第6章

Shelaybackinthebigchair，lookingsopaleandwearythatHarryhardlybelieveditwasthesamewomanthathadjustbeenkeepingahundredandfiftypeoplekeenlyalertforanhourandahalf，andleadingthemwithsuchintellectualandemotionalpower。

"Thatclassistoohardforyou，auntie，"hesaid。"IfIwereyourhusbandIwouldnotletyoukeepiton。"

"Butyouseemyhusbandisnothere。Heistwelvemilesaway。"

"ThenIwouldlockyouup，ortakeyouwithme。"

"Oh！"criedHughie，"IwouldmuchratherteachtheBibleclassthanlistentoanothersermon。"

"Somethinginthat，"saidhiscousin，"especiallyifIwerethepreacher，eh？"atwhichtheyalllaughed。

ItwasahappyhourforRanald。Hehadbeentooshytojointhesingingschool，andhadneverheardanypartsingingtillhebegantoattendtheBibleclass。Therehemadethedelightfuldiscoverythat，withoutanyinstruction，hecouldjoininthebass，andhadmade，also，thefurtherdiscoverythathisvoice，whichhehadthoughtroughandcoarse，andforayearpast，worsethanever，couldreachtoextraordinarydepths。OneSabbathevening，itchancedthatJohn"Aleck，"whoalwayshadanearopenforagoodvoice，heardhimrollingouthisdeepbass，andseizinghimonthespot，hadmadehimpromisetojointhesingingschool。Therehediscoveredatalentanddevelopedatasteforsingingthatdelightedhisleader\'sheart，andopenedouttohimselfanewworld。Thepiano，too，wasanewandraretreattoRanald。Inallthecountrytherewasnoother，andeveninthemanseitwasseldomheard，forMrs。Murrayfoundlittletime，amidthemultitudeofhouseholdandcongregationalduties，tokeepupherpianopractice。

Thatpartofherlife，withothersoflikekind，shehadbeenforcedtolose。

ButsinceMaimie\'scoming，thepianohadbeenindailyuse，andevenontheSabbathdays，thoughnotwithoutdangertothesensibilitiesoftheneighbors，shehadusedittoaccompanythehymnswithwhichthedayalwaysclosed。

"Letushavetheparts，"criedHughie。"MaimieandIwilltaketheair，andRanaldwilltakethebass。CousinHarry，canyousing？"

"Oh，I\'llhum。"

"Nonsense，"saidMaimie，"hesingstenorsplendidly。"

"Oh，that\'sfine！"criedHughie，withdelight。Hehimselfwasfullofmusic。"Comeon，Ranald，youstandupbehindMaimie，youwillneedtoseethenotes；andIwillsithere，"plantinghimselfbesidehismother。

SoHughiearrangeditall，andforanhourthesingingwenton，thefavoritehymnsofeachbeingsunginturn。Forthemostpart，Mrs。

Murraysatsilent，butnowandthenshewouldjoinwiththeothers，singingaltowhenshedidso，byHughie\'sspecialdirection。Hervoicewasnotstrong，butitwastrue，mellow，andfullofmusic。

Hughielovedtohearhersingalto，andmoreespeciallybecausehelikedtojoininwithher，whichhewastooshytodoalone，eveninhishome，andwhichhewouldneverthinkofdoingintheBibleclass，orinthepresenceofanyoftheboyswhomight，forthisreason，thinkhim"proud。"WhentheycametoHughie\'sturn，hechosethehymnbyBliss，recentlypublished，"Whosoeverwill，"thewordsseemtostrikehimtonight。

"Mother，"hesaid，aftersingingitthrough，"doesthatmeaneverybodythatlikes？"

"Yes，mydear，anyonethatwishes。"

"Pharaoh，mother？"

"Yes，Pharaoh，too。"

"But，mother，yousaidhecouldnotpossibly。"

"Onlybecausehedidnotwantto。"

"Buthecouldnot，evenifhedidwantto。"

"IhopeIdidnotsaythat，"saidhismother，smilingattheeagerandearnestyoungface。

"No，auntie，"saidHarry，takingupHughie\'scause，"notexactly，butsomethingverylikeit。YousaidthatPharaohcouldnotpossiblyhaveactedinanyotherwaythanhedid。"

"Yes，Isaidthat。"

"Notevenifhewantedto？"askedHughie。

"Oh，Ididnotsaythat。"

"TheLordhardenedPharaoh\'sheart，"quotedRanald，whoknewhisBiblebetterthanHarry。

"Yes，thatisit，"saidHarry，"andsothatmadeitimpossibleforPharaohtodoanythingelse。Hecouldnothelpfollowingafterthosepeople。"

"Whynot？"saidMrs。Murray。"Whatmadehimfollow？Nowjustthink，whatmadehimfollowafterthosepeople？"

"Why，hewantedtogetthemback，"saidHughie。

"Quitetrue，"saidhismother。"Soyousee，hedidexactlyashewantedto。"

"ThenyoumeantheLordhadnothingtodowithit？"askedRanald。

"No，Icouldnotsaythat。"

"Then，"saidHarry，"Pharaohcouldnothelphimself。Now，couldhe？"

"Hedidwhathewishedtodo，"saidhisaunt。

"Yes，"saidRanald，quickly，"butcouldhehelpwishingtodowhathedid？"

"Ifhehadbeenadifferentman，morehumbleminded，andmorewillingtobetaught，hewouldnothavewishedtodowhathedid。"

"Mother，"saidHughie，changinghisgroundalittle，andloweringhisvoice，"doyouthinkPharaohislost，andallhissoldiers，and——andallthepeoplewhowerebad？"

Mrs。Murraylookedathiminsilenceforafewmoments，thensaid，verysadly，"Ican\'tanswerthatquestion，Hughie。Idonotknow。"

"But，mother，"persistedHughie，"arenotwickedpeoplelost？"

"Yes，Hughie，"repliedhismother，"allthosewhodonotrepentoftheirsinsandcrytoGodformercy。"

"Oh，mother，"criedHughie，"forever？"

Hismotherdidnotreply。

"WillHeneverletthemout，mother？"continuedHughie，inpiteousappeal。

"Listentome，Hughie，"saidhismother，verygently。"Weknowverylittleaboutthis。Wouldyoubeverysorry，evenforverybadmen？"

"Oh，mother，"criedHughie，histenderlittleheartmovedwithagreatcompassion，"thinkofawholeyear，allsummerlong，andallwinterlong。IthinkIwouldletanybodyout。"

"Then，Hughie，dear，"saidhismother，"rememberthatGodismuchkinderthanyouare，andhasaheartfarmoretender，andwhileHewillbejustandmustpunishsin，Hewilldonothingunjustorunkind，youmaybequitesureofthat。DonotforgethowHegaveupHisowndearsonforus。"

PoorHughiecouldbearitnolonger。Heputhisheadinhismother\'slapandsobbedout，"Oh，mother，Ihopehewillletthemout。"

Asheutteredthispitifullittlecry，hiscousinHarrygotupfromhischair，andmovedacrosstothewindow，whileMaimieopenlywipedhereyes，butRanaldsatwithhisfacesethard，andhiseyesgleaming，waitingeagerlyforMrs。Murray\'sanswer。

ThemotherstrokedHughie\'sheadsoftly，andwhilehertearsfellonthebrowncurls，saidtohim，"Youwouldnotbeafraidtotrustyourmother，Hughie，andourFatherinheavenlovesusallmuchmorethanIloveyou。"

AndwiththatHughiewascontent。

"Nowletussingonemorehymn，"saidhismother。"It\'smychoice。"Andshechoseoneofthenewhymnswhichtheyhadjustlearnedinthesingingschool，andofwhichHughiewasveryfond，thechildren\'shymn，"CometotheSaviour。"WhiletheyweresingingtheyheardMr。Murraydriveintotheyard。

"There\'spapa，"saidMrs。Murray。"Hewillbetiredandhungry，"

andshehurriedouttomeetherhusband，followedbyHarryandHughie，leavingRanaldandMaimieintheroomtogether。Ranaldhadneverbeenalonewithherbefore，norindeedhadheeverspentfiveminutesofhislifealonewithanygirlbeforenow。Buthedidnotfeelawkwardorshy；hewasthinkingnow，ashehadbeenthinkingnowandthenthroughthewholeevening，ofonlyonething，thatMaimiewasgoingaway。Thatwouldmakeagreatdifferencetohim，sogreatthathewasconsciousofaheart-sinkingatthemerethoughtofit。Duringthelastweeks，hislifehadcometomoveaboutacenter，andthatcenterwasMaimie；andnowthatshewasgoingaway，therewouldbenothingleft。Nothing，thatis，thatreallymattered。Butthequestionhewasrevolvinginhismindwas，wouldsheforgetallabouthim。Heknewhewouldneverforgether，thatwas，ofcourse，impossible，forsomanythingswouldremindhimofher。Hewouldneverseethemoonlightfallingthroughthetreesasitfellthatnightofthesugaring-off，withoutthinkingofher。Hewouldneverseetheshadowsintheevening，orhearthewindintheleaves，withoutthinkingofher。

Thechurchandtheminister\'spew，themanseandallbelongingtoitwouldremindhimofMaimie。Hewouldrecallhowshelookedatdifferenttimesandplaces，theturnofherhead，thewayherhairfellonherneck，herlaugh，thelittletossofherchin，andthecurveinherlips。Hewouldremembereverythingabouther。Wouldsherememberhim，orwouldsheforgethim？Thatwasthequestionburninginhisheart；andthatquestionhemusthavesettled，andthiswasthetime。

Butthoughthesethoughtsandemotionswererushingthroughhisbrainandblood，hefeltstrangelyquietandself-controlledashewalkedovertoherwhereshestoodbesidethepiano，andlookingintohereyeswithanintensityofgazeshecouldnotmeet，said，inalow，quickvoice："Youaregoingaway？"

"Yes，"shereplied，sostartledthattheeasysmilewithwhichshehadgreetedhimfadedoutofherface。"IntwoweeksIshallbegone。"

"Gone！"echoedRanald。"Yes，youwillbegone。Willyouforgetme？"Histonewasalmoststern。

"Why，no，"shesaid，inasurprisedvoice。"Ofcoursenot。Didnotyousavemylife？Youwillbefarmorelikelytoforgetme。"

"No，"hesaid，simply，asifthatpossibilityneednotbeconsidered。

"Iwillneverforgetyou。Iwillalwaysbethinkingofyou。Willyouthinkofme？"hepersisted。

"Why，certainly。Wouldn\'tIbeaveryungratefulgirlifIdidnot？"

"Ungrateful！"exclaimedRanald，impatiently。"WhatIdidwasnothing。Forgetthat。Doyounotunderstandme？Iwillbethinkingofyoueveryday，inthemorningandatnight，andIneverthoughtofanyoneelsebeforeforaday。Willyoubethinkingofme？"

Therewasamovementinthekitchen，andtheycouldheartheministertalkingtoHarry；andsomeonewasmovingtowardthedoor。

"Tellme，Maimie，quick，"saidRanald，andthoughhisvoicewasintenseandstern，therewasappealinitaswell。

Shetookastepnearerhim，andlookingupintohisface，said，inawhisper，"Yes，Ranald，Iwillalwaysrememberyou，andthinkofyou。"

Swiftly，almostfiercely，hethrewhisarmsabouther，andkissedherlips，thenhestoodbacklookingather。

"Icouldnothelpit，"hesaid，boldly。"Youmademe。"

"Madeyou？"exclaimedMaimie，herfacehotwithblushes。

"Yes，youmademe。Icouldnothelpit，"herepeated。"AndIdonotcareifyouareangry。IamgladIdidit。"

"Glad？"echoedMaimieagain，notknowingwhattosay。

"Yes，glad，"hesaid，exultantly。"Areyou？"

Shemadenoreply。Thedooropenedbehindthem。Shesankdownuponthepiano-stoolandletherhandsfalluponthekeys。

"Areyou？"hedemanded，ignoringtheinterruption。

Withherheadlowdown，whileshestruckthechordsofthehymntheyhadjustsung，shesaid，hesitatingly，"Iamnotsorry。"

"Sorryforwhat？"saidHarry。

"Oh，nothing，"saidMaimie，lightly。

"Nobodyis，ifhehasgotanysense。"

ThenMrs。Murraycamein。"Won\'tyoustayforsupper，Ranald？Youmustbehungry。"

"No，thankyou，"saidRanald。"Imustgonow。"

Heshookhandswithaneaseandfreedomthattheministerhadneverseeninhim，andwentout。

"Thatyoungmaniscomingon，"saidtheminister。"Ineversawanyonechangeanddevelopashehasinthelastfewmonths。Letmesee。Heisonlyeighteen，isn\'the，andhemightbetwenty-one。"

TheministerspokeasifhewerenottoowellpleasedwiththisprecocityinRanald。

ButlittledidRanaldcare。Thatyoungmanwasstridinghomewardthroughthenight，hisheadstrikingthestars。Hispathlaythroughthewoods，andwhenhecametothe"sugarcamp"road，hestoodstill，andletthememoriesofthenightwhenhehadsnatchedMaimiefromthefiretroopthroughhismind。SuddenlyhethoughtofAleckMcRae，andlaughedaloud。

"PoorAleck，"hesaid。Aleckseemedsoharmlesstohimnow。Andthenhestoodsilent，motionless，lookingstraighttowardthestars，butseeingthemnot。HewasrememberingMaimie\'sfacewhenshesaid，"Yes，Ranald，Iwillalwaysrememberyouandthinkofyou"；andthenthethoughtofwhatfollowed，sentthebloodjumpingthroughhisveins。

"Shewillnotforget，"hesaidaloud，andwentonhisway。Itwashishappynight，thehappiestofhislifethusfar，andhewouldalwaysbehappy。Whatdifferencecouldanythingmake？

CHAPTERXV

THEREVIVAL

ThoselastdaysofMaimie\'svisitspedbyonwingedfeet。ToRanaldtheywerebrimmingwithhappiness，everyoneofthem。Itwastheslacktimeoftheyear，betweenseedingandharvest，andtherewasnothingmuchtokeephimathome。Andso，withHarry，hisdevotedcompanion，Ranaldroamedthewoods，hitchingupLisetteinYankee\'sbuckboard，putherthroughherpaces，andwouldnowandthengetupsuchburstsofspeedastookHarry\'sbreathaway；andmorethanall，therewasthechanceofawordwithMaimie。Hehadlostmuchofhisawkwardness。Hewentaboutwithanairofmastery，andwhynot？Hehadentereduponhiskingdom。Theministernoticedandwondered；hiswifenoticedandsmiledsometimes，butoftenersighed，wiselykeepingsilence，forsheknewthatintimeslikethisthebestwordswerethoseunspoken。

ThehappiestdayofallforRanaldwasthelast，when，afteralongtrampwithHarrythroughthewoods，hedrovehimbacktothemanse，comingupfromthegatetothedoorlikeawhirlwind。

AsLisettestoodpawingandtossingherbeautifulhead，Mrs。

Murray，whostoodwithMaimiewatchingthemdriveup，criedout，admiringly："Whatabeautysheis！"

"Isn\'tshe！"criedHarry，enthusiastically。"Andsuchaflyer！

Getin，auntie，andsee。"

"Do，"saidRanald；"Iwouldbeveryglad。Justtothechurchhillandback。"

"Go，auntie，"pleadedHarry。"Sheiswonderful。"

"Yougo，Maimie，"saidheraunt，towhomeveryofferedpleasuresimplyfurnishedanopportunityofthoughtforothers。

"Nonsense！"criedHarry，impatiently。"Youmightgratifyyourselfalittleforonceinyourlife。Besides，"headded，withtruebrotherlyblindness，"it\'syouRanaldwants。Atleasthetalksenoughaboutyou。"

"Yes，auntie，dogo！Itwillbelovely，"chimedinMaimie，withsuspiciousheartiness。

So，withmanyprotestations，Mrs。MurraytookherplacebesideRanaldandwaswhirledofflikethewind。Shereturnedinaveryfewminutes，herhairblownloosetillthelittlecurlshungaboutherglowingfaceandhereyesshiningwithexcitement。

"Oh，sheisperfectlysplendid！"sheexclaimed。"Andsogentle。

Youmustgo，Maimie，ifonlytothegate。"AndMaimiewent，butnottoturnateventhechurchhill。

ForamiledowntheconcessionroadRanaldletLisettejogataneasypacewhilehetoldMaimiesomeofhisaimsandhopes。Hedidnotmeantobeafarmernoralumberman。Hewasgoingtothecity，andtheremakehisfortune。Hedidnotsayitinwords，buthistone，hismanner，everythingabouthim，proclaimedhisconfidencethatsomedayhewouldbeagreatman。AndMaimiebelievedhim，notbecauseitseemedreasonable，orbecausethereseemedtobeanygroundforhisconfidence，butjustbecauseRanaldsaidit。Hissuperbself-confidencewroughtinherassurance。

"Andthen，"hesaid，proudly，"Iamgoingtoseeyou。"

"Oh，Ihopeyouwillnotwaittillthen，"sheanswered。

"Idonotknow，"hesaid。"Icannottell，butitdoesnotmattermuch。Iwillbealwaysseeingyou。"

"ButIwillwanttoseeyou，"saidMaimie。

"Yes，"saidRanald，"Iknowyouwill，"asifthatwereathingtobeexpected。"Butyouwillbecomingbacktoyouraunthere。"ButofthisMaimiecouldnotbesure。

"Oh，yes，youwillcome，"hesaid，confidently；"Iamsureyouwillcome。Harryiscoming，andyouwillcome，too。"Andhavingsettledthispoint，heturnedLisetteandfromthatoutgavehisattentiontohisdriving。Thecoltseemedtorealizethenecessityofmakingadisplayofherbestspeed，andwithoutanyurging，shewentalongtheconcessionroad，increasingherspeedateverystridetillshewheeledinatthegate。ThenRanaldshookthelinesoverherbackandcalledtoher。MagnificentlyLisetteresponded，andsweptuptothedoorwithsuchsplendiddashthatthewholehouseholdgreetedherwithwavingapplause。Asthecoltcametoastand，Maimiesteppedoutfromthebuckboard，andturningtowardRanald，saidinalow，hurriedvoice："O，Ranald，thatwassplendid，andIamsohappy；andyouwillbesuretocome？"

"Iwillcome，"saidRanald，lookingdownintotheblueeyeswithalooksolongandsteadyandsofullofpassionatefeelingthatMaimieknewhewouldkeephisword。

Thenfarewellsweresaid，andRanaldturnedaway，HarryandMrs。

Murraywatchinghimfromthedoortillhedisappearedoverthechurchhill。

"Well，that\'sthefinestchapIeversaw，"saidHarry，withemphasis。"Andwhatabodyhehas！Hewouldmakeagreathalf-

back。"

"PoorRanald！Ihopehewillmakeagreatandgoodman，"saidhisaunt，witharingofsadnessinhervoice。

"Whypoor，auntie？"

"I\'msureIdonotknow，"shesaid，withaveryuncertainsmileplayingabouthermouth。ThenshewentupstairsandfoundMaimiesittingatthewindowoverlookingthechurchhill，andoncemoresheknewhowgoldenissilence。SoshesettoworktopackMaimie\'strunkforher。

"Itwillbeaveryearlystart，Maimie，"shesaid，"andsowewillgeteverythingreadyto-night。"

"Yes，auntie，"saidMaimie，goingtoherandputtingherarmsabouther。"HowhappyIhavebeen，andhowgoodyouhavebeentome！"

"AndhowgladIhavebeentohaveyou！"saidheraunt。

"Oh，Iwillneverforgetyou！YouhavetaughtmesomuchthatI

neverknewbefore。Iseeeverythingsodifferently。Itseemseasytobegoodhere，and，oh！Iwishyouwerenotsofarawayfromme，auntie。Iamafraid——afraid——"

Thetearscouldnolongerbedenied。Sheputherheadinheraunt\'slapandsobbedoutherheart\'soverflow。Foranhourtheysatbytheopentrunk，forgettingallaboutthepacking，whileheraunttalkedtoMaimieasnoonehadevertalkedtoherbefore；andoften，throughthelongyearsofsufferingthatfollowed，thewordsofthateveningcametoMaimietolightenandtocomfortanhouroffearandsorrow。Mrs。Murraywasofthosetowhomitisgiventospeakwordsthatwillnotdiewithtime，butwilllive，forthattheyfallfromlipstouchedwiththefireofGod。

BeforetheyhadfinishedtheirtalkHarrycamein，andthenMrs。

Murraytoldthemabouttheirmother，ofherbeautyandherbrightnessandhergoodness，butmostlyofhergoodness。

"Shewasadear，deargirl，"saidtheiraunt，"andhergoodnesswasofthekindthatmakesonethinkofafreshspringmorning，sobright，sosweet，andpure。Andshewasbeautiful，too。Youwillbelikeher，Maimie，"and，afterapause，sheadded，softly，"And，mostofall，shelovedherSaviour，andthatwasthesecretofbothherbeautyandhergoodness。"

"Auntie，"saidHarry，suddenly，"don\'tyouthinkyoucouldcometousforavisit？Itwoulddofather——Imeanitwouldbesuchagreatthingforfather，andforme，too，forusall。"

Mrs。Murraythoughtofherhomeandallitsties，andthensaid，smiling："Iamafraid，Harry，thatcouldhardlybe。Besides，mydearboy，thereisOnewhocanalwaysbewithyou，andnoonecantakeHisplace。"

"Allthesame，Iwishyoucouldcome，"saidHarry。"WhenIamhereIfeellikedoingsomethingwithmylife，butathomeIonlythinkofhavingfun。"

"But，Harry，"saidhisaunt，"lifeisaverysacredandverypreciousthing，andatallcosts，youmustmakeitworthyofHimwhogaveittoyou。"

Nextmorning，whenHarrywassaying"Farewell"tohisaunt，sheputherarmsroundhim，andsaid："Yourmotherwouldhavewishedyoutobeanobleman，andyoumustnotdisappointher。"

"Iwilltry，auntie，"hesaid，andcouldsaynomore。

Forthenextfewweekstheministerandhiswifewerebothbusyandanxious。Formorethaneightyearstheyhadlaboredwiththeirpeoplewithoutmuchsignofresult。Weekafterweektheministerpouredintohissermonsthestrengthofhisheartandmind，andthengavethemtohispeoplewithallthefervorofhisnature。

Weekafterweekhiswife，inherwomen\'smeetingsandinherBibleclass，lavishedfreelyuponthemthesplendidrichesofherintellectualandspiritualpowers，andtogetherinthehomesofthepeopletheywroughtandtaught。Attimesitseemedtotheministerthattheywerespendingtheirstrengthfornaught，andatsuchtimeshebitterlygrudged，nothisowntoils，butthoseofhiswife。Noneknewbetterthanhehowwellfittedshewas，bothbythenativeendowmentsofhermindandbythegracesofhercharacter，tofillthehighestsphere，andhesometimesgrewimpatientthatsheshouldspendherselfwithoutstintandreapnoadequatereward。

Thesewerehisthoughtsashelayonhiscouch，ontheeveningofthelastSabbathintheoldchurch，afteraday\'sworkmorethanusuallyexhausting。Thenewchurchwastobeopenedthefollowingweek。Formonthsithadbeentheburdenoftheirprayersthatatthededicationoftheirchurch，whichhadbeenbuiltandpaidforatthecostofmuchthoughtandtoil，thereshouldbesome"signalmarkofthedivineacceptance。"Nowondertheministerwasmorethanusuallydepressedto-night。

"Thereisnotmuchsignofmovementamongthedrybones，"hesaidtohiswife。"Theyareasdryandasdeadasever。"

Hiswifewassilentforsometime，forshe，too，hadhermomentsofdoubtandfear，butshesaid："Ithinkthereissomesign。Thepeoplewerecertainlymuchimpressedthismorning，andtheBibleclasswasverylarge，andtheywereveryattentive。"

"Sotheyareeveryday，"saidtheminister，ratherbitterly。"Butwhatdoesitamountto？Thereisnotasignofoneoftheseyoungpeople\'comingforward。\'Justthink，onlyoneyoungmanamemberofthechurch，andhehasn\'tgotmuchspunkinhim。Andmanyoftheoldermenremainashardasthenethermillstone。"

"Ireallythink，"saidhiswife，"thatanumberoftheyoungpeoplewould\'comeforward\'ifsomeonewouldmakeabeginning。Theyareallveryshy。"

"Soyoualwayssay，"saidherhusband，withatouchofimpatience；

"butthereisnoshynessinotherthings，intheirfrolicsandtheirfightings。Iamsurethislastoutrageousbusinessisenoughtobreakone\'sheart。"

"Whatdoyoumean？"saidhiswife。

"Oh，Isupposeyouwillhearsoonenough，soIneednottrytokeepitfromyou。ItwasLongJohnCamerontoldme。ItisstrangethatHughiehasnotheard。Indeed，perhapshehas，butsincehisbelovedRanaldisinvolved，heiskeepingitquiet。"

"Whatisit？"saidhiswife，anxiously。

"Oh，nothinglessthanaregularpitchedbattlebetweentheMcGregorsandtheMcRaesoftheSixteenth，andallonRanald\'saccount，too，Ibelieve。"

Mrs。Murraysatinsilentandbitterdisappointment。ShehadexpectedmuchfromRanald。Herhusbandwentonwithhistale。

"ItseemstherewasanoldquarrelbetweenyoungAleckMcRaeandRanald，overwhatIcannotfindout；andyoungAngusMcGregor，whowilldoanythingforaMacdonald，mustneedstakeRanald\'spart，withtheresultthatthathot-headedyoungfire-eaterAleckMcRaemustchallengethewholeclanMcGregor。Soitwasarranged，onSundaymorning，too，mindyou，twoweeksago，aftertheservice，thatsixofthebestofeachsideshouldmeetandsettlethebusiness。OfcourseRanaldwasboundtobeintoit，andbeggedandpleadedwiththeMcGregorsthatheshouldbeoneofthesix；andI

hearitwasbyYankee\'sadvicethathisrequestwasgranted。Thatgodlessfellow，itseems，hasbeengivingRanalddailylessonswiththeboxing-gloves，andtosomepurpose，too，asthefightproved。

ItseemsthatyoungAleckMcRae，whoisaterriblefighter，andmustbefortypoundsheavierthanRanald，was，byRanald\'sespecialdesireandbyYankee\'sarrangement，pittedagainsttheboy，andbythetimethefightwasover，Ranald，althoughbeatenandbruisedtoa\'bloodypulp，\'asLongJohnsaid，hadAleckthoroughlywhipped。

Andnobodyknowswhatwouldhavehappened，sofiercewastheyoungvillain，hadnotPeterMcGregorandMacdonaldBhainappeareduponthescene。ItappearsAleckhadbeensayingsomethingaboutMaimie，LongJohndidnotknowwhatitwas；butRanaldwasdeterminedtofinishAleckupthereandthen。Itmusthavebeenadisgustingandterriblesight；butMacdonaldBhainapparentlysettledtheminahurry；andwhatismore，madethemallshakehandsandpromisetodropthequarrelthenceforth。IfancyRanald\'shandlingofyoungAleckMcRaedidmoretobringaboutthesettlementthananythingelse。Whatalotofsavagestheyare！"continuedtheminister。"Itreallydoesnotseemmuchusetopreachtothem。"

"Wemustnotsaythat，mydear，"saidhiswife，buthertonewasnonetoohopeful。"ImustconfessIamdisappointedinRanald。

Well，"shecontinued，"wecanonlywaitandtrust。"

FromHughie，whohadhadthestoryfromDon，andwhohadbeenpledgedtosaynothingofit，shelearnedmoreaboutthefight。

"ItwasAleck\'sfault，mother，"hesaid，anxioustoscreenhishero。"HesaidsomethingaboutMaimie，thatDonwouldn\'ttellme，attheblacksmithshopintheSixteenth，andRanaldstruckhimandknockedhimflat，andhecouldnotgetupforalongtime。Yankeehasbeenshowinghimhow。Iamgoingtolearn，mother，"interjectedHughie。"AndthenAngusMcGregortookRanald\'spart，anditwasallarrangedafterchurch，andRanaldwasboundtobeinit，andsaidhewouldstopthewholethingifnotallowed。Donsaidhewasjustterrible。Itwasanawfulfight。AngusMcGregorfoughtPeterMcRae，Aleck\'sbrother，youknowand——"

"Nevermind，Hughie，"saidhismother。"Idon\'twanttohearofit。Itistoodisgusting。WasRanaldmuchhurt？"

"Oh，hewashurtawfulbad，andhewasgoingtobelicked，too。Hewouldn\'tkeepcoolenough，andhewouldn\'tusehislegs。"

"Usehislegs？"saidhismother；"whatdoyoumean？"

"That\'swhatDonsays，andYankeemadehim。Yankeekeptcallingtohim，\'Nowgetaway，getawayfromhim！Useyourlegs！Getawayfromhim！\'andwheneverRanaldbegantodoashewastold，thenhegotthebetterofAleck，andhegaveAleckaterriblehammering，andDonsaidifMacdonaldBhainhadnotstoppedthemAleckMcRaewouldnothavebeenabletowalkhome。HesaidRanaldwasawful。

Hesaidheneversawhimlikehewasthatday。Wasn\'titfine，mother？"

"Fine，Hughie！"saidhismother。"Itisanythingbutfine。Itissimplydisgustingtoseemenactlikebeasts。Itisvery，verysad。IamverymuchdisappointedinRanald。"

"But，mother，Ranaldcouldn\'thelpit。Andanyway，IamgladhegavethatAleckMcRaeagoodthrashing。Yankeesaidhewouldneverberightuntilhegotit。"

"YoumustnotrepeatwhatYankeesays，"saidhismother。"Iamafraidhisinfluenceisnotofthebestforanyofthoseboys。"

"Oh，mother，hedidn\'tsetthemon，"saidHughie，whowantedtobefairtoYankee。"ItwaswhenhecouldnothelpitthathetoldRanaldhowtodo。Iamgladhedid，too。"

"Iamvery，verysorryaboutit，"saidhismother，sadly。Itwasagreaterdisappointmenttoherthanshecaredtoacknowledgeeithertoherhusbandortoherself。

Butthecommotioncausedinthecommunitybythefightwassoonswallowedupintheinterestarousedbytheopeningofthenewchurch，aneventforwhichtheyhadmadelongandelaboratepreparation。Thebigbazaar，forwhichthewomenhadbeensewingforayearormore，washeldonWednesday，andturnedouttobeagreatsuccess，sufficientmoneybeingrealizedtopayforthechurchfurnishing，whichtheyhadundertakentoprovide。

Thedayfollowingwasthefirstofthe"CommunionSeason。"InaHighlandcongregationtheCommunionSeasonsarethegreatoccasionsoftheyear。Forweeksbefore，thecongregationiskeptinmindoftheapproachingevent，andontheThursdayofthecommunionweektheseasonopenswithasolemnfastday。

TheannualFastDay，stillanationalinstitutioninScotland，althoughithaslostmuchofitssolemnityandsacrednessinsomeplaces，wasoriginallyassociatedwiththeLord\'sSupper，andwasobservedwithgreatstrictnessinthematterofeatinganddrinking；andinIndianLands，asinallcongregationsofthatpartofthecountry，thecustomofcelebratingtheFastDaywaskeptup。

Itwasadayofgreatsolemnityinthehomesofthepeopleofagodlysort。Therewasnocookingofmealstillafter"theservices，"andindeed，someofthemtastedneithermeatnordrinkthewholedaylong。Totheyoungerpeopleofthecongregationitwasadayofgloomandterror，akindofdayofdoom。Eventothoseadvancedingodlinessitbroughtsearchingsofheart，minuteanddiligent，withagoniesofpenitenceandremorse。Itwasaday，inshort，inwhichconsciencewasinvitedtotakecommandofthememoryandtheimaginationtothescourgingofthesoulforthesoul\'sgood。Thesermonforthedaywassupposedtostimulateandtoaidconscienceinthiswork。

ForthecommunionserviceMr。Murrayalwaysmadeitapointtohavetheassistanceofthebestpreachershecouldprocure，andonthisoccasion，whenthechurchopeningwascombinedwiththesacrament，byaspecialefforttwopreachershadbeenprocured——afamousdivinefromHuronCounty，thatstrongholdofCalvinism，andacollegeprofessorwhohadbeenrecentlyappointed，butwhohadalreadygainedareputationasadoctrinalpreacher，andwhowas，asPeterMcRaereported，"grandontheAttributesandterriblefineontheLaw。"TohimwasassignedthehonorofpreachingtheFastDaysermon，andofdeclaringthechurch"open。"

Thenewchurchwasverydifferentfromtheold。Insteadofthehighcrow\'snest，withthewonderfulsounding-boardoverit，thepulpitwassimplyaraisedplatformpartlyinclosed，withthedeskinfront。Therewasnoprecentor\'sbox，overthelossofwhichStraightRorydidnotgrieveunduly，inasmuchasthesingingwastobeled，intheEnglishatleast，byJohn"Aleck。"Henceforththeelderswouldsitwiththeirfamilies。Theelders\'seatwasgone；

PeterMcRae\'swrathatthisbeingsomewhatappeasedbyhissecuringforhimselfoneoftheshortsideseatsattherightofthepulpit，fromwhichhecouldcommandaviewofboththeministerandthecongregation——apositionwithobviousadvantages。Theminister\'spewwasattheverybackofthechurch。

Itwasagreatassemblagethatgatheredinthenewchurchtoheartheprofessordiscourse，asdoubtlesshewould，itbeingtheFastDay，uponsomethemeofjudgment。Withagreatswingoftriumphinhisvoice，Mr。MurrayroseandannouncedtheHundredthPsalm。Anelectricthrillwentthroughthecongregationas，withawaveofhishand，hesaid："Letusriseandsing。Now，John，OldHundred。"

NeverdidJohn"Aleck"andthecongregationofIndianLandssingastheydidthatmorning。Itwasthefirsttimethatthecongregation，asawhole，hadfollowedtheleadofthatgreatringingvoice，andtheyfollowedwithajoyous，triumphantshout，asofmencometovictory。

"Forwhy？TheLordourGodisgood，"

rolledoutthemajesticnotesofOldHundred。

"What\'sthematter，mother？"whisperedHughie，whowasstandingupintheseatthathemightlookonhismother\'sbook。

"Nothing，darling，"saidhismother，herfaceradiantthroughhertears。Afterlongmonthsoftoilandwaiting，theywereactuallysingingpraisetoGodinthenewchurch。

Whentheprofessorarose，itwasaneager，responsivecongregationthatwaitedforhisword。Thepeoplewerefullypreparedforasermonthatwouldshakethemtotheirsouls\'depths。Theyoungerportionshiveredandshrankfromtheordeal；theolderandmoreexperiencedshiveredandwaitedwithnotunpleasinganticipations；

itdidthemgood，thatremorselessexaminationoftheirhearts\'

secretdepravities。Tosomeitwasakindofsatisfactionofferedtoconscience，afterwhichtheycouldmoreeasilycometopeace。

Withothersitwasanhonest，heroicefforttoknowthemselvesandtorightthemselveswiththeirGod。

Thetextwasdisappointing。"Aboveallthesethings，putoncharity，whichisthebondofperfectness，"readtheprofessorfromthatexquisiteandtouchingpassagewhichbeginsatthetwelfthverseofthefifteenthchapterofColossians。"Love，thebondofperfectness，"washistheme，andinsimple，calm，lucidspeechhedilateduponthebeauty，theexcellence，andthesupremacyofthisChristiangrace。ItwasthemostGodlikeofallthevirtues，forGodwaslove；andmorethanzeal，morethanknowledge，morethanfaith，itwas"themark"ofthenewbirth。

PeterMcRaewasevidentlykeenlydisappointed，andhiswholebearingexpressedsterndisapproval。Andastheprofessorproceeded，extollingandillustratingthesupremegraceoflove，Peter\'shardfacegrewharderthanever，andhiseyesbegantoemitbluesparksoffire。Thiswasnodayforthepreachingofsmooththings。ThepeopleweretheretoconsiderandtolamenttheirOriginalandActualsin；andtheyexpectedandrequiredtohearofthejudgmentsoftheLord，andtobesummonedtofleefromthewrathtocome。

DonaldRosssatwithhiskindlyoldfaceinaglowofdelight，butwithalookofperplexityonitwhichhisfurtiveglancesinPeter\'sdirectiondidnothelptolessen。Thesermonwasdelightingandtouchinghim，buthewasnotquitesurewhetherthiswasagoodsigninhimorno。Hesethimselfnowandthentofindfaultwiththesermon，butthepreacherwassohumble，sorespectful，andaboveall，soearnest，thatDonaldRosscouldnotbringhimselftocriticise。

Theapplicationcameunderthethirdhead。Asarule，theapplicationtoaFastDaysermonwasdeliveredinterrifyingtonesofthunderorinanawfulwhisper。Butto-daythepreacher，withoutraisinghisvoice，begantoforceintohishearers\'heartsthemessageoftheday。

"Thisisadayforself-examination，"hesaid，andhisclear，quiettonesfellintotheearsofthepeoplewithpenetratingpower。

"Andself-examinationisawiseandprofitableexercise。Itisanexerciseofthesouldesignedtoyieldadiscoveryofsinintheheartandlife，andtoinducepenitenceandcontritionandsosecurepardonandpeace。Buttoooften，myfriends，"andherehisvoicebecameashadesofter，"itresultsinaself-righteousandsinfulself-complaisance。Whatisrequiredisasimplehonestyofmindandspiritualillumination，andthelattercannotbewithouttheformer。Therearethosewhoareeversearchingfor\'themarks\'

ofagenuinelygodlystateofheart，andtheyhavetheideathatthesemarksareobscureanddifficultforplainpeopletodiscover。

Makenomistake，mybrethren，theyareaseasilyseenasaretheapplesonatree。Thefruitsofthespiritareasdiscernibletoanyonehonestenoughandfearlessenoughtolook；andthefirstandsupremeofallisthatwhichwehavebeenconsideringthismorning。Thequestionforyouandforme，mybrethren，issimplythis：Areourlivesfullofthegraceoflove？Donotshrinkfromthequestion。Donotdeceiveyourselveswithanysubstitutes；

therearemanyofferingzeal，thegiftofprayerorofspeech，yea，thegiftoffaithitself。Noneofthesewillatoneforthelackoflove。Leteachaskhimself，AmIalovingman？"

Withquietpersistencehepursuedthemintoalltheirrelationsinlife——husbandsandwives，fathersandsons，neighborandneighbor。

Hewouldnotletthemescape。Relentlesslyheforcedthemtoreviewtheirhabitsofspeechandaction，theirattitudetowardeachotheraschurchmembers，andtheirattitudetoward"thosewithout。"Behindallrefugesandthroughallsubterfugeshemadehismessagefollowthem，searchingtheirdeepesthearts。Andthen，withhisfaceilluminedaswithdivinefire，hemadehisfinalappeal，whileheremindedthemoftheInfinitelovethathadstoopedtosave，andthathadwroughtitselfoutintheagoniesofthecross。Andwhilehespokehislastwords，alloverthechurchthewomenwereweeping，andstrongmenweresittingtremblingandpale。

Afterashortprayer，theprofessorsatdown。Thentheministerrose，andforsomelittletimestoodfacinghispeopleinsilence，thegleaminhiseyesshowingthathisferventHighlandnaturewasonfire。

"Mypeople，"hebegan，andhismagnificentvoicepealedforthlikeasolemnbell，"thisisthemessageoftheLord。Letnonedarerefusetohear。Itisamessagetoyourminister，itisamessagetoyou。Youareanxiousfor\'themarks。\'Searchyouforthismark。"Hepausedwhilethepeoplesatlookingathiminfixedandbreathlesssilence。Then，suddenly，hebrokeforthintoaloudcry："Whereareyourchildrenatthissolemntimeofprivilege？

Fathers，whereareyoursons？WhyweretheynotwithyouattheTable？Areyoumenoflove？Areyoumenoflove，orbylackofloveareyoushuttingthedooroftheKingdomagainstyoursonswiththeirfightingsandtheirquarrelings？"Then，raisinghishandshigh，heliftedhisvoiceinakindofwailingchant："Woeuntoyou！Woeuntoyou！Yourhouseisleftuntoyoudesolate，andthevoiceofloveiscryingoveryou。Yewouldnot！Yewouldnot！

O，LambofGod，havemercyuponus！O，Christ，withthepiercedhands，saveus！"Againhepaused，lookingupward，whilethepeoplewaitedwithupliftedwhitefaces。

"Behold，"hecried，inasoul-thrillingvoice，"Iseeheavenopen，andJesusstandingattherighthandofGod，andIhearavoice，\'Turnye，turnye。Whywillyedie？\'LordJesus，theywillnotturn。"Againhepaused。"Listen。Departfromme，yecursed，intoeverlastingfire。Departye！Nay，LordJesus！notso！Havemercyuponus！"Hisvoicebrokeinitspassionatecry。Theeffectwasoverwhelming。Thepeopleswayedastreesbeforeamightywind，andavoicecriedaloudfromthecongregation："Godbemercifultome，asinner！"

ItwasMacdonaldDubh。Atthatloudcry，womenbegantosob，andsomeofthepeoplerosefromtheirseats。

"Bestill，"commandedtheminister。"Rendyourheartsandnotyourgarments。Letuspray。"Andasheprayed，thecriesandsobssubsidedandagreatcalmfelluponall。Afterprayer，theminister，insteadofgivingoutaclosingpsalm，solemnlychargedthepeopletogototheirhomesandtoconsiderthattheLordhadcomeverynearthem，andadjuredthemnottogrievetheHolySpiritofGod。Thenhedismissedthemwiththebenediction。

Thepeoplewentoutofthechurch，subduedandastonished，speaking，ifatall，inlowtonesofwhattheyhadseenandheard。

Immediatelyafterpronouncingthebenediction，theministercamedowntofindMacdonaldDubh，buthewasnowheretobeseen。TowardeveningMrs。Murrayrodeovertohishouse，butfoundthathehadnotreturnedfromthemorningservice。

"Hewillbeathisbrother\'s，"saidKirsty，"andRanaldwilldriveoverforhim。"

ImmediatelyRanaldhitchedupLisetteanddroveovertohisuncle\'s，butashewasreturninghesentinwordtothemanse，hisfacebeingnotyetpresentable，thathisfatherwasnowheretobefound。ItwasMacdonaldBhainthatfoundhimatlastinthewoods，proneuponhisface，andinanagony。

"Hugh，man，"hecried，"whatailsyou？"Buttherewereonlylowgroansforanswer。

"Riseup，man，riseupandcomeaway。"

Thenfromtheprostratefigurehecaughtthewords，"Departfromme！Departfromme！ThatisthewordoftheLord。"

"Thatisnottheword，"saidMacdonaldBhain，"foranylivingman，butforthedead。Butcome，rise，man；theneighborswillbehereinameenute。"AtthatBlackHughrose。

"Letmeaway，"hesaid。"Letmenotseethem。Iamalostman。"

Andsohisbrotherbroughthimhome，shakeninspiritandexhaustedinbodywithhislongfastandhisoverpoweringemotion。Allnightthroughhisbrotherwatchedwithhimalone，forMacdonaldDubhwouldhavenooneelsetoseehim，till，fromutterexhaustion，towardthedawningoftheday，hefellasleep。

Intheearlymorningtheministerandhiswifedroveovertoseehim，andleavinghiswifewithKirsty，theministerpassedatonceintoMacdonaldDubh\'sroom。But，inspiteofallhisreasoning，inspiteofallhisreadingsandhisprayers，thegloomremainedunbrokenexceptbyoccasionalparoxysmsoffearandremorse。

"Thereisnoforgiveness！Thereisnoforgiveness！"wastheburdenofhiscry。

InvaintheministerproclaimedtohimthemercyofGod。Atlengthhewasforcedtoleavehimtoattendthe"QuestionMeeting"whichwastobeheldinthechurchthatday。Buthelefthiswifebehindhim。

Withoutaword，Mrs。Murrayproceededtomakethepoormancomfortable。Shepreparedadaintybreakfastandcarrieditintohim，andthenshesatbesidehimwhilehefellintoadeepsleep。

ItwasafternoonwhenMacdonaldDubhawokeandgreetedherwithhiswontedgravecourtesy。

"Youarebetter，Mr。Macdonald，"shesaid，brightly。"AndnowI

willmakeyouafreshcupoftea"；andthoughheprotested，shehurriedout，andinafewmomentsbroughthimsometeaandtoast。

Then，whilehelayingloomysilence，shereadtohim，asshedidoncebeforefromhisGaelicpsalmbook，withoutawordofcomment。

Andthenshebegantotellhimofallthehopesshehadcherishedinconnectionwiththeopeningofthenewchurch，andhowthatdayshehadfeltatlasttheblessinghadcome。

"And，O，Mr。Macdonald，"shesaid，"Iwasgladtohearyoucry，forthenIknewthattheSpiritofGodwasamongus。"

"Glad！"saidMacdonaldDubh，faintly。

"Yes，glad。ForacrylikethatnevercomesbutwhentheSpiritofGodmovesintheheartofaman。"

"Indeed，IwillbethinkingthatHehascastmeoffforever，"hesaid，wonderingatthisnewphaseofthesubject。

"ThenyoumustthankHim，Mr。Macdonald，thatHehasnotsodone；

andthesureprooftoyouisthatHehasbroughtyoutocryformercy。Thatisagladcry，intheearsoftheSaviour。Itisthecryofthesheepinthewilderness，thatdiscovershimtotheshepherd。"Andthen，withoutargument，shetookhimintoherconfidenceandpouredouttohimallherhopesandfearsfortheyoungpeopleofthecongregation，andespeciallyforRanald，tillMacdonaldDubhpartlyforgothisownfearsinhers。Andthen，justbeforeitwastimeforKirstytoarrivefromthe"QuestionMeeting，"

shetookherGaelicBibleandopenedattheLord\'sPrayer，asshehaddoneoncebefore。

"Itisaterriblethingtobeunforgiven，Mr。Macdonald，"shesaid，"bymanorbyGod。AndGodisunwillingthatanyofusshouldfeelthatpain，andthatiswhyheissofreewithhisofferofpardontoallwhocomewithsorrowtohim。Theycomewithsorrowtohimnow，buttheywillcometohimsomedaywithgreatjoy。"Andthenshespokealittleofthegreatcompanyoftheforgivenbeforethethrone，andattheverylast，afewwordsaboutthegentlelittlewomanthathadpassedoutfromMacdonaldDubh\'ssightsomanyyearsbefore。Then，fallingonherknees，shebeganintheGaelic，"OurFatherwhichartinHeaven。"

EarnestlyandbrokenlyMacdonaldDubhfollowed，whisperingthepetitionsafterher。Whentheycameto"Forgiveusourdebts，asweforgiveourdebtors，"

MacdonaldDubhbrokeforth："Oh，itisalittlething，whatever！

ItislittleIhavetoforgive。"Andthen，inaclear，firmvoice，herepeatedthewordsafterhertothecloseoftheprayer。

ThenMrs。Murrayrose，andtakinghimbythehandtobidhimgoodby，shesaid，slowly："\'Forifyeforgivementheirtrespasses，yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyouyourtrespasses。\'Youhaveforgiven，Mr。Macdonald。"

"Indeed，itisnothing，"hesaid，earnestly。

"Then，"repliedMrs。Murray，"theLordwillnotbreakhispromisetoyou。"Andwiththatshewentaway。

OnSaturdaymorningthesessionmetbeforetheservicefortheday。

InthemidstoftheirdeliberationsthedooropenedandMacdonaldBhainandhisbrother，MacdonaldDubh，walkedinandstoodsilentbeforetheelders。Mr。Murrayroseastonished，andcomingforward，saidtoMacdonaldBhain："Whatisit，Mr。Macdonald？Youwishtoseeme？"

"Iamhere，"hesaid，"formyownsakeandformybrother\'s。Wewishtomakeconfessionofoursins，inthatwehavenotbeenmenoflove，andtoseektheforgivenessofGod。"

Theministerstoodandgazedathiminamazedsilenceforsomemoments，andthen，givinghishandtoMacdonaldDubh，hesaid，inavoicehuskywithemotion："Comeaway，mybrother。TheLordhasawelcomeforyou。"

AndtherewerenoquestionsthatdayaskedinthesessionbeforeMacdonaldDubhreceivedhistoken。

CHAPTERXVI

ANDTHEGLORY

Thefirstcommunioninthenewchurchwasmarkedbyverygreatsolemnity。Therewerefewnewmembers，butamongtheoldermenwhohadhithertokept"backfromthetable"therewasamanifestanxiety，andamongtheyoungerpeopleaverygreatseriousness。

The"comingforward"ofMacdonaldDubhwasaneventsoremarkableastomakeagreatimpressionnotonlyuponalltheMacdonaldmenwhohadbeenassociatedwithhimsomanyyearsinthelumbering，butalsouponthewholecongregation，towhomhisrecordandreputationwerewellknown。Hischangeofattitudetothechurchandallitsinterests，aswellashischangeofdispositionandtemperament，weresostrikingastoleaveinnoone\'smindanydoubtastothegenuinenessofhis"changeofheart，"andeveryweekmadethismoreapparent。Asolemnsenseofresponsibilityandanintensityofearnestnessseemedtopossesshim，whilehishumilityandgentlenessweretouchingtosee。

OntheeveningofMonday，thedayofthanksgivingintheSacramentWeek，agreatcongregationassembledfortheclosingmeetingoftheCommunionSeason。Duringtheprogressofthemeeting，Mr。Murrayandtheministersassistinghimbecameawarethattheywereinthepresenceofsomeremarkableandmysteriousphenomenon。ThepeoplelistenedtotheWordwithanintensity，response，andeagernessthatgavetokenofastateofmindandheartwhollyunusual。Hereandthere，whilethepsalmswerebeingsungorprayersbeingoffered，womenandmenwouldbreakdowninaudibleweeping；andinthepreachingthespeakerwasconsciousofapowerpossessinghimthathecouldnotexplain。

Atlengththelastpsalmwasgivenout，andthecongregation，contrarytotheirusualcustom，bytheminister\'sdirection，rosetosing。AsJohn"Aleck"ledthepeopleinthatgreatvolumeofpraise，theministersheldahastyconsultationinthepulpit。Theprofessorhadneverseenanythingsomarvelous；Mr。MurraywasremindedofthedaysofW。C。Burns。Thequestionwas，Whatwastobedone？Shouldthemeetingsbecontinued，orshouldtheyclosetonight？Theyhadagreatfearofreligiousexcitement。Theyhadseensomethingofthedreadfulreactionfollowingastateofexaltedreligiousfeeling。Itwasthebeginningofharvest，too。

Woulditbeadvisabletocallthepeoplefromtheirhardworkinthefieldstonightlymeetings？

Atlength，asthecongregationwerenearingthecloseofthepsalm，theprofessorspoke。"Brethren，"hesaid，"thisisnotourwork。

LetusleaveittotheLordtodecide。Putthequestiontothepeopleandabidebytheirdecision。"

Afterthepsalmwassung，theministermotionedthecongregationtotheirseats，andwithoutcommentorsuggestion，putbeforethemthequestionthathadbeendiscussedinthepulpit。Wasittheirdesirethatthemeetingsshouldbecontinuedornot？Adeep，solemnsilencelayuponthecrowdedchurch，andforsometimenoonemoved。ThenthecongregationwerestartledtoseeMacdonaldDubhriseslowlyfromhisplaceinthemiddleofthechurch。

"Mr。Murray，"hesaid，inavoicethatvibratedstrangely，"youwillpardonmeforlettingmyvoicebeheardinthisplace。Itisthevoiceofagreatsinner。"

"Speak，Mr。Macdonald，"saidtheminister，"andIthankGodforthesoundofyourvoiceinHishouse。"

"Itisnotformetomakeanyspeecheshere。Iwillonlymakeboldtogivemywordthatthemeetingsbecontinued。ItmaybethattheLord，whohasdonesuchgreatthingsforme，willdogreatthingsforothersalso。"Andwiththathesatdown。

"Iwilltakethatforamotion，"saidtheminister。"Willanyonesecondit？"

KennyCrubachatonceroseandsaid："WearealwaysslowatfollowingtheLord。Letusgoforward。"

TheministerwaitedforsomemomentsafterKennyhadspoken，andthensaid，inavoicegraveandwithafeelingofresponsibilityinit："Youhaveheardthesebrethren，mypeople。Iwaitfortheexpressionofyourdesire。"

Likeonemanthegreatcongregationrosetotheirfeet。Itwasasceneprofoundlyimpressive，andwiththeseserious-minded，soberpeople，onethatindicatedoverwhelmingemotion。

Andthusthegreatrevivalbegan。

Foreighteenmonths，nightafternight，everynightintheweekexceptSaturday，thepeoplegatheredinsuchnumbersastofillthenewchurchtothedoor。Throughoutallthebusyharvestseason，inspiteoftheautumnrainsthatfilledtheswampsandmadetheroadsalmostimpassable，inthefaceofthedrivingsnowsofwinter，throughthemeltingiceofthespring，andagainthroughthefollowingsummerandautumn，thegreatrevivalheldon。Nofictitiousmeanswereemployedtostirtheemotionsofthepeopleortokindleexcitementamongthem。Therewereneitherspecialsermonsnorrevivalhymns。Theolddoctrineswereproclaimed，butproclaimedwithafullnessandpowerunknownatothertimes。Theoldpsalmsweresung，butsungperhapsastheyhadneverbeenbefore。ForwhenJohn"Aleck\'s"mightyvoicerolledforthinitsfullpower，andwhenhisbandoftrainedsingersfollowed，liftingonwardwiththemthegreatcongregation——foreveryman，woman，andchildsangwithfullheartandopenthroat——theeffectwassomethingaltogetherwonderfulandworthhearing。Eachnighttherewasasermonbytheminister，who，forsixmonths，tillhishealthbrokedown，hadsolechargeofthework。Thenthesermonwasfollowedbyshortaddressesorprayersbytheelders，andafterthattheministerwouldtakethemen，andhiswifethewomen，forcloserandmorepersonaldealing。

Astherevivaldeepeneditbecamethecustomforothersthantheelderstotakepart，byreadingapsalmorotherScripture，withoutcomment，orbyprayer。Therewasashrinkingfromanythinglikeaviolentdisplayofemotion，andfromanyunveilingofthesacredsecretsoftheheart，butScripturereadingorquotingwassupposedtoexpressthethoughts，thehopes，thefears，thegratitude，thedevotion，thatmadethereligiousexperienceofthespeaker。Thiswasasfarastheyconsidereditsafeorseemlytogo。

Oneofthefirst，outsidetheranksoftheelders，totakepartinthiswaywasMacdonaldDubh；thenLongJohnCameronfollowed；thenPeterMcGregorandothersofthemenofmatureryears。AdistinctstageintherevivalwasreachedwhenyoungAleckMcRaerosetoreadhisScripture。HewasquicklyfollowedbyDon，youngFindlayson，andothersofthatage，andfromthattimeonwardtheoldlinethathadsoclearlydistinguishedagefromyouthinrespecttoreligiousdutyandprivilege，wasobliteratedforever。

Ithadbeenastrange，ifnotverydoubtful，phenomenontoseeayoungman"comingforward，"orinanywaygivingindicationofreligiousfeeling。Butthiswouldneverbeagain。

ItwasnosmallanxietyandgrieftoMrs。MurraythatRanald，thoughheregularlyattendedthemeetings，seemedtoremainunmovedbythetideofreligiousfeelingthatwaseverywheresurgingthroughtheheartsofthepeople。Theministeradvisedlettinghimalone，butMrs。MurraywasanxiouslywaitingforthetimewhenRanaldwouldcometoher。Thattimecame，butnotuntillongmonthsofwearywaitingonherpart，andofpainfulstruggleonhis，hadpassed。

Fromtheveryfirstofthegreatmovementhisfatherthrewhimselfintoitwithalltheearnestintensityofhisnature，butatthesametimewithahumilitythatgavetokenthatthememoryofthewilddaysofhisyouthandearlymanhoodwereneverfarawayfromhim。Hewaseagertoserveinthework，andwasaconstantsourceofwondertoallwhohadknownhiminhisyouthandearlymanhood。

Atallthedifferentmeetingshewaspresent。Nothingcouldkeephimaway。"Nightcometh，"hesaidtohisbrother，whowasremonstratingwithhim。Hisday\'sworkwasdrawingtoitsclose。

ButRanaldwouldnotlethimselfseethefailingofhisfather\'shealth，andwhen，intheharvest，theslightestworkinthefieldswouldsendhisfatherpantingtotheshade，Ranaldwouldsay，"Itisthehotweather，father。Whenthecooldayscomeyouwillbebetter。Andwhyshouldyoubebotheringyourselfwiththework，anyway？SurelyYankeeandIcanlookafterthat。"Andindeedtheyseemedtobequitefittotakeofftheharvest。

DaybydayRanaldswunghiscradleafterYankeewithallaman\'ssteadinesstillallthegrainwascut；andbythetimetheharvestwasover，Ranaldhaddevelopedastrengthofmuscleandaskillintheharvestworkthatmadehimequalofalmostanymaninthecountry。Hewasallthemoreeagertohavetheharvestworkdoneintime，thathisfathermightnotfretoverhisowninabilitytohelp。ForRanaldcouldnotbeartoseethelookofdisappointmentthatsometimesshoweditselfinhisfather\'sfacewhenweaknessdrovehimfromthefield，anditwasthisthatmadehimthrowhimselfintotheworkashedid。Hewascarefulalsotoconsultwithhisfatherinregardtoallthedetailsofthemanagementofthefarm，andtotellhimallthathewasplanningtodoaswellasallthatwasdone。HisfatherhadalwaysbeenakindofherotoRanald，whoadmiredhimforhisprowesswiththegunandtheax，aswellasforhisgreatstrengthandcourage。Buteversincecalamityhadbefallenhim，theboy\'shearthadgoneouttohisfatherinanewtenderness，andthelastmonthshaddrawnthetwoveryclosetogether。ItwasadarkdayforRanaldwhenhewasforcedtofacethefactthathisfatherwasgrowingdailyweaker。

Itwashisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，whofinallymadehimseeit。

"Yourfatherisfailing，Ranald，"hesaidonedaytowardthecloseofharvest。

"Itisthehotweather，"saidRanald。"Hewillbebetterinthefall。"

"Ranald，myboy，"saidhisuncle，gravely，"yourfatherwillfadewiththeleaf，andthefirstsnowwilllieuponhim。"

AndthenRanaldfairlyfacedthefactthatbeforelonghewouldbealoneintheworld。Withoutanyexchangeofwords，heandhisfathercametounderstandeachother，andtheybothknewthattheywerespendingtheirlastdaysonearthtogether。Ontheson\'sside，theyweredaysofdeepeningsorrow；butwiththefather，everydayseemedtobringhimagreaterpeaceofmindandaclearershiningofthelightthatneverfades。Tohisson，MacdonaldDubhneverspokeofthedeaththathefelttobedrawingnearer，butheoftenspoketohimofthelifehewouldlikehissontolive。Hisonlyotherconfidantinthesematterswastheminister\'swife。ToherMacdonaldDubhopeneduphisheart，andtoher，morethantoanyoneelse，heowedhisgrowingpeaceandlight；anditwastouchingtoseethedevotionandthetendernessthatheshowedtoherasoftenasshecametoseehim。Withhisbrother，MacdonaldBhain，hemadeallthearrangementsnecessaryforthedisposalofthefarmandthepaymentofthemortgage。

Ranaldhadnodesiretobeafarmer，andindeed，whenthemortgagewaspaidtherewouldnotbemuchleft。

"Hewillbemyson，"saidMacdonaldBhaintohisbrother；"andmyhomewillbehiswhileIlive。"

SoineverywaytherewasquietpreparationforMacdonaldDubh\'sgoing，andwhenatlastthedaycame，therewasnohasteorfear。

ItwasintheafternoonofabrightSeptemberday，asthesunwasnearingthetopsofthepine-treesinthewest。Hisbrotherwassupportinghiminhisstrongarms，whileRanaldkneltbythebedside。Nearhimsattheminister\'swife，andatalittledistanceKirsty。

"Liftmeup，Tonal，"saidthedyingman；"Iwillbewantingtoseethesunagain，andthenIwillbegoing。Iwillbegoingtothelandwheretheywillnotneedthelightofthesun。Tonal，bhodaich，itisthegoodbrotheryouhavebeentome，andmany\'sthegooddaywehavehadtogether。"

"Och，Hugh，man。Areyougoingfromme？"saidMacdonaldBhain，withgreatsorrowinhisvoice。

"Aye，Tonal，foralittle。"ThenhelookedforafewmomentsatKirsty，whowasstandingatthefootofthebed。

"Comenearme，Kirsty，"hesaid；andKirstycametothebedside。

"Youhavealwaysbeenkindtomeandmine，andyouwerekindtoHER

aswell，andtherewardwillcometoyou。"ThenheturnedtoMrs。

Murray，andsaid，withagreatlightofjoyinhiseyes："ItisyouthatcametomeastheangelofGodwithawordofsalvation，andforevermoreIwillbeblessingyou。"Andthenheadded，inavoicefulloftenderness，"Iwillbetellingheraboutyou。"HetookMrs。Murray\'shandandtremblinglyliftedittohislips。

"Ithasbeenagreatjoytome，"saidMrs。Murray，withdifficultysteadyinghervoice，"toseeyoucometoyourSaviour，Mr。

Macdonald。"

"Aye，Iknowitwell，"hesaid；andthenheadded，inavoicethatsankalmosttoawhisper，"Nowyouwillbereadingtheprayer。"

AndMrs。Murray，openingherGaelicBible，repeatedinherclear，softvoice，thewordsoftheLord\'sPrayer。Throughallthepetitionshefollowedher，untilhecametothewords，"Forgiveusourdebts。"Therehepaused。

"Ranald，myman，"hesaid，raisinghishandwithdifficultyandlayingitupontheboy\'shead，"youwilllistentomenow。Somedayyouwillfindthemanthatbroughtmetothis，andyouwillsaytohimthatyourfatherforgavehimfreely，andwishedhimalltheblessingofGod。Youwillpromisemethis，Ranald？"saidMacdonaldDubh。

"Yes，father，"saidRanald，liftinghishead，andlookingintohisfather\'sface。

"And，Ranald，you，too，willbeforgivinghim？"Buttothistherewasnoreply。Ranald\'sheadwasburiedinthebed。

"Ah，"saidMacdonaldDubh，withdifficulty，"youareyourfather\'sson；butyouwillnotbelayingthisbitternessuponmenow。Youwillbeforgivinghim，Ranald？"

"Oh，father！"criedRanald，withabreakingvoice，"howcanI

forgivehim？HowcanIforgivethemanwhohastakenyouawayfromme？"

"Itisnoman，"repliedhisfather，"buttheLordhimself；theLordwhohasforgivenyourfathermuch。Iamwaitingtohearyou，Ranald。"

Then，withagreatsob，Ranaldbrokeforth："Oh，father，Iwillforgivehim，"andimmediatelybecamequiet，andsocontinuedtotheend。

Aftersomemomentsofsilence，MacdonaldDubhlookedoncemoretowardtheminister\'swife，andaradiantsmilespreadoverhisface。

"Youwillbefinishing，"hesaid。

Herfacewaswetwithtears，andforafewmomentsshecouldnotspeak。Butitwasnotimetofailinduty，so，commandinghertears，withaclear，unwaveringvoiceshewentontotheendoftheprayer——

"Forthineisthekingdomandthepowerandtheglory，foreverandever。Amen。"

"Glory！"saidMacdonaldDubhafterher。"Aye，theGlory。Ranald，myboy，whereareyou？Youwillbefollowingme，lad，totheGlory。SHEwillbeaskingmeaboutyou。Youwillbefollowingme，lad？"

TheanxiousnoteinhisvoicestruckRanaldtotheheart。

"Oh，father，itiswhatIwant，"hereplied，brokenly。"Iwilltry。"

"Aye，"saidMacdonaldDubh，"andyouwillcome。IwillbetellingHER。Nowlaymedown，Tonal；Iwillbegoing。"

MacdonaldBhainlaidhimquietlybackonhispillow，andforamomenthelaywithhiseyesclosed。

Oncemoreheopenedhiseyes，andwithatroubledlookuponhisface，andinavoiceofdoubtandfear，hecried："Itisasinfulman，OLord，asinfulman。"

HiseyeswanderedtilltheyfellonMrs。Murray\'sface，andthenthetroubleandfearpassedoutofthem，andinagentlervoicehesaid："Forgiveusourdebts。"Then，feelingwithhishandtillitrestedonhisson\'shead，MacdonaldDubhpassedaway，atpeacewithmenandwithGod。

TherewaslittlesadnessandnobittergriefatMacdonaldDubh\'sfuneral。Thetoneallthroughwasoneoftriumph，fortheyallknewhislife，andhowsorethefighthadbeen，andhowhehadwonhisvictory。Hishumilityandhisgentlenessduringthelastfewweeksofhislifehadremovedallthedistancethathadseparatedhimfromthepeople，andhaddrawntheirheartstowardhim；andnowinhisfinaltriumphtheycouldnotfinditintheirheartstomourn。

ButtoRanaldthesadnesswasmorethanthetriumph。Throughthewild，ungovernedyearsofhisboyhoodhisfatherhadbeenmorethanafathertohim。Hehadbeenafriend，sharingacommonlot，andwithoutmuchshowoftenderness，understandingandsympathizingwithhim，andnowthathisfatherhadgonefromhim，agreatlonelinessfelluponthelad。

Thefarmanditsbelongingsweresold。KirstybroughtwithherthebigboxofblanketsandlinenthathadbelongedtoRanald\'smother。

Ranaldtookhismother\'sGaelicBible，hisfather\'sgunandax，andwiththegreatdeerhound，Bugle，andhiscolt，Lisette，leftthehomeofhischildhoodbehindhim，andwithhisAuntKirsty，wenttolivewithhisuncle。

Throughouttheautumnmonthshewasbusyhelpinghisunclewiththeplowing，thepotatoes，andthefallwork。Soontheairbegantonip，andthenight\'sfrosttolastthroughouttheshorteningday，andthenMacdonaldBhainbegantopreparewoodforthewinter，andtomakeallthingssnugaboutthehouseandbarn；andwhenthefirstfallofsnowfellsoftly，hetookdownhisbroad-ax，andthenRanaldknewthatthegangwouldsoonbeoffagainfortheshanties。

Thatnighthisuncletalkedlongwithhimabouthisfuture。

"Ihavenoson，Ranald，"hesaid，astheysattalking；"and，foryourfather\'ssakeandforyourown，itismydesirethatyoushouldbecomeasontome，andthereisnoonebutyourselftowhomthefarmwouldgo。AndgladwillIbeifyouwillstaywithme。

But，stayornot，allthatIhavewillbeyours，ifitpleasetheLordtospareyou。"

"Iwouldwantnothingbetter，"saidRanald，"thantostaywithyouandworkwithyou，butIdonotdrawtowardthefarm。"

"Andwhatelsewouldyoudo，Ranald？"

"Indeed，Iknownot，"saidRanald，"butsomethingelsethanfarming。