\"Iamgladtohavemetyou，ColonelThorp，\"saidMrs。Murray，\"andIamquitesureyouwillstandupforwhatisright，\"andwithanotherbowthecoloneltookhisleave。
\"Now，Harry，youmustgo，too，\"saidKate；\"youcanseeyourauntagainafterto-morrow，andImustgetmybeautysleep，besidesI
don\'twanttostandupwithamangauntandhollow-eyedforlackofsleep，\"andshebundledhimoffinspiteofhisremonstrances。ButeagerasKatewasforherbeautysleep，thelightburnedlateinherroom；andlongaftershehadseenMrs。Murraysnuglytuckedinforthenight，shesatwithRanald\'sopenletterinherhand，readingittillshealmostknewitbyheart。Ittold，amongotherthings，ofhisdifferenceswiththecompanyinregardtostores，wages，andsupplies，andofhiseffortstoestablishareading-roomatthemills，andalibraryatthecamps；buttherewasasentenceatthecloseoftheletterthatKatereadoverandoveragainwiththelightofagreatloveinhereyesandwithacryofpaininherheart。\"ThemagazinesandpapersthatKatesendsareagreatboon。
DearKate，whatagirlsheis！Iknownonelikeher；andwhatafriendshehasbeentomeeversincethedayshestoodupformeatQuebec。YourememberItoldyouaboutthat。WhataguyImusthavebeen，butshenevershowedasignofshame。Ioftenthinkofthatnow，howdifferentshewasfromanother！IseeitnowasI
couldnotthen——amanisafoolonceinhislife，butIhavegotmylessonandstillhaveagoodtruefriend。\"Oftenshereadandlongsheponderedthelastwords。Itwassoeasytoreadtoomuchintothem。\"Agood，truefriend。\"Shelookedatthewordstillthetearscame。Thenshestoodupandlookedatherselfintheglass。
\"Now，youngwoman，\"shesaid，severely，\"besensibleanddon\'tdreamdreamsuntilyouareasleep，andtosleepyoumustgoforthwith。\"Butsleepwasslowtocome，andstrangetosay，itwasthethoughtofthelittlewomaninthenextroomthatquietedherheartandsenthertosleep，andnextdayshewaslookingherbest。
Andwhentheceremonywasover，andtheguestswereassembledattheweddingbreakfast，therewerenotafewwhoagreedwithHarrywhen，inhisspeech，hethrewdownhisgageaschampionforthepeerlessbridesmaid，whomforthehour——alas，tooshort——hewasprivilegedtocallhis\"ladyfair。\"ForwhileKatehadnotthebeautyofformandfaceandthefascinationofmannerthatturnedmen\'sheadsandmadeMaimietheenvyofallherset，therewasinherawholesomeness，afearlesssincerity，anobledignity，andthatindescribablecharmofatrueheartthatmadementrustherandloveherasonlygoodwomenareloved。Atlastthebrilliantaffairwasallover，thericeandoldbootswerethrown，thefarewellwordsspoken，andtearsshed，andthentheauntscamebacktotheemptyanddisorderedhouse。
\"Well，IamgladforMaimie，\"saidAuntFrank；\"itisagoodmatch。\"
\"DearMaimie，\"repliedAuntMurray，withagentlesigh，\"Ihopeshewillbehappy。\"
\"Afterallitismuchbetter，\"saidAuntFrank。
\"Yes，itismuchbetter，\"repliedMrs。Murray；andthensheadded，\"HowlovelyKatelooked！Whatanoblegirlsheis，\"butshedidnotexplaineventoherself，muchlesstoAuntFrank，thenexusofherthoughts。
CHAPTERXXIV
THEWEST
Themeetingoftheshare-holdersoftheBritish-AmericanLumberandCoalCompanywas，onthewhole，astormyone，fortheverybestofreasons——thefailureofthecompanytopaydividends。Theannualreportwhichthepresidentpresentedshowedclearlythattherewasaslightincreaseinexpenditureandaconsiderablefallingoffinsales，anditneededbutalittlemathematicalabilitytoreachtheconclusionthatinacomparativelyshorttimethecompanywouldbebankrupt。Theshare-holderswerethoroughlydisgustedwiththeBritishColumbiaendofthebusiness，andwereonthelookoutforavictim。Naturallytheirchoicefelluponthemanager。Theconcernfailedtopay。Itwasthemanager\'sbusinesstomakeitpayandthefailuremustbelaidtohischarge。Theirconfidenceintheirmanagerwasallthemoreshakenbythereportsthathadreachedthemofhispeculiarfads——hisreading-room，library，etc。Theseweresufficientevidenceofhislackofbusinessability。Hewasundoubtedlyaworthyyoungman，buttherewaseverygroundtobelievethathewassomethingofavisionary，andmenwithgreathesitationintrusthardcashtothemanagementofanidealist。
Itwas，perhaps，unfortunateforMr。St。Clairthatheshouldbeappealedtouponthispoint，forhisreluctancetoexpressanopinionastotheabilityofthemanager，andhisadmissionthatpossiblytheyoungmanmightproperlybetermedavisionary，broughtColonelThorpsharplytohisfeet。
\"Mr。St。Clair，\"saidthecolonel，inacool，cuttingvoice，\"willnothesitatetobeartestimonytothefactthatourmanagerisamanwhoseintegritycannotbetamperedwith。IfImistakenot，Mr。
St。Clairhashadevidenceofthis。\"
Mr。St。Clairhastenedtobeartheverystrongesttestimonytothemanager\'sintegrity。
\"AndMr。St。Clair，Ihavenodoubt，\"wentonthecolonel，\"willbeequallyreadytobeartestimonytotheconspicuousabilityourmanagerdisplayedwhilehewasintheserviceoftheRaymondandSt。ClairLumberCompany。\"
Mr。St。Clairpromptlycorroboratedthecolonel\'sstatement。
\"Wearesureoftwothings，therefore，\"continuedthecolonel，\"thatourmanagerisamanofintegrity，andthathehasdisplayedconspicuousbusinessabilityinhisformerpositions。\"
Atthispointthecolonelwasinterrupted，andhisattentionwascalledtothefactthatthereportsshowedanincreaseofexpenditureforsuppliesandforwages，andontheotherhandafallingoffintherevenuefromthestores。Butthecolonelpassedoverthesepointsasinsignificant。\"Itisclear，\"heproceeded，\"thatthecauseoffailuredoesnotlieinthemanagement，butinthestateofthemarket。Thepoliticalsituationinthatcountryisverydoubtful，andthishasanexceedinglydepressingeffectuponbusiness。\"
\"Then，\"interruptedashare-holder，\"itistimethecompanyshouldwithdrawfromthatcountryandconfineitselftoadistrictwherethemarketissureandthefuturemorestable。\"
\"Whataboutthesefads，Colonel？\"askedanothershare-holder；
\"thesereading-rooms，libraries，etc？Doyouthinkwepayamantoestablishthatsortofthing？Tomymindtheysimplyputalotofnonsenseintotheheadsoftheworking-menandarethechiefcauseofdissatisfaction。\"Uponthispointthecoloneldidnotfeelcompetenttoreply；consequentlythefeelingofthemeetingbecamedecidedlyhostiletothepresentmanager，andaresolutionwasoffereddemandinghisresignation。ItwasalsoagreedthattheboardofdirectorsshouldconsidertheadvisabilityofwithdrawingaltogetherfromBritishColumbia，inasmuchasthefutureofthatcountryseemedtobeveryuncertain。ThereuponColonelThorproseandbeggedleavetowithdrawhisnamefromthedirectorateofthecompany。Hethoughtitwasunwisetoabandonacountrywheretheyhadspentlargesumsofmoney，withoutathoroughinvestigationofthesituation，andhefurtherdesiredtoenterhisprotestagainsttheinjusticeofmakingtheirmanagersufferforafailureforwhichhehadinnowaybeenshowntoberesponsible。Buttheshare-holdersrefusedtoevenconsiderColonelThorp\'srequest，andboththepresidentandsecretaryexhaustedtheireloquenceineulogizinghisvaluetothecompany。AsacompromiseitwasfinallydecidedtocontinueoperationsinBritishColumbiaforanotherseason。ColonelThorpdeclaredthatthereformsandreorganizationschemesinauguratedbyRanaldwouldresultingreatreductionsinthecostofproduction，andthatRanaldshouldbegivenopportunitytodemonstratethesuccessorfailureofhisplans；andfurther，thepoliticalsituationdoubtlesswouldbemoresettled。Thewisdomofthisdecisionwasmanifestedlater。
Thespiritofunrestanddissatisfactionappearedagainatthenextannualmeeting，forwhileconditionswereimproving，dividendswerenotyetforthcoming。OnceagainColonelThorpsuccessfullychampionedRanald\'scause，thistimeinsistingthatafurthertestoftwoseasonsbemade，prophesyingthatnotonlywouldthepresentdeficitdisappear，butthattheirpatienceandconfidencewouldbeamplyrewarded。
Yieldingtopressure，anddesiringtoacquainthimselfwithactualconditionsfrompersonalobservation，ColonelThorpconcludedtovisitBritishColumbiatheautumnprecedingtheannualmeetingwhichwastosucceedRanald\'speriodofprobation。
ThereforeitwasthatColonelThorpfoundhimselfonthecoaststeamshipOregonapproachingthecityofVictoria。Hehadnotenjoyedhisvoyage，andwas，consequently，innomoodtoreceivethenotewhichwashandedhimbyabriskyoungmanatthelanding。
\"Who\'sthisfrom，Pat，\"saidthecolonel，takingthenote。
\"Mike，ifyouplease，MichaelCole，ifyoudon\'tmind；andthenoteisfromtheboss，Mr。Macdonald，whohasgoneupthecountry，andcan\'tbeheretowelcomeyou。\"
\"Goneupthecountry！\"roaredthecolonel；\"whattheblank，blank，doeshemeanbygoingupthecountryatthisparticulartime？\"
ButMr。MichaelColewasquiteundisturbedbythecolonel\'swrath。
\"Youmightfindthereasoninthenote，\"hesaid，coolly，andthecolonel，glaringathim，openedthenoteandread：
\"MYDEARCOLONELTHORP：Iamgreatlydisappointedinnotbeingabletomeetyou。ThetruthisIonlyreceivedyourletterthisweek。Ourmailsarenonetooprompt，andsoIhavebeenunabletore-arrangemyplans。Ifinditnecessarytorunuptheriverforacoupleofweeks。Inthemeantime，thinkingthatpossiblyyoumightliketoseesomethingofourcountry，IhavearrangedthatyoushouldjointhepartyoftheLieutenantGovernorontheirtriptotheinterior，andwhichwilltakeonlyaboutfourweeks\'time。Thepartyaregoingtovisitthemostinterestingdistrictsofourcountry，includingboththefamousminingdistrictofCaribooandthebeautifulvalleyoftheOkanagan。Mr。Cole，myclerk，willintroduceyoutoMr。Blair，ourmemberofParliamentforWestminster，whowillpresentyoutotherestoftheparty。Mr。Blair，Ineednotsay，isoneofthebrightestbusinessmenintheWest。IshallmeetyouatYaleonyourreturn。Ifitisabsolutelyimpossibleforyoutotakethistrip，andnecessarythatIshouldreturnatonce，Mr。Colewillseethataspecialmessengerissenttome，butI
wouldstronglyurgethatyougo，ifpossible。
\"Withkindregards。\"
\"Lookhere，youngman，\"yelledthecolonel，\"doyouthinkI\'vecomeallthiswaytogogallivantingaroundthecountrywithanyblank，blankroyalparty？\"
\"Idon\'tknow，Colonel，\"saidyoungCole，brightly；\"butItellyouI\'dlikemightywelltogoinyourplace。\"
\"AndwhereinthenationISyourboss，andwhat\'sheafter，anyway？\"
\"He\'sawayuptheriverlookingafterbusiness，andprettybigbusiness，too，\"saidColey，notatalloverawedbythecolonel\'swrath。
\"Well，Ihopeheknowshimself，\"saidthecolonel。
\"Oh，don\'tmakeanymistakeaboutthat，Colonel，\"saidyoungCole；
\"healwaysknowswherehe\'sgoingandwhathewants，andhegetsit。\"Butthecolonelmadenoreply，nordidhedeigntonoticeMr。
MichaelColeagainuntiltheyhadarrivedattheNewWestminsterlanding。
\"Thebossdidn\'tknow，\"saidColey，approachingthecolonelwithsomedegreeofcare，\"whetheryouwouldliketogotothehotelortohisrooms；youcantakeyourchoice。Thehotelisnotofthebest，andhethoughtperhapsyoucouldputupwithhisrooms。\"
\"Allright，\"saidthecolonel；\"Iguessthey\'llsuitme。\"
ThecolonelmadenomistakeindecidingforRanald\'squarters。
Theyconsistedoftworoomsthatformedonecornerofalong，wooden，single-storybuildingintheshapeofanL。OneoftheseroomsRanaldmadehisdining-roomandbedroom，theotherwashisoffice。Therestofthebuildingwasdividedintothreesections，andconstitutedadining-room，reading-room，andbunk-roomforthemen。Thewallsoftheseroomsweredecoratednotinartisticallywithafewcoloredprintsandwithcutsfromillustratedpapers，manyanddivers。Thefurniturethroughoutwashome-made，withthesingleexceptionofacabinetorganwhichstoodinonecornerofthereading-room。Onthewindowsofthedining-roomandbunk-roomweregreenrollerblinds，butthoseofthereading-roomweredrapedwithcurtainsoffloweredmuslin。Indeedthereading-roomwasdistinguishedfromtheothersbyamoreartisticandelaboratedecoration，andbyagreatervarietyoffurniture。Theroomwasevidentlytheprideofthecompany\'sheart。InRanald\'sprivateroomthesamesimplicityinfurnitureanddecorationwasapparent，butwhenthecolonelwasusheredintothebedroomhiseyefellatonceupontwophotographs，beautifullyframed，hungoneachsideofthemirror。
\"Hello，guessIoughttoknowthis，\"hesaid，lookingatoneofthem。
Coleybeamed。\"Youdo，eh？Well，then，she\'sworthknowin\'andthere\'sonlyoneofherkind。\"
\"Don\'tknowaboutthat，youngman，\"saidthecolonel，lookingattheotherphotograph；\"here\'sonethatoughttogoinherclass。\"
\"Perhaps，\"saidColey，doubtfully，\"thebossthinksso，Iguess，fromthewayhelooksatit。\"
\"Youngman，whatsortofafellow\'syourboss？\"saidthecolonel，suddenlyfacingColey。
\"Whatsort？\"Coleythoughtamoment。\"Well，\'twouldneedagoodeddicationtotell，butthere\'sonlyoneinhisclass，Itellyou。\"
\"Thenheowesittothislittlewoman，\"pointingtooneofthephotographs，\"andshe，\"pointingtotheother，\"saidso。\"
\"Thenyoumaybetit\'strue。\"
\"Idon\'tbetonasurething，\"saidthecolonel，hisannoyancevanishinginaslowsmile，hisfirstsincereachingtheprovince。
\"Dinner\'llbereadyinhalfanhour，sir，\"saidColey，swearingallegianceinhishearttothemanthatagreedwithhiminregardtothephotographthatstoodwithColeyforallthatwashighestinhumanity。
\"John，\"hesaid，sharply，totheChinesecook，\"gotgooddinner，eh？\"
\"Pittygood，\"saidJohn，indifferently。
\"Now，lookhere，John，himbigman。\"Johnwasnotmuchimpressed。
\"Awfulbigman，Itellyou，bigsoldier。\"Johnpreservedastolidcountenance。
\"John，\"saidtheexasperatedColey，\"I\'llkickyouacrossthisroomandbackifyoudon\'tlistentome。Wantbigdinner，heapgood，eh？\"
\"Huh-huh，bellygood，\"repliedJohn，withaslightshowofinterest。
\"Isay，John，whatyougotfordinner，eh？\"askedColey，changinghistactics。
\"Ham，eggs，lice，\"answeredtheMongolian，imperturbably。
\"Geewhiz！\"saidColey，\"goin\'tofeedtheboss\'uncleonhamandeggs？\"
\"What？\"saidJohn，withsuddeninterest，\"Uncleboss，eh？\"
\"Yes，\"saidtheunblushingColey。
\"Huh！Coleyheapfool！Getchicken，quick！meatshop，small，eh？\"
TheChinamanwasatlastaroused。Pots，pans，andotherutensilswereinimmediaterequisition，aroaringfireseta-going，andinthree-quartersofanhourthecolonelsatdowntoadinnerofsoup，fish，andfowl，withvariousentreesandsidedishesthatwouldhavedonecredittoaNewYorkchef。Thuspotentwasthenameofthebosswithhiscook。
John\'sexcellentdinnerdidmuchtosootheandmollifyhisguest；
butthecolonelwassensitivetoimpressionsotherthanthepurelygastronomic，forthroughoutthecourseofthedinner，hiseyeswanderedtothephotographsonthewall，andinfancyhewasoncemoreinthepresenceofthetwowomen，towhomhefeltpledgedinRanald\'sbehalf。\"It\'saone-horselookingcountry，though，\"hesaidtohimself，\"andnoplaceforamanwithanysnap。Bestthingwouldbetopullout，Iguess，andtakehimalong。\"AnditwasinthismindthathereceivedtheHonorableArchibaldBlair，M。P。P。，forNewWestminster，presidentoftheBritishColumbiaCanningCompany，recentlyorganized，andadirectorinhalfadozenotherbusinessconcerns。
\"ColonelThorp，thisisMr。Blair，oftheBritishColumbiaCanningCompany，\"saidColey，withacurioussuggestionofRanaldinhismanner。
\"GladtowelcomeafriendofMr。Macdonald\'s，\"saidMr。Blair，alittlemanofaboutthirty，withashrewdeyeandakindlyfrankmanner。
\"Well，IguessIcansaythesame，\"saidColonelThorp，shakinghands。\"Ijudgehisfriendsareoftherightsort。\"
\"You\'llfindplentyinthiscountrygladtoclassthemselvesinthatlist，\"laughedMr。Blair；\"Iwouldn\'tundertaketoguaranteethemall，butthoseheliststhatway，youcanprettywellbankon。
He\'sayoungmanforreadingmen。\"
\"Yes？\"saidthecolonel，interrogatively；\"he\'sveryyoung。\"
\"Young，forthatmattersoareweall，especiallyonthissidethewaterhere。It\'sayoungman\'scountry。\"
\"Prettyyoung，Ijudge，\"saidthecolonel，dryly。\"Lotsofroomtogrow。\"
\"Yes，thankProvidence！\"saidMr。Blair，enthusiastically；\"butthere\'slotsoflifeandlotstofeedit。ButI\'mnotgoingtotalk，Colonel。ItisalwayswastedbreathonanEasterner。I\'llletthecountrytalk。Youarecomingwithus，ofcourse。\"
\"Hardlythinkso；mytimeisratherlimited，and，well，totellthetruth；I\'mfromacrossthelineanddon\'tcatermuchtoyourroyalties。\"
\"Royalties！\"exclaimedMr。Blair。\"Oh，youmeanourgovernor。
Well，that\'sgoodrather，musttellthegovernorthat。\"Mr。Blairlaughedlongandloud。\"You\'llforgetallthatwhenyouareoutwithusanhour。No，wethinkitwelltohedgeourgovernmentwithdignity，butonthistripweshallleavethegoldlaceandredtapebehind。\"
\"Howlongdoyouproposetobegone？\"
\"Aboutfourweeks。ButImakeyouapromise。Ifafterthefirstweekyouwanttoreturnfromanypoint，Ishallsendyoubackwithallspeed。Butyouwon\'twantto，Iguaranteeyouthat。Why，mydearsir，thinkoftheroute，\"andMr。Blairwentoffintoarapturousdescriptionofthemarvelsoftheyoungprovince，itsscenery，itsresources，itsclimate，itssport，playinguponeachstringashemarkedtheeffectuponhislistener。BythetimeMr。
Blair\'svisitwasover，thecolonelhadmadeuphismindthathewouldseesomethingofthiswonderfulcountry。
NextdayColeytookhimoverthecompany\'smills，andwasnotalittledisappointedtoseethatthecolonelwasnotimpressedbytheirsizeorequipment。InColey\'seyestheywerephenomenal，andhewasinclinedtoresentthecolonel\'sloftymanner。Theforeman，Mr。Urquhart，ashrewdScotchman，whohadseenthemillsoftheOttawaRiverandthoseinMichiganaswell，understoodhisvisitor\'sattitudebetter；andbesides，itsuitedhisScotchnaturetorefuseanyapproachtoopenadmirationforanythingoutoftheoldland。
Hisordinarycommendationwas，\"It\'snothatbad\"；andhissuperlativewasexpressedinthedaringconcession，\"Aye，it\'llmaybedae，itmichtbewaur。\"SohefollowedthecolonelaboutwithdisparagingcommentsthatdroveColeytothevergeofmadness。Whentheycametotheengineroom，whichwasUrquhart\'spride，theclimaxwasreached。
\"It\'saweebito\'aplace，an\'nofitforthewark，\"saidUrquhart，usheringthecolonelintoasnuglittleengine-room，whereeverybitofbrassshonewithdazzlingbrightness，andeverypartoftheenginemovedinsmooth，sweetharmony。
\"Slicklittleengine，\"saidthecolonel，withdiscriminatingadmiration。
\"It\'snothatbadthenoo，butyesudhaeseenitaforeJem，there，tookahando\'it——awheezin\'rattlin\'pechinthingthatyemichtexpecttaefleeinbitsforthenoiseinthewameo\'t。ButJemmiesortedittillit\'snaedespicableforitssize。Butit\'snofitforthewark。Jemmie，lad，justgie\'titsfillan\'we\'llpitthesawuntilalog，\"saidUrquhart，astheywentupintothesawing-
roomwhere，inafewminutes，thecolonelhadanexhibitionofthesawstickingfastinalogforlackofpower。
\"Man，yon\'saladthatkenshistrade。He\'sfraeGleska。Heearnshismoney\'swarth。\"
\"Howdidyoucometogethim？\"saidthecolonel，movedtointerestbyUrquhart\'sunwontedpraise。
\"Indeed，justthewaywe\'vegotallourbestmen。It\'sthebosspickedhimooto\'thegutter，andthereheisearnin\'histwaandahalfaday。\"
\"Thebossdidthat，eh？\"saidthecolonel，withoneofhisswiftglancesatthespeaker。
\"Aye，thathedid，andhe\'sonlyoneo\'many。\"
\"He\'sgoodatthatsortofbusiness，Iguess。\"
\"Aye，hekensmenasyecanseefraehisgang。\"
\"Doesn\'tseemtobeabletomakethecompany\'sbusinesspay，\"
venturedthecolonel。
\"D\'yethinkyecudfindonethatcud？\"pointingtothehaltingsaw。
\"Anthat\'sthemachinethatturnedootthaepilesyonder。Giehimachance，though，an\'whenthestuffisdeesposedofye\'llgety\'reprofit。\"Urquhartknewwhathewasabout，andthecolonelwentbackwithColeytohisroomsconvincedoftwofacts，thatthecompanyhadaplantthatmighteasilybeimproved，butamanagerthat，intheestimationofthosewhowroughtwithhim，waseasilyfirstinhisclass。RanaldcouldhaveadoptednobetterplanfortheenhancingofhisreputationthanbyallowingColonelThorptogoinandoutamongtheworkmenandhisfriends。Moreandmorethecolonelbecameimpressedwithhismanager\'sgeniusforthepickingofhismenandbindingthemtohisinterests，andasthisimpressiondeepenedhebecamethemoreresolvedthatitwasawasteofgoodmaterialtoretainamaninacountryofferingsuchalimitedscopeforhisabilities。
Butafterfourweeksspentinexploringtheinterior，fromQuesnelletoOkanagan，andinthefollowinginandoutthewater-
waysofthecoastline，thecolonelmetRanaldatYalewithonlyaproblemtobesolved，andhelostnotimeinputtingittohismanager。
\"HowinthundercanIgetthosenarrow-gauge，hideboundEasternerstolaunchoutintobusinessinthiscountry？\"
\"Ican\'thelpyouthere，Colonel。I\'vetriedandfailed。\"
\"BythegreatSam，soyouhave！\"saidthecolonel，withasuddenconvictionofhisownlimitationsinthepast。\"Nousetryin\'totell\'emofthis，\"swinginghislongarmtowardthegreatsweepoftheFraserValley，clothedwithamightyforest。\"It\'sonlyaquestionofholdin\'onforafewyears，thething\'sdeadsure。\"
\"Ihavebeenthroughagoodpartofit，\"saidRanald，quietly，andIamconvincedthatherewehavethepickofCanada，andIventuretosayoftheAmericanContinent。Timber，hundredsofsquaremilesofit，fish——I\'veseenthatriversopackedwithsalmonthatI
couldn\'tshovemycanoethrough——\"
\"Holdon，now，\"saidthecolonel，\"givemetime。\"
\"Simple，sobertruthofmyownproving，\"repliedRanald。\"AndyousawafringeoftheminesupintheCariboo。TheKootenaiisfullofgoldandsilver，andintheOkanaganyoucangrowfoodandfruitsformillionsofpeople。IknowwhatIamsaying。\"
\"Tellyouwhat，\"saidthecolonel，\"youmakemethinkyou\'respeakin\'thetruthanyhow。\"Then，withasuddeninspiration，heexclaimed：\"BythegreatSammy，I\'vegotanidea！\"andthen，ashesawRanaldwaiting，added，\"ButIguessI\'llletitsoaktillwegetdowntothemill。\"
\"Doyouthinkyoucouldspareme，Colonel？\"askedRanald，inadubiousvoice；\"Ireallyoughttorunthroughabitoftimberhere。\"
\"No，bythegreatSam，Ican\'t！Iwantyoutocomerightalong，\"
repliedthecolonel，withemphasis。
\"Whatishesaying，Colonel？\"askedMr。Blair。
\"Wantstorunoffandleavemetopaddlemywayhomealone。Notmuch！Itellyouwhat，wehavesomeimportantbusinesstodobeforeIgoEast。Youhearme？\"
\"Andbesides，Macdonald，Iwantyouforthatbigmeetingofoursnextweek。Yousimplymustbethere。\"
\"Youflatterme，Mr。Blair。\"
\"Notabit；youknowtherearealotofhot-headstalkingseparationandthatsortofthing，andIwantsomelevel-headedfellowwhoisinwiththeworkingmentobethere。\"
AndasitturnedoutitwasagoodthingforMr。BlairandforthecauseherepresentedthatRanaldwaspresentatthegreatmass-
meetingheldinNewWestminsterthenextweek。ForthepeoplewereexasperatedbeyondallenduranceatthedelayoftheDominioninmakinggoodthesolemnpromisesgivenatthetimeofConfederation，andwereinamoodtolistentotheproposalsfreelymadethattheuselessbondshouldbesevered。\"Railwayorseparation，\"wasthecry，andresolutionsembodyingthissentimentwereactuallyproposedanddiscussed。ItwasRanald\'sspeech，everyonesaid，thatturnedthetide。Hiscalmlogicmadeclearthefollyofevenconsideringseparation；hisknowledgeof，andhisunboundedfaithin，theresourcesoftheprovince，andmorethanall，hisimpassionedpicturingofthefutureofthegreatDominionreachingfromoceantoocean，knittogetherbytiesofcommoninterest，andacommonloyaltythatwouldbecomemorevividlyrealwhentheprovinceshadbeenbroughtmorecloselytogetherbythepromisedrailway。Theymighthavetowaitalittlelonger，butitwasworthwhilewaiting，andtherewasnofutureinanyotherpolicy。Itwashisfirstspeechatagreatmeeting，andasMr。Blairshookhimwarmlybythehand，thecrowdburstintoenthusiasticcries，\"Macdonald！Macdonald！\"andinoneofthepausesasinglevoicewasheard，\"Glengarryforever！\"Thenagainthecrowdbrokeforth，\"Glengarry！Glengarry！\"forallwhoknewRanaldpersonallyhadheardofthegangthatwereoncetheprideoftheOttawa。AtthatoldcryRanald\'sfaceflusheddeepred，andhehadnowordstoanswerhisfriends\'warmcongratulations。
\"SendhimEast，\"criedavoice。
\"Yes，yes，that\'sit。SendhimtoOttawatoJohnA。It\'sthesameclan！\"
SwiftlyMr。Blairmadeuphismind。\"Gentlemen，thatisagoodsuggestion。Imakeitamotion。\"Itwassecondedinadozenplaces，andcarriedbyastandingvote。ThenRanaldroseagainandmodestlyprotestedthathewasnotthemantogo。Hewasquiteunknownintheprovince。
\"Weknowyou！\"thesamevoicecalledout，followedbyaroarofapproval。
\"And，besides，\"wentonRanald，\"itisimpossibleformetogetaway；I\'maworkingmanandnotmyownmaster。\"
Thenthecolonel，whowassittingontheplatform，roseandbeggedtobeheard。\"Mr。Chairmanandgentlemen，Iain\'taCanadian——\"
\"Nevermind！Youcan\'thelpthat，\"sangoutamanfromtheback，witharoaroflaughterfollowing。
\"ButifIweren\'tanAmerican，Idon\'tknowanythingthatI\'dratherbe。\"Greatapplause。\"FourweeksagoIwouldn\'thavetakenyourprovinceasagift。NowIonlywishUncleSamcouldpersuadeyoutosell。\"Criesof\"Hehasn\'tgotmoneyenough。
Don\'tfoolyourself。\"\"ButIwanttosaythatthisyoungmanofmine，\"pointingtoRanald，\"hasgivenyougoodtalk，andifyouwanthimtogoEast，why，I\'lllethimoffforaspell。\"LoudcheersforthecolonelandforMacdonald。
AweeklateragreatmeetinginVictoriaindorsedtheNewWestminsterresolutionswiththeaddeddemandthattherailwayshouldbecontinuedtoEsquinaltaccordingtotheoriginalagreement。Anotherdelegatewasappointedtorepresentthewishesoftheislanders，andbeforeRanaldhadfullyrealizedwhathadhappenedhefoundhimselfafamousman，andonthewaytotheEastwiththejubilantcolonel。
\"Whatwasthegreatidea，Colonel，thatstruckyouatYale？\"
inquiredRanald，astheywerefairlysteamingoutoftheEsquinaltharbor。
\"Thisisit，myboy！\"exclaimedthecolonel，slappinghimontheback。\"ThisheretripEast。Nowwe\'vegot\'emovertheropes，bythegreatandeverlastingSammy！\"theformofoathindicatingaclimaxinthecolonel\'semotion。
\"Gotwho？\"inquiredRanald，mystified。
\"Themgol-blamed，cross-roadhayseedsdownEast。\"Andwiththisthecolonelbecamediscreetlysilent。Heknewtoowellthesensitiveprideofthemanwithwhomhehadtodeal，andhewaschieflyanxiousnowthatRanaldshouldknowaslittleaspossibleoftherealobjectofhisgoingtoBritishColumbia。
\"We\'vegottomaketheBritish-AmericanCoalandLumberCompanyknowthetimeofday。It\'sgittin\'-uptimeoutinthiscountry。
Theyweretalkin\'alittleofdrawin\'out。\"Ranaldgasped。\"Someofthemonly，\"thecolonelhastenedtoadd，\"butIwantyoutotalklikeyoudidtheothernight，andI\'lltellmylittletale，andifthatdon\'tfetch\'emthenI\'maTurk。\"
\"Well，Colonel，here\'smyword，\"saidRanald，deliberately，\"ifthecompanywishtowithdrawtheymaydoso，butmyfutureisboundupwiththatoftheWest，andIhavenofearthatitwillfailme。I
stakemyallupontheWest。\"
CHAPTERXXV
GLENGARRYFOREVER
Thecolonelwasanexperiencedtraveler，andbelievedinmakinghimselfcomfortable。Ranaldlookedonwithsomeamusement，andalittlewonder，whilethecolonelarrangedhisthingsaboutthestateroom。
\"Mayaswellmakethingscomfortablewhilewecan，\"saidthecolonel，\"wehavethebetterpartofthreedaysbeforeusonthisboat，andifitgetsrough，itisbettertohavethingsneat。Nowyougoahead，\"headded，\"andgetyourthingsout。\"
\"Ithinkyouareright，Colonel。Iamnotmuchusedtotravel，butIshalltakeyouradviceonthis。\"
\"Well，Ihavetraveledconsiderabletheselasttwentyyears，\"
repliedthecolonel。\"Isay，wouldyoumindleavingthoseout？\"
\"What？\"
\"Thosephotos。They\'rethetwoyouhadupbytheglassinyourroom，aren\'tthey？\"Ranaldflushedalittle。
\"Ofcourseitain\'tforeveryonetosee，andIwouldnotaskyou，butthosetwoain\'tlikeanyothertwothatIhaveseen，andIhaveseenagoodmanyinfortyyears。\"Ranaldsaidnothing，butsetthephotographsonalittlebracketonthewall。
\"There，thatmakesthisroomfeelbetter，\"saidthecolonel。\"Thatthereisthefinest，sweetest，truestgirlthatwalksthissphere，\"
hesaid，pointingatKate\'sphotograph，\"andtheother，Iguessyouknowallabouther。\"
\"Yes，Iknowabouther，\"saidRanald，lookingatthephotograph；
\"itistoherIoweeverythingIhavethatisanygood。AndColonel，\"headded，withanunusualburstofconfidence，\"whenmylifewasbrokenoffshort，thatwomanputmeinthewayofgettingholdofitagain。\"
\"Well，theyboththinkapileofyou，\"wasthecolonel\'sreply。
\"Yes，Ithinktheydo，\"saidRanald。\"Theyarenotthekindtoforgetamanwhenheisoutofsight，anditisworthtravelingtwothousandmilestoseethemagain。\"
\"Ain\'titqueer，now，howtheworldisrun？\"saidthecolonel。
\"There\'stwowomen，now，theverybest；onehasbeenburiedallherlifeinalittleholeinthewoods，andtheotherisgivingherselftoafellowthatain\'tfittocarryherboots。\"
\"What！\"saidRanald，sharply，\"Kate？\"
\"Yes，theysaysheisgoingtothrowherselfawayonyoungSt。
Clair。Heisallright，Isuppose，butheain\'tfitforher。\"
Ranaldsuddenlystoopedoverhisvaliseandbeganpullingouthisthings。
\"Ididn\'thearofthat，\"hesaid。
\"Idid，\"saidthecolonel；\"youseeheisalwaysthere，andactingasifheownedher。Hestucktoherforalongtime，andIguessshegottiredholdingout。\"
\"Harryisaverydecentfellow，\"saidRanald，risingupfromhisunpacking；\"Isay，thisboat\'sclose。Letusgoupondeck。\"
\"Wait，\"saidthecolonel，\"Iwanttotalkoverourplans，andwecantalkbetterhere。\"
\"No，\"saidRanald；\"Iwantsomefreshair。Letusgoup。\"Andwithoutfurtherwords，hehurriedupthegangway。ItwassometimebeforeColonelThorpfoundhiminthebowoftheboat，andimmediatelybegantotalkovertheirplans。
\"YouspokeofgoingtoTorontofirstthing，\"hesaidtoRanald。
\"Yes，\"saidRanald；\"butIthinkIoughttogotoOttawaatonce，andthenIshallseemypeopleinGlengarryforafewdays。ThenI
willbereadyforthemeetingatBayCityanytimeafterthesecondweek。\"
\"ButyouhavenotputTorontointhere，\"saidthecolonel；\"youarenotgoingtodisappointthatlittlegirl？Shewouldtakeitprettyhard。Mindyou，shewantstoseeyou。\"
\"Oh，ofcourseIshallruninforaday。\"
\"Well，\"saidthecolonel，\"Iwanttogiveyouplentyoftime。I
willarrangethatmeetingforamonthfromto-day。\"
\"No，no，\"saidRanald，impatiently；\"ImustgetbacktotheWest。
Twoweekswilldome。\"
\"Well，wewillmakeitthree，\"saidthecolonel。HecouldnotunderstandRanald\'ssuddeneagernesstosetoutfortheWestagain。
HehadspokenwithsuchenthusiasticdelightofhisvisittoToronto，andnowhewasonlygoingtoruninforadayorso。AndifRanaldhimselfwereasked，hewouldhavefounditdifficulttoexplainhissuddenlackofinterest，notonlyinToronto，butineverythingthatlayintheEast。Hewasconsciousofadeep，dullacheinhisheart，andhecouldnotquiteexplainit。
Afterthecolonelhadgonedownforthenight，Ranaldwalkedthedeckaloneandresolutelyfacedhimself。Hisfirstfranklookwithinrevealedtohimthefactthathispainhadcomeuponhimwiththecolonel\'sinformationthatKatehadgivenherselftoHarry。Itwasrightthatheshouldbedisappointed。Harry，thoughadecentenoughfellow，didnotbegintobeworthyofher；andindeednoonethatheknewwasworthyofher。Butwhyshouldhefeelsosorelyaboutit？ForyearsHarryhadbeenherdevotedslave。Hewouldgivehertheloveofanhonestman，andwouldsurroundherwithallthecomfortsandluxuriesthatwealthcouldbring。Shewouldbeveryhappy。Hehadnorighttogrieveaboutit。Andyethedidgrieve。Thewholeskyoverthelandscapeofhislifehadsuddenlybecomecoldandgray。DuringtheseyearsKatehadgrowntobemuchtohim。Shehadinmanywayshelpedhiminhiswork。Thethoughtofherandherapprovalhadbroughthiminspirationandstrengthinmanyanhourofweaknessandloneliness。
Shehadbeensoloyalandsotruefromtheveryfirst，anditwasabitterthingtofeelthatanotherhadcomebetweenthem。Overandoveragainheaccusedhimselfofsheermadness。WhyshouldshenotloveHarry？Thatneednotmakeheranylesshisfriend。Butinspiteofhisarguments，hefoundhimselfwearyoftheEastandeagertoturnawayfromit。HemusthurryonatoncetoOttawa，andwithallspeedgetdonehisbusinessthere。
AtChicagoheleftthecolonelwithapromisetomeethiminthreeweeksattheheadquartersoftheBritish-AmericanCoalandLumberCompanyatBayCity。HewiredtoOttawa，askinganappointmentwiththegovernment，andafterthreedays\'hardtravelfoundhimselfinthecapitaloftheDominion。Thepremier，SirJohnA。
Macdonald，withthereadycourtesycharacteristicofhim，immediatelyarrangedforahearingofthedelegationfromBritishColumbia。Ranaldwassurprisedattheindifferencewithwhichheapproachedthismeeting。Heseemedtohavelostcapacityforkeenfeelingofanykind。SirJohnA。MacDonaldandhiscabinetreceivedthedelegationwithgreatkindness，andineverypossiblewaystrovetomakethemfeelthatthegovernmentwasgenuinelyinterestedinthewesternprovince，andwereanxioustodoallthatcouldbedoneintheirinterest。Intheconferencethatensued，thedelegateforVictoriatookamoreprominentpart，beinganolderman，andrepresentingthelargerandmoreimportantconstituency。ButwhenSirJohnbegantoaskquestions，theVictoriadelegatewassoonbeyondhisdepth。ThepremiershowedsuchanexactnessofknowledgeandcomprehensivenessofgraspthatbeforelongRanaldwasappealedtoforinformationinregardtotheresourcesofthecountry，andespeciallythecausesandextentofthepresentdiscontent。
\"Thecausesofdiscontentareveryeasytosee，\"saidRanald；
\"allBritishColumbiansfeelhurtatthefailureoftheDominiongovernmenttokeepitssolemnobligations。\"
\"Istherenothingelsenow，Mr。Macdonald？\"
\"Theremaybe，\"saidRanald，\"somelingeringimpatiencewiththegovernmentbydifferentofficials，andthereisacertainamountofannexationsentiment。\"
\"Ah，\"saidSirJohn，\"Ithinkwehaveourfingeruponitnow。\"
\"Donotover-estimatethat，\"saidRanald；\"Ibelievethatthereareonlyaveryfewwithannexationsentiments，andalltheseareofAmericanbirth。Thegreatbodyofthepeoplearesimplyindignantat，anddisappointedwith，theDominiongovernment。\"
\"Andwouldyousaythereisnoothercauseofdiscontent，Mr。
Macdonald？\"saidSirJohn，withakeenlookatRanald。
\"Thereisanothercause，Ibelieve，\"saidRanald，\"andthatisthepartydepression，butthatdepressionisduetotheuncertaintyinregardtothepoliticalfutureoftheprovince。Whenoncewehearthattherailroadisbeingbuilt，politicalinterestwillrevive。\"
\"MayIaskwhereyouwereborn？\"saidSirJohn。
\"InGlengarry，\"saidRanald，withatouchofprideinhisvoice。
\"Ah，Iamafraidyourpeoplearenotgreatadmirersofmygovernment，andperhapsyou，Mr。Macdonald，shareintheopinionofyourcounty。\"
\"IhavenoopinioninregardtoDominionpolitics。IamforBritishColumbia。\"
\"Well，Mr。Macdonald，\"saidSirJohn，rising，\"thatisright，andyououghttohaveyourroad。\"
\"DoIunderstandyoutosaythatthegovernmentwillbegintobuildtheroadatonce？\"saidRanald。
\"Ah，\"smiledSirJohn，\"Iseeyouwantsomethingdefinite。\"
\"Ihavecometwothousandmilestogetit。Thepeoplethatsentmewillbecontentwithnothingelse。Itisaserioustimewithus，andIbelievewiththewholeoftheDominion。\"
\"Mr。Macdonald，\"saidSirJohn，becomingsuddenlygrave，\"believeme，itisamoreserioustimethanyouknow，butyoutrustmeinthismatter。\"
\"Willtheroadbebegunthisyear？\"saidRanald。
\"AllIcansayto-day，Mr。Macdonald，\"saidSirJohn，earnestly，\"isthis，thatifIcanbringitabout，thebuildingoftheroadwillbestartedatonce。\"
\"Then，SirJohn，\"saidRanald，\"youmaydependthatBritishColumbiawillbegratefultoyou，\"andtheinterviewwasover。
Outsidetheroom，hefoundCaptainDeLacyawaitinghim。
\"ByJove，Macdonald，Ihavebeenwaitingherethree-quartersofanhour。Comealong。Maimiehasanafternoonrighton，andyouareourlion。\"Ranaldwouldhaverefused，butDeLacywouldnotacceptanyapology，andcarriedhimoff。
Maimie\'sroomswerecrowdedwithallthegreatsocialandpoliticalpeopleofthecity。Withanairoftriumph，DeLacypilotedRanaldthroughthecrowdandpresentedhimtoMaimie。Ranaldwassurprisedtofindhimselfshakinghandswiththewomanhehadonceloved，withunquickenedpulseandnervescoolandsteady。HereMaimie，whowaslookingmorebeautifulthanever，andwhowasdressedinagownofexquisiterichness，receivedRanaldwithawarmththatwasalmostenthusiastic。
\"Howfamousyouhavebecome，Mr。Macdonald，\"shesaid，offeringhimherhand；\"weareallproudtosaythatweknowyou。\"
\"Youflatterme，\"saidRanald，bowingoverherhand。
\"No，indeed。EveryoneistalkingoftheyoungmanfromtheWest。
Andhowhandsomeyouare，Ranald，\"shesaid，inalowvoice，leaningtowardhim，andflashingathimoneofherold-timeglances。
\"Iamnotusedtothat，\"hesaid，\"andIcanonlyreplyasweusedtoinschool，\'You，too。\'\"
\"Oh，nowyouflatterme，\"criedMaimie，gayly；\"butletmeintroduceyoutomydearfriend，LadyMaryRivers。LadyMary，thisisMr。
MacdonaldfromBritishColumbia，youknow。\"
\"Oh，yes，\"saidLadyMary，withalookofintelligenceinherbeautifuldarkeyes，\"Ihaveheardagreatdealaboutyou。Letmesee，youopposedseparation；savedtheDominion，inshort。\"
\"DidI，really？\"saidRanald，\"andneverknewit。\"
\"Yousee，heisnotonlyfamousbutmodest，\"saidMaimie；\"butthatisanoldcharacteristicofhis。IknewMr。Macdonaldaverylongtimeago。\"
\"Very，\"saidRanald。
\"Whenwewerequiteyoung。\"
\"Veryyoung，\"repliedRanald，withgreatemphasis。
\"Anddoubtlessveryhappy，\"saidLadyMary。
\"Happy，\"saidRanald，\"yes，sohappythatIcanhardlybeartothinkofthosedays。\"
\"Whyso？\"inquiredLadyMary。
\"Becausetheyaregone。\"
\"Butalldaysgoandhavetobepartedwith。\"
\"Oh，yes，LadyMary。Thatistrueandsomanythingsdiewiththem，as，forinstance，ouryouthfulbeliefsandenthusiasms。I
usedtobelieveineveryone，LadyMary。\"
\"Andnowinnoone？\"
\"Godforbid！Idiscriminate。\"
\"Now，LadyMary，\"repliedMaimie，\"Iwantmyliontobeledaboutandexhibited，andIgivehimovertoyou。\"
ForsometimeRanaldstoodnear，chattingtotwoorthreepeopletowhomLadyMaryhadintroducedhim，butlisteningeagerlyallthewhiletoMaimietalkingtothemenwhowerecrowdedabouther。Howbrilliantlyshetalked，findingitquitewithinherpowerstokeepseveralmenbusyatthesametime；andasRanaldlistenedtohergay，frivoloustalk，moreandmorehebecameconsciousofanunpleasantnessinhertone。Itwasthin，shallow，andheartless。
\"Canitbepossible，\"hesaidtohimself，\"thatonceshehadthepowertomakemyheartquickenitsbeat？\"
\"TellmeabouttheWest，\"LadyMarywassaying，whenRanaldcametohimself。
\"IfIbeginabouttheWest，\"hereplied，\"Imusthavebothtimeandspacetodelivermyself。\"
\"Come，then。Weshallfindacorner，\"saidLadyMary，andforhalfanhourdidRanalddiscoursetoheroftheWest，andsoeloquentlythatLadyMaryquiteforgotthathewasalionandthatshehadbeenintrustedwiththedutyofexhibitinghim。ByandbyMaimiefoundthem。
\"Now，LadyMary，youareveryselfish，forsomanypeoplearewantingtoseeourhero，andhereisthepremierwantingtoseeyou。\"
\"Ah，LadyMary，\"saidSirJohn，\"youhavecapturedthemanfromGlengarry，Isee。\"
\"Ihopeso，indeed，\"saidLadyMary；\"butwhyfromGlengarry？HeisfromtheWest，ishenot？\"
\"OncefromGlengarry，nowfromtheWest，andIhopehewilloftencomefromtheWest，andhewill，nodoubt，ifthosepeopleknowwhatisgoodforthem。\"AndSirJohn，skillfullydrawingRanaldaside，ledhimtotalkofthepoliticalsituationinBritishColumbia，nowandthenputtingaquestionthatrevealedaknowledgesofullandaccuratethatRanaldexclaimed，suddenly，\"Why，SirJohn，youknowmoreaboutthecountrythanIdo！\"
\"Notatall，notatall，\"repliedSirJohn；andthen，loweringhisvoicetoaconfidentialtone，headded，\"YouarethefirstmanfromthatcountrythatknowswhatIwanttoknow。\"AndoncemorehepliedRanaldwithquestions，listeningeagerlyandintelligentlytotheanswerssoenthusiasticallygiven。
\"WewanttomakethisDominionagreatempire，\"saidSirJohn，ashesaidgoodbytoRanald，\"andwearegoingtodoit，butyouandmenlikeyouintheWestmustdoyourpart。\"
Ranaldwasmuchimpressedbythepremier\'sgraveearnestness。
\"Iwilltry，SirJohn，\"hesaid，\"andIshallgobackfeelingthankfulthatyouaregoingtoshowustheway。\"
\"Goingsosoon？\"saidMaimie，whenhecametosaygoodby。\"WhyI
haveseennothingofyou，andIhavenothadamomenttoofferyoumycongratulations，\"shesaid，withasignificantsmile。Ranaldbowedhisthanks。
\"AndKate，deargirl，\"wentonMaimie，\"shenevercomestoseemenow，butIamgladshewillbesohappy。\"
Ranaldlookedathersteadilyforamomentortwo，andthensaid，quietly，\"IamsureIhopeso，andHarryisaveryluckychap。\"
\"Oh，isn\'the，\"criedMaimie，\"andheisjustdaftabouther。Mustyougo？Iamsosorry。Iwantedtotalkaboutoldtimes，thedearolddays。\"ThelookinMaimie\'seyessaidmuchmorethanherwords。
\"Yes，\"saidRanald，withaneasy，franksmile；\"theyweredeardays，indeed；Ioftenthinkofthem。AndnowImustreallygo。
SaygoodbytoDeLacyforme。\"
Hecameawayfromherwithaninexplicablefeelingofexultation。
Hehadgonewithsomeslighttrepidationinhisheart，tomeether，anditwasnosmallrelieftohimtodiscoverthatshehadlostallpoweroverhim。
\"WhatsortofmancouldIhavebeen，Iwonder？\"heaskedhimself；
\"anditwasonlythreeyearsago。\"
NearthedoorLadyMarystoppedhim。\"Goingsoearly，andwithoutsayinggoodby？\"shesaid，reproachfully。
\"Imustleavetownto-night，\"hereplied，\"butIamgladtosaygoodbytoyou。\"
\"Ithinkyououghttostay。IamsureHisExcellencywantstoseeyou。\"
\"Iamsureyouaregoodtothinkso，butIamalsoquitesurethathehasnevergivenathoughttomyinsignificantself。\"
\"Indeedhehas。Now，can\'tyoustayafewdays？Iwanttoseemore——weallwanttohearmoreabouttheWest。\"
\"YouwillneverknowtheWestbyhearingofit，\"saidRanald，offeringhishand。
\"Goodby，\"shesaid，\"Iamcoming。\"
\"Good，\"hesaid，\"Ishalllookforyou。\"
AsRanaldapproachedhishotel，hesawamanthatseemedoddlyfamiliar，loungingagainstthedoorandashedrewnear，hediscoveredtohisastonishmentandjoythatitwasYankee。
\"Why，Yankee！\"heexclaimed，rushingathim，\"howintheworlddidyoucometobehere，andwhatbroughtyou？\"
\"Well，Icameforyou，Iguess。Heardyouweregoingtobehereandwerecomin\'homeafterwards，soIthoughtitwouldbequickerforyoutodrivestraightacrossthantogoroundbyCornwall，soI
hitchedupLisetteandcamerightalong。\"
\"Lisette！Youdon\'tmeantotellme？Howistheoldgirl？
Yankee，youhavedoneafinething。Nowwewillstartrightaway。\"
\"Allright，\"saidYankee。
\"Howlongwillittakeustogethome？\"
\"\'Bouttwodayseasygoin，\'Iguess。Ofcourseifyouwant，I
guesswecandoitinadayandahalf。Shewilldoallyoutellher。\"
\"Well，wewilltaketwodays，\"saidRanald。
\"Iguesswehadbettertakeaprettyearlystart，\"saidYankee。
\"Can\'twegetoffto-night？\"inquiredRanald，eagerly。\"Wecouldgetouttenmilesorso。\"
\"Yes，\"repliedYankee。\"There\'sagoodplacetostop，abouttenmilesout。Ithinkwehadbettergoalongtheriverroad，andthentakedownthroughtheRussellHillstotheNationCrossing。\"
Inhalfanhourtheywereoffontheirtwodays\'triptotheIndianLands。Andtwogloriousdaystheywere。Theopenairwiththesuggestionofthecomingfall，thegreatforestswiththeirvaryinghuesofgreenandbrown，yellowandbrightred，andallbathedinthesmokypurplelightoftheSeptembersun，theseallcombinedtobringtoRanald\'shearttherestandcomfortandpeacethathesosorelyneeded。Andwhenhedroveintohisuncle\'syardinthelateafternoonofthesecondday，hefelthimselfmorecontenttolivethelifeappointedhim；andifanythingmorewereneededtostrengthenhiminthisresolution，andtofithimforthefightlyingbeforehim，hisbriefvisittohishomebroughtittohim。
ItdidhimgoodtolookintothefaceofthegreatMacdonaldBhainoncemore，andtohearhisdeep，steadyvoicewelcomehimhome。Itwasthefaceandthevoiceofamanwhohadpassedthroughmanyasorebattle，andnotwithouthonortohimself。Anditwasgood，too，toreceivethewelcomegreetingsofhisoldfriendsandtofeeltheirprideinhimandtheirhighexpectationofhim。Morethanever，heresolvedthathewouldbeamanworthyofhisrace。
Hisvisittothemansebroughthimmingledfeelingsofdelightandperplexityandpain。Theminister\'swelcomewaskind，buttherewasatingeofself-complacentprideinit。Ranaldwasoneof\"hislads，\"andheevidentlytookcredittohimselffortheyoungman\'ssuccess。Hughieregardedhimwithreservedapproval。Hewasnowamanandteachingschool，andbeforecommittinghimselftohisold-
timedevotion，hehadtoadjusthismindtothenewconditions。
ButbeforetheeveningwashalfdoneRanaldhadwonhimoncemore。
HistalesoftheWest，andofhowitwasmakingandmarringmen，ofthenationthatwasbeingbuiltup，andhispictureofthefuturethathesawforthegreatDominion，unconsciouslyrevealedthestrongmanhoodandthehighidealsinthespeaker，andHughiefoundhimselfslippingintotheoldattitudeofdevotiontohisfriend。
ButitstruckRanaldtothehearttoseethemarksofmanyalongday\'sworkuponthefaceofthewomanwhohaddonemoreforhimthanalltherestoftheworld。Herflockoflittlechildrenhadlaiduponheraloadofcareandtoil，whichaddedtotheburdenshewasalreadytryingtocarry，wasprovingmorethanherdelicateframecouldbear。Therewerelinesuponherfacethatonlywearinessoftenrepeatedcutsdeep；buttherewereotherlinesthere，andthesewerelinesofheartpain，andasRanaldwatchedherclosely，withhisheartrunningoverwithloveandpityandindignationforher，hecaughtherfrequentglancestowardherfirstbornthatspokeofanxietyandfear。
\"Canitbetheyoungrascalisbringingheranythingbutperfectsatisfactionandjoyinreturnforthesacrificeofhersplendidlife？\"hesaidtohimself。Butnowordfellfromhertoshowhimthesecretofherpain，itwasHughie\'sownlipsthatrevealedhim，andastheladtalkedofhispresentandhisfuture，hisimpatienceofcontrol，hislackofsympathytoallhigherideals，hisdeterminationtopleasehimselftotheforgettingofallelse，hisseemingunconsciousnessofthedebtheowedtohismother，allthesebecameeasilyapparent。WithdifficultyRanaldrestrainedhisindignation。Helethimtalkforsometimeandthenopenedoutuponhim。Hereadhimnolonglecture，buthiswordscameforthwithsuchfieryheatthattheyburnedtheirwayclearthroughallthefaultsandflimsyselfishnessoftheyoungermantilltheyreachedthetrueheartofhim。HislastwordsHughieneverforgot。
\"Doyouknow，Hughie，\"hesaid，andthefireinhiseyesseemedtoburnintoHughie\'s，\"doyouknowwhatsortofwomanyouhaveforamother？Anddoyouknowthatifyoushouldlivetobeahundredyears，anddevotedeverydayofyourlifetothedoingofherpleasure，youcouldnotrepaythedebtyouoweher？Beaman，Hughie。ThankGodforher，andfortheopportunityoflovingandcaringforher。\"
ThenightofhisfirstvisittothemanseRanaldhadnoopportunityforanyfurthertalkwiththeminister\'swife，buthecameawaywiththeresolvethatbeforehisweek\'svisitwasover，hewouldseeheralone。Onhisreturnhome，however，hefoundwaitinghimatelegramfromColonelThorp，mailedfromAlexandria，announcinganearlydateforthemeetingofshareholdersatBayCity，sothathefounditnecessarytoleaveimmediatelyafterthenextday，whichwastheSabbath。Itwasnosmalldisappointmenttohimthathewastohavenoopportunityofopeninghishearttohisfriend。Butashesatinhisuncle\'sseatatthesideofthepulpit，fromwhichhecouldcatchsightoftheminister\'spew，andwatchedthelookofpeaceandquietcouragegrowuponherfacetillallthelinesofpainandcarewerequitesmoothedout，hefelthisheartfillupwithasenseofshameforallhisweakness，andhissoulknititselfintotheresolvethatifheshouldhavetowalkhisway，bearinghiscrossalone，hewouldseekthesamehighspiritoffaithandpatienceandcouragethathesawshininginhergray-
browneyes。
Aftertheservicehewalkedhomewiththeminister\'swife，seekingopportunityforafewlastwordswithher。Hehadmeanttotellhersomethingofhisheart\'ssorrowanddisappointment，forheguessedthatknowingandlovingKateasshedid，shewouldunderstanditsdepthandbitterness。Butwhenhetoldherofhisearlydeparture，andofthefearthatformanyyearshecouldnotreturn，hisheartwassmittenwithagreatpityforher。Thelookofdisappointmentandalmostofdismayhecouldnotunderstanduntil，withdifficulty，shetoldhimhowshehadhopedthathewastospendsomeweeksathomeandthatHughiemightbemuchwithhim。
\"Iwishhecouldknowyoubetter，Ranald。Thereisnooneaboutheretowhomhecanlookup，andsomeofhiscompanionsarenotofthebest。\"ThelookofbeseechingpaininhereyeswasalmostmorethanRanaldcouldbear。
\"Iwouldgivemylifetohelpyou，\"hesaid，inavoicehoarseandhusky。
\"Iknow，\"shesaid，simply；\"youhavebeenagreatjoytome，Ranald，anditwillalwayscomfortmetothinkofyou，andofyourwork，andIliketoremember，too，howyouhelpedHarry。Hetoldmemuchaboutyou，andIamsoglad，especiallyasheisnowtobemarried。\"
\"Yes，yes，\"repliedRanald，hurriedly；\"thatwillbeagreatthingforhim。\"Then，afterapause，headded：\"Mrs。Murray，theWestisahardcountryforyoungmenwhoarenot——notveryfirmlyanchored，butifatanytimeyouthinkIcouldhelpHughieandyoufeellikesendinghimtome，Iwillgladlydoforhimallthatonemancandoforanother。AndallthatIcandowillbeaverypoorreturnforwhatyouhavedoneforme。\"
\"It\'slittleIhavedone，Ranald，\"shesaid，\"andthatlittlehasbeenrepaidathousand-fold，forthereisnogreaterjoythanthatofseeingmyboysgrowintogoodandgreatmenandthatjoyyouhavebroughtme。\"Thenshesaidgoodby，holdinghishandlong，asifhatingtolethimgo。
\"Iwillrememberyourpromise，Ranald，\"shesaid，\"foritmaybethatsomedayIshallneedyou。\"AndwhenthechancecametoRanaldbeforemanyyearshadgone，heprovedhimselfnotunworthyofhertrust。
*****
Atthemeetingofshare-holdersoftheBritish-AmericanCoalandLumberCompany，heldinBayCity，thefeelinguppermostinthemindsofthosepresentwasoneofwrathandindignationatColonelThorp，forhestillclungtotheideathatitwouldbeunwisetowinduptheBritishColumbiaendofthebusiness。Thecolonel\'sspeechinreplywasatriumphofdiplomacy。Hebeganbygivingadetailedandgraphicaccountofhistripthroughtheprovince，lightingupthenarrativewithincidentsofadventure，bothtragicandcomic，tosuchgoodpurposethatbeforehehadfinishedhishearershadforgottenalltheiranger。ThenhetoldofwhathehadseenofRanald\'swork，emphasizingthelargenessoftheresultshehadobtainedwithhisveryimperfectequipment。HespokeofthehighplacetheirmanagerheldintheesteemofthecommunityaswitnesshisvisittoOttawaasrepresentative，andlastlyhetoucheduponhisworkforthemenbymeansofthelibrariesandreading-room。Herehewasinterruptedbyanimpatientexclamationonthepartofoneoftheshare-holders。Thecolonelpaused，andfasteninghiseyeupontheimpatientshare-holder，hesaid，intonescoolanddeliberate：\"Agentlemansays，\'Nonsense！\'I
confessthatbeforemyvisittotheWestIshouldhavesaidthesame，butIwanttosayrighthereandnow，thatIhavecometotheopinionthatitpaystolookafteryourmen——soul，mind，andbody。
You\'llcutmorelumber，getbettercontracts，andincreaseyourdividends。Thereain\'tnomannerofdoubtaboutthat。Now，\"
concludedthecolonel，\"youmaystillwanttocloseupthatbusiness，butbeforeyoudoso，IwantyoutohearMr。Macdonald。\"
Aftersomehesitation，Ranaldwasallowedtospeakforafewminutes。Hebeganbyexpressinghisamazementthatthereshouldbeanythoughtonthepartofthecompanyofwithdrawingfromtheprovinceattheverytimewhenotherfirmswereseekingtofindentrance。Heacknowledgedthattheresultforthelastyearsdidnotwarrantanygreatconfidenceinthefutureoftheirbusiness，butabrighterdayhaddawned，therailroadwascoming，andhehadinhispocketthreecontractsthatitwouldrequirethecompany\'swholeforceforsixmonthstofulfill，andthesecontractswouldbeconcludedthedaythefirstrailwaslaid。
\"Andwhenwillthatbe？\"interruptedashareholder，scornfully。
\"Ihaveeveryassurance，\"saidRanald，quietly，\"fromthepremierhimself，thatthebuildingoftherailroadwillbestartedthisfall。\"
\"DidSirJohnA。MacDonaldgiveyouadefinitepromise？\"askedtheman，insurprise。
\"Notexactlyapromise，\"saidRanald。
Achorusofscornful\"Ohs\"greetedthisadmission。
\"Butthepremierassuredmethatallhisinfluencewouldbethrowninfavorofimmediateconstruction。\"
\"Formypart，\"repliedtheshare-holder，\"Iplacenottheslightestconfidenceinanysuchpromiseasthat。\"
\"AndI，\"saidRanald，calmly，\"haveeveryconfidencethatworkonthelinewillbestartedthisfall。\"AndthenhewentontospeakofthefuturethathesawstretchingoutbeforetheprovinceandthewholeDominion。Thefeelingofoppositionintheairrousedhimlikeacalltobattle，andthethoughtthathewaspleadingfortheWestthathehadgrowntolove，stimulatedhimlikeadraughtofstrongwine。Inthemidstofhisspeechthesecretary，whotillthatmomenthadnotbeenpresent，cameintotheroomwiththeeveningpaperinhishand。Hegaveittothepresident，pointingoutaparagraph。Atoncethepresident，interruptingRanaldinhisspeech，roseandsaid，\"Gentlemen，thereisanitemofnewsherethatIthinkyouwillallagreebearssomewhatdirectlyuponthisbusiness。\"HethenreadSirJohnA。MacDonald\'sfamoustelegramtotheBritishColumbiagovernment，promisingthattheCanadianPacificRailwayshouldbebegunthatfall。Afterthecheershaddiedaway，Ranaldroseagain，andsaid，\"Mr。Presidentandgentlemen，thereisnoneedthatIshouldsayanythingmore。IsimplywishtoaddthatIreturntoBritishColumbianextweek，butwhetherasmanagerforthiscompanyornotthatisamatterofperfectindifferencetome。\"
Andsayingthis，helefttheroom，followedbyColonelThorp。
\"You\'reallright，pardner，\"saidthecolonel，shakinghimvigorouslybythehand，\"andiftheydon\'tfeellikeplayinguptoyourlead，then，bythegreatandeverlastingSammy，wewillmakeanewdealandplayitalone！\"
\"Allright，Colonel，\"saidRanald；\"IalmostthinkI\'dratherplayitwithoutthemandyoucantellthemso。\"
\"Whereareyougoingnow？\"saidthecolonel。
\"I\'vegottogotoTorontoforaday，\"saidRanald；\"theboysarefoolishenoughtogetupakindofdinnerattheAlbert，andbesides，\"headded，resolutely，\"IwanttoseeKate。\"
\"Rightyouare，\"saidthecolonel；\"anythingelsewouldbemeanerthansnakes。\"
ButwhenRanaldreachedToronto，hefounddisappointmentawaitinghim。TheAlbertswerereadytogivehimanenthusiasticreception，buttohisdismaybothHarryandKatewereabsent。HarrywasinQuebecandKatewaswithhermothervisitingfriendsattheNorthernLake，soRanaldwasforcedtocontenthimselfwithaletteroffarewellandcongratulationuponherapproachingmarriage。Inspiteofhisdisappointment，Ranaldcouldnothelpacknowledgingafeelingofrelief。ItwouldhavebeennosmallordealtohimtohavemetKate，tohavetoldherhowshehadhelpedhimduringhisthreeyears\'absence，withoutlettinghersuspecthowmuchshehadbecometohim，andhowsorewashisdisappointmentthatshecouldneverbemorethanfriendtohim，andindeed，noteventhat。Buthisletterwasfullofwarm，frank，brotherlycongratulationandgoodwill。
ThedinnerattheAlbertwasineverywayworthyoftheclubandoftheoccasion，butRanaldwasgladtogetitover。Hewaseagertogetawayfromthecityassociatedinhismindwithsomuchthatwaspainful。
Atlengththelastspeechwasmade，andthelastsongwassung，andthemeninabodymarchedtothestationcarryingtheirherowiththem。Astheystoodwaitingforthetraintopullout，acoachmaninliveryapproachedlittleMerrill。
\"AladywishestoseeMr。Macdonald，sir，\"hesaid，touchinghishat。
\"Well，she\'sgottobequickaboutit，\"saidMerrill。\"Here，Glengarry，\"hecalledtoRanald，\"aladyiswaitingoutsidetoseeyou，butIsay，oldchap，youwillhavetomakeitshort，Iguessitwillbesweetenough。\"
\"Whereisshe？\"saidRanaldtothecoachman，\"Inhere，sir，\"conductinghimtotheladies\'waiting-room，andtakinghisplaceatthedooroutside。Ranaldhurriedintotheroom，andtherestoodKate。
\"DearKate！\"hecried，runningtowardherwithbothhandsoutstretched，\"thisismorethankindofyou，andjustlikeyourgoodheart。\"
\"Ionlyheardlastnight，Ranald，\"shesaid，\"fromMaimie，thatyouweretobehereto-day，andIcouldnotletyougo。\"Shestooduplookingsobraveandproud，butinspiteofher，herlipsquivered。
\"Ihavewaitedtoseeyousolong，\"shesaid，\"andnowyouaregoingawayagain。\"
\"Don\'tspeaklikethat，Kate，\"saidRanald，\"don\'tsaythosethings。Iwanttotellyouhowyouhavehelpedmethesethreelonelyyears，butIcan\'t，andyouwillneverknow，andnowIamgoingback。Ihardlydaredtoseeyou，butIwishyoueverythingthatisgood。Ihaven\'tseenHarryeither，butyouwillwishhimjoyforme。Heisaveryluckyfellow。\"
BythistimeRanaldhadregainedcontrolofhimself，andwasspeakinginatoneoffrankandbrotherlyaffection。Katelookedathimwithaslightlypuzzledair。
\"I\'veseenMaimie，\"Ranaldwenton，\"andshetoldmeallaboutit，andIam——yes，Iamveryglad。\"StillKatelookedalittlepuzzled，buttheminuteswereprecious，andshehadmuchtosay。
\"Oh，Ranald！\"shecried，\"Ihavesomuchtosaytoyou。Youhavebecomeagreatman，andyouaregood。IamsoproudwhenIhearofyou，\"andloweringhervoicealmosttoawhisper，\"Iprayforyoueveryday。\"
AsRanaldstoodgazingatthebeautifulface，andnoticedthequiveringlipsandthedarkeyesshiningwithtearsshewastoobravetoletfall，hefeltthathewasfastlosinghisgripofhimself。
\"Oh，Kate，\"hecried，inalow，tensevoice，\"Imustgo。Youhavebeenmoretomethanyouwilleverknow。Mayyoubothbehappy。\"
\"Both？\"echoedKate，faintly。
\"Yes，\"criedRanald，hurriedly，\"Harrywill，I\'msure，forifanyonecanmakehimhappy，youcan。\"
\"I？\"catchingherbreath，andbeginningtolaughalittlehysterically。
\"What\'sthematter，Kate？Youarelookingwhite。\"
\"Oh，\"criedKate，hervoicebrokenbetweenasobandalaugh，\"won\'tHarryandLilyenjoythis？\"
Ranaldgazedatherinfearasifshehadsuddenlygonemad。
\"Lily？\"hegasped。
\"Yes，Lily，\"criedKate；\"didn\'tyouknowLilyLangford，Harry\'sdearestandmostdevoted？\"
\"No，\"saidRanald；\"anditisnotyou？\"
\"Notme，\"criedKate，\"notintheveryleast。\"
\"Oh，Kate，tellme，isthisalltrue？Areyoustillfree？Andisthereanyuse？\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"criedKate，dancingaboutinsheerjoy，\"yousillyboy。\"
BythistimeRanaldhadgotholdofherhands。
\"Lookhere，oldchap，\"burstinMerrill，\"yourtrain\'sgoing。Oh，begpardon。\"
\"Takethenext，Ranald。\"
\"Merrill，\"saidRanald，solemnly，\"tellthefellowsI\'mnotgoingonthistrain。\"
\"Hoorah！\"criedlittleMerrill，\"IguessI\'lltell\'emyouaregone。MayItellthefellows，Kate？\"
\"What？\"saidKate，blushingfuriously。
\"Yes，Merrill，\"criedRanald，inavoicestridentwithecstasy，\"youmaytellthem。Tellthewholetown。\"
Merrillrushedtothedoor。\"Isay，fellows，\"hecried，\"lookhere。\"
Themencametroopingathiscall，butonlytoseeRanaldandKatedisappearingthroughtheotherdoor。
\"He\'snotgoing，\"criedMerrill，\"he\'sgone。ByJove！They\'vebothgone。\"
\"Isay，littleman，\"saidbigStarryHamilton，\"callyourselftogetherifyoucan。Who\'vebothgone？Inshort，whoisthelady？\"
\"Why，KateRaymond，youblessedidiot！\"criedMerrill，rushingforthedoor，followedbythewholecrowd。
\"ThreecheersforMacdonald！\"criedStarryHamilton，asthecarriagedroveaway，andafterthethreecheersandthetiger，littleMerrill\'svoiceledthemintheoldbattle-cry，heardlongagoontheriver，butafterwardonmanyahard-foughtfoot-ballfield，\"Glengarryforever！\"
End