Allsmilesvanishedfromtheofficestaff，evenJimmy’sfaceassumedaseriousaspect。Mr。Batespushedbackhischair。”A-po-pologise！”hesputtered。”Getoutofthisoffice，d’yehear？””Bequick！”saidCameron，hishandsgrippingMr。Bates’desktillitshook。”Jimmy！Callapoliceman！”criedMr。Bates，risingfromhischair。
　　Hewastooslow。Cameronreachedswiftlyforhiscollar，andwithonefiercewrenchsweptMr。Batesclearoverthetopofhisdesk，shookhimtillhisheadwobbleddangerously，andflunghimcrashingacrossthedeskandupontheprostrateformofthelankyyouthsittingbehindit。”Callapoliceman！Callapoliceman！”shoutedMr。Bates，whowasstrugglingmeantimewiththelankyyouthtoregainanuprightposition。
　　Cameron，meanwhile，walkedquietlytowherehiscoatandcaphung。”Holdhim，somebody！Holdhim！”shoutedMr。Bates，hurryingtowardshim。
　　Cameronturnedfiercelyuponhim。”Didyouwantme，Sir？”heinquired。
　　Mr。Batesarrestedhimselfwithsuchviolencethathisfeetslidfromunderhim，andoncemorehecamesittinguponthefloor。”Getup！”saidCameron，”andlistentome！”
　　Mr。Batesrose，andstood，whiteandtrembling。”ImaynotknowmuchaboutyourCanadianwaysofbusiness，butI
　　believeIcanteachyousomeold-countrymanners。Youhavetreatedmethismorninglikethedespicablebullythatyouare。Perhapsyouwilltreatthenextold-countrymanwiththedecencythatiscomingtohim，evenifhehasthemisfortunetobeyourclerk。”
　　WiththesewordsCameronturneduponhisheelandwalkeddeliberatelytowardsthedoor。ImmediatelyJimmysprangbeforehim，and，throwingthedoorwideopen，bowedhimoutasifhewereindeedthePrinceofWales。ThusabruptlyendedCameron’sconnectionwiththeMetropolitanTransportation&CartageCompany。
　　Beforethedaywasdonethewholecityhadheardthetale，whichlostnothinginthetelling。
　　NextmorningMr。DenmanwassurprisedtohaveCameronwalkinuponhim。”Hullo，youngman！”shoutedthelawyer，”thisisaprettybusiness！
　　Uponmysoul！Yourmannerofentryintoourcommerciallifeissomewhatforceful！Whatthedeucedoyoumeanbyallthis？”
　　Cameronstood，muchabashed。Hispassionwasallgone；inthecalmlightofafter-thoughthisactionofyesterdayseemedboyish。”I’mawfullysorry，Mr。Denman，”hereplied，”andIcametoapologisetoyou。””Tome？”criedDenman。”Whytome？Iexpect，ifyouwishtogetajobanywhereinthistown，youwillneedtoapologisetothechapyouknockeddown——what’shisname？””Mr。Bates，Ithinkhisnameis，Sir；but，ofcourse，Icannotapologisetohim。””ByJove！”roaredMr。Denman，”heoughttohavethrownyououtofhisoffice！ThatiswhatIwouldhavedone！”
　　CameronglancedupanddownMr。Denman’swell-knitfigure。”Idon’tthinkso，Sir，”hesaid，withasmile。”Whynot？”saidMr。Denman，graspingthearmsofhisofficechair。”Becauseyouwouldnothaveinsultedastrangerinyourofficewhowastryinghisbesttounderstandhiswork。Andthen，Ishouldnothavetrieditonyou。””Andwhy？””Well，IthinkIknowagentlemanwhenIseeone。”
　　Mr。Denmanwasnottobeappeased。”Well，letmetellyou，youngman，itwouldhavebeenamightyunhealthythingforyoutohavecutupanysuchshineinthisoffice。IhavedonesomeRugbyinmyday，myboy，ifyouknowwhatthatmeans。””Ihavedonealittle，too，”saidCameron，withslightlyheightenedcolour。”Youhave，eh！Where？””TheScottishInternational，Sir。””ByJove！Youdon’ttellme！”repliedMr。Denman，histoneexpressinganewadmirationandrespect。”When？Thisyear？””No，lastyear，Sir——againstWales！””ByJove！”criedMr。Denmanagain；”givemeyourhand，boy！AnymanwhohasmadetheScottishInternationalsisnotcalledtostandanycheekfromacadlikeBates。”
　　Mr。DenmanshookCameronwarmlybythehand。”Tellusaboutit！”hecried。”Itmusthavebeenraresport。IfBatesonlyknewit，heoughttocountitanhonourtohavebeenknockeddownbyaScottishInternational。””Ididn’tknockhimdown，Sir！”saidCameron，apologetically；”heisonlyalittlechap；Ijustgavehimabitofashake，”andCameronproceededtorecounttheproceedingsofthepreviousmorning。
　　Mr。Denmanwashugelydelighted。”Servesthelittlebeastbloodywellright！”hecriedenthusiastically。”Butwhat’stodonow？Theywillbeafraidtoletyouintotheirofficesinthiscity。””Ithink，Sir，Iamdonewithoffices；Imeantotrytheland。””Farm，eh？”musedMr。Denman。”Well，sobeit！Itwillprobablybesaferforyouthere——possiblyforsomeothersaswell。”
　　CHAPTERII
　　AMAN’SJOB
　　Cameronsleptheavilyandlongintotheday，butasheawokehewasconsciousofadelightfulexhilarationpossessinghim。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehewasafreeman，ungovernedandunguided。
　　ForfourdrearyweekshehadwaitedinMontrealforanswerstohisenquiriesconcerningpositionswithfarmers，butapparentlytheCanadianfarmerswerenotattractedbythequalificationsandexperienceCameronhadtooffer。AtlengthhehadacceptedtheadviceofMartin’suncleinMontreal，whoassuredhimwithlocalpridethat，ifhedesiredapositiononafarm，thedistrictofwhichthelittlecityofLondonwasthecentrewastheverygardenofCanada。Hewasgladnowtorememberthathehaddeclinedaletterofintroduction。Hewasnowentirelyonhisown。Neitherinthiscitynorinthecountryroundaboutwasthereasoulwithwhomhehadtheremotestacquaintance。Thewaysoflifeledoutfromhisfeet，alluntried，allunknown。Whichheshouldchooseheknewnot，butwithathrillofexultationhethankedhisstarsthechoosingwashisownconcern。Afeelingofadventurewasuponhim，anewcouragewasrisinginhisheart。Thefailurethathadhithertodoggedhispastessaysinlifedidnotdampenhisconfidence，fortheyhadbeenmadeunderotherauspicesthanhisown。Hehadnotfittedintohisformerpositions，buttheyhadnotbeenofhisownchoosing。Hewouldnowfindaplaceforhimselfandifhefailedagainhewaspreparedtoaccepttheresponsibility。
　　OnebitofphilosophyhecarriedwithhimfromMr。Denman’sfarewellinterview——”Now，youngman，rememer，”thatgentlemanhadsaidafterhehadbiddenhimfarewell，”thisworldisprettymuchmadealready；
　　successconsistsinadjustment。Don’ttrytomakeyourworld，adjustyourselftoit。Don’tfighttheworld，serveittillyoumasterit。”Camerondeterminedhewouldstudyadjustments；hisfightingtendency，whichhadbroughthimlittlesuccessinthepast，hewouldcontrol。
　　Atthispointthethrobofabandbrokeinuponhismeditationsandsummonedhimfromhisbed。Hesprangtothewindow。Itwascircusdayandthemorningparade，inallitsmingledandcosmopolitanglory，wasslowlyevolvingitsanimatedlengthtothestrainsofbandsofmusic。Therewerebandsonhorsesandbandsonchariots，andatthetailoftheprocessionafearfulandwonderfulinstrumentbearingtheeuphoniousandclassicnameofthe”calliope，”whosechieffunctionseemedtobethatofterrifyingthefarmers’horsesintofranticanddeterminedattemptstoescapefromthesehorridalarmsofthecitytothepeacefulhauntsoftheirruralsolitudes。
　　Cameronwasstillboyenoughtohurrythroughhismorningdutiesinorderthathemightmixwiththecrowdandsharetheperennialdelightswhichacircusaffords。Thestableyardattachedtohishotelwaslinedthreedeepwithbuggies，carriages，andlumberwaggons，whichhadborneinthecrowdsoffarmersfromthecountry。
　　Thehotelwasthrongedwithsturdyred-facedfarmlads，lookinghotanduncomfortableintheirunaccustomedSundaysuits，gorgeousintheirrainbowties，andrakishwiththeirhatssetatallanglesupontheirelaboratelybrushedheads。Oldermen，too，beardedandstaid，movedwithsilentandself-respectingdignitythroughthecrowds，gazingwithquietandobservanteyesupontheshiftingphantasmagoriathatfilledthecircusgroundsandthestreetsnearby。Withthese，too，theremingledafewofbotholdandyoungwho，withbacchanalianenthusiasm，wereswaggeringtheirwaythroughthecrowds，eachfollowedbyacompanyoffriendsgood-
　　naturedlytolerantorsolicitouslycareful。
　　Cameron’seyes，rovingoverthemultitude，felluponalittlegroupthatheldhisattention，theprincipalfigureofwhichwasatallmiddleagedmanwithagood-naturedface，adornedwitharuggedgreychinwhisker，whowasloudlydeclaimingtoayoungercompanionwithahardfaceandverywideawake，”Myname’sTomHaley；yecan’tcomeoverme。””Yebetyerlifetheycan’t。Yeain’tnochicken！”exclaimedhishard-facedfriend。”Say，let’sliquoruponcemorebeforewegotoseetheelephant。”
　　Withthesetwofollowedaboyofsomethirteenyears，freckledfacedandsolemn，slimandwiryofbody，whowasanxiouslystrivingtodraghisfatherawayfromoneofthedrinkingboothsthatdottedthecircusgrounds，andtowardsthebigtent；butthefatherhadbeenalreadyatoofrequentvisitorattheboothtobequiteamenabletohisson’spleading。He，inagloriousmoodofself-
　　appreciation，keptannouncingtothepublicgenerallyandtohishard-facedfriendinparticular——”Myname’sTomHaley；yecan’tcomeoverme！””Comeon，father，”pleadedTim。”Nohurry，Timmy，meboy，”saidhisfather。”Theelephantswon’trunawaywiththemonkeysandtheclownscan’tgitoutofthering。””Oh，comeon，dad，I’msuretheshow’sbegun。””Cheeseit，youngfeller，”saidtheyoungman，”yerdad’sabletotakecareofhimself。””Aw，youshutyermouth！”repliedTimfiercely。”Iknowwhatyou’resuckin’roundfor。””Goodboy，Tim，”laughedhisfather；”yegiv’’imonethattime。
　　Guesswe’llgo。Solong，Sam，ifthat’syername。YeseeI’vejistgottertakeinthis’ereshowthismorningwithTim’ere，andthenwehavegotsomegroceriestogitfortheoldwoman。Seethere，”hedrewapaperfromhispocket，”wouldn’tdareshowupwithout’em，yebet，eh，Tim！Why，it’shereggandbuttermoneyandshewantsvalueferit，shedoes。Well，solong，Sam，seeyelater，”andwiththetriumphantTimhemadeforthebigtent，leavingawrathfulanddisappointedmanbehindhim。
　　Cameronspenttherestofthedaypartlyin”takingin”thecircusandpartlyinconversingwiththefarmerswhoseemedtohavetakenpossessionofthetown；butinanswertohismostdiligentandcarefulenquirieshecouldhearofnopositiononafarmforwhichhecouldhonestlyofferhimself。Thefarmerswantedmowers，orcradlers，orgoodsmartturniphands，andCameronsorrowfullyhadtoconfesshewasnoneofthese。Thereapparentlywasnosinglebitofworkinthefarmer’slifethatCameronfelthimselfqualifiedtoperform。
　　ItwaswearingtowardseveningwhenCamerononcemorecameacrossTim。Hewasstandingoutsidethebarroomdoor，bigtearssilentlycoursingdownhispaleandfreckledcheeks。”Hello！”criedCameron，”what’supoldchap？Where’syourdad，andhashegothisgroceriesyet？””No，”saidTim，hastilywipingawayhistearsandlookingupsomewhatshylyandsullenlyintoCameron’sface。Whathesawthereapparentlywonhisconfidence。”He’sinyonder，”hecontinued，”andIcan’tgithimout。Theywon’tlethimcome。They’rejistmaking’imfullsohecan’tdoanything，andweoughttobestartin’ferhomerightaway，too！””Well，let’sgoinanywayandseewhattheyaredoing，”saidCameroncheerfully，towhomthepaletear-stainedfacemadestrongappeal。”Theywon’tletus，”saidTim。”There’safellertherethatchucksmeout。””Won’t，eh？We’llseeaboutthat！Comealong！”
　　Cameronenteredthebarroom，withTimfollowing，andlookedabouthim。Theroomwascrowdedtothedoorwithnoisyexcitedmen，manyofwhomwerepartiallyintoxicated。Atthebar，twodeep，stoodalineofmenwithglassesintheirhands，orwaitingtobeserved。
　　InthefarthestcorneroftheroomstoodTim’sfather，considerablytheworseofhisday’sexperiences，andlovinglyembracingthehard-facedyoungman，towhomhewasatintervalsannouncing，”Myname’sTomHaley！Yecan’tgitoverme！”
　　AsCameronbegantopushthroughthecrowd，amanwithaveryredface，obviouslyonthewatchforTim，criedout——”Say，sonny，gitoutofhere！Thisisnoplaceferyou！”
　　Timdrewback，butCameron，turningtohim，said，”Comealong，Tim。He’swithme，”headded，addressingtheman。”Hewantshisfather。””Hisfather’snothere。Helefthalfanhourago。Itoldhimso。””Youwereevidentlymistaken，forIseehimjustacrosstheroomthere，”saidCameronquietly。”Oh！isheafriendofyours？”enquiredthered-facedman。”No，Idon’tknowhimatall，butTimdoes，andTimwantshim，”
　　saidCameron，beginningtopushhiswaythroughthecrowdtowardsthevociferatingHaley，whoappearedtobeonthepointofbackingupsomeofhisstatementswithmoney，forhewasflourishingahandfulofbillsinthefaceoftheyoungmanSam，whoapparentlywasquitewillingtoaccommodatehimwiththewager。
　　BeforeCameroncouldmakehiswaythroughtheswaying，roaringcrowd，thered-facedmanslippedfromhisside，andinaveryfewmomentsappearedatasidedoornearTomHaley’scorner。AlmostimmediatelytherewasashuffleandHaleyandhisfriendsdisappearedthroughthesidedoor。”Hello！”criedCameron，”there’ssomethingdoing！We’lljustsliparoundthere，myboy。”Sosaying，hedrewTimbackfromthecrowdandoutofthefrontdoor，and，hurryingaroundthehouse，cameuponSam，thered-facedman，andHaleyinalaneleadingpastthestableyard。Thered-facedmanwasaffectionatelyurgingabottleuponHaley。”Theretheyare！”saidTiminanundertone，clutchingCameron’sarm。”YougethimawayandI’llhitchup。””Allright，Tim，”saidCameron，”I’llgethim。Theyareevidentlyuptonogood。””What’syername？”saidTimhurriedly。”Cameron！””Comeon，then！”hecried，draggingCameronataruntowardshisfather。”Here，Dad！”hecried，”thisismyfriend，Mr。Cameron！
　　Comeonhome。I’mgoingtohitchup。We’llbeawfullateforthechoresandwegotthemgroceriestogit。Comeon，Dad！””Aw，gwan！yeracheekykidanyway，”saidSam，givingTimashovethatnearlysenthimonhishead。”Holdonthere，myman，youleavetheboyalone，”saidCameron。”What’syourbusinessinthis，youngfeller？””Nevermind！”saidCameron。”Timisafriendofmineandnooneisgoingtohurthim。Runalong，Tim，andgetyourhorses。””Friendo’Tim’s，eh！”saidHaley，inhalfdrunkengoodnature。”Friendo’Tim’s，friendo’mine，”headded，gravelyshakingCameronbythehand。”Haveadrink，youngman。Youlooka’
　　right！”
　　Camerontookthebottle，putittohislips。Theliquorburnedlikefire。”GreatCaesar！”hegasped，contrivingtoletthebottledropuponastone。”Whatdoyoucallthat？””Prettyhotstuff！”criedHaley，withashoutoflaughter。
　　ButSam，unabletoseethehumourofthesituation，exclaimedinarage，”Here，youcursedfool！Thatismybottle！””Sorrytobesoclumsy，”saidCameronapologetically，”butitsurelywasn’tanythingtodrink，wasit？””Yes，itjestwassomethingtodrink，wasit？”mockedSam，approachingCameronwithmenaceinhiseyeandattitude。”Ihaveablankedgoodnotiontopunchyourhead，too！””Oh！Iwouldn’tdothatifIwereyou，”saidCameron，smilingpleasantly。”Say，Sam，don’tgetmad，Sam，”interposedHaley。”Thisyoungfeller’safriendo’Tim’s。I’llgitanotherbottlea’right。
　　I’vegotthestuffrighthere。”Hepulledouthisrollofbills。”Andlotsmorewherethiscomesfrom。””Letmehavethat，Mr。Haley，I’llgetthebottleforyou，”saidCameron，reachingoutforthebills。”A’right，”saidHaley。”Friendo’Tim’s，friendo’mine。””Here，youngfeller，you’retoofresh！”criedthered-facedman，”buttin’inhere！Youmaketracks，gitout！Come，gitout，Itellyeh！””Giveittohimquick，”saidSaminalowvoice。
　　Thered-facedman，withouttheslightestwarning，swiftlysteppedtowardsCameronand，beforethelattercoulddefendhimself，struckhimaheavyblow。Cameronstaggered，fell，andstruggledagaintohisknees。Thered-facedmansprangforwardtokickhimintheface，whenHaleyinterposed——”Holdupthere，now！Friendo’Tim’s，friendo’mine，yeknow！””Hurryup，”saidSam，closinginonHaley。”Quitfooling。Give’imthebillyandlet’sgetaway！”
　　ButHaley，thoughunskilledwithhishands，wasamanofmorethanordinarystrength，andheswunghislongarmsaboutwithsuchvigourthatneitherSam，whowassavagelystrikingathishead，northered-facedman，whowasdancingaboutwaitingforachancetogetinwiththe”billy，”whichheheldinhishand，wasabletobringtheaffairtoafinish。Itcouldbeamatterofonlyafewmoments，however，forbothSamandhisfriendwereevidentlyskilledintheartsofthethug，whileHaley，thoughpowerfulenough，waschieflyoccupyinghimselfinbeatingtheair。AblowfromthebillydroppedoneofHaley’sarmshelpless。Thered-facedman，followinguphisadvantage，ranintofinish，butHaleygrippedhimbythewristand，exertingallhisstrength，gaveamightyheaveandthrewhimheavilyagainstSam，whowasrunninginupontheotherside。AtthesametimeCameron，whowasrapidlyrecovering，clutchedSambyalegandbroughthimheavilytoearth。
　　Reachingdown，HaleygrippedCameronbythecollarandhauledhimtohisfeetjustasSam，whohadsprungup，rantotheattack。
　　SteadiedbyHaley，Cameronbracedhimself，and，atexactlytherightmoment，stiffenedhisleftarmwiththewholeweightofhisbodybehindit。TheresultwasamostunhappyoneforSam，who，expectingnosuchreception，wasliftedclearoffhisfeetandhurledtothegroundsomedistanceaway。TheexhilarationofhisachievementbroughtCameron’sbloodbackagaintohisbrain。
　　Swiftlyheturneduponthered-facedmanjustasthatworthyhadbroughtHaleytohiskneeswithacruelblowandwaspreparingtofinishoffhisvictim。WithashoutCameronsprangathim，themanturnedquickly，wardedoffCameron’sblow，andthen，seeingSamlyinghelplessupontheground，turnedandfleddownthelane。”Say，youngfeller！”pantedHaley，staggeringtohisfeet，”yehcameinmightyslickthattime。Yehain’tgotabottleonye，hevyeh？””No！”saidCameron，”butthere’sapumpnearby。””Jestasgoodandalittlebetter，”saidHaley，staggeringtowardsthepump。”Say，”hecontinued，withahumouroustwinkleinhiseye，andglancingatthemanlyingontheground，”Sam’skinderquiet，ain’the？Runaginsomethinghardlike，Iguess。”
　　CameronfilledabucketwithwaterandintoitsicydepthsHaleyplungedhishead。”Ow！that’sgood，”hesputtered，plunginghisheadinagainandagain。”Fill’eruponcemore！”hesaid，wipingoffhisfacewithabigredhandkerchief。”Now，Ishouldn’twonderifitwouldhelpSamabit。”
　　HepickedupthebucketofwaterandapproachedSam，whomeantimehadgottoasittingpositionandwasblinkingstupidlyaround。”Here，yeblamedhog，hevawash，yeneeditbad！”Sosaying，HaleyflungthewholebucketofwateroverSam’sheadandshoulders。”Fill’erupagain，”hesaid，butSamhadhadenough，and，swearingwildly，gaspingandsputtering，hemadeoffdownthelane。”I’veheardo’themcircustoughs，”saidHaleyinameditativetone，”butneverjestseen’embefore。Say，youngfeller，yehcameinmightyhandyfermea’right，andseeingasyerTim’sfriendputitthere。”HegrippedCameron’shandandshookitheartily。”Here’sTimwiththeteam，and，say，there’snoneedtomentionanythingaboutthemfellers。Tim’srealtenderhearted。Well，I’mgladtohevmetyeh。Good-bye！Livinghere？””No！””Travellin’，eh？””Notexactly，”repliedCameron。”ThetruthisI’mlookingforaposition。””Aposition？Schoolteachin’，mebbe？””No，apositiononafarm。””Onafarm？Ha！ha！good！Positiononafarm，”repeatedHaley。”Yes，”repliedCameron。”Doyouknowofany？””Positiononafarm！”saidHaleyagain，asiftryingtograspthemeaningofthisextraordinaryquest。”Thereain’tany。””Nopositions？”enquiredCameron。”Naryone！Say，youngman，wheredoyoucomefrom？””Scotland，”repliedCameron。”Scotland！yehdon’tsay，now。Jestout，eh？””Yes，aboutamonthorso。””Well，well！Yehdon’tsayso！””Yes，”repliedCameron，”andIamsurprisedtohearthatthereisnowork。””Oh！holdontherenow！”interposedHaleygravely。”Ifit’sworkyouwanttherearestacksofitlyinground，butthereain’tnopositions。Positions！”ejaculatedHaley，whoseemedtobefascinatedbytheword，”thereain’tnoneonmyfarmexceptoneandIholdthatmyself；butthere’slotso’work，and——why！Iwantamanrightnow。Whatsay？Comealong，stay’slong’syehlike。I
　　likeyehfine。””Allright，”saidCameron。”WaittillIgetmybag，butIoughttotellyouIhavehadnoexperience。””Noexperience，eh！”Haleypondered。”Well，we’llgiveittoyou，andanywayyousavedmesomeexperienceto-dayandyoucomehomewithme。”
　　WhenhereturnedhefoundHaleysittingonthebottomofthewagonrapidlysinkingintoslumber。Theeffectsofthebucketwerepassingoff。”Whataboutthegroceries，Tim？”enquiredCameron。”We’vegottogit’em，”saidTim，”orwe’llcatchitsure。”
　　LeavingCamerontowonderwhatitmightbethattheyweresuretocatch，Timextractedfromhisfather’spocketthepaperonwhichwerelistedthegroceriestobepurchased，andtherollofbills，andhandedbothtoCameron。”Youbestgit’em，”hesaid，and，mountingtothehighspringseat，turnedtheteamoutoftheyard。ThegroceriessecuredwithCameron’shelp，theysetoffforhomeasthelongJuneeveningwasdarkeningintonight。”My！it’sawfullate，”saidTiminavoicefullofforeboding。”AndPerkinsain’tnogoodatchores。””Howfarisittoyourhome？”enquiredCameron。”Ninemilesoutthisroadandthreeofftotheeast。””Andwho’sPerkins？””Perkins！JoePerkins！He’sourhiredman。He’saterrortoworkatplowin’，cradlin’，andbindin’，butheain’tnogoodatchores。
　　Ibetyehhe’llleaveMandytodothemilkin’，tencows，andsome’sawfulbad。””Andwho’sMandy？”enquiredCameron。”Mandy！She’smysister。She’sanawfulquickmilker。ShecanbeatDad，orPerkins，oranyof’em，buttencowsisalot，andthenthere’sthepigsandthecalvestofeed，andthewood，too。
　　IbetPerkinswon’tcutastick。He’sgoodenoughinthefield，”
　　continuedTim，withanobviousdesiretodoPerkinsfulljustice，”butheain’tnogoodaroundthehouse。Hesaysheain’thiredtodowomen’schores，andMashewon’task’im。Shesaysifhedon’tdowhatheseestobedoneshe’dsee’imfarenoughbeforeshe’dask’im。”AndsoTimothywentonwithamonologuerepletewithinformation，hishighthinvoicerisingclearabovetheroarandrattleofthelumberwagonasitrumbledandjoltedovertheruttygravelroad。Thosewhoknewtheboywouldhavebeenamazedathisloquacity，butsomethinginCameronhadwonhisconfidenceandopenedhisheart。Hencehismonologue，inwhichthequalities，goodandbad，ofthemembersofthefamily，oftheirownhiredmanandofotherhiredmenwerefullydiscussed。Thestandardofexcellenceforworkintheneighbourhood，however，appearedtobePerkins，whoseabilitiesTimappearedgreatlytoadmire，butforwhosepersonheappearedtohavelittleregard。”He’smightygoodatturniphoeing，too，”hesaid。”IcouldprettynearkeepuptohimlastyearandIbelieveIcoulddoitthisyear。SomedaysoonI’mgoingtogitafter’im。My！I’dliketotrim’imtoafinepoint。”
　　Thelivestockonthefarmingeneral，andtheyoungcoltsinparticular，amongwhichacertaintwo-year-oldwasshowingsignsofmarvellousspeed，theseandcognatesubjectsrelatingtothefarm，itsdwellersanditsactivities，Timpassedinreview，withhisownshrewdcommentsthereon。”Andwhatdoyouplay，Tim？”askedCameron，seekingapointofcontactwiththeboy。”Nothin’，”saidTimshortly。”Notime。””Don’tyougotoschool？””Yes，infallandwinter。Thenweplayballandshinnysome，butthereain’tmuchtime。””Butyoucan’tworkallthetime，Tim？Whatworkcanyoudo？””Oh！”repliedTimcarelessly，”Irunateam。””Runateam？Whatdoyoumean？”
　　Timglancedupathimand，perceivingthathewasquiteserious，proceededtoexplainthatduringthespring’sworkhehadtakenhisplaceintheplowingandharrowingwiththe”other”men，thatheexpectedtodrivethemowerandreaperinhayingandharvest，that，inshort，inalmostallkindsoffarmworkhewasreadytotaketheplaceofagrownman；andallthiswithoutanysignofboasting。
　　Cameronthoughtoverhisownlife，inwhichsporthadfilledupsolargeaplaceandworksolittle，andinwhichhehaddevelopedsolittlepowerofinitiativeandsuchmeagreself-dependence，andheenviedthesolemn-facedboyathisside，handlinghisteamandwagonwiththeskillofagrownman。”Isay，Tim！”heexclaimedinadmiration，”you’regreat。IwishI
　　coulddohalfasmuch。””Oh，pshaw！”exclaimedTiminmodestself-disdain，”thatain’tnothin’，butIwishIcouldgitoffabit。””Getoff？Whatdoyoumean？”
　　Theboywassilentforsomemoments，thenaskedshyly：”Say！IstherebigcitiesinScotland，an’crowdsofpeople，an’
　　trains，an’engines，an’factories，an’things？My！IwishI
　　couldgitaway！”
　　ThenCameronunderstooddimlysomethingofthewander-lustintheboy’ssoul，ofthehungerforadventure，forthecolourandmovementoflifeinthegreatworld”away”fromthefarm，thatthrilledintheboy’svoice。SoforthenexthalfhourhetoldTimtalesofhisownlife，thechiefgloryofwhichhadbeenhisachievementsintherealmofsport，and，beforehewasaware，hewasdescribingtotheboythegreatInternationalwithWales，till，rememberingthedisastrousfinish，hebroughthisnarrativetoanabruptclose。”Anddidyehlick’em？”demandedTiminavoiceofintenseexcitement。”No，”saidCameronshortly。”Oh，hedges！Iwishtyehad！”exclaimedTimindeepdisappointment。”Itwasmyfault，”repliedCameronbitterly，fortheeagerwishintheboy’shearthadstirredasimilaryearninginhisownandhadopenedanoldsore。”Iwasafool，”hesaid，moretohimselfthantoTim。”IletmyselfgetoutofconditionandsoIlostthemthematch。””Aw，gitout！”saidTim，withunbelievingscorn。”Ibetyehdidn’t！My！IwishtIcouldseethemgames””Oh，pshaw！Tim，theyarenothalfsoworthwhileasplowing，harrowing，andrunningyourteam。Why，hereyouare，aboyof——
　　howold？””Thirteen，”saidTim。”Aboyofthirteenabletodoaman’swork，andhereamI，amanoftwenty-one，onlyabletodoaboy’swork，andnoteventhat。ButI’mgoingtolearn，Tim，”addedCameron。”Youhearme，Iamgoingtolearntodoaman’swork。IfIcan，”headdeddoubtfully。”Oh，shucks！”repliedTim，”youbetyehcan，andI’llshowyeh，”
　　withwhichmutualdeterminationtheyturnedinatthegateoftheHaleyfarm，whichwastobethesceneofCameron’sfirstattempttodoaman’sworkandtofillaman’splaceintheworld。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　ADAY’SWORK
　　TheHaleyfarmwasasurvivalofanambitiouspast。OncethepropertyofarichEnglishgentleman，ithadbeenlaidoutwithaneyetoappearanceratherthantoprofitand，thoughthesoilwasgoodenough，ithadneverbeenworkedtoprofit。Consequently，whenitsownerhadtiredofColoniallife，hehadatfirstrentedthefarm，but，findingthisunsatisfactory，he，inamomentofdisgust，advertiseditforsale。Pretentiousinitsplanandinitsappointments，itsneglectedandrundownconditiongaveitanairofdecayedgentility，depressingaliketotheeyeofthebeholderandtothesellingpriceoftheowner。Haleyboughtitandboughtitcheap。Fromthehighroadamagnificentavenueofmaplesledtoahouseoffineproportions，thoughsadlyneedingrepair。Thewideverandahs，theamplestepswereunpaintedandfallingintoruin；thelawnreachingfromthefrontdoortotheorchardwasspacious，butovergrownwithburdocks，nettlesandothernoxiousweeds；theorchard，whichstretchedfromthelawntotheroadonbothsidesofthelane，hadbeenallowedtorunsadlytowood。Atthesideofthehousethedoor-yardwaslitteredwithabandonedfarmimplements，pilesofoldfencerailsandlumberandotherimpedimenta，which，thoughkindlyNature，abhorringtheunsightlyrubbish，wasdoingherutmosttohideitallbeneathaluxuriantgrowthofdocks，milkweed，andnettles，lentanairofdisorderandneglecttothewholesurroundings。Theporch，or”stoop，”aboutthesummerkitchenwassetoutwithanassortmentoftubsandpails，potsandpans，partiallyfilledwithvariousevillookingandmoreevilsmellingmesses，whichaffordedanexcellentbreedingandfeedingplaceforflies，mosquitoes，andotherunpleasantinsects。Adjoiningthedooryard，andseparatedfromitbyafence，wasthebarnyard，aspaciousquadrangleflankedonthreesidesbybarns，stables，andsheds，whichwerelargeandfinelyplanned，butwhichnowsharedthegeneralappearanceofdecrepitude。Thefence，whichseparatedoneyardfromtheother，wasbrokendown，sothatthebarnyarddwellers，calves，pigs，andpoultry，wanderedatwillinsearchofamusementorfoddertotheverydoorofthekitchen，andsomateriallycontributedtothegeneraldisorder，discomfort，anddirt。
　　Awayfromthehouse，however，whereNaturehadherownway，thefarmstretchedfieldafterfieldoneachsideofthesnakefencedlanetothelineofwoodsinthedistance，apictureofrichandvariedbeauty。Fromtherisinggroundonwhichthehousewassituatedalovelyvistasweptrightfromthekitchendoorawaytotheremnantoftheforestprimevalatthehorizon。Oneveryfieldthesignsofcomingharvestwereluxuriantlyvisible，thehayfields，grey-greenwithblooming”Timothy”andpurplewiththedeepnestlingclover，thefallwheatgreenandyellowingintogold，thespringwheatalightergreenandburstingintohead，theoatswiththeirgracefultasselatedstalks，theturnipfieldribbonedwithitslinesofdelicategreenonthedarksoildrills，backofall，the”slashing”wherestumps，blackenedwithfire，andtrunksoftreespiledhereandthereinconfusion，allovergrownwithweeds，representedthetransitionstagebetweenforestandharvestfield，andbeyondtheslashingthedarkcoolmassesofmaple，birch，andelm；allthesemadeasceneofsuchvariedlovelinessastodelightthesoulattunedtonature。
　　Uponthissceneofvividcontrasts，ononesidehouseandbarnandyard，andontheothertherollingfieldsandmassiveforest，Cameronstoodlookingintheearlylightofhisfirstmorningonthefarm，withmingledfeelingsofdisgustandpleasure。Inafewmoments，however，thelovelinessofthefarviewcaughtandheldhiseyeandhestoodasinadream。Thegentlerollinglandscape，withitsrichvarietyofgreensandyellowsandgreys，thatsweptawayfromhisfeettothedarkmassesofwoods，withtheirsuggestionsofcoolandshadydepth，filledhissoulwithadeepjoyandbroughthimmemoryofhowthe”GlenoftheCupofGold”
　　wouldlookthatmorninginthedearhome-landsofaraway。True，therewereneithermountainsnormoors，neitherlochsnorbirch-
　　cladcliffshere。Nature，inherquietermood，lookedupathimfromtheseslopingfieldsandboskywoodsandsmiledwithkindlyface，andthatsmileofhersitwasthatbroughttoCameron’smindthesunnyGlenoftheCupofGold。Itwasthesweetest，kindliestthinghiseyehadlookedonsincehehadlefttheGlen。
　　Aharshandfretfulvoicebrokeinuponhisdreaming。”Pa-a-w，thereain’tastickofwoodforbreakfast！Therewasnonelastnight！Ifyouwantanybreakfastyou’dbestgitsomewood！””Allright，Mother！”calledHaleyfromthebarnyard，wherehewasassistinginthemilking。”I’macomin’。”
　　Cameronwalkedtomeethim。”CanIhelp？”heenquired。”Why，ofcourse！”shoutedHaley。”Here，Ma，here’sournewhand，theverymanforyou。”
　　Mrs。Haley，whohadretiredtothekitchen，appearedatthedoor。
　　Shewasawomanpastmiddleage，undulystout，herfacedeeplinedwiththefretofamultitudeofcares，andhungwithflabbyfoldsofskin，brownedwiththesunandwind，thoughitmustbeconfesseditscolorwasdeterminedmorebythegreaseandgrimethanbythetanuponit。Yet，inspiteoftheflabbyfoldsofflesh，inspiteofthegrimeandgrease，therewasstillareminiscenceofaone-
　　timecomeliness，allthemorepatheticbyreasonofitsalltooobviousdesecration。Hervoicewasharsh，hertonefretful，whichindeedwashardlytobewonderedat，fortheburdenofherlifewasbynomeanslight，andthecaresofthehousehold，withinandwithout，wereneitherfewnortrivial。
　　ForamomentortwoMrs。Haleystoodinsilencestudyingandappraisingthenewman。Theresultdidnotapparentlyinspireherwithhope。”Comeonnow，Pa，”shesaid，”stopyerfoolin’andgitmethatwood。Iwantitrightnow。You’rekeepin’mebackandthere’sanawfullottodo。””ButIain’tfoolin’，Ma。Mr。Cameronisournewhand。He’llknockyehoffafewsticksinnotime。”Sosaying，Haleywalkedoffwithhispailstothemilking，leavinghiswifeandthenewhandfacingeachother，eachuncertainastothenextmove。”WhatcanIdo，Mrs。Haley？”enquiredCameronpolitely。”Oh，Idon’tknow，”saidMrs。Haleywearily。”Iwantafewsticksforthebreakfast，butperhapsIcangetalongwithchips，butchipsdon’tgivenosteadyfire。””Ifyouwouldshowmejustwhattodo，”saidCameronwithsomehesitation，”Imean，whereisthewoodtobegot？””There，”shesaid，inasurprisedtone，pointingtoapileoflonglogsofashandmaple。”Idon’twantmuch。”Shegatheredherapronfullofchipsandturnedaway，alltooobviouslyrefusingtoplaceherhopeofwoodforthebreakfastfireupontheeffortsofthenewman。Cameronstoodlookingalternatelyatthelong，hard，drylogsandattheaxewhichhehadpickedupfromthebedofchips。Theproblemofhowtoproducethesticksnecessarytobreakfastbytheapplicationoftheonetotheotherwasoneforwhichhecouldseenosolution。Heliftedhisaxeandbroughtitdownharduponamaplelog。Theresultwasaslightindentationuponthelogandasharpjarfromtheaxehandlethatranuphisarmunpleasantly。Aseriesofheavyblowsproducednothingmorethanacorrespondingseriesofindentationsinthetoughmaplelogandofjarsmoreorlesssharpandpainfulshootinguphisarms。
　　Theresultwasnotencouraging，butitflasheduponhimthatthiswashisfirstattempttomakegoodathisjobonthefarm。Hethrewoffhiscoatandwentathisworkwithenergy；buttheprobabilityofbreakfast，sofarasitdependedupontheresultofhisefforts，seemedtobegrowingmoreandmoreremote。”Guessyeain’tgottheknackofit，”saidavoice，deep，full，andmellow，behindhim。”Thataxeain’tnogoodforchoppin’，it’sasplittin’axe。”
　　Turning，hesawagirlofaboutseventeen，withlittlegraceandlessbeauty，butstronglyandstoutlybuilt，andwithagood-
　　natured，ifsomewhatstupidandheavyface。Herhairwasdunincolour，coarseintexture，anddoneuplooselyandcarelesslyintwoheavybraids，arrangedaboutherheadinsuchamannerastopermitstraywispsofhairtoescapeaboutherfaceandneck。
　　Shewasdressedinaloosepinkwrapper，alltooplainlyofhomemanufacture，gatheredinatthewaist，andsuccessfullyobliteratinganylinesthatmightindicatetheexistenceofanygraceofform，andsadlyspottedandstainedwithgreaseanddirt。Herredstoutarmsendedinthickandredderhands，deckedwithanarrayofblack-rimmednails。Athisfirstglance，sweepingher”toutensemble，”Cameronwasconsciousofafeelingofrepulsion，butinamomentthisfeelingpassedandhewassurprisedtofindhimselflookingintotwoeyesofsurprisingloveliness，darkblue，wellshaped，andofsuchliquiddepthsastosuggestpoolsofwaterunderforesttrees。”Theyusethesawmostly，”saidthegirl。”Thesaw？”echoedCameron。”Yes，”shesaid。”Theysaw’emthroughandthensplit’emwiththeaxe。”
　　Cameronpickedupthebuck-sawwhichlayagainstaricketysawhorse。Neverinhislifehadheusedsuchaninstrument。Hegazedhelplesslyathiscompanion。”Howdoyouusethisthing？”heenquired。”Say！areyoufunny，”repliedthegirl，flashingakeenglanceuponhim，”ordon’tyeknow？””Neversawitdoneinmylife，”saidCameronsolemnly。”Here！”shecried，”letmeshowyou。”
　　Sheseizedtheendofamaplelog，draggeditforwardtothericketysawhorse，setitinposition，tookthesawfromhishands，andwentatherworkwithsuchvigourthatinlessthanaminuteasitseemedtoCameronshehadmadethecut。”Givemethataxe！”shesaidimpatientlytoCameron，whowaspreparingtosplittheblock。
　　Withafewstrongandskillfulblowsshesplitthestraight-grainedblockofwoodintofirewood，gatheredupthesticksinherarms，and，withagiggle，turnedtowardthehouse。”Iwon’tchargeyouanythingforthatlesson，”shesaid，”butyou’llhavetohustleifyougitthatwoodsplit’forebreakfast。””Thankyou，”saidCameron，gratefulthatnoneofthemenhadwitnessedtheinstruction，”Ishalldomybest，”andforthenexthalfhour，withlittleskill，butbymainstrength，hecutoffanumberofblocksfromthemaplelogandproceededtosplitthem。
　　Butinthishemadeslowprogress。Fromthekitchencamecheerfulsoundsandscentsofcooking，andeverandanonfromthedoorwaddled，withquitesurprisingcelerity，theunwieldybulkofthemistressofthehouse。”Now，that’sjestlikeyerPa，”Cameronheardhergrumblingtoherdaughter，”bringin’amanherejestatthebusyseasonwhodon’tknownothin’。He’speckin’awayat’emblockslikearoosterpeckin’grain。””He’swillin’enough，Ma，”repliedthegirl，”andIguesshe’lllearn。””Learn！”puffedMrs。Haleycontemptuously。”Didyeeverseeanold-countrymanlearntohandleanaxeorascytheafterhewasgrowedup？Jestlookat’im。Thankgoodness！there’sTim。””Here，Tim！”shecalledfromthedoor，”bestsplitsomeo’thatwood’forebreakfast。”
　　TimapproachedCameronwithalookofpityonhisface。”Letmehaveatry，”hesaid。Cameronyieldedhimtheaxe。TheboysetonendtheblockatwhichCameronhadbeenlaboringand，withaswiftglancingblowoftheaxe，knockedoffaslab。”ByJove！”exclaimedCameronadmiringly，”howdidyoudothat？”
　　Foranswertheboystruckagainthesameglancingblow，aslabstartedand，atasecondlightblow，felltotheground。”Isay！”exclaimedCameronagain，”Imustlearnthattrick。””Oh，that’seasy！”saidTim，knockingtheslabsofffromtheoutsideoftheblock。”Thisheart’sgoin’tobetough，though；gotaknotinit，”andtoughitproved，resistingallhisblows。”You’reatoughsucker，now，ain’tyeh？”saidTim，throughhisshutteeth，addressingtheblock。We’lltryyehthisway。”Helaidtheendoftheblockuponalogandpliedtheaxewiththefullstrengthofhisslightbody，buttheblockdanceduponthelogandresistedallhisblows。”Say！you’reatoughonenow！”hesaid，pausingforbreath。”Letmetrythat，”saidCameron，and，puttingforthhisstrength，hebroughttheaxedownfairlyuponthestickwithsuchforcethattheinstrumentshorecleanthroughtheknotandsankintothelogbelow。”Huh！that’sacracker，”saidTimwithungrudgingadmiration。”Allyouwantisknack。I’llslabitoffandyoucandotheknots，”headdedwithagrin。
　　Astheresultofthissomewhatunequaldivisionoflabor，therelayinhalfanhouragoodlypileoffirewoodreadyforthecooking。
　　ItcaughtHaley’seyeashecameintobreakfast。”Isay，Missus，that’sabiggerpilethanyou’vehadforsometime。
　　Guessmynewmanain’tsoslowafterall。””Huh！”puffedhiswife，waddlingaboutwithgreatagility，”itwasTimthatdoneit。””Now，Ma，yeknowwellenoughhehelpedTim，andrightsmarttoo，”
　　saidthedaughter，buthermotherwastoobusygettingbreakfastreadyforthehungrymenwhowerenowperformingtheirmorningablutionswiththehelpofaverysmallbasinsetuponablockofwoodoutsidethekitchendoortoanswer。
　　ThereweretwomenemployedbyHaley，onethesonofaScotch-
　　Canadianfarmer，Websterbyname，astoutyoungfellow，butslowinhismovements，bothphysicalandmental，andwithnofurtherambitionthantodoafairday’sworkforafairday’spay。Hewasemployedbythemonthduringthebusierseasonsoftheyear。Theother，Perkins，wasHaley’s”steady”man，whichmeansthathewasemployedbytheyearandwasregardedalmostasamemberofthefamily。PerkinswasanEnglishmanwithfairhairandblueeyes，offreshcomplexion，burnedtoaclearred，clean-cutfeatures，andawellknit，athleticframe。Hewas，asTimdeclared，aterrortowork；indeed，hisfameasaworkerwaswellestablishedthroughoutthecountryside。TothesemenCameronwasintroducedasbeingfromScotlandandasbeinganxioustobeinitiatedintothemysteriesofCanadianfarmlife。”Gladtoseeyou！”saidPerkins，shakinghimheartilybythehand。”We’llmakeafarmerofyou，won’twe，Tim？FromScotland，eh？
　　Prettyfinecountry，Ihear——toleave，”headded，withagrinathisownhumour。Thoughhismannerwaspleasantenough，Cameronbecameconsciousofafeelingofaversion，whichherecognisedatonceasbeingasunreasonableasitwasinexplicable。HesetitdownasareflectionofTim’smentalattitudetowardthehiredman。
　　Perkinsseizedthetinbasin，dippedsomewaterfromtherainbarrelstandingnear，and，settingitdownbeforeCameron，said：”Here，pilein，Scotty。Dotheywashinyourcountry？””Yes，”repliedCameron，”theyareratherstrongonthat，”wonderingatthesametimehowtheoperationcouldbeperformedsuccessfullywithsuchamoderatesupplyofwater。Afterusingasecondandthirdsupply，however，heturned，withhandsandfacedripping，andlookedaboutforatowel。Perkinshandedhimalongrollertowel，blackwithdirtandstiffwithgrease。HadhislifedependeduponitCameroncouldnothaveavoidedashudderinghesitationashetookthefilthyclothpreparatorytoapplyingittohisface。”’Twon’thurtyou，”laughedPerkins。”Washdayain’ttillnextweek，youknow，andthisisonlyWednesday。”SuddenlythetowelwassnatchedfromCameron’shands。”Gimmethattowel！”Itwasthegirl，withfaceaflameandeyesemittingbluefire。”Here；Mr。Cameron，takethis，”shesaid。”GreatJerusalem，Mandy！Youain’tgoin’tobringonacleantowelthemiddleoftheweek？”saidPerkinsinmockdismay。”Guessit’sforMr。Cameron，”hecontinuedwithanotherlaugh。”Wegivecleantowelstothemthatknowshowtouse’em，”saidMandy，whiskingwrathfullyintothehouse。”Say，Scotty！”saidPerkins，inaloudbanteringtone，”guessyou’remakin’amashonMandyallright。””Idon’tknowexactlywhatyoumean，”saidCameronwithaquickrisingofwrath，”butIdoknowthatyouaremakingabeastlycadofyourself。””Oh，don’tgetwrathy，Scotty！”laughedPerkins，”we’rejusthavingalittlefun。Here’sthecomb！”ButCamerondeclinedthearticle，which，fromitsappearance，seemedtobeintendedforfamilyuse，and，proceedingtohisroom，completedhistoiletthere。
　　Thebreakfastwaslaidinthekitchenproper，aspaciousandcomfortableroom，whichservedaslivingroomforthehousehold。
　　ThetablewasladenwithavarietyandabundanceoffoodthatworthilysustainedthereputationoftheHaleysofbeing”goodfeeders。”Atoneendofthetablealargeplatewasheapedhighwithslicesoffatpork，andhereandtheredisposedalongitslengthweredishesoffriedpotatoes，hugepilesofbread，hotbiscuits，platesofbutter，piesofdifferentkinds，maplesyrup，andapplesauce。Itwasabreakfastfitforalord，andCameronsatdownwithapleasurableanticipationinducedbyhisearlyrisingandhishalfhour’sexperienceinthefreshmorningairwiththewoodpile。Acloserinspection，however，ofthedishessomewhatdampedthepleasureofhisanticipation。Thefoodwasgood，abundant，andwellcooked，buteverywheretherewasanutterabsenceofcleanliness。Theplatesweregreasy，theforksandknivesborethealltooevidentremainsofformermeals，andeverywherewereflies。Inhundredstheyswarmeduponthefood，while，drownedinthegravy，cookedinthepotatoes，overwhelmedinthemaplesyrup，buriedinthebutter，theirghastlycarcassesweretobeseen。Withapparentunconcernthemenbrushedasidethelivingandpickedoutandsetasidetheremainsofthedead，theunhappyvictimsoftheirowngreedortemerity，andwentoncalmlyandswiftlywiththeirbusiness。NotawordwasspokenexceptbyCameronhimself，who，constrainedbywhatheconsideredtobetheordinarydecenciesofsociety，madeanefforttokeepupaconversationwithMr。Haleyattheheadofthetableandoccasionallyventuredaremarktohiswife，who，withMandy，wasactingasawaiteruponthehungrymen。Butconversationisasocialexercise，andCameronfoundhimselfcompelledtoabandonhiswellmeantbutsolitaryeffortsatmaintainingtheconventionsofthebreakfasttable。Therewasneithertimenoroccasionforconversation。Thebusinessofthehourwassomethingquiteother，namely，thatofdevouringaslargeaportionofthefoodsetbeforethemaswaspossiblewithinthelimitsoftimeassignedforthemeal。Indeed，theelementoftimeseemedtobeoneofveryconsiderableimportance，asCamerondiscovered，forhewasstillpickinghiswaygingerlyandcarefullythroughhisporkandpotatoesbythetimethatPerkins，havingcompletedasecondcourseconsistingofpieandmaplesyrup，hadarrivedatthefinalcourseofbreadandbutterandapplesauce。”Circulatethebutter！”hedemandedofthetableingeneral。HetooktheplatefromCameron’shand，lookedatitnarrowlyforamoment，thenwiththumbandforefingerdrewfromthebutterwithgreatdeliberationalongdun-colouredhair。”Say！”hesaidinalowvoice，butperfectlyaudible，”theyforgottocombitthismorning。”
　　Cameronwasfilledwithunspeakabledisgust，but，glancingatMrs。
　　Haley’sface，hesawtohisreliefthatboththeactionandtheremarkhadbeenunnoticedbyher。ButonMandy’sfacehesawtheredensignofshameandwrath，andinspiteofhimselfhefelthisaversiontowardstheever-smilinghiredmandeepenintorage。
　　Findinghimselfdistancedinhisprogressthroughthevariouscoursesatbreakfast，Camerondeterminedtomisstheintermediatecourseofpieandmaplesyrupand，thathemightfinishonmoreeventermswiththeothers，proceededwithbreadandbutterandapplesauce。”Don’tyehhurry，”saidMrs。Haleywithheartyhospitality。”Eatplenty，there’slotstospare。Here，havesomeapplesauce。”Shecaughtupthebowlwhichheldthismostdeliciousarticleoffood。”Where’sthespoon？”shesaid，glancingroundthetable。Therewasnoneimmediatelyavailable。”Here！”shecried，”this’lldo。”Shesnatchedalargespoonfromthepitcherofthickcream，helditdrippingforamomentinobviousuncertainty，thenwithsuddendecisionshecried”Nevermind，”andwithswiftbuteffectiveapplicationoflipandtongueshecleansedthespoonofthedrippingcream，and，stirringtheapplesaucevigourously，passedthebowltoCameron。ForasinglemomentCameronheldthebowl，uncertainwhethertorefuseornot，butbeforehecouldmakeuphismindMandycaughtitfromhishands。”Oh，Ma！”sheexclaimedinahorrifiedtone。”What’sthematter？”exclaimedhermother。”Alittlecreamwon’thurt。”
　　ButMandysetthebowlatthefarendofthetableandpassedanothertoCameron，whoaccepteditwithresolutedeterminationandcontinuedhisbreakfast。
　　ButPerkins，followedbyWebsterandTim，rosefromthetableandpassedoutintotheyard，whencehisvoicecouldbeheardinexplosionsoflaughter。Cameroninthemeantimewasmakingheroicattemptstocoverupthesoundbyloud-voicedconversationwithHaley，and，rendereddesperatebytheexigenciesofthesituation，wentsofarastoventureawordofpraisetoMrs。Haleyupontheexcellenceandabundanceofhercooking。”Sheain’tgotnochance，”saidherhusband。”She’sgottoomuchtodoandit’sawfulhardtogethelp。Ofcourse，there’sMandy。””Ofcourse，there’sMandy，”echoedhiswife。”Iguessyou’djustbettersay，’There’sMandy。’She’sthewholethingisMandy。WhatI’ddowithouthergoodnessonlyknows。”
　　ButMandywasnolongerpresenttoenjoyhermother’senconiums。
　　HervoicecouldbeheardintheyardmakingfierceresponsetoPerkins’jestingremarks。AsCameronwaspassingoutfromthekitchenheheardherbitterdeclaration：”Idon’tcare，itwasrealmeanofyou，andI’llpayyouforityet，Mr。Perkins——beforeastranger，too。”Mandy’svoicesuggestedtears。”Oh，pshaw，Mandy！”remonstratedPerkins，”itwasallajoke，andwhocaresforhimanyway，unlessit’syourself？”
　　ButMandy，catchingsightofCameron，fledwithfieryfacebehindthekitchen，leavingPerkinsgazingafterherwithanapologeticgrinuponhiscountenance。”She’sratherhotunderthecollar，”heconfidedtoCameron，”butsheneedn’tgetso，Ididn’tmeannothin’。”
　　Cameronignoredhim。Hewasconsciousmainlyofaresolutedeterminationthatatallcostshemustnotyieldtohisalmostuncontrollabledesiretowipeofftheapologeticsmilewithawelldirectedblow。Mr。Denman’spartingadvicewasinhismindandhewasdevotingallhispowerstothebusinessofadjustinghimselftohispresentenvironment。ButtohisfastidiousnaturetheexperiencesofthemorningmadeitsomewhatdoubtfulifheshouldbeabletocarryoutthepolicyofadjustmenttotheextremeofschoolinghimselftobearwithequalmindthedailycontactwiththedirtanddisorderwhichheldsolargeaplaceinthedomesticeconomyoftheHaleyhousehold。Onethinghewasfirmlyresolvedupon，hewouldhenceforthperformhistoiletinhisownroom，andtherebysavehimselfthehorrorofthefamilyrollertowelandthefamilycomb。
　　Breakfastover，themenstoodwaitingordersfortheday。”We’llhavetocrowdthemturnipsthrough，Tim，”saidhisfather，whoseemedtoavoidasfaraspossiblegivingdirectorderstohismen。”Nextweekwe’llhavetogitatthehay。”Sototheturnipfieldtheywent。
　　Itisoneofthemanylimitationsofacity-bredboythatheknowsnothingofthelifehistoryandthecultureofthethingsthatgrowuponafarm。Applesandpotatoesherecogniseswhentheyappearasarticlesofdietuponthetable；oatsandwheathevaguelyassociatesinsomemysteriousandremotewaywithporridgeandbread，butwhetherpotatoesgrowontreesoroatsinpodshehasnocertainknowledge。Blessedisthecountryboyformanyreasons，butfornonemorethanthis，thattheworldoflivingandgrowingthings，animateandinanimate，isonewhichhehasexploredandwhichheintimatelyknows；andblessedisthecityboyforwhomhiswiseparentsprovidemeansofacquaintancewiththiswonderworkshopofoldmotherNature，God’sownopencountry。
　　Turnip-hoeingisanart，afineart，demandingallthetalentsofhighgenius，atrueeye，asurehand，asensitiveconscience，industry，courage，endurance，andprideinachievement。Theseandothergiftsarenecessarytohighsuccess。Nottoeverymanisitgiventobecomeaturnip-hoerinthetruestsenseofthatword。
　　Theartisachievedonlyafterlongandpatientdevotion，and，indeed，manyneverattainhighexcellence。Ofcourse，therefore，therearegradesofartistsinthisasinotherdepartments。Thereareturnip-hoersandturnip-hoers，justastherearepaintersandpainters。ItwasTim’sambitiontobethefirstturnip-hoerofhisdistrict，andtowardthisendhehadstrivenbothlastseasonandthiswithadevotionthatdeserved，ifitdidnotachieve，success。
　　Quietlyhehadbeenpatterninghimselfuponthatmasterartist，Perkins，whoforsomeyearshadeasilyheldthechampionshipforthedistrict。KeenlyTimhadbeenobservingPerkins’excellenciesandalsohisdefects；secretlyhehadbeendevelopingastyleofhisown，and，allunnoted，hehadtestedhisspeedbythatofPerkinsbyadoptingthemethodoflazilyloafingalongandthencatchingupbyafewminutesofwhirlwindwork。Timfeltinhissoulthedayofbattlecouldnotbedelayedpastthisseason；
　　indeed，itmightcomeanyday。Theverythoughtofitmadehisslightbodyquiverandhisheartbeatsoquicklyasalmosttochokehim。
　　TotheturnipfieldhiedHaley’smen，PerkinsandWebsterleadingtheway，TimandCameronbringinguptherear。”Youpromisedtoshowmehowtodoit，Tim，”saidCameron。”RememberIshallbeveryslow。””Oh，shucks！”repliedTim，”turnip-hoeingisaseasyasrollin’offalogifyehknowhowtodoit。””Exactly！”criedCameron，”butthatiswhatIdon’t。Youmightgivemesomepointers。””Well，youmustbeabletohitwhatyehaimat。””Ah！thatmeansagoodeyeandsteadyhand，”saidCameron。”Well，Icandobilliardssomeandgolf。Whatelse？””Well，youmustn’tbetoocareful，slashrightinanddon’tgivearip。””Ah！nerve，eh！”saidCameron。”Well，IhavedonesomeRugbyinmyday——Iknowsomethingofthat。Whatelse？Thissoundsgood。””Thenyou’vegottoleaveonlyoneturnipinoneplaceandnotaweed；andyoumustn’tleaveanyblanks。Dadgetshotoverthat。””Indeed，oneturnipineachplaceandnotaweed，”echoedCameron。”Say！thisbusinessgrowsinteresting。Noblanks！Anythingelse？”
　　hedemanded。”No，Iguessnot，onlyifyehevergitintoaraceye’vegottokeepgoin’afteryou’recleartuckeredoutandneverleton。Youseetheotherchapmaybefeelin’worsethanyou。””ByJove，Tim！you’reaborngeneral！”exclaimedCameron。”Youwillgosomedistanceifyoukeeponinthatline。Nowastoracingletmeventureaword，forIhavedonealittleinmytime。
　　Don’tspurttoosoon。””Eh！”saidTim，alleagerness。”Don’tgetintoyourracingstridetooearlyintheday，especiallyifyouareupagainstastrongerman。Waittillyouknowyoucanstaytilltheendandthenputyourbestlicksinatthefinish。”
　　Timpondered。