OrIcanfindoutwhattheypayforsuchdesignsatpotteriesandceramicfactories。Youhavenotimetospendonherbs，whenyouareinthewoods，ifyoucandraw。’’
``Iamsurelyinthewoods，’’saidtheGirl，``andI
knowIcancopycorrectly。IoftenmadedesignsforembroideryandleatherfortheshopmotherandIworkedforinChicago。’’
``Won’ttheybuythemofyounow？’’
``Undoubtedly。’’
``Dotheypayanythingworthwhile？’’
``Idon’tknowhowtheirpricescomparewithothers。
OneplacewasallIworkedfor。Ithinktheypaywhatisfair。’’
``Wewillfindout，’’saidtheHarvesterpromptly。
``I——Idon’tthinkyouneedwastethetime，’’falteredtheGirl。``Ihadbettergathertheplantsforawhileatleast。’’
``Collectingcrudedrugmaterialisnoteasy，’’saidtheHarvester。``Drawingmaynotbeeither，butatleastyoucouldsitwhileyouwork，anditshouldbringyoumoremoney。Besides，IverymuchwantamothcopiedforacandlestickIamcarving。Won’tyoudrawthatforme？Ihavesomepupaecasesandthemothswillbeoutanydaynow。IfI’dbringyouone，wouldn’tyoujustmakeacopy？’’
TheGirlgrippedherhandstogetherandstaredstraightaheadofherforasecond，thensheturnedtohim。
``I’dliketo，’’shesaid，``butIhavenothingtoworkwith。InChicagotheyfurnishedmymaterialattheshopandIdrewthedesignandwaspaidforthepattern。
Ididn’tknowtherewouldbeachanceforanythinglikethathere。Ihaven’tevenproperpencils。’’
``Thenthewayforyoutodothisistostripthefirstmulleinplantsyouseeofthepetals。Iwillpayyouseventy-fivecentsapoundforthem。BythetimeyougetafewpoundsIcanhavematerialyouneedfordrawinghereandyoucangotoworkonwhateverflowers，vines，andthingsyoucanfindinthewoods，withnothankstoanyone。’’
``Ican’tseethat，’’saidtheGirl。``ItwouldappeartomethatIwouldbeundermoreobligationsthanI
couldrepay，andtoastranger。’’
``Ifigureitthisway，’’saidtheHarvester，watchingfromthecornerofhiseye。``IcansellatgoodpricesallthemulleinflowersIcansecure。Youcollectforme，Ibuythem。Youcanusedrawingtools；Igetthemforyou，andyoupaymewiththemulleinoroutoftheginsengmoneyIoweyou。Youalreadyhavethatcoming，andit’sjustasmuchyoursasitwillbetendaysfromnow。Youneedn’thesitateasecondaboutdrawingonit，becauseIaminahurryforthemothpattern。Ifindtimetocarveonlyatnight，yousee。
Asforbeingunderobligationstoastranger，inthefirstplaceallthedebtwouldbeonmyside。I’dgetthedrugsandthepatternIwant；and，inthesecondplace，I
positivelyandemphaticallyrefusetobeastranger。
Itwouldbesomuchbettertobemutualhelpersandfriendsofthekindworthhaving；andthesoonerwebegin，thesoonerwecanworktogethertogoodadvantage。
Getthatstrangerideaoutofyourheadrightnow，andreplaceitwiththoughtsofanewfriend，whoiswilling’’——theHarvesterdetectedpanicinhereyesandendedcasually——``toenterapartnershipthatwillbeofbenefittobothofus。Partnerscan’tbestrangers，youknow，’’hefinished。
``Idon’tknowwhattothink，’’saidtheGirl。
``Neverbotheryourheadwiththinking，’’advisedtheHarvesterwithanairoflargewisdom。``Itisunprofitableandverytiring。Anyonecanseethatyouaretoowearynow。Don’tdreamofsuchafoolishthingasthinking。Don’tworryovermotivesandobligations。
Saytoyourself，`I’llenterthispartnershipandifitbringsmeanythinggood，I’mthatmuchahead。Ifitfails，I
havelostnothing。’That’sthewaytolookatit。’’
Thenbeforeshecouldanswerhecontinued:``NowIwantallthemulleinbloomIcanget。You’llseetheyellowheadseverywhere。Stripthepetalsandbringthemhere，andI’llcomeforthemeveryday。Theymustgoonthetraysasfreshaspossible。Onyourpart，wewillmakeouttheordernow。’’
Hetookapencilandnotebookfromhispocket。
``Youwantdrawingpencilsandbrushes；howmany，whatmakeandsize？’’
TheGirlhesitatedforamomentasifstrugglingtodecidewhattodo；thenshenamedthearticles。
``Andpaper？’’
Hewrotethatdown，andaskediftherewasmore。
``Ithink，’’hesaid，``thatIcangetthisorderfilledinOnabasha。Theartstoresshouldkeepthesethings。
Andshouldn’tyouhavewater-colourpaperandsomepaint？’’
Thentherewasaflashacrossthewhiteface。
``OhifIonlycould！’’shecried。``AllmylifeIhavebeencrazyforaboxofcolour，butInevercouldaffordit，andofcourse，Ican’tnow。Butifthissplendidplanworks，andIcanearnwhatIowe，thenmaybeIcan。’’
``Wellthis`splendidplan’isgoingto`work，’don’tyoubotheraboutthat，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ithasbegunworkingrightnow。Don’tworryaminute。
Afterthingshavegonewrongforacertainlengthoftime，theyalwaysveerandgorightawhileascompensation。Don’tthinkofanythingsavethatyouareattheturning。Sinceitisallsettledthatwearetobepartners，wouldyounamemethefiguresofthedebtthatisworryingyou？Don’t，ifyoumind。IjustthoughtperhapswecouldgetalongbetterifIknew。
Isit——sayfivehundreddollars？’’
``Ohdearno！’’criedtheGirlinapanic。``Inevercouldfacethat！Itisnotquiteonehundred，andthatseemsbigasamountaintome。’’
``Forgetit！’’hecried。``Theginsengwillpaymorethanhalf；thatIknow。Icanbringyouthecashinalittleoveraweek。’’
Shestartedtospeak，hesitated，andatlastturnedtohim。
``Wouldyoumind，’’shesaid，``ifIaskedyoutokeepituntilIcanfindawaytogototown？It’stoofartowalkandIdon’tknowhowtosendit。WouldIdareputitinaletter？’’
``Never！’’saidtheHarvester。``Youwantadraft。
Thatmoneywillbetooprecioustorunanyrisks。I’llbringittoyouandyoucanwriteanoteandexplaintowhomyouwantitpaid，andI’lltakeittothebankforyouandgetyourdraft。Thenyoucanwritealetter，andhalfyourworrywillbeoversafely。’’
``Itmustbedoneinasureway，’’saidtheGirl。``IfIknewIhadthemoneytopaythatmuchonwhatI
owe，andthenlostit，Isimplycouldnotendureit。I
wouldliedownandgiveupasAuntMollyhas。’’
``Forgetthattoo！’’saidtheHarvester。``Wipeoutallthepastthathaspaininit。Thefutureisgoingtobebeautifullybright。Thatlittlebirdonthebushtherejusttoldmeso，andyouarealwayssafewhenyoutrustthefeatheredfolk。Ifyouaregoingtoliveinthecountryanylengthoftime，youmustknowthem，andtheywillbecomeagreatcomfort。Areyouplanningtobeherelong？’’
``Ihavenoplans。AfterwhatIsawChicagodotomymotherIwouldratherfinishlifeintheopenthanreturntothecity。Itishorriblehere，butatleastI’mnothungry，andnotafraid——allthetime。’’
``GraciousHeaven！’’criedtheHarvester。``Doyoumeantosaythatyouareafraidanypartofthetime？
Wouldyoukindlytellmeofwhom，andwhy？’’
``Youshouldknowwithoutbeingtoldthatwhenawomanbornandrearedinacity，andallherlifeconfinedthere，stepsintothewoodsforthefirsttime，she’sboundtobeafraid。Thelastfewweeksconstitutemyentireexperiencewiththecountry，andI’minmortalfearthatsnakeswilldropfromtreesandbushesorspringfromtheground。SomeplacesIthinkI’msinking，andwheneverabushcatchesmyskirtsitseemsasifsomethingdreadfulisreachingupforme；thereisapossibilityofhorrorlurkingbehindeverytreeand——’’
``Stop！’’criedtheHarvester。``Ican’tendureit！Doyoumeantotellmethatyouareafraidhereandnow？’’
Shemethiseyessquarely。
``Yes，’’shesaid。``Italmostmakesmeilltositonthislogwithouttakingastickandpokingallarounditfirst。EveryminuteIthinksomethingisgoingtostrikemeinthebackordroponmyhead。’’
TheHarvestergrewverywhitebeneaththetan，andthatdevelopedanice，sicklygreencomplexionforhim。
``AmIpartofyourtortures？’’heaskedtersely。
``Whyshouldn’tyoube？’’sheanswered。``WhatdoIknowofyouoryourmotivesorwhyyouarehere？’’
``Ihavehadnoexperiencewiththeatmospherethatbreedssuchanattitudeinagirl。’’
``ThatisathingforwhichtothankHeaven。Undoubtedlyitisgracioustoyou。Mylifehasbeendifferent。’’
``Yetinmortalterrorofthewoods，andprobablyequalfearofme，youarehereandaskingforworkthatwillkeepyouhere。’’
``IwouldgothroughfireandfloodforthemoneyI
owe。Afterthatdebtispaid——’’
Shethrewoutherhandsinahopelessgesture。TheHarvesterdrewfortharollofbillsandtossedthemintoherlap。
``Fortheloveofmercytakewhatyouneedandpayit，’’hesaid。``Thengetafloorunderyourfeet，andtry，Ibegofyou，trytoforceyourselftohaveconfidenceinme，untilIdosomethingthatgivesyoutheleastreasonfordistrustingme。’’
Shepickedupthemoneyandgaveitacontemptuouswhirlthatlandeditathisfeet。
``WhatgreatercauseofdistrustcouldIhavebyanypossibilitythanjustthat？’’sheasked。
TheHarvesterarosehastily，andtakingseveralsteps，hestoodwithfoldedarms，hisbackturned。TheGirlsatwatchinghimwithwideeyes，thedullblueplainintheirduskydepths。Whenhedidnotspeak，shegrewrestless。Atlastsheslowlyaroseandcirclinghimlookedintohisface。Itwasconvulsedwithastruggleinwhichloveandpatiencefoughtforsupremacyoverhonestanger。Ashesawhersoclose，hislipsdrewapart，andhisbreathcamedeeply，buthedidnotspeak。Hemerelystoodandlookedather，andlooked；andshegazedathimasiffascinated，butuncomprehending。
``Ruth！’’
Thecallcameroaringupthehill。TheGirlshiveredandbecamepaler。
``Isthatyouruncle？’’askedtheHarvester。
Shenodded。
``Willyoucometo-morrowforyourdrawingmaterials？’’
``Yes。’’
``Willyoutrytobelievethatthereisabsolutelynothing，eitherunderfootoroverhead，thatwillharmyou？’’
``Yes。’’
``WillyoutrytothinkthatIamnotamenacetopublicsafety，andthatIwoulddomuchtohelpyou，merelybecauseIwouldbegladtobeofservice？’’
``Yes。’’
``Willyoutrytocultivatetheideathatthereisnothinginallthisworldthatwouldhurtyoupurposely？’’
``Ruth！’’cameasplittingscreamingruffman-tones，keyedindeepanger。
``ThatSOUNDSlikeit！’’saidtheGirl，andcatchingupherskirtssheranthroughthewoods，takingadifferentroutetowardthehouse。
TheHarvestersatonthelogandtriedtothink；buttherearetimeswhenthenumbedbrainrefusestowork，sohereallysatandsuffered。Belshazzarwhimperedandlickedhishands，andatlastthemanaroseandwentwiththedogtothewagon。AstheycamethroughOnabasha，Betsyturnedatthehospitalcorner，buttheHarvesterpulledheraroundanddrovetowardthecountry。Notuntiltheycrossedtherailroaddidhelifthisheadandthenhedrewadeepbreathasifstarvedforpureairandspoke。``Notto-dayBetsy！Ican’tfacemyfriendsjustnow。SomewayIammakinganawfulfistofthings。EverythingIdoiswrong。Shenomoretrustsmethanyouwouldarattlesnake，Belshazzar；andfromallappearanceshetakesmetobealmostasdeadly。Whatmusthavebeenherexperiencesinlifetoingrainfearanddistrustinhersoulatthatrate？IalwaysknewIwasnothandsome，butIneverbeforeregardedmyappearanceasalarming。AndI
`fixedup，’too！’’
TheHarvestergrinnedaqueerlittletwistofagrinthatpulledanddistortedhisstrainedface。``Mightaswellhavegonewithaweek’sbeard，asoiledshirt，andaleer！AndI’vealwaysbeenasdecentasIknew！
What’stherewardforcleanlivinganyway，ifthegirlyoulovestrikesyoulikethat？’’
Belshazzarreachedacrossandkissedhim。TheHarvesterputhisarmaroundthedog。Intheman’sdisappointmentandhearthungerheleanedhisheadagainstthebeastandsaid，``I’vealwaysgotyoutoloveandprotectme，anyway，Belshazzar。Maybethemanwhosaidadogwasaman’sbestfriendwasright。Youalwaystrustedme，didn’tyouBel？Andyouneverregretteditbutonce，andthatwasn’tmyfault。I
neverdidit！IfIdid，I’mgettinggoodandwellpaidforit。I’dratherbekickeduntilalltheribsofonesidearebroken，Bel，thantoswallowthedoseshejusthandedme。Itellyouitwasbitter，lad！WhatamIgoingtodo？Can’tyouhelpme，Bel？’’
Belshazzarquiveredinanxietytoofferthecomforthecouldnotspeak。
``Ofcourseyouareright！Youalwaysare，Bel！’’
saidtheHarvester。``Iknowwhatyouaretryingtotellme。Sureenough，shedidn’thaveanydream。
Iamafraidshehadthebitterestreality。Shehasn’tbeenlovingavisionofme，workingandsearchingforme，andIdon’tmeantoherwhatshedoestome。OfcourseIseethatImustbepatientandbidemytime。
Ifthereisanythingin`likebegettinglike’sheisboundtocareformesomeday，forIloveherpastallexpression，andforallshefeelsImightaswellsavemybreath。
Butshehasgottoawakesomeday，Bel。Shecanmakeuphermindtothat。Shecan’tsee`why。’Overandover！IwonderwhatshewouldthinkifI’dupandtellher`why’withnofrills。Shewilldrivemetoitsomeday，thenprobablytheshockwillfinishher。IwonderifDocwasonlyfoolingorifhereallywoulddowhathesaid。Itmightwakeherup，anyway，butI’mdubiousastotheresult。HowUncleHenrycanroar！Hesoundedlikeafoghorn。I’dlovetotrymymuscleonamanlikethat。Nowondersheisafraidofhim，ifsheisofme。Afraid！WellofallthingsIeverdidexpect，Belshazzar，thatisthelimit。’’
CHAPTERX
THECHIMEOFTHEBLUEBELLS
TheHarvesterfinishedhiseveningworkandwenttoexaminethecocoons。Manyofthemothshademergedandflown，butthelunacasesremainedinthebottomofthebox。Ashestoodlookingatthemonemovedandhesmiled。
``I’dgivesomethingifyouwouldcomeoutandbereadytoworkonbyto-morrowafternoon，’’hesaid。
``Possiblyyouwouldsointerestherthatshewouldforgetherfearofme。I’dlikemightywelltotakeyoualong，becauseshemightcareforyou，andIdoneedthepatternformycandlestick。BelieveI’lllayyouinawarmerplace。’’
ThefirstthingthenextmorningtheHarvesterlookedandfoundtheopencocoonandthewetmothclingingbyitsfeettoatwighehadplacedforit。
``Luckiswithme！’’heexulted。``I’llcarryyoutoherandbemightycarefulwhatIsay，andmaybeshewillforgetaboutthefear。’’
Alltheforenoonhecutandspreadboneset，saffron，andhemlockonthetraystodry。Atnoonheputonafreshoutfit，ateahastylunch，anddrovetoOnabasha。
Hecarriedthemothinabox，andashestartedhepickeduparake。Hewenttoanartstoreandboughtthepencilsandpapershehadordered。Hewantedtopurchaseeverythinghesawforher，buthewasfastlearningalessonofdeepcaution。Ifhetookmorethansheordered，shewouldworryoverpaying，andifherefusedtoacceptmoney，shewouldputthateverlasting``why’’
athimagain。Thewater-colourpaperandpainthecouldnotforego。Hecouldmakeadesiretohavethemothcolouredexplainthose，hethought。
Thenhewenttoafurniturestoreandboughtseveralarticles，andforgettinghislawagainsthaste，hedroveBetsyfullspeedtotheriver。Hewasratherheavilyladenedashewentupthebank，anditwasonlyoneo’clock。Therewasanhour。Herolledawaythelog，rakedtogetherandremovedtheleavestotheground。
Hetrampedtheearthlevelandspreadalargecheapporchrug。Onthisheopenedandplacedalittlefoldingtableandchair。Onthetablehespreadthepencils，paper，colourboxandbrushes，andwenttotherivertofillthewatercup。Thenhesatontheloghehadrolledtoonesideandwaited。Aftertwohourshearoseandcreptasclosethehouseashecouldthroughthewoods，buthecouldnotsecureaglimpseoftheGirl。Hewentbackandwaitedanhourmore，andthenundidhisworkandremovedit。Whenhecametothemothhisfacewasverygrimasheliftedthetwigandhelpedthebeautifulcreaturetoclimbonalimb。``You’llbereadytoflyinafewhours，’’hesaid。``IfIkeepyouinaboxyouwillruinyourwingsandbenosuitablesubject，andputyouinacyanidejarIwillnot。Iamhurttoobadlymyself。IwonderifwhatDocsaidwastherightway！It’scertainlyatemptation。’’
Thenhewenthome；andagainBetsyveeredatthehospital，andoncemoretheHarvesterexplainedtoherthathedidnotwanttoseethedoctor。Thateveningandthefollowingforenoonweredifficult，buttheHarvesterlivedthroughthem，andintheafternoonwentbacktothewoods，spreadhisrug，andsetupthetable。Onlyonestreakofluckbrightenedthegloominhisheart。
Ayellowemperorhademergedinthenight，andnowoccupiedtheplaceofyesterday’sluna。Sheneverneedknowitwasnottheonehewanted，anditwouldmakeanexcuseforthecolourbox。
Hewaswatchingintentlyandsawhercomingalongwayoff。Henoticedthatshelookedneitherrightnorleft，butcamestraightasifwalkingabridge。Asshereachedtheplacesheglancedhastilyaroundandthenathim。TheHarvesterforgavehereverythingashesawthelookofreliefwithwhichshesteppeduponthecarpet。Thensheturnedtohim。
``Iwon’thavetoask`why’thistime，’’shesaid。``I
knowthatyoudiditbecauseIwasbabyenoughtotellwhatacowardIam。I’msureyoucan’taffordit，andIknowyoushouldn’thavedoneit，butoh，whatacomfort！Ifyouwillpromisenevertodoanysuchexpensive，foolish，kindthingagain，I’llsaythankyouthistime。Icouldn’tcomeyesterday，becauseAuntMollywasworseandUncleHenrywasathomeallday。’’
``Isupposeditwassomethinglikethat，’’saidtheHarvester。
Sheadvancedandhandedhimtherollofbills。
``Ihadafeelingyouwouldbereckless，’’shesaid。``I
sawitinyourface，soIcamebackassoonasIcouldstealaway，andsureenough，therelayyourmoneyandthebooksandeverything。Ihidtheminthethicket，sotheywillbeallright。I’vealmostprayeditwouldn’train。Ididn’tdarecarrythemtothehouse。Pleasetakethemoney。Ihaven’ttimetoargueaboutitorstrength，butofcourseIcan’tpossiblyuseitunlessIearnit。I’msoanxioustoseethepencilsandpaper。’’
TheHarvesterthrustthemoneyintohispocket。TheGirlwenttothetable，openedandspreadthepaper，andtookoutthepencils。
``Ismysubjectinhere？’’shetouchedthecolourbox。
``No，theother。’’
``Isitalive？MayIopenit？’’
``Wewillbeverycarefulatfirst，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Itonlyleftitscaseinthenightandmayfly。Whentheweatherissowarmthewingsdeveloprapidly。PerhapsifIremovethelid——’’
Hetookoffthecover，exposingabigmoth，itslovely，paleyellowwings，fleckedwithheliotrope，outspreadasitclungtoatwiginthebox。TheGirlleanedforward。
``Whatisit？’’sheasked。
``OneofthebignightmothsthatemergeandflyafewhoursinJune。’’
``Isthiswhatyouwantforyourcandlestick？’’
``IfIcan’tdobetter。ThereisoneotherIprefer，butitmaynotcomeatatimethatyoucangetitright。’’
``Whatdoyoumeanby`right’？’’
``Sothatyoucancopyitbeforeitwantstofly。’’
``Whydon’tyouchloroformandpinituntilIamready？’’
``Iamnotinthebusinessofkillingandimpalingexquisitecreatureslikethat。’’
``DoyoumeanthatifIcan’tdrawitwhenitisjustrightyouwillletitgo？’’
``Ido。’’
``Why？’’
``Itoldyouwhy。’’
``Iknowyousaidyouwerenotinthebusiness，butwhywouldn’tyoutakeonlyoneyoureallywantedtouse？’’
``Iwouldbeafraid，’’repliedtheHarvester。
``Afraid？You！’’
``ImusthaveamightygoodreasonbeforeIkill，’’
saidtheman。``Icannotgivelife；Ihavenorighttotakeitaway。Iwillletmystatementstand。Iamafraid。’’
``Ofwhatplease？’’
``AnindefinablesomethingthatfollowsmeandmakesmesufferifIamwantonlycruel。’’
``Isthereanyparticularposeinwhichyouwantthisbirdplaced？’’
``Allowmetopresentyoutotheyellowemperor，knowninthebooksaseaclesimperialis，’’hesaid。``I
wanthimasheclingsnaturallyandlifesize。’’
Shetookupapencil。
``Ifyoudon’tmind，’’saidtheHarvester，``wouldyoudrawonthisotherpaper？Iverymuchwantthecolour，also，andyoucanuseitonthis。Ibroughtaboxalong，andI’llgetyouwater。Ihaditallreadyyesterday。’’
``Didyouhavethissamemoth？’’
``No，Ihadanother。’’
``Didyouhavetheoneyouwantedmost？’’
``Yes——butit’snodifference。’’
``AndyouletitgobecauseIwasnothere？’’
``No。Itwentonaccountofexquisitebeauty。Ifkeptinconfinementitwouldstruggleandbreakitswings。Yousee，thatonewasadelicategreen，wherethisisyellow，plainpalebluegreen，withalavenderribhere，andlongcurledtrailersedgedwithpaleyellow，andeyespotsrimmedwithredandblack。’’
AstheHarvestertalkedheindicatedthepointsofdifferencewithapencilhehadpickedup；nowhelaiditdownandretreatedbeyondthelimitsoftherug。
``Isee，’’saidtheGirl。``Andthisiscolour？’’
Shetouchedthebox。
``Afewcolours，rather，’’saidtheHarvester。``I
selectedenoughtofillthebox，withthehelpoftheclerkwhosoldthemtome。Iftheyarenotright，Ihavepermissiontoreturnandexchangethemforanythingyouwant。’’
Witheagerfingerssheopenedthebox，andbentoveritafacefilledwithinterest。
``OhhowI’vealwayswantedthis！Iscarcelycanwaittotryit。IdohopeIcanhaveitformyveryown。
Wasitquiteexpensive？’’
``No。Verycheap！’’saidtheHarvester。``Thepaperisn’tworthmentioning。Thelittle，emptytinboxwasonlyafewcents，andthepaintsdifferaccordingtocolour。Someappeartobemorethanothers。Iwassurprisedthattheoutfitwassoinexpensive。’’
AskepticallittlesmilewaveredontheGirl’sfaceasshedrewherslenderfingersacrossthetraysofbrightcolour。
``Ifonedaredacceptyourword，youreallywouldbeacomfort，’’shesaid，assheresolutelyclosedthebox，pusheditaway，andpickedupapencil。
``Ifyouwilltakethetroubletoinquireatthebanks，postoffice，expressoffice，hospitalorofanydruggistinOnabasha，youwillfindthatmywordisexactlyasgoodasmymoney，andtakenquiteasreadily。’’
``Ididn’tsayIdoubtedyou。IhavenorighttodothatuntilIfeelyoudeceiveme。WhatIsaidwas`daredaccept，’whichmeansImustnot，becauseIhavenoright。Butyoumakeonewonderwhatyouwoulddoifyouwerecoaxedandaskedforthingsandledbyinsinuations。’’
``Icantellyouthat，’’saidtheHarvester。``Itwoulddependaltogetheronwhowantedanythingofmeandwhattheyasked。Ifyouwouldundertaketocoaxandinsinuate，youneverwouldgetitdone，becauseI’dseewhatyouneededandhaveitathandbeforeyouhadtime。’’
TheGirllookedathimwonderingly。
``Nowdon’tspringyourrecurrent`why’onme，’’
saidtheHarvester。``I’lltellyou`why’someofthesedays。Justnowanswermethisquestion:Doyouwantmetoremainhereorleaveuntilyoufinish？Whichwaywouldyoubeleastafraid？’’
``Iamnotatallafraidontherugandwithmywork，’’
shesaid。``Ifyouwanttohuntginsenggobyallmeans。’’
``Idon’twanttohuntanything，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Butifyouaremorecomfortablewithmeaway，I’llbegladtogo。I’llleavethedogwithyou。’’
HegaveashortwhistleandBelshazzarcameboundingtohim。TheHarvestersteppedtotheGirl’sside，anddroppingononeknee，hedrewhishandacrosstherugclosetoherskirts。
``Righthere，Belshazzar，’’hesaid。``Watch！Youareonguard，Bel。’’
``Wellofallnamesforadog！’’exclaimedtheGirl。
``Whydidyouselectthat？’’
``MymothernamedmyfirstdogBelshazzar，andtaughtmewhy；soeachofthethreeI’veownedsincehavebeenchristenedthesame。Itmeans`toprotect’andthatistheofficeallofthemperform；thisoneespeciallyhasfilleditadmirably。OnceIfailedhim，butheneverhasgonebackonme。Youseeheisnotaparticleafraidofme。EverystepItake，heisatmyheels。’’
``SowasBillSikes’dog，ifIremember。’’
TheHarvesterlaughed。
``Bel，’’hesaid，``ifyoucouldspeakyou’dsaythatwasanuglyone，wouldn’tyou？’’
Thedogsprangupandkissedthefaceofthemanandrubbedalovingheadagainsthisbreast。
``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Nowliedownandprotectthiswomanascarefullyasyoueverwatchedinyourlife。Andincidentally，Bel，tellherthatshecan’texterminatememorethanonceaday，andtheperformanceisaccomplishedforthepresent。Irefusetobeawillingsacrifice。`SowasBillSikes’dog！’Whatdoyouthinkofthat，Bel？’’
TheHarvesteraroseandturnedtogo。
``Whatifthisthingattemptstofly？’’sheasked。
``Yourpardon，’’saidtheHarvester。``Iftheemperormoves，slidethelidovertheboxafewseconds，untilhesettlesandclingsquietlyagain，andthenslowlydrawitaway。Ifyouarecarefulnottojarthetableheavilyhewillnotgoforhoursyet。’’
Againheturned。
``Ifthereisnodanger，whydoyouleavethedog？’’
``Forcompany，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ithoughtyouwouldpreferananimalyouarenotafraidoftoamanyouare。Butletmetellyouthereisnonecessityforeither。Iknowawomanwhogoesaloneandunafraidthrougheveryfootofwoodsinthispartofthecountry。Shehasclimbed，crept，andwaded，andshetellsmesheneversawbuttwovenomoussnakesthissideofMichigan。Nothingeverdroppedonherorsprangather。Shefeelsassecureinthewoodsasshedoesathome。’’
``Isn’tsheafraidofsnakes？’’
``Shedislikessnakes，butsheisnotafraidorshewouldnotriskencounteringthemdaily。’’
``Doyoueverfindany？’’
``Harmlesslittleones，often。Thatis，Beldoes。Heisalwaysnosingforthem，becauseheunderstandsthatIworkintheearth。IthinkIhaveencounteredthreedangerousonesinmylife。Iwillguaranteeyouwillnotfindoneinthesewoods。Theyaretooopenandtoomuchcleared。’’
``Thenwhyleavethedog？’’
``Ithought，’’saidtheHarvesterpatiently，``thatyourunclemighthaveturnedinsomeofhiscattle，orifpigscameherethedogcouldchasethemaway。’’
Shelookedathimwithutterpanicinherface。
``Iamfarmoreafraidofacowthanasnake！’’shecried。``Itissomuchbigger！’’
``Howdidyouevercomeintothesewoodsalonefarenoughtofindtheginseng？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Answermethat！’’
``IworeUncleHenry’stopbootsandcarriedarake，andIsufferedtortures，’’shereplied。
``Butyouhunteduntilyoufoundwhatyouwanted，andcameagaintokeepwatchonit？’’
``Iwasdriven——simplyforced。There’snousetodiscussit！’’
``WellthanktheLordforonething，’’saidtheHarvester。``Youdidn’tappearhalfsoterrifiedatthesightofmeasyoudidatthemerementionofacow。Ihaveriseninestimablyinmyownself-respect。Belshazzar，youmaypursuetheelusivechipmunk。Iamgoingtoguardthiswomanmyself，andplease，kindfates，sendaferociouscowthisway，inorderthatImayprovemyvalour。’’
TheGirl’sfaceflushedslightly，andshecouldnotrestrainalaugh。ThatwasalltheHarvesterhopedforandmore。Hewentbeyondtheedgeoftherugandsatontheleavesunderatree。ShebentoverherworkandonlybirdandinsectnotesandoccasionallyBelshazzar’sexcitedbarkbrokethesilence。TheHarvesterstretchedontheground，hiseyesfeastingontheGirl。
Intenselyhewatchedeverymovement。Ifasquirrelbarkedshegaveanervousstart，soprecipitateitseemedasifitmusthurt。Ifawindfallcamerattlingdownsheappearedreadytoflyinheadlongterrorinanydirection。Atlastshedroppedherpencilandlookedathimhelplessly。
``Whatisit？’’heasked。
``Thesilenceandtheseawfulcrasheswhenonedoesn’tknowwhatiscoming，’’shesaid。
``WillitbotheryouifItalk？Perhapsthesoundofmyvoicewillhelp？’’
``Iamaccustomedtoworkingwhenpeopletalk，anditwillbeacomfort。Imaybeabletofollowyou，andthatwillpreventmefromthinking。Therearedreadfulthingsinmymindwhentheyarenotdrivenout。Pleasetalk！
Tellmeabouttheherbsyougatheredthismorning。’’
TheHarvestergavetheGirlonelonglookasshebentoverherwork。Hewasvividlyconsciousofthegracefulcurvesofherlittlefigure，thecoilofdark，silkyhair，softlywavingaroundhertemplesandneck，andwhenhereyesturnedinhisdirectionheknewthatitwasonlythewhite，drawnfacethatrestrainedhim。Hewasalmostforcedtotellherhowhelovedandlongedforher；aboutthehomehehadprepared；ofathousandpersonalinterests。Instead，hetookafirmgripandsaidcasually，``Foxgloveharvestisover。Thisplanthastobetakenwhentheleavesareinsecondyeargrowthandatbloomtime。Ihavestrippedmymulleinbedsofbothleavesandflowers。Ifinishedaweekago。BeyondliesastretchofParnassusgrassthatmademethinkofyou，itwassowhiteanddelicate。Iwantyoutoseeit。Itwillbelovelyinafewweeksmore。’’
``Youneverhadseenmeaweekago。’’
``Ohhadn’tI？’’saidtheHarvester。``WellmaybeIdreamedaboutyouthen。Iamagreatdreamer。
OnceIhadadreamthatmayinterestyousomeday，afteryou’veovercomeyourfearofme。NowthisbedofwhichIwasspeakingisapictureinSeptember。Youmustarrangetodrivehomewithmeandseeitthen。’’
``Forwhatdoyousellfoxgloveandmullein？’’
``Foxgloveforhearttrouble，andmulleinforcatarrh。
Igettencentsapoundforfoxgloveleavesandfiveformulleinandfromseventy-fivetoadollarforflowersofthelatter，dependingonhowwellIpreservethecolourindryingthem。Theymustbesealedinbottlesandhandledwithextremecare。’’
``ThenifIwasn’ttoochildishtobeoutpickingthem，Icouldbeearningseventy-fivecentsapoundformulleinblooms？’’
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester，``butuntilyoulearnedthetrickofstrippingthemrapidlyyouscarcelycouldgatherwhatwouldweightwopoundsaday，whendried。Nottomentionthefactthatyouwouldhavetostandandworkmostlyinhotsunshine，becausemulleinlikesopenroadsandfieldsandsunnyhills。Nowyoucansitsecurelyintheshade，andintwohoursyoucanmakemeapatternofthatmoth，forwhichIwouldpayadesigneroftheartsandcraftsshopfivedollars，soofcourseyoushallhavethesame。’’
``Ohno！’’shecriedinswiftpanic。``Youwerechargedtoomuch！Itisn’tworthadollar，even！’’
``OnthecontrarythecandlestickonwhichIshalluseitwillbeinvaluablewhenIfinishit，andfiveisverylittleforthecreamofmydesign。Ipaidjustright。Youcanearnthesameforallyoucando。Ifyoucanembroiderlinen，theypaygoodpricesforthat，tooandwoodcarving，metalwork，orleatherthings。
MayIseehowyouarecomingon？’’
``Pleasedo，’’shesaid。
TheHarvestersprangupandlookedovertheGirl’sshoulder。Hecouldnotsuppressanexclamationofdelight。
``Perfect！’’hecried。``Youcansurpasstheirbestdraftingattheshop！Yourfortuneismade。AnytimeyouwanttogotoOnabashayoucanmakeenoughtopayyourboard，dressyouwell，andsavesomethingeveryweek。Youmustleavehereassoonasyoucanmanageit。Whencanyougo？’’
``Idon’tknow，’’shesaidwearily。``I’dhatetotellyouhowfullofachesIam。Icouldnotworkmuchjustnow，ifIhadthebestopportunitiesintheworld。I
mustgrowstronger。’’
``Youshouldnotworkatanythinguntilyouarewell，’’
hesaid。``Itisacrimeagainstnaturetodriveyourself。
Whywillyounotallow——’’
``Doyoureallythink，withalittlepractice，Icandrawdesignsthatwillsell？’’
TheHarvesterpickedupthesheet。Theworkwasdelicateandexact。Hecouldseenowaytoimproveit。
``Youknowitwillsell，’’hesaidgently，``becauseyoualreadyhavesoldsuchwork。’’
``Butnotforthepricesyouoffer。’’
``ThepricesInamearegoingtobeforNEW，ORIGINAL
DESIGNS。I’vegotathousandinmyhead，thatoldMotherNatureshowsmeinthewoodsandonthewatereveryday。’’
``Butthoseareyours；Ican’ttakethem。’’
``Youmust，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ionlyseeandrecognizestudies；Ican’tmaterializethem，anduntiltheyaredrawn，noonecanprofitbythem。Inthispartnershipwerevolutionizedecorativeart。Thereareactuallybirdsbesidesfatrobinsandnondescriptswallows。Thecraneandherondonotmonopolizethewater。
Wildroseandgolden-rodarenottheonlyflowers。TheotherdayIwasgatheringlobelia。Theseedsareusedintonicpreparations。Ithasanuprightstemwithflowersscatteredalongit。Initselfitisnotmuch，butclosebesideitalwaysgrowsitscousin，tallbell-flower。
Asthenameindicates，theflowersarebellshapeandIcan’tbegintodescribetheirgrace，beauty，anddelicatebluecolour。Theyringmystrongestcalltoworship。
MyworkkeepsmeinthewoodssomuchIremainthereformyreligionalso。WheneverIfindtheseflowersIalwayspauseforalittleserviceofmyownthatbeginsbyrecitingtheselines:
``’Neathcloisteredboughs，eachfloralbellthatswingethAndtollsitsperfumeonthepassingair，MakesSabbathinthefields，andeverringethAcalltoprayer。’’
``Beautiful！’’saidtheGirl。
``It’smightyconvenient，’’explainedtheHarvester。
``Bymymethod，yousee，youdon’thavetowaitforyourdayandhourofworship。AnywherethebluebellringsitscallitisSundayinthewoodsandinyourheart。
AfterIrecitethat，Ipraymyprayer。’’
``Goon！’’saidtheGirl。``Thisisnoplacetostop。’’
``Itisalwaysoneandthesameprayer，andthereareonlytwolinesofit，’’saidtheHarvester。``Itrunsthisway——LetmetakeyourpencilandIwillwriteitforyou。’’
Hebentoverhershoulder，andtracedtheselinesonascrapofthewrappingpaper:
``AlmightyEvolveroftheUniverse:
Helpmetokeepmysoulandbodyclean，AndatalltimestodountoothersasIwouldbedoneby。
Amen。’’
TheGirltooktheslipandsatstudyingit；thensheraisedhereyestohisfacecuriously，butwithatingeofaweinthem。
``Icanseeyoustandingoverablue，bell-shapedflowerrecitingthoseexquisitelinesandprayingthiswonderfulprayer，’’shesaid。``Yesterdayyouallowedthemothyouwerewillingtopayfivedollarsforadrawingof，togo，becauseyouwouldn’triskbreakingitswings。
Whyyouaremorelikeawoman！’’
AredstreamcrimsonedtheHarvester’sface。
``WellheretoforeIhavebeenconsideredstrictlymasculine，’’hesaid。``Toappreciatebeautyortotrytobejustcommonlydecentisnotexclusivelyfeminine。
Youmustremembertherearepainters，poets，musicians，workersinartalongalmostanylineyoucouldmention，andnoonecallsthemfeminine，butthereisonegoodthingifIam。Youneednolongerfearme。
Ifyoushouldseeme，muckcovered，grubbingintheearthoronaraftwashingrootsinthelake，youwouldnotconsidermelikeawoman。’’
``WoulditbeanydiscreditifIdid？Ithinknot。
Imerelymeantthatmostmenwouldnotseeorhearthebluebellatall——andasforthepoemandprayer！
Ifthewoodsmakeamanwithsuchfibreinhissoul，Imustlearnthemiftheyhalfkillme。’’
``Youharpondeath。Trytoforgettheword。’’
``Ihavefaceditformonths，andseenitdoitsgrindingworstveryrecentlytotheonlythingonearthIlovedorthatlovedme。Ihavenodesiretoforget！Tellmemoreabouttheplants。’’
``Forgiveme，’’saidtheHarvestergently。``JustnowIamcollectingcatnipfortheinfantandnervouspeople，hoarhoundforcoldsanddyspepsia，bonesetheadsandflowersforthesamepurpose。Thereisaheavyheadofwhitebloomwithwonderfullacyleaves，calledyarrow。
Itaketheentireplantforatonicandblessedthistleleavesandflowersforthesamepurpose。’’
``ThatmustbewhatIneed，’’interruptedtheGirl。
``HalfthetimeIbelieveIhavealittlefever，butI
couldn’thavedyspepsia，becauseIneverwantanythingtoeat；perhapsthetonicwouldmakemehungry。’’
``Promisemeyouwilltellthattothedoctorwhocomestoseeyouraunt，andtakewhathegivesyou。’’
``Nodoctorcomestoseemyaunt。Sheismerelyplayinglazytogetoutofwork。Thereisnothingthematterwithher。’’
``Thenwhy——’’
``Myunclesaysthat。Really，shecouldnotstandandwalkacrossaroomalone。Sheissimplywornout。’’
``Ishallreportthecase，’’saidtheHarvesterinstantly。
``Youbetternot！’’saidtheGirl。``Theremustbeamistakeaboutyouknowingmyuncle。Tellmemoreoftheflowers。’’
TheHarvesterdrewadeepbreathandcontinued:
``TheseIjusthavenamedItakeatbloomtime；
nextmonthcomepurplethornapple，jimsonweed，andhemlock。’’
``Isn’tthatpoison？’’
``HalfthestuffIhandleis。’’
``Aren’tyouafraid？’’
``Terribly，’’saidtheHarvesterinlaughingvoice。
``ButIwantthemoney，thesickfolkneedthemedicine，andIdrinkwater。’’
TheGirllaughedalso。
``Lookhere！’’saidtheHarvester。``Whynottellmejustascloselyasyoucanaboutyouraunt，andletmefixsomethingforher；orifyouareafraidtotrustme，letmehavemyfriendofwhomIspokeyesterday。’’
``PerhapsIamnotsomuchafraidasIwas，’’saidtheGirl。``IwishIcould！HowcouldIexplainwhereIgotitandIwonderifshewouldtakeit。’’
``Giveittoherwithoutanyexplanation，’’saidtheHarvester。``Tellheritwillmakeherstrongerandshemustuseit。Tellmeexactlyhowsheis，andIwillfixupsomeharmlessremediesthatmayhelp，andcandonoharm。’’
``Shesimplyhasbeenneglected，overworked，andabuseduntilshehaslaindown，turnedherfacetothewall，andgivenuphope。Ithinkitistoolate。I
thinktheendwillcomesoon。ButIwishyouwouldtry。I’llgladlypay——’’
``Don’t！’’saidtheHarvester。``NotforthingsthatgrowinthewoodsandthatIprepare。Don’tthinkofmoneyeveryminute。’’
``Imust，’’shesaidwithforcedrestraint。``Itisthepriceoflife。Withoutitonesuffers——horribly——
asIknow。Whatotherplantsdoyougather？’’
``Saffron，’’answeredtheHarvester。``Abeautifulthing！Youmustseeit。Tall，roundstems，lacy，delicateleaves，bigheadsofbrightyellowbloom，touchedwithcoloursodarkitappearsblack——oneoftheloveliestplantsthatgrows。Youshouldseemybigbedofitinaweekortwomore。Itmakesapicture。’’
ThewordsrecalledhimtotheGirl。Heturnedtostudyher。Heforgothiscommissionandchafedatconventionsthatpreventedhisdoingwhathesawwasrequiredsourgently。Fearingshewouldnotice，hegazedawaythroughtheforestandtriedtothink，toplan。
``Youarenotmakingnoiseenough，’’shesaid。
SoabsorbedwastheHarvesterhescarcelyheardher。
Inanattempttoobeyhebegantowhistlesoftly。A
tinygoldfinchinanestofthistledownandplantfibreinthebranchingofabushtenfeetabovehimstuckherheadoverthebrimandinquired，``P’tseet？’’``Pt’see！’’
answertheHarvester。Thatbegantheduet。Beforethequestionhadbeenaskedandansweredahalfdozentimesacatbirdintrudeditsvoiceandhearingareplycamethroughthebushestoinvestigate。Awrenfollowedandbecameverysaucy。From——onecouldnotseewhere，cameavireo，andalmostatthesametimeachewinkhadsomethingtosay。
InstantlytheHarvesteranswered。Thenabluejaycamechatteringtoascertainwhatallthefusswasabout，andtheHarvestercarriedonaconversationthatcalleduptheremainderofthefeatheredtribe。Abrilliantcardinalcametearingthroughthethicket，hisbeadyblackeyessnapping，anddemandedtoknowifanyonewereharminghismate，broodingunderawildgrapeleafinascrubelmontheriverembankment。
Abrownthrushsilentlyslippedlikeasnakebetweenshrubsandtrees，andcatchingtheuniversalexcitement，begantoflirthistailandutteraweird，whistlingcry。
Withoneeyeonthebird，andtheotherontheGirlsittinginamazedsilence，theHarvesterbeganworkingforeffect。Helayquietly，butinturnheansweredadozenbirdssoaccuratelytheythoughttheirmateswerecalling，andcloserandclosertheycame。Anorioleinorangeandblackheardhischallenge，andflewuptheriverbank，answeringatsteadyintervalsforquiteatimebeforeitwasvisible，andinresortingtothelastnoteshecouldthinkofaquailwhistled``BobWhite’’
andashitepoke，skulkingalongtheriverbank，stoppedandcried，``Cowk，cowk！’’
AthislimitofcallstheHarvesterchangedhisnotesandwhistledandcriedbitsofbirdtalkintonewitheverymellowaccentandinflectionhecouldmanage。
Graduallytheexcitementsubsided，thebirdsflewandtiltedcloser，turnedtheirsleekheads，peeredwithbrighteyes，andventuredonandonuntiltheverybravest，thewrenandthejay，werealmostintouch。Then，tiredofhunting，Belshazzarcameracingandthelittlefeatheredpeoplescatteredinprecipitateflight。
``Howdoyoulikethatkindofanoise？’’inquiredtheHarvester。
TheGirldrewadeepbreath。
``OfcourseyouknowthatwasthemostexquisitesightIeversaw，’’shesaid。``Inevershallforgetit。
Ididnotthinktherewerethatmanydifferentbirdsinthewholeworld。Ofallthegaudycolours！Andtheycamesocloseyoucouldhavereachedoutandtouchedthem。’’
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvestercalmly。``Birdsareneverafraidofme。AtMedicineWoods，whenIcallthemlikethat，many，mostofthem，infact，eatfrommyhand。Ifyoueverhavelookedatmeenoughtonoticebulgypockets，theyarefullofwheat。Thesebirdsarestrangers，butI’llwageryouthatinaweekIcanmakethemtakefoodfromme。Ofcourse，myownbirdsknowme，becausetheyarearoundeveryday。
Itismucheasiertotametheminwinter，whenthesnowhasfallenandfoodisscarce，butitonlytakesalittlewhiletowinabird’sconfidenceatanyseason。’’
``Birdsdon’tknowwhatthereistobeafraidof，’’
shesaid。
``Yourpardon，’’saidtheHarvester，``butIamfamiliarwiththem，andthatisnotcorrect。Theyhavemoretofearthanhumanbeings。Nooneisgoingtokillyoumerelytoseeifhecanshootstraightenoughtohit。
Yourlifeisnotindangerbecauseyouhavemagnificenthairthatsomewomanwouldlikeforanornament。
Youwillnotbestrickenoutinaflashbecausethereareafewbitsofmeatonyourframesomeonewantstoeat。
Noonewillsetaseductivetrapforyou，and，ifyouaretemptedtoenterit，shutyoufromfreedomandnaturaldiet，inacagesosmallyoucan’tturnaroundwithouttouchingbars。Youareinasecureandfreepositioncomparedwiththebirds。Ialsohaveobservedthattheyknowguns，manyformsoftraps，andallofthemdecidebythemeremannerofaman’spassingthroughthewoodswhetherheisafriendoranenemy。Birdsknowmorethanmanypeoplerealize。
Theydonotalwayscorrectlyestimategunrange，theyarefoolishlyventuresomeattimeswhentheywantfood，buttheyknowmanymorethingsthanmostpeoplegivethemcreditforunderstanding。Thegreatesttroublewiththebirdsistheyaretoowillingtotrustusandbefriendly，sotheyareoftendeceived。’’
``Thatsoundsasifyouwereright，’’saidtheGirl。
``Iamofthewoods，soIknowIam，’’answeredtheHarvester。
``Willyoulookatthisnow？’’
Heexaminedthedrawingclosely。
``Wheredidyoulearn？’’heinquired。
``Mymother。Shewaseducatedtoherfingertips。
Shedrew，painted，playedbeautifully，sangwell，andshehadreadalmostallthebestbooks。BesideswhatIlearnedathighschoolshetaughtmeallIknow。Herembroideryalwaysbroughthigherpricesthanmine，tryasI
might。Ineversawanyoneelsemakesuchadainty，accuratelittlestitchasshecould。’’
``Ifthisisnotperfect，Idon’tknowhowtocriticiseit。Icanandwilluseitinmywork。ButIhaveonelunacocoonremainingandIwouldgivetendollarsforsuchadrawingofthemothbeforeitflies。Itmayopento-nightornotforseveraldays。Ifyourauntshouldbeworseandyoucannotcometo-morrowandthemothemerges，isthereanywayinwhichIcouldsendittoyou？’’
``WhatcouldIdowithit？’’
``Ithoughtperhapsyoucouldtakeapieceofpaperandthepencilswithyou，andsecureanoutlineinyourroom。Itneednotbeworkedupwithallthedetailinthis。Merelyaskeletonsketchwoulddo。CouldIleaveitatthehouseorsenditwithsomeone？’’
``No！Ohno！’’shecried。``Leaveithere。PutitinaboxinthebusheswhereIhidthebooks。
Whatareyougoingtodowiththesethings？’’
``Hidetheminthethicketandscatterleavesoverthem。’’
``Whatifitrains？’’
``Ihavethoughtofthat。Ibroughtafewyardsofoilclothto-dayandtheywillbesafeanddryifitpours。’’
``Good！’’shesaid。``Thenifthemothcomesoutyoubringit，andifIamnothere，putitundertheclothandIwillrunupsometimeintheafternoon。ButifIwereyou，IwouldnotspreadtheruguntilyouknowifIcanremain。IhavetostealeveryminuteI
amaway，andanydayuncletakesanotiontostayathomeIdarenotcome。’’
``Trytocometo-morrow。Iamgoingtobringsomemedicineforyouraunt。’’
``PutitundertheclothifIamnothere；butIwillcomeifIcan。Imustgonow；Ihavebeenawayfartoolong。’’
TheHarvesterpickeduponeofthedrugpamphlets，laidthedrawinginsideit，andplaceditwithhisotherbooks。Thenhedrewouthispocketbookandlaidafive-dollarbillonthetableandbeganfoldingupthechairandputtingawaythethings。TheGirllookedatthemoneywitheagereyes。
``Isthathonestlywhatyouwouldpayattheartsandcraftsplace？’’
``Itisthecustomarypriceformypatterns。’’
``Andareyousurethisisasgood？’’
``IcanbringyousomeIhavepaidthatfor，andletyouseeforyourselfthatitisbetter。’’
``Iwishyouwould！’’shecriedeagerly。``Ineedthatmoney，andIwouldliketohaveitdearly，ifIreallyhaveearnedit，butIcan’ttouchitifIhavenot。’’
``Won’tyouacceptmyword？’’
``No。Iwillseetheotherdrawingsfirst，andifI
thinkmineareasgood，Iwillbegladtotakethemoneyto-morrow。’’
``Whatifyoucan’tcome？’’
``Putthemundertheoilcloth。IwatchallthetimeandIthinkUncleHenryhastrainedeventheboyssotheydon’tplayintheriveronhisland。Ineverseeasoulhere；thewoods，house，andeverythingisdesolateuntilhecomeshomeandthenitislike——’’shepaused。
``I’llsayitforyou，’’saidtheHarvesterpromptly。
``Thenitislikehell。’’
``Atitsworst，’’supplementedtheGirl。Takingpencilsandasheetofpapershewentswiftlythroughthewoods。
Beforeshelefttheshelterofthetrees，theHarvestersawherbusyherhandswiththefrontofherdress，andheknewthatshewasconcealingthedrawingmaterial。
Thecolourboxwasleft，andhesaidthingsasheputitwiththechairandtable，coveredthemwiththerugandoilcloth，andheapedonalayerofleaves。
ThenhedrovetothecityandBetsyturnedatthehospitalcornerwithnointerference。Hecouldfacehisfriendthatday。Despitealldiscouragementshefeltreassured。Hewasprogressing。Meansofcommunicationhadbeenestablished。Ifshedidnotcome，hecouldleaveanoteandtellherifthemothhadnotemergedandhowsorryhewastohavemissedseeingher。
``Hello，lover！’’criedDoctorCareyastheHarvesterenteredtheoffice。``Areyoumarriedyet？’’
``No。ButI’mgoingtobe，’’saidtheHarvesterwithconfidence。
``Haveyouaskedher？’’
``No。Wearegettingacquainted。Sheistooclosetotrouble，tooill，andtooworriedoverasickrelativeformetointrudemyself；itwouldbebrutal，butit’satemptation。Doc，isthereanywaytocompelamantoprovidemedicalcareforhiswife？’’
``Canheaffordit？’’
``Amply。Anything！Worththousandsinlandandnobodyknowswhatinmoney。It’sHenryJameson。’’
``ThemeanestmanIeverknew。Ifhehasawifeit’samarvelshehassurvivedthislong。Won’theprovideforher？’’
``Isupposehethinkshehaswhenshehasabedtolieonandarooftocoverher。Hewon’tsupplyfoodshecaneatandmedicine。Hesayssheislazy。’’
``Whatdoyouthink？’’
``IquoteMissJameson。Shesaysherauntisslowlydyingfromoverworkandneglect。’’
``David，doesn’titseemprettygood，whenyousay`MissJameson’？’’
``Loveliestsoundonearth，excepttheremainderofit。’’
``What’sthat？’’
``Ruth！’’
``Jove！Thatisabeautifulname。RuthLangston。
Itwillgowell，won’tit？’’
``Musicthatthebirds，insects，SingingWater，thetrees，andthebreezecan’teverequal。I’mholdingonwithallmymight，butit’stough，Doc。She’sinsuchadreadfulplaceandposition，andsheneedssomuch。
Sheissick。Can’tyougivemeaprescriptionforeachofthem？’’
``YoujustbetIcan，’’saidthedoctor，``ifyoucanengineertheirtakingthem。’’
``Isupposeyou’dholdtheirnosesandpourstuffdownthem。’’
``Iwouldifnecessary。’’
``Well，itis。’’
``Allright——I’llfixsomething，andyouseethattheyuseit。’’
``Icantry，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Try！Pah！Youaren’thalfaman！’’
``That’sahalfmorethanbeingawoman，anyway。’’
``Shecalledyoufeminine，didshe？’’criedthedoctor，dancingandlaughing。``Sheoughttoseeyouharvestingskunkcabbageandblueflagorwhenyouareangryenough。’’
Thedoctorlefttheroomanditwasahalfhourbeforehereturned。
``Trythatonthemaccordingtodirections，’’hesaid，handingoveracoupleofbottles。
``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester，``Iwill！’’
``Thatsoundsmanlyenough。’’
``Ohpother！It’snotthatI’mnotaman，oralaggardinlove；butI’dliketoknowwhatyou’ddotoagirldumbwithgriefovertherecentlossofhermother，whowasheronlyrelativeworthcounting，sickfromGodknowswhatexposureandprivation，andnowadyingrelativeonherhands。Whatcouldyoudo？’’
``I’dmarryherandpickheroutofit！’’
``Iwouldn’thaveher，ifshe’dleaveasickwomanforme！’’
``Iwouldn’teither。She’sgottostickitoutuntilherauntgrowsbetter，andthenI’llgooutthereandshowyouhowtocourtagirl。’’
``Iguessnot！Youkeepthegirlyoudidcourt，courted，andyou’llhaveyourhandsfull。Howdoesthatappeartoyou？’’
TheHarvesteropenedthepamphlethecarriedandheldupthedrawingofthemoth。
Thedoctorturnedtothelight。
``Goodwork！’’hecried。``Didshedothat？’’
``Shedid。Inalittleoveranhour。’’
``Fine！Sheshouldhaveachance。’’
``Sheisgoingto。Sheisgoingtohavealltheopportunitythatiscomingtoher。’’
``Goodforyou，David！AnytimeIcanhelp！’’
TheHarvesterreplacedthesketchandwenttothewagon；butheleftBelshazzarincharge，andvisitedthelargestdrygoodsstoreinOnabasha，whereheheldaconferencewiththefloorwalker。Whenhecameouthecarriedaheapingloadofboxesofeverysizeandshape，withalabeloneach。HedrovetoMedicineWoodssingingandwhistling。
``Shedidn’twantmetogo，Belshazzar！’’hechuckledtothedog。``Shewasmoreafraidofacowthanshewasofme。Imadesomeheadwayto-day，oldboy。
Shedoesn’tseemtohavearayofanideawhatIamtherefor，butsheisgoingtotrustmesoonnow；thatiswritteninthebooks。OhIhopeshewillbethereto-
morrow，andthelunawillbeout。GothalfanotiontotakethecaseandlayitinthewarmestplaceIcanfind。
Butifitcomesoutandsheisn’tthere，I’llbesorry。
Bettertrusttoluck。’’
TheHarvesterstabledBetsy，fedthestock，andvisitedwiththebirds。Aftersupperhetookhispurchasesandenteredherroom。Heopenedthedrawersofthechesthehadmade，andselectingthelabelledboxeshelaidthemin。Butnotapackagedidheopen。Thenhearoseandradiatedconceitofhimself。
``I’llwagershewilllikethose，’’hecommentedproudly，``becauseKanepromisedmefairlythathewouldhavetherightthingsputupforagirlthesizeoftheclerkIselectedforhim，andexactlywhatRuthshouldhave。Thatgirlwasslendererandnotquitesotall，buthesaideverythingwasmadelongonpurpose。NowwhatelseshouldIget？’’
Heturnedtothedressingtableandtakinganotebookfromhispocketmadethislist:
Rugsforbedandbathroom。
Mattresses，pillowsandbedding，Dressesforalloccasions。
Allkindsofshoesandovershoes。
``Therearegloves，too！’’exclaimedtheHarvester。
``Shehastohavesome，buthowamIgoingtoknowwhatisright？Oh，butsheneedsshoes！High，low，slippers，everything！Iwonderwhatthatclerkwears。Idon’tbelieveshoeswouldbecomfortablewithoutbeingfitted，oratleastthepropersize。Iwonderwhatkindofdressesshelikes。Ihopeshe’sfondofwhite。Awomanalwaysappearsloveliestinthat。MaybeI’dbetterbuywhatI’msureofandletherselectthedresses。ButI’dlovetohavethisroomcrammedwithgirl-fixingswhenshecomes。Doesn’tseemasifsheeverhashadanylittleluxuries。Ican’tmissitonanythingawomanuses。
Letmethink！’’
Slowlyhewroteagain:
Parasols。
Fans。
Veils。
Hats。
``Inevercangetthem！Ithinkthatwillkeepmebusyforafewdays，’’saidtheHarvesterasheclosedthedoorsoftly，andwenttolookatthepupaecases。Thenhecarvedonthevineofthecandlestickforherdressingtable；withonearmaroundBelshazzar，re-readthestoryofJohnMuir’sdog，wentintothelake，andtobed。
Justashewasbecomingunconsciousthebeastliftedaninquiringheadandgazedattheman。
``More’fraidofcow，’’theHarvesterwasmutteringinasleepychuckle。
CHAPTERXI
DEMONSTRATEDCOURTSHIP
WhentheHarvestersawtheGirlcomingtowardthewoods，hespreadtherug，openedandplacedthetableandchair，laidoutthecolourbox，andanothercontainingthelastluna。
``Didthegreenonecomeout？’’sheasked，touchingtheboxlightly。
``Itdid！’’saidtheHarvesterproudly，asifhewereresponsiblefortheperformance。``Itisanomen！ItmeansthatIamtohavemylong-covetedpatternformybestcandlestick。Italsoclearlyindicatesthatthegodsofluckarewithmefortheday，andI
getmywayabouteverything。Therewon’tbetheleastuseinyourasking`why’orinterposingobjections。
Thisismycleansweep。Ishallbefearfullydictatorialandyoumustsubmit，becausethefateshavepointedoutthattheyfavourmeto-day，andifyougocontrarytotheirdecreesyouwillhaveabadtime。’’
TheGirl’ssmilewasalittlewan。Shesankonachairandpickedupapencil。
``Laythatdown！’’criedtheHarvester。``Youhaven’thadpermissionfromtheDictatortobegindrawing。Youaretositandrestalongtime。’’
``PleasemayIspeak？’’askedtheGirl。
TheHarvestergrewfoolishlyhappy。Wasshereallygoingtoplaythegame？Ofcoursehehadhoped，butitwasahopewithoutanyfoundation。
``Youmay，’’hesaidsoberly。
``Iamafraidthatifyoudon’tallowmetodrawthemothatonce，I’llnevergetitdone。Idisliketomentionitonyourgoodday，butAuntMollyisveryrestless。I
gotaneighbour’slittlegirltowatchherandcallmeifI’mwanted。It’squitecertainthatImustgosoon，soifyouwouldlikethemoth——’’
``Whenluckiscomingyourway，neverhurryit！Youalwaysupsetthebowlifyougrowgreedyandcrowd。
IfitisagamblewhetherIgetthismoth，I’lltakethechance；butIwon’tchangemyforeordainedprogrammeforthisafternoon。First，youaretositstilltenminutes，shutyoureyes，andrest。Ican’tsing，butIcanwhistle，andI’mgoingtoentertainyousoyouwon’tfeelalone。
Readynow！’’
TheGirlleanedherelbowsonthetable，closedhereyes，andpressedherslenderwhitehandsoverthem。
``Pleasedon’tcallthebirds，’’shesaid。``Ican’trestifyoudo。Itwassoexcitingtryingtoseeallofthemandguesswhattheyweresaying。’’
``No，’’saidtheHarvestergently。``Thistenminutesisforrelaxation，youknow。Youeaseeverymuscle，sinklimplyonyourchair，leanonthetable，letgoallover，anddon’tthink。Justlistentome。Iassureyouit’sgoingtobeperfectlylovely。’’
Watchingintentlyhesawthestrainedmusclesrelaxingathissuggestionandcaughtthesmileoverthelastwordsasheslidintoasoftwhistle。Itwasaneasy，slow，old-fashionedtune，carryingalonggently，withneitherheightsnordepths，justmonotonous，sleepy，soothingnotes，thatwentonandonwithalittlerippleofchangeattimes，onlytoreturntothetheme，untilatlasttheGirlliftedherhead。
``It’sawaypasttenminutes，’’shesaid，``butthatwasarealrest。Truly，Iambetterpreparedforwork。’’
``Broketherule，too！’’saidtheHarvester。``Itwas，formetosaywhentimewasup。Can’tyouallowmetohavemywayfortenminutes？’’
``Iamsoanxioustoseeanddrawthismoth，’’sheanswered。``Andfirstofallyoupromisedtobringthedrawingsyouhavebeenusing。’’
``Nowwheredoesmyprogrammecomein？’’inquiredtheHarvester。``Youarespoilingeverything，andI
refusetohavemyluckydayinterferedwith；thereforewewillignorethesuggestionuntilwearriveattheplacewhereitisproper。Nextthingisrefreshments。’’
Hearoseandcomingoverclearedthetable。Thenhespreadonitapapertrayclothwithagayborder，andgoingintothethicketbroughtoutaboxandabigbucketcontainingajugpackedinice。TheGirl’seyeswidened。Shereacheddown，caughtupapiece，andholdingittodripasecondstartedtoputitinhermouth。
``Dropthat！’’commandedtheHarvester。``That’saveryunhealthfulproceeding。Waitaminute。’’
Fromoneendoftheboxheproducedatinofwafersandfromtheotheraplate。Thenhedugintotheiceandliftedseveraldifferentvarietiesofchilledfruit。Fromthejughepouredacombinationthathemadeofthejuicesoforanges，pineapples，andlemons。Hesettheglass，rapidlyfrostingintheheat，andthefruitbeforetheGirl。
``Now！’’hesaid。
Foroneinstantshestaredatthetable。Thenshelookedathimandinthedepthsofherdarkeyeswasanappealheneverforgot。
``Imadethatdrinkmyself，soit’sallright，’’heassuredher。``There’saprettystifftouchofpineappleinit，anditcutsthecobwebsonahotday。Pleasetryit！’’
``Ican’t！’’criedtheGirlwithahalf-sob。``ThinkofAuntMolly！’’
``Areyoufondofher？’’
``No。Ineversawheruntilafewweeksago。SincethenI’veseennothingsaveherpoor，tiredback。Sheliesinaheapfacingthewall。Butifshecouldhavethingslikethese，sheneedn’tsuffer。Andifmymothercouldhavehadthemshewouldbelivingto-day。OhMan，Ican’ttouchthis。’’
``Isee，’’saidtheHarvester。
Hereachedover，pickeduptheglass，andpoureditscontentsintothejug。Herepackedthefruitandclosedthewaferbox。Thenhemadeatriptothethicketandcameoutputtingsomethingintohispocket。
``Comeon！’’hesaid。``Wearegoingtothehouse。’’
Shestaredathim。
``Isimplydon’tdare。’’
``ThenIwillgoalone，’’saidtheHarvester，pickingupthebucketandstarting。
TheGirlfollowedhim。
``UncleHenrymaycomeanyminute，’’sheurged。
``Wellifhecomesandactsunpleasantly，hewillgetwhatherichlydeserves。’’
``Andhewillmakemepayforitafterward。’’
``Ohnohewon’t！’’saidtheHarvester，``becauseI’lllookoutforthat。Thisismyluckyday。Heisn’tgoingtocome。’’
Whenhereachedthebackdoorheopeneditandsteppedinside。Ofallthebarrenplacesofcrude，dishearteninguglinesstheHarvestereverhadseen，thatwastheworst。
``Iwantaglassandaspoon，’’hesaid。
TheGirlbroughtthem。
``Whereisshe？’’
``Inthenextroom。’’
Atthesoundoftheirvoicesasmallgirlcametothekitchendoor。
``Howdoyoudo？’’inquiredtheHarvester。``IsMrs。
Jamesonasleep？’’
``Idon’tknow，’’answeredthechild。``Shejustliesthere。’’
TheHarvestergavehertheglass。``Pleasefillthatwithwater，’’hesaid。Thenhepickedupthebucketandwentintothefrontroom。Whenthechildcamewiththewaterhetookabottlefromhispocket，filledthespoon，andhandedittoher。
``Holdthatsteadily，’’hesaid。
Thenheslidhisstronghandsunderthelightframeandturnedthefaceofthefadedlittlecreaturetowardhim。
``IamaMedicineMan，Mrs。Jameson，’’hesaidcasually。
``IheardyouweresickandIcametoseeifalittleofthisstuffwouldn’tbraceyouup。Openyourlips。’’
Heheldoutthespoonandtheamazedwomanswallowedthecontentsbeforesherealizedwhatshewasdoing。ThentheHarvesterranahandunderhershouldersandliftinghergentlyhetossedherpillowwiththeotherhand。
``Youarealightlittlebody，justlikemymother，’’
hecommented。``NowIhavesomethingelsesickpeoplesometimesenjoy。’’
Heheldthefruitjuicetoherlipsasheslightlyraisedheronthepillow。Hertremblingfingersliftedandclosedaroundthesparklingglass。
``Ohit’scool！’’shegasped。
``Itis，’’saidtheHarvester，``andsour！Ithinkyoucantasteit。Try！’’