HaditbeenyesterdayMartinwouldhavebeenreadywithscornforanysuchfeeling，andwithcongratulationstoCameronuponhisexceptionallygoodluckintheexpectationofgoingtoCanada；butto-day，somehowitwasdifferent。HefoundthesplendidlureofhisnativelandavailednottobreakthespelloftheGlen，andashefollowedthegirlinandoutofthelittlecottages，seekingherbrother，andashenotedtheperfectcourtesyandrespectwhichmarkedhermannerwiththepeople，andtheirunstudiedandrespectfuldevotiontotheir”tearyoungleddy，”thisspelldeepeneduponhim。UnconsciouslyanddimlyhebecameawareofamysteriousandmightypowersomehowandsomewhereintheGlenstrainingattheheart-stringsofitschildren。Ofthenatureandoriginofthismysteriousandmightypower，theyoungCanadianknewlittle。Hiscountrywasoftoorecentanoriginformystery，anditspeopletooheterogeneousintheirethniccharacteristicstofurnishasoilfortribalinstinctsandpassions。Thepassionatelovesandhatredsoftheclans，theirprideofrace，theirdeathlesslealty；andmorethanall，andbetterthanall，theirreligiousinstincts，faithsandprejudices；these，withthemystic，wildlovelinessofheather-cladhillandrock-rimmedloch，ofroaringtorrentandjaggedcrags，oflonelymuirandsunnypasturenuiks；allthese，andtenthousandnamelessandunnamablethingsunitedintheweavingofthespelloftheGlenupontheheartsofitspeople。Ofhowitallcametobe，Martinknewnothing，butlikeanatmosphereitstoleinuponhim，andhecametovaguelyunderstandsomethingofwhatitmeanttobeaHighlander，andtobidfarewelltothelandintowhosegrimsoilhisliferootshadstruckdeep，andtotearhimselffromheartswhoselifestreamandhishadflowedasoneforascoreofgenerations。SofromcottocotMartinfollowedandobserved，untiltheycametothecrossingwherethebroadpathledupfromthehighroadtothekirkyardandthekirk。HeretheywerehaltedbyayoungmansomewhatolderthanMartin。Tallandgaunthestood。Hisface，paleandpock-markedandlitbylightblueeyes，andcrownedbybrilliantredhair，was，withallitsunloveliness，afaceofacertainruggedbeauty；whilehismannerandbearingshowedthenativecourtesyofaHighlandgentleman。”YouareseekingMr。Allan？”hesaid，takingoffhisbonnettothegirl。”Heisinyonder，”wavinghishandtowardsthekirkyard。”Inyonder？Youaresure，Mr。Maclise？”Shemightwellask，forneverbutonSabbathdays，sincethedaytheyhadlaidhismotherawayunderthebirchtrees，hadAllanputfootinsidethekirkyard。”Halfanhouragohewentin，”repliedtheyoungHighlander，”andhehasnotreturned。””Iwillgoin，then，”saidthegirl，andhesitated，unwillingthatastranger’seyesshouldwitnesswhatsheknewwaswaitingherthere。”You，Sir，willperhapsabidewithme，”suggestedMr。MaclisetoMartin，withaquickunderstandingofherhesitation。”Oh，thankyou，”criedMoira。”ThisisMr。MartinfromCanada，Mr。
　　Maclise——mybrother’sgreatfriend。Mr。Macliseisourschoolmasterhere，”sheadded，turningtoMartin，”andweareveryproudofhim。”
　　TheHighlander’spalefacebecamethecolourofhisbrillianthairasheremarked，”Youareverygoodindeed，MissCameron，andIamgladtomaketheacquaintanceofMr。Martin。ItwillgivemegreatpleasuretoshowMr。Martinthelittlefallsattheloch’send，ifhecarestostepthatfar。”IfMr。Martinwasconsciousofanygreatdesiretoviewthelittlefallsattheloch’send，hisfacemostsuccessfullydissembledanysuchfeeling，buttothelittlefallshemustgoastheschoolmasterquietlypossessedhimselfofhimandledhimaway，whileMissCameron，withneverathoughtofeitherofthem，passedupthebroadpathintothekirkyard。There，atthetower’sfoot，shecameuponherbrother，proneuponthelittlegrassymound，witharmsoutspread，asiftoholditinembrace。Atthesoundofhissister’streaduponthegravel，heraisedhimselftohiskneesswiftly，andwithafiercegesture，asifresentingintrusion。”Oh，itisyou，Moira，”hesaidquietly，sinkingdownuponthegrass。Atthesightofhistear-stained，haggardface，thegirlrantohimwithacry，andthrowingherselfdownbesidehimputherarmsabouthimwithinarticulatesoundsofpity。Atlengthherbrotherraisedhimselffromtheground。”Oh，itisterribletoleaveitall，”hegroaned；”yetIamgladtoleave，foritismoreterribletostay；theveryGlenIcannotlookat；andthepeople，Icannotbeartheireyes。Oh，”hegroaned，wringinghishands，”ifshewerehereshewouldunderstand，butthereisnobody。””Oh，Allan，”criedhissisterinreproach。”Oh，yes，Iknow！Iknow！Youbelieveinme，Moira，butyouarejustalassie，andyoucannotunderstand。””Yes，youknowwellIbelieveinyou，Allan，andothers，too，believeinyou。ThereisMr。Dunn，and——””Oh，Idon’tknow，”saidherbrotherbitterly，”hewantstobelieveit。””Yes，andthereisMr。Martin，”shecontinued，”and——Oh，Iforgot！
　　hereisaletterMr。Martinbroughtyou。””Martin？””Yes，yourMartin，astrangelittleman；yourquarter-back，youknow。Hebroughtthis，andhesaysitisgoodnews。”ButalreadyAllanwasintohisletter。Ashereadhisfacegrewwhite，hishandbegantoshake，hiseyestostareasiftheywoulddevourtheverypaper。Thesecondtimehereadtheletterhiswholebodytrembled，andhisbreathcameingasps，asifhewereinaphysicalstruggle。Thenliftingarmsandvoicetowardsthesky，hecriedinalong，lowwail，”OhGod，itisgood，itisgood！”
　　Withthathelaidhimselfdownproneuponthemoundagain，hisfaceinthegrass，sobbingbrokenly，”Oh，mother，motherdear，Ihavegotyouoncemore；Ihavegotyouoncemore！”
　　Hissisterstood，herhandsclaspeduponherheart——amannershehad——hertears，unnoted，flowingdownhercheeks，waitingtillherbrothershouldletherintohisjoy，asshehadwaitedforentranceintohisgrief。Hisgriefsandhisjoyswerehers，andthoughhestillheldheramerechild，itwaswithawoman’sself-forgettinglovesheministeredtohim，gladlyacceptingwhateverconfidencehewouldgive，butcontenttowaituntilheshouldgivemore。Soshestoodwaiting，withhertearsflowingquietly，andherfacealightwithwonderandjoyforhim。Butasherbrother’ssobbingcontinued，thisterribledisplayofemotionamazedher，startledher，forsincetheirmother’sdeathnoneofthemhadseenAllanweep。Atlengthheraisedhimselffromthegroundandstoodbesideher。”Oh，Moira，lassie，Ineverknewhowterribleitwastillnow。I
　　hadlosteverything，myfriends，you，and，”headdedinalowvoice，”mymother。Thiscursedthingshutmeoutfromall；itgotbetweenmeandallIeverloved。Ihavenotforthesemonthsbeenabletoseeherfaceclear，butdoyouknow，Moira，”herehisvoicefellandthemysticlightgrewinhiseyes，”Isawheragainjustnowasclearasclear，andIknowIhavegotheragain；andyou，too，Moira，darling，”herehegatheredhissistertohim，”andthepeople！andtheGlen！Oh！isitnotterriblewhatacrimecando？
　　Howitseparatesyoufromyourfolk，andfromalltheworld，for，mindyou，Ihavefeltmyselfacriminal；butIamnot！Iamnot！”
　　Hisvoiceroseintoanexultantshout，”Iamclearofit，Iamamanagain！Oh，itisgood！itisgood！Here，readtheletter，itwillprovetoyou。””Oh，whatdoesitmatteratall，Allan，”shecried，stillclingingtohim，”asifitmadeanydifferencetome。Ialwaysknewit。”
　　Herbrotherliftedherfacefromhisbreastandlookedintohereyes。”Doyoutellmeyoudon’twanttoknowtheproofofit？”heaskedinwonder。”No，”shesaidsimply。”WhyshouldIneedanyproof？Ialwaysknewit。”
　　Foramomentlongerhegazeduponher，thensaid，”Moira，youareawonder，lassie。No，youarealassienolonger，youareawoman，and，doyouknow，youarelikemothertomenow，andIneversawit。”
　　Shesmiledupathimthroughhertears。”Ishouldliketobe，”shesaidsoftly。Then，becauseshewastrulyScotch，sheadded，”foryoursake，forIloveyouterriblymuch；andIamgoingtoloseyou。”
　　Aquiverpassedthroughherframe，andherarmsgrippedhimtight。
　　Intheself-absorptioninhisgriefandpainhehadnotthoughtofhers，norconsideredhowwithhisgoingherwholelifewouldbechanged。”Ihavebeenaselfishbrute，”hemuttered。”Ihaveonlythoughtofmyownsuffering；but，listenMoira，itisallpast；thankGod，itisallpast。ThisletterfromMr。RaeholdsaconfessionfromPottspoorPotts！IamgladthatRaelethimoff：itwasPottswhocommittedtheforgery。NowIfeelmyselfcleanagain；youcan’tknowwhatthatis；tobeyourselfagain，andtobeabletolookallmeninthefacewithoutfearorshame。Come，wemustgo；
　　Imustseethemallagain。Letustotheburnfirst，andputmyfaceright。”
　　Amomenthestoodlookingdownuponhismother’sgrave。Thehideousthingthathadputherfarfromhim，andthathadblurredtheclearvisionofherface，wasgone。Asmilesoftandtenderasachild’sstoleoverhisface，andwiththatsmileheturnedaway。
　　Astheywerecomingbackfromtheburn，Martinandtheschoolmastersawtheminthedistance。”Blessme，man，willyoulookathim？”saidthemasterinanawestrucktone，clutchingMartin’sarm。”Whateveriscometohim？””What’sup，”criedMartin。”ByJove！you’reright！theRoderickDhuandBlackDouglasbusinessisgone，sure！””Godblessmysoul！”saidMacliseinanundertone。”Heishimselfoncemore。”
　　Hemightwellexclaim，foritwasanewAllanthatcamestridingupthehighroad，withheadlifted，andwiththeproudswingofaHighlandchieftain。”Hello，oldman！”heshouted，catchingsightofMartinandrunningtowardshimwithhandsoutstretched，”Youarewelcome”——hegraspedhishandsandheldthemfast——”youarewelcometothisGlen，andtomewelcomeasHeaventoaHell-boundsoul。””Maclise，”hecried，turningtothemaster，”thisletter，”wavingitinhishand，”islikeareprievetoamanonthescaffold。”
　　Maclisestoodgazinginamazementathim。”Theyaccusedmeofcrime！””Ofcrime，Mr。Allan？”Maclisestiffenedinhaughtysurprise。”Yes，ofbasecrime！””Butthislettercompletelyclearshim，”criedMartineagerly。
　　Macliseturneduponhimwithswiftscorn，”Therewasnoneed，foranyoneinthisGlenwhatever。”TheHighlander’sfacewaspale，andinhislightblueeyesgleamedafiercelight。
　　Martinflashedalookuponthegirlstandingsoproudlyerectbesideherbrother，andreflectinginherfaceandeyesthesentimentsoftheschoolmaster。”ByJove！Ibelieveyou，”criedMartinwithconviction，”itisnotneededhere，but——butthereareothers，youknow。””Others？”saidtheHighlanderwithfinescorn，”andwhatdifference？”
　　TheGlenfolkneedednoclearingoftheirchief，andtherestoftheworldmatterednot。”Buttherewasmyself，”saidAllan。”Nowitisgone，Maclise，andIcangivemyhandoncemorewithoutfearorshame。”
　　Maclisetooktheofferedhandalmostwithreverence，and，removinghisbonnetfromhishead，saidinavoice，deepandvibratingwithemotion，”NefferwillamanoftheGlencountitanythingbuthonourtotakethisshand。””Thankyou，Maclise，”criedAllan，keepinghisgripofthemaster’shand。”NowyoucantelltheGlen。””Youwillnotbegoingtoleaveusnow？”saidMacliseeagerly。”Yes，Ishallgo，Maclise，but，”withaproudliftofhishead，”tellthemIamcomingbackagain。”
　　AndwiththatmessageMaclisewenttotheGlen。Fromcottocotandfromliptolipthemessagesped，thatMr。Allanwashimselfagain，andthat，thoughonthemorrow’smornhewasleavingtheGlen，hehimselfhadpromisedthathewouldreturn。
　　Thatevening，asthegloamingdeepened，thepeopleoftheGlengathered，aswastheirwont，attheircottagedoorstolistentooldpiperMacphersonashemarchedupanddownthehighroad。Thisnight，itwasobserved，henolongerplayedthatmostheart-
　　breakingofallScottishlaments，”LochaberNoMore。”Hehadpasseduptothenolessheart-thrilling，butlessheartbreaking，”Macrimmon’sLament。”InapauseinMacpherson’swailingnotestherefloateddownovertheGlenthesoundofthepipesupatthebigHouse。”Blessmysoul！whisht，man！”criedBetsyMacphersontoherspouse。”Listenyonder！”ForthefirsttimeinmonthstheyheardthesoundofAllan’spipes。”Itishimself，”whisperedthewomentoeachother，andwaited。
　　Downthelongavenueofraggedfirs，anddownthehighroad，cameyoungMr。Allan，inallthegallantsplendourofhispiper’sgarb，andthetuneheplayedwasnolament，buttheblood-stirring”GatheringoftheGordons。”AshecameoppositetoMacpherson’scottagehegavethesignalfortheoldpiper，anddownthehighroadsteppedthetwoofthemtogether，tilltheypassedbeyondthefarthestcottage。Thenbackagaintheyswung，andthistimeitwastothe”CockoftheNorth，”thattheirtartansswayedandtheirbonnetsnodded。Thus，notwithwoeandlamentation，butwithgoodhopeandgallantcheer，youngMr。AllantookhisleaveoftheGlenCuaghOir。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　WILLHECOMEBACK？
　　ItwasthecustominDoctorDunn’shouseholdthat，immediatelyafterdinner，hisyoungestsonwouldspendhalfanhourinthestudywithhisfather。Itwasatimeforconfidences。Duringthishalfhourfatherandsonmetasnearlyaspossibleonequalterms，discussing，asfriendsmight，theeventsofthedayortheplansforthemorrow，schoolworkorathletics，thelatestbookorthenewestjoke；andsometimesthetalkturneduponthereadingateveningprayers。Thisnightthestoryhadbeenoneofrarebeautyandofabsorbinginterest，thestory，viz。，ofthatidyllicsceneontheshoreofTiberiaswheretheerringdisciplewasfullyrestoredtohisplaceintheranksofthefaithful，ashehadbeenrestored，someweeksbefore，tohisplaceintheconfidenceofhisMaster。”Thatwasafinestory，Rob？”beganDoctorDunn。”Thatitwas，”saidRobgravely。”ItwasfineforPetertogetbackagain。””Justso，”repliedhisfather。”Yousee，whenamanonceturnshisbackonhisbestFriend，heisneverrighttillhegetsbackagain。””Yes，Iknow，”saidRobgravely。Foratimehesatwithashadowofsadnessandanxietyonhisyoungface。”Itisterrible！”heexclaimed。”Terrible？”inquiredtheDoctor。”Oh，yes，youmeanPeter’sfall？
　　Yes，thatwasaterriblething——tobeuntruetoourMasterandfaithlesstoourbestFriend。””Buthedidnotmeanto，Dad，”saidRobquickly，asifspringingtothefallendisciple’sdefence。”Heforgot，justforamoment，andwasawfullysorryafterwards。””Yes，truly，”saidhisfather，”andthatwasthefirststepback。”
　　ForafewmomentsRobremainedsilent，hisfacesadandtroubled。”Man！Itmustbeterrible！”atlengthhesaid，moretohimselfthantohisfather。TheDoctorlookedcloselyatthelittlelad。
　　Theeager，sensitiveface，usuallysoradiant，wasnowcloudedandsad。”Whatisit，Rob？Isitsomethingyoucantellme？”askedhisfatherinatoneoffriendlykindness。
　　Robmovedclosertohim。Thefatherwaitedinsilence。Heknewbetterthantoforceanunwillingconfidence。Atlengththelad，withanobviouseffortatself-command，said：”Itisto-morrow，Daddy，thatCameron——thatMr。Cameronisgoingaway。””To-morrow？Soitis。Andyouwillbeverysorry，Rob。But，ofcourse，hewillcomeback。””Oh，Dad，”criedRob，comingquiteclosetohisfather，”itisn’tthat！Itisn’tthat！”
　　Hisfatherwaited。Hedidnotunderstandhisboy’strouble，andsohewiselyrefrainedfromutteringwordthatmighthinderratherthanhelp。Atlength，withasuddeneffort，Robaskedinalow，hurriedvoice：”Doyouthink，Dad，hehas——got——back？””Gotback？”saidhisfather。”Oh，Isee。Why，myboy？Whatdoyouknowofit？DidyouknowtherewasaletterfromamannamedPotts，thatcompletelyclearsyourfriendofallcrime？””Isthere？”askedtheboyquickly。”Man！Thatisfine！ButI
　　alwaysknewhecouldnotdoanythingreallybad——Imean，anythingthatthepolicecouldtouchhimfor。Butitisnotthat，Dad。
　　IhaveheardJacksayheusedtobedifferentwhenhecamedownfirst，andnowsometimeshe——”Thelad’svoicefellsilent。Hecouldnotbringhimselftoaccusehisheroofanyevil。Hisfatherdrewhimclosetohisside。”Youmeanthathehasfallenintobadways——drink，andthingslikethat？”
　　Theboyhunghishead；hewaskeenlyashamedforhisfriend。Afterafewmoments’silencehesaid：”AndheisgoingawaytoCanadato-morrow，andIwonder，Dad，ifhehas——got——back？Itwouldbeterrible——Oh，Dad，allaloneandawayfrom——！”
　　Theboy’svoicesanktoawhisper，andarushoftearsfilledhiseyes。”Iseewhatyoumean，myboy。Youmeanitwouldbeterribleforhimtobeinthatfarland，andawayfromthatFriendweknowandlovebest。”
　　Theladlookedathisfatherthroughhistears，andnoddedhishead，andforsomemomentstherewassilencebetweenthem。Ifthetruthmustbetold，DoctorDunnfelthimselfkeenlyrebukedbyhislittleson’swords。Amidthemultitudeofhisresponsibilities，theresponsibilityforhissons’bestfriendhehadhardlyrealised。”Iamgladthatyouspokeofit，Rob；Iamgladthatyouspokeofit。Somethingwillbedone。Itisnot，afterall，inourhands。
　　Still，wemuststandreadytohelp。Good-night，myboy。Andremember，itisalwaysgoodtohurrybacktoourbestFriend，ifeverwegetawayfromHim。”
　　Theboyputhisarmsaroundhisfather’sneckandkissedhimgood-
　　night；then，kissinghimagain，hewhispered：”Thankyou，Daddy。”
　　Andfromthereliefinhistonethefatherrecognisedthatuponhimtheladhadlaidalltheburdenofhissolicitudeforhisfriend。
　　Laterintheevening，whenhiseldersoncamehome，thefathercalledhimin，andfranklygavehimthesubstanceoftheconversationoftheearlierpartoftheevening。
　　Jacklaughedsomewhatuneasily。”Oh，Robisanawfullyreligiouslittlebeggar；painfullyso，Ithink，sometimes——youknowwhatI
　　mean，Sir，”headded，noticingthelookonhisfather’sface。”IamnotsurethatIdo，Jack，”saidhisfather，”butIwanttotellyou，thatasfarasIamconcerned，Ifeltdistinctlyrebukedatthelittlechap’sanxietyforhisfriendinamatterofsuchvitalimport。Hisisatrulyreligiouslittlesoul，asyousay，butIwonderifhistypeisnotmorenearlylikethenormalthanisours。Certainly，ifreality，simplicity，sincerityarethequalitiesoftruereligiousfeeling——andthese，Ibelieve，arethequalitiesemphasisedbytheMasterHimself——thenitmayindeedbethattheboy’stypeisnearertheidealthanours。”
　　AtthispointMrs。Dunnenteredtheroom。”Anythingprivate？”sheenquiredwithabrightsmileatherhusband。”Notatall！Comein！”saidDoctorDunn，andheproceededtorepeattheconversationwithhisyoungerson，andhisownrecentcommentthereupon。”Iamconvinced，”headded，”thatthereisaprofundityofmeaninginthosewords，’WhosoevershallnotreceivethekingdomofGodasalittlechild，heshallnotentertherein，’thatwehavenotyetfathomed。IsuspectWordsworthisnotfarastraywhenhesuggeststhatwiththepassingyearswegrowawayfromthesimplicityofourfaithandtheclearnessofourvision。ThereisnodoubtthattoRob，JesusisasrealasIam。””Thereisnodoubtofthat，”saidhiswifequickly。”Notonlyasreal，butquiteasdear；indeed，dearer。IshallneverforgettheshockIreceivedwhenIheardhimoneday，asawee，weeboy，classifyingtheobjectsofhisaffection。Iremembertheascendingscalewas：’IloveJackandDaddyjustthesame，thenmother，thenJesus。’Itwasalwaysinthehighestplace，Jesus；andIbelievethatthescaleisthesameto-day，unlessJack，”sheadded，withasmileatherson，”hasmovedtohismother’splace。””Notmuchfearofthat，mother，”saidJack，”butIshouldnotbesurprisedifyouarequiterightaboutthelittlechap。Heisaqueerlittlebeggar！””Thereyouareagain，Jack，”saidhisfather，”anditisuponthatpointIwasinclinedtotakeissuewithyouwhenyourmotherentered。””IthinkIshallleaveyou，”saidthemother。”Iamrathertired，andsoIshallbidyougood-night。””Yes，”saidthefather，whentheyhadseatedthemselvesagain，”theveryfactthattoyou，andtomeforthatmatter，Rob’sattitudeofmindshouldseempeculiarraisestheissue。WhatisthenormaltypeofChristianfaith？Isitnotmarkedbythesimplicityandcompletenessofthechild’s？””Andyet，Sir，”repliedJack，”thatsimplicityandcompletenessistheresultofinexperience。Surelytheidealfaithisnotthatwhichignoresthefactsandexperiencesoflife？””Notexactly，”repliedhisfather，”yetIamnotsurebutafterall，’theperfectlovewhichcastethoutfear’isonewhichignorestheexperiencesoflife，or，rather，classifiestheminalargercategory。Thatis，itrefusestobedisturbedbylife’sexperiences，becauseamongthoseexperiencesthereisaplacefortheenlargedhorizon，theclearervision。ButIamnotarguingaboutthismatter；Iratherwishtomakeaconfessionandenlistyouraid。
　　Frankly，theboy’swordsgavemeanuneasysenseoffailureinmydutytothisyoungman；or，perhapsIshouldsay，myprivilege。Andreally，itisnowonder！Hereisthislittlechapactuallycarryingeverydayaloadofintenseconcernforourfriend，astowhether，asheputsithimself，’hehascomeback。’And，afterall，Jack，I
　　wonderifthisshouldnothavebeenmoreuponourminds？Theyoungman，Itakeit，sincehismother’sdeathhaslittleinhishomelifetoinspirehimwithreligiousfaithandfeeling。Ifshehadbeenalive，onewouldnotfeelthesameresponsibility；shewasasingularlysaintlywoman。””Youarequiteright，Sir，”saidJackquickly，”andIsuspectyourathermeanthatIamtheonethatshouldfeelcondemned。””Notatall！Notatall，Jack！Iamthinking，aseverymanmust，ofmyownresponsibility，though，doubtless，youhaveyoursaswell。OfcourseIknowquitewellyouhavestuckbyhimsplendidlyinhisfightforacleanandself-controlledlife，butonewonderswhetherthereisnotsomethingmore。””Thereis，Sir！”repliedhissonquickly。”Thereundoubtedlyis！
　　ButthoughIhavenohesitationinspeakingtomendownintheSettlementaboutthesethings，youknow，still，somehow，toamanofyourownclass，andtoapersonalfriend，onehesitates。Oneshrinksfromwhatseemslikeassuminganattitudeofsuperiority。””Iappreciatethat，”saidhisfather，”butyetonewonderstowhatextentthisshrinkingisduetoarealsenseofone’sownimperfections，andtowhatextentitisduetoanunwillingnesstoriskcriticism，evenfromourselves，inaloyalattempttoservetheMasterandHiscause。And，besidesthat，onewonderswhetherfromanycauseoneshouldhesitatetodothetrulykindandChristianthingtoone’sfriend。Imean，youvalueyourreligion；
　　or，toputitpersonally，asRobwould，youwouldesteemasyourchiefpossessionyourknowledgeoftheChrist，asFriendandSaviour。DonotloyaltytoHimandfriendshiprequirethatyousharethatpossessionwithyourdearestfriend？””Iknowwhatyoumean，Sir，”saidJackearnestly。”Ishallthinkitover。Butdon’tyouthinkawordfromyou，Sir——”
　　Hisfatherlookedathissonwithacurioussmile。”Oh，Iknowwhatyouarethinking，”saidhisson，”butIassureyouitisnotquiteacaseoffunk。””Doyouknow，Jack，”saidhisfatherearnestly，”wemakeourreligionfartoounreal；athingeitherofformsremotefromlife，orathingofindividualisticemotiondivorcedfromresponsibility。
　　Onethinghistoryreveals，thattheearlypropagandumforthefaithwasentirelyunprofessional。Itwasfromfriendtofriend，frommantoman。Itwashorizontalratherthanperpendicular。””Well，Ishallthinkitover，”saidJack。”Doyouknow，”saidhisfather，”thatIhavethefeelingofhavingacceptedfromRobresponsibilityforourutmostendeavourtobringitaboutthat，asRobputsit，’somehowheshallgetback’？”
　　ItwasfulltwentyminutesbeforetraintimewhenRob，tornwithanxietylesttheyshouldbelate，marchedhisbrotherontotherailwayplatformtowaitfortheCamerons，whoweretoarrivefromtheNorth。Upanddowntheyparaded，Dunnturningoverinhismindtheconversationofthenightbefore，Robbreakingawayeverythreeminutestoconsulttheclockandthebookingclerkatthewicket。”Willhecometousthisafternoon，Jack，doyouthink？”enquiredtheboy。”Don’tknow！Heturneddownafootballlunch！Hehashissisterandhisfatherwithhim。””Hissistercouldcomewithhim！”arguedtheboy。”Whatabouthisfather？”
　　RobhadbeencloseenoughtoeventstoknowthattheCaptainconstitutedsomethingofadifficultyinthesituation。”Well，won’thehavebusinesstoattendto？”
　　Hisbrotherlaughed。”Goodidea，Rob，letushopeso！AtanyratewewilldoourbesttogetCameronandhissistertocometous。
　　Wewantthem，don’twe？””Wedothat！”saidtheboyfervently；”onlyI’msuresomethingwillhappen！There，”heexclaimedamomentlater，inatoneofdisappointmentanddisgust，”Ijustknewit！ThereisMissBrodieandsomeoneelse；theywillgetafterhim，Iknow！””Soitis，”saidDunn，withanotaltogethersuccessfulattemptatsurprise。”Aw！youknew！”saidRobreproachfully。”Well！Ikindofthoughtshemightturnup！”saidhisbrother，withanairofaconvictedcriminal。”YouknowsheisquiteafriendofCameron’s。ButwhatisSirArchibaldherefor？””Theywilljustgethim，Iknow，”saidRobgloomily，ashefollowedhisbrothertomeetMissBrodieandheruncle。”We’rehere！”criedthatyounglady，”tojoininthedemonstrationtothehero！And，myunclebeingsomewhatconscience-strickenoverhistardyandunwillingacceptanceofoursuperiorjudgmentintherecentfamouscase，hascometomakesuchreparationashecan。””Whatapieceofimpertinence！Don’tlistentoher，Sir！”criedSirArchibald，greetingDunnwarmlyandwiththerespectdueanInternationalcaptain。”ThetruthisIhavealetterhereforhimtoabusinessfriendinMontreal，whichmaybeofservice。Ofcourse，ImaysaytoyouthatIammorethandelightedthatthisletterofPottshasquiteclearedtheyoungman，andthathegoestothenewcountrywithreputationunstained。Iamgreatlydelighted！greatlydelighted！andIwishtheopportunitytosayso。””Indeed，wearealldelighted，”repliedDunncordially，”though，ofcourse，Inevercouldbringmyselftobelievehimguiltyofcrime。””Well，onthestrengthofthejudgmentofyourselfand，Imustconfess，ofthisyoungpersonhere，Imademydecision。””Well，”criedMissBrodie，”Igaveyoumyopinionbecauseitwasmyopinion，butIconfessattimesIhadmyowndoubts——”
　　Hereshepausedabruptly，arrestedbythelookonyoungRob’sface；
　　itwasalookofsurprise，grief，andhorror。”Thatistosay，”continuedMissBrodiehastily，answeringthelook，andrecognisingthatherhighplaceinRob’sregardwasinperil，”thewholethingwasamystery——wasimpossibletosolve——I
　　mean，”shecontinued，stumblingalong，”hisownattitudewassoveryuncertainandsounsatisfactory——ifhehadonlybeenabletosayclearly’Iamnotguilty’itwouldhavebeendifferent——Imean——
　　ofcourse，Idon’tbelievehimguilty。Don’tlookatmelikethat，Rob！Iwon’thaveit！ButwasitnotcleverofthatdearMr。RaetoextractthatletterfromthewretchedPotts？””There’sthetrain！”criedDunn。”Here，Rob，youstayherewithme！Wherehastheyoungrascalgone！””Look！Oh，look！”criedMissBrodie，clutchingatDunn’sarm，hereyeswidewithterror。TherebeforetheirhorrifiedeyeswasyoungRob，hangingontothewindow，outofwhichhisfriendCameronwasleaning，andracingmadlywiththeswiftlymovingtrain，inmomentarydangerofbeingdraggedunderitswheels。Withacry，Dunnrushedforward。”Mercifulheavens！”criedMissBrodie。”Oh！heisgone！”
　　Aporter，standingwithhisbacktowardstheracingboy，hadknockedhisfeetfromunderhim。Butashefell，astronghandgrabbedhim，anddraggedhimtosafetythroughthewindow。
　　Paleandshaking，thethreefriendswaitedforthecardoortobeopened，andasRobissuedintriumphantpossessionofhisfriend，MissBrodierushedathimand，seizinghiminherstronggrasp，cried：”Youheartlessyoungrascal！Younearlykilledme——nottospeakofyourself！Here，”shecontinued，throwingherarmsabouthim，andgivinghimaloudsmack，”takethatforyourpunishment！Doyouhear，younearlykilledme！Ihadavisionofyourmangledformgroundupbetweenthewheelsandtheplatform。Holdon，youcan’tgetawayfromme！Ihaveamindtogiveyouanother！””Oh，MissBrodie，please，”pleadedCameron，comingforwardtoRob’srescue，”IassureyouIwaspartlytoblame；itisonlyfairI
　　shouldsharehispunishment。””Indeed，”criedMissBrodie，thebloodcomingbackintohercheeksthathadbeenwhiteenoughamomentbefore，”ifitwerenotforyoursize，andyour——looks，Ishouldtreatyouexactlythesame，thoughnotwiththesameintent，asourfriendMr。Raewouldsay。
　　Youdidthatsplendidly！””Alas！formysize，”groanedCameron——hewasingreatspirits——”andalas！formyuglyphiz！””Whosaid’ugly’？”repliedMissBrodie。”ButIwon’trisetoyourbait。MayIintroduceyoutomyuncle，SirArchibaldBrodie，whohasalittlebusinesswithyou？””Ah！Mr。Cameron，”saidthatgentleman，”thatwasextremelywelldone。Indeed，Icanhardlygetbackmynerve——mighthavebeenanuglyaccident。Bytheway，Sir，”takingCameronaside，”justamoment。YouareonyourwaytoCanada？IhavealetterwhichI
　　thoughtmightbeofservicetoyou。Itistoabusinessfriendofmine，abanker，inMontreal，Mr。JamesRitchie。Youwillfindhimagoodmantoknow，andIfancygladtoserveany——ah——friendofmine。”
　　OnhearingSirArchibald’sname，Cameron’smannerbecamedistinctlyhaughty，andhewasonthepointofdecliningtheletter，whenSirArchibald，whowasquicktoobservehismanner，tookhimbythearmandledhimsomewhatfurtheraway。”Now，Sir，thereisalittlematterIwishtospeakof，ifyouwillpermit。Indeed，IcamespeciallytosayhowdelightedIamthatthe——ah——recentlittleunpleasantnesshasbeenremoved。OfcourseyouunderstandmyresponsibilitytotheBankrenderedacertaincourseofactionimperative，howeverrepugnant。But，believeme，I
　　amtrulydelightedtofindthatmydecisiontowithdrawthe——ah——
　　actionhasbeenentirelyjustifiedbyevents。Delighted，Sir！
　　Delighted！AndmuchmoresinceIhaveseenyou。”
　　BeforetheoverflowingkindlinessofSirArchibald’svoiceandmanner，Cameron’shauteurvanishedlikemorningmistbeforetherisingsun。”Ithankyou，SirArchibald，”hesaid，withdignity，”notonlyforthisletter，butespeciallyforyourgoodopinion。””Verygood！Verygood！Theletterwill，Ihope，beuseful，”
　　repliedSirArchibald，”andasformyopinion，Iamgladtofindnotonlythatitiswellfounded，butthatitappearstobesharedbymostofthiscompanyhere。Nowwemustgetbacktoyourparty。
　　Butletmesayagain，Iamtrulygladtohavecometoknowyou。”
　　BOOKTWO
　　CHAPTERI
　　HOFORTHEOPEN！
　　Mr。JamesRitchie，manageroftheBankofMontreal，glancedfromtheletterinhishandtotheyoungmanwhohadjustgivenittohim。”Ah！youhavejustarrivedfromtheoldland，”hesaid，asmileofgenialwelcomeilluminatinghishandsomeface。”Iampleasedtohearfrommyoldfriend，SirArchibaldBrodie，andpleasedtowelcomeanyfriendofhistoCanada。”
　　Sosaying，withfineold-timecourtesy，thebankerrosetohissplendidheightofsixfeettwo，andshookhisvisitorwarmlybythehand。”Yournameis——？””Cameron，Sir，”saidtheyoungman。”Yes，Isee！Mr。AllanCameron——um，um，”withhiseyesontheletter。”Oldanddistinguishedfamily——exactlyso！Now，then，Mr。
　　Cameron，Ihopeweshallbeabletodosomethingforyou，bothforthesakeofmyoldfriend，SirArchibald，and，indeed，foryourownsake，”saidthebanker，withaglanceofapprovalatCameron’suprightform。”Sitdown，Sir！Sitdown！Now，businessfirstismymotto。WhatcanIdoforyou？””Well，firstofall，”saidCameronwithalaugh，”Iwishtomakeadeposit。IhaveadraftofonehundredpoundsherewhichIshouldliketoplaceinyourcare。””Verywell，Sir，”saidthebanker，touchingabutton，”myyoungmanwillattendtothat。””Now，then，”whenthebusinesshadbeentransacted，”whatareyourplans，Mr。Cameron？Thirty-fiveyearsagoIcametoMontrealayoungman，fromScotland，likeyourself，anditwasalonelydayformewhenIreachedthiscity，theloneliestinmylife，andsomyheartwarmstothestrangerfromtheoldland。Yes，”continuedMr。Ritchie，inareminiscenttone，”Irememberwell！Ihiredaserrandboyandgeneralfactotumtoasmallgrocerdownnearthemarket。Montrealwasasmallcitythen，withwretchedstreets——
　　they’rebadenoughyet——andpoorbuildings；everythingwasslowandbackward；therehavebeenmightychangessince。Buthereweare！
　　Now，whatareyourplans？””Iamafraidtheyareofthevaguestkind，”saidCameron。”Iwantsomethingtodo。””Whatsortofthing？Imean，whathasbeenthelineofyourtraining？””Iamafraidmytraininghasbeendefective。IhavepassedthroughEdinburghAcademy，alsotheUniversity，withtheexceptionofmylastyear。ButIamwillingtotakeanything。””Ah！”saidthebankerthoughtfully。”Noofficetraining，eh？””No，Sir。Thatis，ifyouexceptabriefperiodofthreeorfourmonthsinthelawofficeofourfamilysolicitor。””Law，eh？——Ihaveit！Denman’syourman！IshallgiveyoualettertoMr。Denman——alawyerfriendofmine。Ishallseehimpersonallyto-day，andifyoucallto-morrowattenIhopetohavenewsforyou。Meantime，Ishallbepleasedtohaveyoulunchwithmeto-dayattheclub。Oneo’clockisthehour。Ifyouwouldkindlycallatthebank，weshallgodowntogether。”
　　Cameronexpressedhisgratitude。”Bytheway！”saidMr。Ritchie，”wherehaveyouputup？””AttheRoyal，”saidCameron。”Ah！Thatwilldoforthepresent，”saidMr。Ritchie。”Iamsorryourcircumstancesdonotpermitofmyinvitingyoutoourhome。
　　Thetruthis，Mrs。Ritchieisatpresentoutofthecity。Butweshallfindsomesuitablelodgingforyou。TheRoyalisfartooexpensiveaplaceforayoungmanwithhisfortunetomake。”
　　Cameronspentthedaymakingtheacquaintanceofthebeautiful，quaint，ifsomewhatsqualid，oldcityofMontreal；andnextmorning，withaletterofintroductionfromMr。Ritchie，presentedhimselfatMr。Denman’soffice。Mr。Denmanwasamaninyoungmiddlelife，athleticofframe，keenofeye，andenergeticofmanner；hisvoicewasloudandsharp。HewelcomedCameronwithbriskheartiness，andimmediatelyproceededtobusiness。”Letmesee，”hebegan，”whatisyouridea？Whatkindofajobareyouafter？””Indeed，”repliedCameron，”thatisjustwhatIhardlyknow。””Well，whathasbeenyourexperience？YouareaUniversityman，I
　　believe？Buthaveyouhadanypracticaltraining？Doyouknowofficework？””No，I’vehadlittletrainingforanoffice。Iwasinalawofficeforpartofayear。””Ah！Familiarwithbookkeeping，oraccounting？Isupposeyoucan’trunoneofthesetypewritingmachines？”
　　InregardtoeachoftheselinesofeffortCameronwasforcedtoconfessignorance。”Isay！”criedMr。Denman，”thoseoldcountrypeopleseriouslyannoymewiththeirinadequatesystemofeducation！””Iamafraid，”repliedCameron，”thefaultismoreminethanthesystem’s。””Don’tknowaboutthat！Don’tknowaboutthat！”repliedMr。Denmanquickly；”Ihavehadscoresofyoungmen，fineyoungmen，too，cometome；publicschoolmen，universitymen，butquiteunfitforanypracticallineofwork。”
　　Mr。Denmanconsideredforsomemoments。”Letussee。Youhavedonesomeworkinalawoffice。Now，”Mr。Denmanspokewithsomehesitation；”Ihaveaplaceinmyownofficehere——notmuchinitforthepresent，but——””Totellthetruth，”interruptedCameron，”Ididnotmakemuchofthelaw；infact，IdonotthinkIamsuitedforofficework。I
　　wouldprefersomethingintheopen。Ihadthoughtoftheland。””Farming，”exclaimedMr。Denman。”Ah！——youwould，Isuppose，beabletoinvestsomething？””No，”saidCameron，”nothing。”
　　Denmanshookhishead。”Nothinginit！Youwouldnotearnenoughtobuyafarmabouthereinfifteenyears。””ButIunderstood，”repliedCameron，”thatfurtherwestwascheaperland。””Oh！Inthefarwest，yes！ButitisaGod-forsakencountry！I
　　don’tknowmuchaboutit，Iconfess。Iknowtheyareboomingtownlotsallovertheland。Ibelievetheyhavegonequitemadinthebusiness，butfromwhatIhear，themainworkinthewestjustnowisjawwork；theonlythingtheyraiseiscornerlots。”
　　OnCameron’sfacetherefellthegloomofdiscouragement。Oneofhisfondestdreamswasbeingdispelled——hisvisionofhimselfasawealthyrancher，rangingoversquaremilesofhisestateupona”buckingbroncho，”garbedinthepicturesquecowboydress，begantofade。”Butthereisranching，Ibelieve？”heventured。”Ranching？Ohyes！Thereis，upneartheRockies，butthatisoutofcivilization；outofreachofeverythingandeverybody。””ThatiswhatIwant，Sir！”exclaimedCameron，hisfaceoncemoreaglowwitheagerhope。”Iwanttogetawayintotheopen。”
　　Mr。Denmandidnot，orcouldnot，recognisethisastheinstinctivecryoftheprimitivemanforacloserfellowshipwithMotherNature。Hewaskeenlypractical，andimpatientwitheverythingthatappearedtohimtobepurelyvisionaryandunbusiness-like。”But，mydearfellow，”hesaid，”aranchmeanscattleandhorses；
　　andcattleandhorsesmeansmoney，unlessofcourse，youmeantobesimplyacowboy——cowpuncher，Ibelieve，isthecorrectterm——butthereisnothinginthat；nofuture，Imean。Itisallverywellforalittlefun，ifyouhaveabankaccounttostandit，althoughsomefellowsstanditonsomeone’selsebankaccount——notmuchtotheircredit，however。Thereisayoungfriendofmineoutthereatpresent，butfromwhatIcangatherhishomecorrespondenceismainlyconfinedtoappealsforremittancesfromhisgovernor，andhischiefoccupationspendingtheseremittancesasspeedilyaspossible。Allverywell，asIhavesaid，forfun，ifyoucanpaytheshot。Buttoplaytheroleofgentlemancowboy，whilesomebodyelsepaysforit，isthesortofthingIdespise。””AndsodoI，Sir！”saidCameron。”Therewillbenoremittanceinmycase。”
　　Denmanglancedatthefirm，closedlipsandthestiffeningfigure。”Thatisthetalk！”heexclaimed。”No，thereisnochanceinranchingunlessyouhavecapital。””AsfarasIcansee，”repliedCamerongloomily，”everythingseemsclosedupexcepttothecapitalist，andyetfromwhatIheardathomesituationswereopenoneveryhandinthiscountry。””Comehere！”criedDenman，drawingCamerontotheofficewindow。”Seethosedoors！”pointingtoalonglineofshops。”Everylastoneisopenedtoamanwhoknowshisbusiness。Seethosesmokestacks！Everylastwheelinthosefactoriesishowlingforamanwhoisontohisjob。Butdon’tlookblue，thereisaplaceforyou，too；thethingistofindit。””Whatarethoselongbuildings？”inquiredCameron，pointingtowardsthewaterfront。”Thosearerailroadsheds；or，rather，TransportationCompany’ssheds；theyarepracticallythesamething。Isay！WhatisthematterwithtryingtheTransportationCompany？Iknowthemanagerwell。Theverything！TrytheTransportationCompany！””HowshouldIgoaboutit？”saidCameron。”ImeantosayjustwhatpositionshouldIapplyfor？””Position！”shoutedDenman。”Why，generalmanagerwouldbegood！”
　　Then，notingtheflushinCameron’sface，headdedquickly，”Pardonme！Thethingistogetyourfootinsomehow，andthenwireintillyouaregeneralmanager，byJove！Itcanbedone！Fleminghasdoneit！Wentinasmessengerboy，but——”Denmanpaused。
　　ThereflashedthroughhismindthestoryofFleming’scareer；avisionofthehalf-starvedraggedwaifwhostartedasmessengerboyinthecompany’soffices，andwho，bydintofinvincibledeterminationandresoluteself-denial，foughthiswaystepbysteptohispresentpositionofcontrol。Incontrast，helookedattheyoungman，bornandbredincircleswhereworkisregardedasacalamity，andservicewearsthebadgeofsocialdisfranchisement。
　　Fleminghaddoneitundercompulsionoftheinexorablemistress”Necessity。”Butwhatofthisyoungman？”Willwetry？”hesaidatlength。”IshallgiveyoualettertoMr。Fleming。”
　　Hesatdowntohisdeskandwrotevigourously。”Takethis，andseewhathappens。”
　　Camerontooktheletter，and，glancingattheaddress，read，Wm。
　　Fleming，Esquire，GeneralManager，MetropolitanTransportation&
　　CartageCompany。”Isthisarailroad？”askedCameron。”No，butnextthingtoit。Thecompaniesarepracticallyone。Thetransitionfromonetotheotheriseasyenough。Letmeknowhowyougeton。Good-by！And——Isay！”criedMr。Denman，callingCameronbackagainfromthedoor，”seeMr。Fleminghimself。
　　Rememberthat！Andremember，”headded，withasmile，”thepositionofmanagerisnotvacantjustyet，butitwillbe。Igiveyoumywordforitwhenyouarereadytotakeit。Good-by！Buckup！Takewhatheoffersyou！Getyourteethin，andneverletgo！””ByGeorge！”saidDenmantohimselfasthedoorclosedonCameron，”thesechapsarethelimit。He’sgotlotsofstuffinhim，buthehasbeenrenderedhelplessbytheirfoolsystem——Godsaveusfromit！Thatchaphashadthingsdoneforhimeversincehewasfirstbathed；theyhavewashed’em，dressed’em，fed’em，schooled’em，found’empositions，stuck’emin，andwatchedthattheydidn’tfallout。Andyet，byGeorge！”headded，afterapause，”theyarerunningtheworldto-day——thatis，someofthem。”Facingwhichsomewhatpuzzlingphenomenon，Denmanplungedintohisworkagain。
　　MeantimeCameronwasmakinghiswaytowardstheofficesoftheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany，oppressedwithanunacknowledgedbutnonethelessrealsenseofunfitness，andhauntedbyadepressingsenseofthedeficiencyofhisowntraining，andofthetrainingaffordedtheyoungmenofhisclassathome。Ashestartedalonghebattledwithhisdepression。Trueenough，hehadnoskillinthevariousaccomplishmentsthatMr。Denmanseemedtoconsideressential；hehadnoexperienceinbusiness，hewasnotfitforofficework——officeworkheloathed；butsurelytherewassomepositionwherehistalentswouldbringhimrecognitionandfortuneatlast。Afterall，Mr。DenmanwasonlyaColonial，andwithaColonial’ssomewhatnarrowviewoflife。Whowashetocriticisethesystemoftrainingthatforgenerationshadbeeninvogueathome？HadnotWellingtonsaid”thatEngland’sbattleswerefirstwononthefootballfieldsofEtonandRugby，”orsomethinglikethat？Ofcourse，thetrainingthatmightfitforadistinguishedcareerintheBritisharmymightnotnecessarilyinsuresuccessonthebattlefieldsofindustryandcommerce。Yetsurely，anInternationalplayershouldbeabletogetsomewhere！
　　AtthispointinhiscogitationsCameronwasarrestedbyamemorythatstabbedhimlikeaknife-thrust；theawfulmomentwhenupontheInverleithgrounds，inthefaceoftheWelshforward-line，hehadfalteredandlosttheInternational。Shouldheeverbeabletoforgettheagonyofthatmomentandofthedaythatfollowed？Andyet，heneednothavefailed。HeknewhecouldplayhispositionwithanymaninScotland；hehadfailedbecausehewasnotfit。Hesethisteethhard。HewouldshowtheseballyColonials！Hewouldmakegood！Andwithhisheadhigh，hewalkedintothesomewhatdingyofficesoftheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany，ofwhichWilliamFleming，Esquire，wasmanager。
　　Openingthedoor，Cameronfoundhimselfconfrontedbyashortcounterthatblockedthewayforthegeneralpublicintothelongroom，filledwithdesksandchairsandclickingtypewritingmachines。Cameronhadneverseensomanyofthesemachinesduringthewholeperiodofhislife。Thetypewriterbegantoassumeanaltogethernewimportanceinhismind。HithertoithadappearedtohimmoreorlessofaYankeefad，unworthyoftheattentionofanable-bodiedmanofaverageintelligence。InEdinburgha”writingmachine”wasstillsomethingofanew-fangledluxury，tobeapologisedfor。Mr。Raewouldallownosuchfinickyinstrumentinhisoffice。Here，however，therewereadozen，moreorless，manipulatedforthemostpartbyyoungladies，andsomeofthemactuallybymen；oneverysidetheyclickedandbanged。ItmayhavebeentheclickingandbangingofthesemachinesthatgavetoCameronthesenseofrushandhurrysodifferentfromthecalmquietanddignifiedreposeoftheonlyofficehehadeverknown。
　　Forsomemomentshestoodatthecounter，waitingattentionfromoneofthemanyclerkssittingbeforehim，butthoughoneandanotheroccasionallyglancedinhisdirection，hispresenceseemedtoawakennotevenapassingcuriosityintheirminds，muchlesstosuggesttheproprietyoftheirinquiringhisbusiness。
　　AsthemomentspassedCameronbecameconsciousofafeelingofaffront。HowdifferentlyagentlemanwastreatedbytheclerksintheofficeofMessrs。Rae&Macpherson，wherepromptattentionanddeferentialcourtesyinaclerkwereasessentialasasuitofclothes。GraduallyCameron’sheadwentup，andwithithischoler。
　　Atlength，inhishaughtiesttone，hehailedapassingyouth：”Isay，boy，isthisMr。Fleming’soffice？”
　　Theclickingandbangingofthetypewriters，andthehumofvoicesceased。Everywhereheadswereraisedandeyesturnedcuriouslyuponthehaughtystranger。”Eh？”Noletterscanrepresentthenasalintonationofthissyllabicinquiry，andnowordsthesupremeindifferenceoftheboy’stone。”IsMr。Flemingin？Iwishtoseehim！”Cameron’svoicewasloudandimperious。”Say，boys，”saidalankyyouth，withalong，cadaverouscountenanceandsallow，unhealthycomplexion，illumined，however，andredeemedtoacertainextentbyblackeyesofextraordinarybrilliance，”itisthePrinceofWales！”Thedrawling，awe-strucktones，inthesilencethathadfallen，wereaudibletoallintheimmediateneighbourhood。
　　ThetitterthatsweptoverthelistenersbroughtthehotbloodtoCameron’sface。AdeliberateinsultaHighlandertakeswithcalm。
　　Heispreparedtodealwithitinamanneraffordinghimentiresatisfaction。Ridiculerouseshimtofury，for，whileittoucheshispride，itleaveshimnoopportunityofvengeance。”CanyoutellmeifMr。Flemingisin？”heenquiredagainoftheboythatstoodscanninghimwithcalmindifference。Theragethatpossessedhimsovibratedinhistonethatthelankyladdrawledagaininawarningvoice：”Slide，Jimmy，slide！”
　　Jimmy”slid，”buttowardsthecounter。”Wanttoseehim？”heenquiredinatoneofbriskimpertinence，asifsuddenlyrousedfromareverie。”Ihavealetterforhim。””Allright！Handitover，”saidJimmy，fullyconsciousthathewastheheroofmorethanusualinterest。
　　Cameronhesitated，thenpassedhisletterovertoJimmy，who，readingtheaddresswithdeliberatecare，winkedatthelankyboy，andwithajauntystepmadetowardsadooratthefartherendoftheroom。Ashepassedadeskthatstoodnearestthedoor，amanwhoduringthelastfewminuteshadremainedwithhisheaddown，apparentlysoimmersedinthepapersbeforehimastobequiteunconsciousofhissurroundings，suddenlycalledout，”Here，boy！”
　　Jimmyinstantlyassumedanairofrespectfulattention。”AletterforMr。Fleming，”hesaid。”Here！”repliedtheman，stretchingouthishand。
　　Hehurriedlyglancedthroughtheletter。”Tellhimthereisnovacancyatpresent，”hesaidshortly。
　　TheboycamebacktoCameronwithcheerfulpoliteness。The”oldman’s”eyewasuponhim。”Thereisnovacancyatpresent，”hesaidbriefly，andturnedawayasifhisattentionwereimmediatelydemandedelsewherebypressingbusinessoftheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany。
　　Foranswer，Cameronthrewbacktheleafofthecounterthatbarredhisway，andstartedupthelongroom，pastthestaringclerks，tothedesknextthedoor。”IwishtoseeMr。Fleming，Sir，”hesaid，hisvoicetremblingslightly，hisfacepale，hisblue-grayeyesablaze。
　　Themanatthedesklookedupfromhiswork。”Ihavejustinformedyouthereisnovacancyatpresent，”hesaidtestily，andturnedtohispapersagain，asifdismissingtheincident。”WillyoukindlytellmeifMr。Flemingisin？”saidCameroninavoicethathadgrownquitesteady；”Iwishtoseehimpersonally。””Mr。Flemingcannotseeyou，Itellyou！”almostshoutedtheman，risingfromhisdeskandrevealinghimselfashort，pudgyfigure，withflabbyfaceandshiningbaldhead。”Can’tyouunderstandEnglish？——Ican’tbebothered——！””Whatisit，Bates？Someonetoseeme？”
　　Cameronturnedquicklytowardsthespeaker，whohadcomefromtheinnerroom。”Ihavebroughtyoualetter，Sir，fromMr。Denman，”hesaidquietly；”itisthere，”pointingtoBates’desk。”Aletter？Letmehaveit！Whywasnotthisbroughttomeatonce，Mr。Bates？””Itwasanopenletter，Sir，”repliedBates，”andIthoughttherewasnoneedoftroublingyou，Sir。Itoldtheyoungmanwehadnovacancyatpresent。””Thisisapersonalletter，Mr。Bates，andshouldhavebeenbroughttomeatonce。WhywasMr——ah——Mr。Cameronnotbroughtintome？”
　　Mr。Batesmurmuredsomethingaboutnotwishingtodisturbthemanagerontrivialbusiness。”Iamthejudgeofthat，Mr。Bates。Infuture，whenanymanaskstoseeme，Idesirehimtobeshowninatonce。”
　　Mr。Batesbegantoapologise。”Thatisallthatisnecessary，Mr。Bates，”saidthemanager，inavoiceatoncequietanddecisive。”Comein，Mr。Cameron。Iamverysorrythishashappened！”
　　Cameronfollowedhimintohisoffice，noting，ashepassed，theredpatchesofrageonMr。Bates’pudgyface，andcatchingalookoffiercehatefromhissmallpiggyeyes。ItflashedthroughhismindthatinMr。Bates，atanyrate，hehadfoundnofriend。
　　TheresultoftheinterviewwithMr。FlemingwasanintimationtoMr。BatesthatMr。CameronwastohaveapositionintheofficeoftheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany，andtobeginworkthefollowingmorning。”Verywell，Sir，”repliedMr。Bates——hehadapparentlyquiterecoveredhisequanimity——”weshallfindMr。Cameronadesk。””Webeginworkateighto’clockexactly，”headded，turningtoCameronwithapleasantsmile。
　　Mr。FlemingaccompaniedCamerontothedoor。”Now，awordwithyou，Mr。Cameron。YoumayfindMr。Batesalittledifficult——heissomethingofadriver——but，remember，heisinchargeofthisoffice；Ineverinterferewithhisorders。””Iunderstand，Sir，”saidCameron，resolvingthat，atallcosts，heshouldobeyMr。Bates’orders，ifonlytoshowthegeneralmanagerhecouldrecogniseandappreciateagentlemanwhenhesawone。
　　Mr。FlemingwasputtingitmildlywhenhedescribedMr。Batesas”somethingofadriver。”Thewholeofficestaff，fromJimmy，theofficeboy，toJacobs，thegentle，white-hairedclerk，whosedeskwasinthefarthestcorneroftheroom，feltthedrive。Hewasnotonlyofficemanager，butofficemasteraswell。Hisrulewasabsolute，andfromhisdecisionstherewasnoappeal。Thegeneralmanagerwentonthetheorythatitwaswasteofenergytokeepadogandbarkhimself。InthepolicythatgovernedtheofficethereweretworuleswhichMr。Batesenforcedwiththeutmostrigidity——
　　thefirst，namely，thateverymemberofthestaffmustbeinhisorherplaceandreadyforworkwhentheclockstruckeight；theother，thateachmemberofthestaffmustworkindependentlyofeveryothermember。Amanmustknowhisbusiness，andgothroughwithit；ifherequiredinstructions，hemustapplytotheofficemanager。But，asarule，oneexperienceofsuchapplicationsufficedforthewholeperiodofaclerk’sserviceintheofficeoftheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany，forMr。Bateswasgiftedwithsuchanexquisitenessofironicalspeechthatthewholestaffwerewonttopauseintherushoftheirworktolistenandtoadmirewhenanewmemberwasunhappyenoughtorequireinstructions，theirsilentadmirationactingasaspurtoMr。
　　Bates’ingenuityintheinventionofironicaldiscourse。
　　OfthepeculiaritiesandidiosyncrasiesofMr。Bates’system，however，Cameronwasquiteignorant；norhadhisexperienceintheofficeofMessrs。Rae&Macphersonbeensuchastoimpressuponhimthenecessityofacloseobservationoftheflightoftime。Itdidnotdisturbhim，therefore，tonoticeashestrolledintotheofficesoftheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompanythenextmorningthatthehandsoftheclockshowedsixminutespastthehourfixedforthebeginningoftheday’swork。Theofficestaffshiveredinanecstasyofexpectantdelight。CameronwalkednonchalantlytoMr。Bates’desk，hisovercoatonhisarm，hiscapinhishand。”Goodmorning，Sir，”hesaid。
　　Mr。Batesfinishedwritingasentence，lookedup，andnoddedabriefgoodmorning。”Wedepositourstreetattireonthehooksbehindthedoor，yonder！”hesaidwithemphaticpoliteness，pointingacrosstheroom。
　　Cameronflushed，asinpassinghisdeskheobservedthepleasedsmileonthelankyboy’ssallowface。”Youevidentlywerenotawareofthehoursofthisoffice，”
　　continuedMr。BateswhenCameronhadreturned。”Weopenateighto’clock。””Oh！”saidCameron，carelessly。”Eight？Yes，Ithoughtitwaseight！Ah！Isee！IbelieveIamfiveminuteslate！ButI
　　supposeIshallcatchupbeforethedayisover！””Mr。Cameron，”repliedMr。Batesearnestly，”ifyoushouldworkfortwentyyearsfortheMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany，neverwillyoucatchupthosefiveminutes；everyminuteofyourofficehoursispledgedtothecompany，andeveryminutehasitsownproperwork。YourdeskistheonenextMr。Jacobs，yonder。
　　Yourworkiswaitingyouthere。Itisquitesimple，theentryoffreightreceiptsupontheledger。Ifyouwishfurtherinstructions，applytomehere——youunderstand？””Ithinkso！”repliedCameron。”Ishalldomybestto——””Verywell！Thatisall！”repliedMr。Bates，plunginghisheadagainintohispapers。
　　Theofficestaffsankbacktoworkwitheveryexpressionofdisappointment。Amomentlater，however，theirhopesrevived。”Oh！Mr。Cameron！”calledoutMr。Bates。Mr。Cameronreturnedtohisdesk。”Ifyoushouldchancetobelateagain，nevermindgoingtoyourdesk；justcomehereforyourcheque。”
　　Mr。Bates’tonewaskindly，evenconsiderate，asifhewereanxioustosavehisclerkunnecessaryinconvenience。”Ibegyourpardon！”stammeredCameron，astonished。”Thatisall！”repliedMr。Bates，hisnoseoncemoreinhispapers。
　　Cameronstoodhesitating。Hiseyefellupontheboy，Jimmy，whosefaceexpressedkeenestjoy。”Doyoumean，Sir，thatifIamlateyoudismissmeforthwith？””What？”Mr。Bates’tonewassofiercelyexplosivethatitappearedtothrowuphisheadwithaviolentmotion。
　　Cameronrepeatedhisquestion。”Mr。Cameron，mytimeisvaluable；soisyours。IthoughtthatI
　　spokequitedistinctly。ApparentlyIdidnot。Letmerepeat：Incaseyoushouldinadvertentlybelateagain，youneednottakethetroubletogotoyourdesk；justcomehere。Yourchequewillbeimmediatelymadeout。Savestime，youknow——yourtimeandmine——
　　andtime，youperceive，inthisofficerepresentsmoney。”
　　Mr。Bates’voicelostnoneofitskindlyinterest，butithadgrownsomewhatinintensity；thelastsentencewasutteredwithhisfaceclosetohisdesk。
　　Cameronstoodamomentinuncertainty，gazingatthebaldheadbeforehim；then，findingnothingtoreply，heturnedabouttobeholdJimmyandhislankyfriendexecutingananimatedwarpantomimewhichtheyapparentlydeemedappropriatetotheoccasion。
　　WithfaceablazeandteethsetCameronwenttohisdesk，totheextremedisappointmentofJimmyandthelankyyouth，whofellintoeachother’sarms，apparentlyovercomewithgrief。
　　Forhalfanhourtheofficehummedwiththenoiseofsubduedvoicesandclickedwiththerapidfireofthetypewriters。SuddenlythroughthehumMr。Bates’voicewasheard，clear，calm，andcoldlypenetrating：”Mr。Jacobs！”
　　Theold，white-hairedclerkstartedupfromCameron’sdesk，andbeganinaconfusedandgentlevoicetoexplainthathewasmerelygivingsomehintstothenewclerk。”Mr。Jacobs，”saidMr。Bates，”Icannothearyou，andyouarewastingmytime！””Hewasmerelyshowingmehowtomaketheseentries！”saidCameron。”Ah！Indeed！Thankyou，Mr。Cameron！ThoughIbelieveMr。Jacobshasnotyetlostthepoweroflucidspeech。Mr。Jacobs，Ibelieveyouknowtherulesofthisoffice；yourfinewillbeone-quarterofaday。””Thankyou！”saidMr。Jacobs，hurriedlyresuminghisdesk。”And，Mr。Cameron，ifyouwillkindlybringyourworktome，I
　　shalldomybesttoenlightenyouinregardtothecomplexdutyofenteringyourfreightreceipts。”
　　Anaudiblesnickerranthroughthedelightedstaff。Cameronseizedhisledgerandthepileoffreightbills，andstartedforMr。
　　Bates’desk，catchingoutofthecornerofhiseyethepantomimeofJimmyandthelankyone，whichwasbeingrenderedwithvigorandduecaution。
　　ForafewmomentsCameronstoodatthemanager’sdesktillthatgentlemanshouldbedisengaged，butMr。Bateswasskilledinthefineartofreducingtoabjecthumilityanemployeewhomightgiveindicationsofinsubordination。Cameron’sragegrewwitheverypassingmoment。”Hereistheledger，Sir！”hesaidatlength。
　　ButMr。Bateswassocompletelyabsorbedinthebusinessofsavingtimethathemadenottheslightestpauseinhiswriting，whiletheredoubledvigorandcautionofthepantomimeseemedtoindicatetheapproachofacrisis。AtlengthMr。Batesraisedhishead。Jimmyandthelankyclerkbecameatonceengrossedintheirduties。”Youhavehadnoexperienceofthiskindofwork，Mr。Cameron？”
　　inquiredMr。Bateskindly。”No，Sir。Butifyouwilljustexplainoneortwomatters，IthinkIcan——””Exactly！Thisisnot，however，abusinesscollege！Butweshalldoourbest！”
　　Arapturoussmilepervadedtheoffice。Mr。Bateswasinexcellentform。”Bytheway，Mr。Cameron——pardonmyneglect——butmayIinquirejustwhatdepartmentofthisworkyouarefamiliarwith？””Oh，general——””Ah！Thepositionofgeneralmanager，however，isfilledatpresent！”repliedMr。Bateskindly。
　　Cameron’sflushgrewdeeper，whileJimmyandhisfriendresignedthemselvestoanecstasyofdelight。”Iwasgoingtosay，”saidCameroninatoneloudanddeliberate，”thatIhadbeenemployedwiththegeneralcopyingworkinawriter’soffice。””Writing？Fancy！Writing，eh？Nousehere！”saidMr。Batesshortly，fortimewaspassing。”Awriterwithusmeansalawyer！”repliedCameron。”Whythedeucedon’ttheysayso？”answeredMr。Batesimpatiently。”Well！Well！”gettingholdofhimselfagain。”Hereweallowoursolicitorstolookafterourlegalwork。Typewrite？”heinquiredsuddenly。”Ibegyourpardon！”repliedCameron。”Typewrite？Doyoumean，canIuseatypewritingmachine？””Yes！Yes！Forheaven’ssake，yes！””No，Icannot！””Bookkeep？””No。””GoodLord！WhathaveIgot？”inquiredMr。Batesofhimself，inatone，however，perfectlyaudibletothoseintheimmediateneighbourhood。”Tryhimlickingstamps！”suggestedthelankyyouthinavoicethat，whileitreachedtheearsofJimmyandothersnearby，includingCameron，wasinaudibletothemanager。Mr。Batescaughtthesound，however，andglaredabouthimthroughhisspectacles。
　　Timewasbeingwasted——thesupremeoffenseinthatoffice——andMr。
　　Bateswasfastlosinghisself-command。”Here！”hecriedsuddenly，seizingasheafofletters。”Filetheseletters。Youwillbeabletodothat，Iguess！File’sinthevaultoverthere！”
　　CamerontookthelettersandstoodlookinghelplesslyfromthemtoMr。Bates’baldhead，thatgentleman’sfacebeingalreadyincloseproximitytothepapersonhisdesk。”JusthowdoIgoaboutthis？——Imean，whatsystemdoyou——””Jim！”roaredMr。Bates，throwingdownhispen，”showthiscon——
　　showMr。Cameronhowtofiletheseletters！Justliketheseblankold-countrychumps！”addedMr。Bates，inalowervoice，butloudenoughtobedistinctlyheard。
　　Jimcameupwithasmileofpatronisingpityonhisface。ItwasthesmilethattouchedtolifethemassofcombustiblematerialthathadbeenaccumulatingforthelasthourinCameron’ssoul。
　　Insteadoffollowingtheboy，heturnedwithaswiftmovementbacktothemanager’sdesk，laidhissheafoflettersdownonMr。Bates’
　　papers，and，leaningoverthedesk，towardsthatgentleman，said：”Didyoumeanthatremarktoapplytome？”Hisvoicewasveryquiet。ButMr。Batesstartedbackwithaquickmovementfromthewhitefaceandburningeyes。”Here，yougetoutofthis！”hecried。”Because，”continuedCameron，”ifyoudid，Imustaskyoutoapologiseatonce。”