\"Thereisthesinging，boys，\"saidMurdie。\"Comeaway。Letusgoin。
HewasallthemoreanxioustogettheboysintothechurchwhenhesawAleckmakingtowardthem。HehurriedPeterinbeforehim，wellpleasedwithhimselfandhissuccessaspeacemaker，butespeciallydelightedthathecouldnowturnhisfacetowardtheminister\'spew，withoutshame。Andashetookhisplaceinthebackseat，withPeterRuaghbesidehim，theglanceofprideandgratitudethatflashedacrossthecongregationtohimfromthegray-browneyesmadeMurdiefeelmorethaneverpleasedatwhathehadbeenabletodo。ButhewassomewhatdisturbedtonoticethatneitherRanaldnorDonnorAleckhadfollowedhimintothechurch，andhewaiteduneasilyfortheircoming。
InthemeantimeStraightRorywaswindinghissinuouswaythroughColeshill，theGaelicrhythmofthepsalmallowingofquaversandturnsimpossibleintheEnglish。
Inthepausefollowingthesecondverse，Murdiewasstartledatthesoundofangryvoicesfromwithout。MorethanMurdieheardthatsound。AsMurdieglancedtowardthepulpithesawthattheministerhadrisenandwaslisteningintently。
\"Behold——the——sparrow——findeth——out——\"chantedtheprecentor。
\"Youarealiar！\"Thewords，inAleck\'sfieryvoiceoutside，felldistinctlyuponMurdie\'sear，thoughfewinthecongregationseemedtohaveheard。ButwhileMurdiewasmakinguphismindtoslipout，theministerwasbeforehim。Quicklyhesteppeddownthepulpitstairs，psalm-bookinhand，andsingingashewent，walkedquietlytothebackdoor，andleavinghisbookonthewindow-sill，passedout。Thesingingwentcalmlyon，forthecongregationwereneversurprisedatanythingtheirministerdid。
Thenextversewasnearlythrough，whenthedooropened，andincameDon，followedbyAleck，lookingsomewhatdisheveledandshakenup，andtwoorthreemore。Inafewmomentstheministercamein，tookhispsalm-bookfromthewindow-sill，andstrikingupwiththecongregation，\"Blestisthemanwhosestrengththouart，\"marcheduptothepulpitagain，withonlyanaddedflashinhisblueeyesandalittlemoretriumphantswingtohiscoat-tailstoindicatethatanythinghadtakenplace。ButMurdielookedinvainforRanaldtoappear，andwaited，uncertainwhattodo。Hehadawholesomefearoftheminister，moreespeciallyinhispresentmood。Instinctivelyheturnedtowardtheminister\'spew，andreadingthelookofanxiousentreatyfromthepalefacethere，hewaitedtillthecongregationroseforprayerandthenslippedout，andwasseennomoreinchurchthatday。
Onthewayhomenotawordwassaidaboutthedisturbance。Butaftertheeveningworship，whentheministerhadgonetohisstudyforasmoke，Hughie，whohadheardthewholestoryfromDon，toldittohismotherandMaimieinhismostgraphicmanner。
\"ItwasnotRanald\'sfault，mother，\"hedeclared。\"YouknowPeterwouldnotlethimalone，andRanaldhithiminthenose，andservedhimright，too。Buttheymadeitallup，andtheywerejustgoingintothechurchagain，whenthatAleckMcRaepulledRanaldback，andRanalddidnotwanttofightatall，buthecalledRanaldaliar，andhecouldnothelpit，butjusthithim。\"
\"Whohitwho？\"saidMaimie。\"You\'renotmakingitveryclear，Hughie。\"
\"Why，Ranald，ofcourse，hitAleck，andknockedhimover，too，\"
saidHughie，withmuchsatisfaction；\"andthenAleck——heisanawfulfighter，youknow——jumpedonRanaldandwaspoundinghimjustawful，thegreatbigbrute，whenoutcamepapa。HesteppedupandcaughtAleckbytheneckandshookhimjustlikeababy，saying，allthetime，\'Wouldye？IwillteachyoutofightontheSabbathday！Here！inwithyou，everyoneofyou！\'andhethrewhimnearlyintothedoor，andthentheyallskedaddledintothechurch，Itellyou，Donsaid。Theywereprettybadlyscart，too，butDondidnotknowwhatpapadidtoRanald，andhedidnotknowwhereRanaldwent，butheisprettybadlyhurted，Iamsure。ThatgreatbigAleckMcRaeisoldenoughtobehisfather。Wasn\'titmeanofhim，mother？\"
PoorHughiewasalmostintears，andhismother，whosatlisteningtooeagerlytocorrectherlittleboy\'sethicsorgrammar，wasasnearlyovercomeashe。ShewishedsheknewwhereRanaldwas。HehadnotappearedattheeveningBibleclass，andMurdiehadreportedthathecouldnotfindhimanywhere。
SheputHughietobed，andthensawMaimietoherroom。ButMaimiewasveryunwillingtogotobed。
\"Oh，auntie，\"shewhispered，asherauntkissedhergoodnight，\"I
cannotgotosleep！\"Andthen，afterapause，shesaid，shyly，\"Doyouthinkheisbadlyhurt？\"
Thentheminister\'swife，lookingkeenlyintothegirl\'sface，madelightofRanald\'smisfortune。
\"Oh，hewillbeallright，\"shesaid，\"asfarashishurtisconcerned。Thatistheleastpartofhistrouble。Youneednotworryaboutthat。Goodnight，mydear。\"AndMaimie，relievedbyheraunt\'stone，said\"goodnight\"withherheartatrest。
ThenMrs。Murraywentintothestudy，determinedtofindoutwhathadpassedbetweenherhusbandandRanald。Shefoundhimlyingonhiscouch，luxuriatinginthesatisfactionofagoodday\'sworkbehindhim，andhisfirstpipenearlydone。Sheatonceventureduponthethingthatlayheavyuponherheart。Shebeganbytellingallsheknewofthetroublefromitsbeginninginthechurch，andthenwaitedforherhusband\'sstory。
Forsomemomentshelaysilentlysmoking。
\"Ah，well，\"hesaid，atlength，knockingouthispipe，\"perhapsI
wasalittleseverewiththelad。Hemaynothavebeensomuchtoblame。\"
\"Oh，papa！Whatdidyoudo？\"saidhiswife，inananxiousvoice。
\"Well，\"saidtheminister，hesitating，\"IfoundthattheyoungrascalhadstruckAleckMcRaefirst，andaverybadblowitwas。
SoIadministeredaprettysevererebukeandsenthimhome。\"
\"Oh，whatashame！\"criedhiswife，inindignanttears。\"ItwasfarmorethefaultofPeterandAleckandtherest。PoorRanald！\"
\"Now，mydear，\"saidtheminister，\"youneednotfearforRanald。
Idonotsupposehecaresmuch。Besides，hisfacewasnotfittobeseen，soIsenthimhome。Well，it——\"
\"Yes，\"burstinhiswife，\"great，brutalfellow，tostrikeaboylikethat！\"
\"Boy？\"saidherhusband。\"Well，hemaybe，butnotmanymenwoulddaretofacehim。\"Thenheadded，\"IwishIhadknown——IfearI
spoke——perhapstheboymayfeelunjustlytreated。HeisasproudasLucifer。\"
\"Oh，papa！\"saidhiswife，\"whatdidyousay？\"
\"Nothingbutwhatwastrue。IjusttoldhimthataboywhowouldbreaktheLord\'sDaybyfighting，andintheveryshadowoftheLord\'shouse，whenChristianpeoplewereworshipingGod，wasactinglikeasavage，andwasnotfitforthecompanyofdecentfolk。\"
Tothishiswifemadenoreply，butwentoutofthestudy，leavingtheministerfeelingveryuncomfortableindeed。Butbytheendofthesecondpipehebegantofeelthat，afterall，Ranaldhadgotnomorethanwasgoodforhim，andthathewouldbenonetheworseofit；inwhichcomfortingconvictionhewenttorest，andsoonfellintothesleepwhichissupposedtobetherightofthejust。
Notsohiswife。Weariedthoughshewaswiththelongday，itsexcitementsanditstoils，sleepwouldnotcome。Anxiousthoughtsabouttheladshehadcometoloveasifhewereherownsonorbrotherkeptcrowdinginuponher。Thevisionofhisfierce，dark，stormyfaceheldhereyesawakeandatlengthdrewherfromherbed。Shewentintothestudyandfelluponherknees。Theburdenhadgrowntooheavyforhertobearalone。ShewouldshareitwithHimwhoknewwhatitmeanttobearthesorrowsandthesinsofothers。
Assherose，sheheardFidobarkandwhineintheyardbelow，andgoingtothewindow，shesawamanstandingatthebackdoor，andFidofawninguponhim。Startled，shewasabouttowakenherhusband，whenthemanturnedhisfacesothatthemoonlightfelluponit，andshesawRanald。Hastilyshethrewonherdressing-
gown，putonherwarmbedroomslippersandcloak，randowntothedoor，andinanothermomentwasstandingbeforehim，holdinghimbytheshoulders。
\"Ranald！\"shecried，breathlessly，\"whatisit？\"
\"Iamgoingaway，\"hesaid，simply。\"AndIwasjustpassingby——
and——\"hecouldnotgoon。
\"Oh，Ranald！\"shecried，，\"Iamgladyoucamethisway。Nowtellmewhereyouaregoing。\"
Theboylookedatherasifshehadstartedanewideainhismind，andthensaid，\"Idonotknow。\"
\"Andwhatareyougoingtodo，Ranald？\"
\"Work。Thereisplentytodo。Nofearofthat。\"
\"Butyourfather，Ranald？\"
Theboywassilentforalittle，andthensaid，\"Hewillsoonbewell，andhewillnotbeneedingme，andhesaidIcouldgo。\"Hisvoicebrokewiththeremembranceofthepartingwithhisfather。
\"Andwhyareyougoing，Ranald？\"shesaid，lookingintohiseyes。
Againtheboystoodsilent。
\"Whydoyougoawayfromyourhomeandyourfather，and——and——allofuswholoveyou？\"
\"Indeed，thereisnoone，\"hereplied，bitterly；\"andIamnotfordecentpeople。Iamnotfordecentpeople。Iknowthatwellenough。Thereisnoonethatwillcaremuch。\"
\"Noone，Ranald？\"sheasked，sadly。\"Ithought——\"shepaused，lookingsteadilyintohisface。
Suddenlytheboyturnedtoher，andputtingoutbothhishands，burstforth，hisvoicecomingindrysobs：\"Oh，yes，yes！Idobelieveyou。Idobelieveyou。AndthatiswhyIcamethisway。
IwantedtoseeyourdooragainbeforeIwent。Oh，Iwillneverforgetyou！Never，never，andIamgladIamseeingyou，fornowyouwillknow——howmuch——\"Theboywasunabletoproceed。Hissobswereshakinghiswholeframe，andtohisshyHighlandScotchnature，wordsofloveandadmirationwerenoteasy。\"Youwillnotbesendingmebackhomeagain？\"hepleaded，anticipatingher。
\"Indeed，Icannotstayinthisplaceafterto-day。\"
Buttheminister\'swifekepthereyessteadilyuponhisfacewithoutaword，tryinginvaintofindhervoice，andtherightwordstosay。Shehadnoneedofwords，forinherface，pale，wetwithherflowingtears，andilluminedwithhergray-browneyes，Ranaldreadherheart。
\"Oh！\"hecriedagain，\"youarewantingmetostay，andIwillbeashamedbeforethemall，andtheminister，too。Icannotstay。I
cannotstay。\"
\"AndIcannotletyougo，Ranald，myboy，\"shesaid，commandinghervoicetospeech。\"Iwantyoutobeabraveman。Idon\'twantyoutobeafraidofthem。\"
\"Afraidofthem！\"saidtheboy，inscornfulsurprise。\"Notiftheyweretwiceasmoreandtwiceasbeeg。\"
Mrs。Murraysawheradvantage，andfolloweditup。
\"Andtheministerdidnotknowthewholetruth，Ranald，andhewassorryhespoketoyouashedid。\"
\"Didhesaythat？\"saidRanald，insurprise。Itwastohim，astoanyoneinthatcommunity，aterriblethingtofallunderthedispleasureoftheministerandtobedisgracedinhiseyes。
\"Yes，indeed，Ranald，andhewouldbesorryifyoushouldgoaway。
Iamsurehewouldblamehimself。\"
Thiswasquiteanewideatotheboy。Thattheministershouldthinkhimselftobeinthewrongwashardlycredible。
\"Andhowgladwewouldbe，\"shecontinued，earnestly，\"toseeyouproveyourselfamanbeforethemall。\"
Ranaldshookhishead。\"Iwouldrathergoaway。\"
\"Perhaps，butit\'sbravertostay，andtodoyourworklikeaman。\"
Andthen，allowinghimnotimeforwords，shepicturedtohimtheselfish，cowardlypartthemanplayswhomarchesbravelyenoughinthefrontranksuntilthebattlebegins，butwhoshrinksbackandseeksaneasyplacewhenthefightcomeson，tillhisfacefellbeforeherinshame。Andthensheshowedhimwhatshewouldlikehimtodo，andwhatshewouldlikehimtobeinpatienceandincourage，tillhestoodoncemoreerectandsteady。
\"Now，Ranald，\"shesaid，notingtheeffectofherwordsuponhim，\"whatisittobe？\"
\"Iwillgoback，\"hesaid，simply；andturningwithasinglewordoffarewell，hesprangoverthefenceanddisappearedinthewoods。
Theminister\'swifestoodlookingthewayhewentlongafterhehadpassedoutofsight，andthen，liftinghereyestotheradiantskywithitsshininglights，\"Hemadethestarsalso，\"shewhispered，andwentuptoherbedandlaidherdownandsleptinpeace。HerSabbathday\'sworkwasdone。
CHAPTERX
THEHOME-COMINGOFTHESHANTYMEN
ForsomeweeksRanaldwasnotseenbyanyonebelongingtothemanse。Hughiereportedthathewasnotatchurch，noratBibleclass，andalthoughthiswasnotinitselfanextraordinarything，stillMrs。Murraywasuneasy，andHughiefeltthatchurchwasagreatdisappointmentwhenRanaldwasnotthere。
IntheirvisitstoMacdonaldDubhtheministerandhiswifenevercouldseeRanald。HisAuntKirstycouldnotunderstandorexplainhisreluctancetoattendthepublicservices，norhisunwillingnesstoappearinthehouseontheoccasionoftheminister\'svisits。
\"Heisbusywiththefencesandaboutthestablespreparingforthespring\'swork，\"shesaid；\"but，indeed，heisveryqueerwhatever，andIcannotmakehimoutatall。\"MacdonaldDubhhimselfsaidnothing。Butthebooksandmagazinesbroughtbytheminister\'swifewerealwaysread。\"Indeed，whenoncehegetsdowntohisbook，\"hisauntcomplained，\"neitherhisbednorhisdinnerwillmovehim。\"
Theministerthoughtlittleoftheboy\'s\"vagaries，\"buttohiswifecamemanyananxiousthoughtaboutRanaldandhisdoings。Shewasmoredisappointedthanshecaredtoconfess，eventoherself，thattheboyseemedtobequiteindifferenttothesteadilydeepeninginterestinspiritualthingsthatmarkedthemembersofherBibleclass。
Whileshewasplanninghowtoreachhimoncemore，aneventoccurredwhichbroughthimnearertoherthanhehadeverbeenbefore。Astheyweresittingoneeveningattea，thedoorunexpectedlyopened，andwithoutannouncement，inwalkedRanald，splashedwithhardriding，pale，anddazed。Withoutawordofreplytothegreetingsthatmethimfromallatthetable，hewentstraighttotheminister\'swife，handedheranopenedletter，andstoodwaiting。ItwasaddressedtoRanaldhimself，andwasthefirsthehadeverreceivedinhislife。ItwasfromYankeeJim，andreadasfollows：
DearRanald——TheBossaintfeelinlikeritinmuchandtherestoftheboysisallbrokeup，andsohetoldmetoritetoyouandtotellyousomepurtybadnews。Idon\'tknowhowtogoaboutit，butthefactis，MackCamerongotdrowndedyesterdaytryintopullalittlefoolofaFrenchmanoutoftheriverjustbelowtheLachine。
We\'djustgotthroughtheroughwaterandwerelyinniceandquiet，gettinthingstogetheragainwhenthatijitFrenchmangottiteandgottryinsomefooltrickorotherwalkingatimberstickandgotupsotintothewet。I\'dalethimgo，youbet，butMackcudn\'tstandtoseehimbobbinupanddownsoherippedoffandinafterhim。Hegothimtoo，butsomehowthevarmintgrippedhimroundtheneck。TheywentdownbutwegotemoutpurtyquickandtheFrenchmancomeroundallright，butsomehowMackwouldn\'t，chokedappearinlybythattarnellittlefoolwhoaintworthoneofMack\'sfingers，andifkillinhimwuddoanygood，thenhewudn\'tbelivinlong。Weareallfeelinpurtybad。Wearecomin\'homeonThursdaybyCornwall，eightortenofus。Therestwillgoonwiththerafts。TheBosssays，betterhaverigstomeetusandMack。
That\'sall。Ihaintnogoodatweepin\'，neverwas，wishIcudsomehow，itmighteaseoffafelleralittle，buttellyouwhat，Ranald，IhaintfeltsoqueersinceIwasaboylookinatmymotherinhercoffin。TherewasnothinmeanaboutMack。Hewasgoodtotheheart。Hewuddohisworkslickandneveragrowloragroan，andwhenyouwantedafellertoyourback，Mackwasthere。Iknowthereaintnousegoinonlikethis。AllIsayis，ther\'sapurtybigholeintheworldforusto-night。Bosssaysyou\'dbettertelltheminister。Hesayshe\'sgoodstuffandhe\'llknowwhattodoatMack\'shome。Nomoreatpresent。Good-bye。Yourstruely，J。LATHAM。
Theminister\'swifebeganreadingtheletter，wonderingnotalittleatRanald\'smanner，butwhenshecametothewords，\"MackCamerongotdrownded，\"shelaidtheletterdownwithalittlecry。
Herhusbandcamequicklytoher，tookuptheletter，andreadittotheend。
\"Iwillgoatonce，\"hesaid，andrangthebell。\"TellLamberttoputBlackinthebuggyimmediately，Jessie，\"hesaid，whenthemaidappeared。\"Doyouthinkyououghttogo，mydear？\"
\"Yes，yes，Ishallbereadyinamoment；but，oh，whatcanwedoorsay？\"
\"Perhapsyouhadbetternotgo。Itwillbeverytrying，\"saidtheminister。
\"Oh，yes，Imustgo。Imust。Thepoormother！\"ThensheturnedtoRanaldastheministerlefttheroom。\"Youaregoinghome，Ranald，Isuppose，\"shesaid。
\"No，IwasthinkingIwouldgototellthepeople。DonaldRosswillgo，andtheCampbells，andFarquharMcNaughton\'slightwagonwouldbebest——forthe——forMack。AndthenIwillgoroundbytheMcGregors。\"
Ranaldhadbeenthinkingthingsoutandmakinghisplans。
\"Butthatwillbealongroundforyou，\"saidMrs。Murray。\"CouldnotwegobytheCampbells\'，andtheywillsendwordtoDonaldRoss？\"
\"Ithinkitwouldbebetterformetogo，tomakesureoftheteams。\"
\"Verywell，then。Goodby，Ranald，\"saidtheminister\'swife，holdingoutherhandtohim。
ButstillRanaldlingered。\"ItwillbehardonBellaPeter，\"hesaid，inalowvoice，lookingoutofthewindow。
\"BellaPeter？BellaMcGregor？\"
\"Yes，\"saidRanald，embarrassedandhesitating。\"ShewasMack\'s——
Mackwasveryfondofher，whatever。\"
\"Oh，Ranald！\"shecried，\"doyousayso？Areyousureofthat？\"
\"Yes，Iamsure，\"saidRanald，simply。\"TheboysintheshantywouldbeteasingMackaboutit，andonedayMacktoldmesomething，andIknowquitewell。\"
\"Iwillgotoher，\"saidMrs。Murray。
\"Thatwillbeverygood，\"saidRanald，muchrelieved。\"AndIwillbegoingwithyouthatway。\"
AsMrs。Murraylefttheroom，MaimiecamearoundtowhereRanaldwasstandingandsaidtohim，gently，\"Youknewhimwell，didn\'tyou？\"
\"Yes，\"repliedRanald，inanindifferenttone，asifunwillingtotalkwithheraboutit。
\"Andyouwereveryfondofhim？\"wentonMaimie。
Ranaldcaughtthetremorinhervoiceandlookedather。\"Yes，\"hesaid，withaneffort。\"Hewasgoodtomeinthecamp。Many\'sthetimehemadeiteasyforme。HewasnexttoMacdonaldBhainwiththeax，and，man，hewasthegrandfighter——thatis，\"headded，adoptingthephraseoftheMacdonaldgang，\"whenitwasaplainnecessity。\"Then，forgettinghimself，hebegantotellMaimiehowBigMackhadbornehimselfinthegreatfightafewweeksbefore。
Buthehadhardlywellbegunwhensuddenlyhestoppedwithagroan。
\"Butnowheisdead——heisdead。Iwillneverseehimnomore。\"
Hewasrealizingforthefirsttimehisloss。Maimiecamenearerhim，andlayingherhandtimidlyonhisarm，said，\"Iamsorry，Ranald\"；andRanaldturnedoncemoreandlookedather，asifsurprisedthatsheshouldshowsuchfeeling。
\"Yes，\"hesaid，\"Ibelieveyouaresorry。\"
Herbigblueeyesfilledsuddenlywithtears。
\"DoyouwonderthatIamsorry？DoyouthinkIhavenoheartatall？\"sheburstforth，impetuously。
\"Indeed，Idon\'tknow，\"saidRanald。\"Whyshouldyoucare？Youdonotknowhim。\"
\"Buthaven\'tyoujusttoldmehowsplendidhewas，andhowgoodhewastoyou，andhowmuchyouthoughtofhim，and——\"Maimiecheckedherrushofwordswithasuddenblush，andthenhurriedontosay，\"Besides，thinkofhismother，andallofthem。\"
WhileMaimiewasspeaking，Ranaldhadbeenscanningherfaceasiftryingtomakeuphismindabouther。
\"Iamgladyouaresorry，\"hesaid，slowly，gazingwithsosearchingalookintohereyesthatsheletthemfall。
AtthismomentMrs。Murrayenteredreadyforherride。
\"Istheponycome？\"sheasked。
\"Indeed，itistheslouchIam，\"saidRanald，andhehurriedofftothestable，returninginaveryshorttimewiththeponysaddled。
\"Youwouldnotcaretogowithyouruncle，Maimie？\"saidMrs。
Murray，asLambertdroveupBlackinthebuggy。
\"No，auntie，Ithinknot，\"saidMaimie。\"IwilltakecareofHughieandthebaby。\"
\"Goodby，then，mydear，\"saidMrs。Murray，kissingher。
\"Goodby，Ranald，\"saidMaimie，asheturnedawaytogethiscolt。
\"Goodby，\"hesaid，awkwardly。Hefeltlikeliftinghiscap，buthesitatedtodoanythingsoextremelyunnatural。Withtheboysinthatcountrysuchanactofcourtesywasregardedasasignof\"pride，\"ifnotofweakness。
Theirwaylayalongtheconcessionlineforamile，andthenthroughthewoodsbythebridle-pathtoPeterMcGregor\'sclearing。
Thegreengrassraneverywhere——alongtheroadside，roundthegreatstumproots，overtheroughpasture-fields，softeningandsmoothingwhereveritwent。Thewoodswereflushingpurple，withjustatingeofgreenfromtheburstingbuds。Thebalsamsandsprucesstillstooddarkintheswamps，butthetamarackswereshylydeckingthemselvesintheirexquisiterobesofspring，andthroughallthebushtheairwasfilledwithsoftsoundsandscents。Inearthandair，infieldandforest，life，thenewspringlife，ranriot。Howstrangelyimpertinentdeathappeared，andhowunlovelyinsuchaworldoflife！
Astheylefttheconcessionroadandwereabouttostrikeintothewoods，Mrs。Murraycheckedherpony，andlookinguponthelovelinessabouther，said，softly，\"Howbeautifulitallis！\"
TherewasnoresponsefromRanald，andMrs。Murray，glancingathisgloomyface，knewthathisheartwassoreatthethoughtofthepaintheywerebearingwiththem。Shehesitatedafewmoments，andthensaid，gently：\"AndIsawanewheavenandanewearth。Andthereshallbenomoredeath。\"
ButstillRanaldmadenoreply，andtheyrodeonthroughthebushinsilencetilltheycametotheclearingbeyond。Astheyenteredthebrule，Ranaldcheckedhiscolt，andholdinguphishand，said，\"Listen！\"
Throughthequieteveningair，sweetandclearasasilverbell，camethelong，musicalnoteofthecallthatbringsthecowshomeforthemilking。ItwasBella\'svoice：\"Ko——boss，ko——boss，ko——boss！\"
Faracrossthebruletheycouldseeherstandingonabigpinestumpnearthebars，callingtohercowsthatwereslowlymakingtowardherthroughthefallentimber，pausinghereandtheretocropanespeciallyrichmouthful，andnowandthenrespondingtohercallwithsoftlowings。GentlyBellachidthem。\"Come，Blossom，comeawaynow；youareverylazy。Come，Lily；whatareyouwaitingfor？Youslowoldpoke！\"Thenagainthelong，musicalnote：\"Ko——boss，ko——boss，ko——boss！\"
Ranaldgroanedaloud，\"Och-hone！Itwillbeherlastgladhour，\"
hesaid；\"itisahard，hardthing。\"
\"Poorchild，poorchild！\"saidMrs。Murray；\"theLordhelpher。Itwillbeacruelblow。\"
\"Thatitis，acruelblow，\"saidRanald，bitterly；sobitterlythatMrs。Murrayglancedathiminsurpriseandsawhisfacesetinangrypain。
\"TheLordknowsbest，Ranald，\"shesaid，gravely，\"andlovesbest，too。\"
\"Itwillbreakherheart，whatever，\"answeredRanald，shortly。
\"Hehealeththebrokeninheart，\"saidMrs。Murray，softly。Ranaldmadenoreply，butletthecolttakeherwaythroughthebruletowardthelaneintowhichBellahadnowgothercows。Howhappythegirlwas！Joyfilledeverytoneofhervoice。Andwhynot？
Itwasthespringtime，thetimeoflifeandlove。Longwinterwasgone，andsoonherbrotherswouldbebackfromtheshanties。\"AndMack，too，\"shewhisperedtoherhappyheart。
\"Andareyesurethenewsistrue？
Andareyesurehe\'sweel？
Isthisatimetothinko\'wark？
Yejades，flingbyyourwheel。
\"Forthere\'snaeluckabootthehoose，There\'snaeluckava，There\'slittlepleesureinthehooseWhenoorgudeman\'sawa。\"
Soshesang，nottooloud；fortheboyswereatthebarnandshewouldneverheartheendofit。
\"Well，Bella，youaregettingyourcowshome。Howareyou，mydear？\"
Bellaturnedwithascarletfacetomeettheminister\'swife，andherblushesonlybecamedeeperwhenshesawRanald，forshefeltquitecertainthatRanaldwouldunderstandthemeaningofhersong。
\"Iwillgoonwiththecows，\"saidRanald，inahoarsevoice，andMrs。Murray，alighting，gavehimherponytolead。
PeterMcGregorwasasternmantohisownfamily，andtoalltheworld，withthesingleexceptionofhisonlydaughter，Bella。Hissixboyshekeptinorderwithafirmhand，andnotoneofthemwouldventuretotakealibertywithhim。ButBellahadnofearofhisgrimfaceandsternways，and\"justtwiddledherfatherroundherfinger，\"ashermothersaid，withagreatshowofimpatience。
But，inspiteofallherpettingfromherbigbrothersandherfather，Bellaremainedquiteunspoiled，thelightofherhomeandthejoyofherfather\'sheart。Ithadnotescapedthefather\'sjealouseyethatBigMackCameronfoundoccasionformanyavisittotheboysonaneveningwhentheday\'sworkwasdone，andthatfromthemeetingshefoundhisshortestwayhomeroundbytheMcGregor\'s。Atfirsttheoldmanwasverygruffwithhim，andwasforsendinghimabouthisbusiness，buthisdaughter\'shappyface，andthelightinhereyes，thatcouldmeanonlyonething，madehimpause，andafteralongandsleeplessnight，hesurprisedhisdaughterthenextmorningwithawordofgentlegreetingandanunusualcaress，andthenceforthtookBigMacktohisheart。Notthatanywordorexplanationpassedbetweenthem；ithadnotcometothatasyet；butBigMackfeltthechange，andgavehimthenceforththeobedienceandaffectionofason。
Theoldmanwasstandingintheyard，waitingtohelpwiththemilking。
Ranalddrovethecowsin，andthen，tyingupthehorses，wentstraighttohim。
\"Ibringbadnews，Mr。McGregor，\"hesaid，anxioustogetdonewithhissadtask。\"Therehasbeenanaccidentontheriver，andMackCameronisdrowned。\"
\"Whatdoyousay，boy？\"saidPeter，inaharshvoice。
\"HewastryingtosaveaFrenchman，andwhentheygothimouthewasdead，\"saidRanald，hurryingthroughhistale，forhesawthetwofigurescomingupthelaneanddrawingnearer。
\"Dead！\"echoedtheoldman。\"BigMack！Godhelpme。\"
\"Andtheywillbewantingateam，\"continuedRanald，\"togotoCornwallto-morrow。\"
Theoldmanstoodforafewmoments，lookingstupidlyatRanald。
Then，liftinghishatfromhisgrayhead，hesaid，brokenly：\"Mypoorgirl！WouldGodIhaddiedforhim。\"
Ranaldturnedawayandstoodlookingdownthelane，shrinkingfromthesightoftheoldman\'sagony。Then，turningbacktohim，hesaid：\"Theminister\'swifeiscomingyonderwithBella。\"
Theoldmanstarted，andwithamightyeffortcommandinghimself，said，\"NowmayGodhelpme！\"andwenttomeethisdaughter。
ThroughthegloomofthefallingnightRanaldcouldseethefrightenedwhitefaceandthestaring，tearlesseyes。TheycamequitenearbeforeBellacaughtsightofherfather。Foramomentshehesitated，tilltheoldman，withoutaword，beckonedhertohim。Withaquicklittlerunshewasinhisarms，whereshelaymoaning，asifinsorebodilypain。Herfatherheldherclosetohim，murmuringoverherfondGaelicwords，whileRanaldandMrs。
Murraywentovertothehorsesandstoodwaitingthere。
\"IwillgonowtoDonaldRoss，\"Ranaldsaid，inalowvoice，totheminister\'swife。Hemountedthecoltandwasridingoff，whenPetercalledhimback。
\"Theboyswilltakethewagonto-morrow，\"hesaid。
\"TheywillmeetattheSixteenthatdaylight，\"repliedRanald；andthentoMrs。Murrayhesaid，\"Iwillcomebackthiswayforyou。
Itwillsoonbedark。\"
ButBella，hearinghim，criedtoher：\"Oh，youwillnotgo？\"
\"Notifyouneedme，Bella，\"saidMrs。Murray，puttingherarmsaroundher。\"Ranaldwillruninandtellthemathome。\"ThisRanaldpromisedtodo，androdeawayonhiswoefuljourney；andbeforehereachedhomethatnight，thenewshadspreadfarandwide，fromhousetohouse，likeablackcloudoverasunnysky。
Thehome-comingofthemenfromtheshantieshadeverbeenatimeofrejoicinginthecommunity。TheMacdonaldgangwereespeciallywelcome，fortheyalwayscamebackwithhonorandwiththerewardsoftheirwinter\'swork。Therewasalwaysaseriesofwelcominggatheringsinthedifferenthomesrepresentedinthegang，andthere，inthemidstoftheadmiringcompany，taleswouldbetoldofthedeedsdoneandthetrialsendured，oftheadventuresontheriverandthewondersofthecitieswheretheyhadbeen。Allwerewelcomeeverywhere，andnonemorethanBigMackCameron。Brimmingwithgoodnature，andwitharemarkableturnforstories，hewasthecenterofeverygroupofyoungpeoplewhereverhewent；andatthe\"bees\"forloggingorforbuildingorforcradling，BigMackwasheldinhonor，forhewassecondinfeatsofstrengthonlytoMacdonaldBhainhimself。Itwaswithnocommongriefthatpeopleheardthewordthattheywerebringinghimhomedead。
AttheSixteenthnextmorning，beforethebreakofday，Ranaldstoodinthegloomwaitingforthecomingoftheteams。Hehadbeenupmostofthenightandhewaswearyinbodyandsoreatheart，butMacdonaldBhainhadtrustedhim，andtheremustbenomistake。Onebyonetheteamsarrived。FirsttoappearwasDonaldRoss，theelder。Foryearshehadgivenoverthedrivingofhisteamtohisboys，butto-dayhefeltthatrespecttothefamilydemandedhispresenceonsuchanerrandasthis；andbesides，heknewwellthathissonDannie，Mack\'sspecialchum，wouldexpecthimtosohonorthehome-comingofhisdeadfriend。PeterMcGregor，fearingtoleavehisdaughterforthatlongandlonelyday，senthissonJohninhisplace。ItwaswithdifficultythatMack\'sfather，LongJohnCameron，hadbeenpersuadedtoremainwiththemotherandtoallowMurdietogoinhisstead。
ThelasttoarrivewasFarquharMcNaughton，Kirsty\'sFarquhar，withhisfineblackteamandnewlightwagon。Tohimwastobegiventhehonorofbearingthebodyhome。Gravelytheytalkedandplanned，andthenleftalltoRanaldtoexecute。
\"Youwillseetothesethings，Ranald，myman，saidDonaldRoss，withtheairofonegivingsolemncharge。\"Letallthingsbedonedecentlyandinorder。\"
\"Iwilltry，\"saidRanald，simply。ButFarquharMcNaughtonlookedathimdoubtfully。
\"Itisapeety，\"hesaid，\"thereisnotonewithmoreexperience。
Heisbutalad。\"
ButDonaldRosshadbeenmuchimpressedwithRanald\'scapablemannerthenightbefore。
\"Neveryoufear，Farquhar，\"hereplied；\"Ranaldisnotonetofailus。\"
AsRanaldstoodwatchingthewagonsrumblingdowntheroadandoutofsight，hefeltasifyearsmusthavepassedsincehehadreceivedtheletterthathadlaidonhimtheheavyburdenofthissadnews。Thathisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，shouldhavesentthewordtohimbroughtRanaldasenseofresponsibilitythatawakenedthemaninhim，andheknewhewouldfeelhimselfaboynomore。
Andwiththatnewfeelingofmanhoodstirringwithinhim，hewentabouthisworkthatday，omittingnodetailinarrangementfortheseemlyconductofthefuneral。
NightwasfallingasthewagonsrumbledbackagainfromCornwall，bringingbacktheshantymenandtheirdeadcompanion。UpthroughtheSixteenth，whereagreatcompanyofpeoplestoodsilentandwithbaredheads，thesadprocessionmoved，pasttheoldchurch，upthroughtheswamp，andsoonwardtothehomeofthedead。NoneoftheMacdonaldgangturnedasidetotheirhomestilltheyhadgiventheircomradeoverintothekeepingofhisownpeople。BythetimetheCameron\'sgatewasreachedthenighthadgrownthickandblack，andthedriversweregladenoughofthecedarbarktorchesthatRanaldandDonwavedinfrontoftheteamstolightthewayupthelane。InsilenceDonaldRoss，whowasleading，droveuphisteamtothelittlegardengateandallowedthegreatMacdonaldandDannietoalight。
AtthegatestoodLongJohnCameron，silentandself-controlled，butwithfaceshowingwhiteandhaggardinthelightoftheflaringtorches。Behindhim，intheshadow，stoodtheminister。Forafewmomentstheyallremainedmotionlessandsilent。Thetimewastoogreatforwords，andthesemenknewwhenitwasgoodtoholdtheirpeace。AtlengthMacdonaldBhainbrokethesilence，sayinginhisgreatdeepvoice，ashebaredhishead：\"Mr。Cameron，Ihavebroughtyoubackyourson，andGodismywitness，Iwouldhisplacewereminethisnight。\"
\"Bringhimin，Mr。Macdonald，\"repliedthefather，gravelyandsteadily。\"Bringhimin。ItistheLord；letHimdowhatseemethHimgood。\"
ThensixoftheMacdonaldmencameforwardfromthedarkness，CurlyandYankeeleadingtheway，andliftedthecoffinfromFarquhar\'swagon，andreverently，withheadsuncovered，theyfollowedthetorchestothedoor。Theretheystoppedsuddenly，forastheyreachedthethreshold，therearosealow，long，heart-smitingcryfromwithin。AtthesoundofthatcryRanaldstaggeredasifstruckbyablow，andlethistorchfalltotheground。Thebearerswaited，lookingateachotherinfear。
\"Whisht，Janet，woman！\"saidLongJohn，gravely。\"Yoursonisatthedoor。\"
\"Ah，indeed，thatheis，thatheis！Myson！Myson！\"
Shestoodinthedoorwaywithhandsupliftedandwithtearsstreamingdownherface。\"Comein，Malcolm；comein，myboy。Yourmotheriswaitingforyou。\"
Thentheycarriedhiminandlaidhiminthe\"room，\"andretiringtothekitchen，satdowntowatchthenight。
Inhalfanhourthefathercameoutandfoundthemthere。
\"Youhavedonewhatyoucould，Mr。Macdonald，\"hesaid，addressinghimforall，\"andIwillnotbeunmindfulofyourkindness。Butnowyoucandonomore。Yourwifeandyourpeoplewillbewaitingyou。\"
\"And，pleaseGod，ingoodtimetheywillbeseeingus。Asforme，Iwillneithergotomyhomenorupintomybed，butIwillwatchbythemanwhowasmyfaithfulfriendandcompaniontillheislaidaway。\"
Andinthismindheandhismenremainedfirm，takingturnsatthewatchingallthatnightandthenextday。
AsMacdonaldfinishedspeaking，theministercameintothekitchen，bringingwithhimthemotherandthechildren。Themenallrosetotheirfeet，doingrespecttothewomanandtohergrief。Whentheywereseatedagain，theministerroseandsaid：\"Myfriends，thisisanightforsilenceandnotforwords。ThevoiceoftheLordisspeakinginourears。Itbecomesustohear，andtosubmitourselvestoHisholywill。Letuspray。\"
AsRanaldlistenedtotheprayer，hecouldnothelpthinkinghowdifferentitwasfromthosehewasaccustomedtohearfromthepulpit。Solemn，simple，anddirect，itliftedtheheartsofallpresentuptothethroneofGod，totheplaceofstrengthandofpeace。Therewasnoattempttoexplainthe\"mysteryoftheProvidence，\"buttherewasasublimetrustthatrefusedtodespaireveninthepresenceofimpenetrabledarkness。
Aftertheministerhadgone，MacdonaldBhaintookRanaldasideandaskedhimastothearrangementsforthefuneral。WhenRanaldhadexplainedtohimeverydetail，Macdonaldlaidhishandonhisnephew\'sshoulderandsaid，kindly，\"Itiswelldone，Ranald。Nowyouwillbegoinghome，andinthemorningyouwillseeyouraunt，andifshewillbewishingtocometothewaketo-morrownight，thenyouwillbringher。\"
ThenRanaldwenthome，feelingwellrepaidforhislonghoursofanxietyandtoil。
CHAPTERXI
THEWAKE
ThewakewasanimportantfeatureinthesociallifeofthepeopleofIndianLands。Inancientdays，inthelandoftheirforefathers，thewakehadbeendeemedadirenecessityforthesafeguardingofthedead，whoweresupposedtobepeculiarlyexposedtothemaliciousattacksofevilspirits。Hence，withmanylightedcandles，andwithmuchincantation，friendswouldsurroundthebodythroughtheperiloushoursofdarkness。Itwasaweirdandwearyvigil，andsmallwonderifitappearednecessarythatthecourageandenduranceofthewatchersshouldbefortifiedwithcopiousdraughtsof\"mountaindew，\"withbreadandcheeseaccompaniments。
Andthecompletenessoftheirtrustintheefficacyofsuchsupportswastoooftenevidencedbytheconditionofthewatcherstowardthedawnofthemorning。And，indeed，ifthespiritswerenottoofastidious，andiftheyhadsodesired，theycouldhaveeasilyflownaway，notonlywiththe\"waked，\"butwiththe\"wakers\"aswell。
Butthosedaysandthosenotionshadlongpassedaway。Thewakestillremained，butitsmeaningandpurposehadchanged。Nolongerfortheguardingofthedead，butforthecomfortoftheliving，thefriendsgatheredtothehouseofmourningandwatchedthewearyhours。ButHighlandcourtesyforbadethatthecustomofrefreshingthewatchersshouldbeallowedtodieout，andhence，throughthenight，onceandagain，thewhisky，bread，andcheesewerehandedaroundbysomeclosefriendofthefamily，andwerethenplaceduponthetableforgeneraluse。Itwasnotsurprisingthat，whereallwerefreetocomeandwelcometostay，andwhereanythinglikescantinessinprovidingorniggardlinessinservingwouldbeamatteroffamilydisgrace，thewakeoftendegeneratedintoafrolic，ifnotadebauch。Inordertocheckanysuchtendency，ithadbeenthecustomoflateyearstointroducereligiousservices，begunbytheministerhimselfandcontinuedbytheelders。
Astheeveningfell，agroupofeldersstoodbythebackdoorofLongJohnCameron\'ssorrow-strickenhome，talkingquietlyoverthesadeventandarrangingforthe\"exercises\"ofthenight。AtalittledistancefromthemsatYankee，withRanaldbesidehim，bothsilentandlisteningsomewhatindifferentlytothetalkoftheothers。Yankeewasnotinhiselement。Hewasalwayswelcomeinthehomesofhiscomrades，forhewasreadywithhistongueandcleverwithhisfingers，butwiththegraverandreligioussideoftheirliveshehadlittleincommon。Itwas，perhaps，thisfeelingthatdrewhimtowardMacdonaldDubhandRanald，sothatforweeksatatimehewouldmaketheirhousehishome。Hehad\"nouseforwakes，\"ashesaidhimself，andhaditnotbeenthatitwasoneofthegangthatlaydeadwithin，Yankeewouldhaveavoidedthehouseuntilallwasoverandtheelderssafelyaway。
Oftheelders，onlyfourwerepresentasyet：DonaldRoss，whowaseverreadytobringthelightofhiskindlyfacetocheertheheartsofthemourners；StraightRory，whonever，byanychance，allowedhimselftomissthesolemnjoyofleadingthefuneralpsalm；PeterMcRae，whocarriedbehindhissternoldfaceaheartofgenuinesympathy；andKennyCrubach，towhomattendanceatfuneralswasatonceadutyandahorror。
DonaldRoss，towhomalltheeldersaccorded，instinctively，theplaceofleader，wasarrangingtheorderof\"theexercises。\"
\"Mr。McCuaig，\"hesaidtoStraightRory，\"youwilltakechargeofthesinging。Therestofuswill，inturn，giveoutapsalmandreadaportionofScripturewithafewsuitableremarks，andleadinprayer。Wewillnotbeforgetting，brethren，\"saidoldDonald，\"thattherewillbesoreheartsherethisnight。\'
StraightRory\'sanswerwasasighsowoefulandsodeepthatYankeelookedoverathimandremarkedinanundertonetoRanald，\"Heain\'tsocheerfulashemightbe。Hemustfeelawfulinside。\"
\"ItisasadandterribledayfortheCamerons，\"saidPeterMcRae。
\"Aye，itissad，indeed，\"repliedDonaldRoss。\"Hewasagoodsonandtheywillbemissinghimbad。Itisagreatloss。\"
\"Yes，thelossisgreat，\"saidPeter，grimly。\"But，afterall，thatisasmallthing。\"
StraightRorysighedagainevenmoredeeplythanbefore。DonaldRosssaidnothing。
\"Whatdoestheoldduckmean，anyhow？\"saidYankeetoRanald。
Theboymadenoreply。HisheartwassickwithhorroratPeter\'smeaning，whichheunderstoodonlytoowell。
\"Aye，\"wentonPeter，\"itisaterrible，mysteriousProvidence，andaheavywarningtotheungodlyandcareless。\"
\"Hemeansme，Iguess，\"remarkedYankeetoRanald。
\"Itwillperhapsbenotamisstoanyofus，\"saidKennyCrubach，sharply。
\"Indeed，thatistrue，\"saidDonaldRoss，inaveryhumblevoice。
\"Yes，Mr。Ross，\"saidPeter，ignoringKennyCrubach，\"butattimesthevoiceofProvidencecannotbemisunderstood，anditwillnotdofortheeldersofthechurchtobespeakingsoftthingswhentheLordisspeakinginjudgmentandwrath。\"
Donaldwassilent，whileStraightRoryassentedwithaheartrending\"Aye，aye，\"whichstirredYankee\'sbileagain。
\"What\'shetalkin\'about？Hedon\'tseemtobeusin\'mylanguage，\"
hesaid，inatoneofwrathfulperplexity。Ranaldwastoomiserabletoanswer，butKennywasreadywithhisword。
\"Judgmentandwrath，\"heechoed，quickly。\"ThemanwouldrequiretobeveryskillfulwhateverininterpretingthewaysofProvidence，andveryboldtoputsuchameaningintothedeathofayoungmansuchasMalcolmyonder。\"Thelittleman\'svoicewasvibratingwithfeeling。
ThenYankeebegantounderstand。\"I\'llbegol-blamedtoacinder！\"
heexclaimed，inalowvoice，fallingbackuponacombinationthatseemedmoresuitabletothecircumstances。\"Theyain\'tsendin\'himtohell，arethey？\"Heshutuptheknifewithwhichhehadbeenwhittlingwithasharpsnap，andrisingtohisfeet，walkedslowlyovertothegroupofelders。
\"Farbeitfrommetojudgewhatisnottobeseen，\"saidPeter。
\"Butweareallowedandcommandedtodiscernthestateoftheheartbythefruits。\"
\"Fruits？\"repliedKenny，quickly。\"Hewasagoodsonandbrotherandfriend；hewashonestandclean，andhegavehislifeforanotheratthelast。\"
\"Exactlyso，\"saidPeter。\"Iamnotdenyingmuchnaturalgoodness，forindeedhewasafinelad；butIwillbelookingfortheevidencethathewasinastateofgrace。Ihavenotheardofany，andgladwouldIbetohearit。\"
Theoldman\'semotiontookthesharpnessoutofKenny\'sspeech，buthepersisted，stoutly，\"Goodnessisgoodness，Mr。McRae，forallthat。\"
\"YouwillnotbeholdingtheArmeniandoctrineofworks，Mr。
Campbell？\"saidPeter，severely。\"Youwouldnotbepointingtogoodworksasagroundofsalvation？\"
Yankee，whohadbeenfollowingtheconversationintently，thoughthesawmeaninginitatlast。
\"IfImighttakeahand，\"hesaid，diffidently，\"Imightcontributesomethin\'tohelpyouout。\"
Peterregardedhimalittleimpatiently。Hehadforgottentheconcrete，forthemoment，intheabstract，andwasdonninghisarmorforabattlewithKennyuponthe\"fundamentals。\"HencehewasnottoowellpleasedwithYankee\'sinterruption。ButDonaldRossgladlywelcomedthediversion。Thesubjectwastohimextremelypainful。
\"Wewillbeglad，\"hesaidtoYankee，\"tohearyou，Mr。Latham。\"
\"Well，\"saidYankee，slowly，\"fromyourremarksIgatheredthatyouwantedinformationaboutthedoingsof——\"hejerkedhisheadtowardthehousebehindhim。\"Now，Iwanttosay，\"hecontinued，confidentially，\"you\'vecometotherightshop，forI\'veateandslept，I\'veworkedandfought，I\'velivedwithhimbydayandbynight，andrightthroughhewasthestraightest，whitestmanIeverseen，andIwon\'texceptthebosshimself。\"Yankeepausedtoconsidertheeffectofthisstatement，andtoallowitsfullweighttobeappreciated；andthenhecontinued：\"Yes，sir，youmayjustbetyour——youmayberightwellsure，\"correctinghimself，\"thatyou\'resafeingivin\'\"——herehedroppedhisvoice，andjerkedhisheadtowardthehouseagain——\"ingivin\'thehighestmarks，fullvalue，andnodiscount。Why，\"hewenton，withanenthusiasmrareinhim，\"askanymaninthegang，anymanontheriver，iftheyeverseenorheardofhisdoin\'ameanorcrookedthing，andifyoufindanyfellerwhosayshedid，bringhimhere，and，by\"——Yankeerememberedhimselfintime——\"andIgiveyoumysolemnwordthatI\'lleathim，hatandboots。\"Yankeebroughthisbonyfistdownwithawhackintohishand。Thenherelapsedintohislazydrawlagain：\"No，siree，hoss！Ifit\'sdoin\'syou\'reafter，don\'tyoubeslowinbankin\'yourlittleheaponHISdoin\'s。\"
DonaldRossgraspedYankee\'shandandshookithard。\"Iwillbethankingyouforthatword，\"hesaid，earnestly。
ButPeterfeltthatthecauseoftruthdemandedthatheshouldspeakout。\"Mr。Latham，\"hesaid，solemnly，\"whatyouhavebeensayingisverytrue，nodoubt，butifamanisnot\'bornagainhecannotseethekingdomofGod。\'ThesearethewordsoftheLordhimself。\"
\"Bornagain！\"saidYankee。\"How？Idon\'tseemtogetyou。ButI
guessthefellerthatdoestherightthingallroundhasgotapurtygoodchance。\"
\"Itisnotaman\'sdeeds，wearetold，\"saidPeter，patiently，\"buthisheart。\"
\"Thereyouare，\"saidYankee，warmly，\"rightagain，andthat\'swhatIalwaysholdto。It\'stheheartamancarriesroundinhisinside。Nevermindyourtalk，nevermindyouractin\'upforpeopletosee。Givemetheheartthatiswarmandred，andbeatspropertime，youbet。Say！you\'reallright。\"YankeegazedadmiringlyattheperplexedandhopelessPeter。
\"IamafraidyouarenotrememberingwhattheApostlePaulsaid，Mr。Latham，\"saidPeter，determinedtodealfaithfullywithYankee。
\"\'Bythedeedsofthelawshallnofleshbejustified。\'\"
ItwasnowYankee\'sturntogazehelplesslyatPeter。\"Iguessyouhavedroppedmeagain，\"hesaid，slowly。
\"Man，\"saidPeter，withatouchofseverity，\"youwillneedtobemorefaithfulwiththeWordofGod。TheScripturesplainlydeclare，Mr。Latham，thatitisimpossibleforamantobesavedinhisnaturalstate。\"
Yankeelookedblankatthis。
\"Theprophetsaysthattheplowingandsowing，theveryprayers，ofthewickedareanabominationtotheLord。\"
\"Why，nowyou\'retalkin\'，butlookhere。\"Yankeeloweredhistone。
\"Lookhere，youwouldn\'tgofortocall\"——hereagainhejerkedhisheadtowardthehouse——\"wicked，wouldyou？Furifyoudo，why，thereain\'tanymoreconversationbetweenyouandme。\"
Yankeewasterriblyinearnest。
\"\'Thereisnonerighteous，no，notone，\'\"quotedPeter，withtheairofamanwhoforceshimselftoanunpleasantduty。
\"That\'sso，Iguess，\"saidYankee，meditatively，\"butitdependssomeonwhatyoumean。Idon\'tsetmyselfupforanycopy-bookhead-line，butasmengo——men，say，justlikeyouhere——I\'dput——
I\'dputhimalongside，wouldn\'tyou？Youexpecttogetthroughyourself，Ijudge？\"
ThiswasturningthetablessomewhatsharplyuponPeter，butYankee\'skeen，wide-openeyeswereuponhim，andhisintenselyearnestmannerdemandedananswer。
\"Indeed，ifitwillbeso，itwillnotbeforanymeritofmyown，butonlybecauseofthemercyoftheLordinChristJesus。\"
Peter\'stonewassincerelyhumble。
\"Guessyou\'reallright，\"saidYankee，encouragingly；\"andasfor——
asfor——him——don\'tyouworryaboutthat。Youmaybedeadsureabouthiscase。\"
ButPeteronlyshookhisheadhopelessly。\"Youaresorelyinneedofinstruction，Mr。Latham，\"hesaid，sadly。\"Wecannotlistentoourheartsinthismatter。WemustdohonortothejusticeofGod，andthewordisclear，\'Yemustbebornagain。\'Nothingelseavails。\"Peter\'stonewasfinal。
ThenYankeedrewalittlenearertohim，asifsettlingdowntowork。
\"Nowlookhere。Youletmetalkawhile。Iain\'tupinyoursideofthebusiness，butIguesswearetryin\'tomakethesamepoint。
Nowsupposin\'youwasinforahossrace，whichIhopeain\'tnooffense，seein\'itain\'tlikelybutsuppose，andtotakefirstmoneyyouhadtoperdooseatwo-fifteengait。\'Purtygoodlick，\'
saysyou；\'nowwherewillIgetthenag？\'Thenyousetsdownandthinks，and，saysyou，\'Bygum，whichofcourseyouwouldn\'t，butsupposin\'saysyou，\'aBlueGrassbredisthehossforthatgait\'；
andyoubegintoinquirearound，butthereain\'tnoBlueGrassbredstockinthecountry，andthatraceiscreepin\'upclose。Oneday，justwhenyouwasbeginnin\'tofigureontakin\'thedusttothehullfield，youseesacoltcomin\'alongtheroadhittin\'upapurtyslickgait。\'Hello，\'saysyou，\'thatlookslikely，\'andyoubegintonegotiate，andyoufindsoutthatcolt\'sallrightandhertime\'stwo-ten。Thenyoubegintotalkabouttheweatherandthecropsuntilyoufindsouttheprice，andyouofferhimhalfmoney。
Then，whenyouhavefetchedhimdowntotherightfigure，youpullsoutyourwad，thinkin\'howthatcoltwillmaketherestlooklikealineoffence-posts。\'Butholdon，\'saysyou，\'isthisherecoltBlueGrassbred？\'\'BlueGrass！Notmuch。Thishere\'sGreyEaglestock，NorthVirginny\'sayshe。\'Don\'twanther，\'saysyou。
\'What\'sthematterwiththecolt？\'sayshe。\'Nothin\'，onlysheain\'tBlueGrass。GottobeBlueGrass。\'\'Butshe\'sgotthegait，ain\'tshe？\'\'Yes，thegait\'sallright，actionfine，good-looking，too，nothingwrong，butsheain\'tBlueGrassbred。\'Andsoyouloseyourrace。Nowwhatkindofanamewouldyoucallyourself？\"
PetersawYankee\'spoint，butheonlyshookhisheadmorehopelesslythanbefore，andturnedtoenterthehouse，followedbyStraightRory，stillsighingdeeply，andoldDonaldRoss。ButKennyremainedamomentbehindtheothers，andofferinghishandtoYankee，said：\"Youarearightman，andIwillbeproudtoknowyoubetter。\"
YankeeturnedapuzzledfacetoKenny。\"Isay，\"heinquired，inanamazedvoice，\"doyouthinkhedidn\'tcatchontome？\"
Kennynodded。\"Yes，heunderstoodyourpoint。\"
\"Butlookhere，\"saidYankee，\"theydon\'tholdthat——thatheis——\"
Yankeepaused。Thethoughtwastoohorrible，andthesemenwereexperts，andweresupposedtoknow。
\"It\'shardtosay，\"saidKenny，diplomatically。
\"Seehere，\"saidYankee，facingKennysquarely，\"you\'reapurtylevel-headedman，andyou\'reupinthisbusiness。Doyouthinkwiththem？Nomonkeying。Straighttalknow。\"Yankeewasinnomoodtobetrifledwith。HewasinsuchdeadlyearnestthathehadforgottenallaboutRanald，whowasnowstandingbehindhim，waiting，withwhitefaceandpartedlips，forKenny\'sanswer。
\"Whisht！\"saidKenny，pointingintothekitchenbehind。YankeelookedandsawBellaPeterandherfatherentering。ButRanaldwasdeterminedtoknowKenny\'sopinion。
\"Mr。Campbell，\"hewhispered，eagerly，andforgettingtherespectduetoanelder，hegraspedKenny\'sarm，\"doyouthinkwiththem？\"
\"ThatIdonot，\"saidKenny，emphatically，andYankee，atthatword，struckhishandintoKenny\'spalmwithaloudsmack。
\"Iknewblamedwellyouwerenotanysuchdumbfool，\"hesaid，softeninghisspeechindeferencetoKenny\'sofficeandthesurroundingcircumstances。Sosaying，hewentawaytothestable，andwhenRanaldandhisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，followedalittlelatertoputupPeterMcGregor\'steam，theyheardYankeeinside，swearingwithafluencyandvigorquiteunusualwithhim。
\"Whisht，man！\"saidMacdonaldBhain，sternly。\"Thisisnoplaceortimetobeusingsuchlanguage。Whatisthematterwithyou，anyway？\"
ButMacdonaldcouldgetnosatisfactionoutofhim，andhesaidtohisnephew，\"Whatisit，Ranald？\"
\"Itistheelders，PeterMcRaeandStraightRory，\"saidRanald，sullenly。\"TheyweresayingthatMackwas——thatMackwas——\"
\"Lookhere，boss，\"interruptedYankee，\"Iain\'twellupinScriptures，anddon\'tknowmuchaboutthesethings，andthemeldersdo，andtheysay——someofthem，anyway——aresendingMacktohell。
Now，Iguessyou\'rejustaswellupastheyareinthisbusiness，andIwantyoursolemnopinion。\"Yankee\'sfacewaspale，andhiseyeswereglaringlikeawildbeast\'s。\"WhatIsayis，\"hewenton，\"ifafellerlikeMackgoestohell，thenthereain\'tany。Atleastnonetoscareme。WhereMackiswillbegoodenoughforme。
Whatdoyousay，boss？\"
\"Bequiet，man，\"saidMacdonaldBhain，gravely，butkindly。\"Doyounotknowyouareneartoblasphemythere？ButIforgiveyouforthesoreheartyouhave；andaboutpoorMackyonder，noonewillbeabletosayforcertain。Iamapoorsinner，andtheonlyclaimIhavetoGod\'smercyistheclaimofapoorsinner。ButI
willdaretosaythatIhavehopeintheLordformyself，andI
willsaythatIhaveagreatdealmoreforMack。\"
\"Iguessthatsettlesitallright，then，\"saidYankee，drawingabigbreathofcontentandbitingoffahugechewfromhisplug。
\"Butwhattheblankblank，\"hewenton，savagely，\"dothesefellersmean，stirringupaman\'sfeelin\'slikethat？Seemtobenotabadsort，either，\"headded，meditatively。
\"Indeed，theyaregoodmen，\"saidMacdonaldBhain，\"buttheywillnotbeknowingMackasIknewhim。Henevermadeanyprofessionatall，buthehadtherootofthematterinhim。\"
Ranaldfeltasifhehadwakenedoutofaterriblenightmare，andfollowedhisuncleintothehouse，withahappierheartthanhehadknownsincehehadreceivedYankee\'sletter。
Astheyenteredtheroomwherethepeopleweregathered，DonaldRosswasreadingthehundredandthirdpsalm，andthewordsofloveandpityandsympathyweredroppingfromhiskindlylipslikehealingbalmuponthemourninghearts，andastheyroseandfelluponthecadencesof\"Coleshill，\"thetuneStraightRoryalwayschoseforthispsalm，thehealingsankdownintoallthesoreplaces，andthepeacethatpassethunderstandingbegantotakepossessionofthem。
Softlyandsweetlytheysang，theoldwomenswayingwiththemusic：
\"For，astheheaveninitsheightTheearthsurmountethfar，Sogreattothosethatdohimfear，Histendermerciesare。\"
Whentheyreachedthatverse，themothertookupthesongandwentbravelyonthroughthewordsofthefollowingverse：
\"AsfaraseastisdistantfromThewest，sofarhathheFromusremoved，inhislove，Allouriniquity。\"
AsshesangthelastwordsherhandstoleovertoBella，whosatbesideherquietbuttearless，lookingfaraway。Butwhenthenextwordsroseonthedearoldminorstrains，\"SuchpityasafatherhathUntohischildrendear，\"
Bella\'slipbegantotremble，andtwobigtearsrandownherpalecheeks，andonecouldseethatthesorepaininherhearthadbeenalittleeased。
AfterDonaldRosshadfinishedhispartofthe\"exercises，\"hecalleduponKennyCrubach，whoreadbriefly，andwithoutcomment，theexquisiteScottishparaphraseofLuther\'s\"littlegospel\"：
\"BeholdtheamazinggiftofloveTheFatherhathbestowedOnus，thesinfulsonsofmen，TocallussonsofGod——\"
andsoontotheend。
AllthistimePeterMcRae，themanofiron，hadbeensittingwithhardeningface，hiseyesburninginhisheadlikeglowingcoals；
andwhenDonaldRosscalleduponhimfor\"somewordsofexhortationandcomfortsuitabletotheoccasion，\"withouthasteandwithouthesitationtheoldmanrose，andtremblingwithexcitementandemotion，hebeganabruptly：\"Anevilspirithasbeenwhisperingtome，astotheprophetofold，\'Speakthatwhichisgood，\'buttheLordhathdeliveredmefrommineenemy，andmyansweris，\'AstheLordliveth，whattheLordsaiduntome，thatwillIspeak\'；anditisnoteasy。\"
Astheoldmanpaused，avisibleterrorfelluponallthecompanyassembled。Thepoormothersatlookingathimwiththelookofoneshrinkingfromablow，whileBellaPeter\'sfaceexpressedonlystartledfear。
\"AndthisisthewordoftheLordthisnighttome，\"theelderwenton，hisvoicelosingitstremorandringingoutstrongandclear：
\"\'Thereisnonerighteous，no，notone，forallhavesinnedandcomeshortofthegloryofGod。Hethatbelievethshallbesaved，andhethatbelievethnotshallbedamned。\'Thatismymessage，anditislaiduponmeasasoreburdentohearthevoiceoftheLordinthissolemnProvidence，andtowarnoneandalltofleefromthewrathtocome。\"
Hepausedlong，whilemencouldheartheirheartsbeat。Then，raisinghisvoice，hecriedaloud：\"Woeisme！Alas！itisagrievousburden。TheLordpityusall，andgivegracetothisstrickenfamilytokisstherodthatsmites。\"
Atthiswordtheoldman\'svoicesuddenlybroke，andhesatdownamidanawfulsilence。Noonecouldmisunderstandhismeaning。Astheawfulhorrorofitgraduallymadeitswayintohermind，Mrs。
Cameronthrewupherapronoverherheadandrockedinanagonyofsobs，whileLongJohnsatwithfacewhiteandrigid。BellaPeter，whohadbeengazingwithafascinatedstareupontheoldelder\'sfacewhilehewasspeakinghisterriblewords，startledbyMrs。
Cameron\'ssobs，suddenlylookedwildlyaboutasifforhelp，andthen，withawildcry，fledtowardthedoor。Butbeforeshehadreacheditastronghandcaughtherandagreatvoice，deepandtender，commandedher：\"Wait，lassie，sitdownhereameenute。\"
ItwasMacdonaldBhain。Hestoodashortspacesilentbeforethepeople，then，inavoicelow，deep，andthrilling，hebegan：\"YouhavebeenhearingthewordoftheLordthroughthelipsofhisservant，andIamnotsayingbutitisthetrueword；butIbelievethattheLordwillbespeakingbydifferentvoices，andalthoughI
hevnotthegift，yetitislaiduponmetodeclarewhatisinmyheart，andasoreheartitis，andsoreheartshevweall。ButI
willbethinkingofaferyjoyfulthing，andthatisthat\'Hecametocall，nottherighteous，butsinners，\'andthatinHisdaymanysinnerscameaboutHimandnotonewouldHeturnaway。AndIwillberememberingaferygreatsinnerwhocriedoutinhisdyinghour，\'Lord，rememberme，\'andnotinvain。AndI\'mthinkingthattheLordwillbemakingiteasyformentobesaved，andnothard，forHewasthatanxiousaboutitthatHegaveupHisownlife。Butitisnotgivenmetoargue，onlytotellyouwhatIknowabouttheladwhoislyingyondersilent。Itwillbethreeyearssincehewillbecomingontheshantieswithme，andfromthedaythathelefthismother\'sdoor，tillhecamebackagain，neveroncedidhefailmeinhisdutyinthecamp，orontheriver，orinthetown，whereitwasferyeasytobeforgetting。Andtheboyswouldbetellingmeofthetimesthathewouldbekeepingthemoutofthoseplaces。AnditisnotsoonthatDannieRosswillbeforgettingwhoitwasthattookhimbackfromthecampwhenthediseasewasuponhimandallwereafraidtogonearhim，andforseexweeks，bydayandbynight，watchedbyhimandwasnotthinkingofhimselfatall。AndsureamIthatthelessonshewouldbehearingfromhismotherandintheBibleclassandinthechurchwerenotlostonhimwhatever。Forontheriver，whenthewaterwasquietandI
wouldbelyinginthetentreading，itisoftenthatMackCameronwouldcomeinandlistentotheWord。Aye，hewasagoodlad\"——thegreatvoiceshookalittle——\"hewouldnotbethinkingofhimself，andatthelast，itwasforanothermanhegavehislife。\"
Macdonaldstoodforafewmomentssilent，hisfaceworkingwhilehestruggledwithhimself。Andthenallatoncehegrewcalm，andthrowingbackhishead，helookedthroughthedoor，andpointingintothedarkness，said：\"Andyonderisthelad，andwithhimagreatcompany，andhisfaceissmiling，and，oh！itisagoodland，agoodland！\"Hisvoicedroppedtoawhisper，andhesankintohisseat。
\"Godpreserveus！\"KennyCrubachejaculated；butoldDonaldRossroseandsaid，\"LetuscalluponthenameoftheLord。\"FromhisprayeritwasquiteevidentthatforhimatleastalldoubtsandfearsastopoorMack\'sstatewereremoved。AndevenPeterMcRae，subduednotsomuchbyanyargumentofMacdonaldBhain\'sasbyhisraptvision，followedoldDonald\'sprayerwithbrokenwordsofhopeandthanksgiving；anditwasPeterwhowasearlyatthemansenextmorningtorepeattotheministerthethingshehadseenandheardthenightbefore。Andallnextday，wheretherehadbeenthehorrorofunnamablefear，hopeandpeaceprevailed。
Theservicewasheldunderthetrees，andwhilethemotherandBellaPetersatsoftlyweeping，therewasnobitternessintheirtears，forthesermonbreathedoftheimmortalhope，andtheheartsofallwerecomforted。Therewasnoparadeofgrief，butafterthesermonwasoverthepeoplefiledquietlythroughtheroomtotakethelastlook，andthenthefamily，withBellaandherfather，wereleftaloneafewmomentswiththeirdead，whiletheMacdonaldmenkeptguardatthedoortillthetimefor\"thelifting\"wouldcome。
AfterLongJohnpassedout，followedbythefamily，MacdonaldBhainenteredtheroom，closedtheliddownuponthedeadface，andgavethecommandtobearhimforth。
So，withsolemndignity，asbefittedthem，theycarriedBigMackfromhishometoFarquharMcNaughton\'slightwagon。Alongtheconcessionroad，pastthenewchurch，throughtheswamp，andontotheoldchurchyardthelongprocessionslowlymoved。Therewasnounseemlyhaste，andbythetimethelastwordswerespoken，andthemounddecentlyrounded，thelongshadowsfromthewoodslayfaracrossthefields。Quietlythepeoplewenttheirwayshomeward，backtotheirlifeandwork，butformanydaystheycarriedwiththemthememoryofthosefuneralscenes。AndRanald，thoughhecamebackfromBigMack\'sgravetroubledwithquestionsthatrefusedtobeanswered，stillcarriedwithhimahearthealedofthepainthathadtornittheselastdays。Hebelieveditwaswellwithhisfriend，butaboutmanythingshewassorelyperplexed，anditwasthisthatbroughthimagaintotheminister\'swife。