetalkin'about？Hedon'tseemtobeusin'mylanguage，"
　　hesaid，inatoneofwrathfulperplexity。Ranaldwastoomiserabletoanswer，butKennywasreadywithhisword。
　　"Judgmentandwrath，"heechoed，quickly。"ThemanwouldrequiretobeveryskillfulwhateverininterpretingthewaysofProvidence，andveryboldtoputsuchameaningintothedeathofayoungmansuchasMalcolmyonder。"Thelittleman'svoicewasvibratingwithfeeling。
　　ThenYankeebegantounderstand。"I'llbegol-blamedtoacinder！"
　　heexclaimed，inalowvoice，fallingbackuponacombinationthatseemedmoresuitabletothecircumstances。"Theyain'tsendin'himtohell，arethey？"Heshutuptheknifewithwhichhehadbeenwhittlingwithasharpsnap，andrisingtohisfeet，walkedslowlyovertothegroupofelders。
　　"Farbeitfrommetojudgewhatisnottobeseen，"saidPeter。
　　"Butweareallowedandcommandedtodiscernthestateoftheheartbythefruits。"
　　"Fruits？"repliedKenny，quickly。"Hewasagoodsonandbrotherandfriend；hewashonestandclean，andhegavehislifeforanotheratthelast。"
　　"Exactlyso，"saidPeter。"Iamnotdenyingmuchnaturalgoodness，forindeedhewasafinelad；butIwillbelookingfortheevidencethathewasinastateofgrace。Ihavenotheardofany，andgladwouldIbetohearit。"
　　Theoldman'semotiontookthesharpnessoutofKenny'sspeech，buthepersisted，stoutly，"Goodnessisgoodness，Mr。McRae，forallthat。"
　　"YouwillnotbeholdingtheArmeniandoctrineofworks，Mr。
　　Campbell？"saidPeter，severely。"Youwouldnotbepointingtogoodworksasagroundofsalvation？"
　　Yankee，whohadbeenfollowingtheconversationintently，thoughthesawmeaninginitatlast。
　　"IfImighttakeahand，"hesaid，diffidently，"Imightcontributesomethin'tohelpyouout。"
　　Peterregardedhimalittleimpatiently。Hehadforgottentheconcrete，forthemoment，intheabstract，andwasdonninghisarmorforabattlewithKennyuponthe"fundamentals。"HencehewasnottoowellpleasedwithYankee'sinterruption。ButDonaldRossgladlywelcomedthediversion。Thesubjectwastohimextremelypainful。
　　"Wewillbeglad，"hesaidtoYankee，"tohearyou，Mr。Latham。"
　　"Well，"saidYankee，slowly，"fromyourremarksIgatheredthatyouwantedinformationaboutthedoingsof——"hejerkedhisheadtowardthehousebehindhim。"Now，Iwanttosay，"hecontinued，confidentially，"you'vecometotherightshop，forI'veateandslept，I'veworkedandfought，I'velivedwithhimbydayandbynight，andrightthroughhewasthestraightest，whitestmanIeverseen，andIwon'texceptthebosshimself。"Yankeepausedtoconsidertheeffectofthisstatement，andtoallowitsfullweighttobeappreciated；andthenhecontinued："Yes，sir，youmayjustbetyour——youmayberightwellsure，"correctinghimself，"thatyou'resafeingivin'"——herehedroppedhisvoice，andjerkedhisheadtowardthehouseagain——"ingivin'thehighestmarks，fullvalue，andnodiscount。Why，"hewenton，withanenthusiasmrareinhim，"askanymaninthegang，anymanontheriver，iftheyeverseenorheardofhisdoin'ameanorcrookedthing，andifyoufindanyfellerwhosayshedid，bringhimhere，and，by"——Yankeerememberedhimselfintime——"andIgiveyoumysolemnwordthatI'lleathim，hatandboots。"Yankeebroughthisbonyfistdownwithawhackintohishand。Thenherelapsedintohislazydrawlagain："No，siree，hoss！Ifit'sdoin'syou'reafter，don'tyoubeslowinbankin'yourlittleheaponHISdoin's。"
　　DonaldRossgraspedYankee'shandandshookithard。"Iwillbethankingyouforthatword，"hesaid，earnestly。
　　ButPeterfeltthatthecauseoftruthdemandedthatheshouldspeakout。"Mr。Latham，"hesaid，solemnly，"whatyouhavebeensayingisverytrue，nodoubt，butifamanisnot'bornagainhecannotseethekingdomofGod。'ThesearethewordsoftheLordhimself。"
　　"Bornagain！"saidYankee。"How？Idon'tseemtogetyou。ButI
　　guessthefellerthatdoestherightthingallroundhasgotapurtygoodchance。"
　　"Itisnotaman'sdeeds，wearetold，"saidPeter，patiently，"buthisheart。"
　　"Thereyouare，"saidYankee，warmly，"rightagain，andthat'swhatIalwaysholdto。It'stheheartamancarriesroundinhisinside。Nevermindyourtalk，nevermindyouractin'upforpeopletosee。Givemetheheartthatiswarmandred，andbeatspropertime，youbet。Say！you'reallright。"YankeegazedadmiringlyattheperplexedandhopelessPeter。
　　"IamafraidyouarenotrememberingwhattheApostlePaulsaid，Mr。Latham，"saidPeter，determinedtodealfaithfullywithYankee。
　　"'Bythedeedsofthelawshallnofleshbejustified。'"
　　ItwasnowYankee'sturntogazehelplesslyatPeter。"Iguessyouhavedroppedmeagain，"hesaid，slowly。
　　"Man，"saidPeter，withatouchofseverity，"youwillneedtobemorefaithfulwiththeWordofGod。TheScripturesplainlydeclare，Mr。Latham，thatitisimpossibleforamantobesavedinhisnaturalstate。"
　　Yankeelookedblankatthis。
　　"Theprophetsaysthattheplowingandsowing，theveryprayers，ofthewickedareanabominationtotheLord。"
　　"Why，nowyou'retalkin'，butlookhere。"Yankeeloweredhistone。
　　"Lookhere，youwouldn'tgofortocall"——hereagainhejerkedhisheadtowardthehouse——"wicked，wouldyou？Furifyoudo，why，thereain'tanymoreconversationbetweenyouandme。"
　　Yankeewasterriblyinearnest。
　　"'Thereisnonerighteous，no，notone，'"quotedPeter，withtheairofamanwhoforceshimselftoanunpleasantduty。
　　"That'sso，Iguess，"saidYankee，meditatively，"butitdependssomeonwhatyoumean。Idon'tsetmyselfupforanycopy-bookhead-line，butasmengo——men，say，justlikeyouhere——I'dput——
　　I'dputhimalongside，wouldn'tyou？Youexpecttogetthroughyourself，Ijudge？"
　　ThiswasturningthetablessomewhatsharplyuponPeter，butYankee'skeen，wide-openeyeswereuponhim，andhisintenselyearnestmannerdemandedananswer。
　　"Indeed，ifitwillbeso，itwillnotbeforanymeritofmyown，butonlybecauseofthemercyoftheLordinChristJesus。"
　　Peter'stonewassincerelyhumble。
　　"Guessyou'reallright，"saidYankee，encouragingly；"andasfor——
　　asfor——him——don'tyouworryaboutthat。Youmaybedeadsureabouthiscase。"
　　ButPeteronlyshookhisheadhopelessly。"Youaresorelyinneedofinstruction，Mr。Latham，"hesaid，sadly。"Wecannotlistentoourheartsinthismatter。WemustdohonortothejusticeofGod，andthewordisclear，'Yemustbebornagain。'Nothingelseavails。"Peter'stonewasfinal。
　　ThenYankeedrewalittlenearertohim，asifsettlingdowntowork。
　　"Nowlookhere。Youletmetalkawhile。Iain'tupinyoursideofthebusiness，butIguesswearetryin'tomakethesamepoint。
　　Nowsupposin'youwasinforahossrace，whichIhopeain'tnooffense，seein'itain'tlikelybutsuppose，andtotakefirstmoneyyouhadtoperdooseatwo-fifteengait。'Purtygoodlick，'
　　saysyou；'nowwherewillIgetthenag？'Thenyousetsdownandthinks，and，saysyou，'Bygum，whichofcourseyouwouldn't，butsupposin'saysyou，'aBlueGrassbredisthehossforthatgait'；
　　andyoubegintoinquirearound，butthereain'tnoBlueGrassbredstockinthecountry，andthatraceiscreepin'upclose。Oneday，justwhenyouwasbeginnin'tofigureontakin'thedusttothehullfield，youseesacoltcomin'alongtheroadhittin'upapurtyslickgait。'Hello，'saysyou，'thatlookslikely，'andyoubegintonegotiate，andyoufindsoutthatcolt'sallrightandhertime'stwo-ten。Thenyoubegintotalkabouttheweatherandthecropsuntilyoufindsouttheprice，andyouofferhimhalfmoney。
　　Then，whenyouhavefetchedhimdowntotherightfigure，youpullsoutyourwad，thinkin'howthatcoltwillmaketherestlooklikealineoffence-posts。'Butholdon，'saysyou，'isthisherecoltBlueGrassbred？''BlueGrass！Notmuch。Thishere'sGreyEaglestock，NorthVirginny'sayshe。'Don'twanther，'saysyou。
　　'What'sthematterwiththecolt？'sayshe。'Nothin'，onlysheain'tBlueGrass。GottobeBlueGrass。''Butshe'sgotthegait，ain'tshe？''Yes，thegait'sallright，actionfine，good-looking，too，nothingwrong，butsheain'tBlueGrassbred。'Andsoyouloseyourrace。Nowwhatkindofanamewouldyoucallyourself？"
　　PetersawYankee'spoint，butheonlyshookhisheadmorehopelesslythanbefore，andturnedtoenterthehouse，followedbyStraightRory，stillsighingdeeply，andoldDonaldRoss。ButKennyremainedamomentbehindtheothers，andofferinghishandtoYankee，said："Youarearightman，andIwillbeproudtoknowyoubetter。"
　　YankeeturnedapuzzledfacetoKenny。"Isay，"heinquired，inanamazedvoice，"doyouthinkhedidn'tcatchontome？"
　　Kennynodded。"Yes，heunderstoodyourpoint。"
　　"Butlookhere，"saidYankee，"theydon'tholdthat——thatheis——"
　　Yankeepaused。Thethoughtwastoohorrible，andthesemenwereexperts，andweresupposedtoknow。
　　"It'shardtosay，"saidKenny，diplomatically。
　　"Seehere，"saidYankee，facingKennysquarely，"you'reapurtylevel-headedman，andyou'reupinthisbusiness。Doyouthinkwiththem？Nomonkeying。Straighttalknow。"Yankeewasinnomoodtobetrifledwith。HewasinsuchdeadlyearnestthathehadforgottenallaboutRanald，whowasnowstandingbehindhim，waiting，withwhitefaceandpartedlips，forKenny'sanswer。
　　"Whisht！"saidKenny，pointingintothekitchenbehind。YankeelookedandsawBellaPeterandherfatherentering。ButRanaldwasdeterminedtoknowKenny'sopinion。
　　"Mr。Campbell，"hewhispered，eagerly，andforgettingtherespectduetoanelder，hegraspedKenny'sarm，"doyouthinkwiththem？"
　　"ThatIdonot，"saidKenny，emphatically，andYankee，atthatword，struckhishandintoKenny'spalmwithaloudsmack。
　　"Iknewblamedwellyouwerenotanysuchdumbfool，"hesaid，softeninghisspeechindeferencetoKenny'sofficeandthesurroundingcircumstances。Sosaying，hewentawaytothestable，andwhenRanaldandhisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，followedalittlelatertoputupPeterMcGregor'steam，theyheardYankeeinside，swearingwithafluencyandvigorquiteunusualwithhim。
　　"Whisht，man！"saidMacdonaldBhain，sternly。"Thisisnoplaceortimetobeusingsuchlanguage。Whatisthematterwithyou，anyway？"
　　ButMacdonaldcouldgetnosatisfactionoutofhim，andhesaidtohisnephew，"Whatisit，Ranald？"
　　"Itistheelders，PeterMcRaeandStraightRory，"saidRanald，sullenly。"TheyweresayingthatMackwas——thatMackwas——"
　　"Lookhere，boss，"interruptedYankee，"Iain'twellupinScriptures，anddon'tknowmuchaboutthesethings，andthemeldersdo，andtheysay——someofthem，anyway——aresendingMacktohell。
　　Now，Iguessyou'rejustaswellupastheyareinthisbusiness，andIwantyoursolemnopinion。"Yankee'sfacewaspale，andhiseyeswereglaringlikeawildbeast's。"WhatIsayis，"hewenton，"ifafellerlikeMackgoestohell，thenthereain'tany。Atleastnonetoscareme。WhereMackiswillbegoodenoughforme。
　　Whatdoyousay，boss？"
　　"Bequiet，man，"saidMacdonaldBhain，gravely，butkindly。"Doyounotknowyouareneartoblasphemythere？ButIforgiveyouforthesoreheartyouhave；andaboutpoorMackyonder，noonewillbeabletosayforcertain。Iamapoorsinner，andtheonlyclaimIhavetoGod'smercyistheclaimofapoorsinner。ButI
　　willdaretosaythatIhavehopeintheLordformyself，andI
　　willsaythatIhaveagreatdealmoreforMack。"
　　"Iguessthatsettlesitallright，then，"saidYankee，drawingabigbreathofcontentandbitingoffahugechewfromhisplug。
　　"Butwhattheblankblank，"hewenton，savagely，"dothesefellersmean，stirringupaman'sfeelin'slikethat？Seemtobenotabadsort，either，"headded，meditatively。
　　"Indeed，theyaregoodmen，"saidMacdonaldBhain，"buttheywillnotbeknowingMackasIknewhim。Henevermadeanyprofessionatall，buthehadtherootofthematterinhim。"
　　Ranaldfeltasifhehadwakenedoutofaterriblenightmare，andfollowedhisuncleintothehouse，withahappierheartthanhehadknownsincehehadreceivedYankee'sletter。
　　Astheyenteredtheroomwherethepeopleweregathered，DonaldRosswasreadingthehundredandthirdpsalm，andthewordsofloveandpityandsympathyweredroppingfromhiskindlylipslikehealingbalmuponthemourninghearts，andastheyroseandfelluponthecadencesof"Coleshill，"thetuneStraightRoryalwayschoseforthispsalm，thehealingsankdownintoallthesoreplaces，andthepeacethatpassethunderstandingbegantotakepossessionofthem。
　　Softlyandsweetlytheysang，theoldwomenswayingwiththemusic：
　　"For，astheheaveninitsheightTheearthsurmountethfar，Sogreattothosethatdohimfear，Histendermerciesare。"
　　Whentheyreachedthatverse，themothertookupthesongandwentbravelyonthroughthewordsofthefollowingverse：
　　"AsfaraseastisdistantfromThewest，sofarhathheFromusremoved，inhislove，Allouriniquity。"
　　AsshesangthelastwordsherhandstoleovertoBella，whosatbesideherquietbuttearless，lookingfaraway。Butwhenthenextwordsroseonthedearoldminorstrains，"SuchpityasafatherhathUntohischildrendear，"
　　Bella'slipbegantotremble，andtwobigtearsrandownherpalecheeks，andonecouldseethatthesorepaininherhearthadbeenalittleeased。
　　AfterDonaldRosshadfinishedhispartofthe"exercises，"hecalleduponKennyCrubach，whoreadbriefly，andwithoutcomment，theexquisiteScottishparaphraseofLuther's"littlegospel"：
　　"BeholdtheamazinggiftofloveTheFatherhathbestowedOnus，thesinfulsonsofmen，TocallussonsofGod——"
　　andsoontotheend。
　　AllthistimePeterMcRae，themanofiron，hadbeensittingwithhardeningface，hiseyesburninginhisheadlikeglowingcoals；
　　andwhenDonaldRosscalleduponhimfor"somewordsofexhortationandcomfortsuitabletotheoccasion，"withouthasteandwithouthesitationtheoldmanrose，andtremblingwithexcitementandemotion，hebeganabruptly："Anevilspirithasbeenwhisperingtome，astotheprophetofold，'Speakthatwhichisgood，'buttheLordhathdeliveredmefrommineenemy，andmyansweris，'AstheLordliveth，whattheLordsaiduntome，thatwillIspeak'；anditisnoteasy。"
　　Astheoldmanpaused，avisibleterrorfelluponallthecompanyassembled。Thepoormothersatlookingathimwiththelookofoneshrinkingfromablow，whileBellaPeter'sfaceexpressedonlystartledfear。
　　"AndthisisthewordoftheLordthisnighttome，"theelderwenton，hisvoicelosingitstremorandringingoutstrongandclear：
　　"'Thereisnonerighteous，no，notone，forallhavesinnedandcomeshortofthegloryofGod。Hethatbelievethshallbesaved，andhethatbelievethnotshallbedamned。'Thatismymessage，anditislaiduponmeasasoreburdentohearthevoiceoftheLordinthissolemnProvidence，andtowarnoneandalltofleefromthewrathtocome。"
　　Hepausedlong，whilemencouldheartheirheartsbeat。Then，raisinghisvoice，hecriedaloud："Woeisme！Alas！itisagrievousburden。TheLordpityusall，andgivegracetothisstrickenfamilytokisstherodthatsmites。"
　　Atthiswordtheoldman'svoicesuddenlybroke，andhesatdownamidanawfulsilence。Noonecouldmisunderstandhismeaning。Astheawfulhorrorofitgraduallymadeitswayintohermind，Mrs。
　　Cameronthrewupherapronoverherheadandrockedinanagonyofsobs，whileLongJohnsatwithfacewhiteandrigid。BellaPeter，whohadbeengazingwithafascinatedstareupontheoldelder'sfacewhilehewasspeakinghisterriblewords，startledbyMrs。
　　Cameron'ssobs，suddenlylookedwildlyaboutasifforhelp，andthen，withawildcry，fledtowardthedoor。Butbeforeshehadreacheditastronghandcaughtherandagreatvoice，deepandtender，commandedher："Wait，lassie，sitdownhereameenute。"
　　ItwasMacdonaldBhain。Hestoodashortspacesilentbeforethepeople，then，inavoicelow，deep，andthrilling，hebegan："YouhavebeenhearingthewordoftheLordthroughthelipsofhisservant，andIamnotsayingbutitisthetrueword；butIbelievethattheLordwillbespeakingbydifferentvoices，andalthoughI
　　hevnotthegift，yetitislaiduponmetodeclarewhatisinmyheart，andasoreheartitis，andsoreheartshevweall。ButI
　　willbethinkingofaferyjoyfulthing，andthatisthat'Hecametocall，nottherighteous，butsinners，'andthatinHisdaymanysinnerscameaboutHimandnotonewouldHeturnaway。AndIwillberememberingaferygreatsinnerwhocriedoutinhisdyinghour，'Lord，rememberme，'andnotinvain。AndI'mthinkingthattheLordwillbemakingiteasyformentobesaved，andnothard，forHewasthatanxiousaboutitthatHegaveupHisownlife。Butitisnotgivenmetoargue，onlytotellyouwhatIknowabouttheladwhoislyingyondersilent。Itwillbethreeyearssincehewillbecomingontheshantieswithme，andfromthedaythathelefthismother'sdoor，tillhecamebackagain，neveroncedidhefailmeinhisdutyinthecamp，orontheriver，orinthetown，whereitwasferyeasytobeforgetting。Andtheboyswouldbetellingmeofthetimesthathewouldbekeepingthemoutofthoseplaces。AnditisnotsoonthatDannieRosswillbeforgettingwhoitwasthattookhimbackfromthecampwhenthediseasewasuponhimandallwereafraidtogonearhim，andforseexweeks，bydayandbynight，watchedbyhimandwasnotthinkingofhimselfatall。AndsureamIthatthelessonshewouldbehearingfromhismotherandintheBibleclassandinthechurchwerenotlostonhimwhatever。Forontheriver，whenthewaterwasquietandI
　　wouldbelyinginthetentreading，itisoftenthatMackCameronwouldcomeinandlistentotheWord。Aye，hewasagoodlad"——thegreatvoiceshookalittle——"hewouldnotbethinkingofhimself，andatthelast，itwasforanothermanhegavehislife。"
　　Macdonaldstoodforafewmomentssilent，hisfaceworkingwhilehestruggledwithhimself。Andthenallatoncehegrewcalm，andthrowingbackhishead，helookedthroughthedoor，andpointingintothedarkness，said："Andyonderisthelad，andwithhimagreatcompany，andhisfaceissmiling，and，oh！itisagoodland，agoodland！"Hisvoicedroppedtoawhisper，andhesankintohisseat。
　　"Godpreserveus！"KennyCrubachejaculated；butoldDonaldRossroseandsaid，"LetuscalluponthenameoftheLord。"FromhisprayeritwasquiteevidentthatforhimatleastalldoubtsandfearsastopoorMack'sstatewereremoved。AndevenPeterMcRae，subduednotsomuchbyanyargumentofMacdonaldBhain'sasbyhisraptvision，followedoldDonald'sprayerwithbrokenwordsofhopeandthanksgiving；anditwasPeterwhowasearlyatthemansenextmorningtorepeattotheministerthethingshehadseenandheardthenightbefore。Andallnextday，wheretherehadbeenthehorrorofunnamablefear，hopeandpeaceprevailed。
　　Theservicewasheldunderthetrees，andwhilethemotherandBellaPetersatsoftlyweeping，therewasnobitternessintheirtears，forthesermonbreathedoftheimmortalhope，andtheheartsofallwerecomforted。Therewasnoparadeofgrief，butafterthesermonwasoverthepeoplefiledquietlythroughtheroomtotakethelastlook，andthenthefamily，withBellaandherfather，wereleftaloneafewmomentswiththeirdead，whiletheMacdonaldmenkeptguardatthedoortillthetimefor"thelifting"wouldcome。
　　AfterLongJohnpassedout，followedbythefamily，MacdonaldBhainenteredtheroom，closedtheliddownuponthedeadface，andgavethecommandtobearhimforth。
　　So，withsolemndignity，asbefittedthem，theycarriedBigMackfromhishometoFarquharMcNaughton'slightwagon。Alongtheconcessionroad，pastthenewchurch，throughtheswamp，andontotheoldchurchyardthelongprocessionslowlymoved。Therewasnounseemlyhaste，andbythetimethelastwordswerespoken，andthemounddecentlyrounded，thelongshadowsfromthewoodslayfaracrossthefields。Quietlythepeoplewenttheirwayshomeward，backtotheirlifeandwork，butformanydaystheycarriedwiththemthememoryofthosefuneralscenes。AndRanald，thoughhecamebackfromBigMack'sgravetroubledwithquestionsthatrefusedtobeanswered，stillcarriedwithhimahearthealedofthepainthathadtornittheselastdays。Hebelieveditwaswellwithhisfriend，butaboutmanythingshewassorelyperplexed，anditwasthisthatbroughthimagaintotheminister'swife。