THEOPENRIVER
ThewinterhadbrokenearlyandtheScotchRiverwasrunningice-
freeandfullfrombanktobank。Therewasstillsnowinthewoods，andwithgoodsleighingandopenriverseverydaywasgoldentothelumbermenwhohadstufftogetdowntothebigwater。Adaygainednowmightsaveweeksatachutefartherdown，wheretheraftswouldcrowdoneanotherandstriveforrightofway。
DanMurphywasmightilypleasedwithhimselfandwiththebitoftheworldabouthim，fortherelayhiswinter\'scutoflogsintheriverbelowhimsnugandsecureandheldtightbyaboomacrossthemouth，justwhereitflowedintotheNation。Inafewdayshewouldhavehiscribmade，andhisoutfitreadytostartfortheOttawamills。Hewassuretobeaheadofthebigtimberraftsthattookupsomuchspace，andwhosecrewswithunbearableeffronteryconsideredthemselvesthearistocratsoftheriver。
Yes，itwasapleasantandsatisfyingsight，somethreesolidmilesoflogsboomedattheheadofthebigwater。SuddenlyMurphyturnedhisfaceuptheriver。
\"What\'sthatnow，d\'yethink，LeNware？\"heasked。
LeNoir，or\"LeNware，\"astheyallcalleditinthatcountry，wasDanMurphy\'sforeman，andashehimselfsaid，\"forhaxe，forhiteat，forfightdebossondereeverHottawa！byGar！\"LouisLeNoirwasaFrench-Canadian，handsome，active，hardy，andpowerfullybuilt。HehadcomefromtheNewBrunswickwoodssomethreeyearsago，andhadwroughtandfoughthisway，ashethought，againstallrivalstotheproudpositionof\"bossondereever，\"
thetopmostpinnacleofalumberman\'sambition。ItwassomethingtoseeLeNoir\"runalog\"acrosstheriverandback；thatis，hewouldbalancehimselfuponafloatinglog，andbyspinningitround，wouldsenditwhitherhewould。AtMurphy\'squestionLeNoirstoodlisteningwithbentheadandopenmouth。Downtherivercamethesoundofsinging。\"Don-nome！Ahoui！bedam！DasMacdonaldgangforsure！DemenfromGlengarrie，lesdiables！Deynothoutdereeveryet。\"Hisbosswentoffintoavolleyofoaths——
\"They\'llbewantingtherivernow，an\'they\'redivilstofight。\"
\"Wegiveemdefullbelly，heh？Bon！\"saidLeNoir，throwingbackhishead。HisonlyunconqueredrivalontheriverwasthebossoftheMacdonaldgang。
Horo，monigheandonnbhoidheach，Hi-ri，monigheandonnbhoidheach，Mochaileag，laghach，bhoidheach，Chaphosainnachthu。
Downtherivercamethestrong，clearchorusofmen\'svoices，andsoona\"pointer\"pulledbysixstalwartmenwithaladinthesternswungroundthebendintoview。Asinglevoicetookupthesong——
\'Sannthamorun\'snabeanntaibh，Farbheilmoribhinnghreannar，MarrosamfasachshamhraidhAngleannfadoshuil。
Aftertheversethefullchorusbrokeforthagain——
Horo，monighean，etc。
Swiftlythepointershotdownthecurrent，theswayingbodiesandswingingoarsinperfectrhythmwiththesongthatroseandfellwithmelancholybutmusicalcadence。Themenonthehighbankstoodlookingdownupontheapproachingsingers。\"Youknowdemfellers？\"saidLeNoir。Murphynodded。\"Iverydivilivthim——BigMackCameron，DannieRoss，FinlayCampbell——theredheadedone——thenextIdon\'tknow，andyes！bedad！there\'sthatblankedYankee，YankeeJim，theycallhim，an\'badlucktillhim。Thedivilwillhavetotakethepokertillhim，forhe\'llbatehimwidhisfists，andsohewill——andthatbigblackdivilisBlackHugh，thebrotherivthebossMacdonald。He\'llbeupinthecampbeyant，andamightyluckythingforyou，LeNoir，heis。\"
\"Bah！\"spatLeNoir，\"DatbeegMacdonaldImakheemrunlikeoneleetlesheep，onetamatdelongSault，bah！Nogood！\"LeNoir\'scontemptforMacdonaldwasgenuineandcomplete。FortwoyearshehadtriedtomeetthebossMacdonald，buthisrivalhadalwaysavoidedhim。
Meantime，thepointercameswingingalong。Asitturnedthepointtheboyutteredanexclamation——\"Lookthere！\"Thesongandtherowingstoppedabruptly；thebig，darkmanstoodupandgazeddowntheriver，packedfrombanktobankwiththebrownsaw-logs；deepcursesbrokefromhim。Thenhecaughtsightofthemenonthebank。Awordofcommandandthepointershotintotheshore，andthenextmomentMacdonaldDubh，orBlackHugh，ashewassometimescalled，followedbyhismen，wasclimbingupthesteepbank。
\"Whattheblank，blank，dotheselogsmean，Murphy？\"hedemanded，withoutpauseforsalutation。
\"Tisafoineavenin\'MistherMacdonald，\"saidMurphy，blandlyofferinghishand，\"an\'Hivenblissye。\"
MacdonaldcheckedhimselfwithaneffortandreluctantlyshookhandswithMurphyandLeNoir，whomheslightlyknew。\"Itisaferygootevening，indeed，\"hesaid，inasquietavoiceashecouldcommand，\"butIaminquiringabouttheselogs。\"
\"Shure，an\'itisadhrynight，andonpolitetokapeyeztalkinghere。Comeinwidyez，\"andmuchagainsthiswillBlackHughfollowedMurphytothetavern，themostpretentiousofagroupoflogbuildings——oncealumbercamp——whichstoodbackalittledistancefromtheriver，andaboutwhichMurphy\'smen，somesixtyofthem，werenowcamped。
ThetavernwasfullofMurphy\'sgang，amotleycrew，mostlyFrenchCanadiansandIrish，justoutofthewoodsandreadyforanydevilmentthatpromisedexcitement。Mostofthemknewbysight，andallbyreputation，Macdonaldandhisgang，forfromthefarthestreachesoftheOttawadowntheSt。LawrencetoQuebectheMacdonaldgangofGlengarrymenwasfamous。Theycame，mostofthem，fromthatstripofcountryrunningbackfromtheSt。LawrencethroughGlengarryCounty，knownastheIndianLands——onceanIndianreservation。TheyweresonsofthemenwhohadcomefromthehighlandsandislandsofScotlandintheearlyyearsofthelastcentury。Drivenfromhomesinthelandoftheirfathers，theyhadsetthemselveswithindomitablefaithandcouragetohewfromthe，solidforest，homesforthemselvesandtheirchildrenthatnonemighttakefromthem。Thesepioneerswereboundtogetherbytiesofblood，butalsobybondsstrongerthanthoseofblood。Theirloneliness，theirtriumphs，theirsorrows，bornoftheircommonlife-longconflictwiththeforestanditsfiercebeasts，knittheminbondscloseandenduring。Thesonsborntothemandrearedintheheartofthepineforestsgrewuptowitnessthatheroicstrugglewithsternnatureandtotaketheirpartinit。Andmightymentheywere。Theirlifebredinthemhardinessofframe，alertnessofsense，readinessofresource，endurance，superbself-
reliance，acouragethatgrewwithperil，andwithalacertainwildnesswhichattimesdeepenedintoferocity。Bytheirfatherstheforestwasdreadedandhated，butthesons，withriflesinhand，troditspathlessstretcheswithoutfear，andwiththeirbroad-axestheytooktolloftheirancientfoe。Forwhileinspringandsummertheyfarmedtheirnarrowfields，andrescuednewlandsfromthebrule；inwintertheysoughttheforest，andbackontheirownfarmsorin\"theshanties\"theycutsawlogs，ormadesquaretimber，theironlysourceofwealth。Theshantylifeoftheearlyfiftiesoflastcenturywasnottheluxuriousthingofto-
day。Itwasfullofprivation，forthemenwerepoorlyhousedandfed，andofperil，forthemakingofthetimberandthegettingitdownthesmallerriverstothebigwaterwasaworkofhardshipanddanger。Remotefromtherestraintsoflawandofsociety，andlivinginwildsurroundingsandinhourlytouchwithdanger，smallwonderthatoftentheshanty-menwerewildandreckless。SothatmanyapoorfellowinasinglewildcarouseinQuebec，ormorefrequentlyinsomerivertown，wouldflingintothehandsofsharksandharlotsandtavern-keepers，withwhomthebossesweresometimesinleague，theearningsofhislongwinter\'swork，andwouldwaketofindhimselfsickandpenniless，farfromhomeandbrokeninspirit。
Ofalltheshanty-menoftheOttawathemenofGlengarry，andofGlengarrymenMacdonald\'sgangwereeasilyfirst，andofthegangDonaldBhainMacdonald，orMacdonaldMore，ortheBigMacdonald，forhewasvariouslyknown，wasnotonlythe\"boss\"butbestandchief。Therewasnonelikehim。Agiantinsizeandstrength，aprinceofbroad-axemen，athomeinthewoods，sure-footedanddaringonthewater，freewithhiswages，andalwaysreadytodrinkwithfriendorfightwithfoe，thewholeriveradmired，feared，orhatedhim，whilehisownmenfollowedhimintothewoods，ontoajam，orintoafightwithequaljoyousnessanddevotion。Fightingwaslikewinetohim，whenthefightwasworthwhile，andhewentintothefightshisadmirerswerealwaysarrangingforhimwiththeeasiestgoodhumorandwithasmileonhisface。ButMacdonaldBhain\'scarousing，fightingdayscametoanabruptstopaboutthreeyearsbeforetheopeningofthistale，forononeofhissummervisitstohishome，\"ThewordoftheLordinthemouthofhisservantAlexanderMurray，\"ashewaswonttosay，\"foundhimandhewasanewman。\"Hewentintohisnewlifewiththesamewhole-
souledjoyousnessashadmarkedtheold，andheannouncedthatwiththeshantyandtheriverhewas\"doneforevermore。\"Butafterthesummer\'sworkwasdone，andtheloggingover，andwhenthesnapofthefirstfrostnippedtheleavesfromthetrees，Macdonaldbecamerestless。Hetookdownhisbroad-axeandspenthourspolishingitandbringingittoanedge，thenheputitinitswoodensheathandlaiditaway。Butthefeverwasuponhim，tenthousandvoicesfromtheforestwereshoutingforhim。Hewentawaytroubledtohisminister。Inanhourhecamebackwiththeoldgoodhumorinhisface，tookdownthebroad-axeagain，andretouchedit，lovingly，hummingthewhiletheoldriversongoftheGlengarrymen——
Horomonighean，etc。
Hewasgoingbacktothebushandtothebiggestfightofhislife。
Nowonderhewasglad。Thenhisgoodlittlewifebegantogetreadyhislong，heavystockings，histhickmits，hishomespunsmock，andothergear，forsheknewwellthatsoonshewouldbealoneforanotherwinter。BeforelongthewordwentroundthatMacdonaldBhainwasfortheshantiesagain，andhismencametohimfortheirorders。
ButitwasnottotheoldlifethatMacdonaldwasgoing，andhegravelytoldthosethatcametohimthathewouldtakenomanwhocouldnothandlehisaxeandhand-spike，andwhocouldnotbehavehimself。\"Behavinghimself\"meanttakingnomorewhiskeythanamancouldcarry，andrefusingallinvitationstofightunless\"necessitywaslaiduponhim。\"Theonlymantoobjectwashisownbrother，MacdonaldDubh，whosetemperwasswifttoblaze，andwithwhomtheblowwasquickerthantheword。ButafterthesecondyearoftheneworderevenBlackHughfellintoline。MacdonaldsoonbecamefamousontheOttawa。Hepickedonlythebestmen，hefedthemwell，paidthemthehighestwages，andcaredfortheircomfort，butheldtheminstrictestdiscipline。Theywoulddrinkbutkeptsober，theywouldspendmoneybutknewhowmuchwascomingtothem。Theyfearednomenevenof\"twicetheirownheavyandbig，\"butwouldneverfightexceptundernecessity。Contractsbegantocometheirway。Theymademoney，andwhatwasbetter，theybroughtithome。Thebestmensoughttojointhem，butbyrivalgangsandbymenrejectedfromtheirrankstheywerehatedwithdeepesthearthatred。ButthemenfromGlengarryknewnofearandsoughtnofavor。Theyaskedonlyagoodbeltofpineandanopenriver。Asaruletheygotboth，anditwaspeculiarlymaddeningtoBlackHughtofindtwoorthreemilesofsolidlogsbetweenhistimberandtheopenwateroftheNation。BlackHughhadatemperfierceandquick，andwheninfullflamehewasamantoavoid，forfromneithermannordevilwouldheturn。TheonlymanwhocouldholdhimwashisbrotherMacdonaldBhain，forstrongmanashewas，BlackHughknewwellthathisbrothercouldwithasingleswiftgripbringhimtohisknees。
ItwasunfortunatethatthecommandofthepartythisdayshouldhavebeenMacdonaldDubh\'s。Unfortunate，too，thatitwasDanMurphyandhismenthathappenedtobeblockingtherivermouth。
FortheGlengarrymen，whohandledonlysquaretimber，despisedtheMurphygangassawlog-men；\"log-rollers\"or\"mushrats\"theycalledthem，andhatedthemasIrish\"Papishes\"andFrench\"Crapeaux，\"
whilebetweenDanMurphyandMacdonaldDubhtherewasanancientpersonalgrudge，andto-dayMurphythoughthehadfoundhistime。
Therewereonlysixoftheenemy，hehadtentimesthenumberwithhim，manyofthemeagertopayoffoldscores；andbesidestherewasLouisLeNoirasthe\"BossBully\"oftheriver。TheFrenchmanwasnotonlyapowerfulman，activewithhandsandfeet，buthewasanadeptinallkindsoffightingtricks。SincecomingtotheOttawahehadheardofthebigMacdonald，andhesoughttomeethim。ButMacdonaldavoidedhimonceandagaintillLeNoir，havingneverknownanyoneavoidingafightforanyreasonotherthanfear，proclaimedMacdonaldacoward，andhimself\"debossondereever。\"Nowtherewasachanceofmeetinghisrivalandofforcingafight，fortheGlengarrycampcouldnotbefarawaywherethebigMacdonaldhimselfwouldbe。SoDanMurphy，backedupwithnumbers，andthebossbullyLeNoir，determinedthatfortheseMacdonaldmenthedayofsettlementhadcome。Buttheyweredangerousmen，anditwouldbewelltotakeallprecautions，andhencehisfriendlyinvitationtothetavernfordrinks。
MacdonaldDubh，scorningtoshowhesitation，thoughhesuspectedtreachery，strodeafterMurphytothetaverndoorandthroughthecrowdofshanty-menfillingtheroom。Theywereasferociouslookingalotofmenascouldwellbegottogether，eveninthatcountryandinthosedays——shaggyofhairandbeard，dressedoutinredandblueandgreenjerseys，withknittedsashesabouttheirwaists，andredandblueandgreentuquesontheirheads。Drunkenrowsweretheirdelight，andfightssofiercethatmanyamancameoutbatteredandbruisedtodeathortolife-longdecrepitude。
Theyweresittingonthebenchesthatranroundtheroom，orloungingagainstthebarsinging，talking，blaspheming。AtthesightofMacdonaldDubhandhismentherefelladeadsilence，andthengrowlsofrecognition，butMurphywasnotyetready，androaringout\"Dh-r-r-i-n-k-s，\"heseizedacoupleofhismenleaningagainstthebar，andhurlingthemtorightandleft，cried，\"Ma-a-keroomforyerbetthers，bethepowers！Sthandup，bhoys，andfillyirsilves！\"
BlackHughandhismenlinedupgravelytothebarandwerestraightwaysurroundedbythecrowdyellinghideously。ButifMurphyandhisgangthoughttointimidatethosegraveHighlanderswithnoise，theyweregreatlymistaken，fortheystoodquietlywaitingfortheirglassestobefilled，alert，butwithanairofperfectindifference。Someeightortenglassesweresetdownandfilled，whenMurphy，snatchingacoupleofbottlesfromtheshelfbehindthebar，handedthemouttohismen，crying，\"Here，yebluddythaves，lavetheglassestothegintlemen！\"
Therewasnomistakingtheinsolenceinhistone，andthechorusofderisiveyellsthatansweredhimshowedthathisremarkhadgonetothespot。
YankeeJim，whohadkeptclosetoBlackHugh，sawtheveinsinhisneckbeginningtoswell，andfacetogrowdark。HewaslongingtobeatMurphy\'sthroat。\"Speakhimfair，\"hesaid，inalowtone，\"there\'sratheragoodstringof\'emraound。\"MacdonaldDubhglancedabouthim。Hiseyefellonhisboy，andforthefirsttimehisfacebecameanxious。\"Ranald，\"hesaid，angrily，\"takeyourselfoutofthis。Itisnoplaceforyouwhatever。\"Theboy，aslightladofseventeen，buttallandwell-knit，andwithhisfather\'sfierce，wild，darkface，hesitated。
\"Go，\"saidhisfather，givinghimaslightcuff。
\"Here，boy！\"yelledLeNoir，catchinghimbythearmandholdingthebottletohismouth，\"drink。\"Theboytookagulp，choked，andspatitout。LeNoirandhismenroared。\"Datgoodwhiskey，\"hecried，stillholdingtheboy。\"Younotlakdat，hey？\"
\"No，\"saidtheboy，\"itisnotgoodatall。\"
\"Tryheemsomemore，\"saidLeNoir，thrustingthebottleathimagain。
\"Iwillnot，\"saidRanald，lookingatLeNoirstraightandfearless。
\"Ho-ho！monbraveenfant！Butyouhavenotdegoodmannere。Come，drink！\"Hecaughttheboybythebackoftheneck，andmadeasiftopourthewhiskeydownhisthroat。BlackHugh，whohadbeenkeptbackbyYankeeJimallthistime，startedforward，butbeforehecouldtakeasecondstepRanald，squirmingroundlikeacat，hadsunkhisteethintoLeNoir\'swrist。WithacryofrageandpainLeNoirraisedthebottleandwasbringingitdownonRanald\'shead，whenBlackHugh，withonehand，caughtthefallingblow，andwiththeotherseizedRanald，andcrying，\"Getoutofthis！\"heflunghimtowardsthedoor。ThenturningtoLeNoir，hesaid，withsurprisingself-control，\"Itismyselfthatissorrythataboyofmineshouldbeguiltyofbitinglikeadog。\"
\"Sa-c-r-relechien！\"yelledLeNoir，shakingoffMacdonaldDubh；
\"heisonedog，andthesonofadog！\"Heturnedandstartedfortheboy。ButYankeeJimhadgotRanaldtothedoorandwaswhisperingtohim。\"Run！\"criedYankeeJim，pushinghimoutofthedoor，andtheboywasofflikethewind。LeNoirpursuedhimashortwayandreturnedraging。
YankeeJim，orYankee，ashewascalledforshort，camebacktoMacdonaldDubh\'sside，andwhisperingtotheotherHighlanders，\"Keepyourbacksclear，\"satupcoollyonthecounter。Thefightwassuretocomeandtherewereseventooneagainstthemintheroom。Ifhecouldonlygaintime。Everyminutewasprecious。Itwouldtaketheboyfifteenminutestorunthetwomilestocamp。
ItwouldbehalfanhourbeforetherestoftheGlengarrymencouldarrive，andmuchfightingmaybedoneinthattime。HemustavertattentionfromMacdonaldDubh，whowaswaitingtocramLeNoir\'sinsultdownhisthroat。YankeeJimhadnotonlyallthecoolcouragebutalsotheshrewd，calculatingspiritofhisrace。Hewasreadytofight，andifneedbeagainstodds，buthepreferredtofightonaseventermsaspossible。
SoonLeNoircameback，wildwithfury，andyellingcursesatthetopofhisvoice。Hehurledhimselfintotheroom，thecrowdfallingbackfromhimoneitherhand。
\"Hola！\"heyelled，\"Sacrebleu！\"Hetooktwoquicksteps，andspringingupintotheairhekickedthestovepipethatranalongsomesevenfeetabovethefloor。
\"Purtygoodkicking，\"calledoutYankee，slidingdownfromhisseat。\"Usedtokicksomemyself。ExcuseME。\"Hestoodforamomentlookingupatthestovepipe，thenwithoutapparentefforthesprangintotheair，shotuphislonglegs，andknockedthestovepipewithabangagainsttheceiling。Therewasashoutofadmiration。
\"Mydamages，\"hesaidtoPatMurphy，whostoodbehindthecounter。
\"Goodthingthereain\'tnofire。Thoughtitwashigher。Wouldn\'tcaretokickforthedrinks，wouldye？\"headdedtoLeNoir。
LeNoirwastoofurioustoenterintoanycontestsopeaceful，butashespeciallypridedhimselfonhishighkick，hepausedamomentandwasabouttoagreewhenBlackHughbrokein，harshly，spoilingallYankee\'splans。
\"Thereisnotimeforsuchfoolishness，\"hesaid，turningtoDanMurphy。\"Iwanttoknowwhenwecangetourtimberout。\"
\"Depindsintoirlyonyirsilf，\"saidMurphy。
\"Whenwillyourlogsbeoutoftheway？\"
\"Indadean\'that\'saha-r-r-done，\"laughedMurphy。
\"Andwillyoutellmewhatrighthevyoutocloseuptheriver？\"
BlackHugh\'swrathwasrising。
\"Youwudthinknowitwuzyirsilfthatownedtheriver。An\'bedadit\'sthethoughtofyirmind，itis。An\'it\'snottheriveronly，butthewholecreationyeanyirbrotherthinkisyours。DanMurphywascloseuptoMacdonaldDubhbythistime。\"Yis，blank，blank，yirfaces，an\'ye\'dliketoturnbetterthanyirsilvesfromafftheriver，soyewud，yeblack-heartedthavesthatyeare。\"
This，ofcourse，wasbeyondallendurance。ForanswerBlackHughsmotehimsuddenandfierceonthemouth，andMurphywentdown。
\"Purtyone，\"sangoutYankee，cheerily。\"Now，boys，backtothewall。\"
BeforeMurphycouldrise，LeNoirsprangoverhimandlituponMacdonaldlikeacat，butMacdonaldshookhimselffreeandsprangbacktotheGlengarrylineatthewall。
\"Macan\'Diabboil，\"heroared，\"Glengarryforever！\"
\"Glengarry！\"yelledthefourHighlandersbesidehim，wildwiththedelightofbattle。Itwasaplainnecessity，andtheywentintoitwithfreeconsciencesandhappyhearts。
\"Letmeathim，\"criedMurphy，strugglingpastLeNoirtowardsMacdonald。
\"Non！Heistome！\"yelledLeNoir，dancinginfrontofMacdonald。
\"Here，Murphy，\"calledoutYankee，obligingly，\"helpyourselfthisway。\"Murphydashedathim，butYankee\'slongarmshotouttomeethim，andMurphyagainfoundthefloor。
\"Comeon，boys，\"criedPatMurphy，Dan\'sbrother，andfollowedbyhalfadozenothers，heflunghimselfatYankeeandthelineofmenstandingupagainstthewall。ButYankee\'sarmsflashedoutonce，twice，thrice，andPatMurphyfellbackoverhisbrother；twoothersstaggeredacrossandcheckedtheoncomingrush，whileDannieRossandbigMackCameronhadeachbeatenbacktheirman，andtheGlengarrylinestoodunbroken。Manformantheywerefarmorethanamatchfortheiropponents，andstandingshouldertoshoulder，withtheirbackstothewall，theytauntedMurphyandhisgangwithallthewealthofgibesandoathsattheircommand。
\"Where\'stherestofyouroutfit，Murphy？\"drawledYankee。\"Don\'tseem\'sifyou\'dcountedright。\"
\"Itisacolddayfortheparleyvoos，\"laughedBigMackCameron。
\"Comeup，lads，andtakeatasteofsomethinghot。\"
ThentheMurphymen，clearingawaythefallen，rushedagain。TheystrovetobringtheHighlanderstoaclinch，butYankee\'svoicewashighandclearincommand。
\"Keeptheline，boys！Don\'tlet\'emdrawyou！\"AndtheGlengarrymenwaitedtilltheycouldstrike，andwhentheystruckmenwentdownandwerepulledbackbytheirfriends。
\"Intilthem，bhoys！\"yelledDanMurphy，keepingoutofrangehimself。\"Intilthedivils！\"Andagainandagainhismencrowdeddownuponthelineagainstthewall，butagainandagaintheywerebeatendownorhurledbackbruisedandbleeding。
MeantimeLeNoirwasdevotinghimselftoBlackHughatoneendoftheline，dancinginuponhimandawayagain，butwithoutmuchresult。BlackHughrefusedtobedrawnout，andfoughtwarilyondefense，knowingtheoddsweregreatandwaitinghischancetodeliveronegoodblow，whichwasallheasked。
TheGlengarrymenwereenjoyingthemselveshugely，andwhennotshoutingtheirbattle-cry，\"Glengarryforever！\"ortauntingtheirfoes，theywerejokingeachotheronthefortunesofwar。BigMackCameron，whoheldthecenter，drewmostofthesallies。Hewaseasy-temperedandgood-natured，andtookhisknockswiththeutmostgoodhumor。
\"Thatwasagoodone，Mack，\"saidDannieRoss，hisspecialchum，asasoundingwhackcameinonBigMack\'sface。\"AstrueasdeathI
willbetellingittoBellaPeter。Bella，thedaughterofPeterMcGregor，wassupposedtobedeartoBigMack\'sheart。
\"Whatapeetyshecouldnotseehimthenow，\"saidFinlayCampbell。
\"Manalive，shewouldsaythewordqueeck！\"
\"\'Tismorethanshewilldotoyouwhatever，ifyoucannotkeepoffthatcrapeauyonderalittlebetter，\"saidBigMack，reachingforaFrenchmanwhokeptdodginginuponhimwithannoyingpersistence。
ThenMackbegantoswearGaelicoaths。
\'Tain\'tfair，Mack！\"calledoutYankeefromhisendoftheline，\"badlanguageinEnglishisbadenough，butinGaelicitmustbeuncommonrough。\"Sotheygibedeachother。Butthetacticsoftheenemywereexceedinglyirritating，andwerebeginningtotelluponthetempersoftheHighlanders。
\"Cometome，yecowardlylittledevil，\"roaredMacktohispersistingassailant。\"Noonewillhurtyou！Comeaway，man！
A-a-ah-ouch！\"Hiscryofsatisfactionathavinggrabbedhismanendedinahowlofpain，fortheFrenchmanhadgotMack\'sthumbbetweenhisteeth，andwaschewingitvigorously。
\"Yewould，wouldyou，yedog？\"roaredBigMack。HeclosedhisfingersintotheFrenchman\'sgullet，anddrewhimuptostrike，butoneverysidehandsreachedforhimandstayedhisblow。Thenhelosthimself。Withayellofragehejambedhismanbackintothecrowd，sinkinghisfingersdeeperanddeeperintohisenemy\'sthroattillhisfacegrewblackandhisheadfelloverononeside。
ButitwasafatalmoveforMack，andovercomebynumbersthatcrowdeduponhim，hewentdownfightingwildlyandbearingtheFrenchmanbeneathhim。TheGlengarrylinewasbroken。BlackHughsawMack\'speril，andknewthatitmeantdestructiontoall。Withawildercrythanusual，\"Glengarry！Glengarry！\"hedashedstraightintoLeNoir，whogavebackswiftly，caughttwomenwhowerebeatingBigMack\'slifeout，andhurledthemaside，andgraspinghisfriend\'scollar，hauledhimtohisfeet，andthrewhimbackagainstthewallandintothelineagainwithhisgripstilluponhisFrenchman\'sthroat。
\"Letdeadmengo，Mack，\"hecried，butevenashespokeLeNoir，seeinghisopportunity，sprangathimandwithabackwardkickcaughtMacdonaldfairinthefaceandlashedhimhardagainstthewall。ItwastheterribleFrench\'lash\'andwasoneofLeNoir\'sspecialtricks。BlackHugh，stunnedanddazed，leanedbackagainstthewall，spreadingouthishandsweaklybeforehisface。LeNoir，seeingvictorywithinhisgrasp，rushedintofinishoffhisspecialfoe。ButYankeeJim，who，whileengagedincheerfullyknockingbackthetwoMurphysandotherswhotooktheirturnathim，hadbeenkeepinganeyeonthelineofbattle，sawMacdonald\'sdanger，andknowingthatthecrisishadcome，dashedacrosstheline，crying\"Followme，boys。\"Hislongarmsswungroundhisheadlikethesailsofawind-mill，andmenfellbackfromhimasiftheyhadbeenmadeofwood。AsLeNoirsprang，Yankeeshotfiercelyathim，buttheFrenchman，tooquickforhim，duckedandleapeduponBlackHugh，whowasstillswayingagainstthewall，borehimdownandjumpedwithhisheavy\"corked\"bootsonhisbreastandface。AgaintheGlengarrylinewasbroken。AtoncethecrowdsurgedabouttheGlengarrymen，whonowstoodbacktoback，beatingoffthemenleapingatthemfromeveryside，asastagbeatsoffdogs，andstillchantinghightheirdauntlesscry，\"Glengarryforever，\"towhichBigMackaddedatintervals，\"TohellwiththePapishes！\"Yankee，failingtocheckLeNoir\'sattackuponBlackHugh，foughtoffthemencrowdinguponhim，andmadehiswaytothecornerwheretheFrenchmanwasstillengagedinkickingtheprostrateHighlandertodeath。
\"Takethat，youblamedcuss，\"hesaid，catchingLeNoirinthejawandknockinghisheadwithathudagainstthewall。Beforehecouldstrikeagainhewasthrownagainsthisenemy，whoclutchedhimandheldlikeavice。
CHAPTERII
VENGEANCEISMINE
TheGlengarrymenhadfoughttheirfight，anditonlyremainedfortheirfoestowreaktheirvengeanceuponthemandwipeoutoldscores。Oneminutemorewouldhavedoneforthem，butinthatminutethedoorcamecrashingin。Therewasamightyroar，\"Glengarry！Glengarry！\"andthegreatMacdonaldhimself，withtheboyRanaldandsomehalf-dozenofhismenbehindhim，stoodamongthem。Onallhandsthefightstopped。Amomenthestood，hisgreatheadandshoulderstoweringabovethecrowd，histawnyhairandbeardfallingaroundhisfacelikeagreatmane，hisblueeyesgleamingfromunderhisshaggyeyebrowslikelividlightning。A
singleglancearoundtheroom，andagainraisinghisbattle-cry，\"Glengarry！\"heseizedthenearestshrinkingFrenchman，liftedhimhigh，andhurledhimsmashingintothebottlesbehindthecounter。
Hismen，followinghim，boundedliketigersontheirprey。Afewminutesoffierce，eagerfighting，andtheGlengarrymenwereallfreedandontheirfeet，allexceptBlackHugh，wholaygroaninginhiscorner。\"Hold，lads！\"MacdonaldBhaincried，inhismightyvoice。\"Stop，I\'mtellingyou。\"Thefightingceased。
\"DanMurphy！\"hecried，castinghiseyeroundtheroom，\"whereareyou，yesonofBelial？\"
Murphy，crouchingatthebackofthecrowdnearthedoor，soughttoescape。
\"Ah！thereyouare！\"criedMacdonald，andreachingthroughthecrowdwithhisgreat，longarm，hecaughtMurphybythehairoftheheadanddraggedhimforward。
\"R-r-r-a-a-t！R-r-r-a-a-t！R-r-r-a-a-t！\"hesnarled，shakinghimtillhisteethrattled。\"Itisyourselfthatisthecauseofthiswickedness。Now，maytheLordhavemercyonyoursoul。\"WithonehandhegrippedMurphybythethroat，holdinghimatarm\'slength，andraisedhishugefisttostrike。Butbeforetheblowfellhepaused。
\"No！\"hemuttered，inadisappointedtone，\"itisnotgoodenough。
Iwillnotbedemeaningmyself。Hence，your-r-a-a-t！\"Ashespokeheliftedtheshakingwretchasifhehadbeenabundleofclothes，swunghimhalfroundandhurledhimcrashingthroughthewindow。
\"Istherenogootmanhereatallwhowillstandbeforeme？\"heragedinawild，joyousfury。\"Willnottwoofyoucomeforth，then？\"Noonemoved。\"Cometome！\"hesuddenlycried，andsnatchingtwooftheenemy，hedashedtheirheadstogether，andthrewtheminsensibleonthefloor。
ThenhecaughtsightofhisbrotherforthefirsttimelyinginthecornerwithBigMacksupportinghishead，andLeNoirstandingnear。
\"Whatisthis？Whatisthis？\"hecried，stridingtowardLeNoir。
\"Andisityouthathasdonethiswork？\"heasked，inavoiceofsubduedrage。
\"Oui！\"criedLeNoir，steppingbackandputtinguphishands，\"dasme；LouisLeNoir！byGar！\"Hestruckhimselfonthebreastashespoke。
\"Outofmyway！\"criedMacdonald，swinginghisopenhandontheFrenchman\'sear。WithaswiftsweephebrushedLeNoirasidefromhisplace，andignoringhimstoopedoverhisbrother。ButLeNoirwasnocoward，andbesideshisboastedreputationwasatstake。Hethoughthesawhischance，andrushingatMacdonaldashewasbendingoverhisbrother，deliveredhisterrible\'lash\'。ButMacdonaldhadnotlivedwithandfoughtwithFrenchmenalltheseyearswithoutknowingtheirtricksandways。HesawLeNoir\'s\'lash\'coming，andquicklyturninghishead，avoidedtheblow。
\"Ah！wouldye？Takethat，then，andbequate！\"andsosaying，hecaughtLeNoironthesideoftheheadandsenthimtothefloor。
\"Keephimoffawhile，Yankee！\"saidMacdonald，forLeNoirwasupagain，andcomingathim。
Thenkneelingbesidehisbrotherhewipedthebloodyfroththatwasoozingfromhislips，andsaidinalow，anxioustone：
\"Hugh，bhodaicholdman，areyehurted？Canyenotspeaktome，Hugh？\"
\"Oich-oh，\"BlackHughgroaned。\"Itwasanecessity——Donaldman——
and——hetookme——unawares——withhis——keeck。\"
\"Indeed，andI\'llwarrantyou！\"agreedhisbrother，\"butIwillbeattendingtohim，neveryoufear。\"
Macdonaldwasabouttorise，whenhisbrothercaughthisarm。
\"Youwill——notbe——killinghim，\"heurged，betweenhispainfulgasps，\"becauseIwillbedoingthatmyselfsomeday，byGod\'shelp。\"
HiswordsandtheeagerhateinhisfaceseemedtoquietMacdonald。
\"Alas！alas！\"hesaid，sadly，\"itisnotallowedmetosmitehimashedeserves——\'VengeanceisminesaiththeLord，\'andIhavesolemnlypromisedtheministernottosmiteforgloryorforrevenge！Alas！alas！\"
ThenturningtoLeNoir，hesaid，gravely：\"Itisnotgivenmetopunishyouforyourcoward\'sblow。Gofromme！\"ButLeNoirmisjudgedhim。
\"Bah！\"hecried，contemptuously，\"youtinkmeonebaby，youstrikemeondeheadsidelikeonelittleboy。Bon！LouisLeNware，debesbullyondeHottawa，he\'snot\'fraidforhanyman，byGar！\"HeprancedupanddownbeforeMacdonald，workinghimselfintoagreatrage，asMacdonaldgrewmoreandmorecontrolled。
Macdonaldturnedtohismenwithakindofappeal——\"Ihevgivenmypromise，andMacdonaldwillnotbreakhisword。\"
\"Bah！\"criedLeNoir，spittingathim。
\"NowmaytheLordgivemegracetowithstandtheenemy，\"saidMacdonald，gravely，\"forIamgreatlymovedtotakevengeanceuponyou。\"
\"Bah！\"criedLeNoiragain，mistakingMacdonald\'squietnessandself-controlforfear。\"Younogood！Yourbrotherisnogood！
Beegsheep！Beegsheep！Bah！\"
\"Godhelpme，\"saidMacdonaldasiftohimself。\"Iamamanofgrace！Butmustthisdoggounpunished？\"
LeNoircontinuedstridingupanddown，nowandthenspringinghighintheairandknockinghisheelstogetherwithblood-curdlingyells。HeseemedtofeelthatMacdonaldwouldnotfight，andhiscourageanddesireforbloodgrewaccordingly。
\"Willyounotbequate？\"saidMacdonald，risingafterafewmomentsfromhisbrother\'sside，wherehehadbeenwipinghislipsandgivinghimwatertodrink。\"Youwillbebetteroutside。\"
\"Oui！youstrikemeontheheadside。Bon！Istrikeyoudesameway！ByGar！\"sosayingheapproachedMacdonaldlightly，andstruckhimaslightblowonthecheek。
\"Ay，\"saidMacdonald，growingwhiteandrigid。\"Istruckyoutwice，LeNoir。Here！\"heofferedtheothersideofhisface。
LeNoirdancedupcarefully，madeaslightpass，andstrucktheofferedcheek。
\"Now，thatisdone，willitpleaseyoutodoitagain？\"saidMacdonald，withearnestentreatyinhisvoice。LeNoirmusthavebeenmadwithhisrageandvanity，elsehehadcaughttheglitterintheblueeyeslookingthroughtheshaggyhair。AgainLeNoirapproached，thistimewithgreaterconfidence，anddealtMacdonaldastingingblowonthesideofthehead。
\"NowtheLordbepraised，\"hecried，joybreakingoutinhisface。
\"Hehasdeliveredmyenemyintomyhand。Foritisthethirdtimehehassmittenme，andthatisbeyondthelimitappointedbyHimself。\"WiththisheadvanceduponLeNoirwithagladheart。
Hisconsciencewasclearatlast。
LeNoirstoodupagainsthisantagonist。Hewellknewhewasabouttomakethefightofhislife。HehadbeatenmenasbigasMacdonald，butheknewthathishopelayinkeepingoutoftheenemy\'sreach。Sohedancedaroundwarily。Macdonaldfollowedhimslowly。LeNoiropenedwithaswiftandsavagereachforMacdonald\'sneck，butfailedtobreaktheguardanddancedoutagain，Macdonaldstillpressingonhim。AgainandagainLeNoirrushed，buttheguardwasimpregnable，andsteadilyMacdonaldadvanced。Thatsteady，relentlessadvancebegantotellontheFrenchman\'snerves。Thesweatgatheredinbigdropsonhisforeheadandrandownhisface。Hepreparedforasupremeeffort。
Swiftlyretreating，heluredMacdonaldtoamorerapidadvance，thenwithayellhedoubledhimselfintoaballanddeliveredhimselfhead，hands，andfeetintoMacdonald\'sstomach。Itisatrickthatsometimesavailstobreakanunsteadyguardandtosecureaclinchwithanunwaryopponent。ButMacdonaldhadbeenwaitingforthattrick。Stoppingshort，heleanedovertooneside，andstoopingslightly，caughtLeNoirlowandtossedhimclearoverhishead。LeNoirfellwithaterriblethudonhisback，butwasonhisfeetagainlikeacatandreadyfortheever-advancingMacdonald。Butthoughhehadnotbeenstruckasingleblowheknewthathehadmethismaster。Thatunbreakableguard，thesmilingfacewiththegleaming，unsmilingeyes，thatawfulunwaveringadvance，weretoomuchforhim。Hewaspale，hisbreathcameinquickgasps，andhiseyesshowedthefearofahuntedbeast。Hepreparedforafinaleffort。Feigningagreaterdistressthanhefelt，heyieldedweaklytoMacdonald\'sadvance，thensuddenlygatheringhisfullstrengthhesprangintotheairandlashedoutbackwardatthathated，smilingface。Hisbootfounditsmark，notonMacdonald\'sface，butfaironhisneck。Theeffectwasterrific。Macdonaldstaggeredbacktwoorthreepaces，butbeforeLeNoircouldbeathim，hehadrecoveredsufficientlytomaintainhisguard，andshakeoffhisfoe。AttheyellthatwentupfromMurphy\'smen，thebigHighlander\'sfacelostitssmileandbecamekeenandcruel，hiseyesglitteredwiththeflashofsteelandhecameforwardoncemorewithaquick，lighttread。Hisgreatbodyseemedtolosebothsizeandweight，solightlydidhestepontiptoe。Therewasnomorepause，butlightly，swiftly，andeagerlyheglideduponLeNoir。Therewassomethingterrifyinginthatswift，cat-likemovement。InvaintheFrenchmanbackedanddodgedandtriedtoguard。Once，twice，Macdonald\'sfistsfell。LeNoir\'srightarmhunglimpbyhissideandhestaggeredbacktothewallhelpless。Withoutaninstant\'sdelay，Macdonaldhadhimbythethroat，andgrippinghimfiercely，begantoslowlybendhimbackwardoverhisknee。ThenforthefirsttimeMacdonaldspoke：
\"LeNoir，\"hesaid，solemnly，\"thedaysofyourboastingareover。
Youwillnolongergloryinyourstrength，fornowIwillbreakyourbacktoyou。\"
LeNoirtriedtospeak，buthisvoicecameinhorriblegurgles。Hisfacewasaghastlygreenishhue，linedwithpurpleandswollenveins，hiseyeswerestandingoutofhishead，andhisbreathsobbinginraucousgasps。Slowlytheheadwentback。Thecrowdstoodinhorror-strickensilencewaitingforthesickeningsnap。
Yankee，unabletostanditanylonger，steppeduptohischief，andinamostmatteroffactvoicedrawledout，\"AboutaninchmorethatwayIguess\'lldothetrick，ifheain\'tdouble-jointed。\"
\"Aye，\"saidMacdonald，holdinggrimlyon。
\"Tonald，\"——BlackHugh\'svoicesoundedfaintbutclearintheawfulsilence——\"Tonald——youwillnot——bekilling——him。Rememberthatnow。Iwill——never——forgiveyou——ifyouwill——takethat——frommyhands。\"
ThecryforvengeancesmoteMacdonaldtotheheart，andrecalledhimtohimself。Hepaused，threwbackhislocksfromhiseyes，thenrelaxinghisgrip，stoodup。
\"Godpreserveme！\"hegroaned，\"whatamIabout？\"
Forsometimeheremainedstandingsilent，withheaddownasifnotquitesureofhimself。Hewasrecalledbyagripofhisarm。Heturnedandsawhisnephew，Ranald，athisside。Theboy\'sdarkfacewaspalewithpassion。
\"Andisthatallyouaregoingtodotohim？\"hedemanded。
Macdonaldgazedathim。
\"Doyounotseewhathehasdone？\"hecontinued，pointingtohisfather，whowasstilllyingproppeduponsomecoats。\"Whydidyounotbreakhisback？Yousaidyouwould！Thebrute，beast！\"
Hehurledoutthewordsinhothate。Hisvoicepiercedthenoiseoftheroom。Macdonaldstoodstill，gazingatthefierce，darkfaceinsolemnsilence。Thenhesadlyshookhishead。
\"Mylad，\'VengeanceisminesaiththeLord。\'Itwouldhavepleasedmewell，butthehandoftheLordwaslaiduponmeandIcouldnotkillhim。\"
\"Thenitismyselfwillkillhim，\"heshrieked，springinglikeawildcatatLeNoir。Buthisunclewoundhisarmsaroundhimandheldhimfast。Foraminuteandmorehestruggledfiercely，cryingtobesetfree，tillrecognizingtheuselessnessofhiseffortshegrewcalm，andsaidquietly，\"Letmeloose，uncle；Iwillbequiet。\"Andhisunclesethimfree。Theboyshookhimself，andthenstandingupbeforeLeNoirsaid，inahigh，clearvoice：
\"Willyouhearme，LeNoir？ThedaywillcomewhenIwilldotoyouwhatyouhavedonetomyfather，andifmyfatherwilldie，thenbythelifeofGod[acommonoathamongtheshanty-men]Iwillhaveyourlifeforit。\"Hisvoicehadanunearthlyshrillnessinit，andLeNoirshrankback。
\"Whist，whist，lad！bequate！\"saidhisuncle；\"thesearenotgootwords。\"Theladheededhimnot，butsankdownbesidehisfatheronthefloor。BlackHughraisedhimselfonhiselbowwithagrimsmileonhisface。
\"Itisagootladwhatever，butpleaseGodhewillnotneedtokeephisword。\"Helaidhishandinamomentarycaressuponhisboy\'sshoulder，andsankbackagain，saying，\"Takemeoutofthis。\"
ThenMacdonaldBhainturnedtoDanMurphyandgravelyaddressedhim：
\"DanMurphy，itisanungodlyandcowardlyworkyouhavedonethisday，andthecurseofGodwillbeonyouifyouwillnotrepent。\"
Thenheturnedaway，andwithBigMack\'shelpborehisbrothertothepointer，followedbyhismen，bloody，bruised，butunconquered。
ButbeforehelefttheroomLeNoirsteppedforward，andofferinghishand，said，\"Youmakfriendswit\'me。YoudebossbullyondereeverHottawa。\"
Macdonaldneitheranswerednorlookedhisway，butpassedoutingravesilence。
ThenYankeeJimremarkedtoDanMurphy，\"Iguessyou\'dbettergitthemlogsoutpurtymightyquick。We\'llwanttheriverinabouttwodays。\"DanMurphysaidnotaword，butwhentheGlengarrymenwantedtherivertheyfounditopen。
ButforMacdonaldthefightwasnotyetover，forashesatbesidehisbrother，listeningtohisgroans，hismencouldseehimwreathinghishandsandchantinginanundertonethewords，\"VengeanceisminesaiththeLord。\"Andashesatbythecamp-firethatnightlisteningtoYankee\'saccountofthebeginningofthetrouble，andheardhowhisbrotherhadkepthimselfinhand，andhowatlasthehadbeenfoullysmitten，Macdonald\'sconflictdeepened，andheroseupandcriedaloud：
\"Godhelpme！Isthistogounpunished？Iwillseekhimto-morrow。\"
Andhepassedoutintothedarkwoods。
AfterafewmomentstheboyRanaldslippedawayafterhimtobegthathemightbeallowedtogowithhimto-morrow。Stealingsilentlythroughthebusheshecametowherehecouldseethekneelingfigureofhisuncleswayingupanddown，andcaughtthesoundsofwordsbrokenwithgroans：
\"Letmego，OLord！Letmego！\"HeplednowinGaelicandagaininEnglish。\"Letnotthemanbeescapinghisjustpunishment。
Grantmethis，O，Lord！Letmesmitebutonce！\"Thenafterapausecamethewords，\"\'VengeanceisminesaiththeLord！\'
Vengeanceismine！Ay，itisthetrueword！But，Lord，letnotthismanofBelial，thisPapish，escape！\"Thenagain，likearefrainwouldcomethewords，\"Vengeanceismine。Vengeanceismine，\"inever-deeperagony，tillthrowinghimselfonhisface，helaysilentalongtime。
Suddenlyherosetohiskneesandsoremained，lookingsteadfastlybeforehimintothewoods。Thewindcamesighingthroughthepineswithawailandasob。Macdonaldshudderedandthenfellonhisfaceagain。TheVisionwasuponhim。\"Ah，Lord，itisthebloodyhandsandfeetIsee。Itisenough。\"AtthisRanaldslippedbackawe-strickentothecamp。When，afteranhour，Macdonaldcamebackintothefirelight，hisfacewaspaleandwet，butcalm，andtherewasanexaltedlookinhiseyes。Hismengazedathimwithwonderandaweintheirfaces。
\"Mercyonus！Hewillbeseeingsomething，\"saidBigMacktoYankeeJim。
\"Seein\'somethin\'？What？Abar？\"inquiredYankee。
\"Whistnow！\"saidBigMack，inalowvoice。\"Hehasthesight。Bequatenow，willyou？Hewillbespeaking。\"
ForashorttimeMacdonaldsatgazingintothefireinsilence，thenturninghisfacetowardthemenwhowerewaiting，hesaid：
\"Therewillbenomoreofthis。\'VengeanceisminesaiththeLord！\'Itisnotforme。TheLordwilldoHisownwork。ItisthewilloftheLord。\"Andthemenknewthatthelastwordhadbeensaidonthatsubject，andthatLeNoirwassafe。
CHAPTERIII
THEMANSEINTHEBUSH
StraightnorthfromtheSt。LawrencerunstheroadthroughtheIndianLands。Atfirstitswayliesthroughopencountry，fromwhichtheforesthasbeendrivenfarbacktothehorizononeitherside，foralongthegreatriverthesemanyyearsvillageshaveclustered，withopenfieldsaboutthemstretchingfaraway。ButwhenoncetheroadleavestheFront，withitstownsandvillagesandopenfields，andpassesbeyondMartintownandovertheNorthBranch，itreachesacountrywheretheforestismoreafeatureofthelandscape。Andwhensomedozenormoreofthecrossroadsmarkingtheconcessionswhichleadofftoeastandwesthavebeenpassed，theroadseemstostrikeintoadifferentworld。Theforestlosesitsconqueredappearance，anddominateseverything。
Thereisforesteverywhere。Itlinesupcloseandthickalongtheroad，andhereandtherequiteovershadowsit。Itcrowdsinuponthelittlefarmsandshutsthemofffromoneanotherandfromtheworldoutside，andpeersinthroughthelittlewindowsoftheloghouseslookingsosmallandlonely，butsobeautifulintheirforestframes。Atthenineteenthcross-roadtheforestgivesgroundalittle，forheretheroadrunsrightpastthenewbrickchurch，whichisalmostfinished，andwhichwillbeopenedinafewweeks。Beyondthecross，theroadleadsalongtheglebe，andaboutaquarterofamilebeyondthecornerthereopensuponitthebig，heavygatethatthemembersoftheRev。AlexanderMurray\'scongregationmustswingwhentheywishtovisitthemanse。Theopeningofthisgate，madeofuprightpolesheldbyauger-holesinaframeofbiggerpoles，wasalmosttoogreatataskfortheminister\'sseven-year-oldsonHughie，whoalwaysrodedown，standingonthehindaxleofthebuggy，toopenitforhisfather。
ItwasagreatrelieftohimwhenLongJohnCameron，whohadtheknackofdoingthingsforpeople\'scomfort，broughthisaxandbigaugeronedayandmadeakindofcradleontheprojectingendofthetopbar，whichhethenweightedwithheavystones，sothatthegate，whenoncethepinwaspulledoutofthepost，wouldswingbackitselfwithHughiestraddledonthetopofit。
Itwashisfavoritepostofobservationwhenwaitingforhismothertocomehomefromoneofhermanymeetings。AndonthisparticularMarcheveninghehadbeenwaitinglongandimpatiently。
Suddenlyheshouted：\"Horo，mamma！Horo！\"Hehadcaughtsightofthelittleblackponyawayupatthechurchhill，andhadbecomesowildlyexcitedthathewasnowstandingonthetopbarfranticallywavinghisScotchbonnetbythetails。Downtheslopecametheponyonthegallop，forsheknewwellthatsoonLambertwouldhavehersaddleoff，andthathernosewouldbedeepintobranmashwithinfiveminutesmore。Butherridersatherfirmlyandbroughtherdowntoagentletrotbythetimethegatewasreached。
\"Horo，mamma！\"shoutedHughie，clamberingdowntoopenthegate。
\"Well，mydarling！haveyoubeenagoodboyallafternoon？\"
\"Huh-huh！Guesswho\'scomebackfromtheshanties！\"
\"I\'msureIcan\'tguess。Whoisit？\"Itwasaverybrightandverysweetface，withlarge，serious，gray-browneyesthatlookeddownonthelittleboy。
\"Guess，mamma！\"
\"Why，whocanitbe？BigMack？\"
\"No！\"Hughiedanceddelightedly。\"Tryagain。He\'snotbig。\"
\"IamsureIcanneverguess。Whoa，Pony！\"Ponywasmostunwillingtogetincloseenoughtothegate-posttoletHughiespringonbehindhismother。
\"You\'llhavetobequick，Hughie，whenIgetnearagain。Therenow！Whoa，Pony！Takecare，child！\"
Hughiehadsprungcleanoffthepost，andlightingonPony\'sbackjustbehindthesaddle，hadclutchedhismotherroundthewaist，whiletheponystartedofffullgallopforthestable。
\"Now，mother，whoisit？\"insistedHughie，asLambert，theFrench-
Canadianman-of-all-work，liftedhimfromhisplace。
\"You\'llhavetotellme，Hughie！\"
\"Ranald！\"
\"Ranald？\"
\"Yes，Ranaldandhisfather，MacdonaldDubh，andhe\'shurtedawfulbad，and——\"
\"Hurt，Hughie，\"interposedthemother，gently。
\"Huh-huh！Ranaldsaidhewashurted。\"
\"Hurt，youmean，Hughie。Whowashurt？Ranald？\"
\"No；hisfatherwashurted——hurt——awfulbad。Hewaslyingdowninthesleigh，andYankeeJim——\"
\"Mr。Latham，youmean，Hughie。\"
\"Huh-huh，\"wentonHughie，breathlessly，\"andYankee——Mr。Lathamaskediftheministerwashome，andIsaid\'No，\'andthentheywentaway。\"
\"Whatwasthematter？Didyouseethem，Lambert？\"
\"Oui\"\"Way，\"Lambertpronouncedit，\"butdeynottellmewhathe\'shurt。\"
Theminister\'swifewenttowardthehouse，withashadowonherface。Shesharedwithherhusbandhispeople\'ssorrows。Sheknewevenbetterthanhethelife-historyofeveryfamilyinthecongregation。MacdonaldDubhhadlongbeenclassedamongthewildandcarelessinthecommunity，anditweigheduponherheartthathislifemightbeindanger。
\"Ishallseehimto-morrow，\"shesaidtoherself。
Forafewmomentsshestoodonthedoorsteplookingattheglowintheskyoverthedarkforest，whichonthewestsidecamequiteuptothehouseandbarn。
\"Look，Hughie，atthebeautifultintsintheclouds，andseethedarkshadowspointingouttowardusfromthebush。\"Hughieglancedamoment。
\"Mamma，\"hesaid，\"Iamjustdeadforsupper。\"
\"Oh，notquite，Ihope，Hughie。Butlook，Iwantyoutonoticethosecloudsandtheskybehindthem。Howlovely！Oh，howwonderful！\"
Herenthusiasmcaughttheboy，andforafewmomentsheforgotevenhishunger，andholdinghismother\'shand，gazedupatthewesternsky。Itwasapictureofrarebeautythatlaystretchedoutfromthemansebackdoor。Closetothebarncamethepasture-fielddottedwithhugestumps，thenthebrulewherethetreeslayfallenacrossoneanother，overwhichthefirehadrun，andthenthesolidwallofforesthereandthereovertoppedbytheloftycrestofawhitepine。Intotheforestinthewestthesunwasdescendingingorgeousrobesofglory。Thetreetopscaughttheyellowlight，andgleamedlikethegoldenspiresofsomegreatandfabledcity。
\"Oh，mamma，seethatbigpinetop！Doesn\'titlooklikewindows？\"
criedHughie，pointingtooneoftheloftypinecreststhroughwhichtheskyquiveredlikemoltengold。
\"Andthestreetsofthecityarepuregold，\"saidthemother，softly。
\"Yes，Iknow，\"saidHughie，confidently，fortohimallthescenesandstoriesoftheBiblehadlongbeenfamiliar。\"Isitlikethat，mamma？\"
\"Muchbetter，eversomuchbetterthanyoucanthink。\"
\"Oh，mamma，I\'mjustawfulhungry！\"
\"Comeaway，then；soamI。Whathaveyougot，Jessie，fortwoveryhungrypeople？\"
\"Porridgeandpancakes，\"saidJessie，theminister\'s\"girl，\"whonotonlyruledinthekitchen，butusingthekitchenasabase，controlledtheinterioreconomyofthemanse。
\"Oh，goody！\"yelledHughie；\"justwhatIlike。\"Andfromtheplatesofporridgeandthepilesofpancakesthatvanishedfromhisplatenoonecoulddoubthisword。
Theirreadingthatnightwasaboutthecitywhosestreetswereofpuregold，andafteralittletalk，Hughieandhisbabybrotherweretuckedawaysafelyforthenight，andthemothersatdowntohernever-endingtaskofmakingandmending。
TheministerwasawayatPresbyterymeetinginMontreal，andfortendayshiswifewouldstandinthebreach。OfcoursetheelderswouldtakethemeetingontheSabbathdayandontheWednesdayevening，butforallotherministerialdutieswhentheministerwasabsentthecongregationlookedtotheminister\'swife。Andsoonitcamethatthesickandthesorrowingandthesin-burdenedfoundintheminister\'swifesuchhelpandcomfortandguidanceasmadetheabsenceoftheministerseemnogreattrialafterall。Eightyearsagotheministerhadbroughthiswifefromahomeofgentleculture，fromalifeofintellectualandartisticpursuits，andfromacircleoflovingfriendsofwhichshewastheprideandjoy，tothishomeintheforest。There，isolatedfromallcongenialcompanionshipwithherownkind，deprivedofalltheluxuriesandofmanyofthecomfortsofheryoungdays，andofthementalstimulusofthatcontactofmindswithoutwhichfewcanmaintainintellectuallife，shegaveherselfwithoutstinttoherhusband\'speople，withneverathoughtofself-pityorself-praise。Bydayandbynightshelaboredforherhusbandandfamilyandforherpeople，forshethoughtthemhers。Shetaughtthewomenhowtoadorntheirrudehomes，gatheredthemintoBibleclassesandsewingcircles，whereshereadandtalkedandwroughtandprayedwiththemtilltheygrewtoadoreherasasaint，andtotrustherasaleaderandfriend，andtobealittlelikeher。Andnotthewomenonly，butthemen，too，lovedandtrustedher，andthebigboysfounditeasiertotalktotheminister\'swifethantotheministerortoanyofhissession。Shemadeherownandherchildren\'sclothes，collars，hats，andcaps，herhusband\'sshirtsandneckties，toilinglateintothemorninghours，andallwithoutfrownorshadowofcomplaint，andindeedwithoutsuspicionthatanybutthehappiestlotwashers，orthatshewas，ashersisterssaid，\"justburiedaliveinthebackwoods。\"Notshe！Shelivedtoserve，andthewhereandhowwerenotherstodetermine。So，withbrightfaceandbraveheart，shemetherdaysandfacedthebattle。
Andscoresofwomenandmenarelivingbetterandbraverlivesbecausetheyhadherfortheirminister\'swife。
Butthedayhadbeenlong，andthestrugglewiththeMarchwindpullsharduponthestrength，andoutsidethepineswerecrooningsoftly，andgraduallythebraveheaddroopedtillbetweenthestitchesshefellasleep。Butnotformanyminutes，foraknockatthekitchendoorstartledher，andbeforelongsheheardJessie\'svoicerisewrathful。
\"Indeed，I\'lldonosuchthing。Thisisnotimetocometotheminister\'shouse。\"
Foranswertherewasamumbleofwords。
\"Well，then，youcanjustwaituntilmorning。Shecangointhemorning。\"
\"Whatisit，Jessie？\"Theminister\'swifecameintothekitchen。
\"Oh，Ranald，I\'mgladtoseeyouback。Hughietoldmeyouhadcome。Butyourfatherisill，hesaid。Howishe？\"
Ranaldshookhandsshyly，feelingmuchashamedunderJessie\'ssharpreproof。
\"Indeed，itwasAuntKirstythatsentme，\"saidRanald，apologetically。
\"Thensheoughttohaveknownbetter，\"saidJessie，sharply。
\"Nevermind，Jessie。Ranald，tellmeaboutyourfather。\"
\"Heisverybadindeed，andmyauntisafraidthat——\"Theboy\'sliptrembled。Thenhewenton：\"Andshethoughtperhapsyoumighthavesomemedicine，and——\"
\"Butwhatisthematter，Ranald？\"
\"Hewashurtedbad——andheisnotrightwiseinhishead。\"
\"Buthowwashehurt？\"
Ranaldhesitated。
\"Iwasnotthere——Iamthinkingitwassomethingthatstruckhim。\"
\"Ah，atree！Butwheredidthetreestrikehim？\"
\"Here，\"pointingtohisbreast；\"anditissoreinhisbreathing。\"
\"Well，Ranald，ifyouputthesaddleonPony，Ishallbereadyinaminute。\"
Jessiewasindignant。
\"Youwillnotstirafootthisnight。Youwillsendsomemedicine，andthenyoucangointhemorning。\"
Buttheminister\'swifeheededhernot。
\"Youarenotwalking，Ranald？\"
\"No，Ihavethecolt。\"
\"Oh，that\'ssplendid。We\'llhaveafinegallop——thatis，ifthemoonisup。\"
\"Yes，itisjustcomingup，\"saidRanald，hurryingawaytothestablethathemightescapeJessie\'swrathandgettheponyready。
Itwasnounusualthingfortheministerandhiswifetobecalledupontododutyfordoctorandnurse。Thedoctorwastwentymilesaway。SoMrs。Murraygotintoherriding-habit，threwherknittedhoodoverherhead，putsomesimplemedicinesintoherhand-bag，andintenminuteswaswaitingforRanaldatthedoor。
CHAPTERIV
THERIDEFORLIFE
Thenightwasclear，withatouchoffrostintheair，yetwiththefeelinginitofapproachingspring。Adimlightfellovertheforestfromthehalf-moonandthestars，andseemedtofillupthelittleclearinginwhichthemansestood，withaweirdandmysteriousradiance。Farawayintheforestthelong-drawnhowlofawolfroseandfell，andinamomentsharpandclearcameananswerfromthebushjustathand。Mrs。Murraydreadedthewolves，butshewasnocowardandscornedtoshowfear。
\"Thewolvesareout，Ranald，\"shesaid，carelessly，asRanaldcameupwiththepony。
\"Theyarenotmany，Ithink，\"answeredtheboyascarelessly；\"but——
areyou——doyouthink——perhapsIcouldjusttakethemedicine——andyouwillcome——\"
\"Nonsense，Ranald！bringupthepony。DoyouthinkIhavelivedallthistimeinIndianLandstobeafraidofawolf？\"
\"Indeed，youarenotafraid，Iknowthatwell！\"Ranaldshrankfromlayingthecrimeofbeingafraidatthedooroftheminister\'swife，whosefearlessnesswasproverbialinthecommunity；\"butmaybe——\"Thetruthwas，Ranaldwouldratherbealoneifthewolvescameout。
ButMrs。Murraywasinthesaddle，andtheponywasimpatienttobeoff。
\"WewillgobytheCamerons\'clearing，andthentaketheirwoodtrack。Itisabetterroad，\"saidRanald，aftertheyhadgotthroughthebiggate。
\"Now，Ranald，youthinkIamafraidoftheswamp，andbytheCamerons\'ismuchlonger。\"
\"Indeed，Ihearthemsaythatyouarenotafraidofthe——ofanything，\"saidRanald，quickly，\"butthisroadisbetterforthehorses。\"
\"Comeon，then，withyourcolt\"；andtheponydartedawayonherquick-springinggallop，followedbythecoltgoingwithalong，easy，lopingstride。ForamiletheykeptsidebysidetilltheyreachedtheCamerons\'lane，whenRanaldheldinthecoltandallowedtheponytolead。AstheypassedthroughtheCamerons\'
yardthebigblackdogs，famousbear-hunters，camebayingatthem。