"Notmuch，butIfearmyarmisuseless。Youmightfeelit，"hesaidtoRanald。
　　CarefullyRanaldpassedhishanddownthearm。
　　"Saynothing，"whisperedthelieutenanttohim。"It'sbroken。Tieitupsomeway。"WithoutawordRanaldstrippedthebarkofabirchtree，andmakingacase，laidthearminitandbounditfirmlywithhissilkhandkerchief。
　　"Weoughttohaveasling，"hesaid，turningtoKate，。
　　"Here，"saidMadameDeLacy，untyingalacescarffromherneck，"takethis。"
　　Katetookthescarf，andwhileRanaldheldthearminplaceshedeftlymadeitintoasling。
　　"There，"saidthelieutenant，"thatfeelsquitecomfortable。Nowlet'sgo。"
　　"Come，Maimie，I'llcarryyouupthehill，"saidHarry。
　　"No，"saidRanald，decidedly，"shewillgointhecanoe。Thatwillbeeasier。"
　　"Quiteright，"saidthelieutenant。"Sims，perhapsyouwillgivemymotheryourarm，andifMissKatewillbekindenoughtoescortme，wecanallfourgointhecarriage；butfirstweshallseetherestofthepartysafelyoff。"
　　"Come，then，Maimie，"saidHarry，approachinghissister；"letmecarryyou。"
　　ButMaimieglancedupatRanald，whowithoutaword，liftedherinhisarms。
　　"Putyourarmabouthisneck，Maimie，"criedHarry，"youwillgomorecomfortablythatway。Ranaldwon'tmind，"headded，withalaugh。
　　AtthetouchofherclingingarmsthebloodmountedslowlyintoRanald'sneckandface，showingredthroughthedarktanofhisskin。
　　"Howstrongyouare，"saidMaimie，softly，"andhoweasilyyoucarryme。Butyouwouldsoontireofme，"sheaddedwithalittlelaugh。
　　"Iwouldnottireforever，"saidRanald，ashelaidhergentlydowninthecanoe。
　　"Ishallsendthecarriagetothewharfforyou，"saidMadameDeLacy，"andyouwillcomerighthometome，andyou，too，MissRaymond。"
　　RanaldtookhisplaceinthesternwithMaimiereclininginthecanoesoastofacehim。
　　"Youaresureyouarecomfortable，"hesaid，withanxioussolicitudeinhistone。
　　"Quite，"shereplied，withacosylittlesnuggledownamongthecushionsplacedaroundher。
　　"Thenlethergo，"criedRanald，dippinginhispaddle。
　　"Goodby，"criedKate，wavingherhandatthemfromtherock。
　　"We'llmeetyouatthewharf。Takegoodcareofyourinvalid，Ranald。"
　　WithhardlyaglanceatherRanaldreplied："Youmaybesureofthat，"andwithalong，swingingstrokeshotthecanoeoutintotheriver。ForamomentortwoKatestoodlookingafterthem，andthen，withawearylookinherface，turned，andwiththelieutenant，followedMadameDeLacyandMr。Sims。
　　"Youaretired，"saidthelieutenant，lookingintoherface。
　　"Yes，"shereplied，withalittlesigh，"IthinkIamtired。"
　　ThepaddlehomewasalltooshorttoRanald，butwhetherittookminutesorhourshecouldnothavetold。Asinadreamheswunghispaddleandguidedhiscanoe。Hesawonlythebeautifulfaceandthewarmlightinthebrighteyesbeforehim。HewoketoseeKateonthewharfbeforethem，andforamomenthewonderedhowshecamethere。Oncemore，asheboreherfromthecanoetothecarriage，hefeltMaimie'sarmsclingingabouthisneckandheardherwhisper，"Youwillnotleaveme，Ranald，"andagainhereplied，"No，Iwillnotleaveyou。"
　　SwiftlytheDeLacycarriageborethemthroughthecrooked，climbingstreetsofthecityandoutalongthecountryroad，thenupastatelyavenueofbeeches，anddrewupbeforethestonesteps，ofanobleoldchateau。OncemoreRanaldliftedMaimieinhisarmsandcarriedherupthebroadsteps，andthroughthegreatoak-
　　paneledhallintoMadameDeLacy'sowncosysitting-room，andtherehelaidhersafelyinasnugnestofcushionspreparedforher。
　　Therewasnothingmoretodo，buttosaygoodbyandcomeaway，butitwasHarrythatfirstbroughtthistoRanald'smind。
　　"Goodby，Ranald，"saidMaimie，smilingupintohisface。"I
　　cannotthankyouforallyouhavedoneto-day，butIamsureMadameDeLacywillletyoucometoseemesometimes。"
　　"Ishallbealwaysgladtoseeyou，"saidthelittlelady，withgentle，old-fashionedcourtesy，"forwebothowemuchtoyouthisday。"
　　"Thankyou，"saidRanald，quietly，"Iwillcome，"andpassedoutoftheroom，followedbyHarryandKate。
　　Atthegreathalldoor，Katestoodandwatchedthemdriveaway，wavingherhandinfarewell。
　　"Goodby，"criedHarry，"don'tforgetusinyourstatelypalace，"
　　butRanaldmadenoreply。Hehadnothoughtforher。Butstillshestoodandwatchedthecarriagetillthebeecheshiditfromherview，andthen，withherhandpressedagainstherside，sheturnedslowlyintothehall。
　　Asthecarriagerolleddownthestatelyavenue，Ranaldsatabsorbedindeepestthought，heedingnothiscompanion'stalk。
　　"What'sthematterwithyou，Ranald？Whatareyouthinkingof？"atlastcriedHarry，impatiently。
　　"What？"answeredRanald，instrangeconfusion，"Icannottellyou。"
　　Unconsciouslyashespokeheputuphishandtohisneck，forhewasstillfeelingthepressureofthoseclingingarms，andallthewaybackthesoundsoftherollingwheelsandnoisy，rattlingstreetswroughtthemselvesintoonesweetrefrain，"Youwillnotleaveme，Ranald，"andofteninhisheartheanswered，"No，Iwillnot，"withsuchalookonhisfaceasmenwearwhenpledginglifeandhonor。
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　IWILLREMEMBER
　　TheAlbertwasbyalloddstheexclusiveclubinthecapitalcityofupperCanada，formenwereloathtodroptheoldname。Itsmembersbelongedtothebestfamilies，andmovedinthehighestcircles，andtheentrewasguardedbyacommitteeofexceedingvigilance。Theyhadaveryrealappreciationoftherightsandprivilegesoftheirorder，andtheycherishedforallwhoassayedtoenterthemostloftyideal。Notwealthalonecouldpurchaseentrancewithinthosesacredprecinctsunless，indeed，itwereofsufficientmagnitudeanddistributedwithjudiciousandunvulgargenerosity。Atingeofblueinthecommonredbloodofhumanitycommandedthemostfavorableconsideration，butwhentherewasneitherceruleantingeofbloodnorgildingofstationthecandidateformembershipintheAlbertwasdeemedunutterableinhispresumption，andrejectionabsoluteandfinalwasinevitable。A
　　singleblackballshuthimout。Soitcameasasurprisetomostoutsiders，thoughnottoRanaldhimself，whenthatyounggentleman'snameappearedinthelistofacceptedmembersintheAlbert。HehadbeenputupbybothRaymondandSt。Clair，butnoteventhepowerfulinfluenceofthesesponsorswouldhaveavailedwiththemembershaditnotcometobeknownthatyoungMacdonaldwasafriendofCaptainDeLacy'sofQuebec，don'tyouknow！andasport，begad，ofthefirstwater；fortheAlbertsfavoredathletics，andlovedatruesportalmostasmuchastheylovedalord。Theyneverregrettedtheirgenerousconcessioninthisinstance，forduringthethreeyearsofhismembership，itwastheGlengarryMacdonaldthathadbroughtglorytotheirclubmorethananyhalfdozenoftheirotherchampions。IntheirfinalswiththeMontrealerstwoyearsago，itwashe，theprinceofallCanadianhalf-backs，aseveryoneacknowledged，whohadsnatchedvictoryfromtheexultantenemyinthelastquarterofanhour。Then，too，theyhadneverceasedtobegratefulforthewayinwhichhehaddeliveredthenameoftheirclubfromthereproachcastuponitbythechallengelongflauntedbeforetheiraristocraticnosesbythecadsoftheAthletic，whenheknockedoutinaboutwiththegloves，thechosenrepresentativeofthatill-favoredclub——aprofessional，too，byJove，asitleakedoutlater。
　　True，therewerethosewhothoughthimtooparticular，andundoubtedlyhehadpeculiarideas。Heneverdrank，neverplayedformoney，andheneverhadoccasiontousewordsinthepresenceofmenthatwouldbeimpossiblebeforetheirmothersandsisters；
　　andtherewasaquaint，old-timechivalryabouthimthatmadehimafriendoftheweakandhelpless，andthechampionofwomen，notonlyofthosewhoseshelteredliveshadkeptthemfairandpure，butofthoseothersaswell，sad-eyedandsoul-stained，thecruelsportoflustfulmen。Forhisopenscornoftheircallouslustsomehatedhim，butallwithtruemen'sheartslovedhim。
　　Theclub-roomswerefillingup；thevariousgameswereinfullswing。
　　"Hello，littleMerrill！"YoungMerrilllookedupfromhisbilliards。
　　"Glengarry，byallthegods！"throwingdownhiscue，andrushingatRanald。"Whereinthislonelyuniversehaveyoubeenthesemanymonths，andhowareyou，oldchap？"Merrillwasexcited。
　　"Allright，Merrill？"inquiredthedeepvoice。
　　"Right，sohelpme——"exclaimedMerrill，solemnly，liftinguphishand。"He'sinquiringaftermymorals，"heexplainedtothemenwhowerecrowdingabout；"andIdon'tgiveablankblankwhoknowsit，"continuedlittleMerrill，warmly，"mypresentmagnificentmanhood，"smitinghimselfonthebreast，"Iowetothatsamedearoldsolemnitythere，"pointingtoRanald。
　　"Shutup，Merrill，orI'llspankyou，"saidRanald。
　　"Youwill，eh？"criedMerrill，lookingathim。"Lookathimvauntinghisbeastlyfitnessoverthefrailandweak。Isay，men，didyoueverbeholdsuchcondition！Seethatcleareye，thatvelvetyskin，that——Oh，Isay！pax！pax！peccavi！"
　　"There，"saidRanald，puttinghimdownfromthebilliard-table，"perhapsyouwilllearnwhentobeseen。"
　　"Brute，"murmuredlittleMerrill，rubbingthesoreplace；"butain'thefit？"headded，delightedly。Andfithelooked。Fouryearsofhardworkandcleanlivinghaddoneforhimeverythingthatitliesinyearstodo。Theyhadmadeofthelank，raw，shantyladaman，andsuchamanasasculptorwouldhavelovedtobehold。Straightasacolumnhestoodtwoinchesoversixfeet，butofsuchproportionsthatseeinghimalone，onewouldneverhaveguessedhisheight。Hisheadandneckroseabovehissquareshoulderswithperfectsymmetryandpoise。Hisdarkface，tannednowtoabronze，withfeaturesclear-cutandstrong，waslitbyapairofdarkbrowneyes，honest，fearless，andglowingwithaslumberingfirethatmenwouldhesitatetostirtoflame。Thelinesofhismouthtoldofself-control，andthecutofhischinproclaimedawillofiron，andaltogether，heborehimselfwithanairofsuchquietstrengthandcoolself-confidencethatmenneverfearedtofollowwhereheled。Yettherewasareserveabouthimthatsethimalittleapartfrommen，andakindofshynessthatsavedhimfromanysuspicionofself-assertion。Invainhetriedtoescapefromthecrowdthatgatheredabouthim，andmoreespeciallyfromthefoot-ballmen，whoutterlyadoredhim。
　　"Youcan'tdoanythingforafellowthatdoesn'tdrink，"complainedStarryHamilton，thebigcaptainofthefoot-ballteam。
　　"Drink！anicecaptainyouare，Starry，"saidRanald，"andThanksgivingsonear。"
　　"Wehaven'tquiteshutdownyet，"explainedthecaptain。
　　"ThenIsupposeacigarispermitted，"repliedRanald，orderingthestewardtobringhisbest。Inafewminuteshecalledforhismail，andexcusinghimself，slippedintooneoftheprivaterooms。
　　ThemanageroftheRaymond&St。ClairCompanyandprominentclubman，muchsoughtafterinsocialcircles，hewasboundtofindlettersofimportanceawaitinghim，buthastilyshufflingthebundle，heselectedthree，andputtherestinhispocket。
　　"Soshe'sback，"hesaidtohimself，liftinguponeinasquareenvelope，addressedinlarge，angularwriting。Heturneditoverinhishand，feastinghiseyesuponit，asaboyholdsapeach，prolongingtheblissfulanticipation。Thenheopeneditslowlyandread：
　　MYDEARRANALD：AllthewayhomeIwashopingthatonmyreturn，freshfromthe"statelyhomesofEngland，"andfromassociationwithlordsanddukesandthings，youwouldbeheretoreceiveyourshareofthelusterandaromamypresencewouldshedthat'salittlemixed，Ifear；butwithamosthorribleindifferencetoyourprivilegesyouareawayattheearth'send，nooneknowswhere。Fathersaidyouweretobehometo-day，sothoughyoudon'tintheleastdeserveit，Iamwritingyouanoteofforgiveness；
　　andwillyoubesuretocometomyspecialpartyto-morrownight？
　　Iputitofftillto-morrowsolelyonyouraccount，andinspiteofAuntFrank，andletmetellyouthatthoughIhaveseensuchheapsofnicemen，andallproperlydearanddevoted，stillIwanttoseeyou，soyoumustcome。Everythingelsewillkeep。Yours，MAIMIE。
　　Overandoveragainhereadtheletter，tillthefireinhiseyesbegantogleamandhisfacebecameradiantwithatenderglow。
　　"'Yours，Maimie，'eh？Iwondernowwhatshemeans，"hemused。
　　"SevenyearsandformylifeIdon'tknowyet，butto-morrownight——
　　yes，to-morrownight，Iwillknow！"Heplacedtheletterinitsenvelopeandputitcarefullyinhisinsidepocket。"NowforKate，dearoldgirl，nobetteranywhere。"Heopenedhisletterandread：
　　DEARRANALD：Whatalotofpeoplewillbedelightedtoseeyouback！First，dearoldDr。Marshall，whoisindespairovertheInstitute，ofwhichhedeclaresonlyamelancholyruinwillbeleftifyoudonotspeedilyreturn。Indeed，itisprettybad。Theboysarequiteterrible，andevenmy"angels"arebecominginfected。
　　Yourspecialpet，Coley，afterreducingpoorMr。Locketothevergeofnervousprostration，has"quit，"andthoughIhavesoughthiminhishaunts，andusedmyverychoicestblandishments，heremainsobdurate。Tomyremonstrances，hefinallydeignedtoreply："Naw，theyain'tnoneof'emanygoodnomore；themducksistoopiousforme。"Idon'tknowwhetheryouwillconsiderthatacomplimentornot。SotheInstituteandallitspeoplewillwelcomeyouwithacclaimsofdelightandsighsofrelief。Andsomeoneelsewhomyouadore，andwhoadoresyou，willrejoicetoseeyou。IhavebeggedherfromMaimieforafewpreciousdays。Butthat'sasecret，andlastofallandleastofall，thereisYourfriend，KATE。
　　P。S——Ofcourseyouwillbeatthepartyto-morrownight。Maimielookslovelierthanever，andshewillbesogladtoseeyou。
　　K。
　　"Whatatrumpsheis，"murmuredRanald；"unselfish，honesttothecore，andsteadyasarock。'Someoneelsewhomyouadore。'Whocanthatbe？ByJove，isitpossible？Iwillgorightupto-night。"
　　HislastletterwasfromMr。St。Clair，whowasthechiefexecutiveofthefirm。Heglancedoverithurriedly，thenwithacuriousblendingofsurprise，perplexity，anddismayonhisface，hereaditagainwithcarefuldeliberation：
　　MYDEARRANALD：Welcomehome！Weshallallbedelightedtoseeyou。YourletterfromNorthBay，whichreachedmetwodaysago，containedinformationthatplacesusinratheranawkwardposition。
　　LastMay，justafteryouleftforthenorth，ColonelThorp，oftheBritish-AmericanCoalandLumberCompany，operatinginBritishColumbiaandMichigan，calledtoseeme，andmadeanofferof$75，000forourBassRiverlimits。Ofcourseyouknowweareratheranxioustounload，andatfirstIregardedhisofferwithfavor。SoonafterwardsIreceivedyourfirstreport，sentapparentlyonyourwayup。IthereuponrefusedColonelThorp'soffer。Thenevidentlyuponthestrengthofyourreport，whichI
　　showedhim，ColonelThorp，whobythewayisaveryfinefellow，butaveryshrewdbusinessman，raisedhisoffertoanevenhundredthousand。ThisofferIfeelinclinedtoaccept。Totellyouthetruth，wehavemorestandingtimberthanwecanhandle，andasyouknow，wearereallybadlycrippledforreadymoney。Itisalittleunfortunatethatyourlastreportshouldbesomuchlessfavorableinregardtotheeasthalfofthelimits。However，Idon'tsupposethereisanyneedofmentioningthattoColonelThorp，especiallyashiscompanyaregettingagoodbargainasitis，andonewhichofthemselves，theycouldnotpossiblysecurefromthegovernment。
　　IwriteyouthisnoteincaseyoushouldrunacrossColonelThorpintownto-morrow，andinadvertentlysaysomethingthatmightcomplicatematters。Ihavenodoubtthatweshallbeabletoclosethedealinafewdays。
　　NowIwanttosayagainhowdelightedweallaretohaveyouback。
　　Weneverrealizedhowmuchweweredependentuponyou。Mr。RaymondandIhavebeentalkingmattersover，andwehaveagreedthatsomechangesoughttobemade，whichIventuretosaywillnotbealtogetherdisagreeabletoyou。Ishallseeyoufirstthinginthemorningaboutthematterofthelimits。
　　Maimiehasgothome，andis，Ibelieve，expectingyouatherpartyto-morrownight。Indeed，Iunderstandshewasdeterminedthatitshouldnotcomeoffuntilyouhadreturned，whichshowsshesharestheopinionofthefirmconcerningyou。
　　Iamyourssincerely，EUGENEST。CLAIR。
　　Ranaldsatstaringattheletterforalongtime。HesawwithperfectclearnessMr。St。Clair'smeaning，andasenseofkeenhumiliationpossessedhimasherealizedwhatitwasthathewasexpectedtodo。Butittooksometimeforthefullsignificanceofthesituationtodawnuponhim。Noneknewbetterthanhehowimportantitwastothefirmthatthissaleshouldbeeffected。
　　Thetruthwasifthemoneymarketshouldbecomeatallclosethefirmwouldundoubtedlyfindthemselvesinseriousdifficulty。Ruintothecompanymeantnotonlytheblastingofhisownprospects，butmiserytoherwhomhelovedbetterthanlife；andafterall，whathewasaskedtodowasnothingmorethanmightbedoneanydayintheworldofbusiness。Everybuyerissupposedtoknowthevalueofthethinghebuys，andcertainlyColonelThorpshouldnotcommithiscompanytoadealinvolvingsuchalargesumofmoneywithoutthoroughlyinforminghimselfinregardtothevalueofthelimitsinquestion，andwhenhe，asanemployeeoftheRaymondandSt。ClairLumberCompany，gaveinhisreport，surelyhisresponsibilityceased。Hewasnotaskedtopresentanyincorrectreport；hecouldeasilymakeitconvenienttobeabsentuntilthedealwasclosed。Furthermore，thechanceswerethattheBritish-
　　AmericanCoalandLumberCompanywouldstillhavegoodvaluefortheirmoney，forthewesthalfofthelimitswasexceptionallygood；andbesides，whatrighthadhetobesmirchthehonorofhisemployer，andtosethisjudgmentabovethatofamanofmuchgreaterexperience？RanaldunderstoodalsoMr。St。Clair'sreferencetothechangesinthefirm，anditgavehimnosmallsatisfactiontothinkthatinfouryearshehadrisenfromthepositionoflumbercheckertothatofmanager，withanofferofapartnership；norcouldhemistakethesuggestioninMr。St。Clair'sclosingwords。Everyinteresthehadinlifewouldbefurtheredbytheconsummationofthedeal，andwouldbeimperiledbyhisrefusingtoadoptMr。St。Clair'ssuggestion。Still，argueashemight，Ranaldneverhadanydoubtastowhat，asamanofhonor，heoughttodo。ColonelThorpwasentitledtotheinformationthatheandMr。St。Clairalonepossessed。Betweenhisinterestsandhisconsciencetheconflictraged。
　　"IwishIknewwhatIoughttodo，"hegroaned，allthetimebattlingagainsttheconvictionthattheinformationhepossessedshouldbyrightsbegiventoColonelThorp。Finally，indespairofcomingtoadecision，heseizedhishat，saying，"IwillgoandseeKate，"andslippingoutofasidedoor，hesetofffortheRaymondhome。"IwilljustlookupColeyontheway，"hesaidtohimself，anddivingdownanalley，heenteredalowsaloonwithabilliardhallattached。There，ashehadexpected，actingasmarker，hefoundColey。
　　MikeCole，orColey，ashisdevotedfollowerscalledhim，waskingofSt。Joseph'sward。Everywhereinthewardhiswordranaslaw。
　　AbouttwoyearsagoColeyhaddeignedtofavortheInstitutewithavisit，hisgangfollowinghim。Theywerewelcomedwithdemonstrationsofjoy，andregaledwithcakesandtea，allofwhichColeyacceptedwithlordlycondescension。Afterconsideration，Coleydecidedthatthenightclassesmightaffordanotunpleasantalternativeoncoldnights，toalley-waysandsaloons，andheallowedthegangtojoin。ThenceforththesuccessfulconductoftheclassesdependedupontheabilityofthesuperintendenttoanticipateColey'svaryingmoodsandinclinations，forthatyoungmanclaimedandexercisedtheprivilegeofintroducingfeaturesagreeabletothegang，thoughnotnecessarilyupontheregularcurriculumofstudy。SometimeafterRanald'sappearanceintheInstituteasanassistant，ithappenedonenightthatasuddenillnessofthesuperintendentlaiduponhisshoulderstheresponsibilityofgovernment。ThesamenightitalsohappenedthatColeysawfittointroducetheenliveningbutquiteimpromptufeatureofasonganddance。TothisRanaldobjected，andwasinvitedtoputthegangoutifhewasmanenough。Aftertheladieshadwithdrawnbeyondthereachofmissiles，Ranaldadoptedtheunusualtacticsofpreventingexitbylockingthedoors，andthenimmediatelybecameinvolvedinadiscussionwithColeyandhisfollowers。ItcosttheInstitutesomethingforfurnitureandwindows，butthenceforthinRanald'stimetherewaspeace。Coleyruledasbefore，buthissphereofinfluencewaslimited，andthedayarrivedwhenitbecametheambitionofColey'slifetobringthewardanditsdenizensintosubjectiontohisownover-lord，whomhewaspreparedtofollowtothedeath。Butlikeanyotherworkworthdoing，thistookdaysandweeksandmonths。
　　"Hello，Coley！"saidRanald，ashiseyesfelluponhissometimeallyandslave。"IfyouarenottoobusyIwouldlikeyoutogoalongwithme。"
　　Coleylookedaroundasifseekingescape。
　　"Comealong，"saidRanald，quietly，andColey，knowingthatanythingbutobediencewasimpossible，droppedhismarkingandfollowedRanaldoutofthesaloon。
　　"Well，Coley，Ihavehadagreatsummer，"beganRanald，"andIwishverymuchyoucouldhavebeenwithme。Itwouldhavebuiltyouupandmadeamanofyou。Justfeelthat，"andheheldouthisarm，whichColeyfeltwithadmiringreverence。"That'swhatthecanoedid，"andthenheproceededtogiveagraphicaccountofhisvariedadventuresbylandandwaterduringthelastsixmonths。AstheynearedMr。Raymond'shouse，RanaldturnedtoColeyandsaid："NowIwantyoutocutbacktotheInstituteandtellMr。Locke，ifheisthere，thatIwouldlikehimtocallaroundatmyofficeto-
　　morrow。Andfurthermore，Coley，there'snoneedofyourgoingbackintothatsaloon。Iwasalittleashamedtoseeoneofmyfriendsinaplacelikethat。Now，goodnight，andbeaman，andacleanman。"
　　Coleystoodwithhisheadhunginabjectself-abasement，andthenventuredtosay，"Icouldn'tstandthemducksnohow！"
　　"Whodoyoumean？"saidRanald。
　　"Oh，themfellersthatrunstheInstitutenow，andsoIcut。"
　　"Nowlookhere，Coley，"saidRanald，"Iwouldn'tgothrowingstonesatbettermenthanyourself，andespeciallyatmenwhoaretryingtodosomethingtohelpotherpeopleandarenotsobeastlymeanastothinkonlyoftheirownpleasure。Ididn'texpectthatofyou，Coley。Nowquititandstartagain，"andRanaldturnedaway。
　　Coleystoodlookingafterhimforafewmomentsinsilence，andthensaidtohimself，inavoicefullofemphasis："Well，there'sjustoneofhiskindandthereain'tanyother。"ThenhesetoutatarunfortheInstitute。
　　ItwasKateherselfwhocametoanswerRanald'sring。
　　"Iknewitwasyou，"shecried，withherhandeagerlyoutstretchedandherfacealightwithjoy。"Comein，weareallwaitingforyou，andpreparetobesurprised。"Whentheycametothedrawing-
　　roomsheflungopenthedoorandwithgreatceremonyannounced"ThemanfromGlengarry，asHarrywouldsay。"
　　"Hello，oldchap！"criedHarry，springingtohisfeet，butRanaldignoredhim。HegreetedKate'smotherwarmlyforshehadshownhimamother'skindnesseversincehehadcometothecity，andtheyweregreatfriends，andthenheturnedtoMrs。Murray，whowasstandingwaitingforhim，andgaveherbothhishands。
　　"IknewfromKate'sletter，"hesaid，"thatitwouldbeyou，andI
　　cannottellyouhowgladIam。"Hisvoicegrewalittleunsteadyandhecouldsaynomore。Mrs。Murraystoodholdinghishandsandlookingintohisface。
　　"Itcannotbepossible，"shesaid，"thatthisisRanaldMacdonald！
　　Howchangedyouare！"Shepushedhimalittlebackfromher。"Letmelookatyou；why，Imustsayit，youarereallyhandsome！"
　　"Now，auntie，"criedHarry，reprovingly，"don'tflatterhim。Heisutterlyruinednowbyeveryone，includingbothKateandhermother。"
　　"Butreally，Harry，"continuedMrs。Murray，inavoiceofdelightedsurprise，"itiscertainlywonderful；andIamsoglad！AndIhavebeenhearingaboutyourworkwiththeboysattheInstitute，andI
　　cannottellyouthejoyitgaveme。"
　　"Oh，itisnotmuchthatIhavedone，"saidRanald，deprecatingly。
　　"Indeed，itisanobleworkandworthyofanyman，"saidMrs。
　　Murray，earnestly，"andIthankGodforyou。"
　　"Then，"saidRanald，firmly，"Ioweitalltoyourself，foritisyouthatsetmeonthisway。"
　　"Listentothemadmiringeachother！Itisquiteshameless，"saidHarry。
　　ThentheybegantalkingaboutGlengarry，oftheoldfamiliarplaces，ofthewoodsandthefields，oftheboysandgirlsnowgrowingintomenandwomen，andoftheoldpeople，someofwhomwerepassedaway。Beforelongtheyweretalkingofthechurchandallthevariedinterestscenteringinit，butsoontheywentbacktothethemethatGlengarrypeopleeverywhereareneverlongtogetherwithoutdiscussing——thegreatrevival。Harryhadheardagooddealaboutitbefore，buttoKateandhermotherthestorywasmostlynew，andtheylistenedwitheagerinterestasMrs。MurrayandRanaldrecalledthosegreatdays。Witheyesshining，andintonesofhumble，gratefulwondertheyremindedeachotherofthevariousincidents，theterrors，thestruggles，thejoyfulsurprises，themysteriouspowerswithwhichtheyweresofamiliarduringthoseeighteenmonths。ThenMrs。Murraytoldofthepermanentresults；
　　howoverthreecountiestheinfluenceofthemovementwasstillfelt，andhowwholecongregationshadbeenbuiltupunderitswonderfulpower。
　　"Anddidyouhear，"shesaidtoRanald，"thatDonaldStewartwasordainedlastMay？"
　　"No，"repliedRanald；"thatmakesseven，doesn'tit？"
　　"Sevenwhat？"saidKate。
　　"SevenmenpreachingtheGospelto-dayoutofourowncongregation，"
　　repliedMrs。Murray。
　　"But，auntie，"criedHarry，"Ihavealwaysthoughtthatallthatmusthavebeenawfullyhardwork。"
　　"Itwas，"saidRanald，emphatically；andhewentontosketchMrs。
　　Murray'sroundofdutiesinhervariousclassesandmeetingsconnectedwiththecongregation。
　　"Besideswhatshehastodointhemanse！"exclaimedHarry；"butit'sameretrifle，ofcourse，tolookafterhertroopofboys。"
　　"Howcanyoudoit？"saidKate，gazingatherinadmiringwonder。
　　"Itisn'tsoterribleasHarrythinks。That'smywork，yousee，saidMrs。Murray；"whatelsewouldIdo？Andwhenitgoeswellitisworthwhile。"
　　"But，auntie，don'tyoufeelsometimeslikegettingawayandhavingalittlefun？Ownup，now。"
　　"Fun？"laughedMrs。Murray。
　　"Well，notfunexactly，butagoodtimewiththingsyouenjoysomuch，music，literature，andthatsortofthing。Doyouremember，Kate，thefirsttimeyoumetauntie，whenwetookhertoHamlet？"
　　Katenodded。
　　"Shewasn'tquitesureaboutit，butIdeclaretillIdieIwillneverforgetthewonderandthedelightinherface。ItellyouI
　　weptthatnight，butnotattheplay。Andhowshecriticisedtheactors；evenBoothhimselfdidn'tescape，"continuedHarry；"andsoIsayit'sabeastlyshamethatyoushouldspendyourwholelifeinthebackwoodsthereandhavesolittleoftheothersortofthing。
　　Whyyouaremadeforit！"
　　"Harry，"answeredMrs。Murray，insurprise，"thatwasmywork，givenmetodo。CouldIrefuseit？Andbesidesafterall，fun，asyousay，passes；musicstops；booksgetdonewith；butthoseotherthings，thethingsthatRanaldandIhaveseen，willgoonlongaftermypoorbodyislaidaway。"
　　"Butstillyoumustgettired，"persistedHarry。
　　"Yes，Igettired，"shereplied，quietly。Atthelittletouchofwearinessinthevoice，Kate，whowaslookingatthebeautifulface，sospiritual，andgetting，oh，sofrail，feltasuddenrushoftearsinhereyes。Buttherewasnoself-pityinthatheroicsoul。"Yes，Igettired，"sherepeated，"but，Harry，whatdoesthatmatter？Wedoourworkandthenwewillrest。Butoh，Harry，myboy，whenIcometoyourcityandseeallthereistodo，IwishIwereagirlagain，andIwonderatpeoplethinkinglifeisjustforfun。"
　　Harry，likeotheryoungmen，hatedtobelectured，butfromhisaunthenevertookanythingamiss。Headmiredherforherbrilliantqualities，andlovedherwithaloveneartoworship。
　　"Isay，auntie，"hesaid，withalittleuncertainlaugh，"it'slikegoingtochurchtohearyou，onlyit'sadealmorepleasant。"
　　"But，Harry，amInotright？"shereplied，earnestly。"Doyouthinkthatyouwillgetthebestoutofyourlifebyjusthavingfun？Oh，doyouknowwhenIwentwithKatetotheInstitutetheothernightandsawthoseboysmyheartached。Ithoughtofmyownboys，and——"Thevoiceceasedinapatheticlittlecatch，thesensitivelipstrembled，thebeautifulgray-browneyesfilledwithsuddentears。Forafewmomentstherewassilence；then，withawaveringsmile，andagentle，apologeticair，shesaid："ButI
　　mustnotmakeHarrythinkheisinchurch。"
　　"DearAuntMurray，"criedHarry，"dolectureme。I'denjoyit，andyoucan'tmakeittoostrong。Youarejustanangel。"Helefthisseat，andgoingovertoherchair，kneltdownandputhisarmsabouther。
　　"Don'tyouallwishshewasyouraunt？"hesaid，kissingher。
　　"SheISmine，"criedKate，smilingatherthroughshiningtears。
　　"She'smore，"saidRanald，andhisvoicewashuskywithemotion。
　　Butwiththebright，joyouslittlelaughRanaldknewsowell，shesmoothedbackHarry'shair，andkissinghimontheforehead，said：
　　"Iamsureyouwilldogoodworksomeday。ButIshallbequitespoiledhere；Imustreallygethome。"
　　AsRanaldlefttheRaymondhouseheknewwellwhatheshouldsaytoMr。St。Clairnextmorning。Hewonderedathimselfthathehadeverbeenindoubt。Hehadbeenforanhourinanotherworldwheretheatmospherewaspureandthelightclear。Nevertillthatnighthadherealizedthefullvalueofthatlifeofpatientself-
　　sacrifice，sounconsciousofitsheroism。Heunderstoodthen，asneverbefore，themysteriousinfluenceofthatgentle，sweet-facedladyovereveryonewhocametoknowher，fromthesimple，unculturedgirlsoftheIndianLandstotheyoungmenabouttownofHarry'stype。Herswasthepowerofonewhoseeswithopeneyestheunseen，andwholovestotheforgettingofselfthoseforwhomtheInfinitelovepouredItselfoutindeath。
　　"Goinghome，Harry？"inquiredRanald。
　　"Yes，righthome；don'twanttogoanywhereelseto-night。Isay，oldchap，you'reabetterandcleanermanthanIam，butitain'tyourfault。Thatwomanoughttomakeasaintoutofanyman。"
　　"Man，youwouldsaysoifyouknewher，"saidRanald，withatouchofimpatience；"butthennoonedoesknowher。Theycertainlydon'tdownintheIndianLands，fortheydon'tknowwhatshe'sgivenup。"
　　"That'sthebeautyofit，"repliedHarry；"shedoesn'tfeelitthatway。Givenup？notshe！Shethinksshe'sgoteverythingthat'sgood！"
　　"Well，"saidRanald，thoughtfully，afterapause，"sheknows，andshe'sright。"
　　WhentheycametoHarry'sdoorRanaldlingeredjustamoment。
　　"Comeinaminute，"saidHarry。
　　"Idon'tknow；I'mcominginto-morrow。"
　　"Oh，comealongjustnow。AuntFrankisinbed，butMaimiewillbeup，"saidHarry，dragginghimalongtothedoor。
　　"No，Ithinknotto-night。"WhiletheyweretalkingthedooropenedandMaimieappeared。
　　"Ranald，"shecried，inaneagervoice，"IknewyouwouldbeatKate's，andIwasprettysureyouwouldcomehomewithHarry。
　　Aren'tyoucomingin？"
　　"Where'sAuntFrank？"askedHarry。
　　"She'supstairs，"saidMaimie。
　　"ThanktheLord，eh？"addedHarry，pushinginpasther。
　　"Goawayinandtalktoher，"saidMaimie。ThenturningtoRanaldandlookingintohisdevouringeyes，shesaid，"Well？Youmightsayyou'regladtoseeme。"Shestoodwherethefulllightofthedoorwayrevealedtheperfectbeautyofherfaceandfigure。
　　"Gladtoseeyou！Thereisnoneedofsayingthat，"repliedRanald，stillgazingather。
　　"Howbeautifulyouare，Maimie，"headded，bluntly。
　　"Thankyou，andyouarereallyquitepassable。"
　　"AndIAMgladtoseeyou。"
　　"That'swhyyouwon'tcomein。"
　　"Iamcomingto-morrownight。"
　　"Everybodywillbehereto-morrownight。"
　　"Yes，that'scertainlyadrawback。"
　　"AndIshallbeverybusylookingaftermyguests。Still，"sheadded，noticingthedisappointmentinhisface，"it'squitepossible——"
　　"Exactly，"hisfacelightingupagain。
　　"Haveyouseenfather'sstudy？"askedMaimie，innocently。
　　"No，"repliedRanald，wonderingly。"Isitsobeautiful？"
　　"No，butit'supstairs，and——quiet。"
　　"Well？"saidRanald。
　　"Andperhapsyoumightliketoseeitto-morrownight。"
　　"HowstupidIam。Willyoushowittome？"
　　"Iwillbebusy，butperhapsHarry——"
　　"Willyou？"saidRanald，comingclosetoher，withtheoldimperativeinhisvoice。
　　Maimiedrewbackalittle。
　　"Doyouknowwhatyoumakemethinkof？"sheasked，loweringhervoice。
　　"Yes，Ido。Ihavethoughtofiteverynightsince。"
　　"Youwereveryrude，Iremember。"
　　"Youdidn'tthinksothen，"saidRanald，boldly。
　　"Ioughttohavebeenveryangry，"repliedMaimie，severely。
　　"Butyouweren't，youknowyouweren't；anddoyourememberwhatyousaid？"
　　"WhatIsaid？Howawfulofyou；don'tyoudare！HowcanI
　　remember？"
　　"Yes，youdoremember，andthendoyourememberwhat_I_said？"
　　"WhatYOUsaidindeed！Suchassurance！"
　　"Ihavekeptmyword，"saidRanald，"andIamcomingto-morrownight。Oh，Maimie，ithasbeenalong，longtime。"Hecameclosetoherandcaughtherhand，theslumberingfireinhiseyesblazingnowinflame。
　　"Don't，don't，I'msurethere'sAuntFrank。No，no，"shepleaded，interror，"notto-night，Ranald！"
　　"Thenwillyoushowmethestudyto-morrownight？"
　　"Oh，youareverymean。Letmego！"
　　"Willyou？"hedemanded，stillholdingherhand。
　　"Yes，yes，yououghttobeashamedofyourself。Myhandisquitesore。There，now，goodnight。No，Iwon'tshakehands！Well，then，ifyoumusthaveit，goodnight。"
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　FORGETTHATILOVEDYOU
　　"Thenightfordreaming，butthemornforseeing。"AndsoRanaldfoundit；forwiththecold，calmlightofthemorning，hefoundhimselffacinghisbattlewithsmallsenseofvictoryinhisblood。
　　Heknewhehadtodealthatmorningwiththecrisisofhislife。
　　Upontheissuehiswholefuturewouldturn，buthisheartwithouthasteorpausepreserveditsevenbeat。Thehourofindecisionhadpassed。Hesawhiswayandhemeanttowalkit。Whatwasbeyondtheturnwashidfromhiseyes，butwiththatheneednotconcernhimselfnow。Meantimehewouldclearawaysomeofthisaccumulatedcorrespondencelyingonhisdesk。InthemidstofhisworkHarrycameinandlaidabundleofbillsbeforehim。
　　"Hereyouare，oldchap，"hesaid，quietly。"That'sthelastofit。"
　　Ranaldcountedthemoney。
　　"Youaresureyoucanspareallthis？Thereisnohurry，youknow。"
　　"No，"saidHarry，"Ican'tspareit，butit'ssaferwithyouthanwithme，andbesides，it'syours。AndIoweyoumorethanmoney。"
　　Hedrewadeepbreathtosteadyhimself，andthenwenton："AndI
　　wanttosay，Ranald，thatIhavebetmylaststake。"
　　Ranaldpushedbackhischairandrosetohisfeet。
　　"Nowthat'sthebestthingI'veheardforsometime，"hesaid，offeringHarryhishand；"andthat'sthelastofthatbusiness。"
　　Hesatdown，drewinhischair，andturningoverhispaperswithanervousnessthatherarelyshowed，hecontinued："And，Harry，I
　　wantyoutodosomethingforme。Beforeyougohomethisafternoon，willyoucomeinhere？ImaywanttosendanotetoMaimiebyyou。"
　　"But——"beganHarry。
　　"Waitamoment。Iwanttopreventallpossibilityofmistake。
　　Theremaybeareply，andHarry，oldchap，I'drathernotansweranyquestions。"
　　Harrygazedathimamomentinperplexity。"Allright，Ranald，"hesaid，quietly，"youcantrustme。Ihaven'ttheghostofanideawhat'sup，butIknowyou'resquare。"
　　"Thanks，oldfellow，"saidRanald，"Iwillnevergiveyoureasontochangeyouropinion。Nowgetout；I'mawfullybusy。"
　　ForsomeminutesafterHarryhadlefttheroomRanaldsatgazingbeforehimintospace。
　　"Poorchap，he'sgothisfight，too，butIbegintothinkhe'llwin，"hesaidtohimself，andoncemorereturnedtohiswork。HehadhardlybegunhiswritingwhentheinnerdoorofhisofficeopenedandMr。St。Claircamein。Hiswelcomewaskindlyandcordial，andRanald'sheart，whichhadbeenunderstrongdisciplineallmorning，leapedupinwarmresponse。
　　"Youhadapleasanttrip，Ihope？"inquiredMr。St。Clair。
　　"Finemostoftheway。ThroughMayandJunetheflieswerebad，butnotsobadasusual，theysaid，andonegetsusedtothem。"
　　"Goodsport？"
　　"Neversawanythinglikeit。Whatacountrythatis！"criedRanald，hisenthusiasmcarryinghimaway。"Fishingofallkindsandsuperb。Inthoselittlelonelylakesyougetthefinestblackandwhitebass，beautiesandsogamy。Inthebiggerwaters，maskalongeand，ofcourse，anyamountofpikeandpickerel。Thenwewerealwaysrunningupagainstdeer，mooseandred，andeverywherewegotthescentofbear。Couldhaveloadedaboatwithfursinaweek。"
　　"Wemustgoupsomeday，"repliedMr。St。Clair。"WishIcouldgetawaythisfall，butthefactisweareinshallowwater，Ranald，andwecan'ttakeanychances。"
　　Ranaldknewwellhowseriousthesituationwas。"But，"continuedMr。St。Clair，"thisofferoftheBritish-AmericanLumberandCoalCompanyismostfortunate，andwillbethesavingofus。Withonehundredthousandsetfreewearecertaintopullthroughthisseason，andindeed，thefinancialstringencywillratherhelpthanhinderouroperations。Reallyitismostfortunate。Indeed，"headded，withaslightlaugh，"asmysister-in-lawwouldsay，quiteprovidential！"
　　"Ihavenodoubtofthat，"saidRanald，gravely；"but，Mr。St。
　　Clair——"
　　"Yes，nodoubt，nodoubt，"saidMr。St。Clair，hasteningtorecoverthetone，whichbyhisunfortunatereferencetoMrs。Murray，hehadlost。Thethoughtofherwasnotinperfectharmonywithpurelycommercialconsiderations。"Thefactis，"hecontinued，"thatbeforethisoffercameIwasreallybeginningtodespair。Icantellyouthatnow。"
　　Ranaldfelthishearttighten。
　　"Onedoesnotmindforone'sself，butwhenfamilyinterestsareinvolved——butthat'sallovernow，thankGod！"
　　Ranaldtriedtospeak，buthismindrefusedtosuggestwords。Hissilence，however，wasenoughforMr。St。Clair，who，withnervoushasteoncemorechangedthetheme。"Inmynotetoyoulastnight——
　　yougotit，Isuppose——Ireferredtosomechangesinthefirm。"
　　Ranaldfeltthathewasbeingcrowdedagainsttheropes。Hemustgettofreerfightingground。"Ithinkbeforeyougoontothat，Mr。St。Clair，"hebegan，"Ioughtto——"
　　"Excuseme，Iwasabouttosay，"interruptedMr。St。Clair，hastily，"Mr。RaymondandIhavefeltthatwemuststrengthenourexecutive。Asyouknow，hehasleftthisdepartmentalmostentirelytome，andhenowrealizeswhatIhavelongfelt，thattheburdenhasgrowntooheavyforonetocarry。Naturallywethinkofyou，andImaysaywearemorethanglad，thoughitisaveryunusualthinginthebusinessworld，thatwecan，withthefullestconfidence，offeryouapartnership。"Mr。St。Clairpausedtoallowthefullweightofthisannouncementtosinkintohismanager'smind。
　　ThenRanaldpulledhimselftogether。Hemustbreakfreeorthefightwouldbelostbeforehehadstruckablow。
　　"Ineednotsay，"hebeganoncemore，"howgreatlygratifiedIambythisoffer，andIfeelsureyouwillbelievethatIamdeeplygrateful。"Ranald'svoicewaslowandeven，butunknowntohimselftherewasinitatoneofsternresolvethatstruckMr。St。Clair'sear。Heknewhismanager。Thattonemeantwar。Hastilyhechangedhisfront。
　　"Yes，yes，wearequitesureofthat，"hesaid，withincreasingnervousness，"butwearethinkingofourowninterestsaswellasyours。Indeed，Ifeelsure"——herehisvoicebecameevenmorekindlyandconfidential——"thatinadvancingyourpositionandprospectsweare——Iamonlydoingwhatwillbringmyselfthegreatestsatisfactionintheend，foryouknow，Ranald，I——wedonotregardyouasastranger。"Ranaldwincedandgrewpale。"We——
　　myfamily——havealwaysfelttowardyouas——well，infact，asifyouwereoneofus。"
　　Mr。St。ClairhaddeliveredhislastanddeadliestblowanditfoundRanald'sheart，butwithpainblanchinghischeekRanaldstoodupdeterminedtoendthefight。Itwasbynomeanseasyforhimtostrike。Beforehimhesawnotthismanwithhisingeniousandspeciouspleading——itwouldnothavebeenadifficultmattertohavebrushedhimaside——buthewaslookingintotheblueeyesofthewomanhehadforsevenyearslovedmorethanhelovedhislife，andheknewthatwhenhisblowfellitwouldfalluponthefacethat，onlyafewhoursago，hadsmileduponhim，anduponthelipsthathadwhisperedtohim，"Iwillremember，Ranald。"Yethewasnonethelessresolved。Withfacesetandbloodless，andeyesofgleamingfire，hefacedthemanthatrepresentedwhatwasatoncedearestinlifeandwhatwasmostloathsomeinconduct。
　　"Givemeamoment，Mr。St。Clair，"hesaid，withanoteofauthorityinhistone。"YouhavemademeanofferofapositionsuchasIcouldhardlyhopetoexpectforyearstocome，butI
　　valueitchieflybecauseitmeansyouhaveabsoluteconfidenceinme；youbelieveinmyabilityandinmyintegrity。Iamdeterminedthatyouwillneverhavecausetochangeyouropinionofme。Youareabouttocompleteadealinvolvingaverylargesumofmoney。
　　Ihaveareporthere，"tappinghisdesk，"whichyouhavenotyetseen。"
　　"Itreallydoesn'tmatter！"interjectedMr。St。Clair；"yousee，mydearfellow——"
　　"Itmatterstome。Itisareportwhichnotonlyyououghttohave，butwhich，injustice，thebuyeroftheBassRiverLimitsoughttosee。Thatreport，Mr。St。Clair，oughttobegiventoColonelThorp。"
　　"Thisissheerfolly，"exclaimedMr。St。Clair，impatiently。
　　"Itistheonlyhonorablecourse。"
　　"Doyoumeantoinsultme，sir？"
　　"ThereisonlyoneotherthingIwouldrathernotdo，"saidRanald，inagravevoice，"andthatisrefuseColonelThorptheinformationheisentitledtofromus。"
　　"Sir！"exclaimedMr。St。Clair，"thisisoutrageous，andIdemandanapologyoryourresignation！"
　　"ColonelThorp，"announcedaclerk，openingthedoor。
　　"TellColonelThorpIcannot——ah，ColonelThorp，Iamgladtoseeyou。Willyoustepthisway？"openingthedoorleadingtohisownoffice。
　　Thecolonel，atall，raw-boned，typical"UncleSam，"eventothechinwhiskerandquidoftobacco，hadaneyelikeaneagle。HeshotakeenglanceatMr。St。ClairandthenatRanald。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，helpinghimselftoachair，"thishere'sallright。
　　Thisisyourmanager，eh？"
　　"Mr。Macdonald，"saidMr。St。Clair，introducinghim。
　　"Howdoyoudo？Heardaboutyousome，"saidthecolonel，shakinghandswithhim。"Quiteaknocker，Ibelieve。Well，youratherlooklikeit。Usedtodosomemyself。Beenupnorth，sothebosssays。Goodcountry，eh？"
　　"Finesportingcountry，Colonel，"interruptedSt。Clair。"Thegame，Mr。Macdonaldsays，comerightintoyourtentandbedtobeshot。"
　　"Do，eh？"Thecolonel'seagleeyelightedup。"Now，whatsortofgame？"
　　"Almosteverykind，Colonel，"repliedRanald。
　　"Don'tsay！Usedtodoalittlemyself。Moose？"
　　"Yes，Isawanumberofmooseandanyamountofotherdeerand，ofcourse，plentyofbear。"
　　"Don'tsay！How'dyoucometoleavethem？Couldn'thavedoneitmyself，bythegreatSam！Opentimber？"
　　"Well，"repliedRanald，slowly，"ontheeastoftheBassRiver——"
　　"Allthatnorthcountry，Colonel，"saidMr。St。Clair，"isprettymuchthesame，Iimagine；alittleofallkinds。"
　　"Muchwater，streams，andsuch？"
　　"Yes，onthewestsideoftheBassthereisplentyofwater，anumberofsmallstreamsandlakes，but——"
　　"Oh，allthroughthatnorthcountry，Colonel，youaresafeinhavingacanoeinyouroutfit，"saidMr。St。Clair，againinterruptingRanald。
　　"Lotsofwater，eh？JustlikeMaine，ha，ha！"Thecolonel'squietchucklewasgoodtohear。
　　"Remindsme"——hereheputhishandintohisinsidepocketandpulledoutaflask，"excusetheglass，"hesaid，offeringittoMr。
　　St。Clair，whotookaslightsipandhandeditback。
　　"Havealittlerefreshment，"saidthecolonel，offeringittoRanald。
　　"Inevertakeit，thankyou。"
　　"Don't？Say，bythegreatSam，how'dyougetthroughallthatwetcountry？Wall，itwillnothurtyoutoleaveitalone，"solemnlywinkingatSt。Clair，andtakingalongpullhimself。"Goodforthebreath，"hecontinued，puttingtheflaskinhispocket。"Now，aboutthoselimitsofmine，thebossherehasbeentellingyouaboutourdeal？"
　　"Alittle，"saidRanald。
　　"We'vehardlyhadtimetolookintoanythingyet，"saidMr。St。
　　Clair；"butifyouwillstepintomyoffice，Colonel，Ihavethepapersandmapsthere。"Mr。St。Clair'stonewasanxious。Oncemorethecolonelshotaglanceathim。
　　"Youhavebeenonthespot，Ijudge，"hesaidtoRanald，risingandfollowingMr。St。Clair。
　　"Yes，overitall。"
　　"Wall，comealong，you'rethemapwewant，eh？Mapsarechieflyforpurposesofdeception，Ihavefound，ha，ha！andthereain'tnoneof'emright，"andheheldthedoorforRanaldtoenter。
　　Mr。St。Clairwasevidentlyannoyed。Unfoldingamaphelaiditoutonthetable。"Thisistheplace，Ibelieve，"hesaid，puttinghisfingerdownuponthemap。
　　"Ain'tsurveyed，Ijudge，"saidthecoloneltoRanald。
　　"No，onlyinpart；theoldSalterlinesarethere，butIhadtogoawaybeyondthese。"
　　"Warn't'fraidofgettin'lost，eh？Ha，ha！Wallshowusyourroute。"
　　Ranaldputhisfingeronthemap，andsaid："IstrucktheBassRiverabouthere，andusingthatasabase，firstexploredthewholewestside，for，Ishouldsay，abouttenmilesbackfromtheriver。"
　　"Don'tsay！How'dyougrub？Gamemostly？"
　　"Well，wecarriedsomeporkandHudsonBayhardtackandtea，andofcourse，wecouldgetallthefishandgamewewanted。"
　　"Lotsofgame，eh？Smallandbig？"ThecolonelwasevidentlymuchinterestedinthispartofRanald'sstory。"BythegreatSam，mustgoupthere！"
　　"Itwoulddoyouallthegoodintheworld，Colonel，"saidMr。St。
　　Clair，heartily。"Youmustreallygoupwithyourmenandhelpthemlayouttheground，youknow。"
　　"That'sso！Nowifyouwerelumberinginthere，how'dyougetthetimberout？"
　　"DowntheBassRivertoLakeNipissing，"saidRanald，pointingouttheroute。
　　"Yes，buthow'dyougetittotheBass？Theselimits，Iunderstand，lieonbothsidesoftheBass，don'tthey？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"AndtheBasscutsthroughittheshortway？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Wall，doesthatmeansixoreightortenmilesofahaul？"
　　"Onthewestside，"repliedRanald，"no。Thereareanumberofsmallstreamsandlakeswhichyoucouldutilize。"
　　"Andontheeastside？"
　　"Yousee，Colonel，"brokeinMr。St。Clair，"thatwholecountryisonenet-workofwater-ways。Noticethemaphere；andtherearealwaysanumberoflakesnotmarked。"
　　"Thatisquitetrue，"saidRanald，"asarule；butontheeastside——"
　　"Oh，ofcourse，"saidMr。St。Clair，hastily，"youwillfindgreatdifferencesindifferentpartsofthecountry。"
　　Mr。St。Clairfoldedupthemapandthrewitonthetable。
　　"Let'ssee，"saidthecolonel，takingupthemapagain。"Nowhowaboutthecamps，Mr。Macdonald，wheredoyoulocatethem？"
　　"Ihavearoughdraughthereinwhichthebasesforcampsareindicated，"saidRanald，ignoringtheimploringandangrylooksofhischief。
　　"Let'shavealookat'em，"saidthecolonel。
　　"Oh，youhaven'tshownmethis，"saidMr。St。Clair，takingthedraughtfromRanald。
　　"No，sir，youhavenotseenmyfinalreport。"
　　"No，notyet，ofcourse。Wehavehardlyhadtimeyet，Colonel，butMr。Macdonaldwillmakeacopyofthisforyouandsenditinadayortwo，"repliedMr。St。Clair，foldingupthesketch，nervously，andplacingitonhisdesk。Thecolonelquietlypickedupthesketchandopeneditout。
　　"Youhavegotthatlastreportofyours，Isuppose，"hesaid，withaswiftglanceatMr。St。Clair。Thatgentleman'sfacewaspallidanddamp；hiswholefortunehungonRanald'sreply。Itwastohimamomentofagony。
　　Ranaldglancedathisface，andpaused。Thendrawinghislipsalittletighter，hesaid："ColonelThorp，myfinalreporthasnotyetbeenhandedin。Mr。St。Clairhasnotseenit。Inmyjudgment——"hereMr。St。Clairleanedhishandharduponhisdesk——
　　"youaregettingfullvalueforyourmoney，butIwouldsuggestthatyougoyourselforsendyourinspectortoexplorethelimitscarefullybeforeyoucompletethedeal。"
　　ColonelThorp，whohadbeencarefullyscanningthesketchinhishand，suddenlyturnedandlookedRanaldsteadilyintheeye。
　　"Thesemarksonthewestsidemeancamps？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Thereareveryfewontheeastside？"
　　"Thereareveryfew；theeastsideisinferiortothewest。"
　　"Much？"
　　"Yes，muchinferior。"
　　"Butinyouropinionthelimitisworththefigure？"
　　"Iwouldundertaketomakemoneyoutofit；itisgoodvalue。"
　　Thecolonelchewedhardforaminute，thenturningtoMr。St。
　　Clair，hesaid："Wall，Mr。St。Clair，I'llgiveyouonehundredthousandforyourlimit；butbythegreatSam，I'dgivetwicethesumforyourmanager，ifhe'sforsale！He'saman！"Theemphasisonthehewaseversoslight，butitwasenough。Mr。St。Clairbowed，andsinkingdownintohischair，busiedhimselfwithhispapers。
　　"Wall，"saidthecolonel，"that'ssettled；andthatremindsme，"headded，pullingouthisflask，"goodlucktotheBassRiverLimits！"
　　HehandedtheflasktoMr。St。Clair，whoeagerlyseizeditandtookalongdrink。
　　"Goesgoodsometimes，"saidthecolonel，innocently。"Wall，here'slookin'atyou，"hecontinued，bowingtowardRanald；"andbythegreatSam，yousuitmewell！Ifyoueverfeellikeachangeofair，indicatethesametoColonelThorp。"
　　"Ah，Colonel，"saidMr。St。Clair，whohadrecoveredhiseasy，pleasantmanner，"wecanselllimitsbutnotmen。"
　　"No，bythegreatSammy，"repliedthecolonel，usingthemoreemphaticformofhisoath，"nerbuy'em！Wall，"headded，"whenyouhavethepapersready，letmeknow。Goodday！"
　　"Verygood，Colonel，goodby，goodby！"
　　ThecoloneldidnotnoticeMr。St。Clair'sofferedhand，butnoddingtoRanald，saunteredoutoftheoffice，leavingthetwomenalone。ForafewmomentsMr。St。Clairturnedoverhispapersinsilence。Hisfacewasflushedandsmiling。
　　"Well，thatisamosthappydeliverance，Ranald，"hesaid，rubbinghishands。"Butwhatisthematter？Youarenotwell。"
　　Whitetothelips，Ranaldstoodlookingathischiefwitharesolvedface。
　　"Mr。St。Clair，Iwishtoofferyoumyresignationasmanager。"
　　"Nonsense，Ranald，wewillsaynomoreaboutthat。Iwasalittlehasty。IhopethechangeIspokeofwillgointoimmediateeffect。"
　　"Imustbegtodecline。"Thewordscameslowly，sternlyfromRanald'swhitelips。
　　"Andwhy，pray？"
　　"Ihavelittledoubtyoucandiscoverthereason，Mr。St。Clair。
　　Afewmomentsago，forhonorabledealing，youwouldhavedismissedme。ItisimpossiblethatIshouldremaininyouremploy。"
　　"Mr。Macdonald，areyouseriousinthis？Doyouknowwhatyouaredoing？Doyouknowwhatyouaresaying？"Mr。St。Clairroseandfacedhismanager。
　　"Onlytoowell，"saidRanald，withlipsthatbegantoquiver，"andallthemorebecauseofwhatImustsayfurther。Mr。St。Clair，I
　　loveyourdaughter。Ihavelovedherforsevenyears。Itismyonedesireinlifetogainherformywife。"
　　Mr。St。Clairgazedathiminutterastonishment。
　　"Andinthesamebreath，"hesaidatlength，"youinsultmeandaskmypermission。"
　　"Itisvaintoaskyourpermission，Ifear，butitisrightthatyoushouldknowmydesireandmypurpose。"
　　"Yourpurpose？"
　　"Myunalterablepurpose。"
　　"Youtakemydaughteroutofmyhousein——inspiteofmyteeth？"
　　Mr。St。Claircouldhardlyfindwords。
　　"Shewillcomewithme，"saidRanald，alittleproudly。
　　"AndmayIaskhowyouknow？Haveyouspokentomydaughter？"
　　"Ihavenotspokentoheropenly。"Thebloodroseinhisdarkface。"ButIbelieveshelovesme。"
　　"Well，Mr。Macdonald，yourconfidenceisonlyparalleledbyyourprodigiousinsolence。"
　　"Ihopenot，"saidRanald，loweringhisheadfromitsproudpose。
　　"Ihavenodesiretobeinsolent。"