第8章

"Iamsuretheywould，"saidMaimie，notknowingwhattosay。

"Whatwerethey，Ran——Mr。Macdonald？"

"Iwasthinkingofyou，"saidRanald，gravely，lookingstraightather。

"Howlovely，"murmuredthelieutenant。

"Andofyouraunt，Mrs。Murray，andofwhattheywouldbedoingthisnight——"

"Andwhatwouldthatbe？"saidKate，comingtothereliefofherfriend。ButRanaldwassilent。

"Iknow，"criedHarry。"Let\'ssee，itisteno\'clock；theywillallbesittinginthemansedining-roombeforethebigfire；or，no，theywillbeintheparlorwherethepianois，andJohn\'Aleck\'

willbethere，andtheywillbesinging"；andhewentontodescribehislastSabbathevening，twoyearsbefore，intheGlengarrymanse。Ashebegantopicturehisauntandherwork，hisenthusiasmcarriedhimaway，andmadehimeloquent。

"Itellyou，"heconcluded，"she\'sararewoman，andshehasahundredmentherereadytodieforher，eh，Ranald？"

"Yes，"saidRanald，andhisdeepvoicevibratedwithintensefeeling。"Theywouldjustdieforher，andwhynot？Sheisagreatwomanandagood。"Hisdarkfacewastransformed，andhiseyesglowedwithaninnerlight。

InthesilencethatfollowedKatewenttotheharmoniumandbegantoplaysoftly。Ranaldstoodupastogo，butsuddenlychangedhismind，andwentoverandstoodbesideher。

"Yousing，don\'tyou？"saidKate，assheplayedsoftly。

"Yououghttojusthearhim，"saidHarry。

"Oh，whatdoeshesing？"

"Ionlysingthepsalmtunesinchurch，"saidRanald，"andafewhymns。"

"Yegods！"ejaculatedthelieutenanttoMaimie，"psalmsandhymns；

andhowthefellowknockedthoseFrenchmenabout！"

"Singsomething，Kate，won\'tyou？"saidMaimie，andKate，withoutawordbeganthebeautifulairfromMendelssohn\'sSt。Paul：——

"ButtheLordismindfulofHisown，"

singingitwithapowerofexpressionmarvellousinsoyoungagirl。Then，withoutfurtherrequest，sheglidedintothelovelyaria，"ORestintheLord。"ItwasallnewandwonderfultoRanald。Hedidnotdreamthatsuchmajestyandsweetnesscouldbeexpressedinmusic。Hesatsilentwitheyeslookingfaraway，andfacealightwiththejoythatfilledhissoul。

"Oh，thanks，verymuch，"murmuredthelieutenant，whenKatehadfinished。"Lovelythingthataria，don\'tyouknow？"

"Verynice，"echoedMr。Sims，"andsobeautifullydone，too。"

Ranaldlookedfromonetotheotherinindignantsurprise，andthenturningawayfromthemtoKate，said，inatonealmostofcommand：

"Singitagain。"

"I\'llsingsomethingelse，"shesaid。"Didyoueverhear——"

"No，Ineverheardanythingatalllikethat，"interruptedRanald。

"Singsomemorelikethelast。"

ThedeepfeelingshowinginhisfaceandinhistonetouchedKate。

"Howwouldthisdo？"shereplied。"Itisalittlehighforme，butI\'lltry。"

Sheplayedafewintroductorychords，andthenbeganthatsweetestbitofthegreatestofalltheoratorios"HeshallFeedHisFlock。"

Andfromthatpassedintothesoul-moving"HeWasDespised"fromthesamenoblework。Themusicsuitedtherangeandqualityofhervoiceperfectly，andshesangwithherheartthrillinginresponsetothepassionatefeelinginthedarkeyesfixeduponherface。

ShehadneversungtoanyonewholistenedasRanaldnowlistenedtoher。Sheforgottheothers。Shewassingingforhim，andhewascompellinghertoherbest。Shewasconsciousofasubtlesenseofmasteryoverpoweringher，andwithastrangedelightsheyieldedherselftothatcommandinginfluence；butasshesangshebegantorealizethathewasthinkingnotofher，butofhersong，andsoonshe，too，wasthinkingofit。Sheknewthathiseyeswerefilledwiththevisionof"TheManofSorrows"ofwhomshesang，andbeforeshewasaware，thepathosofthatlonelyanddespisedlife，setforthinthenoblewordsoftheancientprophet，waspouringforthinthegreatMaster\'smusic。

Whenthesongwasended，noonespokeforatime，andevenMr。Simswassilent。Thenthelieutenantcameovertotheharmonium，andleaningtowardKate，said，inanearnestvoice，unusualwithhim，"ThankyouMissRaymond。Thatwastrulygreat。"

"Greatindeed；"saidHarry，withenthusiasm。"Ineverheardyousinglikethatbefore，Kate。"

ButRanaldsatsilent，findingnowordsinwhichtoexpressthethoughtsandfeelingshersinginghadarousedinhim。

Thereisthatinnoblemusicwhichforbidsunreality，rebukesfrivolityintosilence，subduesignoblepassions，soothestheheart\'ssorrow，andsummonstothesoulhighandholythoughts。Itwasdifficulttobegintheconversation；thetrivialthemesoftheearlierpartoftheeveningseemedforeigntothemoodthathadfallenuponthecompany。AtlengthMr。Simsventuredtoremark，withagiggle："It\'sawfullyfine，don\'tyouknow，butatriflefunereal。Makesonethinkofgravesandthatsortofthing。Verynice，ofcourse，"headded，apologetically，toKate。Ranaldturnedandregardedthelittlemanforsomemomentsinsilence，andthen，withunutterablescorn，exclaimed："Nice！man，it\'swonderful，wonderfultomewhatever！MakesmethinkofallthegreatthingsI

eversaw。"

"Whatthings？"Kateventuredtosay。

ForafewmomentsRanaldpaused，andthenreplied："Itmakesmethinkofthebigpinetreeswavingandwailingovermeatnight，andthebigriverrollingdownwiththemoonlightonit——and——otherthings。"

"Whatotherthings，Ranald，"persistedKate。

ButRanaldshookhisheadandsatsilentforsometime。Thenheroseabruptly。

"Iwillbegoingnow，"hesaid。

"Youwillcomeagainsoon，Ranald，"saidMaimie，comingtowardhimwithalookonherfacethatremindedhimofthedaysintheGlengarrymanse。Shehadforgottenallabouthisredshirtandsilkhandkerchief。AsRanaldcaughtthatlookagreatjoyleapedintohiseyesforamoment，thenfadedintoagazeofperplexity。

"Yes，docome，"addedKate。

"Willyousingagain？"heasked，bluntly。

"Yes，indeed，"shereplied，withaslightblush，"ifyouwantmeto。"

"Iwillcome。When？To-morrownight？"

"Yes，certainly，to-morrownight，"saidKate，blushingdeeplynow，forshenoticedtheslightsmileonHarry\'sface，andtheglancethatpassedbetweenMr。Simsandthelieutenant。ThenRanaldsaidgoodnight。

"Ihaveneverhadsuchpleasureinmylife，"hesaid，holdingherhandamoment，andlookingintohereyesthatsparkledwithahappylight。"Thatis，"headded，withaswiftglanceatMaimie，"frommusicorthingslikethat。"

Katecaughttheglance，andthehappylightfadedfromhereyes。

"Goodnight，"saidRanald，offeringhishandtoMaimie。"IamgladIcamenow。Itmakesmethinkofthelastnightatthemanse，althoughIamalwaysthinkingofit，"headded，simply，withatouchofsadnessinhisvoice。Maimie\'sfacegrewhotwithblushes。

"Yes，"sheanswered，hurriedly。"DearAuntMurray！"

Hestoodamomentortwoasifabouttospeak，whileMaimiewaitedinanagonyoffear，notknowingwhattoexpectinthisextraordinaryyoungman。Thenheturnedabruptlyaway，andwithagoodnighttoDeLacyandanodtoMr。Sims，strodefromtheroom。

"GreatCaesar\'sghost！"exclaimedthelieutenant；"pardonme，buthasanythinghappened？Thatyoungmannowandthengivesmeasenseoftragedy。WhatHAStakenplace？"hepanted，weakly。

"Nonsense，"laughedMaimie，"yournervoussystemisratherdelicate。"

"Ah，thanks，nodoubtthat\'sit。MissKate，howdoyoufeel？"

"I，"saidKate，wakingsuddenly，"thankyou，quitehappy。"

"Happy，"sighedDeLacy。"Ah，fortunateyoungman！"

"Greatchap，that，"criedHarry，comingbackfromseeingRanaldtothedoor。

"Very，"saidDeLacy，soemphaticallythateveryonelaughed。

"Someonereallyoughttodresshim，though，"suggestedMr。Sims，withaslightsneer。

"Why？"saidKate，quietly，facinghim。

"Oh，well，youknow，MissRaymond，"stammeredMr。Sims，"thatsortofattire，youknow，ishardlythethingforthedrawing-room，youknow。"

"Heisashantyman，"saidMaimie，apologetically，"andtheyalldresslikethat。Idon\'tsupposethathehasanyotherclotheswithhim。"

"Oh，ofcourse，"assentedMr。Sims，retreatingbeforethisdoubleattack。

"Besides，"continuedKate，"itisgoodtastetodressinthegarbofyourprofession，isn\'tit，LieutenantDeLacy？"

"Oh，comenow，MissKate，that\'sallright，"saidthelieutenant，"butyoumustdrawthelinesomewhere，youknow。Thosecolorsnowyoumustconfessarealittlestartling。"

"Youdidn\'tmindthecolorswhenhesavedyoutheotherdayfromthatawfulmob！"

"Oneforyou，DeLacy，"criedHarry。

"Quiteright，"answeredthelieutenant，"butdon\'tmistakeme。I

distinguishbetweenafellowandhisclothes。"

"Formypart，"saidKate，"Idon\'tcarehowamanisdressed；ifI

likehim，Ilikehimshouldheappearinablanketandfeathers。"

"Don\'tspeakofit，"gaspedthelieutenant。

"Dolet\'stalkofsomethingelse，"saidMaimie，impatiently。

"Delighted，Iamsure，"saidDeLacy；"andthatremindsmethatmadamwasthinkingofapicnicdowntheriverthisweek——justasmallcompany，youknow。Themanwoulddriveherdownandtakethehamperandthings，andwewouldgodownbyboat。Awfulpullback，though，"headded，regretfully，"butifitshouldgiveanypleasure——delighted，youknow，"bowinggallantlytotheladies。

"Delightful！"criedMaimie。

"AndRanaldpullssplendidly，"saidKate。

Maimielookedather，wonderinghowsheknewthat。"Idon\'tthinkRanaldcangetawayeveryday。I\'msurehecan\'t；canhe，Harry？"

shesaid。

"No，"saidHarry，"nomorecanI，worseluck！Thegovernorisstickingawfullyclosetoworkjustnow。"

"And，ofcourse，youcan\'tbespared，"saidKate，mockingly。

"Butcouldn\'tyoubothcomelater？Wecouldwaitteaforyou。

"Might，"saidHarry。"Ishallmakemybestendeavorforyoursake，"bowingtowardKate，"butIamdoubtfulaboutRanald。

Perhapswe\'dbetternot——"

"Why，certainly，oldchap，"saidthelieutenant，"what\'sthematter？"

"Well，thefactis，"blurtedoutHarry，desperately，"Idon\'twanttodraginRanald。Ilikehimawfully，butyoumayfeelasifhewerenotquiteoneofus。YouknowwhatImean；yourmotherdoesn\'tknowhim。"

Harryfeltextremelyawkwardknowingthathecameperilouslyneartosuspectingthelieutenantofthemostdespicablesnobbery。

"Why，certainly，"repeatedthelieutenant。"That\'sallright。

BringyourGlengarrymanalongifanyonewantshim。"

"Ido，"saidKate，decidedly。

"Kismet，"repliedthelieutenant。"Itisdecreed。Theyoungmanmustcome，forIsuspectheisverymuch\'oneofus。\'"Butofthisthelieutenantwasnotquitesocertainbythetimethedayofthepicnichadarrived。

CHAPTERXIX

ONEGAMEATATIME

TheGlengarrymenwereontheMontrealboatleavingforhome。

MacdonaldBhain\'sfarewelltohisnephewwasfullofsadness，forheknewthathenceforththeirwayswouldlieapart，andfullofsolemnwarningsagainstthedangersofthecitywhereRanaldwasnowtobe。

"Itisawickedplace，andthepitfallsaremany，andtheyarenotintheplaceswheretheeyeswillbelookingforthem。Yearetakingthewaythatwillbeleadingyoufromusall，andIwillnotbekeepingyouback，norwillIbelayinganyvowsuponyou。Youwillbeatrueman，andyouwillkeepthefearofGodbeforeyoureyes，andyouwillrememberthataMacdonaldneverfailsthemanthattrustshim。"AndlongafterthegreatmanwasgonehislastwordskepttuggingatRanald\'sheart："Ranald，lad，rememberusupyonderintheIndianLands，"hesaid，holdinghishandwithagripthatsqueezedthebonestogether；"wewillbealwaysthinkingofyou，andmorethanall，attheBibleclassandthemeetingsshewillbeaskingforyouandwonderinghowyouaredoing，andbynightandbydaythedoorwillbeonthelatchforyourcoming；

for，laddie，laddie，youareasontomeandmore！"ThebreakinthebigMacdonald\'svoicetookawayfromRanaldallpowerofspeech，andwithoutawordofreply，hehadtolethisunclego。

Yankee\'sgoodbywascharacteristic。"Well，guessI\'llgitalong。

Wishyouwerecomin\'backwithus，butyou\'vestruckyourgait，I

guess，andyou\'regoin\'tomakequiteadust。Keepyourwindtillthelastquarter；that\'swherethemoney\'slost。Iain\'t\'fraidofyou；you\'regreen，buttheycan\'tbreakyou。Keepyourlefteyeonthesuckers。Thereain\'tnodangerfromthefellerthatripsandraresandgitsuponhishindlegs，butthefellerthatsidlesraoundandsorterchumsituptoyouandwantstopayferyourdrinks，byJings，kickhim。Andsay，"Yankee\'svoiceheregrewlowandimpressive，"gitsomeclose。Thesehereareallrightforthewoods，butwiththempeopleclosecountsanawfullot。It\'sthemaninsidethatwins，butthecloseisoutside。Git\'emandgit\'emgood；noneofyoursecond-handJewoutfits。It\'llcost，ofcourse，but——(hereYankeecloseduptoRanald)buthere\'sawad；

ain\'tnopertickalerusetome。"

ThenRanaldsmotehiminthechestandknockedhimbackagainstalumberpile。

"Iknowyou，"hecried；"youwouldbegivingmethecoatoffyourback。IfIwouldbetakingmoneyfromanymanI\'dtakeitfromyou，butletmetellyouIwillhavenomoneythatIdonotearn；"

then，seeingYankee\'sdisappointedface，headded，"butindeed，I

oweyouforyourhelptome——and——mi——mine，whenhelpwasneededsore，morethanIcaneverpayback。"Then，astheyshookhands，Ranaldspokeagain，andhisvoicewasnonetoosteady。"AndIhavebeenthinkingthatIwouldlikeyoutohaveLisette，foritmaybealongtimebeforeIwillbebackagain，andIknowyouwillbegoodtoher；andifeverIneedyourhelpinthisway，IpromiseI

willcometoyou。"

Yankeechewedhisquidoftobaccohardandspattwicebeforehecouldreply。Thenheansweredslowly："Nowlook-ye-here，I\'lltakethatlittlemareandlookafterher，butthemare\'syoursandif——andif——whichIdon\'tthinkwillhappen——ifyoudon\'tcomebacksoon，why——Iwillsendyouherequivalentincash；butI\'druthersee——I\'drutherseeyoucomebackforit！"

ItwaswithaverylonelyheartthatRanaldwatchedoutofsightthesteamboatthatcarriedtotheirhomesintheIndianLandsthecompanyofmenwhohadbeenhiscomradesforthelongmonthsinthewoodsandontheriver，andallthemorethathewasdimlyrealizingthatthiswideningbluestripofflowingriverwasseparatinghimforeverfromthelifehesopassionatelyloved。Ashiseyesfollowedthemhethoughtofthehome-comingthathewouldhaveshared；theirmeetingsatthechurchdoor，thegravehandshakingsfromtheolderfolk，thesaucy"horos"fromthehalf-grownboys，theshyblushingglancesfromthemaidens，andlastanddearestofall，theglad，proudwelcomeinthesweet，seriousfacewiththegray-browneyes。Itwaswiththememoryofthatfaceinhisheartthatheturnedtomeetwhatmightbecomingtohim，withtheresolvethathewouldplaytheman。

"Hello，oldchap，who\'sdead？"ItwasHarry\'sgayvoice。"Youlooklikeatomb。"HeputhisarmthroughRanald\'sandwalkedwithhimupthestreet。

"Whereareyougoingnow？"heasked，asRanaldwalkedalonginsilence。

"Togetsomeclothes。"

"Thankthegreatpowers！"ejaculatedHarrytohimself。

"What？"

"Andwhereareyougoingtogetthem？"

"Idonotknow——somestore，Isuppose。"Ranaldhadthevaguestnotionsnotonlyofwhereheshouldgo，butoftheclothesinwhichheoughttoarrayhimself，buthewasnotgoingtoacknowledgethistohisfriend。

"Youcan\'tgetanyclothesfittowearinthistown，"saidHarry，inhighcontempt。Ranald\'sheartsank。"Butcomealong，wewillfindsomething。"

AstheypassedinfrontofthelittleFrenchshops，withwindowsfilledinsideandoutwithready-madegarments，Ranaldpausedtoinvestigate。

"Oh！pshaw，"criedHarry，"don\'tknowwhatyou\'llgethere。We\'llfindsomethingbetterthanthischeapstuff，"andRanald，gladenoughofguidance，thoughuncertainastowhereitmightleadhim，followedmeekly。

"Whatsortofasuitdoyouwant？"saidHarry。

"Idon\'tknow，"saidRanald，doubtfully。Ithadneveroccurredtohimthattherecouldbeanygreatdifferenceinsuits。Therehadneverbeenanychoosingofsuitswithhim。

"Likeyours，Isuppose，"hecontinued，glancingatHarry\'sattire，butadding，cautiously，"iftheydonotcosttoomuch。"

"Aboutfortydollars，"saidHarry，lightly；then，noticingthedismayedlookonRanald\'sface，headdedquickly，"butyoudon\'tneedtospendthatmuch，youknow。Isay，youletmemanagethisthing。"AndfortunateitwasforRanaldthathehadhisfriend\'sassistanceinthisall-importantbusiness，butittookallHarry\'sjudgment，skill，anddelicacyofhandlingtopilothisfriendthroughthedeviouswaysofoutfitters，forRanald\'signoranceofallthatpertainedtoagentleman\'swardrobewasequaledonlybythesensitiveprideontheonehandthatmadehimshrinkfromappearingpoorandmean，andbyhisScotchcautionontheotherthatforbadeundueextravagance。Itwasahardhourandahalfforthemboth，butwhenallwasover，Ranald\'sgratitudemorethanrepaidHarryforhispains。

"Comeupto-night，"saidHarry，astheystoodatthedooroftheHotelduNord，whereRanaldhadtakenuphisquarters。

"No，"saidRanald，abruptly，unconsciouslyglancingdownathisroughdress。

"ThenI\'llcomedownhere，"saidHarry，notingtheglance。

"Iwillbeveryglad，"repliedRanald，hisfacelightingup，forhewasmoreafraidthanhecaredtoshowofthelonelyhoursofthatnight。Itwouldbethefirstnightinhislifeawayfromhisownkinandfriends。Buthewasnotsogladwhen，aftertea，ashestoodatthedoorofthehotel，hesawsaunteringtowardhimnotonlyHarry，butalsoLieutenantDeLacyandhisfriendMr。Sims。

"Thesefellowswouldcomealong，"explainedHarry；"Itoldthemyoudidn\'twantthem。"

"Showedhowlittleheknew，"saidthelieutenant。"Itoldhimyouwouldbedelighted。"

"Willyoucomein？"saidRanald，rathergrudgingly，"thoughthereisnothingmuchinside。"

"Whatabear，"saidMr。SimstoHarry，disgustedly，inalowvoice。

"Nothingmuch！"saidthelieutenant，"agooddealIshouldsayfromwhatonecanhear。"

"Oh，thatisnothing，"repliedRanald；"theboysarehavingsomegames。"

Thebar-roomwasfilledwithmeninshantydress，somesittingwithchairstippedbackagainstthewall，smokingtheblackFrench"twist"tobacco；othersdrinkingatthebar；andothersstillatthetablesthatstoodinonecorneroftheroomplayingcardswithloudexclamationsandoathsofdelightordisgust，accordingtotheirfortune。Thelieutenantpushedhiswaythroughthecrowd，followedbytheothers。

"Ajollylot，byJove！"heexclaimed，lookingwithmildinterestonthescene，"andwiththeofferofsomesport，too，"headded，glancingatthecard-playersinthecorner，wheremenwerelosingtheirwinter\'swages。

"Whatwillyoutake？"saidRanald，promptedbyhisHighlandsenseofcourtesy，"andwouldyouhaveitinthenextroom？"

"Anywhere，"saidthelieutenant，withalacrity；"alittlebrandyandsodaforme；nothingelseintheseplacesisworthdrinking。"

Ranaldgavetheorder，andwithsomedegreeofpride，noticedtheobsequiousmannerofthebar-tendertowardhimandhisdistinguishedguests。Theypassedintoaninnerandsmallerroom，litbytwoorthreesmokylampsinbracketsonthewalls。Inthisroom，sittingatoneofthetables，weretwoFrenchmenplayingecarte。Asthelieutenantentered，oneofthemglancedupandutteredanexclamationofrecognition。

"Ah，itisourwarlikefriend，"criedDeLacy，recognizinghiminreturn；"youplaythisgamealso，"hecontinuedinFrench。

"Notmoche，"saidLeNoir，foritwashe，withagrandsalute。

"Willthecapitainejoin，andhisfriends？"

Ranaldshookhisheadandrefused。

"Comealong，"saidthelieutenant，eagerly，toRanald。Thegamewashispassion。"Mr。Sims，youwill；Harry，whatdoyousay？"

"IwilllookonwithRanald。"

"Oh，comeinMacdonald，"saidthelieutenant，"themorethebetter，andwe\'llmakeitpoker。Youknowthegame？"hesaid，turningtoLeNoir；"andyourfriend——Ihavenotthepleasure——"

"Mr。Rouleau，"saidRanaldandLeNoirtogether，presentingtheyoungFrenchmanwhospokeandlookedlikeagentleman。

"Doyouplaythegame？"saidthelieutenant。

"Averieleetle，butIcanlearnhim。"

"That\'sright，"criedthelieutenant，approvingly。

"Whatdoyousay，Ranald，"saidHarry，whoalsolovedthegame。

"No，"saidRanald，shortly，"Ineverplayformoney。"

"Makeitpennies，"saidMr。Sims，withaslightlaugh。

"Goon，DeLacy，"saidHarry，angryatMr。Sims\'stone。"You\'vegotfour——that\'lldo！"

"Oh，verywell，"saidDeLacy，hiseasy，languidairreturningtohim。"Whatshallitbe——quarterchipswithadollarlimit？Brandyandsoda，Mr。LeNoir？Andyou，Mr。Rouleau？Twomoreglasses，garcon，"andthegamebegan。

FromtheoutsetRouleausteadilywontillhischipswerepiledhighinfrontofhim。

"Youplaythegamewell，"saidthelieutenant。"Shallweraisethelimit？"

"Asyoulak，"saidRouleau，withapolitebow。

"Let\'smakeitfivedollars，"suggestedMr。Sims，towhichallagreed。

ButstillthegamewasRouleau\'s，whogrewmoreandmoreexcitedwitheverywin。Thelieutenantplayedcoolly，andwithseemingindifference，inwhichhewasimitatedbyMr。Sims，thelossofafewdollarsbeingamatterofsmallmomenttoeither。

"Itwouldmakeitmoreinterestingifwemadeitadollartoplay，"

atlengthsaidMr。Sims。Thesuggestionwasaccepted，andthegamewenton。Atoncetheluckbegantoturn，andinahalfhour\'splayRouleau\'swinningsdisappearedandpassedovertothelieutenant\'shand。Inspiteofhisbadluck，however，Rouleaucontinuedtobeteagerlyandrecklessly，untilRanald，whohatedtoseetheyounglumbermanlosinghisseason\'swages，suggestedthatthegamecometoanend。

"Thenightisearly，"saidthelieutenant，"butifyouhavehadenough，"hesaid，bowingtoLeNoirandRouleau。

"Non！"exclaimedRouleau，"thefortunewilltomeencore。Wemakitdetwo-dollartoplay。Datwillbrakdeluck。"

"Ithinkyououghttostopit，"saidHarry。

ButthedemonofplayhadtakenfullpossessionofbothRouleauandthelieutenantandtheywerenottobedenied。Rouleautookfromhispocketarollofbillsandcountedthem。

"Fiftydollars，"hecried。"Bon！Iplayhim，me！"

Theothersdepositedalikesumbeforethem，andthegameproceeded。

ThedealwasDeLacy\'s。Afterafewmoment\'sconsideration，Mr。

SimsandLeNoireachdrewthreecards。Inatoneoftriumphwhichhecouldnotaltogethersuppress，Rouleauexclaimed"Deesaregoodenoughforme。"Thelieutenantdrewonecard，andthebettingbegan。

TwiceRouleau，whenitcametohisturn，betthelimit，theotherscontentingthemselvesby"raising"onedollar。OnthethirdroundLeNoir，remarking，"Dasleetletooqueekforme，"droppedout。

OncemoreRouleauraisedthebettothelimit，whenMr。Simsrefused，andleftthegametohimandthelieutenant。TherewasnomistakingtheeagertriumphintheFrenchman\'spaleface。Hebegantobetmorecautiously，hisonlyfearbeingthathisopponentwould"call"toosoon。DollarbydollarthebetwasraisedtillatlastRouleaujoyouslygatheredhislastchips，raisedthebetoncemorebythelimit，exclaiming，ashedidso，"Alas！dereeesnomore！"

Hehadplayedhisseason\'swagesthatnight，butnowhewouldrecoverall。

DeLacy，whosecoolnesswasundisturbed，thoughhisfaceshowedsignsofhismanybrandy-and-sodas，coveredthebet。

"Hola！"exclaimedRouleauintriumph。"Eeteestome！"Hethrewdownhiscardsandreachedforthepile。

"Excuseme，"saidthelieutenant，quietlylookingatRouleau\'scards。"Ah，astraightflush，queenhigh。"Coollyhelaidhiscardsonthetable。"Thoughtyoumighthavehadtheace，"hesaid，languidly，leaningbackinhischair。He，too，heldastraightflush，butwiththeking。

Rouleaugazedthunderstruck。

"MortDieu！"heexclaimed，excitedly。"Thedealwasfromyou。"

"Mine，"saidDeLacy，quietly，lookingupattheexcitedFrenchman。

"Ah，"criedRouleau，besidehimself。"Itis——whatyoucall？Onecheat！cheat！"

Thelieutenantsatupstraightinhischair。

"DoyoumeanthatIcheatedyou？"hesaid，withslowemphasis。

"Bewarewhatyousay。"

"Oui！"criedtheFrenchman；"sacr-r-re——soImean！"

Beforethewordshadwelllefthislips，andbeforeanyonecouldinterfereDeLacyshotouthisarm，liftedtheFrenchmanclearoffhisfeet，andhurledhimtothefloor。

"Stop！youcoward！"Ranaldstoodbeforethelieutenantwitheyesblazingandbreathcomingquick。

"Coward？"saidDeLacy，slowly。

"Youhitamanunprepared。"

"Youareprepared，Isuppose，"repliedDeLacy，deliberately。

"Yes！Yes！"criedRanald，eagerly，thegladlightofbattlecomingintohiseyes。

"Good，"saidDeLacy，slowlyputtingbackhischair，andproceedingtoremovehiscoat。

"Glengarry！"criedLeNoir，raisingthebattlecryhehadcausetoremembersowell；andflingingoffhiscoatuponthefloor，hepattedRanaldontheback，yelling，"Goin，bullyboy！"

"Shutthedoor，LeNoir，"saidRanald，quickly，"andkeepitshut。"

"DeLacy，"criedHarry，"thismustnotgoon！Ranald，thinkwhatyouaredoing！"

"Youdidn\'tnoticehisremark，apparently，St。Clair，"saidthelieutenant，calmly。

"Nevermind，"criedHarry，"hewasexcited，andanywaythethingmustendhere。"

"Thereisonlyoneway。Doesheretract？"saidDeLacy，quietly。

"Ranald，"Harrycried，beseechingly，"youknowheisnocoward；youdidnotmeanthat。"

BythistimeRanaldhadhimselfinhand。

"No，"hesaid，regretfully，forcinghimselftospeakthetruth。"I

knowheisnocoward；Ihaveseenhimwherenocowardwouldbe，but，"headded，"hestruckamanunguarded，andthatwasacoward\'sblow。"

"Macdonald，"saidDeLacydeliberately，"youareright。True，hecalledmeacheat，butIshouldhavegivenhimtime。Still，"headded，rollinguphissleeves，"Ihopeyouwillnotdepriveyourselformeoftheprivilegeofsettlingthislittlebusiness。"

"Iwillbeglad，"saidRanald，hiseyesoncemorelightingup。

"Verygladindeed，ifyouwish。"

"Nonsense，"criedHarry，passionately，"ItellyouIwillnothaveit。Hehasgivenyouampleapology，DeLacy；andyou，Ranald，I

thoughtaMacdonaldneverfoughtexceptforsufficientcause！"

HarryrememberedthefightingruleoftheMacdonaldgang。

"Thatistrue，"saidRanald，gravely，"butitwasacruelblow，"

pointingtoRouleau，who，supportedbyLeNoir，wassittingonachair，hisfacebadlycutandbleeding，"andthat，too，aftertakingfromhimthewagesofsixmonthsinthebush！"

"Isupposeyouadmitthegamewasfair，"saidthelieutenant，movingnearertoRanald，thethreatinhistoneevidenttoall。

"Thegamewasfair，"saidRanald，facingDeLacy，"butIwillsaytheladwasnofairmatchforyou！"

"Hechosetoriskhismoney，whichyouwerenotwillingtodo。"

DeLacyfeltthathewasbeingputinanunpleasantlightandwasdeterminedtoangerRanaldbeyondcontrol。Ranaldcaughtthesneer。

"IfIdidnotplay，"hecried，hotly，"itwasfornofearofyouoranyofyou。Itwasnoman\'sgamewhatever，"hecontinued，contemptuously。

"Now，DeLacy，"criedHarry，again，"letthisstop。Themanwhofightswillfirstfightme！"

"PerhapsMr。Macdonaldwouldshowushowthegameshouldbeplayed，"saidMr。Sims，comingasneartoasneerashedared。

"Itwouldnotbehardtoshowyouthisgame，"saidRanald，ignoringMr。Sims，andlookingthelieutenantintheeyes，"orperhapstheother！"

"Good！"criedHarry，gladlyseizingtheopportunityofavertingafight。"Thegame！Takeyourplaces，gentlemen！"

Thelieutenanthesitatedforamoment，asifuncertainwhattodo。

Then，withaslightlaugh，hesaid，"Verywell，onethingatatime，theothercanwait。"

"Comeon！"criedHarry，"whogoesin？LeNoir，you？"

LeNoirlookedatRanald。

"Whatyousay？"

"No，"saidRanald，shortly，"thisismygame！"WiththatheturnedasidefromthetableandspokeafewwordsinalowtonetoLeNoir，whoassistedRouleaufromtheroom，andaftersomeminutes\'absence，returnedwithalittlelinenbag。Ranaldtookthebagandbegantocountoutsomemoneyuponthetablebeforehim。

"Iwillplaytoonehundreddollars，"hesaid。

ThelieutenantandMr。Simseachlaidthesameamountbeforethemuponthetable。

"Ihavenotsomuchonme，"saidHarry，"butperhapsmyI。O。U。

willdo。"

"Whatshallwesay，"saidMr。Sims，"adollartoplayandfivedollarslimit？"

"Sayfiveandtwenty-five，"saidDeLacy，whowascommandinghimselfwithagreateffort。

"Isthattoohigh？"saidHarry，lookingtowardRanald。

"No，"saidRanald，"thehigherthebetter。"

ItwassoonevidentthatRanaldknewthegame。HehadlearneditduringthelongwinternightsintheshantyfromYankee，whowasamasteratit，andheplayeditwarilyandwithironnerve。Heseemedtoknowasbyinstinctwhentoretreatandwhentopursue；

andheplayedwiththesinglepurposeofbleedingthelieutenantdry。OftendidherefusetotaketollofHarryorMr。Simswhenopportunityoffered，butneveroncedidheallowthelieutenanttoescape。

"Youflatterme，"saidthelieutenant，sarcastically，asRanald\'spurposebecameincreasinglyclear。

"Iwillhavefromyouallyouhavewon，"repliedRanald，inatoneofsuchsettledresolvethatitseemedasifnothingcouldpreventtheaccomplishmentofhispurpose。Invainthelieutenantsoughttobracehisnerveswithhisbrandy-and-sodas。Heplayednowrecklesslyandagainwithover-caution，whileRanald，takingadvantageofeveryslipandeverysignofweakness，followedhimwithrelentlessdetermination。

Withsuchstakesthegamewassoonover。Itwasnotlongbeforethelieutenantwasstrippedofhishundred，whileHarryandMr。

Simshadeachlostsmalleramounts。

"Youwilltryanotherhundred？"saidthelieutenant，burningtogetrevenge。

WithoutawordRanaldlaiddownhishundred；theothersdidlikewise，andoncemorethegameproceeded。TherewasnochangeinRanald\'splay。Thoroughknowledgeofthegame，absoluteself-

command，aninstinctivereadingofhisopponent\'smind，andunswervingpurposesoonbroughtabouttheonlyresultpossible。

Thelieutenant\'ssecondhundredwithapartofHarry\'sandMr。

Sims\'spassedintoRanald\'spossession。

AgainDeLacychallengedtoplay。

"No，"saidRanald，"Ihavedone。"Heputbackintohislinenbaghisonehundreddollars，countedouttwohundred，andgaveittoLeNoir，saying："ThatisRouleau\'s，"andthrewtherestuponthetable。"Iwantnoman\'smoney，"hesaid，"thatIdonotearn。"

Thelieutenantsprangtohisfeet。

"Hold！"hecried，"youforget，thereissomethingelse！"

"No，"saidRanald，asHarryandMr。SimsputthemselvesinDeLacy\'sway，"thereisnothingelseto-night；anotherday，andanydayyouwish，youcanhavetheothergame，"andwiththathepassedoutoftheroom。

CHAPTERXX

HERCLINGINGARMS

TheancientcapitalofCanada——theoldgrayqueenofthemightySt。

Lawrence——isacityofmanycharmsandofmuchstatelybeauty。Itsnarrow，climbingstreets，withtheirquaintshopsandcuriousgables，itsoldmarket，withchafferinghabitantfarmersandtheirwives，arefulloflivinginterest。Itsnoblerock，crownedwiththeancientcitadel，anditssweepingtidalriver，lenditadignityandmajesticbeautythatnoothercityknows；andeverywhereaboutitscitadelandwalls，andvenerable，sacredbuildings，therestilllingertheromanceandchivalryofheroicdayslonggone。Buttherearetimeswhenneithertheinterestsofthelivingpresentnorthecharmsoftheromanticpastcanavail，andsoashadowlayuponMaimie\'sbeautifulfaceasshesatintheparloroftheHoteldeChevalBlanc，lookingoutuponthemightystreetsandthehuddledroofsofthelowertown。Sheheldinherhandanopennote。

"Itisjustawfullystupid，"shegrumbled，"andIthinkprettymeanofhim！"

"Ofwhom，mayIask？"saidKate，pausinginhersinging，"oristhereanyneed？Whatsaysthegallantlieutenant？"

Maimietossedherthenote。

"Thepicnicispostponed。Well，ofcoursetheraintoldusthat；

andheisunavoidablypreventedfromcalling，andentreatsyoursympathyandcommiseration。Well，that\'saverynicenote，Iamsure。"

"Wherehashebeenthesethreedays！Hemighthaveknownitwouldbestupid，andHarrygivesonenosatisfaction。"Maimiewasundeniablycross。"AndRanald，too，"shewenton，"wherehashebeen？Notevenyourmusiccouldbringhim！"withalittlespiceofspite。"Ithinkmenarejusthorrid，anyway。"

"Especiallywhentheywillkeepaway，"saidKate。

"Well，whataretheygoodforifnottoentertainus？Iwishwecoulddowithoutthem！ButIdothinkRanaldmighthavecome。"

"Well，"saidKate，emphatically，"Ican\'tseewhyyoushouldexpecthim。"

"Whynot？"

"Ithinkyououghttoknow。"

"I，howshouldIknow？"Maimie\'sinnocentblueeyeswerewideopenwithsurprise。

"Nonsense，"criedKate，withimpatiencerareinher，"don\'tbeabsurd，Maimie；Iamnotachild。"

"WhatdoYOUmean？"

"Youneedn\'ttellmeyoudon\'tknowwhyRanaldcomes。Doyouwanthimtocome？"

"Why，ofcourseIdo；howsillyyouare。"

"Well，"saidKate，deliberately，"Iwouldratherbesillythancruelandunkind。"

"Why，Kate，howdreadfulofyou！"exclaimedMaimie；"\'cruelandunkind！\'"

"Yes。"saidKate；"youarenottreatingRanaldwell。Youshouldnotencouragehimto——to——careforyouwhenyoudonotmeanto——

to——goonwithit。"

"Oh，whatnonsense；Ranaldisnotababy；hewillnottakeanyhurt。"

"Oh，Maimie，"saidKate，andhervoicewaslowandearnest，"Ranaldisnotlikeothermen。Hedoesnotunderstandthings。Helovesyouandhewillloveyoumoreeverydayifyoulethim。Whydon\'tyoulethimgo？"

"Lethimgo！"criedMaimie，"who\'skeepinghim？"Butasshespoketheflushinhercheekandthewarmlightinhereyetoldmoreclearlythanwordsthatshedidnotmeantolethimgojustthen。

"Youare，"saidKate，"andyouaremakinghimloveyou。"

"Why，howsillyyouare，"criedMaimie；"ofcoursehelikesme，but——"

"No，Maimie，"saidKate，withsadearnestness，"helovesyou；youcanseeitinthewayhelooksatyou；inhisvoicewhenhespeaksand——oh，youshouldn\'tlethimunlessyoumeanto——to——goon。Sendhimrightaway！"ThereweretearsinKate\'sdarkeyes。

"Why，Katie，"criedMaimie，lookingathercuriously，"whatdifferencedoesitmaketoyou？Andbesides，howcanIsendhimaway？IjusttreathimasIdoMr。DeLacy。"

"DeLacy！"criedKate，indignantly。"DeLacycanlookafterhimself，butRanaldisdifferent。Heissoseriousand——andsohonest，andhemeansjustwhathesays，andyouaresonicetohim，andyoulookathiminsuchaway！"

"Why，Kate，doyoumeanthatItryto——"Maimiewasrighteouslyindignant。

"Youperhapsdon\'tknow，"continuedKate，"butyoucan\'thelpbeingfascinatingtomen；youknowyouare，andRanaldbelievesyouso，and——andyououghttobequitestraightforwardwithhim！"PoorKatecouldnolongercommandhervoice。

"There，now，"saidMaimie，caressingherfriend，notunpleasedwithKate\'sdescriptionofher；"I\'mgoingtobegood。Iwilljustbehorridtobothofthem，andthey\'llgoaway！But，oh，dear，thingsareallwrong！PoorRanald，"shesaidtoherself，"IwonderifhewillcometothepicniconSaturday？"

Katelookedatherfriendamomentandwipedawayhertears。

"IndeedIhopehewillnot，"shesaid，indignantly，"forIknowyoumeantojustleadhimon。Ihaveamindtotellhim。"

"Tellhimwhat？"saidMaimie，smiling。

"Justwhatyoumeantodo。"

"Iwishyouwouldtellmethat。"

"NowItellyou，Maimie，"saidKate，"ifyougoonwithRanaldsoanylongerIwilljusttellhimyouareplayingwithhim。"

"Do，"saidMaimie，scornfully，"andbecarefultomakecleartohimatthesametimethatyouarespeakingsolelyinhisinterest！"

Kate\'sfaceflushedredattheinsinuation，andthengrewpale。

Shestoodforsometimelookinginsilenceatherfriend，andthenwithaproudflashofherdarkeyes，shesweptfromtheroomwithoutaword，nordidMaimieseeheragainthatafternoon，thoughshestoodoutsideherdoorentreatingwithtearstobeforgiven。

PoorKate！Maimie\'sshafthadgonetoonearavitalspot，andthewoundamazedandterrifiedher。WasitforRanald\'ssakealoneshecared？Yes，surelyitwas。Thenwhythissharpnewpainunderthehandpressingharduponherheart？

Oh，whatdidthatmean？Sheputherfaceinherpillowtohidetheredthatsheknewwasflaminginhercheeks，andforafewmomentsgaveherselfuptothejoythatwasfloodingherwholeheartandsoulandallhertinglingveins。Oh，howhappyshewas。ForlongshehadheardoftheGlengarryladfromMaimieandmorefromHarrytilltherehadgrownupinherheartawarm，admiringinterest。

Andnowshehadcometoknowhimforherself！Howlittleafterallhadtheytoldherofhim。Whatamanhewas！Howstrongandhowfearless！Howtrue-heartedandhowhiseyescouldfillwithlove！

Shestartedup。Love？Love？Ah，wherewasherjoy！Howchillthedayhadgrownandhowhatefulthesunlightontheriver。Shedrewdowntheblindandthrewherselfoncemoreuponthebed，shiveringandsickwithpain——thebitterestthatheartcanknow。

Oncemoreshestartedup。

"Sheisnotworthyofhim！"sheexclaimed，aloud；"herheartisnotdeepenough；shedoesnot，cannotlovehim，andoh，ifsomeonewouldonlylethimknow！"

Shewouldtellhimherself。No！No！Maimie\'ssharparrowwasquiveringstillinherheart。Oncemoreshethrewherselfuponthebed。Howcouldshebearthisthathadstrickenher？Shewouldgohome。Shewouldgotohermotherto-morrow。Goawayforeverfrom——

ah——couldshe？No，anythingbutthat！Shecouldnotgoaway。

Overthebroadriverthewarmsunlightlaywithkindlyglow，andtheworldwasfullofthesoft，sweetairofspring，andthesongsofmatingbirds；butthehourspassed，andovertherivertheshadowsbegantocreep，andthewholeworldgrewdark，andthesongsofthebirdswerehushedtosilence。Then，fromherroom，Katecamedownwithfaceserene，andbutfortheeyesthatsomehowmadeonethinkoftears，withoutasignofthestormthathadswepthersoul。Shedidnotgohome。Shewastoobraveforthat。Shewouldstayandfightherbattletotheend。

ThatwasadrearyweekforRanald。Hewaslonelyandheartsickforthewoodsandforhishomeandfriends，butchieflywasheoppressedwiththesenseofhavingplayedthefoolinhisquarrelwithDeLacy，whomhewasbeginningtoadmireandlike。Hesurelymighthaveavoidedthat；andyetwheneverhethoughtofthegamethathadsweptawayfromRouleauallhiswinter\'searnings，andofthecruelblowthathadfollowed，hefelthismusclesstiffenandhisteethsettightinrage。No，hewoulddoitallagain，norwouldheretreatonesinglestepfromthepositionhehadtaken，butwouldseehisquarrelthroughtotheend。ButworstofallhehadnotseenMaimiealltheweek。HisexperiencewithHarryintheorderingofhissuithadtaughthimtheimportanceofclothes，andhenowunderstoodashecouldnotbefore，Maimie\'smannertohim。"Thatwouldbeit，"hesaidtohimself，"andnowonder。Whatwouldshedowithagreat，coarsetykelikeme！"Then，inspiteofallhisloyalty，hecouldnothelpcontrastingwithMaimie\'suncertainanddoubtfultreatmentofhim，thewarm，frankfriendlinessofKate。

"SHEdidnotmindmyclothes，"hethought，withaglowofgratitude，butsharplycheckinghimself，headded，"butwhyshouldshecare？"

ItratherpleasedhimtothinkthatMaimiecaredenoughtofeelembarrassedathisroughdress。SohekeptawayfromtheHoteldeChevalBlanctillhisnewsuitshouldbeready。Itwasnotbecauseofhisdress，however，thathesteadilyrefusedHarry\'sinvitationtothepicnic。

"No，Iwillnotgo，"hesaid，withbluntdecision，afterlisteningtoHarry\'spleading。"ItisLieutenantDeLacy\'spicnic，andI

willhavenothingtodowithhim，andindeedhewillnotbewantingme！"

"Oh，he\'sforgottenallaboutthatlittleaffair，"criedHarry。

"Hashe？Indeedthenifheisamanhehasnot！"

"Iguesshehasn\'trememberedmuchofanythingforthelastweek，"

saidHarry，withaslightlaugh。

"Whynot？"

"Oh，pshaw，he\'sbeenonabigtear。Heonlysoberedupyesterday。"

"Huh！"gruntedRanald，contemptuously。Hehadlittlerespectforamanwhodidnotknowwhenhehadhadenough。"Whatabouthisjob？"

heasked。

"Hisjob？Oh，Isee。Hisjobdoesn\'tworryhimmuch。He\'sabsentonsick-leave。Buthe\'sallfitagainandIknowhewillbedisappointedifyoudonotcometo-morrow。"

"Iwillnotgo，"saidRanald，withfinaldecision，"andyoucantellhimso，andyoucantellhimwhy。"

AndHarrydidtellhimwithconsiderablefullnessandemphasisnotonlyofRanald\'sdecision，butalsoRanald\'sopinionofhim，forhefeltthatitwoulddothatlordlyyoungmannoharmtoknowthatamanwhomhewasinclinedtopatronizeheldhimincontemptandforcause。ThelieutenantlistenedforatimetoallHarryhadtosaywithapparentindifference，thensuddenlyinterruptinghim，hesaid："Oh，Isay，oldchap，Iwouldn\'trubitinifIwereyou。I

haveamoreorlessvagueremembranceofhavingratherindulgedinheroics。Onecan\'tkeephisheadwithpokerandunlimitedbrandy-

and-sodas；theydon\'tgotogether。It\'sathingIalmostneverdo；

neverinabiggame，butthethinggotinterestingbeforeIknew。

ButIsay，thatGlengarrychapplaysamightygoodgame。Mustgethimonagain。Feelshot，eh？Iwillmakethatallright，andwhat\'stheFrenchchap\'sname——Boileau，Rondeau，eh？Rouleau。

Yes，andwherecouldoneseehim？"

"IcanfindoutfromLeNoir，whowillbesomewherenearRanald。

Youcan\'tgethimawayfromhim。"

"Well，do，"saidthelieutenant，lazily。"BringLeNoirtoseeme。

IowethatRouleauchapanapology。Beastlybusiness！AndI\'llfixitupwithMacdonald。Hehastherightofit，byJove！Ratherlucky，Ifancy，hedidn\'tyieldtomysolicitationsforatryattheothergame——fromwhatIrememberofthestreetriot，eh？Wouldnotmindhavingagowithhimwiththegloves，though。Iwillseehimto-morrowmorning。Keepyourmindatrest。"

NextmorningwhenLeNoircametohisworkhewasfullofthelieutenant\'spraisestoRanald。

"DasfinefellerleCapitaine，eh？DasdeGrandSeigneurforsure！

He\'smakeetallrightwitRouleau！He\'spaydecashmoneyandhe\'smakeetdegoodposishforhim，an\'sethimupthechampagne，too，bygar！"

"Huh，"gruntedRanald。"RunthatcribaroundtheboomthereLeNoir；breakitupandkeepyourgangmovingto-day！"

"Bon！"saidLeNoir，withalacrity。"Igive\'emdebigmove，me！"

ButhoweverunwillingRanaldwastolistentoLeNoirsingingthelieutenant\'spraises，whenhemetHarryatnoonintheofficehewasevenmoreenthusiasticthanLeNoirinhisadmirationofDeLacy。

"Ineversawthelikesofhim，"hesaid。"Hecouldbringthebirdsoutofthetreeswiththattongueofhis。Indeed，Icouldnothavedonewhathedidwhatever。Man，butheisagentleman！"

"Andareyougoingthisevening？"

"ThatIam，"saidRanald。"WhatelsecouldIdo？Icouldnothelpmyself；hemademefeelthatmeanthatIwasreadytodoanything。"

"Allright，"saidHarry，delighted，"Iwilltakemycanoearoundforyouaftersix。"

"And，"continuedRanald，withalittlehesitation，"hetoldmehewouldbewearingajerseyandducktrousers，andIthinkthatwasveryfineofhim。"

"Why，ofcourse，"saidHarry，quitemystified，"whatelsewouldhewear？"

Ranaldlookedathimcuriouslyforamoment，andsaid："Aswallow-

tail，perhaps，orablanket，maybe，"andheturnedawayleavingHarrymoremystifiedthanever。

Soonaftersix，Harrypaddledaroundinhiscanoe，andgavethesterntoRanald。Whatajoyitwastohimtobeinacanoesternagain；tofeeltherushofthewaterunderhisknees；tohaveherglideswiftlyonhersoundlesswaydownthefull-bosomed，sunbathedriver；toseeherputhernoseintothelittlewavesandgently，smoothlypushthemasunderwithneverasplashorswerve；tosendheralongstraightandtrueasanarrowinitsflight，andthenflip！fliptoswingheroffafloatinglogoraroundanawkwardboatlumberingwithclumsyoars。Thatwastobealiveagain。Oh，thejoyofit！Ofallthingsthatmovetothewillofmanthereisnonelikethecanoe。Italonehasthesweet，smoothglide，theswift，silentdartansweringthepaddlesweep；thequickswerveinresponsetotheturnofthewrist。Ranaldfeltasifhecouldhavegladlypaddledonrightouttotheopensea；butsweepingaroundabendalong，clearcallhailedthem，andthere，fardownatthebottomofalittlebay，atthefootofthebig，scarred，andwrinkledrockthesmokeandglimmerofthecamp-firecouldbeseen。

Aflipofthesternpaddle，andthecanoepointedforthewavingfigure，andundertherhythmicsweepofthepaddles，spedlikeanarrowdownthewaters，slopingtotheshore。There，onagreatrock，stoodKate，directingtheircourse。

"Here\'sagoodlanding，"shecried。Rightattherockdashedthecanoeatfullspeed。Amomentmoreandherdaintynosewouldbebatteredoutofallshapeonthecruelrock，butastrongbackstroke，aturnofthewrist，flip，andshelayfloatingquietlybesidetherock。

"Splendid！"criedKate。

"Welldone，byJove！"exclaimedthelieutenant，whowashimselfanexpertwiththepaddle。

"Isupposeyouhavenoideahowfineyoulook，"criedKate。

"AndIamquitesure，"answeredHarry，"youhavenosuspicionofwhatabeautifulpictureyouallmake。"Andabeautifulpictureitwas：thegreatrockycliffinthebackground，trickedoutinitsnewspringgreenofmossandshrubandtree；thegrassyplotatitsfootwherealittlestreamgurgledoutfromtherock；theblazingcamp-firewiththelittlegroupaboutit；andinfrontthesunlitriver。Howhappytheyallwere！Andhowreadytopleaseandtobepleased。EvenlittleMr。Simshadhischarm。Andatthemakingofthetea，whichKatehadtakeninchargewithRanaldsuperintending，whatfuntherewaswithburningoffingersandupsettingofkettles！Andthen，thetalkandthelaughteratthelieutenant\'sbrilliantjokes，andthechaffingofthe"lumbermen"overtheirvoraciousappetites！Itwasanhourofnever-to-be-forgottenpleasure。Theywereallchildrenagain，andwithchildren\'sheartswerehappyinchildhood\'ssimplejoys。Andwhynot？Therearenojoyspurerthanthoseoftheopenair；ofgrassandtreesfloodedwiththewarmlightandsweetscentsofthesoftspringtime。Toosoonitallcametoanend，andthentheysetofftoconvoythestatelyoldladytohercarriageatthetopofthecliff。FarinfrontwentKate，disdainingtheassistanceofHarryandMr。Sims，whoescortedher。NearathandthelieutenantwasinattendanceuponMaimie，whoseemedtoneedhisconstantassistance；forthewaywasrough，andthereweresomanyjuttingpointsofrockforwonderfulviews，andoftentheveryprettiestplantswerejustoutofreach。LastofallcameMadameDeLacy，climbingthesteeppathwithdifficultyandholdingfasttoRanald\'sarm。Withcharminggraceshediscoursedofthebravedaysofoldinwhichherancestorshadplayedaworthypart。Aninterestingtaleitwas，butinspiteofallhercharmofspeech，andgraceofmanner，Ranaldcouldnotkeephismindfromfollowinghisheartandeyesthatnotedeverystepandmoveofthebeautifulgirl，flittinginandoutamongthetreesbeforethem。Andwellitwasthathiseyeswerefollowingsoclose；for，asshewasreachingforadaintysprayofgoldenbirch，holdingbythelieutenant\'shand，thetreacherousmossslippedfromunderMaimie\'sfeet，andwithapiercingshriekshewentrollingdowntheslopingmountain-side，draggingherescortwithher。LikeaflashoflightRanalddroppedmadame\'sarm，andseizingthetopofatallbirchthatgrewupfromthelowerledge，withatricklearnedasaboyintheGlengarrywoods，heswunghimselfclearovertheedge，anddroppinglightlyonthemossybankbelow，threwhimselfinfrontoftherollingbodies，andseizingthemheldfast。Inanothermomentleavingthelieutenanttoshiftforhimself，RanaldwasonhiskneesbesideMaimie，wholayuponthemoss，whiteandstill。"Somewater，forGod\'ssake！"hecried，hoarsely，toDeLacy，whostooddazedbesidehim，andthen，beforethelieutenantcouldmove，RanaldliftedMaimieinhisarms，asifshehadbeenaninfant，andboreherdowntotheriver\'sedge，andlaidheronthegrassybank。Then，takingupadoublehandfulofwater，hedasheditinherface。Withalittlesighsheopenedhereyes，andlettingthemrestuponhisface，said，gently，"Oh，Ranald，Iamsogladyou——IamsosorryI

havebeensobadtoyou。"Shecouldsaynomore，butfromherclosedeyestwogreattearsmadetheirwaydownherpalecheeks。

"Oh，Maimie，Maimie，"saidRanald，inabrokenvoice，"tellmeyouarenothurt。"

Againsheopenedhereyesandsaid，"No，Iamnothurt，butyouwilltakemehome；youwillnotleaveme！"Herfingerscloseduponhishand。

Withaquick，strongclasp，hereplied："Iwillnotleaveyou。"

Inafewminutesshewasabletositup，andsoontheywereallabouther，exclaimingandlamenting。

"WhatasillygirlIam，"shesaid，withalittletremulouslaugh，"andwhatafrightImusthavegivenyouall！"

"Don\'trise，mydear，"saidMadameDeLacy，"untilyoufeelquitestrong。"

"Oh，Iamquiteright，"saidMaimie，confidently；"IamsureIamnothurtintheleast。"

"Oh，Iamsothankful！"criedKate。

"ItistheLord\'smercy，"saidRanald，inavoiceofdeepemotion。

"Areyouquitesureyouarenothurt？"saidHarry，anxiously。

"Yes，IreallythinkIamallright，butwhatafrightImustlook！"

"ThankGod！"saidHarryfervently；"Iguessyou\'reimproving，"atwhichtheyalllaughed。

"NowIthinkwemustgethome，"saidMadameDeLacy。"Doyouthinkyoucanwalk，Maimie？"

"Oh，yes，"criedMaimie，andtakingRanald\'shand，shetriedtostandup，butimmediatelysankbackwithagroan。

"Oh，itismyfoot，"shesaid，"Iamafraiditishurt。"

"Letmesee！"criedHarry。"Idon\'tthinkitisbroken，"hesaid，afterfeelingitcarefully，"butIhavenodoubtitisaverybadsprain。Youcan\'twalkforcertain。"

"Thenweshallhavetocarryher，"saidMadameDeLacy，andsheturnedtoherson。

"IfearIcanoffernoassistance，"saidthelieutenant，pointingtohisarmwhichwashanginglimpathisside。

"Why，Albert，areyouhurt？Whatisthematter？Youarehurt！"

criedhismother，anxiously。