away happily in the rain, with food provided for both himself and the beast sufficient for the day slung in a sack behind him.

“Reckon ye’ll come back hyar this evenin’?” queried the old mother, as he adjusted her bandages before leaving.

“I’ll see how the cabin feels after I have had a fire in the chimney all day.”

As he left, he paused by Cassandra’s side. She was standing by the spout of running water waiting for her pail to fill. “If it happens that you need me for — anything at all, send Hoyle, and I’ll come immediately. Will you?”

She lifted her eyes to his gratefully. “Thank you,” was all she said, but his look impelled more. “You are right kind,”