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