CHAPTER4。THECOMINGOFTHETIDE
Whilethecorngrew，schoolwentonand，likethecorn，Chad\'sschoolingputforthleavesandborefruitrapidly。Theboy\'smindwasasclearashiseyeand，likeamountain-pool，gavebackeveryimagethatpassedbeforeit。Notaworddroppedfromthemaster\'slipsthathefailedtohearandcouldn\'trepeat，and，inamonth，hehadputDolphandRube，who，bigastheywere，hadlittlemorethanlearnedthealphabet，toopenshame；andhewonimmunitywithhisfistsfromgibeandinsultfromeveryboywithinhisinchesinschool——includingTadDillon，whocameintimetoknowthatitwasgoodtolettheboyalone。Heworkedlikealittleslaveaboutthehouse，and，likeJack，wonhiswayintotheheartsofoldJoelandhiswife，andevenofDolphandRube，inspiteoftheirsorenessoverChad\'shavingspelledthembothdownbeforethewholeschool。AsforTallTom，hetookasmuchprideastheschool-
masterintheboy，andintown，atthegrist-mill，thecross-roads，orblacksmithshop，neverfailedtotellthestoryofthedogandtheboy，whenevertherewasasoultolisten。AndasforMelissa，whilesheruledhimlikeaqueenandChadpaidsturdyanduncomplaininghomage，shewouldhavescratchedouttheeyesofoneofherownbrothershadhedaredtolayafingerontheboy。ForChadhadGod\'sowngift——towinlovefromallbutenemiesandnothingbutrespectandfearfromthem。Everymorning，soonafterdaybreak，hestalkedaheadofthelittlegirltoschool，withDolphandRubeloungingalongbehind，and，anhourbeforesunset，stalkedbackinthesamewayhomeagain。
Whennotatschool，thetwofishedandplayedtogether——inseparable。
Cornwasripenow，andschoolclosedandChadwentwiththemenintothefieldsanddidhispart，strippingthegraybladesfromtheyellowstalks，bindingthemintosheaves，stowingthemawayunderthelowroofofthebigbarn，orstackingthemtent-likeinthefields——leavingeachearperchedlikeabigroostingbirdoneachlonestalk。Andwhentheautumncame，therewerehuskingpartiesanddancesandmuchmerriment；and，nightafternight，ChadsawSinthaandtheschool-masterinfrontofthefire——\"settin\'up\"——closetogetherwiththeirarmsabouteachother\'snecksandwhispering。Andtherewerequiltingpartiesandhousewarmingsandhouse-raisings——onethatwasofgreatimportancetoCalebHazelandtoChad。For，onemorning，Sinthadisappearedandcamebackwiththetallyounghunterinthedeerskinleggings——blushingfuriously——abride。AtonceoldJoelgavethemsomeclearedlandattheheadofacreek；theneighborscameintobuildthemacabin，andamongthemall，noneworkedharderthantheschool-master；andnoonebutChadguessedhowsorelyhithewas。
Meanwhile，thewoodshighandlowwereringingwiththemellowechoesofaxes，andthethunderingcrashofbigtreesalongthemountain-side；foralreadythehillsmenwerefellingtreeswhilethesapwasintheroots，sothattheycouldlieallwinter，drybetterandfloatbetterinthespring，whentheraftsweretakendowntherivertothelittlecapitalintheBluegrass。AndCalebHazelsaidthathewouldgodownonaraftinthespringandperhapsChadcouldgowithhimwhoknew？Fortheschool-masterhadnowmadeuphismindfinally——hewouldgooutintotheworldandmakehiswayoutthere；andnobodybutChadnoticedthathisdecisioncameonlyafter，andonlyalittlewhileafter，thehouse-raisingattheheadofthecreek。
Whenwintercame，schoolopenedagain，andonSaturdaysandSundaysandcoldsnowynights，Chadandtheschool-master——forhetoolivedattheTurners\'
now——satbeforethefireinthekitchen，andtheschool-masterreadtohimfrom\"Ivanhoe\"and\"TheTalisman，\"whichhehadbroughtfromtheBluegrass，andfromtheBiblewhichhadbeenhisownsincehewasachild。Andtheboydrankinthetalesuntilhewasdrunkwiththemandlearnedtheconsciousscornofalie，theconsciousloveoftruthandprideincourage，andtheconsciousreverenceforwomenthatmaketheessenceofchivalryasdistinguishedfromtheunthinkingcodeofbrave，simplepeople。Headoptedthemaster\'sdignifiedphraseologyasbesthecould；hewatchedhim，asthemasterstoodbeforethefirewithhishandsunderhiscoat-tails，hischinraised，andhiseyesdreamilyupward，andTallTomcaughttheboyinjustthisattitudeonedayandmadefunofhimbeforealltheothers。Hetriedsomehigh-soundingphrasesonMelissa，andMelissatoldhimhemustbecrazy。Once，even，hetriedtokissherhandgallantlyandsheslappedhisface。Undaunted，hemadealanceofwhiteash，threadedsomelooseyarnintoMelissa\'scolors，ashetoldhimself，sneakedintothebarn，whereBeelzebubwastied，gotonthesheep\'sbackand，astheoldramsprangforward，couchedhislanceatthetroughandshattereditwithathrillthatlefthimtremblingforhalfanhour。Itwastoogoodtogiveupthatsecretjoustandhemadeanotherlanceandessayedanothertournament，butthistimeBeelzebubbuttedthedooropenandsprangwithaloudba-a-aintotheyardandchargedforthegate——infullviewofoldJoel，thethreebrothers，andtheschool-master，whowerestandingintheroad。Instinctively，Chadswungoninspiteoftheroaroflaughterandastonishmentthatgreetedhimand，asTombangedthegate，theramswervedandChadshotoffsidewiseasfromacatapultanddropped，amostunheroiclittleknight，inthemire。ThatendedChad\'schivalryinthehills，forintheroarsoflaughterthatgreetedhim，ChadrecognizedCalebHazel\'sastheloudest。IfHElaughed，chivalrycouldneverthrivethere，andChadgaveitup；buttheseedsweresown。
Thewinterpassed，andwhatatimeChadandJackhad，snakinglogsoutofthemountainswithtwo，four，six——yes，eveneightyokeofoxen，whenthelogwastheheartofamonarchoakorpoplar——snakingthemtothechute；watchingthemrollandwhirlandleaplikejack-strawsfromendtoenddownthesteepinclineand，withonelastshootintheair，roll，shaking，quivering，intoamightyheaponthebankofKingdomCome。Andthenthe\"rafting\"ofthoselogs——draggingthemintothepoolofthecreek，lashingthemtogetherwithsaplingsdriventothelogswithwoodenpinsinauger-holes——wadingabout，meanwhile，waistdeepinthecoldwater：andthefinallashingoftherafttoanear-bytreewithagrape-vinecable——toawaitthecomingofa\"tide。\"
Wouldthattidenevercome？Itseemednot。Thespringploughingwasover，thecornplanted；therehadbeenrainafterrain，butgentlerainsonly。Therehadbeenprayersforrain：
\"OLord，\"saidthecircuit-rider，\"wedonotpresumetodictatetoThee，butweneedrain，an\'needitmightybad。Wedonotpresumetodictate，but，ifitpleasesThee，sendus，notagentlesizzle-sizzle，butasod-soaker，OLord，agullywasher。Giveusatide，OLord！\"Sunriseandsunset，oldJoelturnedhiseyetotheeastandthewestandshookhishead。TallTomdidthesame，andDolphandRubestudiedtheheavensforasign。Theschool-mastergrewvisiblyimpatientandChadwasinafeverofrestlessexpectancy。Theoldmotherhadmadehimasuitofclothes——mountain-clothes——forthetrip。OldJoelgavehimafive-dollarbillforhiswinter\'swork。EvenJackseemedtoknowthatsomethingunusualwasonhandandhungcloseraboutthehouse，forfearhemightbeleftbehind。
Softlyatlast，onenight，camethepatteroflittlefeetontheroofandpassed——cameagainandpaused；andthentherewasarushandasteadyroarthatwakenedChadandthrilledhimashelaylistening。Itdidnotlastlong，buttheriverwasmuddyenoughandhighenoughfortheTurnerbrotherstofloattheraftslowlyoutfromthemouthofKingdomComeanddowninfrontofthehouse，whereitwasanchoredtoahugesycamoreinplainsight。AtnoonthecloudsgatheredandoldJoelgaveuphistriptotown。
\"Hit\'llbegininaboutanhour，boys，\"hesaid，andinanhouritdidbegin。
Therewastobenodoubtaboutthisflood。Atdusk，theriverhadrisentwofeetandtheraftwaspullingatitscablelikeanawakeningsea-monster。
Meanwhile，themotherhadcookedagreatponeofcorn-bread，threefeetindiameter，andhadgroundcoffeeandgotsidesofbaconready。Allnightitpouredandthedawncameclear，onlytodarkenintograyagain。Buttheriver——theriver！Theroarofitfilledthewoods。Thefrothinghemofitswishedthroughthetopsofthetreesandthroughtheunderbrush，highonthemountain-side。Archedslightlyinthemiddle，fortheriverwasstillrising，itleapedandsurged，tossingtawnymaneandfleckandfoamasitthunderedalong——amad，moltenmassofyellowstruckintogoldbythelightofthesun。
Andtheretheraft，nolongertheawkwardmonsteritwasthedaybefore，floatedlikealily-pad，strainingatthecableaslightlyasagreyhoundleapingagainstitsleash。
Theneighborsweregatheredtowatchthedeparture——oldJerryBudd，blacksmithand\"yarbdoctor，\"andhisfolks；theCultonsandMiddletons，andeventheDillons——littleTadandWhizzer——andall。AndabrightpictureofArcadiathesimplefolkmade，themeninhomespunandthewomenwiththeirbrilliantshawls，astheystoodonthebanklaughing，callingtooneanother，andjestinglikechildren。Allwereaboardnowandtherewasnokissingnorshakinghandsinthefarewell。Thegoodoldmotherstoodonthebank，withMelissaholdingtoherapronandlookingatChadgravely。
\"Takegoodkeero\'yo\'self，Chad，\"shesaidkindly，andthenshelookeddownatthelittlegirl。\"He\'sa-comin\'back，honey——Chad\'sa-comin\'back。\"AndChadnoddedbrightly，butMelissadrewherapronacrosshermouth，droppedhereyestotheoldrifleintheboy\'slap，anddidnotsmile。
Allwereaboardnow——DolphandRube，oldSquireMiddleton，andtheschool-master，allexceptTallTom，whostoodbythetreetounwindthecable。
\"Holdon！\"shoutedtheSquire。
AraftshotsuddenlyaroundthebendabovethemandsweptpastwiththeDillonbrothersJakeandJerry，nephewsofoldTadDillon，atbowandstern——passedwithasullenwavefromJerryandagood-naturedsmilefromstupidJake。
\"Allright，\"Tomshouted，andheunwoundthegreatbrownpliantvinefromthesycamoreandleapedaboard。JustthentherewasamadhowlbehindthehouseandagraystreakoflightflashedoverthebankandJack，withawispofropearmoredhisneck，sprangthroughtheairfromarocktenfeethighandlandedlightlyonthelastlogastheraftshotforward。Chadgulpedonceandhisheartleapedwithjoy，forhehadagreedtoleaveJackwitholdJoel，andoldJoelhadtiedthedoginthebarn。
\"Hi！\"shoutedtheoldhunter。\"Throwthatdawgoff，Chad——throwhimoff。\"
ButChadshookhisheadandsmiled。
\"Hewon\'tgoback，\"heshouted，and，indeed，therewasJacksquattedonhishaunchesclosebyhislittlemasterandlookinggravelybackasthoughhewerelookingalastgood-by。
\"Hithere！\"shoutedoldJoelagain。\"HowamIgointogitalongwithoutthatdawg？Throwhimoff，Boy——throwhimoff，Itellye！\"Chadseizedthedogbytheshoulders，butJackbracedhimselfand，likeachild，lookedupinhismaster\'sface。Chadletgoandshookhishead。
AfranticyellfromTallTomatthebowoardreweveryeyetohim。Thecurrentwasstrongerthananyoneguessedandtheraftwasbeingsweptbyaneddystraightforthepointoftheoppositeshorewheretherewasasharpturnintheriver。
\"Watchoutthar，\"shoutedoldJoel，\"you\'regointo\'bow\'！\"DolphandRubewereslashingthesternoarforwardandbackthroughtheswiftwater，butstraightthehugecraftmadeforthatdeadlypoint。Everymanhadholdofanoarandwastusslinginsilenceforlife。Everymanonshorewasyellingdirectionsandwarning，whilethewomenshrankbackwithfrightenedfaces。
Chadscarcelyknewwhatthematterwas，buthegrippedhisrifleandsqueezedJackclosertohim。HeheardTomroaralastwarningasthecraftstruck，quiveredamoment，andthesternsweptaround。Thecrafthad\"bowed。\"
\"Watchout——jump，boys，jump！Watchwhenshehumps！Watchyo\'legs！\"Thesewerethecriesfromtheshore，andstillChaddidnotunderstand。HesawTomleapfromthebow，and，asthesternswungtotheothershore，Dolph，too，leaped。Thenthesternstruck。Therafthumpedinthemiddlelikeabuckinghorse——thelogsgroundsavagelytogether。ChadheardacryofpainfromJackandsawthedogflyupintheairanddropinthewater。Heandhisgunhadgoneup，too，buthecamebackontheraftwithoneleginbetweentwologsandhedrewitupintimetokeepthelimbfrombeingsmashedtoapulpasthelogscrashedtogetheragain，butnotquicklyenoughtosavethefootfromapainfulsqueeze。ThenhesawTomandDolphleapbackagain，theraftwhirledonandsteadiedinitscourse，andbehindhimhesawJackswimmingfeeblyfortheshore——fightingthewavesforhislife，forthedogwashurt。TwiceheturnedhiseyesdespairinglytowardChad，andtheboywouldhaveleapedinthewatertosavehimifTomhadnotcaughthimbythearm。
\"Tellhimtogittoshore，\"hesaidquickly，andChadmotioned，whenJacklookedagain，andthedogobedientlymadeforland。OldJoelwascallingtenderly：
\"Comeon，Jack；comeon，olefeller！\"
Chadwatchedwithathumpingheart。OnceJackwentunder，butgavenosound。
Againhedisappeared，andwhenhecameuphegaveacryforhelp，butwhenheheardChad\'sansweringcryhefoughtonstrokebystrokeuntilChadsawoldJoelreachoutfromthebushesandpullhimin。AndChadcouldseethatoneofhishindlegshunglimp。Thentheraftswungaroundthecurveoutofsight。
Behind，thewholecrowdrusheddowntothewater\'sedge。JacktriedtogetawayfromoldJoelandscrambleafterChadonhisbrokenleg，butoldJoelheldhim，soothinghim，andcarriedhimbacktothehouse，wheretheold\"yarbdoctor\"putsplintsonthelegandboundituptightly，justasthoughithadbeenthelegofachild。Melissawascryingandtheoldmanputhishandonherhead。
\"He\'llbeallright，honey。Thatleg\'llbeasgoodastheotheroneintwoorthreeweeks。It\'sallright，littlegal。\"
Melissastoppedweepingwithasuddengulp。ButwhenJackwaslyinginthekitchenbythefirealone，sheslippedinandputherarmaroundthedog\'shead，and，whenJackbegantolickherface，shebentherownheaddownandsobbed。
CHAPTER5。OUTOFTHEWILDERNESS
OnthewaytoGod\'sCountryatlast！AlreadyChadhadschooledhimselfforthepartingwithJack，andbutforthishemust——littlemanthathewas——haveburstintotears。Asitwas，thelumpinhisthroatstayedtherealongwhile，butitpassedintheexcitementofthatmadracedowntheriver。TheoldSquirehadneverknownsuchatide。
\"Boys，\"hesaid，gleefully，\"we\'regoin\'tomakeaREcordonthistrip——youjus\'seeifwedon\'t。Thatis，ifweevergittharalive。\"
Allthetimetheoldmanstoodinthemiddleoftheraftyellingorders。AheadwastheDillonraft，andthetwinbrothers——thegiants，onemild，theothersour-faced——weregesticulatingangrilyateachotherfrombowandstern。Asusual，theywerequarrelling。OntheTurnerraft，Dolphwasatthebow，theschool-masteratthestern，whileRube——whowascook——andChad，inspiteofastingingpaininonefoot，builtanovenofstones，wherecoffeecouldbeboiledandbaconbroiled，andstartedafire，fortheairwaschillontheriver，especiallywhentheywererunningbetweenthehillsandnosuncouldstrikethem。
Whenthefireblazedup，ChadsatbyitwatchingTallTomandtheschool-masteratthesternoarandRubeatthebow。Whentheturnwassharp，howtheylashedthehugewhitebladesthroughtheyellowwater——withthehandleacrosstheirbroadchests，catchingwiththeirtoesinthelittlenotchesthathadbeenchippedalongthelogsandtossingtheoarsdownandupwithamightyswingthatmadethebladesquiverandbendlikethetopsofpliantsaplings！Then，onarun，theywouldrushbacktostartthestrokeagain，whiletheoldSquireyelled：
\"Hitheruptharnow——easy——easy！NOW！Hitherup！Hitherup——NOW！\"
Nowtheypassedbetweenupright，wooded，graymountain-sides，threadedwithfaintlinesofthecominggreen；nowbetweengraywallsofrockstreakedwhitewithwater-falls，andnowpastnarrowlittlevalleyswhichwerejustbeginningtosproutwithcorn。Atthemouthofthecreekstheysawotherraftsmakingreadyand，nowandthen，araftwouldshootoutintheriverfromsomecreekaheadorbehindthem。Inanhour，theystruckasmoothrunofseveralhundredyardswherethemenattheoarscouldsitstillandrest，whiletheraftshotlightlyforwardinthemiddleofthestream；anddowntherivertheycouldseethebigDillonsmakingthenextsharpturnand，eventhatfaraway，theycouldhearJerryyellingandswearingathispatientbrother。
\"Someo\'thesedays，\"saidtheoldSquire，\"thatfoolJake\'sa-goin\'topickupsomethin\'an\'knockthatmeanJerry\'sheadoff。Iwonderhehain\'tdoneitafore。Hit\'sfunnyhowbrotherscanhatewhentheydogittohatin\'。\"
Thatnight，theytiedupatJackson——tobefamouslongafterthewarastheseatofabittermountain-feud。Atnoonthenextday，theystruck\"theNahrrers\"Narrows，wheretheriverranlikeatorrentbetweenhighsteepwallsofrock，andwherethemenstoodtotheoarswatchfullyandtheoldsquirestoodupright，watchingeverymovementoftheraft；for\"bowing\"therewouldhavemeantdestructiontotheraftandthedeathofthemall。ThatnighttheywereinBeattyville，whencetheyfloatednextday，alonglowerhillsand，nowandthen，pastabroadvalley。OnceChadlookedattheschool-master——hewonderediftheywereapproachingtheBluegrass——butCalebHazelsmiledandshookhishead。AndhadChadwaitedanotherhalfhour，hewouldnothaveaskedthequestion，evenwithhiseyes，fortheysweptbetweenhighcliffsagain——higherthanhehadyetseen。
Thatnighttheyranfromdarktodawn，fortheriverwasbroaderandabrilliantmoonwashigh；and，allnight，Chadcouldheartheswishoftheoars，astheyfloatedinmysterioussilencepastthetreesandthehillsandthemoonlitcliffs，andhelayonhisback，lookingupatthemoonandthestars，andthinkingaboutthelandtowhichhewasgoingandofJackbackinthelandhehadleft；andoflittleMelissa。ShehadbehavedverystrangelyduringthelastfewdaysbeforetheboyhadleftShehadnotbeensharpwithhim，eveninplay。Shehadbeenveryquiet——indeed，shescarcelyspokeawordtohim，butshedidlittlethingsforhimthatshehadneverdonebefore，andshewasunusuallykindtoJack。Once，Chadfoundhercryingbehindthebarn，andthenshewasverysharpwithhim，andtoldhimtogoawayandcriedmorethanever。Herlittlefacelookedverywhite，asshestoodonthebank，and，somehow，Chadsawitallthatnightintheriverandamongthetreesandupamongthestars，buthelittleknewwhatitallmeanttohimortoher。HethoughtoftheTurnersbackathome，andhecouldseethemsittingaroundthebigfire——Joelwithhispipe，theoldmotherspinningflax，Jackasleeponthehearth，andMelissa\'sbigsolemneyesshiningfromthedarkcornerwhereshelaywide-awakeinbedand，whenhewenttosleep，hereyesfollowedhiminhisdreams。
Whenheawoke，thedaywasjustglimmeringoverthehills，andthechillairmadehimshiver，ashebuiltupthefireandbegantogetbreakfastready。Atnoon，thatday，thoughthecliffswerestillhigh，theraftswungoutintoabroadercurrent，wherethewaterransmoothlyand，once，thehillspartedand，lookingpastalog-cabinonthebankoftheriver，Chadsawastonehouse——relicofpioneerdays——and，fartherout，throughagapinthehills，ahugehousewithgreatpillarsarounditand，onthehill-side，manysheepandfatcattleandagreatbarn。TheredweltoneofthelordsoftheBluegrassland，andagainChadlookedtotheschool-masterand，thistime，theschool-mastersmiledandnoddedasthoughtosay：
\"We\'regettingclosenow，Chad。\"SoChadrosetohisfeetthrilled，andwatchedthesceneuntilthehillsshutitoffagain。Onemorenightandonemoredawn，and，beforethesunrose，thehillshadgrownsmallerandsmallerandtheglimpsesbetweenthemmorefrequentand，atlast，fardowntheriver，Chadsawacolumnofsmokeandallthemenontherafttookofftheirhatsandshouted。Theendofthetripwasnear，forthatblackcolumnmeantthecapital！
Chadtrembledonhisfeetandhisheartroseintohisthroat，whileCalebHazelseemedhardlylessmoved。Hishatwasoffandhestoodmotionless，withhisfaceuplifted，andhisgraveeyesfastenedonthatdarkcolumnasthoughitrosefromthepillaroffirethatwasleadinghimtosomepromisedland。
Astheyroundedthenextcurve，somemonstersweptoutofthelowhillsontheright，withashriekthatstartledtheboyalmostintoterrorand，withamightypuffingandrumbling，shotoutofsightagain。Theschool-mastershoutedtoChad，andtheTurnerbrothersgrinnedathimdelightedly：
\"Steam-cars！\"theycried，andChadnoddedbackgravely，tryingtoholdinhiswonder。
Sweepingaroundthenextcurve，anothermonsterhoveinsightwiththesamepuffingandalong\"h-o-o-ot！\"Amonsterontheriverandmovingupstreamsteadily，withnooarandnomaninsight，andtheTurnersandtheschool-mastershoutedagain。Chad\'seyesgrewbigwithwonderandheranforwardtoseethericketylittlesteamboatapproachand，withwideeyes，devouredit，asitwheezedandlaboredup-streampastthem——watchedthethunderingstern-wheelthreshingthewaterintoawakeoffoamfarbehinditandflashingitsblades，water-drippinginthesun——watchedittillitpuffedandwheezedandlaboredonoutofsight。GreatHeavens！tothinkthathe——Chad——wasseeingallthat！
Aboutthenextbend，morebutthinnercolumnsofsmokewerevisible。Soontheveryhillsoverthecapitalcouldbeseen，withlittlegreenwheat-fieldsdottingthemand，astheraftdrewalittlecloser，Chadcouldseehousesonthehills——morestrangehousesofwoodandstone，andporches，andqueertowersonthemfromwhichglistenedshiningpoints。
\"What\'sthem？\"heasked。
\"Lightnin\'-rods，\"saidTom，andChadunderstood，fortheschool-masterhadtoldhimaboutthembackinthemountains。WasthereanythingthatCalebHazelhadnottoldhim？Thehazeoverthetownwasnowvisible，andsoontheysweptpasttallchimneyspuffingoutsmoke，greatwarehousescoveredontheoutsidewithweather-browntin，and，straightahead——Heavens，whatabridge！——archingclearovertheriverandcoveredlikeahouse，fromwhichpeoplewerelookingdownonthemastheysweptunder。Therewerethehouses，intworowsonthestreets，jammedupagainsteachotherandwithoutanyyards。Andpeople！Wherehadsomanypeoplecomefrom？Closetotheriverandbeyondthebridgewasanothergreatmansion，withtallpillars，aboutitwasagreenyard，assmoothasafloor，andnegroesandchildrenwerestandingontheoutskirtingstonewallandlookingdownatthemastheyfloatedby。Andanothergreathousestill，andabiggardenwithlittlepathsrunningthroughitandmorepatchesofthatstrangegreengrass。Wasthatbluegrass？Itwas，butitdidn\'tlookblueanditdidn\'tlooklikeanyothergrassChadhadeverseen。Belowthisbridgewasanotherbridge，butnotsohigh，and，whileChadlooked，anotherblackmonsteronwheelswerecrashingoverit。
Tomandtheschool-masterwereworkingtheraftslowlytotheshorenow，and，alittlefartherdown，Chadcouldseemoreraftstiedup——rafts，rafts，nothingbutraftsontheriver，everywhere！Upthebankamightybuzzingwasgoingon，amidacloudofdust，andlittlecarswithlogsonthemwereshootingaboutamidthegleamingsofmanysaws，and，nowandthen，alogwouldleapfromtheriverandstartuptowardthatdust-cloudwithtwoglisteningironteethsunkinoneendandalongironchainstretchingupalongagroovebuiltofboards——andHeavenonlyknewwhatwaspullingitup。Onthebankwasastout，jolly-lookingman，whosered，kindfacelookedfamiliartoChad，asherandownshoutingawelcometotheSquire。Thentheraftslippedalonganotherraft，Tomsprangaboarditwiththegrape-vinecable，andtheschool-masterleapedaboardwithanothercablefromthestern。
\"Why，boy，\"criedthestoutman。\"Where\'syo\'dog？\"ThenChadrecognizedhim，forhewasnoneotherthanthecattle-dealerwhohadgivenhimJack。
\"Ilefthimathome。\"
\"Isheallright？\"
\"Yes——Ireckon。\"
\"ThenI\'dliketohavehimbackagain。\"
Chadsmiledandshookhishead。
\"Notmuch。\"
\"Well，he\'sthebestsheep-dogonearth。\"
Theraftslowedup，creaking——slower——strainingandcreaking，andstopped。Thetripwasover，andtheSquirehadmadehis\"record，\"forthered-facedmanwhistledincredulouslywhentheoldmantoldhimwhatdayhehadleftKingdomCome。
AnhourlaterthebigDillontwinshoveinsight，justastheTurnerpartywasclimbingthesawdusthillintothetown，whereDolphandRubewerefortakingthemiddleofthestreetlikeothermountaineers，whoweremarchingthusaheadofthem，singlefile，butTomandtheschool-masterlaughedatthemanddrewthemovertothesidewalk。Bricksandstoneslaiddownforpeopletowalkon——howwonderful。Andallthehouseswereofbrickorwereweather-boarded——allbuilttogetherwallagainstwall。Andthestoreswiththebigglasswindowsallfilledwithwonderfulthings！Thenapairofswinginggreenshuttersthroughwhich，whileChadandtheschool-masterwaitedoutside，TominsistedontakingDolphandRubeandgivingthemtheirfirstdrinkofBluegrasswhiskey——redliquor，asthehill-mencallit。Alittlefartheron，theyallstoppedstillonacornerofthestreet，whiletheschool-masterpointedouttoChadandDolphandRubetheCapitol——amightystructureofmassivestone，withmajesticstonecolumns，wherepeoplewenttotheLegislature。Howtheylookedwithwonderingeyesatthegreatflagfloatinglazilyoverit，andatthewonderfulfountaintossingwaterintheair，andwiththewaterthreewhiteballswhichleapedanddancedinthejetofshiningsprayandneverflewawayfromit。Howdidtheystaythere？Theschool-masterlaughed——Chadhadaskedhimaquestionatlastthathecouldn\'tanswer。Andthetallspikedironfencethatranallthewayaroundtheyard，whichwasfulloftrees——howwonderfulthatwas，too！Astheystoodlooking，law-makersandvisitorspouredoutthroughthedoors——abravearray——someofthemintighttrousers，highhats，andbluecoatswithbrassbuttons，and，astheypassed，CalebHazelreverentlywhisperedthenamesofthoseheknew——distinguishedlawyers，statesmen，andMexicanveterans：wittyTomMarshall；RogerHanson，bulky，brilliant；statelyPreston，eagle-eyedBuckner，andBreckenridge，themagnificent，forensicinbearing。Chadwasthrilled。
Alittlefartheron，theyturnedtotheleft，andtheschool-masterpointedouttheGovernor\'smansion，andthere，closeby，wasahighgraywall——awallashighasahouse，withawoodenboxtallerthanamanoneachcorner，and，inside，anotherbiggraybuildinginwhich，visibleabovethewalls，weregratedwindows——thepenitentiary！Everymountaineerhasheardthatword，andanother——theLegislator。
Chadshiveredashelooked，forhecouldrecallthatsometimesdowninthemountainsamanwoulddisappearforyearsandturnupagainathome？whitenedbyconfinement；and，duringhisabsence，whenanyoneaskedabouthim，theanswerwaspenitentiary。Hewonderedwhatthoseboxesonthewallswerefor，andhewasabouttoask，whenaguardsteppedfromoneofthemwithamusketandstartedtopatrolthewall，andhehadnoneedtoask。TomwantedtogouponthehillandlookattheArmoryandthegraveyard，buttheschool-mastersaidtheydidnothavetime，and，onthemoment，theairwasstartledwithwhistlesfarandnear——sixo\'clock！AtonceCalebHazelledthewaytosupperintheboarding-house，whereakind-facedoldladyspoketoChadinamotherlyway，andwheretheboysawhisfirsthotbiscuitandwasalmostafraidtoeatanythingatthetableforfearhemightdosomethingwrong。Forthefirsttimeinhislife，too，hesleptonamattresswithoutanyfeather-bed，andChadlaywondering，butunsatisfiedstill。Notyethadhebeenoutofsightofthehills，butthemasterhadtoldhimthattheywouldseetheBluegrassnextday，whentheyweretostartbacktothemountainsbytrainasfarasLexington。
AndChadwenttosleep，dreaminghisolddream。
CHAPTER6
LOSTATTHECAPITAL
Ithadbeenarrangedbytheschool-masterthattheyshouldallmeetattherailwaystationtogohome，nextdayatnoon，and，astheTurnerboyshadtohelptheSquirewiththelogsattheriver，andtheschool-masterhadtoattendtosomebusinessofhisown，Chadroamedallmorningaroundthetown。
Soengrossedwashewiththepeopleandthesightsandsoundsofthelittlevillagethathecametohimselfwithastartandtrottedbacktotheboarding-houseforfearthathemightnotbeabletofindthestationalone。
Theoldladywasstandinginthesunshineatthegate。
Chadpanted——\"Where\'s——？\"
\"They\'regone。\"
\"Gone！\"echoedChad，withasinkingheart。
\"Yes，they\'vebeengone——\"ButChaddidnotwaittolisten；hewhirledintothehall-way，caughtuphisrifle，and，forgettinghisinjuredfoot，fledatfullspeeddownthestreet。Heturnedthecorner，butcouldnotseethestation，andheranonaboutanothercornerandstillanother，and，justwhenhewasabouttoburstintotears，hesawthelowroofthathewaslookingfor，andhot，panting，andtired，herushedtoit，hardlyabletospeak。
\"HasthatenJINEgone？\"heaskedbreathlessly。Themanwhowaswhirlingtrunksontheircornersintothebaggage-roomdidnotanswer。Chad\'seyesflashedandhecaughtthemanbythecoat-tail。
\"HasthatenJINEgone？\"hecried。
Themanlookedoverhisshoulder。
\"Leggomycoat，youlittledevil。Yes，thatenJINE\'Sgone，\"headded，mimicking。Thenhesawtheboy\'sunhappyfaceandhedroppedthetrunkandturnedtohim。
\"What\'sthematter？\"heasked，kindly。
Chadhadturnedawaywithasob。
\"They\'velef\'me——they\'velef\'me，\"hesaid，andthen，controllinghimself：
\"Istharanothergoin\'？\"
\"Nottillto-morrowmornin\'。\"
Anothersobcame，andChadturnedaway——hedidnotwantanybodytoseehimcry。Andthiswasnotimeforcrying，forChad\'sprayerbackatthegraveunderthepoplarflashedsuddenlybacktohim。
\"Igottoacklikeamannow。\"And，soberedatonce，hewalkedonupthehill——thinking。Hecouldnotknowthattheschool-masterwasbackinthetown，lookingforhim。Ifhewaiteduntilthenextmorning，theTurnerswouldprobablyhavegoneon；whereas，ifhestartedoutnowonfoot，andwalkedallnight，hemightcatchthembeforetheyleftLexingtonnextmorning。AndifhemissedtheSquireandtheTurnerboys，hecouldcertainlyfindtheschool-masterthere。Andifnot，hecouldgoontothemountainsalone。Orhemightstayinthe\"settlemints\"——whathadhecomefor？Hemight——hewould——oh，he\'dgetalongsomehow，hesaidtohimself，wagginghishead——healwayshadandhealwayswould。Hecouldalwaysgobacktothemountains。IfheonlyhadJack——ifheonlyhadJack！Nothingwouldmakeanydifferencethen，andhewouldneverbelonely，ifheonlyhadJack。But，cheeredwithhisdetermination，herubbedthetearsfromhiseyeswithhiscoat-sleeveandclimbedthelonghill。TherewastheArmory，which，yearslater，wastoharborUniontroopsinthegreatwar，andbeyonditwasthelittlecityofthedeadthatsitsontopofthehillfarabovetheshiningriver。Atthegreatirongateshestoppedamoment，peeringthrough。Hesawawildernessofwhiteslabsand，notuntilhemadehiswayacrossthethickgreenturfandspelledoutthenamescarvedonthem，couldhemakeoutwhattheywerefor。Howhewonderedwhenhesawtheinnumerablegreenmounds，forhehardlyknewtherewereasmanypeopleintheworldlivingashesawtheremustbeinthatplace，dead。
Buthehadnotimetospareandheturnedquicklybacktothepike——saddened——forhisheartwentback，ashisfaithfulheartwasalwaysdoing，tothelonelygravesunderthebigpoplarbackinthemountains。
Whenhereachedthetopoftheslope，hesawarollingcountryoflowhillsstretchingoutbeforehim，greeningwithspring；withfarstretchesofthickgrassandmanywoodlandsunderalong，lowsky，andhewonderedifthiswastheBluegrass。Buthe\"reckoned\"not——notyet。Andyethelookedinwonderatthegreenslopes，andthewoods，andtheflashingcreek，andnowhereinfrontofhim——wonderofall——couldheseeamountain。ItwasasCalebHazelhadtoldhim，onlyChadwasnotlookingforanysuchmysteriousjoyasthrilledhissensitivesoul。Therehadbeenalightsprinkleofsnow——suchafallasmaycomeeveninearlyApril——butthenoonsunhadletthewheat-fieldsandthepasturesblossomthroughit，andhadsweptitfromthegraymoistpikeuntilnowtherewerepatchesofwhiteonlyingullyandalongnorthhill-sidesunderlittlegroupsofpinesandinthewoods，wherethesunlightcouldnotreach；
andChadtrudgedsturdilyoninspiteofhisheavyrifleandhislamefoot，keenlyalivetothenewsightsandsoundsandsmellsofthenewworld——onuntiltheshadowslengthenedandtheairchilledagain；on，untilthesunbegantosinkclosetothefar-awayhazeofthehorizon。Neverhadthehorizonlookedsofaraway。Hisfootbegantohurt，andonthetopofahillhehadtostopandsitdownforawhileintheroad，thepainwassokeen。Thesunwassettingnowinagloryofgold，rose，pink，andcrimsonoverhim，thestillcloudscaughtthedivinelightwhichsweptswiftlythroughtheheavensuntilthelittlepinkcloudsovertheeast，too，turnedgoldenpinkandthewholeheavensweresuffusedwithgreenandgold。Inthewest，cloudwaspiledoncloudlikevastcathedralsthatmusthavebeenbuiltforworshiponthewaystraighttotheverythroneofGod。AndChadsatthrilled，ashehadbeenatthesunriseonthemountainsthemorningafterheranaway。Therewasnostorm，butthesamelonelinesscametohimnowandhewonderedwhatheshoulddo。Hecouldnotgetmuchfartherthatnight——hisfoothurttoobadly。Helookedup——thecloudshadturnedtoashesandtheairwasgrowingchill——andhegottohisfeetandstartedon。Atthebottomofthehillanddownalittlecreekhesawalightandheturnedtowardit。Thehousewassmall，andhecouldhearthecryingofachildinsideandcouldseeatallmancuttingwood，sohestoppedatthebarsandshouted\"Hello！\"
Themanstoppedhisaxeinmid-airandturned。Awoman，withababyinherarms，appearedinthelightofthedoorwithchildrencrowdingabouther。
\"Hello！\"answeredtheman。
\"Iwanttogittostayallnight。\"Themanhesitated。
\"Wedon\'tkeeppeopleallnight。\"
\"Notkeeppeopleallnight，\"thoughtChadwithwonder。
\"Oh，Ireckonyouwill，\"hesaid。Wasthereanybodyintheworldwhowouldn\'ttakeinastrangerforthenight？Fromthedoorwaythewomansawthatitwasaboywhowasaskingshelterandthetrustinhisvoiceappealedvaguelytoher。
\"Comein！\"shecalled，inapatient，whiningtone。\"Youcanstay，Ireckon。\"
ButChadchangedhismindsuddenly。Iftheywereindoubtaboutwantinghim——hewasinnodoubtastowhathewoulddo。
\"No，IreckonI\'dbettergiton，\"hesaidsturdily。andheturnedandlimpedbackupthehilltotheroad——stillwondering，andherememberedthat，inthemountains，whenpeoplewantedtostayallnight，theyusuallystoppedbeforesundown。Travellingafterdarkwassuspiciousinthemountains，andperhapsitwasinthisland，too。So，withthisthought，hehadhalfamindtogobackandexplain，buthepushedon。Halfamilefarther，hisfootwassobadthathestoppedwithacryofpainintheroadand，seeingabarncloseby，heclimbedthefenceandintotheloftandburrowedhimselfunderthehay。Fromundertheshedhecouldseethestarsrising。Itwasverystillandverylonelyandhewashungry——hungrierandlonelierthanhehadeverbeeninhislife，andasobofhelplessnessrosetohislips——ifheonlyhadJack——buthehelditback。
\"Igottoacklikeamannow。\"And，sayingthisoverandovertohimself，hewenttosleep。
CHAPTER7。AFRIENDONTHEROAD
Rainfellthatnight——gentlerainandwarm，forthesouthwindroseatmidnight。AtfouroclockashowermadetheshinglesoverChadrattlesharply，butwithoutwakeningthelad，andthentherainceased；andwhenChadclimbedstifflyfromhisloft——theworldwasdrenchedandstill，andthedawnwaswarm，forspringhadcomethatmorning，andChadtrudgedalongtheroad——unchilled。Everynowandthenhehadtostoptoresthisfoot。Nowandthenhewouldseepeoplegettingbreakfastreadyinthefarm-housesthathepassed，and，thoughhislittlebellywasdrawnwithpain，hewouldnotstopandaskforsomethingtoeat——forhedidnotwanttoriskanotherrebuff。Thesunroseandthelightleapedfromeverywetbladeofgrassandburstingleaftomeetit——leapedasthoughflashingbackgladnessthatthespringwascome。
ForalittlewhileChadforgothishungerandforgothisfoot——liketheleafandgrass-bladehisstoutheartansweredwithgladness，too，andhetrudgedon。
Meanwhile，farbehindhim，anoldcarriagerolledoutofabigyardandstartedtowardhimandtowardLexington。Inthedriver\'sseatwasanoldgray-haired，gray-beardednegrowithknottyhandsandakindlyface；while，ontheovalshapedseatbehindthelumberingoldvehicle，satalittledarkywithhisbarelegsdanglingdown。InthecarriagesatamanwhomighthavebeenastoutsquirestraightfrommerryEngland，exceptthattherewasalittletilttothebrimofhisslouchhatthatoneneverseesexceptontheheadofaSoutherner，andinhisstrong，buteasy，good-naturedmouthwasapipeofcorn-cobwithalongcanestem。Thehorsesthatdrewhimwereahandsomepairofhalfthoroughbreds，andtheolddriver，withhiseyeshalfclosed，lookedasthough，eventhatearlyinthemorning，heweredozing。Anhourlater，thepikeranthroughanoldwooden-coveredbridge，toonesideofwhicharoadleddowntothewater，andtheoldnegroturnedthecarriagetothecreektolethishorsesdrink。Thecarriagestoodstillinthemiddleofthestreamandpresentlytheolddriverturnedhishead：\"MarsCal！\"hecalledinalowvoice。TheMajorraisedhishead。TheoldnegrowaspointingwithhiswhipaheadandtheMajorsawsomethingsittingonthestonefence，sometwentyyardsbeyond，whichstirredhimsharplyfromhismoodofcontemplation。
\"ShadesofDan\'lBoone！\"hesaid，softly。Itwasaminiaturepioneer——thelittlestillfigurewatchinghimsolemnlyandsilently。Acrosstheboy\'slaplayalongrifle——theMajorcouldseethatithadaflintlock——andonhistangledhairwasacoonskincap——thescalpabovehissteadydarkeyesandthetailhangingdownthelad\'sneck。Andonhisfeetwere——moccasins！Thecarriagemovedoutofthestreamandtheolddrivergotdowntohookthecheck-reinsovertheshiningbitofmetalthatcurvedbackoverthelittlesaddlestowhichtheboy\'seyeshadswiftlystrayed。ThentheycamebacktotheMajor。
\"Howdye！\"saidChad。
\"Good-mornin\'，littleman，\"saidtheMajorpleasantly，andChadknewstraightwaythathehadfoundafriend。Buttherewassilence。Chadscannedthehorsesandthestrangevehicleandtheolddriverandthelittlepickaninnywho，hearingtheboy\'svoice，hadstooduponhisseatandwasgrinningoveroneofthehindwheels，andthenhiseyesrestedontheMajorwithasimpleconfidenceandunconsciousappealthattouchedtheMajoratonce。
\"Areyougoin\'myway？\"TheMajor\'snaturewastoomellowandeasy-goingtopayanyattentiontofinalg\'s。Chadliftedhisoldgunandpointeduptheroad。
\"I\'ma-goin\'thataway。\"
\"Well，don\'tyouwanttoride？\"
\"Yes，\"hesaid，simply。
\"Climbrightin，myboy。\"
SoChadclimbedin，and，holdingtheoldrifleuprightbetweenhisknees，helookedstraightforward，insilence，whiletheMajorstudiedhimwithaquietsmile。
\"Whereareyoufrom，littleman？\"
\"Icomefromthemountains。\"
\"Themountains？\"saidtheMajor。
TheMajorhadfishedandhuntedinthemountains，andsomewhereinthatunknownregionheownedakingdomofwildmountain-land，butheknewaslittleaboutthepeopleasheknewabouttheHottentots，andcaredhardlymore。
\"Whatareyoudoin\'uphere？\"
\"I\'mgoin\'home，\"saidChad。
\"Howdidyouhappentocomeaway？\"
\"Oh，Ibeenwantin\'toseethesettleMINTS。\"
\"ThesettleMINTS，\"echoedtheMajor，andthenheunderstood。HerecalledhavingheardthemountaineerscalltheBluegrassregionthe\"settlemints\"
before。
\"IcomedownonaraftwithDolphandTomandRubeandtheSquireandtheschool-teacher，an\'IgotlostinFrankfort。They\'vegoneon，Ireckon，an\'
I\'mtryin\'toketch\'em。\"
\"Whatwillyoudoifyoudon\'t？\"
\"Foller\'em，\"saidChad，sturdily。
\"Doesyourfatherlivedowninthemountains？\"
\"No，\"saidChad，shortly。
TheMajorlookedattheladgravely。
\"Don\'tlittleboysdowninthemountainseversaysirtotheirelders？\"
\"No，\"saidChad。\"No，sir，\"headdedgravelyandtheMajorbrokeintoapleasedlaugh——theboywasquickaslightning。
\"Iain\'tgotnodaddy。An\'nomammy——Iain\'tgot——nothin\'。\"Itwassaidquitesimply，asthoughhispurposemerelywasnottosailunderfalsecolors，andtheMajor\'sanswerwasquickandapologetic：
\"Oh！\"hesaid，andforamomenttherewassilenceagain。Chadwatchedthewoods，thefields，andthecattle，thestrangegraingrowingabouthim，andthebirdsandthetrees。Notathingescapedhiskeeneye，and，nowandthen，hewouldaskaquestionwhichtheMajorwouldanswerwithsomesurpriseandwonder。Hisartlesswayspleasedtheoldfellow。Youhaven\'ttoldmeyourname。
\"Youhain\'taxedme。\"
\"Well，Iaxeyounow，\"laughedtheMajor，butChadsawnothingtolaughat。
\"Chad，\"hesaid。
\"Chadwhat？\"
Nowithadalwaysbeenenoughinthemountains，whenanybodyaskedhisname，forhimtoanswersimply——Chad。Hehesitatednowandhisbrowwrinkledasthoughhewerethinkinghard。
\"Idon\'tknow，\"saidChad。
\"What？Don\'tknowyourownname？\"TheboylookedupintotheMajor\'sfacewitheyesthatweresofrankandunashamedandatthesametimesovaguelytroubledthattheMajorwasabashed。
\"Ofcoursenot，\"hesaidkindly，asthoughitwerethemostnaturalthingintheworldthataboyshouldnotknowhisownname。PresentlytheMajorsaid，reflectively：
\"Chadwick。\"
\"Chad，\"correctedtheboy。
\"Yes，Iknow\"；andtheMajorwentonthinkingthatChadwickhappenedtobeanancestralnameinhisownfamily。
Chad\'sbrowwasstillwrinkled——hewastryingtothinkwhatoldNathanCherryusedtocallhim。
\"IreckonIhain\'tthoughto\'mynamesinceIleftoldNathan，\"hesaid。Thenhetoldbrieflyabouttheoldman，andliftinghislamefootsuddenly，hesaid：\"Ouch！\"TheMajorlookedaroundandChadexplained：
\"Ihurtmyfootcomin\'downtheriveran\'hitgotwusswalkin\'somuch。\"TheMajornoticedthenthattheboy\'sfacewaspale，andthatthereweredarkhollowsunderhiseyes，butitneveroccurredtohimthattheladwashungry，for，intheMajor\'sland，nobodyeverwenthungryforlong。ButChadwassufferingnowandheleanedbackinhisseatandneithertalkednorlookedatthepassingfields。Byandby，hespiedacrossroadsstore。
\"IwonderifIcan\'tgitsomethin\'toeatinthatstore。\"
TheMajorlaughed：\"Youain\'tgettin\'hungrysosoon，areyou？Youmusthaveeatenbreakfastprettyearly。\"
\"Iain\'thadnobreakfast——an\'Ididn\'thevnosupperlastnight。\"
\"What？\"shoutedtheMajor。
Chadstatedthefactwithbraveunconcern，buthislipquiveredslightly——hewasweak\"Well，Ireckonwe\'llgetsomethingtoeattherewhetherthey\'vegotanythingornot。\"
AndthenChadexplained，tellingthestoryofhiswalkfromFrankfort。TheMajorwasamazedthatanybodycouldhavedeniedtheboyfoodandlodging。
\"Whowerethey，Tom？\"heaskedTheolddriverturned：
\"Theywassomepo\'whitetrashdownonCaneCreek，Ireckon，suh。Must\'a\'
been。\"Therewasaslightcontemptinthenegro\'swordsthatmadeChadthinkofhearingtheTurnerscalltheDillonswhitetrash——thoughtheyneversaid\"po\'whitetrash。\"
\"Oh！\"saidtheMajor。Sothecarriagestopped，andwhenamaninablackslouchhatcameout，theMajorcalled：
\"Jim，here\'saboywhoain\'thadanythingtoeatfortwenty-fourhours。Gethimacupofcoffeerightaway，andIreckonyou\'vegotsomecoldhamhandy。\"
\"Yes，indeed，Major，\"saidJim，andheyelledtoanegrogirlwhowasstandingontheporchofhishousebehindthestore。
ChadateravenouslyandtheMajorwatchedhimwithgenuinepleasure。Whentheboywasthrough，hereachedinhispocketandbroughtouthisoldfive-dollarbill，andtheMajorlaughedaloudandpattedhimonthehead。
\"Youcan\'tpayforanythingwhileyouarewithme，Chad。\"
Thewholeearthworeasmilewhentheystartedoutagain。Theswellinghillshadstretchedoutintogentlerslopes。Thesunwaswarm，thecloudswerestill，andtheairwasalmostdrowsy。TheMajor\'seyesclosedandeverythinglapsedintosilence。ThatwasawonderfulrideforChad。Itwasalltrue，justastheschool-masterhadtoldhim；thebig，beautifulhouseshesawnowandthenupavenuesofblossominglocusts；theendlessstonefences，thewhitewashedbarns，thewoodlandsandpastures；themeadow-larksflittinginthesunlightandsingingeverywhere；fluting，chatteringblackbirds，andastrangenewblackbirdwithredwings，atwhichChadwonderedverymuch，ashewatcheditbalancingitselfagainstthewindandsingingasitpoised。
Everythingseemedtosinginthatwonderfulland。Andtheseasofbluegrassstretchingawayoneveryside，withtheshadowsofcloudspassinginrapidsuccessionoverthem，likemysticfloatingislands——andneveramountaininsight。Whatastrangecountryitwas。
\"MaybesomeofyourfriendsarelookingforyouinFrankfort，\"saidtheMajor。
\"No，sir，Ireckonnot，\"saidChad——forthemanatthestationhadtoldhimthatthemenwhohadaskedabouthimweregone。
\"Allofthem？\"askedtheMajor。
Ofcourse，themanatthestationcouldnottellwhetherallofthemhadgone，andperhapstheschool-masterhadstayedbehind——itwasCalebazelifanybody。
\"Well，now，Iwonder，\"saidChad——\"theschool-teachermight\'a\'stayed。\"
Againthetwolapsedintosilence——Chadthinkingveryhard。Hemightyetcatchtheschool-masterinLexington，andhegrewverycheerfulatthethought。
\"Youain\'ttoldmeyo\'name，\"hesaid，presently。TheMajor\'slipssmiledunderthebrimofhishat。
\"Youhain\'taxedme。\"
\"Well，Iaxeyounow。\"Chad，too，wassmiling。
\"Cal，\"saidtheMajor。\"Calwhat？\"
\"Idon\'tknow。\"
\"Oh，yes，youdo，now——youfoolin\'me\"——theboyliftedonefingerattheMajor。
\"Buford，CalvinBuford。\"
\"Buford——Buford——Buford，\"repeatedtheboy，eachtimewithhisforeheadwrinkledasthoughheweretryingtorecallsomething。
\"Whatisit，Chad？\"
\"Nothin\'——nothin\'。\"
AndthenhelookedupwithbewilderedfaceattheMajorandbrokeintothequaveringvoiceofanoldman。
\"ChadBuford，youlittledevil，comehyehthisminuteorI\'llbeatthelifeoutenyou！\"
\"What——what！\"saidtheMajorexcitedly。Theboy\'sfacewasashonestastheskyabovehim。\"Well，that\'sfunny——veryfunny。\"
\"Well，that\'sit，\"saidChad，\"that\'swhatoleNathanusedtocallme。I
reckonIhain\'tnaverthoughto\'mynameagintellyouaxedme。\"TheMajorlookedattheladkeenlyandthendroppedbackinhisseatruminating。
Awaybackin1778alinchpinhadslippedinawagonontheWildernessRoadandhisgrandfather\'sonlybrother，ChadwickBuford，hadconcludedtostopthereforawhileandhuntandcomeonlater——thusrananoldletterthattheMajorhadinhisstrongboxathome——andthatbrotherhadneverturnedupagainandthesuppositionwasthathehadbeenkilledbyIndians。Nowitwouldbestrangeifhehadwanderedupinthemountainsandsettledthereandifthisboywereadescendantofhis。Itwouldbevery，verystrange，andthentheMajoralmostlaughedattheabsurdityoftheidea。ThenameBufordwasallovertheState。Theboyhadsaid，withamazingfranknessandwithoutaparticleofshame，thathewasawaif——a\"woodscolt，\"hesaid，withparalyzingcandor。AndsotheMajordroppedthematteroutofhismind，exceptinsofarthatitwasapeculiarcoincidence——againsaying，halftohimself——
\"Itcertainlyisveryodd！\"
CHAPTER8。HOMEWITHTHEMAJOR
Aheadofthem，itwasCourtDayinLexington。Fromthetown，asacentre，whiteturnpikesradiatedineverydirectionlikethestrandsofaspider\'sweb。Alongthem，onthedaybefore，cattlesheep，andhogshadmadetheirslowway。Sincedawn，thatmorning，thefinedusthadbeenrisingunderhoofandwheeloneveryoneofthem，forCourtDayisyetthegreatdayofeverymonththroughouttheBluegrass。ThecrowdhadgoneaheadoftheMajorandChad。Onlynowandthenwouldalaggardbuggyorcarriageturnintothepikefromapasture-roadorlocust-borderedavenue。Onlymenwereoccupants，fortheladiesrarelygototownoncourtdays——andprobablynonewouldgoonthatday。Troublewasexpected。Anabolitionist，oneBrutusDean——notfromtheNorth，butaKentuckian，aslave-holderandagentleman——wouldprobablystartapaperinLexingtontoexploithisviewsintheheartoftheBluegrass；andhisquondamfriendswouldshatterhispressandtearhisofficetopieces。SotheMajortoldChad，andhepointedoutsome\"hands\"atworkinafield。
\"An\'，markmywords，somedaythere\'sgoin\'tobethedamnedestfighttheworldeversawovertheseveryniggers。An\'thedayain\'tsofaraway。\"
ItwasnoonbeforetheyreachedthebigcemeteryontheedgeofLexington。
ThroughariftinthetreestheMajorpointedoutthegraveofHenryClay，andtoldhimaboutthebigmonumentthatwastoberearedabovehisremains。ThegraveofHenryClay！Chadknewallabouthim。HehadheardCalebHazelreadthegreatman\'sspeechesaloudbythehour——hadheardhimintoningthemtohimselfashewalkedthewoodstoandfrofromschool。Wouldwondersnevercease。
Thereseemedtobenoendtothehousesandstreetsandpeopleinthisbigtown，andChadwonderedwhyeverybodyturnedtolookathimandsmiled，and，laterintheday，hecameneargettingintoafightwithanotherboywhoseemedtobemakingfunofhimtohiscompanions。Hewonderedatthat，too，untilitsuddenlystruckhimthathesawnobodyelsecarryingarifleandwearingacoonskincap——perhapsitwashiscapandhisgun。TheMajorwasamusedandpleased，andhetookacertainprideintheboy\'scalmindifferencetotheattentionhewasdrawingtohimself。Andheenjoyedthelittlemysterywhichheandhisqueerlittlecompanionseemedtocreateastheydrovethroughthestreets。
Ononecornerwasagreathempfactory。
ThroughthewindowsChadcouldseenegroes，dustyasmillers，bustlingabout，singingastheyworked。Beforethedoorweretwomen——oneonhorseback。TheMajordrewupamoment。
\"Howareyou，John？Howdye，Dick？\"Bothmenansweredheartily，andbothlookedatChad——wholookedintentlyatthem——thegraceful，powerfulmanonfootandtheslender，wirymanwithwonderfuldarkeyesonhorseback。
\"Pioneering，Major？\"askedJohnMorgan。
\"Thisisanamesakeofminefromthemountains。He\'scomeuptoseethesettlements。\"
RichardHuntturnedonhishorse。\"Howdoyoulike\'em？\"
\"Neverseednothin\'like\'eminmylife，\"saidChad，gravely。MorganlaughedandRichardHuntrodeonwiththemdownthestreet。
\"WasthatCaptinMorgan？\"askedChad。
\"Yes，\"saidtheMajor。\"Haveyouheardofhimbefore？\"
\"Yes，sir。Afellerontheroadtol\'me，ifIwaslookin\'fersomethin\'todohyehinLexingtontogotoCaptinMorgan。\"
TheMajorlaughed：\"That\'swhateverybodydoes。\"
Atonce，theMajortooktheboytoanoldinnandgavehimaheartymeal；andwhiletheMajorattendedtosomebusiness，Chadroamedthestreets。
\"Don\'tgetintotrouble，myboy，\"saidtheMajor，ancomebackhereanhourortwobysun。
Naturally，theladdriftedwherethecrowdwasthickest——toCheapside。
Cheapside——atoncethemarket-placeandtheforumoftheBluegrassfrompioneerdaystothepresenthour——theplatformthatknewClay，Crittenden，Marshall，Breckenridge，asitknowsthelessermenofto-day，whoresemblethosegiantsofoldasthewoodlandsoftheBluegrassto-dayresembletheprimevalforestsfromwhichtheysprang。
Cheapsidewasthrongedthatmorningwithcattle，sheep，hogs，horses，farmers，aristocrats，negroes，poorwhites。Theairwasababelofcriesfromauctioneers——head，shoulders，andwaistbandabovethecrowd——andthecriesofanimalsthatwerechangingownersthatday——oneofwhichmightnowandthenbeahumanbeing。TheMajorwasbusy，andChadwanderedwherehepleased——keepingasharplookouteverywherefortheschool-master，butthoughheaskedrightandlefthecouldfindnobody，tohisgreatwonder，whokneweventhemaster\'sname。InthemiddleoftheafternoonthecountrypeoplebegantoleavetownandCheapsidewascleared，but，asChadwalkedpasttheoldinn，hesawacrowdgatheredwithinandaboutthewidedoorsofalivery-stable，andinacircleoutsidethatlappedhalfthestreet。Theauctioneerwasinplainsightabovetheheadsofthecrowd，andthehorseswereledoutonebyonefromthestable。Itwasevidentlyasaleofconsiderablemoment，andtherewerehorse-raisers，horse-trainers，jockeys，stable-boys，gentlemen——alleagerspectatorsorbidders。Chadedgedhiswaythroughtheouterrimofthecrowdandtotheedgeofthesidewalk，and，whenaspectatorsteppeddownfromadry-goodsboxfromwhichhehadbeenlookingon，Chadsteppedupandtookhisplace。Straightway，hebegantowishhecouldbuyahorseandridebacktothemountains。Whatfunthatwouldbe，andhowhewouldastonishthefolksonKingdomCome。Hehadhisfivedollarsstillinhispocket，andwhenthefirsthorsewasbroughtout，theauctioneerraisedhishammerandshoutedinloudtones：
\"HowmuchamIofferedforthishorse？\"
Therewasnoanswer，andthesilencelastedsolongthatbeforeheknewitChadcalledoutinavoicethatfrightenedhim：
\"Fivedollars！\"Nobodyheardthebid，andnobodypaidanyattentiontohim。
\"Onehundreddollars，\"saidavoice。
\"Onehundredandtwenty-five，\"saidanother，andthehorsewasknockeddownfortwohundreddollars。
Ablackstallionwithcurvingneckandrednostrilsandtwowhitefeetwalkedproudlyin。
\"HowmuchamIoffered？\"
\"Fivedollars，\"saidChad，promptly。Amanwhosatnearheardtheboyandturnedtolookatthelittlefellow，andwashardlyabletobelievehisears。
Andsoitwenton。EachtimeahorsewasputupChadshoutedout：
\"Fivedollars，\"andthecrowdaroundhimbegantosmileandlaughandencouragehimandwaitforhisbid。Theauctioneer，too，sawhim，andenteredintothefunhimself，addressinghimselftoChadateveryopeningbid。
\"Keepitup，littleman，\"saidavoicebehindhim。\"You\'llgetonebyandby。\"
Chadlookedaround。RichardHuntwassmilingtohimfromhishorseontheedgeofthecrowd。
Thelasthorsewasabrownmare——ledinbyahalter。Shewasoldandatriflelame，andChad，stillundispirited，calledoutthistimelouderthanever：
\"Fivedollars！\"
Heshoutedoutthistimeloudlyenoughtobeheardbyeverybody，andauniversallaughrose；thencamesilence，and，inthatsilence，animperiousvoiceshoutedback：
\"Lethimhaveher！\"Itwastheownerofthehorsewhospoke——atallmanwithanoblefaceandlongiron-grayhair。Thecrowdcaughthismood，andasnobodywantedtheoldmareverymuch，andtheownerwouldbethesoleloser，nobodybidagainsthim，andChad\'sheartthumpedwhentheauctioneerraisedhishammerandsaid：
\"Fivedollars，fivedollars——whatamIoffered？Fivedollars，fivedollars，goingatfivedollars，fivedollars——goingatfivedollars——going——going，lastbid，gentlemen！\"ThehammercamedownwithablowthatmadeChad\'sheartjumpandbroughtaroaroflaughterfromthecrowd。
\"Whatisthename，please？\"saidtheauctioneer，bendingforwardwithgreatrespectanddignitytowardthediminutivepurchaser。
\"Chad。\"
Theauctioneerputhishandtooneear。
\"Ibegyourpardon——Dan\'lBoonedidyousay？
\"No！\"shoutedChadindignantly——hebegantofeelthatfunwasgoingonathisexpense。\"Youheerdme——CHAD。\"
\"Ah，Mr。Chad。\"
Notasoulknewtheboy，buttheylikedhisspirit，andseveralfollowedhimwhenhewentupandhandedhisfivedollarsandtookthehalterofhisnewtreasuretremblingsothathecouldscarcelystand。Theownerofthehorseplacedhishandonthelittlefellow\'shead。
\"Waitaminute，\"hesaid，and，turningtoanegroboy：\"Jim，gobringabridle。\"Theboybroughtoutabridle，andthetallmanslippeditontheoldmare\'shead，andChadledheraway——thecrowdwatchinghim。JustoutsidehesawtheMajor，whoseeyesopenedwide：
\"Where\'dyougetthatoldhorse，Chad？\"
\"Boughther，\"saidChad。
\"What？What\'dyougiveforher？\"
\"Fivedollars。\"
TheMajorlookedpained，forhethoughttheboywaslying，butRichardHuntcalledhimasideandtoldthestoryofthepurchase；andthenhowtheMajordidlaugh——laugheduntilthetearsrolleddownhisface。
Andthenandtherehegotoutofhiscarriageandwentintoasaddler\'sshopandboughtabrandnewsaddlewitharedblanket，andputitontheoldmareandhoistedtheboytohisseat。Chadwastohavenolittlehonorinhisday，butheneverknewaproudermomentthanwhenheclutchedthereinsinhislefthandandsqueezedhisshortlegsagainstthefatsidesofthatoldbrownmare。
Herodedownthestreetandbackagain，andthentheMajortoldhimhehadbetterputtheblackboyonthemare，torideherhomeaheadofhim，andChadreluctantlygotoffandsawthelittledarkyonhisnewsaddleandhisnewhorse。
\"Takegoodkeero\'thathoss，boy，\"hesaid，withawarningshakeofhishead，andagaintheMajorroared。
First，theMajorsaid，hewouldgobytheoldUniversityandleavewordwiththefacultyfortheschool-masterwhenheshouldcometheretomatriculate；
andso，ataturnstilethatledintoamightygreenyardinthemiddleofwhichstoodahugegraymassofstone，thecarriagestopped，andtheMajorgotoutandwalkedthroughthecampusandupthegreatflightofstonestepsanddisappeared。Themightycolumns，thestonesteps——wherehadChadheardofthem？Andthenthetruthflashed。Thiswasthecollegeofwhichtheschool-masterhadtoldhimdowninthemountains，and，looking，Chadwantedtogetcloser。
\"Iwonderifit\'llmakeanydifferenceifIgoupthar？\"hesaidtotheolddriver。
\"No，\"theoldmanhesitated——\"no，suh，co\'senot。\"AndChadclimbedoutandtheoldnegrofollowedhimwithhiseyes。Hedidnotwhollyapproveofhismaster\'spickingupanunknownboyontheroad。Itwasallrighttolethimride，buttobetakinghimhome——oldTomshookhishead。
\"JesswaittillMissLucyseesthatpieceo\'whitetrash，\"hesaid，shakinghishead。Chadwaswalkingslowlywithhiseyesraised。Itmustbethecollegewheretheschool-masterhadgonetoschool——forthebuildingwasasbigasthecliffthathehadpointedoutdowninthemountains，andtheporchwasasbigastheblackrockthathepointedoutatthesametime——thecollegewhereCalebHazelsaidChad，too，mustgosomeday。TheMajorwascomingoutwhentheboyreachedthefootofthesteps，andwithhimwasatall，graymanwithspectaclesandawhitetieandverywhitenails，andtheMajorsaid：
\"Thereheisnow，Professor。\"AndtheProfessorlookedatChadcuriously，andsmiledandsmiledagainkindlywhenhesawtheboy\'sgrave，unsmilingeyesfastenedonhim。
Then，outofthetownandthroughthelateradiantafternoontheywentuntilthesunsankandthecarriagestoppedbeforeagate。Whilethepickaninnywasopeningit，anothercarriagewentswiftlybehindthem，andtheMajorcalledoutcleanlytotheoccupants——aquiet，sombre，dignified-lookingmanandtwohandsomeboysandalittlegirl。\"They\'remyneighbors，Chad，\"saidtheMajor。
Notasounddidthewheelsmakeonthethickturfastheydrovetowardtheold-fashionedbrickhouseithadnopillars，withitswindowsshiningthroughthefirsandcedarsthatfilledtheyard。TheMajorputhishandontheboy\'sshoulder：
\"Well，hereweare，littleman。\"
Attheyardgatetherewasagreatbarkingofdogs，andagreatshoutofwelcomefromthenegroeswhocameforwardtotakethehorses。ToeachofthemtheMajorgavealittlepackage，whicheachdarkytookwithshiningteethandalaughofdelight——alllookingwithwonderatthecuriouslittlestrangerwithhisrifleandcoonskincap，untilascowlfromtheMajorcheckedthesmilethatstartedoneachblackface。ThentheMajorledChadupaflightofstepsandintoabighallandonintoabigdrawing-room，wheretherewasahugefireplaceandagreatfirethatgaveChadapangofhomesicknessatonce。
Chadwasnotaccustomedtotakingoffhishatwhenheenteredahouseinthemountains，buthesawtheMajortakeoffhis，andhedroppedhisowncapquickly。TheMajorsankintoachair。
\"Hereweare，littleman，\"hesaid，kindly。
Chadsatdownandlookedatthebooks，andtheportraitsandprints，andthebigmirrorsandthecarpetsonthefloor，noneofwhichhehadeverseenbefore，andhewonderedatitallandwhatitallmightmean。Afewminuteslater，atallladyinblack，withacurldowneachsideofherpaleface，camein。LikeoldTom，thedriver，theMajor，too，hadbeenwonderingwhathissister，MissLucy，wouldthinkofhisbringingsostrangeawaifhome，andnow，withsuddenhumor，hesawhimselffortified。
\"Sister，\"hesaid，solemnly，\"here\'salittlekinsmanofyours。He\'sagreat-great-grandsonofyourgreat-great-uncle——ChadwickBuford。That\'shisname。Whatkindoesthatmakeus？\"
\"Hush，brother，\"saidMissLucy，forshesawtheboyreddeningwithembarrassmentandshewentacrossandshookhandswithhim，takinginwithaglancehiscoarsestrangeclothesandhissoiledhandsandfaceandhistangledhair，butpleasedatoncewithhisshynessandhisdarkeyes。Shewasreallyneversurprisedatanycapriceofherbrother，andshedidnotshowmuchinterestwhentheMajorwentontotellwherehehadfoundthelad——forshewouldhavethoughtitquitepossiblethathemighthavetakentheboyoutofacircus。AsforChad，hewasinaweofheratonce——whichtheMajornoticedwithaninwardchuckle，fortheboyhadshownnoaweofhim。Chadcouldhardlyeatforshynessatsupperandbecauseeverythingwassostrangeandbeautiful，andhescarcelyopenedhislipswhentheysataroundthegreatfire，untilMissLucywasgonetobed。ThenhetoldtheMajorallabouthimselfandoldNathanandtheTurnersandtheschool。master，andhowhehopedtocomebacktotheBluegrass，andgotothatbigcollegehimself，andheamazedtheMajorwhen，glancingatthebooks，hespelledoutthetitlesoftwoofScott\'snovels，\"TheTalisman\"and\"Ivanhoe，\"andtoldhowtheschool-masterhadreadthemtohim。AndtheMajor，whohadapassionforSirWalter，testedChad\'sknowledge，andhecouldmentionhardlyacharacterorasceneinthetwobooksthatdidnotdrawanexcitedresponsefromtheboy。
\"Wouldn\'tyouliketostayhereintheBluegrassnowandgotoschool？\"
Chad\'seyeslightedup。