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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10930 ***
+
+                          THE BUCCANEER FARMER
+
+                           BY HAROLD BINDLOSS
+
+                                  1918
+
+        PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND UNDER THE TITLE "ASKEW'S VICTORY"
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I--AT ASHNESS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+       I THE LEASE
+
+      II THE OTTER HOUNDS
+
+     III A COUNCIL OF DEFENSE
+
+      IV THE PEAT CUTTERS
+
+       V RAILTON'S TALLY
+
+      VI BLEATARN GHYLL
+
+     VII THE RECKONING
+
+    VIII GRACE FINDS A WAY
+
+      IX THE PLAN WORKS
+
+       X JANET MEDDLES
+
+      XI OSBORN'S PRIDE GETS HURT
+
+     XII OSBORN INTERFERES
+
+
+PART II--ON THE CARIBBEAN
+
+       I THE OLD BUCCANEER
+
+      II THE PRESIDIO
+
+     III THE GOLD ONZA
+
+      IV THE PRESIDENT'S BALL
+
+       V OLSEN'S OFFER
+
+      VI THE PRESIDENT'S WATCHERS
+
+     VII ADAM RESUMES CONTROL
+
+    VIII THE MANGROVE SWAMP
+
+      IX ADAM'S LAST REQUEST
+
+       X THE ROAD TO THE MISSION
+
+      XI KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
+
+     XII THE LAST CARGO
+
+
+PART III--KIT'S RETURN
+
+       I KIT'S WELCOME
+
+      II A DANGEROUS TALENT
+
+     III THE HORSE SHOW
+
+      IV THE FLOOD
+
+       V KIT TELLS A STORY
+
+      VI THORN MAKES A PLAN
+
+     VII GERALD'S RETURN
+
+    VIII GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
+
+      IX KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
+
+       X GRACE'S CHOICE
+
+      XI OSBORN'S SURRENDER
+
+
+
+
+PART I--AT ASHNESS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE LEASE
+
+
+The morning was bright after heavy rain, and when Osborn looked out of
+the library window a warm, south-west breeze shook the larches about
+Tarnside Hall. Now and then a shadow sped across the tarn, darkening the
+ripples that sparkled like silver when the cloud drove on. Osborn
+frowned, for he had meant to go fishing and it was a morning when the
+big, shy trout would rise. His game-keeper was waiting at the boathouse,
+but the postman had brought some letters that made him put off his sport.
+
+This was annoying, because Osborn hated to be balked and seldom allowed
+anything to interfere with his amusements. One letter, from a housemaster
+at a famous public school, covered a number of bills, which, the writer
+stated somewhat curtly, ought to have been paid. Another announced that
+Hayes, the agent for the estate, and a tenant would wait upon Osborn, who
+knew what they meant to talk about. He admitted that a landlord had
+duties, but his generally demanded attention at an inconvenient time.
+
+Osborn was fifty years of age. He had a ruddy skin and well-proportioned
+figure, and was, physically, a rather fine example of the sporting
+country gentleman. For all that, there were lines on his forehead and
+wrinkles about his eyes; his mouth was loose and sensual, and something
+about him hinted at indulgence. His manner, as a rule, was abrupt and
+often overbearing.
+
+The library was spacious, the furniture in good taste but getting shabby.
+In fact, a certain look of age and shabbiness was typical of the house.
+Although the windows were open, the room had a damp smell, and the rows
+of books that Osborn never read were touched with mildew. Rain was
+plentiful in the north-country dale, coal was dear, and Mrs. Osborn was
+forced to study economy, partly because her husband would not.
+
+By and by Osborn turned his glance from the window and fixed it on his
+son, who stood waiting across the big oak table. Gerald was a handsome
+lad, like his father, but marked by a certain refinement and a hint of
+delicacy. Although he felt anxious, his pose was free and graceful and
+his look undisturbed. Osborn threw the bills on the table.
+
+"This kind of thing must stop," he said. "I haven't grumbled much,
+perhaps not as much as I ought, about your extravagance, but only a fool
+imagines he can spend more than he has got."
+
+"We have had such fools in our family," the boy remarked, and stopped
+when he saw Osborn's color rise.
+
+"It's a pity it's true," the latter agreed, with a patience he did not
+often use. "I'm paying for it now and you will pay a higher price, if you
+go on as you promise. You must pull up; I've done enough and am getting
+tired of self-denial."
+
+Gerald's smile faded. He had inherited his extravagance from his father,
+but felt he must be cautious, although Osborn sometimes showed him a
+forbearance he used to nobody else.
+
+"I'm sorry, sir," he said. "Perhaps I was extravagant, but if you don't
+want to be an outsider, you must do like the rest, and I understood you
+expected me to make friends among our own set. We can't be shabby."
+
+He struck the right note, for Osborn was not clever and perhaps his
+strongest characteristic was his exaggerated family pride.
+
+"You had enough and I paid your debts not long since," he said. "In fact,
+you have had more than your share, with the consequence that Grace gets
+less than hers." He knitted his brows as he indicated the house-master's
+curt letter. "Then, you have given a stranger an opportunity for writing
+to me like this."
+
+Gerald, knowing his father's humor, saw he was getting on
+dangerous ground.
+
+"Brown's a dry old prig, sir. Nothing sporting about him; he's hardly a
+gentleman."
+
+Osborn was seldom logical and now his annoyance was rather concentrated
+on the master who had written to him with jarring frankness than on the
+extravagant lad.
+
+"His letter implies it," he agreed and then pulled himself up. Gerald was
+clever and no doubt meant to divert his thoughts. "After all, this
+doesn't matter," he went on. "I'll pay these bills, but if you get into
+debt at Woolwich, you had better not come home. I have enough trouble
+about money, and your allowance is going to be a strain. There's another
+thing: Carter, who hasn't had your advantages, got in as a prize cadet."
+
+Gerald smiled. "He hasn't got his commission. Old Harry means well, but
+he's not our sort, and these plodding, cramming fellows seldom make good
+officers."
+
+"An officer must pay his mess bills, whether he's good or bad," Osborn
+rejoined. "If you go into the Horse Artillery, there won't be much money
+left when you have settled yours, so it might be prudent to begin some
+self-denial now. Anyhow, if you get into debt again, you know the
+consequences."
+
+He raised his hand in dismissal and walked to the window when the lad
+went out. He had not taken the line he meant to take, but Gerald
+often, so to speak, eluded him. The lad had a way of hinting that they
+understood one another and Osborn vaguely suspected that he worked
+upon his prejudices; but he was a sportsman. He had pluck and knew
+what the Osborn traditions demanded. In fact, Gerald might go far, if
+he went straight.
+
+Then Osborn thought he needed a drink, and after ringing a bell he sat
+down by the window with the tray and glass a servant brought. It was
+significant that he had given no order; the servants knew what the bell
+meant. When he had drained the glass he vacantly looked out. Boggy
+pasture and stony cornfields ran back from the tarn. Here and there a
+white farmstead, surrounded by stunted trees, stood at the hill foot;
+farther back a waterfall seamed the rocks and yellow grass with threads
+of foam; and then a lofty moor, red with heather, shut off the view.
+
+The land was poor at the dale head, but there was better below, where the
+hills dropped down to the flat country, and, with the exception of
+Ashness farm, all was Osborn's, from Force Crag, where the beck plunged
+from the moor, to the rich bottoms round Allerby mill. Unfortunately, the
+estate was encumbered when he inherited it, and he had paid off one
+mortgage by raising another. He might perhaps have used other means,
+letting his sporting rights and using economy, but this would have
+jarred. The only Osborn who bothered about money was his wife, and Alice
+was parsimonious enough for both. Money was certainly what his agent
+called tight; but as long as he could give his friends some shooting and
+a good dinner and live as an Osborn ought to live, he was satisfied.
+Still, Gerald must have his chance at Woolwich and this needed thought.
+Osborn felt he would like another drink, but glanced at his watch and saw
+that his visitors would arrive in a few minutes.
+
+They were punctual and Osborn got up when his agent and another man came
+in. Hayes was tall, urbane, and dressed with rather fastidious neatness;
+Bell was round-shouldered and shabby. He had a weather-beaten skin, gray
+hair, and small, cunning eyes. Osborn indicated chairs and sat down at
+the top of the big table. He disliked business and knew the others meant
+to persuade him to do something he would sooner leave alone. This would
+have been impossible had he not needed money.
+
+"Mr. Bell wishes to know if his tender for the Slate Company's haulage
+is approved," Hayes began. "His traction engine is suited for the work
+and he is prepared to buy a trailer lurry, which we would find useful
+in the dale. Mechanical transport would be a public advantage on our
+hilly roads."
+
+"It needs a good horse to bring half a load from station," Bell
+interposed. "T'lurry would move as much in yan day as farmers'
+carts in four."
+
+Osborn agreed. He was not much of an economist, but it was obvious that
+time and labor were wasted when a farmer took a few sacks of potatoes to
+the railway and another a sack of wool. There was no difficulty about the
+tender, because Osborn was chairman of the small Slate Company; the
+trouble was that the contract would help Bell to carry out another plan.
+The fellow was greedy, and was getting a rather dangerous control; he had
+already a lease of the limekilns and Allerby mill. But his rents were
+regularly paid, and it was an advantage to deal with one prosperous
+tenant instead of several who had not his punctuality and capital.
+
+"The trailer would be useful if you decided to make the new terrace you
+thought about," Hayes suggested. "The cost of carting the gravel and the
+slabs for the wall would be heavy; but I have no doubt Mr. Bell would
+undertake the work with the trailer on very reasonable terms."
+
+"I might forget to send in t' bill. Yan good turn deserves another,"
+Bell remarked.
+
+Hayes frowned. He had meant to imply something like this, but Bell was
+too blunt. For all that, Osborn was not very fastidious and had long
+meant to make the terrace when funds permitted. In fact, he hardly saw
+the thing as a bribe; it was rather a graceful recognition of his
+authority.
+
+"Very well," he said, "I'll sign the contract."
+
+"There is another matter," Hayes resumed. "Mr. Bell is willing to take up
+Harkness' tenancy of the coal yard and seed store at the station. He
+hopes you will grant him a long lease."
+
+Osborn pondered. Harkness had been drunken, careless, and often behind
+with his rent. He had let his business fall away and it was understood
+that Bell, who managed the opposition coal yard, had lent him small sums
+and until recently kept him on his feet. This was not because Bell was
+charitable, but because if Harkness came down while he had any trade
+left, a capable rival might take his place. In the meantime, his
+customers gradually went to Bell, and now Harkness had failed there was
+no business to attract a newcomer.
+
+"I don't know," said Osborn, "I had thought of advertising the yard
+and store."
+
+"You'll get nobody to pay what I'm offering," Bell replied. "A stranger
+would want to see Harkness' books and there's nowt in them as would tempt
+him to pay a decent rent. Then, with trailer going back from station, I
+could beat him on the haulage up the dale. He'd niver get his money back
+if he bowt an engine like mine."
+
+This was plausible, but Osborn hesitated. He saw that Bell wanted a
+monopoly and had a vague notion that he ought to protect his tenants.
+
+"It's sometimes an advantage to have two traders in a place," he
+remarked. "A certain amount of competition is healthy."
+
+"I don't know if it would be an advantage to the estate, and imagine you
+would not get a tenant to pay what Bell offers," Hayes replied. "Besides,
+rival traders sometimes agree to keep up prices, and competition does not
+always make things cheap."
+
+"That's one of the ridiculous arguments people who want the Government to
+manage everything sometimes use," said Osborn with a scornful gesture.
+
+Hayes smiled, "It is very well known that I am not an advocate of State
+ownership. All the same, unnecessary competition would be wasteful in the
+dale. For example, if you have two tenants at the station, the farmers
+who deal with the new man must use their carts, each coming separately
+for the small load a horse can take up Redmire bank, while Bell's
+trailer, after bringing down the slate, would go back empty. Then I hear
+some talk about a fresh appeal to the council to make the loop road round
+the hill."
+
+For a moment or two Osborn did not answer. Redmire bank was an obstacle
+to horse traffic, and the road surveyor had plans for easing the gradient
+that would necessitate cutting down a wood where Osborn's pheasants found
+shelter. He had refused permission, and the matter had been dropped; but,
+if the farmers insisted, the council might be forced to use their powers.
+He was obstinate, and did not mean to let them have the wood unless he
+could get his price.
+
+"You know my opinion about that?" he said.
+
+"Yes," said Hayes; "I imagine it would be prudent not to have the matter
+brought up. However, if Bell can send back his lurry full, the economy is
+plain. It will enable him to sell his coal and seed at a moderate price
+and pay a higher rent."
+
+"That's so," Osborn agreed, and knitted his brows.
+
+He doubted if Bell would give his customers the benefit of the cheaper
+haulage, but the advantage of getting a higher rent was obvious. Osborn
+knew he was being persuaded to do a shabby thing and hesitated. Money,
+however, was needed and must be got.
+
+"Very well," he said, "Mr. Bell can have the lease."
+
+They talked about something else, and when Osborn went fishing after the
+others left the wind had dropped, the sun was bright, and the trout would
+not rise. He felt rather injured, because he had paid for his attention
+to duty, when he joined his wife and daughter at tea on the lawn.
+
+A copper beech threw a cool shadow across the small table and basket
+chairs; the china and silver were old and good. Beyond the belt of
+wavering shade, the recently mown grass gave out a moist smell in the hot
+sun. The grass grew fine and close, for the turf was old, but there were
+patches of ugly weeds. The borders by the house were thinly planted and
+the color plan was rude, but one could not do much with a rheumatic
+gardener and a boy. There used to be two men, but Mrs. Osborn had
+insisted on cutting wages down.
+
+Across the yew hedge, the tarn sparkled like a mirror and on its farther
+side, where a clump of dark pines overhung a beach of silver sand, the
+hillslopes shone with yellow grass, relieved by the green of fern and
+belts of moss. The spot was picturesque; the old house, with its low,
+straight front and mullioned windows, round which creepers grew, had a
+touch of quiet beauty. Osborn was proud of Tarnside, although he
+sometimes chafed because he had not enough money to care for it as he
+ought.
+
+By and by he glanced at his wife, who had silently filled the cups and
+was cutting cake. She was a thin, quiet woman, with a hint of reserve in
+her delicately molded face. Sometimes she tactfully exercised a
+restraining influence, but for the most part acquiesced, for she had
+found out, soon after her marriage, that her husband must not be opposed.
+
+Grace, who sat opposite, had recently come home from school, and was
+marked by an independence somewhat unusual at Tarnside. She argued
+with Osborn and was firm when he got angry. Then she had a fresh
+enthusiasm for change and improvement and a generous faith in what she
+thought was good. Since Osborn was obstinately conventional, this
+sometimes led to jars.
+
+"After all, I'm going to have the terrace made," he remarked, and waited
+for his wife's approval.
+
+"Is it prudent?" she asked hesitatingly. "If I remember, you thought the
+work would cost too much when we talked about it last."
+
+"It will cost very little. In fact, I imagine the haulage of the gravel
+and the slabs for the wall will cost nothing," Osborn replied. "Bell has
+promised to bring me all the stuff we'll need with his new trailer."
+
+"Oh," said Grace, rather sharply, "I suppose this means you have given
+him the lease of the station coal yard? No doubt he offered to bring the
+gravel before you agreed. He's cunning and knew you wanted the terrace."
+
+"I can't remember if he offered before or afterwards," Osborn replied,
+with a touch of embarrassment. "Anyhow, I don't think it's important,
+because I did not allow his offer to persuade me. For all that, it's some
+satisfaction to get the work done cheap."
+
+Grace pondered. She was intelligent; contact with her school companions
+had developed her character, and she had begun to understand Osborn since
+she came home. She knew he was easily deceived and sometimes
+half-consciously deceived himself.
+
+"No," she said, "I don't think the work will really be cheap. It's often
+expensive to take a favor from a man like Bell. He will find a means of
+making you pay."
+
+"Ridiculous! Bell can't make me pay."
+
+"Then he will make somebody else pay for what he does for you, and it's
+hardly honest to let him," Grace insisted.
+
+Mrs. Osborn gave her a warning glance and Osborn's face got red.
+
+"It's a new thing for a young girl to criticize her father. This is what
+comes of indulging your mother and making some sacrifice to send you to
+an expensive modern school! If I'd had my way, you would have gone to
+another, where they teach the old-fashioned virtues: modesty, obedience,
+and respect for parents."
+
+Grace smiled, because she knew the school Osborn meant and the type it
+produced. She was grateful to her mother for a better start.
+
+"I'm sorry," she said quietly, but with a hint of resolution. "I
+don't want to criticize, but Bell is greedy and cunning, and now he
+has got both coal yards will charge the farmers more than he ought.
+He has already got too large a share of all the business that is done
+in the dale."
+
+"It's obvious that you have learned less than you think," Osborn
+rejoined, feeling that he was on safer ground. "You don't seem to
+understand that concentration means economy. Bell, for example, buys and
+stores his goods in large quantities, instead of handling a number of
+small lots at different times, which would cost him more."
+
+"I can see that," Grace admitted, "But I imagine he will keep all he
+saves. You know the farmers are grumbling about his charges."
+
+Osborn frowned. "You talk too much to the farm people; I don't like it.
+You can be polite, but I want you to remember they are my tenants, and
+not to sympathize with their imaginary grievances. They're a grumbling
+lot, but will keep their places if you leave them alone."
+
+He got up abruptly and when he went off across the lawn Mrs. Osborn gave
+the girl a reproachful glance.
+
+"You are very rash, my dear. On the whole, your father was
+remarkably patient."
+
+Grace laughed, a rather strained laugh, as Osborn's angry voice rose from
+behind a shrubbery.
+
+"He isn't patient now, and I'm afraid Jackson is paying for my fault.
+However, I really think I was patient, too. To talk about people keeping
+their places is ridiculous; in fact, it's piffle! Father's notions are
+horribly out of date. One wonders he doesn't know."
+
+"Things change. Perhaps we don't quite realize this when we are getting
+old. But you mustn't argue with your father. He doesn't like it, and when
+he's annoyed everybody suffers."
+
+"It's true; but how illogical!" Grace remarked, and mused while she
+looked dreamily across the grass.
+
+She was romantic and generous, and had learned something about social
+economy at the famous school; in fact, Osborn would have been startled
+had he suspected how much she knew. Nevertheless, she was young; her
+studies were half digested, and her theories crude. She had come home
+with a vague notion of playing the part of Lady Bountiful and putting
+things right, but had got a jar soon after she began. Her father's idea
+of justice was elementary: he resented her meddling, and was sometimes
+tyrannical. When it was obvious that he had taken an improper line he
+blamed his agent; but perhaps the worst was he seldom knew when he was
+wrong. Then the agent's main object was to extort as much money from the
+tenants as possible.
+
+Grace did not see what she could do, although she felt that something
+ought to be done. She had a raw, undisciplined enthusiasm, and imagined
+that she was somehow responsible. Yet when she tried to use some
+influence her father got savage and she felt hurt. Well, she must try to
+be patient and tactful. While she meditated, Mrs. Osborn got up, and they
+went back to the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE OTTER HOUNDS
+
+
+Grace's tweed dress was wet and rather muddy when she stood with Gerald
+on a gravel bank at the head of a pool, where the beck from the tarn
+joined a larger stream that flowed through a neighboring dale. There had
+been some rain and the water was stained a warm claret-color by the peat.
+Bright sunshine pierced the tossing alder branches, and the rapid close
+by sparkled between belts of moving shade. Large white dogs with black
+and yellow spots swam uncertainly about the pool and searched the bank; a
+group of men stood in the rapid, while another group watched the tail of
+the pool. Somewhere between them a hard-pressed otter hid.
+
+A few of the men wore red coats and belonged to the hunt; the rest were
+shepherds and farmers whom custom entitled to join in the sport. All
+carried long iron-pointed poles and waited with keen expectation the
+reappearance of the otter. Grace was perhaps the only one to feel a touch
+of pity for the exhausted animal and she wondered whether this was not a
+sentimental weakness. There was not much to be said for the otter's right
+to live; it was stealthy, cruel, and horribly destructive, killing many
+more fish and moorhens than it could eat. Indeed, before she went to
+school, she had followed the hunt with pleasant excitement, and was now
+rather surprised to find the sport had lost its zest.
+
+The odds against the otter were too great, although it had for some hours
+baffled men who knew the river, and well-trained dogs. It had stolen up
+shallow rapids, slipping between the watchers' legs, dived under swimming
+dogs, made bold dashes along the bank, and hidden in belts of reeds. Its
+capture had often looked certain and yet it had escaped. At first Grace
+had noticed the animal's confidence, beauty of form, and strength; but it
+had gradually got slack, hesitating, and limp. Now, when it lurked,
+half-drowned, in the depths of the pool while its pitiless enemies waited
+for it to come up to breathe, she began to wish it would get away.
+
+Thorn, the master of the hounds, was talking to his huntsman not far
+off. He was a friend of Osborn's, and Grace had once thought him a
+dashing and accomplished man of the world, but had recently, for no
+obvious reason, felt antagonistic. Alan was not as clever as she had
+imagined; he was smart, sometimes cheaply smart, which was another
+thing. Then he was beginning to get fat, and she vaguely shrank from the
+way he now and then looked at her. On the whole, it was a relief to note
+that he was occupied.
+
+For a few moments Grace let her eyes wander up the dale to the crags
+where the force leaped down from the red moor at Malton Head. Belts of
+dry bent-grass shone like gold and mossy patches glimmered luminously
+green. The fall looked like white lace drawn across the stones. A streak
+of mist touched the lofty crag, and above it a soft white cloud trailed
+across the sky. Then she turned as her brother spoke.
+
+"Alan has given us a good hunt and means to make a kill. He's rather a
+selfish beast and a bit too sure of himself; but he runs the pack well
+and knows how to get the best out of life. No Woolwich and sweating as a
+snubbed subaltern for him! He stopped at home, saw his tenants farmed
+well, and shot his game. That's my notion of a country gentleman!"
+
+"Father can look after Tarnside and a duty goes with owning land,"
+Grace remarked. "A landlord who need not work ought to serve the State.
+That idea was perhaps the best thing in the feudal system and it's not
+altogether forgotten yet. Father was right when he decided to make you
+a soldier."
+
+"He can send me to Woolwich, but after all that's as far as he can go.
+You're not at your best when you're improving," Gerald rejoined; and
+added with a grin, "You don't like old Alan, do you? I thought you
+snubbed him half an hour since."
+
+Grace colored, but did not answer. She had hurt her foot by falling from
+a mossy boulder and Thorn had come to help as she floundered across a
+shallow pool. She was draggled and her hair was loose, and Thorn's faint
+amusement annoyed her. Somehow it hinted at familiarity. She would not
+have resented it once, for they had been friends; but when she came home
+and he had tried to renew the friendship she had noted a subtle
+difference. Alan was forty, but now she had left school the disparity of
+their ages was, in a sense, much less marked. Then a shout roused her and
+she looked round.
+
+Where the smooth, brown water ran past the alder roots, a very small,
+dark object moved in advance of a faint, widening ripple. Grace knew it
+was the point of the otter's head; the animal's lungs were empty since
+it remained up so long. Next moment plunging dogs churned the pool into
+foam, the object vanished, and men ran along the bank to the lower
+rapid, while those already there beat the shallow with their poles. The
+dogs bunched together and began to swim up stream; Gerald and one or two
+more plunged into the water, and for a few moments the otter showed
+itself again.
+
+It looked like a fish and not an animal as it broke the surface, rising
+in graceful leaps. Then it went down, with the dogs swimming hard close
+behind, and Grace thought it must be caught. It was being steadily driven
+to the lower end of the stopped rapid, where the water was scarcely a
+foot deep. The animal reappeared, plunging in and out among the shallows
+but forging up stream, and the men who meant to turn it back closed up.
+There was one at every yard across the belt of sparkling foam. They had
+spiked poles to beat the water and it seemed impossible that their victim
+could get past.
+
+Yet the otter vanished, and for a minute or two there was silence, until
+the dogs rushed up the bank. Then somebody shouted, the huntsman blew his
+horn, and a small, wedge-shaped ripple trailed, very slowly across the
+next pool. The otter had somehow stolen past the watchers' legs and
+reached deep water, but its slowness told that its strength had gone. The
+dogs took the water with a splash, and Grace turned her head. She felt
+pitiful and did not want to see the end. The animal had made a gallant
+fight, and she shrank from the butchery.
+
+The clatter of heavy boots on stones suddenly stopped; there was a
+curious pause, and Grace looked up as somebody shouted: "'Gone to holt!
+Ca' off your hounds. Wheer's t' terrier?"
+
+The hunt swept up the bank, smashed through a hedge, and spread along
+the margin of the neighboring pool. A few big alders grew beside its
+edge, sending down their roots into deep water; but for the most part
+the bank was supported by timbers driven into the soil, and freshly laid
+with neatly-bedded turf. Grace knew this had been done to protect the
+meadow, because the stream is thrown against the concave side when a
+pool lies in a bend.
+
+As she stopped at the broken hedge a man ran past carrying a small wet
+terrier, and two or three more came up with spades. The otter could not
+escape now, since the hounds would watch the underwater entrance to the
+cave among the alder roots, while the terrier would crawl down from the
+other side. If a hole could not be found, the men would dig. They were
+interrupted soon after they began, for somebody said, "Put down your
+spade, Tom. Hold the terrier."
+
+Grace studied the man who had interfered. He was young and on the whole
+attractive. His face was honest and sunburned; he carried himself well,
+and was dressed rather neatly in knickerbockers and shooting jacket. She
+knew Christopher Askew was the son of a neighboring farmer, who owned his
+land. Then, as the men stopped digging, Thorn pushed past.
+
+"What's this?" he asked haughtily. "Why have you meddled?"
+
+Askew looked hard at him, but answered in a quiet voice, "It cost us some
+trouble to mend the bank, and if you dig out the otter the stream will
+soon make an ugly gap."
+
+"Then it's a matter of the cost!" said Thorn. "How much?"
+
+"Not altogether," Askew replied, coloring. "It's a matter of the damage
+the next flood may do. We had an awkward job to strengthen the bank and
+I'm not going to have it cut."
+
+"Noo, Kit, dinna spoil sport," the old huntsman urged. "It's none a trick
+for a canny lad to cheat the hounds."
+
+"Put terrier in an' niver mind him!" shouted another, and there were
+cries of approval.
+
+"Stop digging, Tom," Askew said with quiet firmness. "Pick up the dog."
+
+"We are wasting time," Thorn remarked. "I don't like bargaining; you had
+better state your price."
+
+Grace, looking on across the broken hedge, sympathized with the farmer.
+For one thing, she wanted the otter to escape; besides, she approved the
+man's resolute quietness. He had pluck, since it was plain that he was
+taking an unpopular line, and he used some self-control, because Thorn's
+tone was strongly provocative. In fact, she thought Thorn was not at his
+best; he was not entitled to suggest that the other was trying to extort
+as much money as he could.
+
+"No more do I like bargaining," Askew replied. "There will be no digging
+here. You have smashed the hedge, and that's enough. Call off your dogs."
+
+"So you mean to spoil sport, even if the damage costs you nothing? I know
+your kind; it's getting common."
+
+"Oh, no," said Askew. "I won't have the bank cut down, but that is all.
+If you like, you can look for another otter on our part of the stream."
+
+Thorn gave him a searching glance, and then, seeing he was resolute,
+shrugged contemptuously. The huntsman blew his horn, the dogs were drawn
+off, and Gerald followed the others across the field. Grace, however, sat
+down on a fallen tree to rest her foot and for a minute or two thought
+herself alone. Then she rose as Askew came through the gap in the hedge.
+He began to pull about the broken rails and thorns, but saw her when he
+looked up.
+
+"They have left you behind, Miss Osborn," he remarked with a smile.
+
+"I think I had enough; besides, I hurt my foot."
+
+"Badly?"
+
+"No," said Grace. "I have only begun to feel it hurt, but I wish it
+wasn't quite so far to the bridge."
+
+Askew looked at the water, measuring its height. "The stepping stones are
+not far off. One or two may be covered, but perhaps I could help you
+across and it would save you a mile."
+
+Grace went on with him and they presently stopped beneath the alder
+branches by a sparkling shallow. Tall brush grew up the shady bank and
+briars trailed in the stream. A row of flat-topped stones ran across, but
+there were gaps where the current foamed over some that were lower than
+the rest. Grace's foot was getting worse, and sitting down on a slab of
+the slate stile, she glanced at her companion.
+
+"I imagine it needed some pluck to stop the hunt," she said. "For one
+thing, you were alone; nobody agreed with you."
+
+Askew smiled. "Opposition sometimes makes one obstinate. But do you think
+it's hard to stand alone?"
+
+"Yes," said Grace, impulsively. "I know it's hard. Yet, of course, if you
+feel you are taking the proper line, you oughtn't to be daunted by what
+others think."
+
+She stopped, remembering that the man was a stranger; and then resumed in
+a different tone, "But why did you really stop the hunt? Are you one of
+the people who don't believe in sport?"
+
+"No," said Askew good humoredly. "It's curious that Mr. Thorn hinted
+something like that. Anyhow, I'm not a champion of the otter's right to
+destroy useful fish. I think they ought to be shot."
+
+"Oh!" said Grace with a touch of indignation; "you would shoot an otter?
+Well, I suppose they must be killed; but to use a gun!"
+
+"It's better for the otter. Which do you imagine it would choose--a
+mercifully sudden end, or two or three hours of agony, with men and dogs
+close behind, until the half-drowned, exhausted animal is torn to pieces
+or mangled by the poles?"
+
+"I suppose one must answer as you expect."
+
+"You're honest," Askew remarked. "I imagine it cost you something
+to agree!"
+
+"It did," Grace admitted. "After all, you know our traditions, and many
+people, not cruel people, like the sport."
+
+"That is so; but let's take the hunt to-day, for an example. There were
+three or four men without an occupation, and no doubt they find following
+the hounds healthy exercise. The others had left work that ought to be
+done; in fact, if you think, you'll own that some were men we have not
+much use for in the dale."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, with some reluctance; "I know the men you mean. All
+the same, it is really not our business to decide if they ought to
+work or hunt."
+
+Askew looked amused and she liked his twinkle. He was obviously
+intelligent, and on the whole she approved his unconventional point of
+view. Conventional insincerities were the rule at Tarnside. Besides,
+although it was possible she ought not to talk to the man with such
+freedom, her foot hurt and the stile made a comfortable seat. She liked
+to watch the shadows quiver on the stream and hear the current brawl
+among the stones. This was an excuse for stopping, since she would not
+acknowledge that the young farmer's society had some charm.
+
+After a moment or two he resumed: "It is not my business, anyhow, and I
+don't want to argue if otter-hunting is a proper sport; it's an
+advantage, so to speak, to stick to the point. All I objected to was the
+hunt's breaking down the mended bank. There are not many good meadows at
+the dale-head, and grass land is too valuable to be destroyed. Don't you
+think this justifies my opposition?"
+
+"I suppose it does," Grace agreed, and then decided that she had talked
+to him enough. "Well, I must go on," she added with a doubtful glance at
+the stream. "But it doesn't look as if one could get across."
+
+"You can try," Askew replied, and jumping down stood in the water,
+holding out his hand. "Come on; there's not much risk of a slip."
+
+Since it was too late to refuse, Grace took his hand and he waded across,
+steadying her, while the current rippled round his legs. Some of the
+stones were covered, but with his support she sprang across the gaps and
+the effort did not hurt her foot as much as she had thought. He was not
+awkward. She liked his firm grasp, and his care that she did not fall;
+particularly since she saw he was satisfied to give her the help she
+needed and knew when to stop. After she got across she thanked him and
+let him go.
+
+When she crossed the field Askew went home in a thoughtful mood, though
+he was conscious of a pleasant thrill. He had felt the girl's charm
+strongly as he stood near her at the stile, and now tried to recapture
+the scene; the dark alder branches moving overhead, the sparkle of the
+water, and the light and shadow that touched his companion. Her face was
+attractive; although he was not a judge of female beauty, he knew its
+molding was good. Mouth, nose, and chin were finely but firmly lined; her
+color was delicate pink and white, and she had rather grave blue eyes.
+Her figure was marked by a touch of patrician grace. Askew smiled as he
+admitted that patrician was a word he disliked, but he could not think of
+another that quite expressed what he meant. Anyhow the girl's charm was
+strong; she was plucky and frank, perhaps because she knew her value and
+need not to pretend to dignity. In a sense, this was patrician, too.
+
+All the same, Askew, though young and romantic, was not a fool. He had
+had a good education and had then spent two years at an agricultural
+college; but he was a farmer's son and he knew where he stood, from the
+Osborns' point of view. He had been of help, but this was no reason Miss
+Osborn should recognize him when they next met; yet he somehow thought
+she would. In the meantime, it was rash to think about her much, although
+his thoughts returned to the stile beneath the alders where he had
+watched the sun and shadow play about her face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A COUNCIL OF DEFENCE
+
+
+The sun had sunk behind the moors when Peter Askew sat by an open window
+in his big, slate-flagged kitchen at Ashness. All was quiet outside,
+except for the hoarse turmoil of the force and a distant bleating of
+sheep. In front, across a stony pasture, the fellside ran up abruptly;
+its summit, edged with purple heath, cut against a belt of yellow sky.
+The long, green slope was broken by rocky scars and dotted by small
+Herdwick sheep that looked like scattered stones until they moved.
+
+The kitchen was shadowy, because the house was old and built with low,
+mullioned windows to keep out snow and storm, and a clump of stunted ash
+trees grew outside the courtyard wall. A fire of roots and peat, however,
+burned in the deep hearth, and now and then a flickering glow touched old
+copper and dark oak with red reflections. Collectors had sometimes
+offered to buy the tall clock and ponderous meal chest, but Askew would
+not sell. The most part of his furniture had been brought to Ashness by
+his great-grandfather.
+
+Peter's face was brown and deeply lined, and his shoulders were bent, for
+he had led a life of steady toil. This was rather from choice than stern
+necessity, because he owned the farm and had money enough to cultivate it
+well. As a rule, he was reserved and thoughtful, but his neighbors
+trusted him. They knew he was clever, although he used their homely
+dialect and lived as frugally as themselves. In the dale, one worked hard
+and spent no more than one need. Yet Peter had broken the latter rule
+when he resolved to give his son a wider outlook than he had had.
+
+Kit had gone from the lonely farm to a good school where he had beaten,
+by brains and resolution, the sons of professional and business men. His
+teachers said he had talent, and although Peter was often lonely since
+his wife died, he meant to give the lad his chance. Somewhat to his
+relief, Kit decided to return to the soil, and Peter sent him to an
+agricultural college. Since Kit meant to farm he should be armed by such
+advantages as modern science could give. It was obvious that he would
+need them all in the struggle against low prices and the inclement
+weather that vexed the dale. Now he had come home, in a sense not much
+changed, and Peter was satisfied. Kit and he seldom jarred, and the
+dalesfolk, who did not know how like they were under the surface,
+sometimes thought it strange.
+
+Four or five of their neighbors sat in the kitchen, for the most part
+smoking quietly, but now and then grumbling about the recent heavy rain.
+This was not what they had come to talk about, and Peter waited. He knew
+their cautious reserve; they were obstinate and slow to move, and if he
+tried to hurry them might take alarm. By and by one knocked out his pipe.
+
+"How are you getting forrad with t' peat-cutting?" he asked.
+
+"We have cut enough to last for three or four months."
+
+"You'll need it aw. Coal's a terrible price," another remarked.
+
+"It will be dearer soon," said Peter. "Since Bell has t' lease o' both
+coal yards, he can charge what he likes."
+
+"A grasping man! Yan canna get feeding stuff for stock, seed, an' lime,
+unless yan pays his price. Noo he has t' traction-engine, kilns, and
+mill, he'll own aw t' dale before lang."
+
+"It's very possible, unless you stop him," Kit interposed.
+
+"Landlord ought to stop him," one rejoined.
+
+Kit smiled. "That's too much to expect; it's your business to help
+yourselves. Mr. Osborn takes the highest rent that's offered, and you
+missed your chance when you let Bell get Allerby mill."
+
+"Neabody else had t' money," another grumbled.
+
+"Two or three of us could have clubbed together and made a profit after
+selling feeding stuff at a moderate price."
+
+The others were silent for a minute of two and Kit let them ponder. He
+had learned something about the wastefulness of individual effort, and on
+his return to Ashness had urged the farmers to join in bidding for a
+lease of the mill. They had refused, and would need careful handling now,
+for the old cooperative customs that had ruled in the dale before the
+railway came had gone.
+
+"Poor folks willunt have much left for groceries when they have paid
+Bell's price for coal," said one. "Since he gets his money for hauling in
+t' slate, it costs him nowt to tak' a big load back on t' lurry; but,
+with Redmire bank to clim', it's a terrible loss o' time carting half a
+ton up dale."
+
+"You won't be able to buy the half-ton unless you deal with Bell. I think
+you'll find he has a contract for all the coal that comes down the line."
+
+They pondered this and another remarked, "Peat's terrible messy stuff and
+bad to dry at back end o' year."
+
+"It can be dried," said an old man. "I mind the time when iver a load o'
+coals went past Allerby. Aw t' folk clubbed togedder to cut and haul t'
+peat from Malton. Browt it doon on stane-boats by the oad green road.
+Howiver, I reckon it cost them summat, counting their time"
+
+Kit gave him a paper. "This is what our peat has cost us; I've charged
+our labor and what the horses would have earned if we had been paid
+for plowing."
+
+They studied the figures, passing the paper around, and then one said,
+"But peat costs you nowt. Malton moor is yours and I ken nea ither peat
+worth cutting. Mayhappen yan could find some soft trash on the back moor,
+but I doot if Osborn would let yan bring it doon."
+
+"Osborn does what his agent says, and it's weel kent Hayes is a friend o'
+Bell's," another agreed.
+
+Peter smiled and gave Kit a warning glance. He suspected the agent had a
+private understanding that was not to his employer's benefit with Bell;
+but this was another matter. Peter had taught his son to concentrate on
+the business in hand.
+
+"Weel," he said, "you can have aw t' peat you want and we willunt fratch
+if you pay me nowt. There's acres o' good stuff on Malton moor, and the
+value o' peat t' labor it costs to cut. Aw t' same, it willunt pay to
+send a man or two noo and then. You must work in a gang; ivery man at his
+proper job."
+
+"It was done like that in oad days," said one.
+
+Peter looked at Kit, who did not speak, for both knew when enough was
+said. Indeed, although he was hardly conscious of it yet, Kit had
+something of a leader's talent. For a few minutes the others smoked and
+thought. They were independent and suspicious about new plans, but it
+was obvious that the best defense against a monopoly was a combine. In
+fact, they began to see it was the only defense they had. Then one
+turned to Peter.
+
+"If you're for stopping Bell robbing us and starving poor folk at
+Allerby, I'm with you."
+
+One after another promised his support, a plan was agreed upon, and Peter
+was satisfied when his neighbors went away. They were patient, cautious,
+and hard to move; but he knew their obstinacy when they were roused. Now
+they had started, they would go on, stubbornly taking a road that was new
+to them. Bell, of course, would make a cunning fight, but Peter doubted
+if he would win.
+
+"I reckon your plan will work," he said to Kit, with a nod of
+satisfaction.
+
+Kit nodded and picking up his hat and some letters went out. As he walked
+down the dale the moon rose above a shadowy fell, touching the opposite
+hillside with silver light that reached the fields at the bottom farther
+on. Tall pikes of wet hay threw dark shadows across a meadow, and he
+heard the roar of a swollen beck. There was too much water in the dale,
+but Kit knew something might be done to make farming pay in spite of the
+weather. Land that had gone sour might be recovered by draining, and a
+bank could be built where the river now and then washed away the crops.
+Osborn, however, was poor and extravagant, and his agent's talents were
+rather applied to raising rents than improving the soil.
+
+Kit stopped when he got near Allerby, where the dale widens and a cluster
+of low white houses stands among old trees. The village glimmered in the
+moonlight and beyond it rolling country, dotted by dark woods, ran back
+to the sea. A beck plunged down the hillside with a muffled roar, and a
+building, half in light and half in shadow, occupied the hollow of the
+ghyll. Kit, leaning on the bridge, watched the glistening thread of water
+that trickled over the new iron wheel, and noted the raw slate slabs that
+had been recently built into the mossy wall. A big traction engine,
+neatly covered by a tarpaulin, and a trailer lurry stood in front of the
+sliding door.
+
+Osborn had spent some money here, for Allerby mill, with its seed and
+chemical manure stores, paid him a higher rent than the best of his small
+farms. It was obviously well managed by the tenant, and Kit approved.
+Modern machines and methods, although expensive, were good and were
+needed in the dale. The trouble was, they sometimes gave the man who
+could use them power to rob his poorer neighbors. Kit saw that
+concentrated power was often dangerous, and since unorganized, individual
+effort was no longer profitable, he knew no cure but cooperation.
+
+Although young, he was seldom rash. Enthusiasm is not common in the bleak
+northern dales, whose inhabitants are, for the most part, conservative
+and slow. Wind and rain had hardened him and he had inherited a reserved
+strength and quietness from ancestors who had braved the storms that
+raged about Ashness. Yet the north is not always stern, for now and then
+the gray sky breaks, and fell and dale shine in dazzling light and melt
+with mystic beauty into passing shade. Kit, like his country, varied in
+his moods; sometimes he forgot to be practical and his caution vanished,
+leaving him romantic and imaginative.
+
+He went on, and as he reached the first of the white houses a girl came
+out of a gate and stopped where the moonlight fell across the road. She
+had some beauty and her pose was graceful.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed, with rather exaggerated surprise, "it's Kit! I
+suppose you'll take this letter? I was going to the post."
+
+Kit did not know much about young women, but hesitated, because he
+doubted if she wanted him to post the letter.
+
+"If you like," he said. "I expect the causeway at the water-splash
+will be wet."
+
+She gave him a curious smile. "Oh, well; here's the letter. Jim Nixon had
+to help me across the water when I went last night, and I don't suppose
+you're afraid of wetting your feet. You are used to it at Ashness."
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "My boots are stronger than yours."
+
+"Canny lad!" she answered, with a mocking laugh. Kit felt
+embarrassed, for he thought he saw what she meant. Janet Bell was
+something of a coquette.
+
+"I heard people coming down the road not long since," she resumed. "Have
+you had a supper party? Tell your father I think he's shabby because he
+left me out."
+
+"It wasn't a supper party and there were no women. Three or four
+neighbors came in."
+
+"To grumble about the weather or argue about the sheep?"
+
+"They did grumble about the weather," Kit replied.
+
+Janet looked amused. "You're very cautious, my lad; but you needn't take
+it for granted I'm always on father's side. Do you think I don't know why
+your neighbors came?"
+
+"You don't know altogether."
+
+The moonlight was clear enough to show that Janet colored. "And you think
+I stopped you to find out?"
+
+"I don't," said Kit, rather awkwardly. "Still, perhaps it's better that
+you shouldn't know."
+
+"Oh," said she, with some emotion, "I can't tell if you mean to be nice
+or not. It's the lazy, feckless people who dislike father, because
+they're jealous; and they try to make things hard for me. Why should I
+suffer because he's cleverer than them?"
+
+"You oughn't to suffer. I really don't think people blame you."
+
+"They do blame me," Janet insisted. "You doubted if you could trust me
+just now."
+
+This was true enough to embarrass Kit, but he said, "I didn't see why I
+should talk to you about our business; that was all. In fact, I don't
+mean to talk about it to anybody."
+
+"Now you're nicer. I didn't like to feel you were taking particular
+care not to let me know. Well, of course, father's no friend of
+yours and perhaps he'll like you worse by and by. But, after all,
+does that matter?"
+
+"Not in a way," said Kit, pretending to be dull. "You have nothing to do
+with the dispute and we don't want to quarrel with your father, although
+we mean to carry out our plans."
+
+Janet looked rather hard at him and there was some color in her face, but
+she forced a smile.
+
+"Oh, well! Good-night! I've stopped you, and expect you want to
+get home."
+
+She went back through the gate and Kit resumed his walk, struggling with
+an annoyance he felt was illogical. He knew something about Bell's
+household and imagined that Janet's life was not smooth. He was sorry for
+her, and it was, of course, unjust to blame her for her father's deeds.
+All the same, the favor she had sometimes shown him was embarrassing. He
+was not a philanderer, but he was young and she had made him feel that he
+had played an ungallant part. Jane was a flirt, but, after all, it would
+not have cost him much, so to speak, to play up to her. Perhaps he had
+acted like a prig. This made him angry, although he knew he had taken the
+proper line.
+
+By and by he came to the water-splash, where a beck crossed the road. Its
+channel was paved, so that one could drive across, and at the side a
+stone causeway had been made for foot passengers. Sometimes, when the
+beck was unusually swollen, shallow water covered the stones, and Kit saw
+the significance of a statement of Janet's as he noted the width of the
+submerged spot. It looked as if Jim Nixon had carried her across. Then
+his annoyance vanished and he laughed. Gallant or not, he was satisfied
+to carry Janet's letter.
+
+As he went on in the moonlight he began to see that there were some
+grounds for his reluctance to indulge the girl. He had thought about
+Miss Osborn often since he helped her across the stepping stones. He had
+not hesitated then, and although the things were different, to dwell
+upon the incident was perhaps rasher than indulging Janet. Miss Osborn
+had, no doubt, forgotten, but he had not. The trouble was, he could not
+forget; his imagination pictured her vividly, sitting beneath the alders
+talking to him.
+
+With something of an effort Kit pulled himself up. He was a small
+farmer's son and the Osborns were important people. He knew Osborn's
+family pride, which he thought his daughter had inherited. In Osborn, it
+was marked by arrogance; in the girl by a gracious, half-stately calm.
+For all that, the pride was there, and Kit, resolving that he would not
+be a fool, went to the post office and put Janet's letter in the box.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PEAT CUTTERS
+
+
+Osborn was dissatisfied and moody when, one afternoon, he stood, waiting
+for the grouse, behind a bank of turf on Malton moor. To begin with, he
+had played cards until the early morning with some of his guests and had
+been unlucky. Then he got up with a headache for which he held his wife
+accountable; Alice was getting horribly parsimonious, and had bothered
+him until he tried to cut down his wine merchant's bill by experimenting
+with cheaper liquor. His headache was the consequence. The whisky he had
+formerly kept never troubled him like that.
+
+Moreover, it was perhaps a mistake to invite Jardine, although he
+sometimes gave one a useful hint about speculations on the Stock
+Exchange. The fellow went to bigger shoots and looked bored when Osborn's
+partridges were scarce and wild; besides, he had broken rules in order to
+get a shot when they walked the turnip fields in line. Osborn imagined
+Jardine would not have done so had he been a guest at one of the houses
+he boasted about visiting.
+
+As they climbed Malton Head another of the party had broken Dowthwaite's
+drystone wall and the farmer had said more about the accident than the
+damage justified. In fact, Dowthwaite was rather aggressive, and now
+Osborn came to think of it, one or two others had recently grumbled about
+things they had hitherto borne without complaint.
+
+In the meantime, Osborn and Thorn, who shared his butt, looked about
+while they waited for the beaters. The row of turf banks, regularly
+spaced, ran back to the Force Crags at the head of the dale. The red
+bloom of the ling was fading from the moor, which had begun to get brown.
+Sunshine and shadow swept across it, and the blue sky was dotted by
+flying, white-edged clouds. A keen wind swept the high tableland, and the
+grouse, flying before it, would come over the butts very fast.
+
+In the distance, one could distinguish a row of figures that were
+presently lost in a hollow and got larger when they reappeared. They were
+beaters, driving the grouse, and by and by Osborn, picking up his
+glasses, saw clusters of small dark objects that skimmed and then dropped
+into the heath. It was satisfactory to note that they were numerous.
+Although the birds were rather wild, he could now give his friends some
+sport. After a time, however, the clusters of dark dots were seen first
+to scatter and then vanish. Osborn frowned as he gave Thorn the glasses.
+
+"What does that mean? Looks as if the birds had broken back."
+
+"Some have broken back," said Thorn. "If they've flown over the beaters,
+we have lost them for the afternoon." He paused and resumed: "I think the
+first lot are dropping. No; they're coming on."
+
+Picking up his gun, he watched the advancing grouse. They flew low but
+very fast, making a few strokes at intervals and then sailing on
+stretched wings down the wind. In a few moments they were large and
+distinct, but there were not enough to cross more than the first two
+butts. When they were fifty yards off Thorn threw up his gun and two pale
+flashes leaped out. Osborn was slower and swung his barrel. The sharp
+reports were echoed from the next butt and a thin streak of smoke that
+looked gray in the sunshine drifted across the bank of turf. Two brown
+objects, spinning round, struck the heath and a few light feathers
+followed. The grouse that had escaped went on and got small again.
+
+"Missed with my right," said Osborn. "Had to shoot on the swing. Don't
+know about the other barrel."
+
+Thorn did know, but used some tact. "I may have been a trifle slow; my
+last bird was going very fast."
+
+"I expect you saw whose bird it was," Osborn said to the lad who took
+their guns.
+
+"Yes, sir; Mr. Thorn's, sir."
+
+"Oh, well," said Osborn, forcing a smile as he turned to Thorn, "you have
+youth upon your side. Anyhow, I don't imagine the others have done much
+better, and it looks as if we might as well go home. When the birds broke
+back we lost the best chance we'll get. I wonder what spoiled the drive?"
+
+"Something on the old green road, I think. The grouse turned as they
+crossed the hollow."
+
+A short distance off there was a fold in the moor, and while Osborn
+wondered whether he would walk to the top a man came over the brow,
+leading two horses that hauled a clumsy sledge. Another team followed and
+presently four advanced across the heath.
+
+"Now you know what spoiled the drive," Thorn remarked with some dryness.
+"You can't expect a good shoot on the day your tenants move their peat."
+
+Osborn, who was very angry, picked up the glasses. "The first two are not
+my tenants. They're the Askews, and the boundary of their sheepwalk runs
+on this side of the green road."
+
+"Then I suppose there's nothing to be said!"
+
+In the meantime, Osborn's friends had left the other butts and come up,
+with Jardine in front. He was a fat, red-faced man, and as he got nearer
+remarked to his companions: "I call it wretched bad management! Somebody
+ought to have turned the fellows off the moor."
+
+Osborn heard and glanced at Thorn as he left the butt. "There is
+something to be said; I'm going to relieve my mind."
+
+He went off and signaled the farmers to stop. They waited, standing
+quietly by their horses. On the open moor, their powerful figures had a
+touch of grace, and their clothes, faded by sun and rain, harmonized with
+the color of the heath. Peter Askew's brown face was inscrutable when he
+fixed his steady eyes on Osborn.
+
+"You turned back the grouse and spoiled the beat. Do you call that
+sporting?" Osborn asked.
+
+"I'm sorry," Peter replied. "If I'd kenned you were shooting, mayhappen
+we could have put off loading the peat."
+
+"You knew we were shooting when you saw the beaters."
+
+"Aw, yis," said Peter. "It was over late then. I wadn't willingly
+spoil any man's sport, but we had browt up eight horses and had to
+get to work."
+
+"You have plenty of work at Ashness."
+
+"It's verra true; but the weather's our master and we canna awtogether do
+what we like. The peat's mair important than a few brace of grouse."
+
+"Important to you!" Osborn rejoined. "But what about me and my friends?
+One has come from London for a few days' sport."
+
+"Then I'm sorry he has lost the afternoon," Kit interposed quietly. "But
+you well know the wages laborers get in the dale, and there are old folks
+and some sick at Allerby who need a good fire. The winter's hard and some
+of the cottages are very damp."
+
+"The farmers pay the wages."
+
+"None of them make much money. They pay what their rent allows."
+
+"I don't force up the rents. They're fixed by the terms new tenants are
+willing to offer when a lease runs out."
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed. "I don't know that my neighbors grumble much
+because the rule works on your side. But peat is plentiful and we don't
+see why it can't be used when coal is dear."
+
+"I imagine you can see an opportunity of selling the right to cut it,"
+Osborn sneered.
+
+"We are willing to sell at the buyers' price. Anybody who can't pay may
+have the peat for nothing. None of the day laborers has paid us yet and
+none shall be forced to pay."
+
+Osborn did not know whether he could believe this statement or not, but
+he said ironically, "Then it looks as if you were generous! However, you
+are not a friend of my agent's and no doubt see a chance of making
+trouble. When you meddle with my tenants you play a risky game, and they
+may find they were foolish to join you."
+
+One of the farmers who had stood quietly by Peter Askew looked up with a
+slow smile; another's weather-beaten face got a little harder. They were
+seldom noisily quarrelsome, but they were stubborn and remembered an
+injury long. Peter, however, interposed:
+
+"We won't fratch; there's not much in arguing. You can beat moor t'ither
+side o' green road. Good day to you!"
+
+He spoke to the horses and the sledge lurched forward with its
+chocolate-colored load. The other teams strained at the chains; there was
+a beat of hoofs, and the row of sledges moved noisily away. Osborn waited
+for a few moments, but his face was very red when he went back to the
+butts. The farmer's refusal to dispute with him was galling. For all
+that, he must try to find his friends some sport, and after consulting
+with his gamekeeper sent the beaters on across the moor.
+
+The new drive was not successful, and in the evening the party came down
+the hill with a very poor bag. When they reached the Redmire wood Osborn
+stopped beside a broken hedge. Red beeches shone among the yellow birches
+and dark firs, the sun was low and its slanting rays touched the higher
+branches, but the gaps between the trunks were filled with shadow. A few
+bent figures moved in the gloom, and Osborn frowned when three or four
+children came down a drive, dragging a heavy fallen bough. An elderly
+woman with a sack upon her back followed them slowly, and it was obvious
+that cottagers from Allerby were gathering fuel.
+
+"Confound them! This is too much!" he exclaimed and beckoned his
+gamekeeper. "If that is Mrs. Forsyth, tell her to come up."
+
+The woman advanced and rested her sack upon the hedge. Her wrinkled face
+was wet with sweat, but she did not look alarmed.
+
+"Eh!" she said, "sticks is heavy and I'm none so young as I was."
+
+"You have no business in the wood," said Osborn sternly.
+
+"There's nea place else where we can pick up sticks."
+
+"That is your affair. You know you're not allowed to gather wood in my
+plantations."
+
+"We canna gan withoot some kindling; when you canna keep it dry, peat is
+ill to light. Terrible messy stuff, too, and mak's nea end o' dirt."
+
+The children came up and when they stood, open-mouthed, gazing at the
+party one of the sportsmen laughed.
+
+"Then burn coal and the dirt won't bother you," Osborn rejoined.
+
+"Hoo can we burn coal?" the woman asked. "Noo Tom Bell has lease o' baith
+yards, he's putten up t' price, and when you've paid what he's asking
+there's nowt left for meal. I canna work for Mrs. Osborn as I used, and
+with oad Jim yearning nobbut fifteen shilling--"
+
+She paused for breath and wiped her hot face, and Osborn signed to the
+keeper. The woman was making him ridiculous.
+
+"Turn them all out, Holliday," he said and went on with his friends.
+
+"The old lady's talkative," one remarked. "Quite frank, but not at all
+angry; I thought her line was rather dignified. I've met country folks
+who'd have been servilely apologetic, and some who would have called you
+ugly names."
+
+"These people are never apologetic," Osborn said dryly. "As a rule,
+they're not truculent, but they're devilish obstinate."
+
+"I think I see. After all, it's possible to stick to your point without
+abusing your antagonist. I suppose you turned them out because of the
+pheasants?"
+
+"Yes; good cover's scarce, and if the birds are disturbed they move down
+to Rafton Woods. For a sporting neighbor, Hayton hardly plays the game.
+To put down corn is, of course, allowable, but he uses damaged raisins!"
+
+"Then you don't feed?"
+
+"Very little," Osborn replied. "Corn's too dear. The Tarnside pheasants
+live on the country."
+
+"I expect that really means they live on the farmers!"
+
+Osborn frowned. It was Jardine's habit to make stupid remarks like that;
+Osborn wondered whether the fellow thought them smart.
+
+"The farmers knew my rules when they signed the lease," he said. "Anyhow,
+pheasants do much less damage than ground game, and I don't think my
+tenants have left a hare in the dale."
+
+Jardine began to talk about something else, and no more was said about
+Osborn's grievances until the party met on the new terrace in the
+twilight. The tarn glimmered with faint reflections from the west, but
+thin mist drifted across the pastures, and the hills rose, vague and
+black, against the sky, in which a half moon shone. Osborn, sitting at
+the top of the shallow steps that went down to the lawn, grumbled to his
+wife about the day's shooting.
+
+"I don't think I'm an exacting landlord," he remarked. "In fact, since I
+ask for nothing but a little give-and-take, it's annoying when people
+spoil my sport. Dowthwaite made himself unpleasant about his broken
+wall, the Askews turned the grouse back, and then I found the Allerby
+cottage children, ransacking Redmire Wood when the pheasants were going
+to roost."
+
+Grace, who stood close by with Thorn, indicated the smooth gravel and the
+low, wide-topped wall on which red geraniums grew.
+
+"This," she said, "is a great improvement on the old grass bank. The wide
+steps and broad slate coping have an artistic effect. However, you can't
+often get the things you like without paying."
+
+"Very true, but rather trite," Osborn agreed. "I don't see how it
+applies."
+
+"Well, I'm really sympathetic about your spoiled day, but it looks as if
+all your disappointments sprang from the same cause."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn, sharply; "I suppose you mean the coal yards' lease?"
+
+"I think I mean Bell's greediness. If he didn't charge so much for his
+coal, Askew would not have cut the peat, and the children would not have
+been sent to gather wood. Then Dowthwaite might not have grumbled about
+his wall; he feels the farmers have not been treated justly, and I
+imagine he blames you."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. "Then it's an example of the fellow's
+wrong-headed attitude! He and one or two others are treated better than
+they deserve, and would not be satisfied with anything I did. If you had
+to manage the estate, pay extortionate taxes, and make the unnecessary
+repairs the farmers demand, it would be interesting to see the line you
+would take."
+
+"Perhaps the right line isn't easy," Grace admitted. "Still, if I wanted
+a guide, there's the motto of our county town: 'Be just and fear not.'"
+
+Osborn looked at her with indignant surprise, and then shrugged
+scornfully. Thorn smiled.
+
+"It's an excellent motto; but they chose it some time since. One imagines
+it's out of date now."
+
+Grace colored and moved away, feeling embarrassed. She had made herself
+ridiculous, and perhaps sentiment such as she had indulged was cheap; but
+it hurt to feel that she, so to speak, stood alone. Although she had, no
+doubt, been imprudent, she had said what she felt, and Thorn had smiled.
+She turned to him angrily when he followed her along the terrace.
+
+"I daresay I am a raw sentimentalist, but I'm glad I'm not up to date,"
+she said. "I hate your modern smartness!"
+
+Thorn, noting the hardness of her voice, stopped with an apologetic
+gesture and let her go.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+RAILTON'S TALLY
+
+
+Winter had begun, and although the briars shone red along the hedgerows
+and the stunted oaks had not lost all their leaves, bitter sleet blew
+across the dale when Grace went up the muddy lonning to Mireside farm.
+Railton's daughter had for a time helped the housekeeper at Tarnside, and
+Grace, hearing that the farmer had been ill, was going to ask about him.
+It was nearly dark when she entered the big kitchen. The lamp had not
+been lighted, but a peat fire burned in the wide grate, where irons for
+cooking pots hung above the blaze. A bright glow leaped up and spread
+about the kitchen, touching the people in the room, and then faded as she
+shut the massive door.
+
+Grace thought her arrival had embarrassed the others, because nobody said
+anything for a moment or two. Railton sat in an old oak chair by the
+fire, with a stick near his hand; Tom, the shepherd, occupied the middle
+of the floor; and Kit Askew leaned against the table, at which Mrs.
+Railton and Lucy sat. Grace wished she could see them better, but the
+blaze had sunk and the fire burned low, giving out an aromatic smell, and
+throwing dull reflections on the old oak furniture, copper kettles, and
+tall brass candlesticks. As a rule, the lonely homesteads in the dales
+are furnished well, with objects made long since and handed down from
+father to son.
+
+Then Mrs. Railton began to talk, rather nervously, and Grace turned to
+the farmer as the light spread about the room again. He had a thin, lined
+face; his shoulders were bent, and his pose was slack. Sickness no doubt
+accounted for something, but Grace imagined his attitude hinted at
+dejection.
+
+"How are you to-day?" she asked.
+
+"No varra weel. I'm none so young, and the wet and cold dinna agree with
+my oad bones. Mayhappen I'll be better soon, but noo when I'm needed I
+canna get aboot."
+
+"He'll not can rest," Mrs. Railton interposed. "He was oot in sleet,
+boddering among t' sheep aw day."
+
+"And weel you ken I had to gan," the farmer rejoined.
+
+Mrs. Railton's silence implied agreement and Grace's curiosity was
+excited because of something she had heard at home. Railton's lease of
+the sheepwalk ran out in a few days, but he was by local custom entitled
+to its renewal after a review of the terms. Moreover, it was usual for
+the tenant to take the sheep with the farm, and leave them equal in
+number and condition when he went. The landlord could then demand a
+valuation and payment of the difference, if the flocks had fallen below
+the proper standard.
+
+"Why are you forced to go out in this bitter weather?" she asked.
+
+Railton hesitated, and then saw his daughter's meaning glance. Lucy was
+clever, and he thought she wanted him to be frank.
+
+"I had to see how sheep were," he answered dully. "Not that it was o'
+mich use. T' lambs niver get over wet spring and t' ewes is poor. Then
+flock is weel under tally; I've lost two score Swinset Herdwicks, and the
+mak-up's next Thursday."
+
+"But how did you lose forty sheep?" Grace asked.
+
+"There was a hole in fell dyke and Swinset sheep are thief sheep, varra
+bad to hoad. I bowt ewes there and t' lambs followed when they wandert
+back to their heaf."
+
+Grace pondered. She had noted some reserve in Railton's manner when he
+mentioned the broken dyke and knew the flockmasters were careful about
+their dry walls. The rest was plain; the _heaf_ is the hill pasture where
+a lamb is born, and Swinset was fifteen miles away. It was a very large
+sheepwalk and much time would be needed to find the sheep on the wide
+belt of moor.
+
+"If you know the sheep are at Swinset, they would be allowed for in the
+count," she said.
+
+"I have my doubts. Mr. Hayes sent me notice tally would be taken on
+Thursday and he's a hard man."
+
+Grace colored. Although she did not like Hayes, he was Osborn's agent.
+There was much she wanted to know, but she could not ask.
+
+"Mr. Hayes cannot do exactly as he likes; he must get my father's
+consent," she said. "However, as I am going home by the field path, I had
+better start before it's dark."
+
+"There's a broken gate that's awkward to open. I will come with you until
+you reach it," Kit remarked.
+
+They went out together. The sleet had stopped, but leaden clouds rolled
+across the hills that glimmered white in the dusk. As they struck across
+a wet field Grace said:
+
+"I suppose Railton's flock is below the proper standard and the count
+is short?"
+
+"Yes; the two or three wet years have hit flock-masters hard and Railton
+had to sell more stock than was prudent, in order to pay his debts."
+
+"Then if he can't pay the difference in number and value, the lease can
+be broken?"
+
+Kit made a sign of agreement and Grace asked: "But do you think Hayes
+would break the lease and turn him out?"
+
+"It's possible," Kit answered cautiously.
+
+Grace gave him a sharp glance. "What do you really think, Mr. Askew? I
+want to know."
+
+"Then, my notion is Hayes would like to get Mireside for Jim Richardson."
+
+"Richardson is his nephew."
+
+"Just so," said Kit, with some dryness. "All the same he'd make a good
+tenant. His father is rich enough to start him well."
+
+Grace's eyes sparkled, for she saw where the hint led, but she hid her
+resentment, because, after all, she had doubts. Osborn needed money and
+Hayes was cunning.
+
+"I imagine it would hurt Railton to leave."
+
+"It would hurt him much. He was born at Mireside and his father took the
+farm from your grandfather, a very long time since. Then he's an old man
+and has not enough money to begin again at another place."
+
+"Ah," said Grace, "it would be very hard if he had to go! But if he
+hasn't money, he couldn't carry on, even if we renewed the lease."
+
+"We have had remarkably bad weather for two or three years and the cold
+rain killed the young lambs, but a change is due. A dry spring and fine
+summer would put the old man straight."
+
+Grace was silent for a few moments and then looked at Kit with some color
+in her face.
+
+"Thank you for making the situation plain. You were not anxious to do so,
+were you? I think you don't trust us!"
+
+"I don't trust Hayes," Kit said awkwardly.
+
+"But Hayes is our agent. We are accountable for what he does."
+
+"In a way, I suppose you are accountable. For all that, when a landlord
+has a capable agent it is not the rule for him to meddle. I understand
+Mr. Osborn leaves much to Hayes."
+
+Grace pondered. Kit's embarrassment indicated that he was trying to save
+her feelings, but he must know, as she knew, that a landlord was rightly
+judged by his agent's deeds. Although she rather liked Kit Askew, he had
+humiliated her.
+
+"Well," she said resolutely, "something must be done. If the strayed
+sheep could be found, it would help."
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "Tom and I start for Swinset to-morrow to try to bring
+them back. But if you'll wait a moment, I'll open the gate."
+
+He walked through the mud the cattle had churned up, and, lifting the
+broken gate, pushed it back so that Grace could cross a drier spot. Then,
+as he stood with his hands on the rotten bars, she stopped.
+
+"Don't start for Swinset until you hear from me," she said. "Thank you.
+Good night!"
+
+Grace went on and Kit turned back to the farm with a satisfaction that
+made his heart beat. In a way, the girl had given him her confidence;
+she had, at least, not hidden her feelings. Her proud calm was only on
+the surface; it covered a generous, impulsive nature. Then she had
+pluck, because he could understand her difficulties. She was loyal to
+her father, but hated injustice and was quickly moved to sympathy. All
+the same, he had noted that when she spoke of Osborn renewing the
+lease she said we, and since he knew why she had done so, it gave him
+cause to think.
+
+It was the code of the old school; the family stood together, a compact
+unit to which she belonged and for whose deeds she believed herself
+accountable. In a sense, this was rather fine; but Kit, knowing Osborn's
+pride, saw it would confine their friendship to narrow limits. Still he
+had no ground for imagining she was his friend, and he tried to fix his
+thoughts upon the search for the sheep. Grace obviously meant to talk to
+Osborn, but Kit did not believe the latter would be moved by her
+arguments.
+
+When Kit returned to the farm kitchen Railton was sitting moodily by the
+fire and his wife's face was sternly set. They are not an emotional
+people in the dales, and her trouble was too deep for useless tears, but
+as she glanced about the room all she saw wakened poignant memories. The
+old china in the rack had been her mother's; she had brought it and the
+black oak meal-chest to Mireside thirty years since. The copper kettles
+and jelly-pan were wedding presents, and Tom, her son, who died in
+Australia, had sent the money to buy the sewing machine. Now it looked as
+if her household treasures must be sold, and to leave Mireside would mean
+the tearing up of roots that had struck deep. Besides, while she would
+suffer it would hurt her husband worse. When Kit came in she gave him a
+keen glance.
+
+"Weel, what had Miss Osborn to say?"
+
+"She didn't say much; I think she means to talk to Osborn."
+
+Railton looked up gloomily. "T' lass has a good heart, but talking to
+Osborn will be o' nea use. Hayes is real master and he wants Mireside for
+Jim Richardson."
+
+Kit made a sign of agreement. "The fellow's getting dangerous and must be
+stopped. I suspect he's backing Bell and now he means to use his nephew;
+it's not altogether for Richardson's sake he wants to break your lease.
+Some day I imagine Osborn will find his agent owns the estate; but that's
+not our business. Well, Peter told me to remind you that you and he are
+old friends, and if a hundred pounds would be some help--"
+
+"It would be a big help," said Railton, and Kit turned to the shepherd
+when Mrs. Railton awkwardly began to thank him.
+
+"About the broken dyke, Tom? What d'you think brought it down?"
+
+"I canna tell. Dyke's good and there was nea wind."
+
+They were all silent for a few moments, and then Kit said, "Well,
+Richardson is a cunning hound." He paused and picked up his hat before
+he turned to Railton. "I've a job at Ashness that must be finished
+to-night. There's not much time, but if it's possible Tom and I will
+find the sheep."
+
+In the meantime, Grace walked home thinking hard. Kit was Railton's
+friend, but he had used some tact, until she forced him to tell her the
+truth. This, however, was not important, because she had got a jar. It
+looked as if Osborn had consented to a cruel plot; a landlord ought to
+help his tenants and not take advantage of their need. She tried not to
+blame him; he had a bad agent, who used a dangerous influence. She must
+try to protect him from the fellow and, in a way, from his own
+carelessness.
+
+After all, it was, for the most part, carelessness, because he did not
+know Hayes as she knew him. Still, she had not undertaken an easy thing
+and she braced herself as she went up the steps of the new terrace. Grace
+hated the terrace. It was the price they, the Osborns, had taken for a
+shabby deed, and for which poor people and hard-worked women paid. Grace
+knew about the extra dust that peat fires caused and how often the bread
+was spoiled.
+
+When she entered the library Osborn was studying some documents. He
+looked up impatiently, and she said, "I was at Mireside. Railton's no
+better and is much disturbed about his lease."
+
+"Not more disturbed than he deserves!" Osborn rejoined. "The fellow has
+been getting slack for some time; he sold his store sheep imprudently and
+let the flock run down."
+
+"He has been ill and the weather has been bad for some years."
+
+"Exactly. A cautious man provides for bad years; he knows they
+will come."
+
+Grace was surprised her father did not see that his statement had a
+humorous touch, since improvident extravagance was his rule; but it was
+obvious that he did not.
+
+"One cannot save much money when rents are high and prices are low."
+
+"Do you know much about these matters?" Osborn asked.
+
+"I have heard the farmers talk. Sometimes I ask them questions."
+
+Osborn frowned. "You talk too much to the farmers. I don't like it. You
+know this."
+
+"Well," said Grace, "I think you ought not to break Railton's lease."
+
+"Why?"
+
+Grace hesitated. She began to see that Osborn could not be moved, but she
+had undertaken to plead Railton's cause.
+
+"He's an old man and has been at Mireside all his life. He has worked
+hard and always paid his rent. Now he's ill and in trouble, it would be
+shabby to turn him out because there's a risk--it's only a risk--that we
+might lose something by letting him stay."
+
+"You don't seem to understand a landlord's duty," Osborn rejoined. "He
+is, so to speak, the steward in charge of the estate; it belongs to the
+family and is not his. He must hand it on in good order and this means he
+cannot indulge his sentimental impulses. If he keeps a bad tenant from
+pity, or because he's afraid to seem harsh, he robs his heir."
+
+Grace knew there were other, and perhaps worse, ways of robbing one's
+heir; but she said, "Aren't you taking Hayes's view that Railton is a bad
+tenant? After all, we are responsible."
+
+"Then you suggest that Hayes is mistaken?" Osborn asked ironically.
+
+"I don't know if he's mistaken or not," said Grace, with a steady look.
+"I know he's greedy and unjust. But there's a thing you ought not to let
+him do. Railton has lost forty sheep, that have strayed back to Swinset,
+and Hayes doesn't mean to count them in the tally."
+
+Osborn's face got red and he knitted his brows. "I have tried to be
+patient; but this is too much! Do you know more about managing an estate
+than a clever agent? Or do you think I'm a fool and Hayes leads me like a
+child? Anyhow, you are much too young to criticize my actions. Let us
+have no more of it! An unmarried girl is not entitled to opinions that
+clash with her parents'."
+
+Grace went out silently. To know that she had failed hurt her pride, and
+it hurt worse to suspect that her father had got angry because he knew
+she was right. Besides, she felt strangely alone; as she had often felt
+since she came home. Gerald was careless and thought about nothing but
+his extravagant amusements; her mother's main object was to avoid jars
+and smooth over awkward situations. Then, she had household cares; money
+was scarce, and since Osborn hated self-denial, she must economize. Grace
+could not tell her her troubles; but there was a way by which Railton
+might save his lease and Kit could help. Getting a pencil and paper, she
+wrote him a very short note:
+
+"You must find Railton's sheep."
+
+Then, knowing that she was rash, she went to look for the gardener's boy,
+and sent him to Ashness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BLEATARN GHYLL
+
+
+It was getting dark when Kit and Tom, the shepherd, stopped to rest
+behind a cairn on the summit of Swinset moor. Close by, the two score
+sheep stood in a compact flock, with heads towards the panting dogs. They
+were Herdwicks, a small, hardy breed that best withstands the rain and
+snow that sweep the high fells in the lambing season. When he had lighted
+his pipe, Kit thoughtfully looked about.
+
+On one side the barren moor, getting dim in the distance, rolled back to
+the edge of the low country. Here and there patches of melting sleet
+gleamed a livid white among the withered ling, and storm-torn hummocks of
+peaty soil shone dark chocolate-brown. These were the only touches of
+color in the dreary landscape, except for the streak of pale-yellow sky
+that glimmered above a long black ridge. On the other side, a line of
+rugged fells with summits lost in snow clouds, rose dark and forbidding.
+It was very cold and a biting wind swept the heath.
+
+Kit was tired, for he had been on the moor since morning and had not
+eaten much. It was an awkward matter to find the sheep, and then the men
+and dogs had some difficulty to keep the ewes moving, because the
+Herdwick never willingly leaves the neighborhood where it was born and
+will, if possible, return. The lambs, now grown large and fat, gave less
+trouble, and when they sometimes stopped irresolutely while the ewes
+tried to break away Kit understood their hesitation. Two instincts were
+at work: it was natural to follow their dams, but Mireside was their
+native heath and they knew they were going to be taken home.
+
+Now they had gone some distance, Kit had to make a choice. One could
+reach Mireside by a rough moor-land road, but it went round the hills and
+there was a shorter way across the range. If he went round, he might
+arrive late for the reckoning and some of the lambs would get footsore
+and stop. On the other hand, he knew the fells and shrank from trying to
+find his way among the crags in the dark. It was, however, important that
+he should not be late. Hayes was hard, and the Herdwicks must arrive in
+time to be tallied with the rest of Railton's flock. In the dale, a
+tenant had a traditional right to have his sheep valued by a jury of his
+neighbors and Hayes had fixed the time at eight o'clock next day. The
+animals, however, must be sorted and penned before this, and the work
+would begin early in the morning.
+
+"We had better try the fells, Tom," said Kit.
+
+The shepherd looked at the threatening sky and fading line of
+rugged heights.
+
+"Aw, yes. It's gan t' be a rough neet, but we'll try 't. We can rest a
+bit at oad mine-house this side Bleatarn ghyll."
+
+Now their route was fixed, Kit mused about something else. Railton was
+his neighbor, but, except for this, Kit had no particular grounds for
+helping him; he had obviously nothing to gain. Then, the peat-cutting was
+his plan; he had, without altogether meaning to do so, allowed himself to
+become the leader of the revolt against Osborn. In a way, of course, he
+was the proper man, because Ashness belonged to his father, and Hayes
+could not punish him for meddling. Still, Hayes could punish the tenant
+farmers and Kit knew they ran some risk.
+
+On the whole, he thought the risk worth while. He had a talent that was
+beginning to develop for leading and saw when one could negotiate and
+when one must fight. He did not want to fight Osborn, but was being
+forced into the conflict, and it was comforting to feel that Miss Osborn
+was not against him. Her note, telling him he must find the sheep, was in
+his pocket, and he thought it had cost her something to write. She was
+generous and plucky and he must not hesitate. After all, the job was his
+and since he had accepted it, he must, if needful, bear the consequences.
+Knocking out his pipe, he got up.
+
+"We'll make a start, Tom," he said.
+
+The shepherd shouted to the dogs, the flock broke up and trailed out
+across the heath. The ewes moved slowly, turning now and then, and Kit
+thought it ominous that they met other flocks coming down. The Herdwicks
+knew the weather and were heading for the sheltered dales. For all that,
+he pushed on, with a bitter wind in his face, and by and by cold rain
+began to fall. It changed to sleet and the night had got very dark when
+they crossed the shoulder of a stony fell. One could not see fifty yards,
+but the steepness of the slope and the click of little hoofs on the wet
+rock told Kit where they were.
+
+Two hours afterwards, he stopped for breath at the bottom of a narrow
+valley. The sleet had turned to driving snow, the wind howled in the
+rocks above, and a swollen beck brawled angrily among the stones. Tom was
+hardly distinguishable a few yards ahead and Kit could not see the sheep,
+but the barking of the dogs came faintly down the steep white slope. The
+Herdwicks were strung out along the hillside, with a dog below and above,
+and it was comforting to know they could not leave the valley, which was
+shut in by rugged crags. For a time, driving them would be easy; but it
+would be different when they left the water and climbed the rise to
+Bleatarn ghyll.
+
+"How far are we off the mine-house, Tom?" he shouted.
+
+"I dinna ken," said the shepherd. "Mayhappen two miles. Ewes is
+travelling better; t'lambs is leading them."
+
+Kit agreed, and they pushed on through the snow. After a time, the ground
+got steeper, and when they crossed the noisy beck and scrambled up a
+shaly bank, Kit was glad to see a broken wall loom among the tossing
+flakes. This was the shaft-house of an abandoned mine, and there was a
+sheep-fold, built with pulled-down material, close by. He shouted and
+waited until he heard the dogs bark and a rattle of stones. The Herdwicks
+were coming down and presently broke out from the snow in a compact,
+struggling flock. Tom shouted and threw a hurdle across the entrance when
+the dogs had driven the sheep into the fold.
+
+"I dinna ken if snow'll tak' off or not, but it's early yet and we must
+have a rest before we try ghyll," he said.
+
+They went into the shaft-house and Kit struck a match. One end of the
+building had been pulled down and the snow blew in through holes in the
+roof, but a pile of dry fern filled a corner and rotten beams lay
+about. With some trouble, they lighted a fire and, sitting down close
+by, took out the food they had brought. The wind screamed about the
+ruined walls, the smoke eddied round them, and now and then a shower of
+snow fell on their heads, but they had some shelter and could, if
+forced, wait for morning.
+
+"Miss Osborn's a bonny lass and kind; but I reckon she couldn't talk her
+father round," Tom presently remarked.
+
+"No," said Kit. "I believe she tried."
+
+"Favors her mother," Tom resumed. "Mrs. Osborn's heart is good, but at
+Tarnside women dinna count. It's a kind o' pity, because t' Osborn
+menfolk are lakers and always was."
+
+A _laker_ is a lounging pleasure-seeker and Kit admitted that the remark
+was justified.
+
+"I sometimes think Osborn means well," he said.
+
+"Mayhappen! For aw his ordering folks aboot, he's wake; like his father,
+I mind him weel. Might mak' a fair landlord if he was letten and had t'
+money; but oad Hayes is grasping and always at his tail."
+
+"The rent-roll's good. The estate could be managed well."
+
+"There's t' mortgages and Osborn canna keep money. When he has it he must
+spend. There would be nea poor landlord's, if I had my way. I'd let them
+putten rents up if they had money and spent it on the land. Low rent
+means poor farming."
+
+Kit knew this was true on the Tarnside estate. Dykes that had kept the
+floods off the meadows were falling down, drains were choked, and land
+that had grown good crops was going sour. The wise use of capital would
+make a wholesome change, but Kit did not altogether like centralized
+control. Although it was economical, the landlord got the main advantage,
+and there was much a farmer could do, in cooperation with his neighbors,
+to help himself, if his lease was long enough. Then, joint action was
+once common in the dale. Men pooled their labor and implements at hay
+time and harvest, and combined for their mutual benefit in other ways.
+Now it looked as if they might combine again.
+
+"Are they grumbling much at Allerby about burning peat?" he asked.
+
+"T' women grumble," Tom said dryly. "But they willunt stop, for aw the
+dirt peat maks an' they canna get ovens hot. I reckon Bell has mair coal
+coming in than he can get shut of. When I was at station last t' yards
+was nearly full."
+
+"I rather think Bell has been too greedy. He must pay for the coal as it
+arrives and his money is probably getting short; the traction engine and
+trailer cost a good sum, and he has spent something on the lime-kilns. In
+fact, if we hold on, he's bound to give way."
+
+"Then we'll brek him. Our folks are slow to fratch, but they're not quick
+at letting go," said Tom, who paused and added: "I wunner where Bell got
+his money; he had none when he took a job at mill in oad Osborn's time."
+
+This started Kit on another line of thought. Bell had, no doubt, saved
+something, for he was parsimonious, and was too keen a business man to
+leave his money in the bank. All he made by one speculation was sunk in
+another; but, after allowing for this, it was hard to see where he got
+the capital for his numerous ventures. Kit wondered whether Hayes helped;
+if he did, it was not from friendship. The agent was clever and might be
+playing a cunning game, in which he used both Osborn and Bell. In fact,
+Kit thought if he were Osborn he would watch Hayes. This, however, was
+not his business, and getting up he went to a hole in the wall.
+
+It was snowing very hard; he could see nothing but a haze of tossing
+flakes, and the wind filled the valley with its roar. He could hardly
+hear the beck a few yards off.
+
+"The drifts will be getting deep, but we can't start yet," he said. "If
+we miss the track at the top, there's nothing to stop us falling over the
+Ling Crag."
+
+Tom agreed, and Kit shivered when he sat down again. He was cold and
+tired, and the worst part of the journey must yet be made. Looking at his
+watch he resigned himself to wait, and leaned back with eyes closed
+against the wall while a wet dog crouched at his feet. An hour or two
+passed and then Tom got up.
+
+"Snow's takin' off," he said. "We must try it."
+
+Kit, pulling himself together, went out and faced the storm. The snow was
+thinner, but the wind had not dropped and buffeted him savagely as he
+struggled through a drift to the fold. The dogs had some trouble to drive
+out the sheep, and when they straggled through the opening Kit imagined
+the lambs went in front. In a few moments the flock vanished, and he
+breathed hard as he followed their track up hill. Now and then the dogs
+barked, but for the most part he heard nothing except the roar of the
+wind in the crags. He hoped the dogs could find the path across the
+narrow tableland between two branching ghylls, because it was obvious
+that his judgment might be at fault. However, there were the lambs; one
+could trust a Herdwick to return to its heaf.
+
+When he reached the top the wind had blown away the snow, and he stood
+near the middle of a narrow belt of heath, with his feet sinking in a
+bog. On each side, he got a glimpse of dark rocks, streaked with white
+where the wind had packed the snow into the gullies. In front there was a
+gulf, down which his path led. Scattered snowflakes and rolling mist
+streamed up from the forbidding hollow. At first he could see nothing of
+the sheep, but as he floundered across the bog the dogs barked and he
+found them presently, guarding the flock in a hollow among the crags.
+
+The sheep broke away and Kit pushed on across the narrow belt of bog that
+was dotted by the marks of little feet. Sometimes he slackened his pace
+to wait for Tom; the shepherd was getting old and the long climb had
+tired him. Both stopped for some moments when they reached the brow of
+the descent, and Kit, bracing himself against the storm tried to look
+about. He thought he saw the flock close in front.
+
+"They seem doubtful where to go," he said.
+
+"We can do nowt but leave them to find t' ghyll," the shepherd remarked.
+
+Kit agreed. Bleatarn ghyll was beneath him, but there was another hollow
+and it is hard to walk straight down hill in the dark. He must trust the
+sheep, and, huddling close together, they refused to leave the crag. When
+the dogs drove them out they vanished, and since the ground was bare of
+snow they left no tracks. He stumbled on, falling into pools and
+stumbling across banks of stones, and soon stopped again. He had come
+down the slope, so to speak, blindly, and now stood on the edge of a
+vast, dark pit. One could not see beyond the edge, but the confused
+noises that came up hinted at profound depth. The gale shrieked, but he
+heard the roar of falling water and the rattle of stones the wind
+dislodged.
+
+"Do you think this is Beatarn ghyll?" he asked.
+
+"I dinna ken," Tom answered; and added hopefully, "if it's t'ither, we'll
+mayhappen find oot before we step over Ling Crag."
+
+They went down at a venture, whistling vainly for the dogs. The drop was
+very sharp, and now they were leaving the wind-swept pass, the snow had
+begun to pack among the stones and boggy grass. Still, so far as they
+could see, there were no marks of little feet and they wondered what had
+happened to the flock, until a faint bark came out of the mist. The noise
+got louder and Kit knew the dogs were running round the stopping sheep.
+
+"We're right," he said. "They've gone through the broken wall and the
+dogs are holding them at the top of the force."
+
+A few minutes afterwards he scrambled over a pile of fallen stones,
+shouted to Tom, and began to run, for he understood what had happened.
+The broken wall marked the boundary of the Mireside heaf and the sheep
+were now on familiar ground. It was his business to drive them to the
+farm, but they were trying to turn off to look for shelter among the
+crags. At the force, where the Bleatarn beck leaps in linked falls to the
+valley, one could get down between the water and the rocks; on the other
+side, a path about a foot wide led across the face of a precipice. In
+daylight, if the stones were dry, a man with steady nerves could use the
+path, but when slab and scree were packed with snow nothing but a
+Herdwick could cross it safely. The dogs knew this and were trying to
+hold the flock.
+
+When the men came up they saw an indistinct, woolly mass on the other
+side of the beck. The mass was not level but slanted sharply, and the
+sheep at the bottom sent down showers of stones as they surged to and
+fro, with heads turned to the dogs. It was obvious that they did not mean
+to go down the ghyll, and Herdwicks born among the crags can climb where
+no dog can follow.
+
+"The dogs canna turn them," gasped Tom. "They'll be away ower Eel Scar;
+they're brekkin' noo."
+
+The flock began to open out and three or four sheep straggled forward,
+but Kit's bob-tailed dog slid down a snowy slab and fell upon the first.
+The sheep ran back, but the others stood and Kit saw the dog could not
+stop them long. The Herdwicks knew the advantage was theirs on ground
+like this.
+
+Jumping from a boulder, he fell into the swollen beck and made his way up
+the nearly perpendicular slab. At the top he found a dangerous ledge and
+advanced upon the sheep, which had their backs to the stream. Twining his
+fingers in a lamb's wool, he picked up the animal and balancing himself
+precariously threw it as far as he could. It fell into the beck and
+scrambled out on the other side, where the track led down the ghyll. The
+effort had cost him much, for his heart beat and he gasped for breath,
+but he doubted if he had done enough. Dragging another lamb from the
+flock, he hurled it into the water, and then his foot slipped and he
+rolled down the slab and fell in the snow.
+
+He got up, badly shaken, and saw that his plan had worked. Sheep will
+follow a leader and the flock was straggling down the ghyll behind the
+lambs. Kit recrossed the beck and descended cautiously, keeping close to
+the rocks. The ghyll is a rough climb in daylight, and summer tourists,
+trying to cross the fells, often turn back at the bottom. There is no
+path and one scrambles over large, sharp stones, some of which are loose
+and fall at a touch. In places, banks of treacherous gravel drop to the
+beck, which plunges over ledges into deep, spray-veiled pools. Now the
+stones were slippery with snow, the wind raged, and mist and tossing
+flakes hid the ground a few yards ahead.
+
+Somehow he got down, but he was exhausted and breathless when he
+reached the bottom, where he was forced to wait before he could whistle
+to his dog. He heard its bark and stumbling forward, found the flock
+bunched together in a hollow. Then he sat down in the snow while Tom
+counted the sheep.
+
+"They're aw here," said the shepherd. "A better job than I thowt we'd
+mak! Weel, let's gan on."
+
+Kit was tired, and bruised by his fall, but he went forward behind the
+dogs. His troubles were over, for a broad smooth path led along the
+hill-foot to Mireside.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RECKONING
+
+The morning was dark, and although the gale had dropped, a raw, cold
+wind blew up the valley past Mireside farm, where three or four farmers'
+traps and some rusty bicycles stood beneath the projecting roof of a
+barn. The bleating of sheep rose from a boggy pasture by the beck, and
+lights twinkled as men with lanterns moved about in the gloom. Now and
+then somebody shouted and dogs barked as a flock of Herdwicks was driven
+to the pens.
+
+In the flagged kitchen, Mrs. Railton and Lucy bustled about by the light
+of a lamp and the glow of the fire. The table was covered with used
+plates and cups. The men outside had breakfasted, but one or two more
+might come and Mrs. Railton wondered when Kit would arrive. She had lain
+awake for the most part of the night, thinking about him and the strayed
+Herdwicks while she listened to the gale. Now and then Lucy went to the
+door and looked up the dale to the glimmering line of foam that marked
+the spot where Bleatarn beck came down. A path followed the water-side,
+but she could not see men or sheep in the gloom, and if Kit did not come
+soon he would be too late.
+
+Railton sat gloomily by the fire. He had had rheumatic fever, and the
+damp cold racked his aching joints; besides, there was nothing for him to
+do. He had called in his neighbors to value his flock, but he knew, to a
+few pounds, what their judgment would be. Hayes Would presently arrive,
+and Railton would be asked to pay, or give security for, the shortage,
+which was impossible. Hayes knew this and meant to break his lease.
+Perhaps the hardest thing was that the shortage was small; if the next
+lambing season were good, he could pay. But Hayes would not wait.
+
+Although Railton was too proud to beg for help from his neighbors, he had
+gone to the bank. Osborn, however, used the same bank, and it looked as
+if Hayes had given the manager a hint, because he refused a loan. Askew
+had offered a hundred pounds, but this was not enough, and even if Kit
+arrived with the sheep from Swinset, Railton could not find the rest of
+the money. However, the arrival of the Herdwicks would make a difference,
+and he did not altogether give up hope. By and by he tried to get up, and
+sitting down again with a groan, beckoned his wife.
+
+"Martha, you might gan to door."
+
+Mrs. Railton, knowing what he meant, went to the porch. It was
+lighter outside and the hillside was growing distinct. She thought
+something moved on the path beside the beck, and turned to her
+daughter, who had followed.
+
+"What's yon by the water, Lucy?"
+
+Lucy was silent for a few moments and then said quietly, "I think
+it's sheep!"
+
+She watched the path. The mist made a puzzling background and her eyes
+were getting dazzled; but there was something. Then she heard a chair jar
+on the flags and glanced at Railton, who leaned forward.
+
+"Weel?" he said. "Canna you speak? Is neabody coming yet?"
+
+Lucy threw another glance up the dale and her heart beat. An
+indistinct row of small dark objects moved along the path, with two
+tall figures behind.
+
+"Kit's coming down the beck; he's brought the Herdwicks!" she cried.
+
+"Canny lad!" said Railton, and leaning back limply, wiped his face.
+His forehead was wet with sweat, for he was weak and the suspense had
+been keen.
+
+The sheep vanished behind a wall, and Lucy began to put fresh food on the
+table. Mrs. Railton hung a kettle on a hook above the fire, and then
+turned with a start as a girl came into the porch.
+
+"Miss Osborn!" she exclaimed.
+
+Grace advanced calmly, although there was some color in her face, because
+she knew the others were surprised that she had come.
+
+"Is Mr. Hayes here?" she asked.
+
+"Mayhappen he's at the pens," Lucy replied. "I thought I heard his car."
+
+"Then I missed him at the cross-roads," said Grace. "I was going to
+Allerby, and my father asked me to give him a note when he stopped at
+Lawson's." She hesitated, and then resumed impulsively: "Perhaps I
+oughtn't to have come on; but I wanted to do so."
+
+They knew what she meant, but nobody answered, and Grace sat down on a
+bench by the table.
+
+"Will you give the note to Mr. Hayes? Has Kit Askew brought the
+Swinset sheep?"
+
+"He's coming now," said Lucy, picking up the note, and Grace's
+eyes sparkled.
+
+"I knew he would bring them; I told him he must."
+
+Lucy went out and Grace asked Railton about his pains. While they talked
+somebody shouted outside, and the old man, getting up with an effort,
+hobbled to the door.
+
+"Hoad on; dinna close t' pen," a man called. "Here's Kit and t' lot
+fra Swinset."
+
+Three of four more shouted and Grace, who had followed Railton, thought
+there was a note of triumph in their cries. Then dogs began to bark,
+somebody opened a gate, and a flock of Herdwicks, leaping out with wet
+fleeces shaking, and hoofs clicking on stone, ran across a shallow pool
+where the beck had overflowed.
+
+A few minutes afterwards, Kit came in. He looked tired, his face was
+rather haggard, and his clothes were wet. Tom, the shepherd, followed and
+sat down by the fire.
+
+"It was nea an easy job, but we manished it," he said. "Swinset sheep is
+thief sheep, but they're none a match for Kit's oad dog."
+
+Kit stopped abruptly as he crossed the floor and his heart beat. "Ah!" he
+said. "Miss Osborn?"
+
+Grace smiled as she got up and gave him her hand. "Well done! Have you
+brought them all? But of course you have!"
+
+"They're in the pen," Kit answered, with some embarrassment.
+
+Then Railton stood up, leaning awkwardly on his stick.
+
+"I've misdoubted your new-fashioned plans, and ken that I was wrang.
+There's nea ither lad in aw t' dale could ha' browt Herdwicks doon
+Bleatarn ghyll last neet. Weel, t' oad ways for t' oad men, but I'se
+niver deny again that the young and new are good."
+
+He sat down and while Mrs. Railton began to bustle about the table Grace
+stole away. She knew she ought not to have come, and had done so with a
+feeling of rebellion against her father's harshness, although she tried
+to persuade herself that Hayes was most to blame. Now she was glad the
+note made a pretext for the visit; she had shown the Railtons her
+sympathy and had thanked Kit. After all, he had perhaps gone to look for
+the sheep because she told him; she rather hoped he had, and rejoiced
+with the others at his success.
+
+Grace admitted that she liked Kit Askew. He was resolute but modest, and
+had just done a bold deed by which he had nothing to gain. Railton's
+praise had moved her, because she knew the dalesfolk's reserve and that
+the farmer would not, without good grounds, have spoken as he did.
+Moreover, she knew the fells, and it was something of an exploit to bring
+the sheep from Swinset in the storm. Kit was, of course, a farmer's son,
+but he was plucky and generous; besides, she approved his steady look,
+well-balanced, muscular figure, and clean brown skin. Then she blushed
+and began to wonder what she would say about her visit to Mireside when
+she went home.
+
+In the meantime, Kit ate his breakfast, and soon afterwards Peter Askew
+came in and began to talk to Railton. Until the valuation was agreed upon
+there was nothing for them to do, and it was some time before the men
+returned from the pens. They were plain farmers with rather hard, brown
+faces, and stood about the fire in half-embarrassed silence while Hayes
+sat down at the table and opened his pocket-book.
+
+"We have made up the tally," he began, and Railton interrupted.
+
+"Counting in the lambs and ewes fra Swinset?"
+
+"They are counted," Hayes replied. "I'll give you particulars of the
+different lots."
+
+He read out some figures and then turned to the group by the fire. "I
+think we are all agreed?"
+
+"Aw, yis," said one. "It's as near as yan can mak' it, withoot sending
+flock to auction."
+
+Hayes turned to Railton. "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"We willunt fratch. Mayhappen two or three lots would fetch anither pound
+or two, but we'll ca' it fair."
+
+"Then we must thank these gentlemen," said Hayes, who shut his
+pocket-book and took out a document. "As there is some other business and
+they have given us some time, we need not keep them."
+
+The men looked at one another and Peter Askew said, "If Railton doesn't
+mind, we'd sooner stop."
+
+"Stop if you like," Railton agreed. "You've got me a just reckoning and
+you're neebors aw."
+
+"It's not necessary," Hayes objected. "The business we have to transact
+is private."
+
+"They ken it," Railton replied in a stubborn voice. "I've bid them stop
+and the hoose is mine until Mr. Osborn turns me oot."
+
+"Very well. You know the sum due to the landlord. Are you ready to pay?"
+
+"I canna pay. It's weel you ken."
+
+"Then, can you give security for the debt?"
+
+"I canna and wadn't give it if I could. There's ways a cliver agent can
+run up a reckoning, and when you want Mireside I'll have to gan."
+
+"Then, I'm afraid we shall be forced to break the lease and take measures
+to recover the sum due."
+
+"Hoad on a minute!" said one of the group, who turned to Railton. "Would
+you like to stop?"
+
+"I would like; I've lived at Mireside sin' I was born. There's another
+thing: it's none too good a time for a sale o' farming stock, and when
+I've paid Osborn, I'll need some money to mak' anither start. Then
+may-happen a dry spring wold put me straight."
+
+"It ought to; you're not much behind," Peter agreed. "Weel, you ken I'm
+generally willing to back my judgment, and noo it seems there's others
+think like me."
+
+"In a sense, the lease does not run out yet," Kit interposed. "It has
+rather reached the half-term, because by our custom Railton is entitled
+to take it up again for an equal period if he and the landlord agree
+about the necessary adjustment. Our leases really cover a double term."
+
+Hayes turned to him with an ironical smile. "Do you know much about
+tenant law?" he asked.
+
+"No," said Kit, rather dryly. "I made some studies when I could get the
+books, but they didn't take me far. In fact, I imagine that in this
+neighborhood there's very little law and much precedent, which has
+generally been interpreted for the landlord's advantage. There are old
+Barony laws and Manor rights, and my notion is that nobody knows exactly
+how he stands. But we'll let this go. If Railton pays his fine, you will
+have some trouble to get rid of him."
+
+Hayes agreed and Railton looked up with a puzzled air.
+
+"But I canna pay," he said dully.
+
+The farmer who had interrupted Hayes took out a bulky envelope and
+crossed the floor.
+
+"Well," he said, "I think you're wrang. Your friends have been talking
+aboot the thing and wadn't like t' see you gan." He gave Railton the
+envelope, adding: "It's a loan."
+
+Railton's hand shook as he took out a bundle of bank-notes. "You're good
+neebors," he said in a strained voice. "But I dinna think I ought to tak'
+your money. There's a risk."
+
+"Not much risk in backing an honest man," the other rejoined, and taking
+the notes from Railton gave them to Hayes. "Noo, if you'll count these--"
+
+Hayes' face was inscrutable as he flicked over the notes. "The total's
+correct. It's an awkward bundle; a check would have been simpler."
+
+"A check has the drawback that it must be signed," Kit remarked with a
+meaning smile. "We're modest folk, and nobody was anxious to write
+himself down the leader."
+
+"I see!" said Hayes. "I don't know if you're modest; but you're certainly
+cautious."
+
+"Anyhow, we're aw in this," said one of the others.
+
+"So it seems. I hope you won't lose your money," Hayes rejoined dryly and
+took out a fountain pen. "Well, here's your receipt, Mr. Railton. I don't
+think there is anything more to be said."
+
+He put the receipt on the table and when he went away a farmer laughed.
+
+"O'ad Hayes is quiet and cunning as a hill fox, but my lease has some
+time to go and he canna put us aw oot."
+
+Railton tried to thank them, while Mrs. Railton smiled with tears in her
+eyes, but the dales folk dislike emotion and as soon as it was possible
+the visitors went away.
+
+An hour or two afterwards Grace heard about the matter from the sick wife
+of a farmer, whom she had gone to see, and when she went home thought she
+had better not confess that she had taken Hayes' note to Mireside. When
+Osborn joined his wife and daughter at the tea-table in the hall after
+some disappointing shooting, his remarks about his tenants were
+rancorous. Grace thought it prudent not to talk and left the table as
+soon as she could. When she had gone, Osborn frowned and getting up
+savagely kicked a log in the grate.
+
+"I got a nasty knock this morning," he said. "It's not so much that I
+mind letting Railton stop; I hate to feel I've been baffled and made the
+victim of a plot."
+
+"After all, wasn't it rather Hayes's idea than yours that Railton ought
+to go?" Mrs. Osborn ventured.
+
+"It was; there's some comfort in that! You don't like Hayes much."
+
+"I don't know that I dislike him. I'm not sure I trust him."
+
+"Well," said Osborn thoughtfully, "I sometimes feel he's keenest about my
+interests when they don't clash with his, and this last affair was a
+pretty good example of nepotism. For all that, his nephew would have been
+a better tenant and have paid a higher rent." He paused and knitted his
+brows angrily as he resumed: "However, it's done with, and one can't
+blame Railton for holding on to his lease. What I hate to feel is, the
+others plotted to baffle me. The land is mine, but I'd sooner get on well
+with my tenants."
+
+"One cannot, so to speak, have it both ways," Mrs. Osborn remarked
+timidly.
+
+"Oh, I know what you mean! But I don't think I'm a harsh landlord. If
+money was not quite so scarce, I might be generous. In fact, I don't
+know that I'd have agreed to turning Railton out if it hadn't been for
+Gerald's confounded debts and his allowance at Woolwich. That's a
+fresh expense."
+
+Mrs. Osborn thought the expense did not count for much by comparison with
+her husband's extravagance; but he had been rather patient and she must
+not go too far.
+
+"Well," she said, "you have got Railton's fine."
+
+"It is not a large sum," Osborn answered with a frown. "I need the money,
+but in a sense I'd sooner it had not been paid. Anyhow, I'd sooner it had
+not been paid like that. The others' confounded organized opposition
+annoys me."
+
+"They were forced to subscribe to a fund if they wanted to help."
+
+"Just so; but they probably wouldn't have thought about subscribing if
+Askew hadn't suggested it. They're an independent lot and believe in
+standing on their own feet. For a time after I got Tarnside, they used a
+sensible, give-and-take attitude; it's only recently they've met with
+stupid, sullen suspicion."
+
+"Perhaps it was rather a mistake to give Bell the coal yards' lease."
+
+"The coal yards had nothing to do with it," Osborn declared. "The
+trouble began earlier, and I've grounds for believing it began at
+Ashness. If I was rich enough, I'd buy the Askews out. They know I've no
+power over them and take advantage of the situation. The old man was a
+bad example for the others, but his son, with his raw communistic
+notions, is dangerous. If I could get rid of the meddling fool somehow,
+it would be a keen relief."
+
+He came back to the table and picked up a cup of tea. Then, grumbling
+that it had gone cold, he put it down noisily and went out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GRACE FINDS A WAY
+
+
+Soon after the reckoning at Mireside, the snow melted off the fells and
+for a month dark rain clouds from the sea rolled up the dale. They broke
+upon the hill tops in heavy showers, gray mist drifted about the wet
+slopes, the becks roared in the ghylls, and threads of foam that wavered
+in the wind streaked the crags. In the bottom of the valley it was never
+really light, water flowed across the roads, and the low-standing
+farmsteads reeked with damp.
+
+All this was not unusual and the dalesfolk would have borne it patiently
+had fuel not been short. Large fires were needed to dry the moisture that
+condensed in the flagged kitchens and soaked the thick walls, but coal
+could not be got at a price the house-wives were willing to pay. Some
+would have had to stint their families in food had they bought on Bell's
+terms, and the rest struggled, for the common cause, against the mould
+that gathered on clothing and spoiled the meal. They grumbled, but their
+resolution hardened as the strain got worse, while Bell waited rather
+anxiously for them to give way.
+
+His yards were full and more coal was coming in, but he saw that if he
+let the farmers beat him his power to overcharge them another time would
+be gone. The new combine was dangerous, since the cooperative plan might
+be extended to the purchase of chemical manures, seed, and lime. In the
+meantime, there was plenty of peat, stacked so that it would escape much
+damage, on Malton Head; but Askew and his friends could not get it down.
+Carts could not be used on the fells and the clumsy wooden sledges the
+farmers called stone-boats would not run across the boggy moor. The few
+loads Kit brought down at the cost of heavy labor were carried off by
+anxious house-wives as soon as they arrived.
+
+The weather was helping the monopolist, but he could not tell if a change
+to frost would be an advantage or not. Although it would make the need
+for coal felt keenly, it might simplify the transport of peat. When Bell
+thought about it, and the colliery company's bills came in, he felt
+disturbed, but he was stubborn and would not lower his price yet.
+
+At length the rain stopped, and after a heavy fall of snow keen frost
+began. The white fells glittered in cold sunshine that only touched the
+bottom of the dale for an hour or two. The ice on the tarn was covered,
+so that skating was impossible, and Thorn, feeling the need for
+amusement, had a few sledges made. He had learned something about
+winter sports in Switzerland, and one afternoon stood with a party of
+young men and women at the top of Malton Head. They had practised with
+a pair of skis farther down the hill, where one or two were sliding on
+a small Swiss luge, but Thorn wanted to find a long run for his
+Canadian-pattern toboggan.
+
+Grace stood near him; her face touched with warm color and her eyes
+sparkling as she looked about. She did not altogether approve of Alan
+Thorn, but she was young and vigorous and enjoyed the sport. Besides, she
+loved the high fells and now they looked majestic in the pale sunshine.
+They were not all white; dark rocks with glittering veins edged the
+snowfield, and the scarred face of Force Crag ran down where the shoulder
+of the moor broke off four hundred feet below. Where the sun did not
+strike, the snow was a curious delicate gray, and the bottom of the dale
+was colored an ethereal blue. The pale-gray riband, winding in a graceful
+curve round the crag, marked the old green road that was sometimes used
+for bringing down dry fern, and Grace's face got thoughtful as she noted
+a row of men and horses some distance off. She imagined they were Askew
+and his helpers.
+
+In the meantime, Thorn studied her with artistic satisfaction. He had an
+eye for female beauty and the girl looked very well in her rather shabby
+furs. Her pose was light and graceful, her figure finely modeled, and he
+liked the glow the cold had brought to her skin. Moreover, he liked her
+joyous confidence when they tried the luge on a risky slide. She was as
+steady-nerved and plucky as a man, and was marked by a fine
+fastidiousness that did not characterize other girls he knew.
+
+"I think this is about the best spot we have seen," he said. "The drop
+is steep but regular, although I expect we'll be breathless when we get
+to the bottom. Would you like to try? If not, perhaps somebody else
+will come."
+
+He looked at the others, and they looked at the white declivity. It was
+much longer than any they had gone down, and a girl laughed.
+
+"To begin with, we'll watch you. I was upset on the last slide and it's
+rather a long way to roll down to the dale."
+
+Grace lay down on a cushion with her head just behind the toboggan's
+curved front; Thorn found room farther back, with his legs in the snow,
+and amidst some laughter and joking the others pushed; them off. The
+surface was hard, and for a time the toboggan ran smoothly and steadily;
+then the pace got faster, and showers of snow flew up like spray. It beat
+into Grace's eyes and whipped her face, until she bent her head in the
+shelter of the curled front.
+
+The sharp hiss the steel runners made was louder, the wind began to
+scream, and she got something of a shock when she cautiously looked up.
+It was hard to see through the snowy spray, but the top of the crag
+looked ominously near. Glancing down hill with smarting eyes, she thought
+the slope, which, from the top, had seemed to fall evenly to the dale,
+was also inclined towards the crag. She could not see much of the latter,
+but there was a fringe of dark rock where the white declivity broke off.
+
+"Aren't we getting too near?" she shouted.
+
+"Nearer than I thought," Thorn gasped. "Not sure I can swing the sledge.
+Can you get back and help?"
+
+Grace braced herself. Alan's nerve was good, but there was a disturbed
+note in his voice; besides he would not have asked her help unless it was
+needed. Wriggling back cautiously, she got level with Thorn, although
+there was not much room for them side by side. Her feet and the seam of
+her short dress brushed in the snow and tore up the surface. She felt the
+looser stuff beneath foam about her gaiters, but this was an advantage.
+The drag would help to stop the sledge, and if she could put an extra
+pressure on one side, to some extent direct it. Still they were going
+very fast and at first she was nearly pulled off. She tightened her grasp
+with her hands until she felt her gloves split, and then risked another
+glance ahead.
+
+The rocks were very close, but the sledge had passed the top, and she
+could see a few yards down the dark side as they followed the curving
+edge of the crag. The sledge was now running nearly straight down the
+hill, but the curve bent in towards them, and she could not tell if they
+would shoot past the widest spot or plunge over.
+
+"Perhaps you had better let go," Thorn said hoarsely.
+
+Grace shook her head. If she dropped off, it was uncertain whether she
+would stop until she had rolled some distance; perhaps she might not stop
+before she reached the edge of the crag. Anyhow, she did not mean to let
+go, and tried to catch the snow with her toes in an effort to help Thorn
+to steer the sledge. It swerved a little but rushed on again, and she saw
+that the edge of the rock curved in yet. She doubted if they were far
+enough off to get past the bend.
+
+Then she saw that Thorn had slipped farther back in order to increase the
+drag of his legs. His face was dark with blood and she heard his heavy
+breathing as he tried to change their course. She helped all she could
+while the snow rolled across her dress, and then for a moment lifted her
+head. Powdered snow beat into her face and nearly blinded her, but she
+thought there was now an unbroken slant in front. They must have passed
+the middle of the bend, although Thorn was between her and the side on
+which it lay and she was not sure yet. She remembered with horrible
+distinctness how she had once stood at the bottom of the crag and seen a
+stone that rolled over the top smash upon the rocks.
+
+"Try again!" Thorn gasped. "Swing her to the right!"
+
+Grace let her body slip back. The thrust and drag were telling, for the
+sledge had swerved, and then there came a few seconds of keen suspense.
+After this she heard Thorn draw a labored breath and felt his hand on
+her waist.
+
+"We're past. Hitch yourself up before you're pulled off," he said.
+
+With some trouble Grace got back to her place and lay still, while her
+heart thumped painfully and something rang in her ears. The reaction had
+begun and she knew she could not move if Thorn wanted help again. It
+looked, however, as if he did not, and some moments afterwards she saw
+that the way was clear ahead. She wondered whether they would stop before
+they reached the bottom of the dale and how far it was. The round
+sheepfold in the first field looked no larger than a finger ring. She was
+getting numb and the rush of bitter air took away her breath.
+
+"Hold tight!" Thorn shouted presently and she noted that the hillside
+broke off not far in front.
+
+Since there were no crags near the spot, it was obvious that they had
+come to an extra steep pitch, the brow of which prevented her from seeing
+the bottom. Next moment the sledge seemed to leave the ground and leap
+forward. Grace thought that for some yards they traveled through the air,
+and then the hiss of the runners that had suddenly stopped became a
+scream. The speed was bewildering and a haze of fine snow streamed past.
+By and by, however, this began to thin, the speed slackened, and Thorn
+gave a warning shout. She felt him try to turn the sledge, but they were
+going too fast; the light frame canted and turned over, and they rolled
+off into the snow. When Grace got up and shook herself, fifty yards lower
+down, she saw Thorn standing by the righted sledge. He came to meet her
+as she toiled back and his eyes sparkled.
+
+"By George!" he said, "you are fine. You're a thorough sport!"
+
+Grace colored. The compliment was obviously frank and not premeditated;
+perhaps she deserved it, but she did not want Thorn to praise her. His
+manners were good, but somehow he often jarred. He had not, within her
+memory, said anything that could justly offend her, and although he was a
+neighbor and there were no secrets in the dale, she had not known him do
+a shabby thing. Yet, on the whole, he rather repelled than attracted her.
+She studied him as he came down the hill.
+
+He was a big, handsome man, and it was, of course, ridiculous to dislike
+him because he was older than she and was getting fat. He was an amusing
+talker and a good sportsman, but now and then one got a hint of hardness
+and cunning. Somehow, so to speak, he did not ring true.
+
+"I held on because I thought I might fall over the crag if I let go," she
+said with a laugh. "Then as I did hold on, it was merely prudent to try
+to steer the sledge."
+
+"Oh, yes," Thorn agreed. "But the important thing is you saw this and
+didn't lose your nerve. Anyhow, if you had lost it, I couldn't have
+blamed you; I blame myself for my confounded thoughtlessness that let you
+run the risk. In fact, I'm dreadfully sorry and don't mind owning that I
+got a fright."
+
+Grace noted that he was rather shaken, and felt vaguely disturbed. She
+had seen him following the foxhounds among the crags, for they hunt on
+foot in the rugged dales, and knew his steadiness and pluck. He had not
+been afraid for himself, and she did not want him to be afraid for her.
+
+"After all," she said, "the hill seemed to run down evenly when we stood
+at the top. If the little slant towards the crag deceived you, it
+deceived me."
+
+"I know more about tobogganing and oughtn't to have been deceived. It
+hurts to feel I didn't take proper care of you."
+
+"It really doesn't matter," Grace replied with a smile, and Thorn gave
+her a steady look.
+
+"Oh, but it does matter! You ought to see that!"
+
+"I don't see it," Grace insisted quietly, although her heart beat. "You
+were not accountable, and we got down quite safe. Let's talk about
+something else."
+
+Thorn's eyes rested on her for another moment, and then he made a sign of
+acquiescence and they went back up the hill. At the top he marked a new
+line for the next day's sport, and then as the sun was getting low the
+party started home by the old stone-boat road. Near the bottom they
+overtook the Askews, and one or two others walking at their horses' heads
+as they cautiously descended a steep pitch. Grace noted that although
+they were not bringing much peat there was a risk of the sledges running
+down upon the teams.
+
+"You have not got on very fast," she said to Peter.
+
+"If we're no verra careful, we'll gan faster than we like."
+
+"I suppose that's why you're only taking half a load?"
+
+"Just that," Peter agreed. "It wadn't suit for load to run ower the team.
+Better safe than sorry, though it's a terrible loss o' time."
+
+"Then, why don't you look for an easier way down?"
+
+"There's only the oad green road. Fellside's ower steep for horses."
+
+"Well, if I can think of a better way I'll tell you," Grace replied,
+smiling, and hurried on after the others.
+
+They left her at the Tarnside gate and she stopped abruptly as she went
+up the drive. It had obviously taken Askew a long time to bring down half
+a load because of the risk to his horses; but she had found a better
+plan. It was not needful to use horses, after they had pulled the sledges
+up. The latter could be heavily loaded and left to run down alone. She
+must tell Kit Askew when she saw him next, but she did not reflect that
+it was curious she meant to tell Kit and not Peter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE PLAN WORKS
+
+
+Although the air was bracingly keen the afternoon was calm and the
+scattered clouds scarcely moved across the sky. The snow in the valley
+shone a delicate gray, and soft lights and shadows rested on the hills. A
+peak that rose above the edge of the lofty moor gleamed pale-yellow
+against a background of deep blue. Grace noted the tranquil beauty of the
+landscape, but hesitated now and then as she climbed the steep road out
+of the dale.
+
+She had come to meet Kit Askew, and now she reviewed her reasons for
+doing so they did not look very sound. In fact, if Kit approved the plan
+she meant to suggest, she would perhaps be meddling unjustifiably with
+her father's business. After all, however, it was really not his
+business. He had allowed himself to be persuaded to help Hayes and the
+latter's accomplice, Bell, without quite understanding what this
+implied. Her plan would prevent his doing an injustice he did not really
+mean to do.
+
+She suspected that there was a touch of sophistry about her arguments,
+but would not own that she had come because she wanted to meet Kit. It
+was necessary that she should meet him; yet when she stopped at a gate
+and heard the tramp of horses' feet behind, her color came and went. For
+all that, she looked very calm, when Kit pulled up his team, and went
+forward to open the gate. He made an abrupt movement as he recognized
+her, but his eyes shone with satisfaction.
+
+"I suppose you are going for some peat," she said.
+
+Kit said he was, and added that Peter and two or three neighbors were
+loading the stone-boats on the moor.
+
+"Then, I wonder whether you could let me have a small quantity when you
+come down?"
+
+"You can have a load if you want."
+
+Grace laughed. "Two or three basketsful would be enough, and I don't want
+them for myself. I went to see Mrs. Waite and found her old father
+crippled by rheumatism. The kitchen was cold and damp, but she had a very
+little fire. She said her coal was nearly gone and she had got no peat."
+
+"Thank you for telling me; I didn't know," said Kit. "I'll take her a
+sack as I go down the dale." He paused and hesitated, with his hand on
+the open gate. "But it's rather cold. Am I keeping you?"
+
+Grace noted with some satisfaction that he did not seem to think it
+remarkable she had met him at the lonely spot.
+
+"Oh, no," she said. "I am going up the hill. I like the view from the
+crag and sometimes go to watch the sunset. When it shines over the
+shoulder of the Pike it throws wonderful lights on the snow."
+
+Kit agreed, and after he started his horses they went on together. By and
+by Grace resumed: "When I met you yesterday, your father said the sledges
+often ran down too fast and you could not put up a proper load."
+
+"That is a drawback. You see, there's plenty peat cut; the trouble is to
+bring it down. After the heavy rain, we couldn't drag the stone-boats
+across the boggy moor, and although the snow has made this easy, it
+hasn't helped much otherwise. If we put up a big load, there's some
+danger of the sledges overtaking and knocking down the horses where the
+track is steep."
+
+"And you can't see a way of getting over the difficulty?"
+
+Kit said he could not and Grace's eyes twinkled.
+
+"Then I can. I'll show you a way, if you're not too proud to take advice
+from a girl."
+
+"Certainly not," Kit said, smiling. "I don't know why you think
+I'm proud."
+
+"Then perhaps you're obstinate; some of the dalesfolk are."
+
+"We're slow. We like to try things properly; and then, perhaps we
+stick to them longer than is needful if we find them good. But
+caution's prudent."
+
+"You're very cautious now," Grace rejoined. "You don't seem curious about
+my plan. Are you afraid it isn't practical?"
+
+"No," said Kit, rather earnestly; "since it's yours, it's no doubt
+good." Then he pulled himself up and added with a twinkle: "But I
+haven't heard it yet."
+
+"Well, while your difficulty is that the peat comes down too fast, I
+think it does not go fast enough. You are afraid about your horses, but
+you needn't use them. The stone-boats would run down alone. Do you
+understand now?"
+
+Kit started. "I expect you have found the way, Miss Osborn, and we owe
+you some thanks. In fact, you're cleverer than the lot!"
+
+"The admission doesn't seem to hurt you," Grace rejoined. "But I imagine
+to feel you had to make it was something of a shock."
+
+"No," said Kit, with a laugh she liked. "We're often dull and our
+womenfolk have helped us much. But somehow I did not expect--"
+
+He stopped, and Grace gave him a level glance.
+
+"You mean you did not expect help from me?"
+
+"Well," he said, "I suppose I did mean something like that"
+
+"Then I'm glad you owned it, because it allows me to clear the ground. I
+don't want poor people to be cold in winter in order that Bell may get
+rich. Neither does my father want it--you must believe this! He doesn't
+know all that goes on; Hayes hides things from him. There is no reason I
+shouldn't help you to spoil _Bell's_ plot."
+
+Kit was silent for a few moments. The girl had pluck and he liked her
+frankness. She was trying to persuade herself Osborn was not unjust, and,
+although he imagined she found it hard, he did not mean to make it
+harder. One must respect her staunchness.
+
+"Bell is our real antagonist and he's an awkward man to beat," he said.
+"However, the hint you have given us ought to be useful. I'll look for a
+way down when we get to the top."
+
+Grace warned him about the inclination of the hillside to the rocks and
+stopped at the bottom of the crag.
+
+"I think I'll go across the hill and watch the first sledge come down, if
+you're not too long," she said and paused for a moment. "Perhaps you
+needn't tell the others it was my plan."
+
+Kit said he would not do so and was strangely satisfied as he went on
+with his horses. He understood her hesitation; it was delightful to feel
+that she had given him her confidence and they shared a secret. At the
+top, he found the others had loaded the sledges and were ready to start.
+Since the dales folk are conservative, he had expected some opposition to
+his plan, but they listened attentively and an old man supported him.
+
+"I mind hearing my father say that yan hard winter after a wet back end
+o' year, they let peat run doon t' fell. What has been done yance can be
+done again."
+
+Kit said nothing; for the other, by using a favorite motto, had banished
+his companions' dislike of novelties.
+
+"It was deeun no' so long sin'," another remarked. "In my time, they
+browt slate doon on t' stane-boats across the Fleet-pike scree. Pushed
+them off at top and let them go."
+
+There was some further talk and when they resolved to make the experiment
+Kit went down the hill. He said he wanted to see how the first sledge
+crossed an awkward pitch, but it counted for much that he saw a small
+figure below. Grace looked satisfied with his excuse for joining her and
+they waited for a time while the men above moved the first load to the
+edge. The sunshine had gone and it was getting cold; the shadows in the
+dale had faded from blue to dusky gray and the frost was keen. All was
+very quiet, but now and then distant voices and the musical rattle of
+chains came down through the nipping air.
+
+"It will be dark before they're ready if they're not quick," said Kit,
+and Grace looked up the hill.
+
+"I think they're starting the sledge. If there had been nobody about, I
+would have liked to come down with the peat. You can't imagine how
+exciting it is."
+
+They watched the sledge slip over the brow of the descent. It got larger
+as it came down, but it did not run as fast as the toboggan. One could
+see it rock and swerve, shaking off loose peats, where the ground was
+broken, and Grace glanced at the steep pitch Kit had come to watch.
+
+"It will go down there with a splendid rush, but I don't think it will
+upset," she said. "My plan is going to work."
+
+The sledge got nearer. They saw the snow fly up about its front and heard
+the scream the runners made. There was something fascinating about its
+smooth but fast descent, and as it approached the top of the dip they
+moved back rather unwillingly to let it pass. When it was nearly level
+with them it slowed on the changing incline and Grace noted that there
+was a narrow space between the back of the frame and the peat. She gave
+Kit a quick look as she said, "If one wanted, I think one could jump on."
+
+"Let's try!" said Kit impulsively, and they ran forward.
+
+He reached the sledge first, and throwing himself down held out his hand
+to Grace, who fell upon the runner log. Kit pulled her up and although
+the light was going saw her face glow after the effort she had made. Her
+eyes sparkled with excitement, but Kit felt half embarrassed because he
+did not know whether he had persuaded her to venture on an undignified
+adventure or she had persuaded him. It was a relief to hear her laugh.
+
+"This is rather ridiculous, and I don't know if we can hold on," she said
+as she tried to grasp the shaking peat.
+
+The sledge ran faster and lurched violently as it plunged over the edge
+of the steep drop. A shower of peat fell on them, the speed got furious,
+and they heard the runners scream, but they were sheltered from the rush
+of wind and could not see ahead. After a few moments Grace looked up with
+twinkling eyes.
+
+"You could drop off if you liked. Are you, sorry you came?"
+
+"No," said Kit. "I came because I wanted, and now I'm here I'll stop."
+
+"I really think you mean to be nice," Grace rejoined with amusement and
+Kit understood; she saw he did not mean to admit that she had suggested
+the adventure, but this was not important. It was something of an
+adventure for a girl like Miss Osborn, although her having embarked on it
+gave him a delightful feeling of partnership in a harmless folly.
+
+"I hope there's nothing in the way," he said. "We're going very fast and
+Hindbeck farm can't be far off. I ought to have looked before we jumped."
+
+"It is too late now," Grace answered with an excited laugh. "I imagine
+you're not as cautious as you think; but we won't talk. It's hard to hold
+on and I haven't much breath."
+
+Kit moved nearer and, seizing the edge of the frame, put his arm round
+her waist. She did not seem to resent this, and for a time they sped down
+hill with their feet plowing through the snow. Kit did not care how long
+the swift rush lasted, but by and by he began to get anxious. The sledge
+had gone a long way since they jumped on, and the hillside was steep to
+the bottom, where it met the Hindbeck pastures. While he wondered whether
+Grace would slide far and get shaken if he made her let go, the sledge
+tilted up. It stopped with a violent shock, he heard stones fall, and was
+thrown off amidst a shower of peat. When he got up Grace was sitting in
+the snow some distance off and he ran towards her. She had lost her small
+fur cap and her hair was loose, but to his relief she laughed.
+
+"Oh," she said, "it really was ridiculous! But the plan will work. The
+peat will run down!"
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed, with a breathless chuckle. "I think it would
+have run into the Hindbeck kitchen but for the wall."
+
+"Then it was a wall that stopped us. It felt like a rock."
+
+"Come and see," said Kit, holding out his hand to help her up.
+
+"I think," she said, "I'd rather you looked for my hat."
+
+He went off and it was two or three minutes before he found the hat among
+the scattered peat. When he came back it was nearly dark, but Grace's
+hair was no longer untidy, and the snow that had smeared her clothes had
+gone. She walked with him to where the sledge rested on a pile of stones,
+and looking through the gap, they saw a woman with a lantern cross a
+narrow pasture between them and a house.
+
+"What's t' matter?" the woman shouted and turned round. "Janet, gan on
+and see what's brokken t' wa'."
+
+Another figure came out of the gloom and Grace looked at Kit.
+
+"I don't know who Janet is, but I do know Mrs. Creighton. She talks," she
+said. "If you'll stop and explain matters, I'll go down the lonning. It
+was a glorious adventure! Good-night!"
+
+She stole away round the corner of the wall and Kit, who understood that
+he was, so to speak, to cover her retreat, waited until the two women
+came up. The one who carried the lantern was fat and homely; the other
+was slender and looked like Janet Bell.
+
+"It's Kit, an' stane-boat stucken in t' wa'!" said the first as she held
+up the light "But where's team? An' hoo did you get here? There's nea
+road this way."
+
+Kit laughed. "It's lucky I left the horses at the top. This is a new plan
+for bringing down the peat and it certainly works, although next time we
+must try to stop a little sooner."
+
+Mrs. Creighton asked him some questions before she understood what had
+happened. He was in the light, because she had put the lantern on the
+wall, and although he could not see her companion's face, he suspected
+from Janet's quietness that she was studying him.
+
+"Then you left the others on the moor," the girl remarked.
+
+"I did," said Kit. "We sent the stone-boat off by itself, and it was
+half-way down when I jumped on."
+
+"Then none of the men came with you?"
+
+"No," said Kit, who felt annoyed because he saw Janet suspected
+something. "I went down to watch the sledge and see if we had hit the
+best track."
+
+"It's strange!" said Janet. "I thought there was somebody else when I
+first came out. Still, of course, it was nearly dark."
+
+Kit was puzzled because he could not tell how much Janet had really seen,
+and thought the situation needed careful handling. If she knew Miss
+Osborn had been with him, it would be a mistake to make the thing look
+significant by pretending that she had not; but it was possible that
+Janet did not know. Then Grace had hinted that she did not want their
+adventure talked about.
+
+"I don't expect you could see very well if you had just come out from the
+light in the kitchen," he replied. "Anyhow, none of the men came with me
+and I must go back and tell them not to send off another lot. We'll see
+about mending your wall to-morrow, Mrs. Creighton."
+
+He went off to a gate that opened into the lonning. This was the wisest
+plan, because he did not want to talk to Janet. He was half afraid of
+her, but not because he thought she sympathized with her father's plots;
+it was known that Bell and his daughter quarreled. The girl was a
+dangerous coquette and had tactfully hinted that she rather approved Kit.
+This had alarmed Kit, who knew she was clever and resolute.
+
+When he reached the lane he stopped abruptly as he remembered something,
+and took out his pipe, although he did not mean to smoke. He must be
+cautious, since he was not sure if Janet had gone in. Striking a match,
+he held it between his hands as if he were going to light his pipe and
+stooped in the shelter of a wall.
+
+The light shone on the ground and he knitted his brows as he saw sharp
+footsteps in the snow. The farm people did not wear boots that would
+leave marks like these; moreover, the footsteps would lead anybody who
+thought it worth while to follow them to the spot where the sledge upset.
+Kit threw down the match, and frowned as he went on again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+JANET MEDDLES
+
+
+Bright moonlight sparkled on the snow when Kit left Ashness to post some
+letters he had written ordering new machines. He was young, but since he
+came home Peter had allowed much of the business of the farm to fall into
+his hands. Kit's judgment was sound; he had studied modern methods at the
+agricultural college and was progressive without being rash. For the most
+part, his experiments had paid, and Peter sometimes thought the lad's
+talents were wasted in the quiet dale. Kit had ability, particularly for
+management. Then, although he was rather reserved, people trusted him and
+often asked his advice.
+
+Peter knew Kit was satisfied to stay at Ashness; but, for all that, if
+the lad felt he wanted a wider field for his energies later, he would not
+stand in his way. The time might come when he must let him go, for Peter
+had a brother who had got rich in America and was willing to give his
+nephew a start. Indeed, Adam had written again not long since, asking if
+Peter was going to send him. It was a relief when Kit laughed and
+declared that he did not mean to leave Ashness yet.
+
+When he passed Allerby mill Kit looked about. Icicles covered the idle
+wheel, a snow cornice hung over the flagged roof, and water splashed
+softly in the half-frozen race. Farther on, the snowy road was
+checkered by the shadows of hedges and bare trees. Low roofs, touched
+by hoar-frost, rose behind the trunks, and here and there a gleam of
+yellow light shone out. The road, however, was empty, as Kit was
+relieved to note.
+
+He had once or twice recently, when he went to the post in the evening,
+met Janet Bell coming from the little shop in the village. In fact, the
+thing began to look significant. Kit was sorry for Janet, because Bell's
+rule was harsh and his neighbors extended their dislike for him to his
+family. All the same, Kit did not trust the girl and would sooner she
+left him alone. He might be taking too much for granted, but romantic
+pity was a treacherous guide; Janet was pretty and clever, and he was
+human. He had thought about changing the time he went to the post, but
+felt it would be cowardly. Besides, he was occupied all day and letters
+could not be written until the outside work was done, while a postman
+called at Allerby early in the morning.
+
+There was, however, nobody about and for a minute or two Kit went on at a
+quick pace. He passed Bell's house, and then hesitated with a frown as a
+figure he thought he knew came round a bend in front. Close by, the tall
+hedgerow was broken by a stile, from which a path led across a field and
+joined the road farther on. He was in the moonlight and if he vanished
+the thing would look too marked. Moreover, there would be something
+ridiculous about his running away.
+
+Kit went forward, wondering whether Janet had noted his hesitation, and
+she stopped him near a big ash-tree. The shadow of the branches made a
+black, open pattern on the snow and a belt of gloom lay behind the wide
+trunk. Kit would sooner Janet had stopped in the moonlight, since the
+villagers often went to the shop and post in the evening, and his
+standing in the shadow gave a hint of secrecy to the accidental meeting.
+He thought it strange that Janet did not see this.
+
+"You were walking fast," she said. "I believe you'd have gone by if I
+hadn't spoken."
+
+"The frost is sharp enough to make one move briskly and I've something to
+do when I get back."
+
+"Busy lad!" said Janet, in a mocking voice. "You're always in a hurry,
+Kit I suppose Peter works you hard?"
+
+"He says I work him harder than he likes," Kit replied, smiling. "Perhaps
+the truth is he lets me have my way."
+
+"You're lucky," Janet remarked with a sigh. "It's nice to be able
+to do what you like. There's only one way at the Mill house, and
+that's father's. But I suppose you agree with him that women's
+ideas don't count?"
+
+"I daresay their ideas are as sound as ours, but I don't know much about
+it. We have no women except old Bella and the dairymaid at Ashness."
+
+"And you never miss them? In that big, lonely house!"
+
+Kit mused for a moment. Sometimes, particularly on summer evenings when
+they did not light the lamps and the shadows of the fells rested on the
+old building, Ashness was lonely and drearily quiet. He had thought now
+and then the difference would be marked if a woman's laugh rang through
+the dim rooms and a graceful figure sat by the hearth. Still, his
+imagination had not pictured Janet there.
+
+"Oh, well," he said, "we're out all day and when we come home there are
+letters to write and books to read."
+
+"Letters and books!" said Janet. "Kit, I wonder if you're quite alive."
+Then she laughed, provocatively. "Anyhow, you don't seem to know when
+you're given a chance of being nice."
+
+Kit did not answer and wished she would let him go. He felt awkward and
+thought Janet knew this, for she resumed: "However, one mustn't expect
+too much and you want to get back. It's a habit of yours. You were in a
+hurry to get away the last time I saw you, when the stone-boat broke
+Creighton's wall."
+
+"I'd been at work since morning in the snow."
+
+"And Miss Osborn was waiting for you in the lonning?"
+
+"No," said Kit sharply; "she was not."
+
+"Anyhow she was with you, before she stole away."
+
+"She didn't steal away," Kit began indignantly, but hesitated. Now he
+came to think about it, Grace had gone as quietly as possible.
+
+"You mean Miss Osborn does nothing undignified? For all that, she didn't
+want Mrs. Creighton to see her. I don't suppose Osborn would be pleased
+to know his daughter and you went for moonlight walks on the fells."
+
+Kit knew Osborn would not like it, and since the dales folk are fond of
+gossip saw he must stop the story going round.
+
+"I had not gone for a walk with Miss Osborn. I met her as I came down
+from the moor. She didn't know I was coming."
+
+"So she wasn't waiting for you?" Janet remarked, with a hint of mockery.
+She stopped, and putting her hand on Kit's arm, pushed him nearer the
+hedgerow as a man and woman came round a neighboring corner.
+
+Kit was annoyed, but he waited and watched the people as they passed. The
+shadow was not very dark and he thought the woman give him a curious
+glance. He knew her and imagined that she knew him. When the people went
+through a gate Janet laughed.
+
+"That was very unlucky, Kit! Old Nanny's fond of talking; I'm afraid your
+character is gone."
+
+Kit frowned. He did not see much humor in the situation, although Janet
+was amused.
+
+"Oh," she said, "you are dull! I expect you couldn't be nice if you
+tried. But we were talking about Miss Osborn. You were not riding on the
+stone-boat when you met her. I don't suppose you could have stopped it."
+
+"No," said Kit, shortly, "I was not."
+
+"But I saw you and somebody else hardly a minute after the stone-boat hit
+the wall."
+
+"You saw _me_."
+
+"I did," said Janet. "The snow was sticking to your clothes as if you
+had fallen, and you looked angry when Mrs. Creighton put the lantern
+on the wall." She paused for a moment, and went on: "I begin to see;
+you did come down on the stone-boat and Miss Osborn came with you. You
+were both thrown off by the upset at the wall. Well, if you persuaded
+her to join you in an adventure like that, it looks as if you were
+pretty good friends."
+
+Kit said nothing. In a sense, Miss Osborn had persuaded him, and it was
+difficult to explain that both had really given way to a rash impulse.
+Somewhat to his surprise, Janet gently touched his arm.
+
+"Be careful, Kit! I wouldn't like to see you hurt. Miss Osborn's friends
+are not your kind of folk; she only wants to amuse herself when they are
+not about."
+
+"That's ridiculous," Kit declared. "Miss Osborn is not amusing
+herself with me."
+
+"Perhaps you ought to know," Janet rejoined with some dryness. "Now I
+come to think of it, you're not always very bright. Anyhow, when she
+finds the game tiresome, she'll soon get rid of you."
+
+"I meet Miss Osborn now and then and sometimes she stops and speaks. That
+is all," Kit said sternly.
+
+"I imagine it's enough," Janet remarked. "Well, I don't want to see you
+made to look a fool; you're rather a good sort, Kit, if you're not very
+clever. Be careful and remember you have been warned."
+
+She gave him a friendly nod and went off, but after a few moments turned
+and looked back. Kit was walking down the road with swift angry strides.
+Janet smiled, but when she entered the mill-house kitchen her face was
+flushed. Soon after she sat down by the fire, Bell came in and leaned
+against the table with an angry frown.
+
+"There's two mair trucks o' coal, and I canna find room for t' stuff," he
+said. "Yards is full and I only sold three or four car loads last week."
+
+Janet knew silence was prudent when her father was disturbed, but he had
+given her a lead. Kit was a fool, and although she doubted if he were as
+dull as he pretended, she was angry with him. Anyhow, it might be
+possible to stop his ridiculous infatuation for Miss Osborn.
+
+"You can't sell coal when the Askews are giving peat away," she said.
+
+"Looks like that," Bell agreed. "I'd ha' broke the others before noo if I
+hadn't had Peter and Kit against me. Hooiver, if I canna sell coal, I
+canna pay the rent and landlord will have to do something. Mayhappen it
+will be easier for him if he kens the Askews started the plot. Osborn's
+none too fond of them."
+
+"He wouldn't like them any better if he knew what I know," Janet remarked
+with a malicious smile.
+
+"What do you ken about them?" Bell asked scornfully.
+
+"I don't imagine Osborn wants Kit for his son-in-law."
+
+Bell started and then laughed harshly.
+
+"Old wives' crack! Kit's not such a fool!"
+
+"You know best," said Janet. "If you like, I'll tell you what I've seen."
+
+She did so and Bell's mean face got thoughtful. On the whole, Janet did
+not exaggerate much, although she now and then made a rather unwarranted
+implication. She threw a fresh light on matters the gossips already
+talked about; among others were Grace's visit to Mireside the morning
+Railton's sheep were counted and her meeting with Kit before he went to
+look for the Herdwicks. When she stopped Bell knitted his brows.
+
+"If it was used right, I might mak' some use o' this," he
+observed. "We'll see what Osborn says about coal yards and the
+alterations at mill."
+
+He went to his office and Janet sat quietly by the fire. Her plot would
+work; Miss Osborn should not have Kit.
+
+Bell made some calculations. His money was getting short; he had bills to
+pay, and his stock of coal was large. He could not hold it much longer,
+and since the Askews were bringing down large quantities of peat, there
+was no ground for imagining the dalesfolk would give way. It looked as if
+he must meet them and he wrote a notice that coal would be delivered by
+the trailer lurry at a reduction of two-and-six a ton.
+
+When he had put this in an envelope for the printers, Bell knitted his
+brows. Although his neighbors would sooner burn coal than peat, he was
+not sure the reduction would stimulate the demand for the former and he
+must look for relief in some other direction. He paid a high rent for
+the yards and the landlord ought to help. Osborn would, no doubt, be
+reluctant, but he might be forced. Bell's lease of the mill would soon
+run out; nobody else could pay as much as he paid, and he would demand
+certain expensive alterations. Furthermore, Osborn did not like the
+Askews, and Bell imagined he saw how to strike a blow at Kit; Janet had
+shown him the way. It would be some satisfaction to punish the
+meddlesome fellow.
+
+Two days afterwards the notice was fixed on the gateposts, but a week
+went by without its attracting fresh customers. Then a bill from the
+colliery arrived and Bell put down his price another two-and-six. For a
+day or two, no orders came in, and he resolved to wait until the week was
+out and then, if needful, get Hayes to arrange for a meeting with Osborn.
+
+On the last evening of the week, a number of the co-operators met in the
+kitchen at Ashness and for a time talked about the weather and the price
+of sheep. Askew let them talk and Kit was too preoccupied to give them a
+lead. He had been thoughtful since he met Janet Bell, for she had
+banished the self-deception he had unconsciously used and thrown a new
+and disturbing light on his friendship with Grace. Ridiculous as it was
+in many ways, he was falling in love with Grace Osborn. Moreover, he had
+met her an hour since and she had talked with a friendly confidence that
+made his heart beat. The girl liked and trusted him, and although he
+durst not look for more, this in itself was much. It was plain that he
+ought to conquer his infatuation, but he doubted if he could.
+
+Listening to the others mechanically, he was silent and absorbed until
+one asked, "Weel, what's to be done aboot coal noo? Are we gan t' buy?"
+
+"I dinna ken," said another. "My womenfolk are grumelling an' it's
+lang sin' we had good light bread, but they're none for letting Bell
+have his way."
+
+"He's come doon five shillings, and we've peat enough to fall back on if
+he puts up price again," somebody else remarked. "Hooiver, I reckon he's
+forced to sell and we might get anither half-croon off if we wait."
+
+Peter took his pipe from his mouth. "It's a kittle point. T' womenfolk
+have been patient and Bell canna rob us much if we buy from him noo. Aw
+t' same, we can beat him doon some shillings if we hoad on."
+
+"Then hoad on and break the grasping skinflint!" said one of the
+younger men.
+
+"I doot if we can break him and wadn't say it's wise to try. If he'll
+come down anither shilling, I think we might tak' his coal. That wad be a
+just price and we ought to be satisfied."
+
+"Let him smart!" urged the other. "He's robbed us lang enough."
+
+"Well," said Peter thoughtfully, "I dinna ken if that's a reason for
+robbing him, and it's sometimes safer no to push your enemy over hard
+when he's willing to give in. You must choose. If you hoad on and
+force him to sell at a big loss, the fight can only end in yan o' two
+ways. He'll mak' you pay top price for cattle food, lime, and patent
+manures; or you'll drive him oot o' dale. You must reckon if you're
+strong enough."
+
+"We'll hear what Kit says," one of the rest remarked.
+
+Kit's mood was hardly normal. He was not often rash, but he felt sore and
+rebellious and this had a stronger influence than he knew. Miss Osborn
+liked him, but her father's rank and traditions were daunting obstacles.
+Kit felt this was unjust, and raw passions and prejudices that he was, as
+a rule, too sensible to indulge, got the mastery.
+
+"My father is right," he said. "We have started a fight with Bell; he's a
+dangerous man to rouse and will make us pay, unless we beat him. Besides,
+he has made some pay already. Old rheumatic men and young children
+starved by half-empty grates when the snow stopped us getting the peat,
+and you have seen the profits you worked hard for melt before the price
+Bell charged for cattle-meal. He's been getting greedier, until he
+imagined he could rob us as he liked, and since he has forced us into the
+quarrel, my notion is we ought to fight it out."
+
+Peter looked surprised, but did not speak, and there was silence for a
+few moments. Then one said:
+
+"I'm with Kit. We'll hoad on until Bell comes doon seven-and-six. If he
+does, we'll talk aboot it again."
+
+After some argument, the rest agreed, and when they went away Peter
+turned to his son.
+
+"Mayhappen you've sent them t' right road, but I dinna ken! I'm none fond
+o' fratching, unless I'm forced."
+
+"We are forced," Kit answered moodily.
+
+Peter gave him a keen glance and then spread out his hands.
+
+"It's possible. For aw that, it wadn't ha' done much harm to give t' man
+his chance o' makin' peace."
+
+Kit did not answer, but went out, and Askew sat by the fire with a
+thoughtful look. Something had happened to the lad, and Peter wondered
+what it was. He felt vaguely disturbed, but could see no light.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OSBORN'S PRIDE GETS HURT
+
+
+Soon after the farmers met at Ashness, Bell, feeling sore and resentful,
+sat one evening in the Tarnside library. Osborn, after fixing a time for
+his visit, had kept him waiting twenty minutes, and Bell had come to
+think himself a man of a little importance. The spacious library was very
+cold and the end of a small log smouldered among the ashes in the grate.
+Bell knew he had been brought into the library because it was Osborn's
+business room; but the latter might have ordered the fire to be made up.
+
+His neglect rankled, although Bell had something else to think about. He
+had lowered his price for coal another shilling, without attracting
+buyers, and now admitted that the dales folks' resistance was getting
+dangerous. To some extent, the Askews were accountable for this, but
+Osborn got a large share of the profit Bell had hoped to make. One did
+not pay a high rent for nothing. By and by Bell looked at Hayes, who
+stood by the hearth.
+
+"The next time I come to Tarnside Mr. Osborn will wait for me," he
+remarked.
+
+Hayes made a warning gesture, there were steps in the passage, and Osborn
+came in. He sat down at the end of the table and looked at his watch.
+
+"I can give you about a quarter of an hour," he said. "Perhaps we had
+better begin."
+
+The big room was nearly dark, but the men sat in the light a shaded
+lamp threw across the table. Osborn looked half bored and half
+impatient, Hayes was urbanely inscrutable, while Bell's mean face was
+marked by greed.
+
+"Mr. Bell finds his stock of coal accumulating faster than he likes,"
+said Hayes. "He must pay on delivery, and since his customers have
+combined against him, feels he's entitled to some relief."
+
+"I don't see how that is my business," Osborn rejoined. "Bell might get
+over the difficulty by lowering his price."
+
+"I've putten it doon," Bell broke in. "The price I can sell at is fixed
+by my rent."
+
+"To some extent, the argument is logical," said Hayes.
+
+"Then am I to understand that Mr. Bell expects me to reduce his rent?"
+
+"Not to begin with," Hayes answered, giving Bell a warning glance. "He
+imagines he might gain his object almost as well if we stopped Askew
+cutting peat."
+
+"You cannot stop him. The peat is his."
+
+"We might embarrass him. While the snow lasts, it saves some awkward
+labor to cross Creighton's field and use his lonning. A tenant is not
+entitled to grant a way-leave."
+
+"Allowing a friend to use the lane for a week or two can hardly be called
+a way-leave."
+
+"Well, although Askew owns the moor, it's doubtful if he is entitled
+to remove peat for sale, unless by arrangement with the lord of the
+manor. I have seen Sir Gordon's agent and he is not unwilling to
+dispute the point."
+
+"At my cost?" said Osborn with a sarcastic smile. "Enforcing the old
+manorial rights, which nobody knows much about, would be an expensive
+business, and I have no money to risk. However, if Bell is willing to pay
+the lawyers--"
+
+"I'll pay nowt but rent. It's high enough," Bell declared.
+
+Osborn shrugged. "Very well! It would cost too much to try to frighten
+Askew off. He's confoundedly shrewd and obstinate."
+
+Bell was silent for a few moments, but his face got hard as he fixed his
+eyes on Osborn.
+
+"There's another matter. T' mill lease will soon fall in and I canna tak'
+it on again, unless I get the repairs and improvements done. Mr. Hayes
+has t' list."
+
+The agent took out the list with some builders' and millwrights'
+estimates, and Osborn frowned as he studied the documents. It was obvious
+that Bell meant to use pressure.
+
+"I don't like to be threatened," he replied.
+
+"It's not a threat," said Bell, with a cunning smile. "If I'm to lose my
+money at coal yards, I must earn some at mill, but unless I get t'
+repairs and new machines, mill willunt pay to run." He paused and
+studying Osborn's face resumed: "There'll be nea peace for either o' us
+while the Askews gan aboot makin' trouble."
+
+"I suppose that is so, to some extent," Osborn agreed.
+
+"Then is it fair to leave me to fratch wi' them? After aw, they're mair
+your enemies than mine."
+
+"I don't understand you; I have no coal to sell."
+
+Bell looked up with a sour grin. "There's worse ways o' hurting a proud
+man than touching his pocket. If you dinna ken what's going on, it's time
+you watched young Kit. I'll say nea mair, but aw t 'oad wives are
+cracking and you can ask Mr. Hayes. He kens!"
+
+Osborn's face got red, but he gave Bell a haughty look.
+
+"Anything that touches me personally is my private concern--and we are
+talking about the lease of the mill. I cannot make all the improvements
+you ask for, but perhaps something can be done. When we have studied the
+matter Mr. Hayes will let you know."
+
+Bell got up and when he went out Osborn turned to Hayes. "What did the
+fellow mean? He said you knew!"
+
+"It's dangerous ground and I frankly wish he'd told you to ask somebody
+else. However, there is some gossip--"
+
+"Go on," said Osborn sternly. "Whom are they gossiping about?"
+
+"Miss Osborn, since you insist."
+
+Osborn clenched his fist and the veins rose on his forehead as he said,
+"And young Askew?"
+
+Hayes made a sign of agreement and Osborn, getting up, walked across
+the floor. He came back with a savage sparkle in his eyes and stood in
+front of Hayes.
+
+"Tell me what you know."
+
+With a pretense of reluctance, Hayes obeyed. He told Osborn about
+Grace's visit to Railton's and hinted that she had gone to find out if
+Kit had brought the sheep. Then he narrated their meeting in the dark
+near Creighton's farm and stated his grounds for imagining she had
+ridden down the hill on the first load of peat. Hayes was tactful and
+apologetic, but he made it plain that the girl was in Kit's confidence
+and had known his plans.
+
+Osborn stopped him with a savage gesture. His face was deeply flushed and
+his voice was hoarse as he said: "That is enough. The thing looks
+impossible! I must try to find out what foundation there is for the
+ridiculous tale."
+
+"I shall be relieved if you do find it is ridiculous," said Hayes, who
+went off soon afterwards.
+
+For some minutes Osborn leaned against the mantel with his hands
+clenched, for he had got a shock. He admitted that the Osborns had some
+faults, but they were the Tarnside Osborns and had ruled the dale for a
+very long time. It was something to spring from such a stock, and the
+wilful girl had disgraced them all. Osborn had suspected Grace of holding
+dangerous modern views, but it was unthinkably humiliating that she had
+engaged in a flirtation with a farmer's son.
+
+He had declared the thing impossible, but he feared it was true. Hayes
+had been very clear about her visit to Railton's, and her coming down
+Malton Head on Askew's sledge was ominous. She must have been strongly
+attracted by Kit since she had done a thing like that. Besides, she
+had obviously sympathized with, and perhaps helped, his plans. This
+was treachery, because it was a tradition of the Osborns that they
+stood together.
+
+By and by he heard voices in the hall and braced himself. He must go down
+to receive his guests and was glad that they had come, since he did not
+want to tell his wife about the matter yet; in fact, he did not think he
+would talk to Grace. The thing was humiliating, and there was a
+possibility that Hayes had been mistaken. Osborn resolved to watch the
+girl and then insist on a reckoning if she gave him grounds for doing so.
+
+He went down and carried out his hospitable duties. Next morning he
+arranged for a day's shooting; the snow had nearly gone and there were a
+few pheasants left in Redmire wood. The party started early, taking their
+lunch, and in the afternoon Grace left Tarnside and walked down the dale.
+She had no particular object, but the day was fine and she wondered
+whether Kit had brought all the peat from Malton Head.
+
+There was no wind and the frost was not keen. Gray clouds trailed across
+the sky that was touched with yellow in the west, and soft, elusive
+lights played about the dale. Patches of snow on the fellsides gleamed
+and faded; mossy belts glowed vivid green, red berries in the hedgerows
+shone among withered leaves and fern, and then the light passed on and
+left the valley dim. Something in its calm beauty reacted on the girl and
+made her thoughtful. She loved the dale and felt that she might be happy
+there if it were not for her father's poverty and overbearing
+temperament.
+
+After all, they were not really poor; they had enough to satisfy their
+needs. Their clinging to out-of-date traditions caused the strain. One
+gained nothing by pretending to be rich and important; there was no
+logical reason for trying to live like one's ancestors, and the effort
+cost the Osborns much. It meant stern private economy, public
+ostentation, and many small deceits. Grace was getting tired of this
+pretense; she wanted something simpler and dignified. For the most part,
+the dalesfolk looked happy and she had come to envy them. They had their
+troubles, but they were troubles all mankind must bear, and they had joys
+one did not properly value at Tarnside: human fellowship and sympathy,
+and freedom to follow their bent. A shepherd's daughter, for example,
+could marry whom she liked and was not forced to accept a husband who had
+wealth enough to satisfy her parents.
+
+Grace blushed as she thought of Alan Thorn and contrasted him with Kit.
+She did not want to marry yet; but perhaps, if Kit were not a working
+farmer's son--She pulled herself up, with a smile, for it looked as if
+she had not broken free from the family traditions. After all, it did not
+matter if Kit were a farmer's son. He was honest and generous; he had a
+well-modeled figure, bright eyes, and a clean brown skin. But since Kit
+was not her lover, she was indulging in idle sentiment; and then she
+admitted that he might love her, although she did not yet love him.
+Indeed, if she must be honest, the thing was possible--she had seen his
+face brighten and remarked his satisfaction when they met.
+
+Then she stopped abruptly as she saw him coming down the road. There was
+a path across a field close by, but it would be admitting too much if she
+tried to avoid him, and she went on. Kit came up, dressed in rough
+working clothes, with muddy leggings, and a hedge stick in his hand. Two
+dogs ran before him and it looked as if he had been driving sheep. Grace
+was very calm when he took off his cap and he thought the hint of
+stateliness he sometimes noted was rather marked. It did not daunt him;
+he, felt it was proper Grace should look like that. She noted that he was
+hot and breathless.
+
+"I saw you as I was bringing the sheep down Burton ghyll," he said.
+
+"Then you must have good eyes," Grace remarked. "It's a long way, and I
+don't wear conspicuous clothes."
+
+Kit laughed. "I'd have known you much farther off. There's nobody in the
+dale who walks like you."
+
+Grace gave him a quiet glance that he met without embarrassment. She saw
+that he had not meant to offer her a cheap compliment; yet the compliment
+was justified. A dancing master had told her that she walked and carried
+herself well.
+
+"But where are the sheep?" she asked.
+
+"I left them in the field at the beckfoot," he answered with a touch of
+awkwardness. "We can bring them down afterwards; I remembered I wanted
+something at Allerby."
+
+Grace turned her head to hide a smile. It was obvious that he had
+remembered he wanted to go to Allerby when he saw her.
+
+"Oh, well," she said, "I am going part of the way. However, I mustn't
+stop you if you want to get back to the sheep."
+
+"It isn't at all important," Kit declared. Then he paused and Grace
+thought he was studying his old and rather muddy clothes. "But, of
+course," he resumed, "it's possible you'd sooner go on alone."
+
+She laughed. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Askew! I think you know what I
+mean. I didn't want to keep you from your work."
+
+He looked relieved. "Yes. Although I'm not very clever at this sort
+of thing, I generally do know what you mean. I can't tell if it's
+strange or not."
+
+"It certainly is not worth while puzzling about. I expect I'm rather
+obvious--for that matter, so are you."
+
+"Frankness often saves you some trouble and I don't know if it gives your
+opponent the advantage some folks imagine. However, it's not our rule in
+the dale to say all we feel."
+
+"It's not Bell's, for example. How is the coal campaign getting on?"
+
+"Well," said Kit, thoughtfully, "so far as that goes, I believe we have
+beaten him. There's a new notice that lowers the price seven-and-six
+altogether, and last night we advised folks to buy. But I don't know if
+the fight's over. Bell may find another way of putting on the screw."
+
+"I hope he will give it up," Grace replied. "I tried to help, because I
+felt I must; but of course you see I can't help again."
+
+Kit made a sign of understanding. "Yes; you showed us how to bring the
+peat down. Now I don't know what to say. It's awkward ground."
+
+They were silent for some time afterwards, for both had said enough and
+knew that Osborn's resentment must be reckoned on. It made them feel like
+accomplices and drew them together. They were young and not given to
+looking far ahead, but they saw the threat that the friendship both
+valued might be broken off.
+
+By and by three or four reports rang through the calm air and Grace came
+near to stopping, but did not. She had forgotten Osborn was shooting in
+Redmire wood and she and Kit must pass its edge. For all that, she could
+not turn back. Kit would guess why she did so; it would be an awkward
+admission that she was afraid of being seen with him by Osborn or his
+friends. She was afraid, but she was proud, and went on, hoping that Kit
+had not noted her hesitation. He had not, but was puzzled by her resolute
+and half-defiant look.
+
+The guns were silent when they came to the wood, which rolled down the
+hillside below the road. Here and there a white birch trunk and a yellow
+patch of oak leaves shone among the dark firs; the beech hedge was
+covered by withered brown foliage. A belt of grass ran between the wood
+and road and Grace took the little path along its edge. Her feet made no
+noise and her tweed dress harmonized with the subdued coloring of dead
+leaves and trunks. The light was not good and she thought she would not
+be visible a short distance off; besides the sportsmen might be at the
+other side of the wood. She hoped they were, since she vaguely perceived
+that if Osborn saw her it would force a crisis she was not yet ready to
+meet. Then her thoughts were disturbed, for somebody in the wood shouted:
+"Mark cock flying low to right!"
+
+A gunshot rang out close by and a small brown bird, skimming the top of
+the hedge, fluttered awkwardly across the road. Next moment dry twigs
+rustled and a young man leaped on to the grass with a smoking gun in his
+hand. As he threw it to his shoulder, Kit ran forward and struck the
+barrel. There was a flash and while the echoes of the report rolled
+across the wood a little puff of smoke floated about the men. Grace stood
+still, trembling, for she knew she had run some risk of being shot.
+
+"Why don't you look before you shoot?" Kit shouted in a strange, hoarse
+voice. "You've no business to use a gun on a public road. It's lucky I
+was quick."
+
+"That is so; my fault!" gasped the other, who took off his cap as he
+turned to Grace. "Very sorry, Miss Osborn; didn't see you. Wanted to get
+the woodcock. Hope you're not startled much."
+
+Grace forced a smile. She had physical courage and was shaken rather by
+what she saw in Kit's face than the risk she had run. Kit looked
+strangely white and strained. He had obviously got a bad shock, but she
+thought he would not have looked like that had he saved anybody else from
+the other's gun.
+
+"My dress is hard to see against the trees. You really needn't be
+disturbed," she said.
+
+The young man renewed his confused apologies, and when he pushed through
+the hedge and they went on again Grace looked at Kit. He had not got his
+color back, his lips were set and his gaze was fixed. The shock had
+broken his control and brought her enlightenment. He loved her, but she
+needed time and quietness to grapple with the situation. Her heart beat
+and her nerves tingled; she could not see the line she ought to take. Yet
+he must be thanked.
+
+"You were very quick," she said as calmly as possible although she was
+conscious of a curious pride in him. "Somehow I knew if there was need
+for quickness you would act like that. I believe I was stupid enough to
+stand still until you jumped. Well, of course, you know I thank you--"
+
+She stopped, for Kit, who turned his head for a moment turned it back and
+looked straight in front. He durst not trust himself to speak, and they
+went on silently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+OSBORN INTERFERES
+
+
+When Grace and Kit had gone a short distance they heard voices and a
+rattle of sticks in the wood, but the noise got fainter and she imagined
+the beaters were moving the other way. Ferrars, who shot at the woodcock,
+had probably not had time to tell Osborn about his carelessness, and it
+looked as if nobody else had been posted near the road. This was
+something of a relief, but Grace felt anxious. A gate not far off led to
+a drive in the wood, and she thought she had heard Osborn's voice.
+
+She kept on the belt of grass, which got narrower, so that the path ran
+close to the hedge. On the opposite side, a clump of silver-firs threw
+a shadow across the road, and a patch of pale-yellow sky shone behind
+an opening in the trees. The stiff fir-branches cut sharply against the
+glow, but where she and Kit were the light was dim. For all that, she
+stopped abruptly when a man came out of the wood and turned, as if to
+look up the road. It was Osborn and she thought she knew for whom he
+was looking.
+
+Grace's judgment failed her. She pushed Kit towards the beech hedge and
+they stepped into a small hollow among the withered leaves. Kit like
+Grace, had not had time for thought, but as Osborn, looking straight in
+front, went past, he felt he had done wrong. For one thing, it was rather
+shabby to hide and his doing so reflected on his companion. The feeling
+got stronger as Osborn went up the road, and Kit was sorry he had given
+way to a cowardly impulse. Yet since he had hidden, he must wait.
+
+After a few moments, Grace turned her head and Kit saw her face was
+flushed. It was obvious that she felt much as he felt. She had prompted
+him to hide, but she had done so in sudden alarm and he ought to have
+kept cool and thought for both, particularly since it was getting plain
+that Osborn was looking for them. The latter stopped, hesitated, and came
+back, and Grace turned sharply to Kit. Her look was strained, but he got
+a hint of haughtiness and resolve. He made a sign that he understood, and
+knew he had done well when he moved back from the hedge. A moment's
+hesitation would have cost him the girl's respect. They waited in the
+road and Kit's heart beat fast, but not with fear.
+
+Osborn stopped a yard or two off and looked at them with sternly
+controlled rage.
+
+"It's obvious that I passed you just now," he said.
+
+"You did; I ought to have stopped you," Kit agreed. "For a moment, it did
+not strike me that you were looking for Miss Osborn."
+
+Osborn glanced at the hollow in the hedge. "It's curious you stopped at a
+spot where there was not much chance of your being seen."
+
+Grace turned, as if she meant to speak, but Kit resumed: "After all, I
+don't know that you are entitled to question what I do on a public road."
+
+"Certainly not," said Osborn, with forced quietness. "I have, however, a
+right to question my daughter's choice of her acquaintances, and it looks
+as if I had some grounds for using my authority." He paused and turned to
+Grace. "Your mother is waiting for you. You had better go home."
+
+Grace hesitated, glancing at Kit. It was her fault that they had hidden
+and she would have waited had she thought he wanted her. Kit's face,
+however, was hard and inscrutable, and with something of an effort she
+went away. It was a relief to Kit that she had gone; he had meant to
+keep her out of the quarrel and now he was ready to talk to Osborn.
+
+"The matter doesn't end here," the latter remarked. "There's something to
+be said that your father ought to know. I am going to Ashness and expect
+you to come with me."
+
+"You must wait. I have some sheep at the beckfoot and it will take me
+half an hour to drive them home," Kit said coolly.
+
+Osborn looked at him with savage surprise. It was unthinkable that he
+should be forced to wait while the fellow went for his sheep, but he saw
+that Kit was not to be moved and tried to control his anger.
+
+"Very well. I will meet you at Ashness in half an hour."
+
+Kit braced himself as he went up the road. In a sense, he was not afraid
+of Osborn, but he had now to meet a crisis that he ought to have seen
+must come. In fact, he had seen it, and had, rather weakly, tried to
+cheat himself and put things off. He loved Grace, and Osborn would never
+approve. Kit knew Osborn's pride and admitted that his anger was,
+perhaps, not altogether unwarranted. For that matter, he doubted if Grace
+knew how far his rash hopes had led him. Then he thrilled as he
+remembered that when she pushed him back to the hedge, and afterwards
+when they left their hiding place, something had hinted that she did know
+and acknowledge him her lover.
+
+In the meantime, it was a relief to drive the sheep down the dale; he
+could not think while he was occupied and thought was disturbing. He put
+the sheep into a field and overtook Osborn as he went up the farm lonning
+in the dark. A lamp burned in the kitchen, and when they went in Peter
+got up and put his pipe on the table. He looked at them with some
+surprise, but waited without embarrassment. Indeed, Kit thought his
+father was curiously dignified.
+
+"Mr. Osborn has something to say he wants you to hear," Kit remarked.
+"Although the thing's really my business, I agreed."
+
+Osborn refused the chair Peter indicated and stood in a stiff pose. His
+face was red and he looked rather ridiculously savage.
+
+"I found your son and my daughter hiding from me in the hedge at Redmire
+wood," he said. "I imagine I'm entitled to ask for an explanation."
+
+"Hiding?" said Peter, who turned to Kit. "That was wrong."
+
+"It was wrong," Kit admitted. "I told Mr. Osborn so. In fact, I must have
+lost my head when I made a mistake like this. Since I had the honor of
+Miss Osborn's acquaintance--"
+
+"Who presented you to my daughter?" Osborn interrupted.
+
+"Nobody," Kit admitted, with some embarrassment. "The day the otter
+hounds were hunting the alder pool Miss Osborn wanted to cross the
+stepping stones. Some of them were covered and I--"
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn. "Then the thing began as long since as that?" He
+turned to Peter. "The girl is young and foolishly proud of being
+unconventional, or she would have known that she could make use of your
+son's help without an obligation to speak to him again. It's obvious that
+he has worked on her rebellious humor until she forgot what is due to
+herself and her parents."
+
+"Stop a bit," said Peter. "She was doing her parents no discredit by
+speaking to my son."
+
+"No discredit!" Osborn exclaimed, losing his self control. "When I find
+her and the fellow skulking out of sight, like a farm hand and a
+dairy-maid!"
+
+Kit raised his head and his eyes sparkled. "In a sense, I am a farm hand;
+but it would be better if you kept your hard words for me."
+
+"There are verra good dairymaids; modest, hardworking lasses,"
+Peter remarked.
+
+"It's rather late to play the part of a rustic cavalier, if that is what
+you meant," Osborn said to Kit with a sneer, and then turned to Peter. "I
+am forced to own that the girl deserves some blame. Although she's
+impulsive and unconventional, she ought to have seen it was ridiculous to
+let your son imagine they could be friends."
+
+"You think that was ridiculous?"
+
+"Of course," said Osborn, with haughty surprise. "The absurdity of the
+thing is obvious."
+
+"Weel," said Peter dryly, "I reckon they might be friends without much
+harm, though I wadn't have them gan farther. Although the lass is yours,
+the lad is mine."
+
+Osborn laughed scornfully. "If I understand you, your attitude is
+humorous. But do you wish me to believe you didn't know what was going
+on? You have made my tenants dissatisfied and plotted against me, and
+now, no doubt, you saw another means."
+
+"Stop," said Peter, with stern quietness. "We have not been good neebors,
+though I dinna ken that's much fault o' mine; but if you thowt I'd use a
+foolish girl to hurt a man I didn't like, you're varra wrang. Hooiver,
+you came for an explanation, and I want one, too." He turned to Kit. "You
+had better tell us why you kept up Miss Osborn's acquaintance withoot her
+father's consent."
+
+"Very well," said Kit, standing very straight and holding up his head. "I
+met Miss Osborn, so to speak, by accident, and afterwards we sometimes
+talked. Her beauty and talent were plain to me at first, but it was some
+time before I knew I loved her, and then it was too late. I knew my
+folly--it was a folly I couldn't conquer, and now I think I never shall.
+Well, I suppose I hoped that some day things might change."
+
+"Do you imply that Grace knew what you hoped?" Osborn asked.
+
+"No," said Kit, quietly. "I gave her no hint. It was plain that she was
+willing we should meet and talk like friends. This was not wrong."
+
+"Not wrong that my daughter should meet you secretly!" Osborn exclaimed
+with sudden rage. "Are you foolish enough to imagine you and a member of
+my family could meet like equals?"
+
+"I have not pretended to be Miss Osborn's equal. But the inequality I
+acknowledge is not what you mean."
+
+Osborn shrugged with scornful impatience. "Pshaw! We'll let that go. You
+said you hoped things might change. Do you think any change of fortune
+could give you the tastes and feelings of a gentleman? Make you a proper
+husband for my daughter? You know the thing's impossible."
+
+Kit colored and hesitated, and Peter signed him to be quiet.
+
+"These meetings must be stopped. I'm as much against such a match as I
+think you are."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn, who looked puzzled, "you hinted something of the kind!
+I don't know that your point of view's important, but I can't
+understand."
+
+"My meaning's no varra hard to see," Peter answered. "The lass is bonny
+and, so far as I ken, weel-meaning and kind; but she has been badly browt
+up at an extravagant hoose. She'll not can help her husband, except
+mayhappen to waste, and she has niver learned to work and gan withoot.
+Weel, it seems we are agreed. Miss Osborn is no the lass I would welcome
+for my son's wife."
+
+Osborn looked at him with frank surprise. Then he said, "We'll make an
+end," and turned to Kit. "If you speak to my daughter again, she will be
+forbidden to leave the Tarnside grounds; if you write to her, your
+letter will be burned. She cannot resist my control for the next three or
+four years. There's nothing more to be said."
+
+He went out and Peter, who walked to the porch with him, came back and
+looked quietly at Kit.
+
+"A proud and foolish man, but he's hit hard!" he said. "Mayhappen it
+will hurt, my lad, but you must be done wi' this. Osborn's daughter is
+none for you."
+
+Kit looked straight in front, with his hands clenched. "So it seems, for
+some years. It does hurt. I cannot give her up."
+
+Peter lighted his pipe and there was silence for a few minutes. Then as
+Kit did not move he remarked: "I ken something o' what you're feeling; aw
+t' same you've got to fratch. There's nowt against the lass except that
+she's Osborn's child, but she's none o' our kind and it's sense and
+custom that like gans to like."
+
+"It would be easier if I could get away. I can't stop in the dale,
+knowing she's about and I mustn't see her."
+
+Peter went into the next room and opened an old desk. He had for some
+time expected that the moment he now shrank from would come and his heart
+was sore, but he knew his son's steadfast character and meant to save him
+pain. Going back he gave Kit his brother's last letter.
+
+"Mayhappen it's better that you should gan," he said quietly.
+
+Kit read the letter and looked up with a strained expression. "I never
+thought I'd want to leave Ashness and I feel a selfish brute! All the
+same it would be a relief."
+
+"Just that!" said Peter. "I'll miss you when you've gone, but it's no'
+my part to stand in your way. We'll write Adam to-morrow and tell him
+you'll come."
+
+Kit crossed the floor and put his hand on his father's arm. "Thanks;
+I think I know what this means to you. It will cost me something; but
+I must go."
+
+He went out and Peter sat still, looking gloomily at the fire. He felt
+old and knew he would be very lonely soon. The fire burned low and the
+kitchen got cold, but Kit did not come back and when Peter heard his
+housekeeper's clogs on the stones outside he got up and crossed the
+floor, to get his hat. Old Bella was curious and he did not want to talk,
+but there was something to be done in the barn and when his heart was
+sore it was a relief to work.
+
+
+
+
+PART II--ON THE CARIBBEAN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE OLD BUCCANEER
+
+
+It was about four o'clock in the afternoon and Kit Askew lounged in a
+chair on the bridge-deck as the _Rio Negro_ steamed slowly across the
+long swell of the Caribbean. The wrinkled undulations sparkled with
+reflected light in a dazzling pattern of blue and silver, and then faded
+to green and purple in the shadow of the ship. A wave of snowy foam
+curled up as the bows went down and the throb of the propeller quickened
+as the poop swung against the sky. Then the lurching hull steadied and
+the clang of engines resumed its measured beat.
+
+The _Rio Negro_ was old and ugly, with short iron masts from which clumsy
+derricks hung, tall, upright funnel, and blistered, gray paint. Her boats
+were dirty and stained by soot, and a belt of rust at her waterline
+hinted at neglect, but no barnacles and weed marred the smoothness of the
+plates below. Her antifouling paint was clean, and her lines beneath the
+swell of quarter and bows were fine. In fact, the _Rio Negro_ was faster
+than she looked when she carried her regular load of two thousand tons
+and her under-water body was hidden. She traded in the Gulf of Mexico and
+the Caribbean, and at certain ports Customs officials carefully
+scrutinized her papers. At others, they smiled and allowed her captain
+privileges that strangers did not get.
+
+Kit wore spotless white clothes, a black-silk belt, and a Panama hat of
+the expensive kind the Indians weave, holding the fine material under
+water. A glass occupied a socket in his chair, and when the _Rio Negro_
+rolled a lump of ice tinkled against its rim; a box of choice cigars lay
+on the deck. Kit, however, was not smoking, but drowsily pondered the
+life he had led for the last three years. He was thinner and looked older
+than when he left Ashness. He had lost something of his frankness and
+his raw enthusiasm had gone. His face was quieter and his mouth set in a
+firm line.
+
+He remembered his surprise when he first met his uncle at a luxurious
+Florida hotel. Adam Askew wore loose white clothes, a well-cut Tuxedo
+jacket, a diamond ring, and another big diamond in his scarf. His skin
+was a curious yellowish brown and his eyes were very black; he rather
+looked like a Spanish Creole than an Englishman. He had nothing of his
+brother's quiet manner. Although he was getting old, he walked with a
+jaunty step; he had a humorous twinkle, and his laugh was careless. In
+fact, he had an exotic, romantic look that harmonized with Kit's notions
+of the pirates who once haunted the Gulf of Mexico. When Kit afterwards
+learned why Adam's friends called him the "buccaneer," he saw that his
+first impression was not extravagant.
+
+Now he remembered that when they sat behind the imitation Moorish arches
+on the hotel veranda Adam studied him and laughed.
+
+"You're certainly Peter's son," he remarked. "I can imagine I'd just left
+him at the end of the Ashness lonning thirty years since. Except that
+he's got older, I reckon he hasn't changed, and for that matter, Peter
+was never young. Well, you are surely like him, but if you stop in this
+country we'll put a move on you."
+
+"If I'm like my father, I am satisfied," Kit rejoined.
+
+Adam's black eyes twinkled. "Now I see a difference; there's red blood in
+you. But don't take me wrong. Peter's a white man, straight as a
+plumb-line, one of the best; he's a year the younger of us, but when the
+old man died he brought me up. There are two kinds of Askews and I belong
+to the other lot. I don't know why they called you after roystering Kit."
+
+It was obvious that Adam knew the family history, for Christopher Askew
+was a turbulent Jacobite who lost the most part of his estate when he
+joined Prince Charlie's starving Highlanders in the rearguard fight at
+Clifton Moor. Afterwards the sober quietness at Ashness had now and then
+been disturbed by an Askew who inherited the first Kit's reckless
+temperament.
+
+Three years had gone since Kit met Adam, and he had learned much. To
+begin with, Adam sent him to an American business school, and made him
+study Castilian and French. Then he sent him to Mexico and countries
+farther south, where he studied human nature of strangely varied kinds.
+He met and traded with men of many colors: French and Spanish Creoles,
+negroes, Indians, and half-breeds with some of the blood of all. He knew
+the American gulf ports and their cosmopolitan hotels and gambling
+saloons, but Adam noted with half-amused approval that while he was not
+at all a prig he developed Peter's character and not Kit the Jacobite's.
+Now they were going south across the Caribbean on a business venture.
+
+By and by Adam came slowly along the bridge-deck. The three years had
+marked a change in him and Kit thought he did not look well. Adam
+suffered now and then from malarial ague, caught in the mangrove swamps.
+He was thin, his yellow face was haggard, and his shoulders were bent.
+Sitting down close by, he lighted a cigar and turned to Kit.
+
+"We ought to raise the coast before it's dark and I reckon Mayne will
+get his bearings," he remarked. "The lagoon's a blamed awkward place to
+enter and I'd have waited until to-morrow only that Don Hernando is
+expecting us."
+
+"It will save us a day if we can get in, since you want to land the B. F.
+cargo in the dark," Kit said thoughtfully. "We pay high wages and the
+_Rio Negro_ is an expensive boat to run."
+
+"That's so," Adam agreed with a smile. "You talk like a Cumberland
+flock-master. Counting every cent you spend is a safe plan, but I don't
+know that this trip will pan out much of a business proposition."
+
+"Do you feel better for your sleep?" Kit asked.
+
+"Some, though I've got a headache and a pain in my back. Guess they'll
+shake off when I get to work."
+
+"I was surprised when you said you meant to sail with us."
+
+"So I imagined," Adam rejoined dryly. "You wondered why I didn't, as
+usual, trust you to deliver the goods? Well, there's rather more to
+this job than that, and I meant to put you wise before we landed. You
+have heard me called a pirate, but I don't reckon on taking home much
+plunder now."
+
+Kit mused while Adam beckoned a mulatto steward, who brought him a glass
+and some ice. His uncle's character was complex. Sometimes he was hard
+and exacted all that was his; sometimes he was rashly generous.
+Ostensibly, he was a merchant, shipping tools and machines, particularly
+supplies for sugar mills, to the countries round the Caribbean, and
+taking payment in native produce. Kit, however, knew the cases landed
+from the _Rio Negro_ did not always hold the goods the labels stated, and
+that Adam's money sometimes helped to float an unpopular government over
+a crisis and sometimes to turn another out. It was a risky business,
+carried on with people who had a talent for dark revolutionary intrigue.
+
+"Since Don Hernando Alvarez is president of the republic, I don't quite
+see why we need smuggle in his machine-guns," Kit remarked.
+
+"On the surface, the reason isn't very obvious. Alvarez is president now,
+but mayn't be very long. It depends on whether he or his rival, Galdar,
+gets his blow in first. I reckon the chances are against Alvarez if
+Galdar puts up a fight, but the latter's not ready yet and Alvarez means
+to arm his troops before the fellow knows. I imagine about half the
+citizens are plotters and spies."
+
+"Alvarez has been honest so far. I suppose if he wins he'll pay?"
+
+"That's so," said Adam dryly. "If he goes down, we get nothing. Although
+I don't know much about his ancestors and suspect that one was an Indian,
+Alvarez is white, but the other fellow's a blamed poor sample of the
+half-breed nigger. Well, when Alvarez found things were going wrong, he
+sent for me."
+
+"Ah," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I begin to understand."
+
+He did understand, although he would not have done so when he met his
+uncle first. He had known Adam play the part of a merciless creditor, and
+thought few men could beat him at a bargain, but he kept his bargain when
+it was made, and now and then risked his money on lost causes. It looked
+as if he had inherited something from Christopher the Jacobite.
+
+"You have known Alvarez long, haven't you?" Kit resumed.
+
+"When I met him first, he was a customs officer with some perquisites and
+a salary that paid for liquor and tobacco. Vanhuyten and I ran the old
+_Mercedes_ then, and Van made a mistake that put us at the fellow's
+mercy. There was a good case for confiscating the schooner, which would
+have given Alvarez a lift while we went broke. In fact, the night of the
+crisis, I dropped Van's pistol overboard; he'd got malaria badly and was
+feeling desperate. Well, all we had given Alvarez didn't cover that kind
+of a job, but he'd promised to stand our friend and kept his word like a
+gentleman. Guess it needed some nerve and judgment to work things the way
+he did, and when we stole out to sea at daybreak past the port guard, I
+knew there was one man in the rotten country I could trust with my life.
+Now he's in a tight place, he knows he can trust me."
+
+Adam got up and crossing the deck leaned against the rails. In the
+distance, where the glitter faded, there was a long gray smear that
+seemed to float like a smoke-trail above the water. Higher up, a vague
+blue line ran across the dazzling sky. The first was a fringe of mangrove
+forest; the other lofty mountains. A minute or two later, the fat,
+brown-faced captain came down from his bridge.
+
+"Looks like the Punta; we've hit her first time," he remarked. "In about
+an hour I ought to get my marks. When d'you want her taken in?"
+
+"Soon as it's dark," Adam replied. "You'll have to trust your lead and
+compass. Can't have you whistling for a pilot, and I'd sooner you put out
+your lights."
+
+"It's your risk and not the first time I've broken rules. I guess I can
+keep her off the ground. We'll get busy presently and heave the hatches
+off. The B.F. cases are right on top."
+
+Adam nodded, and beckoned Kit when the captain went away. "You haven't
+been in the Santa Marta lagoon yet. Stand by and watch the soundings and
+compass while Mayne takes her across the shoals. You may find it useful
+to know the channel."
+
+Kit understood. Malaria and other fevers are common on low-lying belts of
+the Caribbean coast and skippers and mates fall sick. Moreover, the _Rio
+Negro_ did not always load at the regular ports. Sometimes she crept into
+mangrove-fringed lagoons, and sometimes stopped at lonely beaches and
+sent loaded boats ashore when her captain saw the gleam of signal lights.
+
+When it was getting dark, Kit and Adam went to the bridge and the former
+noted that his uncle breathed rather hard and seized the rails firmly as
+he climbed the ladder. The red glow of sunset had faded behind the high
+land and a gray haze spread across the swampy shore, but the water shone
+with pale reflections. On one side, a long, dingy smear floated across
+the sky. It did not move and Kit thought it had come from the funnel of a
+steamer whose engineer had afterwards cleaned his fires. Captain Mayne
+studied the fleecy trail with his glasses.
+
+"I don't know if that's a coffee-boat going north; I can't make out her
+hull against the land," he said. "Sometimes there's a _guarda-costa_
+hanging round the point."
+
+"Better take no chances," Adam replied, glancing at the _Rio Negro's_
+funnel, from which a faint plume of vapor floated.
+
+Mayne signed to the quartermaster in the pilot house and the bows swung
+round. Half an hour afterwards, he rang his telegraph and the clang of
+engines died away while the throb of the propeller stopped. In what
+seemed an unnatural silence, a few barefooted deck-hands began to move
+about, and one stood on the forecastle, where his dark figure cut against
+the shining sea. The rest went aft with a line the other held, and when
+Mayne raised his hand there was a splash as the deep-sea lead plunged. A
+man aft called the depth while he gathered up the line, and Mayne
+beckoned another, who climbed to a little platform outside the bridge and
+fastened a strap round his waist.
+
+"We're on the Santa Marta shelf, but I'm four miles off the course I
+set," Mayne remarked. "I want to work out the angle from the first
+bearing I got."
+
+Kit went with him into the chart-room, for he knew something about
+navigation. They had taught him the principles of land-surveying at the
+agricultural college, and this had made his studies easier. When he
+came back the moon was getting bright, but the haze had thickened on
+the low ground and the heights behind had faded to a vague, formless
+blur. The trail of smoke had vanished, there was no wind, and the
+smooth swell broke against the bows with a monotonous dull roar as the
+_Rio Negro_ went on. She was alone on the heaving water and steaming
+slowly, but the noise of her progress carried far. By and by a light
+twinkled ahead, leaped up into a steady glow that lasted for some
+minutes, and then went out.
+
+"That's a relief," remarked Adam, who had struck a match and studied his
+watch. "The ground's clear and Don Hernando has somebody he can trust
+waiting at the lagoon. You can let her go ahead, Captain."
+
+Mayne rang his telegraph and Kit went into the pilot house. The dim light
+of the binnacle lamp touched the compass, but everything else was dark
+and the windows were down. Kit could see the quartermaster's dark form
+behind the wheel, and the silver shining of the sea. There was a splash
+as the man on the platform released the whirling hand-lead. When he
+called the depth Mayne gave an order and the quartermaster pulled round
+the wheel. The swell was not so smooth now. It ran in steep undulations
+and in one place to starboard a broad, foaming patch appeared between the
+rollers. Kit knew the water was shoaling fast as the _Rio Negro_ steamed
+across the inclined shelf. It was risky work to take her in, because the
+fire had vanished and there were no marks to steer for. Mayne must trust
+his compass and his rough calculations.
+
+"Tide's running flood," he said to Adam. "She'd have steered handier if
+we'd gone in against the ebb; but there's a better chance of coming off
+if she touches ground."
+
+"You don't want to touch ground and stop there with the B.F. goods on
+board," Adam replied.
+
+After this, there was silence except when Mayne gave an order. White
+upheavals broke the passing swell on both sides of the ship. She rolled
+with violent jerks and at regular intervals the bows swung up. When they
+sank, a dark mass with a ragged top cut off the view from the
+pilot-house, and Kit knew it was a mangrove forest. He could see no break
+in the wall of trees that grew out of the water, but they were not far
+off when there was a heavy jar, and the Rio Negro stopped. The floor of
+the pilot-house slanted and Kit and the quartermaster fell against the
+wheel. Then there was a roar as a white-topped roller came up astern and
+broke about the vessel's rail in boiling foam. She lifted, struck again,
+and went on with an awkward lurch.
+
+"Port; hard over!" Mayne shouted hoarsely, and Kit helped the
+quartermaster to pull round the wheel.
+
+The order disturbed him, since it looked as if Mayne was off his course.
+The swell broke angrily ahead, but in one place, some distance to one
+side, the wall of forest looked less solid than the rest. A roar came out
+of the mist and Kit knew it was the beat of surf on a hidden beach. This
+told him where he was, because a sandy key protected the mouth of the
+lagoon; but he doubted if Mayne could get round the point. The tide was
+carrying the vessel on and there was broken water all about.
+
+She went on, with engines thumping steadily; the hollow in the forest
+opened up until it became a gap and Kit could not see trees behind it.
+Mayne gave another sharp order, and Kit and the quartermaster pulled at
+the wheel. The dark bows swung, the speed quickened, and the rolling
+stopped. The throb of the screw and thump of engines echoed across misty
+woods and there was a curious gurgling noise that Kit thought was made by
+the tide rippling among the mangrove roots. The air got damp and steamy
+and a sour smell filled the pilot-house. Kit knew the odors of rotting
+leaves, spices, and warm mud.
+
+In the meantime, he was kept occupied at the wheel for Mayne changed his
+course as the trees rolled past, until the telegraph rang and the engines
+stopped. Then there was silence until he heard the splash of the anchor
+and the roar of running chain. As the _Rio Negro_ slowly swung round, the
+winches rattled and her boats were hoisted out. Kit got into one with
+Adam and landed on a muddy beach. Dark figures came down to meet them,
+horses were waiting at the edge of the forest, and a few minutes later
+they mounted and plunged into the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRESIDIO
+
+
+Dazzling sunshine flooded the belt of sand where the shadows of dusty
+palmettos quivered beyond the Moorish arch; the old presidio smelt like a
+brick-kiln and the heat outside was nearly intolerable. In the middle of
+the dirty patio a fountain splashed in a broken marble basin, and it was
+dim, and by contrast cool, under the arcade where Kit sat among the
+crumbling pillars. The presidio was a relic of Spanish dominion and its
+founders had built it well, copying, with such materials as they could
+get, stately models the Moors had left in the distant Peninsula. A part
+had fallen and blocks of sun-baked mud lay about in piles, but the long,
+white front, with its battlemented top and narrow, barred windows stood
+firm. In spite of the ruinous patio, the presidio was the finest building
+in the town.
+
+The others, so far as Kit could see, were squares of mud, for the most
+part whitewashed, although some were colored pink and cream. The glare
+they reflected was dazzling, but a row of limp palmettos ran between them
+and the space in front of the presidio, and here and there Kit noted
+rounded masses of vivid green. Except for the splash of the fountain, all
+was very quiet, and although the shadows had lengthened it looked as if
+the half-breed citizens were still enjoying their afternoon sleep. Now
+and then a barefooted sentry noiselessly passed the arch. He wore a dirty
+white uniform and ragged palm-leaf hat, but carried a good modern rifle,
+and Kit knew where the latter had come from. The country was rich with
+coffee, rubber, sugar, and dyewoods. Its inhabitants, however, for the
+most part, preferred political intrigue to cultivation; its government
+was corrupt, and prosperity had vanished with the Spaniards' firm rule.
+
+A table carrying some very small glasses and coffee-cups stood in the
+arcade. Don Hernando Alvarez occupied the other side, and Kit imagined it
+was not by accident he sat with his back to a whitewashed pillar, since
+he was in the shadow and as he wore white clothes could not be seen a
+short distance off. Don Hernando's hair was coarse and his skin dark. His
+face was well molded, although the cheek-bones were prominent; his black
+eyes were keen and his thin lips firm. He wore a plain red sash, with no
+other touch of color except a bit of riband on his breast. It was obvious
+that he was not a Peninsular, as pure-blooded Spaniards call themselves,
+but he looked like a man who must be reckoned on. Just then his dark face
+was moody.
+
+"You have come in good time," he said to Adam Askew, in Castilian. "I
+think the curtain will soon go up for the last act of the drama, but the
+plot is obscure and I do not know the end."
+
+"I imagine the action will be rapid," Adam replied. "Unless you have
+changed much, you are cut out for your part."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez, "one gets cautious as one gets old. One loses the
+young man's quick, sure touch."
+
+"That is so, to some extent," Adam agreed, and indicated Kit. "It
+explains why I have a partner; my brother's son. Still, perhaps one sees
+farther when one is old."
+
+Alvarez bowed to Kit. "You have a good model, señor; a man who seldom
+hesitates and whose word goes. A rare thing in this country; I do not
+know about yours." Then he turned to Adam with a hint of anxiety. "How
+far do you see now?"
+
+"I see what I have to do and that is enough. The consequences come
+afterwards."
+
+Alvarez's face cleared. "You were always a gambler, but you run some risk
+if you bet on me." He was silent for a moment and then resumed: "In a
+sense, I envy you; you have a partner you can trust, but I stand alone.
+My son was found in the plaza with a knife in his back, and the man who
+killed him goes unpunished."
+
+"Galdar was somewhere behind that deed, although I do not see his object
+yet," Adam remarked.
+
+"The people liked Maccario and his removal cleared the ground. My enemy
+is cunning and, I think, did not mean to force a conflict until my
+friends had gone. Now there are not many left and the time has come.
+Morales died of poison, Diaz of snake-bite, and Vinoles was shot by a
+curious accident. So far, I have escaped; perhaps because I was lucky,
+and perhaps because it was not certain the people would choose Galdar if
+I followed my friends."
+
+"I have wondered why you hold on. For a president of this country, you
+have had a good run. I think I would have left after a few prosperous
+years and located at Havana, for example."
+
+Alvarez smiled. "There was a time when we had money in the treasury and I
+might have gone; but it was too late afterwards. Part of the revenue
+stopped in Galdar's hands--that was one way of embarrassing me--and I was
+forced to use the rest to undermine his plots. Now I am drawing on my
+small private estate."
+
+"But why didn't you go while there was something left? You are not
+extravagant and do not need much."
+
+Kit thought Adam's remark was justified. Alvarez lived with Indian
+frugality and looked ascetic; besides he had been long in power and had
+no doubt had opportunities for enriching himself at his country's
+expense. Kit liked Alvarez, but did not think him much honester than
+other Spanish-American rulers he had met.
+
+"It was partly for my daughter's sake I remained," Alvarez replied. "She
+is at a Spanish convent and I would not leave her poor. Then I had my
+son's death to avenge." He paused and added with a deprecatory smile:
+"Moreover I have thought I can rule this country better than my rival."
+
+"That's a sure thing," Adam agreed, in English. "Well, you had better
+tell me how you think matters are going. If I'm to help you properly I
+want to know."
+
+Alvarez looked about. All was very quiet; there was nobody in the patio,
+and it was some distance to the nearest window in the wall that faced the
+pillars. For all that, he lowered his voice and answered in hesitating
+English with an American accent.
+
+"It is hard to tell; a gamble in which one takes steep chances! Perhaps
+half the people with an object are for Galdar, and half for me. Those who
+have none will wait and back the man they think will win. So far, I have
+the soldiers, but their pay is behind and they are badly armed and
+drilled. They will stand by me if I can give them machine-guns and pay
+off arrears. But this must be done soon, without Galdar knowing. The next
+president will be the man who strikes before the other is ready."
+
+"What will the thing cost altogether?" Adam asked.
+
+He looked thoughtful when Alvarez told him, and then nodded. "All right.
+You'll get some of the guns to-morrow and another lot is on the way. Go
+ahead; I'll help you put the business over."
+
+Alvarez filled the little glasses with a liquor that had a strong spicy
+smell and when his guests lifted them touched theirs with his.
+
+"It is what I had hoped, my friend. If I live, you will not lose."
+
+He drank and then held his glass slackly poised while he mused. Kit, who
+was nearest the arch, turned and glanced out. He saw the reflected light
+quiver across the trampled sand and the dusty green of the limp
+palmettos. Then, below the latter, there was a pale-yellow flash and the
+president's glass fell with a tinkle. A pistol-shot rang out and Kit,
+swinging round, saw that a flake of plaster had dropped on the table.
+There was some dust on Alvarez' brown face and on his clothes, but he
+looked unmoved.
+
+Next moment Adam leaned on the table, steadying a heavy automatic pistol,
+and three quick flashes streamed from the perking barrel. Three small
+puffs of dust leaped up about the roots of a palmetto and as the empty
+cartridges rattled on the floor Kit thought an indistinct figure stole
+through the shadow of the fan-shaped leaves. He was not certain, because
+the light was dazzling and thin smoke drifted about his head.
+
+He threw his chair back and plunging through the arch ran across the sand
+and stopped at the top of a narrow street. Men and women of different
+shades of color came out of the doors and began to talk excitedly, but
+there was nobody who looked like a fugitive. Kit went back after he got
+his breath and met two or three untidy, barefooted soldiers who ran past.
+When he entered the arch Adam was coolly reloading his pistol while the
+president dusted his clothes.
+
+"It is nothing--they have tried again," the latter remarked. "Still, it
+looks as if Galdar felt himself stronger than I thought. Now, with your
+permission, I will go and give some orders." He smiled as he added:
+"There will be some prisoners by and by, men my guards do not like, but
+the fellow who fired the shot will not be caught."
+
+"What about the sentry?" Adam asked.
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "It is hot, and perhaps he was half asleep. I think the
+man is faithful, and just now I am the soldier's friend."
+
+He went off and Adam filled his glass and looked at Kit. "I feel I'm
+getting old and want another drink. I got the bead on the fellow's dark
+head and missed him by a yard. Well, I guess you can't expect to have
+steady fingers when you've got malarial ague. It's a dramatic kind of
+country, anyhow."
+
+Kit lighted a maize-leaf cigarette and mused. He had been startled, but
+his nerve was good and he knew something about the dark-skinned, reckless
+people of the South. They were robbed by their rulers, who spent the most
+part of the revenue to keep themselves in power; and sometimes, when the
+vote was useless, assassination seemed the only remedy. But it was on his
+uncle's promise Kit's thoughts dwelt. Although Adam was rich, the sum
+Alvarez needed was large. The latter was honest, in a sense, and Kit
+thought would not rob his friend, but he might be unable to make
+repayment. In fact, he had warned Adam that there was a risk and the
+bullet that struck the pillar was a significant hint. The venture looked
+rash, but Adam had stated that it was not a business proposition. He and
+the president were friends and this counted for much. The old Buccaneer
+had a sentimental vein.
+
+Then Kit's thoughts strayed and he wondered what Peter was doing in the
+north country dale. Kit had prospered since he joined Adam and the latter
+had hinted that he might be rich, but he was tired of intrigue and
+excitement and the glare of the South. He wanted the bracing winds, and
+the soft lights that chased the flying shadows across the English hills.
+He smiled as he reflected that he was like the Herdwicks that never
+forgot their native heaf; but while he longed for the red moors and
+straight-cut valleys he felt a stronger call. He was young and had seen
+the daughters of the South; Louisiana Creoles with a touch of old French
+grace; dark-haired Habaneras with languid eyes, whose movements were a
+delight to watch; octoroons ready to welcome a lover who was altogether
+white, and half-breed Indian girls. All had charm and some had shown him
+favors that meant much, but their charm had left Kit cold.
+
+He thought about Grace Osborn, steady-eyed and marked by English calm.
+She was frank and sometimes impulsive, but even then one got a hint of
+proud reserve. There was no touch of southern coquetry about Grace, she
+was not the girl to attract a lover and let him go, but if he came and
+proved his worth, she would go forward with him steadfastly through the
+storms of life. Kit sighed and pulled himself up. Grace was not for him
+and he must not be a romantic fool. He looked round and saw that Adam was
+quietly studying him.
+
+"What are you thinking about, partner?" he asked and Kit knew the epithet
+meant much. Adam had not called him partner at first.
+
+"I was thinking about Ashness," he replied.
+
+"Ah," said Adam softly, "I often think about it too; the old house among
+the ash trees, and the Herdwicks feeding on the long slope behind. The
+red heath on the fell-top and the beck bubbling in the ghyll.
+Everything's clean and cool in the quiet dale, and the folk are calm and
+Slow." He paused and resumed with a curious smile: "Once I reckoned I'd
+go back when I got rich and make things hum, but when I had the money I
+saw that plan wouldn't work. Those quiet folk would have beaten me with
+their unchanging ways, and Ashness is too good to spoil. For all that, I
+allowed I'd see it again before I died, but now I don't know."
+
+His smile faded and he gave Kit a keen glance. "Why did you pull out? It
+wasn't for my money. You haven't told me yet."
+
+"No," said Kit, with some embarrassment. "I hardly think it's much of a
+story, but if you like I'll tell you now."
+
+After a few moments he stopped awkwardly, and Adam raised his hand.
+
+"Go on. I want to get the girl properly fixed."
+
+Kit was not skilled at sketching character, but he drew Grace's portrait
+well and when he stopped Adam made a sign of sympathy.
+
+"You have helped me place her. Don't know I'd have trusted another man's
+judgment when he talked about his sweetheart, but you're not a fool.
+Well, it seems to me the girl's worth getting."
+
+"Miss Osborn is not my sweetheart. It is possible I shall never see
+her again."
+
+"But you can't forget her?"
+
+"No," said Kit quietly; "I can't forget."
+
+Adam was silent for some moments and then looked up.
+
+"You're like Peter, slow and staunch, but that's one reason you're my
+partner. Well, I know Osborn's kind; folk we have no use for in the
+United States. White trash, we call them; men with no abilities, whose
+foolish pride makes them think it's mean to work. Reckon they've first
+claim on the soft jobs and don't belong to the world of fighting men. But
+I guess they listen when money talks."
+
+Kit said nothing, although he thought Adam's concluding remark
+significant, and the old man went on:
+
+"Don Hernando helped me on my feet when Vanhuyten and I first came along
+this coast, with about a thousand dollars and a worn-out schooner. He's
+been my friend ever since and now he's hard up against it I've got to see
+him out. Guess it's going to cost me high, but when the job's put over
+there ought to be some money left and I don't know that you need forget
+the girl if she hasn't forgotten you. Well, perhaps I've said enough, and
+now I'll go and see where Don Hernando is."
+
+Adam got up and as he crossed the patio Kit noted that his shoulders were
+bent and his movement slack. Adam had changed much since their first
+meeting at the Florida hotel. He had some very obvious faults, but Kit
+knew what he owed him and felt disturbed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE GOLD ONZA
+
+
+Kit paused as he wound the long silk sash round his waist, and looked
+out of the window of his room at the presidio. Square blocks of houses,
+colored white and yellow, ran down the hill. Here and there a palm rose
+from an opening, and the dusty green of the alameda broke the monotony
+of the flat roofs and straight, blank walls that gave the town an
+Eastern look.
+
+Kit noted the strength of the presidio's situation. The old building
+stood high, its battlemented roof commanded the narrow streets, and there
+was a broad open space all round. He thought a few machine-guns would
+make it impregnable, since a revolutionary mob was not likely to be
+provided with artillery.
+
+Kit tucked the end of the sash under the neatly-arranged folds. Some time
+is required to put on a Spanish _faja_ and at first Kit had thought the
+trouble unnecessary, but had found it is prudent to protect the middle of
+the body in a hot climate. When he was satisfied, he turned and looked
+about the room. There were no curtains or carpets, and two very crude
+religious pictures were fixed to the wall. Although the air was not yet
+hot, it was not fresh and a smell of spices, decay, and burnt oil came in
+through the window that opened on the patio.
+
+A sunbeam touched a small earthen jar, holding a bunch of feather
+flowers. The jar was harshly colored, but the outline was bold and
+graceful, and Kit knew no pottery like that had been made in the country
+since the Spaniards came. He had bought it with the flowers for a few
+dollars, and remembered that the shopkeeper had included its contents
+when he offered it to him. "_Todo loque hay,_" he said in uncouth
+Castilian.
+
+Kit, turning over the jar carelessly, took out the flowers and as he did
+so something inside rattled and a large coin fell into his hand. The coin
+was old and heavy; indeed, he thought it weighed about an ounce. Taking
+it to the window, he rubbed its dull face and when the metal began to
+shine sat down with a thoughtful look. Unless he was mistaken, the coin
+was gold and did weigh an ounce.
+
+When he finished dressing he went to the little dark shop. The shopkeeper
+was making coffee with a handful of charcoal on the doorstep, for the
+sake of the draught, and took off his hat politely as Kit came up.
+
+"I found a piece of money in the jar I bought from you," Kit said in
+Castilian.
+
+"Then your worship is lucky," the other remarked.
+
+"But the money was not mine."
+
+The shopkeeper shrugged. "What matter? It is yours now. Was the coin
+worth much?"
+
+"It was worth finding."
+
+"Well," said the shopkeeper, "I do not know where the money came from,
+and it may have been there a very long time. The jar is old and I
+bought it from an Indian some years since." He paused and gave Kit a
+keen glance. "You will remember that I offered you the jar with all
+there was inside."
+
+"You did; it held some feather flowers. Still, as you did know about
+the money--"
+
+"Then you want to give it back, if the owner can be found!"
+
+"Certainly," said Kit.
+
+The shopkeeper bowed. "I will make enquiries. If you should need anything
+I sell, señor, perhaps you will remember that I am an honest man."
+
+Kit went away, feeling puzzled and somewhat surprised. It looked as if
+the fellow was honest, but Kit thought he had studied him and there was
+something curious about his manner. Besides, a remark he made implied
+that he knew the coin was old.
+
+When he ate his eleven o'clock breakfast with Adam and the President in
+the arcade, he took out the coin and told them about the shopkeeper's
+refusal to take it back.
+
+"A Spanish onza," Adam remarked. "Worth nearly five pounds in English
+money, but a collector might give you more if it's as old as it looks.
+One used to see onzas in Cuba, and native merchants in Central America,
+who hadn't much use for banks, liked to get them. Now, however, they're
+getting scarce."
+
+"In this country, all gold coins are scarce," Alvarez said dryly. "I
+agree with the shopkeeper that Don Cristoval is fortunate, and expect he
+feels that my people are honester than he thought."
+
+"I was puzzled--" said Kit and stopped, for he saw the president's smile
+and began to understand.
+
+"You are shrewd, señor; but that was to be expected from my old friend's
+nephew. To begin with, the man who keeps the shop is not a supporter of
+the Government."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I think I see!"
+
+Alvarez bowed. "One can trust your intelligence, and you can keep the
+coin. It looks as if my antagonists were curious about your
+character--the honor of a man who would take money that does not belong
+to him is open to doubt. The experiment was cheap."
+
+Kit said nothing and the president filled a little glass with scented
+liquor. "I know my friends, Don Cristoval, and your uncle has stood much
+harder tests."
+
+He touched Kit's glass with his. "Well, I am lucky, because I may need
+friends soon."
+
+He got up and when he went down the long arcade Adam looked at Kit
+with a smile.
+
+"When I was your age I wouldn't have taken the onza back. I'd have kept
+the money and my faith with the president; in fact, in those days, I kept
+anything I could get. Now the other fellow knows what you're like, I
+reckon he'll find the owner of the coin."
+
+Adam went off after the president, and Kit pondered. A few days later, he
+sat one evening at a small table outside the café Bolivar. The café was
+badly lighted, hot, and full of flies. There was no door or window, and a
+few wooden pillars divided the low room from the pavement, which was
+strewn with cigarette ends and cardboard matches. In front, small palms,
+and eucalyptus lined the dusty alameda, where groups of citizens walked
+up and down. Inside the café somebody sang a Spanish song and played a
+guitar. It was not cool on the pavement, although a faint breeze made the
+palms rustle. The air was heavy and a smell of aniseed and new rum hung
+about the spot.
+
+Presently a man who had been playing dominos got up and came to Kit's
+table. He was a white man, with pale blue eyes and yellow hair, and
+although rather fat he carried himself well. Kit had met Olsen before,
+and he nodded when he sat down.
+
+"Nothing doing at the casino and the place was very hot," he said.
+"Besides, I don't quite trust the man who runs the bank. Taking them all
+round, these folks are clever crooks."
+
+Kit agreed languidly and noted the order Olsen gave the half-breed
+landlord. The fellow did not look as if he indulged much, but Kit thought
+a large glass of the strong liquor was not often asked for. As a rule,
+the Americans he had met on the Caribbean coast were abstemious, while
+the half-breeds and Spaniards were satisfied with small _copitas_ of
+fiery spirits distilled from the sugar cane. The English, German, and
+Scandinavian adventurers consumed them freely, and perhaps the Germans
+drank the most.
+
+"How do you like it here?" Olsen resumed when he put down his glass.
+"It's a country that soon palls. Are you staying long?"
+
+"I can't tell," said Kit, who decided not to state that he knew the
+country. "You see, I'm not in command."
+
+"No," said Olsen. "I suppose you're a relation of the Buccaneer?"
+
+"A poor relation. He gave me a lift when I needed it."
+
+Olsen laughed. "Well, I guess he makes you hustle. A pretty lively old
+pirate, if all one hears is true! I reckon they don't call him the
+Buccaneer for nothing, but it's hinted that he's beginning to lose his
+grip. I see your copita's empty. Will you take another drink?"
+
+"No, thanks; I've had enough," said Kit, who distrusted Olsen. He thought
+the fellow's careless remarks covered some curiosity and had tried to
+leave him in doubt. Olsen probably imagined he was Adam's clerk.
+
+"You're cautious, but one soon gets reckless here," Olsen resumed. "We
+are all adventurers, out for what we can get, and the chances against our
+making good are pretty steep. My notion is to have the best time I can,
+pick up as much money as possible, and quit before fever, intrigue, or a
+revolution knocks me out."
+
+"It's an exciting life," Kit agreed. "Money doesn't seem plentiful."
+
+"You have got to hustle and back the right man. Since you're stopping at
+the presidio, it's obvious that Askew's on the president's side. Well, I
+suppose everybody knows my employers have put their money on Galdar."
+
+"Then, I imagine you run some risk."
+
+"Sure," said Olsen, smiling. "Alvarez doesn't like me, and if I wasn't an
+American citizen, I'd feel scared. Showed his secretary my naturalization
+papers when I put up my shingle. Took them out as soon as I reached the
+United States from Norway."
+
+Kit pondered. Olsen spoke English and Castilian Well, but his accent was
+not American, nor, Kit thought, Scandinavian. There were a number of
+Germans in the country, engaged in extensive but rather dark commercial
+schemes, whom the United States consuls watched with jealous eyes. Kit
+knew that no one could transact much business without to some extent
+meddling with native politics, but while the other adventurers were
+satisfied with the money they could get, it looked as if the Germans
+wanted something else. It was perhaps significant that Olsen had, so to
+speak, insisted that he was a naturalized American and came from Norway.
+Kit doubted.
+
+"Askew's judgment is generally pretty good, but he's getting old," Olsen
+remarked. "I don't see why he's backing the president; my notion is,
+Galdar's surely going to win." He paused and looked at Kit thoughtfully.
+"In fact, if I was holding a clerk's job on the other side, I'd consider
+if it wouldn't pay me to change."
+
+Kit imagined this was a cautious feeler, made to find out if he could be
+bought, but he smiled.
+
+"If Galdar does win, he won't have much to give his friends."
+
+"He certainly won't have much money," Olsen agreed. "It's going to cost
+him all he can raise to turn Alvarez out, but he'll have something to
+give at the country's expense; sugar and coffee concessions, and perhaps
+monopolies. If I can get my share, it will pay my employers well and I
+allow they're generous."
+
+He stopped, as if he thought he had said enough, and after ordering
+another drink looked up with a grin. Two girls in light dresses had
+passed the café once or twice with a male companion and a fat old woman
+who wore black clothes. Kit had not noticed them particularly, because
+other groups were moving about, but he now remarked that the man had
+gone and the _dueña_ was a yard or two in front. One of the girls looked
+round and he thought her glance searched the café and then stopped at
+his table.
+
+"The señorita's a looker," said Olsen. "I wonder which of us she fancies.
+She's been round this way before."
+
+"I'm not remarkably handsome and there are other people in the café,"
+Kit replied. "Anyhow, I don't want to get a jealous señorita's knife
+in my back."
+
+"You're a blamed cautious fellow," Olsen rejoined in a meaning tone.
+"However, you'll find me at the casino evenings if you feel you'd like a
+talk, and now I'll get along."
+
+He went off and Kit smoked another cigarette. He thought Olsen had, so to
+speak, been sounding him; the fellow had certainly given him some hints.
+Kit imagined he had taken a prudent line by keeping the other in the dark
+about his partnership with Adam and their plans.
+
+When he had smoked his cigarette he crossed the street to the alameda and
+went up a broad walk beneath the trees. The sky had cleared, the moon was
+high, and in front of the openings pools of silver light lay upon the
+ground. By and by Kit saw the group he had noticed a few yards ahead.
+They were moving slowly and although he walked no faster he soon came up
+with them. The girl who had looked into the café was nearest and the
+moonlight touched her face as she turned her head.
+
+Kit gave her a half curious glance and felt some surprise, for he could
+see her better now and thought her a pure-blooded Spaniard. The
+_Peninsulares_ were aristocrats, the girl had a touch of dignity, and her
+dress was rich. It was strange if a girl like that was willing to defy
+conventions and risk an intrigue with a stranger. Yet he imagined he had
+seen her smile, and she carried a little bunch of purple flowers in the
+hand nearest him. He looked again and saw that she was beautiful and
+moved with the grace that generally marks the _Peninsulares_ when they
+are young. The path was broad and he could keep level with the group
+without exciting curiosity, but he thought it curious that the fat old
+woman, who ought to have guarded the others, was in front.
+
+He resolved to go past, and just before he did so the girl gave him a
+glance that he thought was half amused and half provocative. Then she
+turned her head and next moment he saw a flower near his feet. He noted a
+faint smell of heliotrope and knew she had dropped the flower for him.
+This meant something, although it would not have much significance unless
+he picked up the heliotrope. He did not, and walking past with a quicker
+step, heard a soft laugh.
+
+When he reached the presidio he sat down on the balcony that overlooked
+the patio outside his room. There was nobody about and he began to muse.
+It was rash to take things for granted, but he thought he had been made
+the subject of three experiments. Somebody had put a gold onza in the
+Indian jar; Olsen had tried to find out if he was ambitious; and the girl
+in the alameda meant to learn if he could be moved by beauty. Well, they
+ought to know something about him now, but they were not very clever or
+they would have extended their experiments over a longer time. It looked
+as if they thought him something of a fool, and this was, perhaps, an
+advantage.
+
+Kit smiled as he remembered that when Janet Bell tried to flirt with him
+he had been rather humiliated and felt himself a prig. He was older now
+and had not been much embarrassed in the alameda, although he nearly
+picked up the flower. His curiosity was excited and he wanted to find out
+the girl's object. Indeed, it was hard to see why he had left the flower
+alone, but he had a vague feeling that it was unfair to use a charming
+girl in a dark intrigue. Since he had known Grace Osborn, he had given
+women a higher place. For her sake, he would not try to gain an advantage
+against his and the president's antagonist by embarking on an adventure
+with the Spanish girl.
+
+Then he began to wonder whether he would see Grace again, but presently
+got up with an impatient shrug. Grace, in all probability, had forgotten
+their friendship and married Thorn. Anyhow, she was not for him and it
+was futile to indulge a barren sentiment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PRESIDENT'S BALL
+
+
+Breakfast was over and Alvarez, sitting at a table in the arcade, smiled
+as he indicated the transformed patio. The broken pavement had been
+swept, the fountain scrubbed until the marble showed white veins, and the
+old brass rails of the balconies gleamed with yellow reflections where
+the sunshine fell. Small palms and flowering plants in tubs stood among
+the pillars, flags hung from crumbling cornices, and barefooted peons
+were fastening up colored lamps.
+
+"When the people are discontented they must be amused," the president
+remarked. "In Rome, they gave them circuses and I had thought of a
+bull-fight. There is a Spanish quadrilla in Cuba but I found it would
+cost too much to bring the company across. Besides, I do not know if
+strong excitement would be good for the citizens."
+
+"A ball is safer," Adam agreed. "While they have the function to talk
+about they'll forget to plot."
+
+"For a week, perhaps! Well, it ought to be some help, if your agents
+are prompt."
+
+"They're hustlers and know they've got to get busy. I expect the _Rio
+Negro_ back in fourteen days, and then it will be your business to rush
+her cargo up. Mule transport's slow on your swamp tracks, and it's
+perhaps unfortunate you didn't give my friends the concession for the
+light railroad. You might have found it useful now."
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "A railroad can be cut, and locomotives break down at
+awkward times when their drivers are bribed. Then, I have granted so many
+concessions that there is not much that foreigners think worth getting
+left in the country. One must keep something to bargain with."
+
+"Governing a people like yours is an expensive job. However, since they
+make it expensive, they oughtn't to grumble if you tax them high."
+
+"They do not always pay the taxes," Alvarez rejoined with a twinkle. "If
+they run me out, they will probably disown their debts, and then there
+will be trouble with the foreigners. Still, that is not very important,
+because I shall be gone and the Americans will not let the others'
+consuls use much pressure. The speculators understand the risks."
+
+"That's so," said Adam and added meaningly: "Some of the speculators are
+American."
+
+Alvarez put his finely-shaped hand on Adam's arm. "My friend, if it is
+possible, you will be paid. If not, it will be because I am dead."
+
+"I know," said Adam. "I'm not scared to take chances and when they go
+against me I don't grumble. Anyhow, time is important and if you work
+this ball properly it ought to give us another week. You'll get the money
+for your soldiers shortly afterwards and Mayne will land your guns."
+
+The president's dark face softened and he smiled.
+
+"I know whom I can trust," he said and went away.
+
+"If it's possible for a half-breed to be an honest man, Don Hernando
+meets the bill," Adam remarked. "Anyhow, he's a better president than
+these folks deserve, and they'll be blamed fools if they turn him down."
+He was silent for a few moments and then resumed: "I gave you a share in
+my business, Kit, and now, if you are willing, I'll buy you out."
+
+"But I'm quite satisfied; I'd much sooner stick to our agreement," Kit
+said with surprise.
+
+"Well, I guess you're rash. Your share isn't large but it would go some
+way to buy an English farm. Raising Herdwick sheep is a pretty tame
+occupation, but I reckon it's safer than backing Alvarez."
+
+Kit thought hard and imagined he saw Adam's object. "Of course," he said,
+"if you want to get rid of me--"
+
+"I don't know that I'm keen. You're some help, but you came out to
+forget the girl in England, and not to stay. Well, if you mean to go,
+now's your time."
+
+"The trouble is I haven't forgotten her," Kit answered quietly.
+
+Adam's eyes twinkled. "If you go home, you may get her, and I allow she's
+probably worth the effort, but you're not going to side-track me like
+that. If you quit now, I can buy you out and you'll have something to
+help you make another start; afterwards I mayn't be able. You needn't
+hesitate about taking the money; I guess you've earned it."
+
+"I suspected where you were leading. Still you see, I'd sooner stay. For
+one thing, I hate leaving an awkward job half finished. You're beginning
+to feel the job is bigger than you thought it was when you undertook it?"
+
+"It certainly is," Adam agreed. "However, since you insist, I'll talk
+plain. Alvarez has no claim on you, although he has a claim on me, and I
+pay my debts. The last to fall due is going to strain my finances, but it
+must be paid, a hundred cents for every dollar. All the same, the
+liability is not yours. There's no reason why you shouldn't pull out
+while you're safe."
+
+Kit shook his head. "I see a reason. I don't know if it's sound, but
+after all one's self-respect is worth something."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Adam, "we won't quarrel. You're very like Peter and he's
+the staunchest man I know."
+
+He got up and when he went off, Kit, feeling somewhat moved, lighted a
+cigarette and smoked thoughtfully. It looked as if Adam did not think the
+president would win, but for all that meant to stand by him. Although not
+fastidious about his business methods, Adam had his code and was not
+afraid, when friendship demanded it, to fight for a lost cause. Moreover,
+Kit meant to fight with him. Then he got up and smiled. Adam meant well,
+but he was clumsy; if he had wanted to save Kit from sharing his risk, he
+might have made a better plan.
+
+When evening came Kit entered the arcade and sat down in a quiet spot to
+look about. The moon was nearly full and flooded half the patio with
+silver light; the rest was in shadow and rows of colored lamps twinkled
+in the gloom. A band played behind the pillars, the rattle of castanets
+breaking in on the tinkle of the guitars when the beat was sharply
+marked. The music was seductive, unlike any Kit had heard in England, and
+he thought it tinged by the melancholy the Moors had brought, long since,
+from the East to Spain.
+
+At one end of the patio, groups of young men and women moved through the
+changing figures of an old Spanish dance. Their poses were strangely
+graceful, and some had a touch of stateliness. This vanished when the
+music changed and the well-balanced figures, raising bent arms, danced
+with riotous abandon. In a minute or two the melancholy note was struck
+again and the movements were marked by dignified reserve. Kit got a hint
+of Southern passion and, by contrast, of the austerity that often goes
+with Indian blood.
+
+In the meantime, he noted the play of moving color, for the women wore
+white and pink and yellow. Some had flowers in their dark hair and some
+covered their heads with a lace mantilla. The men's clothes were varied,
+for a number wore shabby uniforms, and others white linen with red silk
+sashes, while a few had chosen the plain black, and wide sombrero, of the
+Spanish don.
+
+At the other end of the patio, portly señoras with powdered faces sat
+among the pillars, and grave, dark-skinned citizens moved about the
+pavement in talking groups. A heavily-built man with a very swarthy color
+and thick lips went to and fro among them, bowing and smiling, and Kit
+knew this was Galdar, the president's rival. Kit did not like the fellow
+and thought his negro strain was marked. He looked sensual, cruel, and
+cunning. For the most part, the president stood outside the crowd,
+although now and then a group formed about him. He was tall and thin, his
+face was inscrutable, and Kit thought he looked lonely and austere.
+
+By and by an officer Kit had met told him he must dance and took him
+along the arcade. The officer stopped where two girls sat under a string
+of lamps, with a man in black clothes and a fat old woman behind. At
+first, Kit could not see them well, but when they got up he started as he
+recognized the girl who had dropped the flower. Then he tried to hide his
+embarrassment as he was presented to Señorita Francisca Sarmiento. She
+was handsomer than he had thought and as she made him a stately curtsey
+her eyes twinkled.
+
+Kit imagined the other girl studied him carefully and wondered whether
+she knew about the flower. It was, however, his duty to ask the señorita
+to dance, and after a few moments they crossed the pavement. Kit had some
+misgivings, because the dance was involved and one used a number of
+different steps, but the girl guided him through its intricacies and when
+he took her back signed him to sit down. He obeyed, for Francisca
+Sarmiento had an imperious air. Other young men came up when the music
+began again, but passed on, and Kit imagined the girl had made them
+understand they were to do so since one or two frowned at him.
+
+"Well," she said, looking at him across her fan, "how do you like
+this country?"
+
+"It has many attractions," Kit replied.
+
+"But some drawbacks?"
+
+"The drawbacks are not very obvious now."
+
+"Ah," she said, giving him a mocking glance, "for an Englishman, you are
+polite, but it looks as if you were as cautious as I thought."
+
+"I'm flattered that you thought about me at all." Kit rejoined.
+
+She laughed and played with her fan. "Oh, well; we are curious about
+strangers, particularly when they are friends of the president's. One
+wonders why they come."
+
+"I imagine most of us come to get money."
+
+"In this country, one gets nothing unless one runs some risk, and you are
+cautious," Francisca remarked.
+
+Kit noted her insistence on this trait of his. He thought her remarks had
+a meaning that did not appear on the surface.
+
+"I wonder what grounds you have for thinking so," he said.
+
+"Are they not obvious?" she answered. "Not long since you hesitated to
+pick up a sprig of heliotrope."
+
+"I durst not think the compliment was meant for me."
+
+Francisca glanced at him with quiet amusement. "You are modest, señor; it
+looks as if you had a number of virtues. For one thing, I imagine you are
+honest, and honesty is not very common here." She paused and resumed in a
+meaning tone: "It is a drawback, if one wants to get rich."
+
+"I don't know that my character is worth your study," Kit replied
+carelessly.
+
+"You are of some importance, señor. Although I have admitted that you are
+modest, it is strange you do not know."
+
+"Why should I know?" Kit asked.
+
+Francisca studied him over her ebony fan, which hid half her face and
+emphasized the curious glow of her black eyes. "I do not think you are as
+dull as you pretend. Have you not been experimented on recently?"
+
+"I think I have," said Kit. "After all, a gold onza is not a great
+temptation. I found another--a spray of heliotrope--harder to resist."
+
+"But you did resist!" she replied in a quiet voice.
+
+"Yes," said Kit, fixing his eyes on her face. "I am an adventurer like
+the rest, but it is rather a shabby thing to try to gain an advantage in
+a battle with a woman. Besides, as I'm not clever, I might have failed."
+
+With a languid movement of her head Francisca looked round and Kit
+imagined she saw the others were too far off to hear. Then she made him a
+half mocking bow.
+
+"We need not quarrel, señor, and I will give you a hint. Since you are
+incorruptible, this town is not the place for you. Strangers from the
+North sometimes get fever. And I would not like you to suffer because you
+are honest, and have chosen the losing side."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "you think our side will lose?"
+
+Francisca moved her fan, as if to indicate Galdar, who stood in the
+moonlight near the fountain. He was smiling urbanely and a number of men
+and women had gathered about him. Kit knew they were people of
+importance. At the end of the patio, the president stood alone in the
+advancing gloom.
+
+"You see!" she said. "Well, I am engaged for the next dance. You have my
+leave to go."
+
+Kit left her and sat down in a quiet spot. On the whole, he thought the
+president's antagonists had been foolish when they tried to use the girl;
+she was, so to speak, too good, and perhaps too proud, for the part they
+expected her to play. This, however, was not important; he imagined she
+had meant well when she gave him a hint, although the hint was not worth
+much, because Kit thought Adam saw how things were going. Then he
+reflected with some amusement that he need not bother much about
+deceiving the enemy, since Galdar's friends would not suspect that
+Buccaneer Askew had knowingly chosen the losing side.
+
+Presently Kit joined Adam, who sat near a lamp. His face was damp and
+looked pinched.
+
+"Let's go and get a drink," he said. "I'm thirsty; got a dose of
+intermittent fever again."
+
+Some tables behind the pillars were laid out with wine and fruit, and
+Adam beckoned a mulatto waiter.
+
+"_Tinto and siphon_. Bring some ice."
+
+"There is no _siphon_, señor. We have sherry, vermouth, and some very
+good anisado."
+
+"You have plenty _siphon_" Adam declared. "Go and look."
+
+The waiter went away and Adam frowned. "I can't stand for their scented
+liquors; I want a long, cool drink."
+
+After a few minutes, the waiter came back with a large glass, in
+which a lump of ice floated in red wine and mineral water. Adam,
+sending him away, remarked: "That's a stupid fellow. I wanted to mix
+the stuff myself."
+
+He drank thirstily and put down the glass.
+
+"Tastes bitter; too much resin in the wine, or perhaps it's imagination."
+He lifted the glass but stopped and threw the rest of the liquor on the
+pavement. "Reckon I've had enough. About the meanest drink I've struck.
+Give me a cigar. The taste stops in my mouth."
+
+Kit gave him a cigar, but after a few minutes he threw it away.
+
+"I don't feel much better and think I'll go to my room. You might come
+along; the stairs are steep."
+
+He got up awkwardly and leaned upon the table, breathing rather hard
+while big drops of sweat started from his forehead. "This confounded
+ague grips me tight. Don't know when I've felt so shaky. Better give me
+your arm."
+
+They started, and keeping in the shadow, reached the outside stairs
+without exciting much curiosity, but Kit felt disturbed. Adam went up
+slowly, stopping now and then, and stumbled across the balcony at the
+top. Bright moonlight shone into the bare room, where a small lamp
+burned, and Kit saw that Adam's face was wet.
+
+"Leave me alone," he said. "You can come back by and by and see how I'm
+getting on."
+
+Kit did not want to go, but gave way when Adam insisted. He met the
+president soon afterwards.
+
+"Where is Don Adam?" the latter asked.
+
+Kit told him and added that his uncle had seemed to get worse after
+drinking some wine.
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez thoughtfully. "Fresh lime-juice is better when one is
+feverish. Did he drink anything else?"
+
+"No," said Kit. "The waiter wanted to bring some anisado, but he insisted
+on the wine."
+
+Alvarez took him to the table where the refreshments were served and
+clapped his hands. A waiter came up, but Kit said, "That is not the boy."
+
+"Where are your companions?" the president asked.
+
+"One is washing the glasses, señor. I do not know where the other
+has gone."
+
+Alvarez opened a door and Kit saw a man putting small _copitas_
+into a pail.
+
+"It was another fellow who brought the wine," he said, and Alvarez
+beckoned the waiter.
+
+"Call the mayor-domo."
+
+A man dressed in plain black clothes came in, and Alvarez asked: "How
+many of these fellows did you send to serve the wine?"
+
+"Two, señor. It was enough."
+
+"Three came. It will be your business to find the third," said the
+president sternly and turned to Kit. "What was the fellow like?"
+
+Kit described the waiter and Alvarez said to the mayor-domo, "You will be
+held accountable if the man has got away. Send Doctor Martin to the
+bottom of the stairs."
+
+The mayor-domo went away and Alvarez knitted his brows.
+
+"Galdar's friends are bold, but I had not expected this. However, Don
+Adam's drinking wine may have balked them and Martin is a good doctor."
+
+Kit asked no questions, for he could trust the president and thought
+there was no time to lose. They crossed the patio and found a man waiting
+in the shadow at the bottom of the steps. Alvarez said a word or two and
+they went up. When they entered the room Adam glanced up from the bed.
+
+"I see you have brought the doctor," he said with an effort.
+
+"In this country, one takes precautions," Alvarez replied. "You look ill,
+my friend."
+
+"I'd have looked worse if I'd drunk anisado," Adam remarked. "Anyhow, you
+had better light out and let Señor Martin get to work."
+
+The doctor, who felt Adam's pulse, made a sign of agreement, and then
+writing on a leaf of his pocketbook gave it to the president.
+
+"Will you send that to my house? I need the things at once."
+
+Alvarez moved away and Adam looked at Kit with a forced smile. "You
+needn't be anxious, partner. I didn't drink all the wine; reckon they
+haven't got me yet."
+
+Then they went out and left Adam with the doctor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+OLSEN'S OFFER
+
+
+For a time, Kit wandered about the arcade, talking now and then to people
+he knew. The doctor had forbidden him to return to Adam's room and the
+president said it was important the guests should not know that anything
+unusual had happened. Although Kit watched the stairs anxiously, nobody
+came down, but he saw the mayor-domo going quietly about and servants
+came and went on mysterious errands. When he looked out he found the
+sentries had been doubled on the terrace and one stopped when, for a few
+moments, Kit left the arch, but the soldier knew him and marched on.
+While it was obvious that the waiter was being looked for, Kit thought
+the search had begun too late.
+
+At length, Alvarez sent for him, and although his heart beat as he
+followed the messenger he felt some relief when he saw the president.
+
+"I have good news," the latter said. "The doctor is no longer anxious and
+you may see your uncle in the morning. It looks as if Don Adam's caution
+saved him."
+
+"You mean when he refused the anisado?"
+
+Alvarez nodded. "It is a strong-smelling liquor and one drinks a small
+quantity, taking water afterwards, if one wants. Don Adam knows the
+country, and after all my enemies have not much imagination. To offer him
+anisado was a rather obvious trick."
+
+"I'm thankful they failed," Kit said sternly, and clenched his fist with
+sudden passion. "If they had not--"
+
+"One understands, Don Cristoval; I have felt like that when the plotters
+did not fail," Alvarez answered with grim sympathy. He was silent for a
+moment or two and Kit imagined he was thinking about his murdered son.
+Then he resumed: "Well, we shall have a reckoning and it will be bad for
+the dogs when I send in my bill. But that must wait, and I would like you
+to dance. I see Señorita Sarmiento is not engaged and she dances well."
+
+"I doubt if Dona Francisca would care to dance with me again."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez, "one should not be too modest! Francisca is a
+politician, but she is a woman. Perhaps you found she is not on my side?"
+
+"I imagined she was not."
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "Well, I do not fight with women, although they are
+sometimes dangerous. Try again, my friend. Just now we are all playing at
+make-believe."
+
+Kit obeyed and found Francisca gracious. She danced with him and
+afterwards allowed him to sit by her. By and by she remarked: "I have not
+seen Señor Askew for some time."
+
+"He was not very well," said Kit.
+
+Francisca studied his face. "I hope his illness is not serious. I thought
+I saw Doctor Martin."
+
+"Fever. My uncle gets it now and then."
+
+"I think I warned you against our fevers," Francisca replied meaningly.
+"There are two or three kinds, but all are not dangerous."
+
+"Some are?" Kit suggested.
+
+"Yes; to foreigners. We others take precautions and are acclimatized."
+
+"Well," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I have not had fever yet, but I
+suppose an unacclimatized adventurer runs some risk."
+
+Francisca played with her fan and Kit imagined she was pondering.
+
+"A risk that leads to nothing is not worth while," she remarked. "I think
+it would be prudent if you left the country while you are well."
+
+"I should be sorry if I thought you wanted me to go," said Kit.
+
+"That is cheap, señor. I gave you good advice."
+
+"Oh, well," said Kit, "I really think you did. There are matters about
+which we do not agree; but I believe you are too kind to let a rather
+ignorant antagonist get hurt."
+
+Franciscans eyes twinkled as she rejoined: "I like the compliment better
+than the other. But I am engaged for the next dance and as you are
+intelligent there is not much more to be said."
+
+Kit went away, thinking rather hard. The girl had some part in the
+intrigue against the president, and it would obviously be an advantage to
+her friends if he could be persuaded to leave the country now Adam was
+ill. Admitting this, he thought her warning sincere. On the whole, he
+liked Francisca Sarmiento and believed she did not want him to be hurt.
+If Adam did not get much better and he had to look after things, he would
+certainly run some risk of a cunning attack by the president's enemies.
+
+When the guests began to leave, Kit went to his room and after some
+hours of broken sleep was told that Adam wanted him. He found Alvarez in
+the room and Adam lying, with a flushed face and wet forehead, in a big
+cane chair. When Kit came in Adam gave him a friendly smile and turned
+to Alvarez.
+
+"If I'd taken that drink at a wineshop, I'd have deserved all I got," he
+said. "I allowed I was safe at the presidio."
+
+"It is a stain on my hospitality for which somebody shall pay."
+
+"That's all right," said Adam; "you're not accountable. Looks as if the
+other fellow was too smart for both of us; but I had a feeling I'd better
+stick to _tinto_ and _siphon_. You can generally taste anything
+suspicious in that mixture and I've been doped before. But, as I'm an
+American citizen and American influence is powerful, I didn't expect
+they'd be bold enough to get after me."
+
+Alvarez smiled. "Our climate is unhealthy, but if you had died and
+suspicion was excited, your countrymen would have made the
+president responsible. That would have been another embarrassment
+and I have enough."
+
+"Galdar's friends are a cunning lot," Adam replied. "Well, I think your
+doctor has fixed me up for a time. What about your plans?"
+
+"I had some talk with my supporters last night and we agreed to strike
+when the _Rio Negro's_ cargo arrives. We need the guns and money to pay
+my troops, and when we get them we will arrest the leading conspirators.
+This will start the revolution, but it will fail if my blow is struck
+before Galdar is ready."
+
+"Yes," said Adam. "We can trust Mayne; he knows he's got to hustle. I've
+fixed it for him to get the Spanish money at Havana and that will mean
+losing a day or two, but the old _Rio Negro_ can hit up a pretty good
+pace and Mayne won't spare his coal. I reckon we'll hear from him soon."
+
+Adam stopped and Kit, seeing that it cost him an effort to talk, took
+the president away. They met the doctor on the stairs and Kit waited at
+the bottom until he came down. Señor Martin was a fat, dark-skinned,
+Spanish Creole.
+
+"Your uncle is an obstinate man and will not take a hint," he remarked.
+"I had some trouble to save him and he may not escape next time."
+
+"Then you imagine there will be another time?"
+
+Señor Martin shrugged expressively, "I am a doctor not a politician, but
+in this country much depends upon the risk of being found out. Señor
+Askew is old and not strong. One must pay for leading a strenuous life
+and he has had malaria for some years. He ought to remain in the North.
+It is your business to persuade him, but do not disturb him yet."
+
+"I will try," Kit said doubtfully. "You think it needful?"
+
+"If he does not go soon, he will not go at all," the doctor replied in a
+meaning tone.
+
+He went away and some time afterwards Kit returned to his uncle's room.
+The shutters were pushed back from the balcony window and the strong
+light, reflected by the white wall, showed the thinness of Adam's figure
+and the deep lines on his face. His skin was a curious yellow color and
+his eyes were dull.
+
+"You haven't been well for some time and the stuff you got last night has
+shaken you rather badly," Kit remarked with a touch of embarrassment. "I
+think you ought to go back with Mayne."
+
+"You imagine you can manage things better without me?" Adam rejoined.
+
+"No," said Kit, coloring. "It's a big and awkward job, but perhaps I can
+manage. I feel you ought to go."
+
+"It looks as if the doctor had put you on my track. He's been arguing
+with me. What did he say?"
+
+Kit hesitated and Adam smiled. "I can guess, partner, and perhaps he was
+right. Well, I'm getting old and have a notion I won't live long, anyway.
+Don't see that it matters much if I go or stay, and I've a reason for
+staying you don't know yet. Besides, I hate to be beaten and mean to put
+over my last job." He paused and gave Kit a steady look. "There's one
+drawback; putting it over may cost you something."
+
+"That doesn't count," Kit said quietly. "What you have is yours; I expect
+you earned it hard."
+
+"I certainly did," Adam agreed. "I earned part of what I've got by jobs
+that cost me more than my health. I'd wipe out some of my early deals, if
+I could. Well, I don't know if playing a straight game on a losing hand
+will cancel past mistakes, but I feel I've got to play it out. My wad and
+yours are in the pool."
+
+"It's not my wad," Kit objected. "You have treated me generously."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Adam. "Perhaps I'll ask you to remember that by and by.
+In the meantime, I've no use for arguing and am going to stop. We'll say
+no more about it, but if I'm too sick to handle things, you'll take
+control. You know my plans, and that's enough; I don't need your promises
+that you won't let me down. Now you can get out. I'm going to sleep."
+
+Kit went away, feeling moved, but anxious. His uncle trusted him and he
+had got strangely fond of the Buccaneer. Adam had his faults and his
+career had been marked by incidents that were hard to justify, but he was
+staunch to his friends. Kit did not know how far Alvarez deserved his
+staunch support, and suspected that Adam was, to some extent, moved by
+pride. He meant to make good before he let things go. Kit resolved that
+when the old man's hands lost the grip he would take firm hold.
+
+Next day Adam was obviously worse and when two or three more had passed
+the doctor looked anxious. Then, one hot evening, the president brought
+Kit a letter addressed to his uncle.
+
+"Don Adam is asleep and must not be disturbed," he said. "Perhaps you had
+better read this. It may be about the _Rio Negro_."
+
+Kit opened the envelope and frowned. The letter was from Mayne, who
+stated that he had met bad weather soon after leaving port and the racing
+of the engines in a heavy sea had caused some damage. He had, however,
+reached Havana, where he had received the Spanish money, and did not know
+what to do. Some time would be required to repair the damage, but it
+would be risky to resume the voyage with disabled engines. Kit gave the
+letter to the president, whose dark face flushed, and for a few moments
+he stormed with Spanish fury.
+
+"This dog of a sailor has been bought!" he cried, clenching his hands
+as he walked about the floor. "If the money does not arrive soon, it
+will be too late; my soldiers will not take our notes. Galdar has paid
+him to ruin me."
+
+Kit, knowing the emotional character of the half-breeds, let him rage.
+Alvarez did not often lose his self-control and he had some grounds for
+feeling disturbed. When he stopped, Kit said quietly, "The captain is
+honest, but if he loses his ship with the guns and money on board, it
+will not help us much. If my uncle is better in the morning, I will see
+what he thinks; if not, I will decide about the orders to send."
+
+When Alvarez left him he went into the town and after walking about the
+alameda sat down at a table in front of the café and ordered some wine.
+This was safer than the black coffee and scented cordials the citizens
+drank, but he tasted it carefully and gave himself up to anxious thought
+without draining his glass. The insurance on the _Rio Negro_ did not
+cover all the risks Mayne would run if he left port with disabled
+engines, and the coast was dangerous. The loss of the ship would be a
+blow, but if Mayne did not leave Havana soon the freight might arrive
+after the president's fall. Kit, feeling his responsibility, shrank from
+the momentous choice, and while he pondered Olsen came up and occupied a
+chair opposite.
+
+"Drinking _tinto_!" he remarked. "Well, I guess that's prudent. But how's
+the Buccaneer? He's been looking shaky and I heard he was ill."
+
+Kit wondered how much Olsen knew. He said Adam's fever came and went and
+he would, no doubt, be better soon. Olsen smiled and shook his head.
+
+"There's no use in giving me that stuff; I know the climate! Askew's
+going under fast and will never be fit again. I reckon the old man
+knows he's got to let up, if you don't. What are you going to do when
+he pulls out?"
+
+"It will need some thought," Kit answered cautiously, since he had
+grounds for believing the other imagined he was Adam's clerk.
+
+Olsen ordered some vermouth, and then remarked in a meaning tone: "I
+don't have to be careful about my drinks. There's an advantage in taking
+the popular side."
+
+"Are you sure yours is the popular side?"
+
+"Wait and see," Olsen rejoined, "though that plan's expensive, because
+it may be too late when you find out. My employers don't often back
+the wrong man and I trust their judgment now. If you'll listen, I'll
+show you."
+
+Kit signed him to go on and Olsen resumed: "The Buccaneer will drop out
+soon and you'll be left to do the best you can for yourself. Well, I
+don't suppose you'll get another chance like this; we'll pay you ten
+thousand dollars if you can keep the _Rio Negro_ back for a week."
+
+"That doesn't indicate that you're sure of winning," Kit remarked dryly.
+"Besides, I wouldn't trust Galdar to put up the money."
+
+"I don't ask you to trust Galdar; my people will find the money. In a
+sense, it doesn't matter to us who is president, except that we want the
+concessions Galdar promised, and they're worth an extra two thousand
+pounds. We'll give you American bills for the sum if your steamer lands
+her cargo too late to be of use."
+
+Kit thought hard. It looked as if Olsen knew the _Rio Negro_ had broken
+down. If so, he was obviously well informed and his employers were
+persuaded that the probability of the president's downfall was strong
+enough to justify the bribe. Two thousand pounds would go some way to
+making Ashness a model farm, while it was plain that Adam might lose the
+money he had hinted he meant to leave Kit. Kit, however, did not feel
+tempted, although he wanted to find out something about Olsen's plans.
+
+"You seem to take my agreement for granted," he remarked. "You must see
+that I could embarrass you by telling Alvarez."
+
+Olsen laughed. "You could put him wise; but you couldn't embarrass us.
+The president knows whom he's up against. The trouble is he isn't strong
+enough to get after us."
+
+"Well, suppose I refuse?"
+
+"You'll be a blame fool. That's all there is to it."
+
+Kit doubted. He knew what had happened to Adam, and, in spite of Olsen's
+statement, imagined Galdar's friends would not let him warn the
+president.
+
+"Anyhow, you must give me until the morning. I want to think about it,"
+he said, in order to test his suspicions.
+
+"We can't wait; the thing must be put over now. There's no use in trying
+to raise my offer. You know our limit."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Kit, "I'm afraid I'll have to let it go. There are
+difficulties, and if you can't wait--"
+
+Olsen looked at him with surprise, and Kit saw he had not expected his
+offer to be refused. The fellow had a cynical distrust of human nature
+that had persuaded him Kit could not resist the temptation; his shallow
+cleverness sometimes misled him and had done so when he took it for
+granted that Kit was Adam's clerk.
+
+"You don't mean you're going to turn my offer down?" Olsen said sharply.
+
+"You force me. I can't decide just yet."
+
+Olsen hesitated, knitting his brows. "Oh!" he exclaimed, "that's
+ridiculous! The thing will cost you nothing, and I'll come up a thousand
+dollars. You ought to see you must accept."
+
+"I don't see," Kit replied as carelessly as he could, and got up. "Since
+you can't wait, I understand the matter's off."
+
+He went away, and glancing back as he crossed the street, saw that
+Olsen's pose was curiously fixed and he seemed to be gazing straight in
+front. Some of the customers now left the café and Kit lost sight of him.
+The moon was high and clear, but the black shadows of the trees fell upon
+the walk through the alameda and there were not many people about. Kit
+would sooner not have crossed the alameda, although this was his nearest
+way, but thought he had better do so. Olsen might be watching, and Kit
+did not want the fellow to imagine he was afraid, since it would indicate
+that he knew the importance of his refusal. Yet he was afraid, and it
+cost him something of an effort to plunge into the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE PRESIDENT'S WATCHERS
+
+
+When Kit was half way across the alameda he stopped and looked about.
+Dark trees rose against the sky; he could smell the eucalyptus and their
+thin shadows covered the ground with a quivering, open pattern. There was
+a pool of moonlight, and farther on the solid, fan-shaped reflections of
+palms. Nobody was near him, although he heard voices across the alameda,
+and he stood for a few moments, thinking, while his heart beat.
+
+Since he had refused Olsen's offer, caution was advisable, because Kit
+felt sure the fellow had expected him to agree, and it was obvious that
+he knew enough to make him dangerous. He distrusted Olsen, who was not a
+native American, and probably not a Norwegian, as he pretended. There was
+a mystery about his employers, but Kit suspected that they were Germans,
+and as a rule the latters' commercial intrigues were marked by an
+unscrupulous cunning of which few of their rivals seemed capable. This
+was admitting much, since the foreign adventurers did not claim high
+principles.
+
+On the surface, it was obviously prudent to take the shortest line to the
+presidio, but Kit reflected that Olsen would expect him to do so. It
+might be better to put him off the track by going another way and Kit was
+anxious to know if he had left the café. Stepping back into the shadow,
+he made for another path and a few minutes afterwards returned to the
+street. He glanced at the café as he walked past and saw that Olsen was
+not there. He thought this ominous, since it indicated that the fellow
+had gone to consult his revolutionary friends and Kit imagined they would
+try to prevent his reaching the presidio. He seldom carried a pistol,
+which was difficult to hide when one wore thin white clothes. On the
+whole, he had found a suspicious bulge in one's pocket rather apt to
+provoke than to save one from attack; but he was sorry he had not a
+pistol now.
+
+Kit went back across the alameda, hoping he had put Olsen's friends off
+the track. If so, he would be safe until he got near the presidio, when
+he must be cautious. He passed two or three groups of people, and now and
+then heard steps behind, but the steps were followed by voices that
+relieved his anxiety. For all that, he was glad to leave the alameda and
+turn up a street.
+
+The street was narrow, hot, and dirty. There was a smell of decaying
+rubbish and the rancid oil used in cooking. One side was in shadow, and
+almost unbroken walls rose from the rough pavement. For the most part,
+the outside windows were narrow slits, since the houses got light from
+the central patio. Here and there an oil-lamp marked a corner, but that
+was all, and Kit kept in the moonlight and looked about keenly when he
+passed a shadowy door. Perspiration trickled down his face and he felt an
+unpleasant nervous tension. Yet nobody came near him and when he
+cautiously glanced round nobody was lurking in the gloom. He began to
+think he had cheated Olsen, but admitted that it was too soon to slacken
+his watchfulness.
+
+At one corner, he saw two figures in shabby white uniform, and hesitated.
+In Spanish-American countries, the government generally maintains a force
+of carefully picked men, entrusted with powers that are seldom given to
+ordinary police. They patrol in couples, carry arms, and are sometimes
+called _guardias civiles_ and sometimes _rurales_. Kit knew he could
+trust the men, but doubted if they could leave their post; besides he did
+not want Olsen to know he thought it needful to ask for protection. Now
+he came to think of it, he had seen the _rurales_ outside the café and at
+another corner. Perhaps this was why he had been left alone.
+
+He went on, rather reluctantly, and by and by reached the broad square in
+front of the presidio. The old building was clear in the moonlight; Kit
+could see a sentry on the terrace and a faint glow in the slit in the
+wall that marked Adam's room. It was hardly two-hundred yards off and he
+would be safe before he reached the arch, but a grove of small palms and
+shrubs ran between him and the square. There were rails behind the trees
+and the nearest opening was some distance off. A high blank wall threw a
+dark shadow that stretched across the road by the rails and met the gloom
+of the trees.
+
+Kit looked about, without stopping or turning his head much. There was
+nobody in sight, but he somehow felt that he was not alone. It was a
+disturbing, and apparently an illogical, feeling that he must not
+indulge, and pulling himself together he went on, with his fist clenched.
+He was not far from the gate, and although he listened hard could only
+hear his own steps and voices in a neighboring street. Yet his nerves
+tingled and his muscles got tense. In front, a thick, dark mass that
+looked like a clump of euphorbia or cactus stood beside the path, and
+just beyond it a bright beam of moonlight shone between the drooping
+branches of the palms.
+
+He thought the spot the beam touched was dangerous. As he crossed it his
+figure would be strongly illuminated and he would have his back to the
+dark bush. He wanted to move aside and go round the bush, but this might
+give somebody time to spring out and get between him and the gate. The
+gate was close by and he was strangely anxious to reach it. For all that,
+he was not going to indulge his imagination.
+
+He plunged into the gloom, without deviating from his path, and conquered
+a nervous impulse that urged him to run. When he had nearly passed the
+bush he thought he heard a movement and a thick stalk of the cactus
+shook. Half instinctively, Kit leaped forward and felt something soft
+brush against his shoulder. As he swung round, in the moonlight, with his
+mouth set and his hand drawn back to strike, he saw a blanket on the
+ground. There was nothing else and he breathed hard as he searched the
+gloom. The blanket had not been there before.
+
+Next moment, a dark figure sprang from the shadow and a knife flashed in
+the moonlight; then he heard a heavy report and a puff of smoke blew
+past his head. The figure swerved and, staggering awkwardly, fell with a
+heavy thud. It did not move afterwards, and while Kit gazed at it dully
+a man in white uniform ran past and stooped beside the fellow on the
+ground. Kit vacantly noted that a little smoke curled from the muzzle of
+his pistol.
+
+"One cartridge is enough," he said coolly. "Your worship did not
+escape by much."
+
+Another _rural_ came out of the bushes and when they turned over the body
+Kit saw a dark face and a long, thin knife clenched in a brown hand. He
+understood now that the blanket had been meant to entangle his arm or
+head; half-breed peons often carry a rolled-up blanket of good quality on
+their shoulder.
+
+"It is Gil Ortega," the _rural_ remarked. "A good shot that will save us
+some trouble, comrade!"
+
+"How did you come here when you were wanted?" Kit asked as calmly
+as he could.
+
+The _rural_ smiled. "By the president's order, señor. We were watching
+the café."
+
+"But it looks as if you had got in front of me."
+
+"It is so, señor. We thought it best to follow this fellow. He lost you
+when you turned back."
+
+Kit nodded, for he remembered that he had instinctively avoided one or
+two dark lanes that would have given him a shorter line than the streets.
+Ortega and the _rurales_ had taken the shorter way. He thought it curious
+the report had not drawn a crowd, but although he heard voices nobody
+came near and he imagined the citizens were used to pistol shots. Giving
+the _rurales_ some money, he crossed the square to the presidio and going
+to his room lighted a cigarette. He thought a smoke might be soothing,
+for he had got a jar.
+
+After a time, he went to look for Alvarez and found him sitting in front
+of a table in the patio. A soldier stood not far off, but the president
+was alone and the light of a shaded lamp fell upon a bundle of letters
+and documents. Alvarez worked hard and had inherited a rather austere
+simplicity from his Indian ancestors. Kit thought his plain white clothes
+and quiet calm gave him dignity.
+
+"It looks as if my enemies meant to lose no time," he said, in English,
+when Kit told him about his adventure.
+
+"It's their third try in a few weeks," Kit agreed. "Don't you find the
+uncertainty about where they'll strike next rather wearing?"
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "One gets used to these affairs; a custom of the
+country, and there is something to be said for it. If the plot succeeds,
+it is an easy way of turning out a president and changing the government.
+Perhaps it is better to kill a man or two than fight round barricades and
+burn the town."
+
+"In the North, we find it possible to change our government by vote."
+
+"You are cold-blooded people and don't understand the passions of the
+South," Alvarez rejoined with cynical humor. "We have tried your plan,
+but one must be rich to buy the votes. Besides, if one is beaten at the
+polls, there remains the last appeal to the knife. But you will let this
+go. We have something else to talk about."
+
+"That is so," said Kit. "To begin with, I must thank you for sending your
+_rurales_ to look after me."
+
+"It is nothing," Alvarez replied in a deprecatory tone. "You are my guest
+and we try to take care of foreigners, because if they meet with
+accidents their consuls ask embarrassing questions. Besides, watching
+them serves two objects."
+
+"Then, I expect you know I met Olsen at the café?" Kit suggested dryly.
+
+Alvarez smiled. "Yes; I know. But I was not suspicious."
+
+"After all, one doesn't generally conspire in a public place. In fact, I
+don't understand why Olsen met me there."
+
+"He may have meant to compromise you; to put doubts in my mind."
+
+"It's possible, now I think of it," Kit assented. "I hope he didn't
+succeed."
+
+"I know my friends, Don Cristoval. But what did the fellow want? I do not
+know all."
+
+"Your spies are pretty smart, but I expect our colloquial English puzzled
+them," Kit remarked, smiling. "However, I was going to tell you--"
+
+He narrated what Olsen had said and Alvarez looked thoughtful.
+
+"Galdar must be nearly ready; he has been quicker than I imagined. What
+are you going to do about the steamer?"
+
+"I'll wait until tomorrow. If my uncle is well enough, he must decide."
+
+"But if he is no better?" Alvarez asked.
+
+Kit gave him a level glance. "Then I will send Mayne orders to run all
+risks and start, whether his engines are repaired or not."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez with a bow, "Olsen was foolish when he tried to bribe
+you! I suppose this is your answer! Well, it is lucky that a fast
+schooner sails to a port from which a telegram can be sent. When your
+orders are ready I will see that they go."
+
+Next morning Kit found Adam lying half awake after a night of delirium.
+The old man's eyes were heavy, his brain was dull, and the doctor, who
+came in, made Kit a sign not to disturb him. Kit went out and spent some
+time writing a message to Mayne. It was necessary that the captain should
+know what he must do, but Kit was anxious to give no hint about the
+importance of speed that others would understand. He meant to guard
+against his orders being read by spies in Olsen's pay.
+
+When he had sealed the envelope and addressed it as the president had
+told him, he went down to the patio and found a peon talking to a guard.
+
+"This man is the mate of the Catalina and wants to see you," said
+the guard, and when he went off Kit turned to the other, who looked
+like a sailor.
+
+"My wife lives in the town and I have been at home for a day or two,"
+said the man. "I am going back to the schooner now and was told you had a
+letter for the patron."
+
+Kit put his hand in his pocket. Although he had expected the mayor-domo
+would come for the message, there was not much formality at the presidio,
+and the fellow was obviously a sailor. Yet Kit hesitated and as he stood
+with his hand on the envelope thought the other's eyelids flickered. The
+flicker was almost too slight to notice, but it hinted at nervousness and
+Kit dropped the message back.
+
+"Very well," he said. "Wait a few minutes."
+
+He went along the arcade and stopping near the end looked back. The
+sailor had sat down on a bench and was lighting a cigarette. This looked
+as if he did not mind waiting, and Kit wondered whether it was worth
+while to disturb the president, who was occupied. He went on, however,
+and Alvarez signed him to sit down when he entered his room. After a
+minute or two, he put down the document he was reading to his secretary.
+
+"Well," he said, "have you written your message for Captain Mayne?"
+
+"It is here. The _Catalina's_ mate is waiting."
+
+Alvarez turned to the secretary. "My order was that the _patron_
+should come."
+
+"That is so, señor. I sent him word."
+
+"The man told me his wife lived in the town and he was starting back,"
+Kit interposed.
+
+"The _patron_ has a house here," Alvarez replied. "We will see the man.
+But first send an order to the guard to let nobody go out."
+
+He waited for a minute after the secretary went off and then beckoned
+Kit, who followed him downstairs and into the arcade. When they reached
+it Kit stopped and Alvarez turned to him with a meaning smile. There was
+nobody on the bench.
+
+"It looks as if my order was sent too late," Alvarez remarked. "You had
+better tell me exactly what happened?"
+
+Kit complied and Alvarez sent for the guard and asked: "How did you know
+the sailor was the _Catalina's_ mate?"
+
+"He told me he was, señor. Afterwards, when Don Cristoval did not come
+back, he said it was not important and he would not wait."
+
+Alvarez dismissed the man and shrugged as he turned to Kit. "The plotters
+are clever, but they made a mistake. The fellow was too modest; he ought
+to have said he was the _patron_. Well, we must try to find him, although
+I expect we are late. Now give me the message for Captain Mayne. It looks
+as if our antagonists knew its importance."
+
+Kit gave him the envelope and went back to Adam's room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ADAM RESUMES CONTROL
+
+
+Although the shutters on the balcony window were open, no draught entered
+the small, bare room and the heat that soaked through the thick walls was
+nearly intolerable. There was not a sound in the presidio and a drowsy
+quietness brooded over the dazzling town. It was two o'clock in the
+afternoon, and the citizens were resting in their darkened houses until
+the sun got low and work and intrigue began again. Adam and Kit, however,
+had been talking for some time when the former, leaning back in a big
+cane chair, frowned at his nephew. His thin face was wet with sweat, but
+he shivered and his hands shook.
+
+"You can quit arguing; I've got to go," he said. "I don't get much
+better, anyhow, and can't stand for lying off when there's a big job
+to be done."
+
+"I believe I could see the job through," Kit answered quietly.
+
+Adam's dull eyes sparkled. "You might; I guess you're anxious to try your
+powers, but so long as I can get about I'm in command."
+
+"It's doubtful if you can get about," Kit insisted.
+
+"I'm going to try. You'll have a quiet mule ready when it's getting dark,
+and I'll ride out of town; then, if the saddle shakes me, I'll go in a
+hammock. You can cut out your objections. The thing's fixed."
+
+"Very well," said Kit. "We had better make for Corrientes, since the
+point commands the port and the lagoon. Mayne will stop for an hour or
+two, looking for a signal, when he picks up his marks."
+
+"We'll start for the port and take the other track afterwards. There's no
+use in telling the opposition where we're going. I imagine they don't
+know if the _Rio Negro_ has sailed or not."
+
+"For that matter, we don't know," Kit remarked.
+
+"Oh, shucks!" Adam exclaimed. "Mayne understands what we're up against
+and he'd pull out when he got your telegram. If he can't use his damaged
+engine, he'll disconnect and bring her along with the other." He stopped
+Kit with a frown. "If you're going to tell me the _Rio Negro_ can't steam
+across on one cylinder, you can cut it out. I've taught the men I put in
+charge that when a job's needful it has got to be done."
+
+He paused and when Kit said nothing, went on quietly: "Well, I reckon
+Galdar's crowd will expect the boat to make for the port. It's easier to
+land cargo there and there's a better road. With good luck, we'll have
+the goods delivered before they know she's gone to the lagoon. Now you
+can go along and get busy."
+
+Kit went away in a thoughtful mood. He agreed with Adam that secrecy and
+speed were essential, because if the rebels got a hint of their plans
+they might strike before Alvarez could ensure the loyalty of his troops
+by distributing their back pay. Much depended upon which party got in the
+first blow. In fact, if the guns and money reached the town before the
+rebels knew they were landed, Kit thought the president's chance of
+winning was good. All the same, he imagined that Adam, whom the doctor
+had forbidden to get up, would run a dangerous risk.
+
+At dusk a few barefooted soldiers paraded on the terrace, with two mules
+and three or four peons. Since it was impossible to evade the
+watchfulness of Galdar's spies, Adam had resolved to set off openly and
+not to give them a hint that his journey had an important object by
+trying to hide it. He mounted awkwardly, with an obvious effort, and when
+he was in the saddle set his lips for a moment or two. Then he turned to
+Alvarez and smiled.
+
+"I'm not a back-number yet, but it's lucky the opposition don't know how
+hard it was for me to get up."
+
+Alvarez made a sign of understanding. "You must dismount as soon as
+possible. You are very staunch, my friend."
+
+"I've got to make good. If everything is fixed, we'll pull out."
+
+"_Adios, señores_," said Alvarez, taking off his hat. "Much
+depends on you."
+
+Somebody gave an order, there was a rattle of thrown-up rifles, a patter
+of naked feet, and the party moved away. Kit, turning after a few
+moments, looked back. He saw the long, straight building, pierced here
+and there by lights, rise against the orange sky, and the president's
+tall figure, conspicuous in white clothes, in front of the arch. His
+attendants had vanished, he stood motionless, as if brooding, and Kit
+thought he looked pathetic and lonely. He afterwards remembered his
+glance at the old presidio.
+
+They rode down a hot street. The moon had not risen and the place was
+dark except for the feeble gleam of an oil-lamp at a corner. The clatter
+of the mules' feet on the uneven stones echoed along the walls, and here
+and there indistinct figures looked out from shadowy doors. For the most
+part, the watchers let them pass in silence, and although Kit imagined
+news of their departure would travel fast, he was glad they passed none
+of the lighted cafés and open squares. It would be hard to see who was
+riding the mules, and while Galdar's spies would probably find out this
+would need time and time was important.
+
+After leaving the streets, they followed the road to the port for some
+distance, and then turned into a track that wound along a dark hillside
+among clumps of trees. When they entered it, Adam stopped his mule and
+got down awkwardly.
+
+"I've had about as much as I can stand for," he remarked, breathing hard.
+"Looks as if we had got a start, but I reckon the other lot will try to
+track us to the port when the moon gets up."
+
+Then with a sigh of relief he lay down in a hammock the peons had got
+ready, and when two of the latter took up the poles they went on again.
+
+On the second night after leaving the presidio, Kit sat on the coaming of
+a small steam launch that lurched across the long undulations rolling in
+from the Caribbean. It had been blowing fresh, and although the wind had
+dropped the swell ran high. When the launch swung up, a vague, hazy smear
+rather suggested than indicated land astern; the sea ahead was dark, but
+in one place a faint reflection on the sky told that the moon would soon
+rise. Although the beach was some distance off, a dull monotonous rumble,
+pierced now and then by the clank of the launch's engines, hinted at
+breaking surf. The furnace door was open and the red light touched Adam's
+face as he sat, supported by a cushion, in a corner of the cockpit. He
+looked very haggard and Kit thought him the worse for his journey.
+
+"The light's in my eyes, but there was nothing on the skyline a minute or
+two ago," Kit remarked. "It will be awkward if Mayne doesn't get across.
+You seem persuaded he'll come."
+
+"I know he'd start. We can't tell what may have happened afterwards and
+there was more wind than I liked. He'll be here on time, if he's been
+able to keep the old boat off the ground."
+
+"Time is getting short. I expect the rebels have found out we're not at
+the port and Galdar will have the road watched when the news gets to the
+town. It might pay him to risk forcing a conflict if he could seize the
+convoy, and I'll feel happier when the guns and money are off our hands.
+It will be the president's business to look after them then."
+
+"That's so," Adam agreed. "Our part of the job's to land the goods and
+it's unlucky the tides are small. There won't be much water on the
+shoals and although we'll have an extra few inches tomorrow, I don't
+want Mayne to wait."
+
+Kit pondered, for he had taken some soundings when coming out. They
+were probably not correct, because the launch had rolled among the
+white combers that swept the shoals while he used the lead, but the
+average depth was about the steamer's draught in her usual trim. Mayne,
+however, ought to know what depth to expect, and Kit hoped he had
+loaded the vessel to correspond. By and by the mulatto fireman shut the
+furnace door, the puzzling light was cut off, and Kit searched the
+horizon. For some minutes, he saw nothing; and then a trail of red fire
+soared into the sky.
+
+"He's brought her across," said Adam. "Get our rocket off."
+
+The rocket swept up in a wide curve and burst into crimson lights. After
+this there was darkness for a time until an indistinct black object
+appeared against the brightening sky. Then the launch sank back into the
+trough, where the gloom was only broken by the glimmer of the
+phosphorescence that spangled the water. When she swung up on the top of
+the next swell the steamer was plainer and Kit blew the whistle as he
+changed their course.
+
+When the moon rose slowly out of the sea he stopped the clanking engine
+and the launch reeled up and down, some fifty yards off the steamer. The
+_Rio Negro _carried no lights, but the phosphorescence shone upon her wet
+plates as she rolled them out of the water. Her side rose high and black,
+and then sank until her rail was nearly level with the spangled foam.
+Indistinct figures scrambled about her deck, and when Kit sheered the
+launch in, her ladder went down with a rattle. A half-breed on board the
+launch caught it with his boat hook, and Adam stood at the bow, waiting
+for a chance to jump upon the narrow platform that lurched up above him
+and then plunged into the sea. Kit felt anxious. He did not think Adam
+was equal to the effort and dreaded the consequences of the shock if he
+missed and fell.
+
+"Stand by!" he shouted to the seaman on the ladder when the _Rio Negro_
+steadied after a violent roll; and then touched Adam. "Now; before she
+goes back!"
+
+Adam, jumping awkwardly, seized the seaman's hand, and Kit, leaning out,
+pushed him on to the platform as it began to sink. Then he jumped and
+coming down in a foot or two of water helped Adam to the deck. Mayne met
+them at the gangway and took them to his room, where Adam sat down and
+gasped. When Mayne poured out some liquor he clutched the glass with a
+shaking hand. After he drained it he was silent for a moment or two; and
+then asked in a strained voice: "Have you brought the goods?"
+
+"Got them all. We hadn't a nice trip. Don't know how Finlay kept her
+going and I thought I'd lost her on Tortillas reef; but we can talk about
+that afterwards."
+
+Adam made a sign of satisfaction and leaned back feebly. "It's some
+relief to know the goods are here."
+
+"Finlay can drive her seven knots and has plenty steam," Mayne said to
+Kit. "I'm bothered about the water; there won't be too much."
+
+Kit asked the vessel's draught and looked thoughtful when he heard
+what it was.
+
+"I can't guarantee my soundings, but imagine she won't float across and
+an ugly sea is running on the bar."
+
+"She'll certainly hit the bottom and the chances are she hits it hard,"
+Mayne remarked when Kit told him the depth he had got. "I expect, too,
+the mist will drift off from the mangroves with the land-breeze and hide
+our marks." He paused and glanced at Adam, who leaned back in a corner
+with his eyes half shut.
+
+"But I reckon we have got to take her in?"
+
+"Yes," said Adam dully. "Leave me alone; you can fix things with Kit."
+
+Mayne beckoned Kit and they went to the bridge. The moon had risen and
+threw a belt of silver light across the sea, but it was a half moon and
+would not help them much. Ahead, in the distance, gray haze obscured the
+water, and the dull roar that came out of the mist had become distinct.
+Mayne rang his telegraph to reduce the speed.
+
+"So far as I can reckon, it won't be high-water for most two hours, and
+on this coast you can't calculate just how much the tide will rise.
+There's going to be trouble if we find it shoaler than we expect and I
+had plenty trouble coming along. Finlay could hardly drive her four knots
+in last night's breeze and the current put us on Tortillas reef. She
+stopped there twenty minutes, jambed down on her bilge while the sea came
+on board."
+
+Kit noted two boats that had obviously been damaged while the steamer
+hammered on the reef, and the white crust of salt on the funnel; but
+Mayne resumed: "Say, the old man looks shaky; never seen him like that.
+You want to get him home."
+
+"He won't go. However, he's rather worse tonight. I think he was anxious
+about your turning up in time to catch the tide. The journey tried him
+and now a reaction has begun."
+
+"Well, I allow there's not much use in arguing if he means to stay; but
+he needn't have bothered about my getting across. When the orders came, I
+knew I had to bring her or pile her up. What Askew says goes."
+
+They were silent for a time while the _Rio Negro_, with engines throbbing
+slowly, crept towards the coast. The land breeze brought off a steamy
+heat and a sour smell. The long undulations were wrinkled by small waves,
+and a thin low haze that obscured the moon spread across the water. Kit,
+looking up now and then, could see the mastheads swing across the sky.
+There was, however, nothing to be seen ahead but a gray line that moved
+back as the steamer went on.
+
+"It's sure a blamed bad night for our job," Mayne remarked as he gazed
+towards the hidden land. "I'm glad I told your dagos to burn a flare when
+they hit the channel."
+
+Kit said nothing. The launch had vanished, and there was no guiding light
+in the mist. The turmoil of the surf had got louder and rang through the
+dark like the roar of a heavy train. Presently Mayne ordered a sounding
+to be taken and looked at Kit when the leadsman called the depth.
+
+"A foot less than we reckoned, and there won't be much rise. I don't like
+it, Mr. Askew, and if my employer was not your uncle, I'd heave the old
+boat round."
+
+Kit nodded sympathetically. He felt he hated the smothering haze that
+rolled in front and hid the dangers, but they must go on and trust to
+luck. He knew Adam's plans and no arguments would shake his resolve. Half
+an hour later a twinkle broke out some distance ahead and Mayne rang his
+telegraph.
+
+"I'm thankful for that, anyhow," he remarked. "We'll let her go, but I
+have my doubts about what will happen next."
+
+The throb of engines quickened, the gurgle of water got louder at the
+bows, and the _Rio Negro_, lurching sharply, went shorewards with tide
+and swell. The twinkle vanished and reappeared, to starboard now, and
+chains rattled as the quartermaster pulled round the wheel. Then the
+light faded and they were left without a guide in the puzzling haze. Ten
+minutes afterwards there was a heavy shock, and a rush of foam swept the
+rail as the steamer listed down. She lifted and struck again with a jar
+that tried Kit's nerve. A hoarse shout came from the forecastle and men
+ran about the slanted deck as a frothing sea rolled on board. Mayne,
+clutching his telegraph, beckoned Kit.
+
+"Bring Mr. Askew up. He's got to tell me what I am to do."
+
+Kit met Adam clumsily climbing the ladder and when he helped him to
+the bridge Mayne remarked: "She's on the tongue shoal. Don't know if I
+can back her off and steam out to deep water, but, if you consent, I
+want to try."
+
+"I won't consent," said Adam. "We're going in! What's that light to
+starboard?"
+
+"The launch; she's in the channel. I doubt if there's water enough for
+us, if we can get there."
+
+"Then, shove her across the sand or let her go to bits."
+
+Mayne rang the telegraph and touched his cap. "Very well! She's your
+ship, and we have some sound boats left."
+
+For the next ten minutes Kit clung to the bridge. He wanted to help Adam
+into the pilot-house, but the old man waved him off. Clouds of spray
+swept the vessel and made it hard to see her rail where the white combers
+leaped. Now and then one broke on board and poured in a foaming torrent
+across the slanted deck; she trembled horribly as she struck the sand. It
+looked as if she were driving sideways across the shoal, but the flare on
+the launch had gone out and Kit doubted if Mayne knew where he was.
+
+Sometimes the tall, black forecastle swung in a quarter-circle;
+sometimes the stern went round. For the most part, however, she lay with
+her side to the rollers and it was plain that the struggle could not
+last long. If they did not get off in a few minutes, rivets would smash
+and butts open, and one must take one's chances in the boats. Two were
+damaged, but others might be launched, and Kit was relieved to note that
+two or three deck-hands moved about as if engaged in clearing the
+davit-tackles. He sympathized with the men, although he did not think
+Mayne had given them orders.
+
+In the meantime, Adam clung to the rails, swaying when the bridge
+slanted, but looking unmoved, and Kit knew that so long as the _Rio
+Negro's_ engines turned he would go on. It was not for nothing men called
+him the Buccaneer, and now that he was staking his life and fortune on a
+hazardous chance there was something daunting about his grim resolve.
+
+A sea rolled up astern and buried the poop. Kit felt the steamer lift
+and turn, as if on a pivot at the middle of her length. The after-deck
+was full of water, but the bows were high and going round, and he was
+conscious of a curious shiver that ran through the straining hull as she
+shook herself free from the sand. She crawled forward, stopped, and
+moved again with a staggering lurch. The next sea swept her on, but she
+did not strike, and after a few moments Kit knew she had crossed the top
+of the shoal.
+
+Her whistle shrieked above the turmoil of the sea, a light blinked in
+the spray, and she lurched on before the tumbling combers. By and by the
+water got smooth and an indistinct dark mass grew out of the mist.
+Mayne, who was pacing up and down his bridge, stopped near Kit with a
+reckless laugh.
+
+"This is the kind of navigation they break skippers for! If those are the
+mangroves on False Point, I may take her in; if they're not, we'll make a
+hole in the forest."
+
+Kit looked about, but could not see the launch. The dark mass was a thick
+belt of trees, but he did not know, and did not think Mayne knew, where
+they were, and the easy motion indicated that the tide was carrying the
+steamer on. Much to his relief, the indistinct wall of forest seemed to
+bend back, away from the sea. It looked as if they were entering the
+lagoon; and then he heard the telegraph and the rattle of rudder chains.
+
+The screw shook the vessel as it spun hard-astern, and the bows began to
+swing. It was, however, too late; the forecastle would not clear the
+mangroves, and Kit knew the water was deep among their roots. Shouting to
+Adam, he seized the rails and waited for the shock. It came, for there
+was a crash, and a noise of branches breaking. The steamer rolled,
+recoiled, and forged on into the forest.
+
+Some minutes later, Mayne stopped his engines and there was a curious
+quietness as he came up to Adam.
+
+"We are fast in the mud, sir. Although she'll take a list when the tide
+falls, we may be able to work cargo. I'll lay out an anchor in the
+morning and try to heave her off, but I calculate it will be full moon
+before she floats."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE MANGROVE SWAMP
+
+
+Early next morning, Kit went on deck. Although it was hot, everything
+dripped with damp, and sour-smelling mist drifted past the ship. Her
+masts and funnels slanted and Kit could hardly keep his footing on the
+inclined deck. When he looked over the rail, the rows of wet plates ran
+up like a wall above broken mangrove roots and pools of slime. Smashed
+trunks and branches were piled against the bows and dingy foliage
+overhung the vessel's lower side.
+
+Kit walked aft. The screw was uncovered, and shallow, muddy water, dotted
+by floating scum, surrounded the stern, which projected into the lagoon.
+In one place, however, a mud-bank touched the bilge, and three or four
+men, standing on planks, cautiously tried its firmness. They were wet and
+splashed, and one who ventured a few yards from the plank sank to his
+waist. The others pulled him out and then they climbed a rope ladder. Kit
+thought the experiment proved that nothing useful could be done until the
+tide flowed round the ship.
+
+Another gang was moving a kedge-anchor across the deck, while a few more
+coiled heavy ropes beside the winch. Mayne obviously meant to try to
+heave the vessel off, but Kit thought he would not succeed until the moon
+was full. In the meantime, cargo could only be landed when there was
+water enough to float boats up to the ship, and Kit glanced across the
+lagoon. There were no mangroves on the other side, although thick timber
+grew close down to a belt of sand. Below this was mud, across which he
+imagined heavy goods could not be carried. The heat and steamy damp made
+him languid, and he went to Adam's room. Adam had got up and sat,
+half-dressed, on the lower berth with a glass on the floor close by. His
+hands shook and there was no color in his lips.
+
+"It's rather early for a strong cocktail, but I felt I needed bracing,"
+he said. "What do you think about our chance of getting her off?"
+
+"I imagine it's impossible for another week and don't see how we'll get
+the cargo out."
+
+"Don't you?" said Adam grimly. "It has got to be done. If Mayne finds the
+job too big, I'll put it through myself."
+
+"You ought to leave before the malaria knocks you down," Kit rejoined.
+"If I had the power, I'd make you go."
+
+Adam smiled. "You mean well, boy, but you don't understand, and if you
+plot with Mayne to bluff me, I'll surely break you both. Now go and see
+if the president's men have arrived. Then you can tell Mayne to rig his
+derricks and take the hatches off."
+
+Kit went out and after a time three or four figures appeared among the
+trees across the lagoon. They came down to the mud, but when Kit shouted,
+asking if they could launch a canoe, one shrugged and they turned back.
+
+"I reckon the old man means us to get busy with the cargo," Mayne
+remarked.
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I understand he's ready to undertake the job if we find
+it too much for us."
+
+"He's a hustler, sure! So far as I can see, the thing can't be done, but
+if Askew wants it done, I guess we've got to try. We'll carry out the
+kedge and make fast a warp or two when the tide flows. He'll expect it,
+though I don't reckon much on our chance of floating her."
+
+By degrees the muddy water crawled up the plates and the _Rio Negro_ rose
+upright; the haze melted and it got fiercely hot when the sun shone. A
+canoe, manned by half-breed peons, crossed the lagoon, and with heavy
+labor the kedge-anchor was hoisted out and hung between two boats.
+Half-naked men toiled at the oars until the lashings were cut and the
+boats rocked as the anchor sank. Then their crews, dragging large stiff
+warps, forced their way among the mangrove roots and made the ropes fast
+where they could. They came back exhausted, dripping with water and
+daubed by slime, and Mayne went to the bridge.
+
+The sun pierced the narrow awning and there was not a breath of wind. The
+lagoon shone with dazzling brightness and the iron deck threw up an
+intolerable heat. Kit felt the perspiration soak his thin clothes, and
+big drops of moisture trickled down Adam's yellow face as he sat with
+half-shut eyes, in a canvas chair. By and by he took out his watch, and
+Kit noted that he moved it once or twice before he could see the time.
+
+"Hadn't you better get busy?" he asked Mayne.
+
+The telegraph clanged, the engines panted, and the _Rio Negro_ began to
+shake as the screw revolved. There was no movement but the racking throb,
+until Mayne raised his hand and winch and windlass rattled. Puffs of
+steam blew about, the cable rose from the water with a jar, and the warps
+ran slowly across the winch-drums, foul with greasy scum.
+
+"Hold on to it!" Mayne shouted. "Get in the last inch!"
+
+His voice was drowned by the rattle of chain and hiss of steam, but the
+uproar began to die away and the sharp clatter of small engines changed
+to spasmodic jars. Then somebody shouted, there was a crash, and the end
+of a broken warp, flying back, tore up the dazzling water. The windlass
+stopped, and a few moments later a clump of mangroves swayed. Kit heard
+green wood crack, as a rope that had stretched and strained began to
+move. Then Mayne raised his hand.
+
+"Let go; stop her! You're pulling up the trees."
+
+There was a sudden quietness except for the insistent throb of the screw,
+and Mayne turned to Adam.
+
+"If the cable holds, I can smash the windlass, but I can't heave her
+off."
+
+"Very well. You quit and get the cargo out. Better hustle while
+she's upright."
+
+Mayne went down the ladder and when he unlocked the iron door of the
+after wheel-house a gang of men brought out a row of small-boxes. A
+mulatto from the beach, who wore neat white clothes and an expensive hat,
+counted the boxes and then gave Adam a receipt.
+
+"Don Hernando will be glad to get these goods and we will start at once,"
+he said. "Although I have a guard, it will be safe to reach the town
+before the president's enemies know."
+
+"That would be prudent, señor," Adam agreed, and turned to Kit when the
+mulatto went away.
+
+"I have done my part and it's Alvarez's business to see the chests get
+through. Well, we have both taken some chances since he was a
+Customs-clerk and I a _contrabandista_ running the old _Mercedes_, but I
+reckon this is my rashest plunge. Anyhow, if I get my money back or not,
+I've put up the goods. Now you can tell Mayne to break out the guns."
+
+Mayne gave orders, derrick-booms swung from the stumpy masts, pulleys
+rattled, and heavy cases rose from the holds. The boats, however, could
+not get abreast of the forward hatch and the cases had to be moved across
+slippery iron plates to the after derrick that hoisted them overboard. It
+was exhausting work, and the heat was intolerable. The white crew threw
+off their soaked clothes and toiled half-naked in the sun that burned
+their skin, but Adam left the awning and went about in the glare.
+
+At first, the mates grumbled with indignant surprise. Their employer was
+breaking rules; working the cargo was their business and nobody else must
+meddle. Besides, they had not met a shipowner able to superintend the
+job. One who ventured a protest, however, stopped in awkward
+embarrassment when Adam gave him a look, and the others soon admitted
+that few captains knew more about derricks and slings. Nevertheless, Kit
+was anxious as he watched his uncle. He knew Adam would pay for this and
+wondered how long he could keep it up.
+
+At noon, the peons refused another load and when Adam addressed them in
+virulent Castilian, coolly pulled the boats away from the ship. When they
+had rowed a short distance they stopped and one got up.
+
+"More is not possible, señor," he said. "To work in this sun is not
+for flesh and blood. After we have slept for an hour or two, we will
+come back."
+
+Adam felt for his pistol, but hesitated, with his hand at his silk belt,
+and Kit thought he looked very like a Buccaneer.
+
+"It might pay to plug that fellow, and I'd have risked it when I came
+here in the _Mercedes_. Still, I guess Don Hernando has enough trouble."
+
+Mayne, standing behind him, grinned. "I reckon that fixes the thing.
+Don't know I'm sorry the dagos have lit out; my crowd are used up and
+ready to mutiny."
+
+For two hours the tired crew rested while the water sank and the steamer
+resumed her awkward list. Then the boats came back and the men crawled
+languidly about the slanted deck, until Adam went among them with bitter
+words. The sea breeze was blowing outside, but no wind could enter the
+gap in the trees, and foul exhalations from warm mud and slime poisoned
+the stagnant air. Kit's head ached, his eyes hurt, and his joints were
+sore; he felt strangely limp and it cost him an effort to get about.
+
+All the while the winches hammered and pulleys screamed as the cases came
+up and the empty slings went down. The heat got suffocating and the slant
+of masts and deck made matters worse, because the men must hold the
+derricks back with guys while the heavy goods cleared the coamings of the
+hatch. Much judgment was needed to drop them safely in the boats. Men
+gasped and choked, quarreled with each other, and growled at the mates,
+but somehow held on while the tide ebbed and the sun sank nearer the
+mangroves' tops. It dipped when the breathless peons pushed the last boat
+away from the _Rio Negro's_ side, and the noisy machines stopped.
+
+Darkness spread swiftly across the lagoon and a white fog, hot and damp
+as steam, rose from the forest and hung about the ship. Everything was
+very quiet, for the men were too limp to talk, but a murmur came out of
+the distance where the long swell beat upon the shoals. Kit and Mayne sat
+in the chart-room, with a jug of iced liquor on the table in front.
+Sometimes they spoke a few words and sometimes smoked in silence, while
+Adam lay on the settee, saying nothing. At length, he got up and a
+steward helped him to his room. Somehow the others felt it a relief that
+he had gone.
+
+"I can hustle, but your uncle makes me tired," Mayne remarked. "If you
+get what I mean, it's like watching a dead man chase the boys about; you
+feel it's unnatural to see him on his feet. Well, one has to pay for
+fooling with a climate like this, and I'm afraid the bill he'll get will
+break him. Can't you make him quit?"
+
+"I can't; I've tried."
+
+"The curious thing is he knows the cost," Mayne resumed. "Knows what's
+coming to him unless he goes."
+
+"Yes," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I believe he does know and
+doesn't mind. This makes it rough on me. I'm powerless to send him off
+and I'm fond of the old man."
+
+Mayne made a sign of agreement. "He's a pretty tough proposition and was
+worse when he was young; but I've risked my life to serve him. The
+Buccaneer holds his friends."
+
+Kit said nothing. He was anxious and depressed and soon went off to bed.
+
+When work began next morning, Adam was on deck and superintended the
+landing of the cargo in spite of Kit's protest. Kit thought the day was
+hotter than the last, and after an hour or two's disturbed sleep in his
+stifling room, found it hard to drag himself about. When the exhausted
+peons stopped at noon, he lay under the awning and kept close to Adam
+when they resumed. He did not like his uncle's fixed frown and thought it
+was caused by the effort he made to keep at work. If not, it was a hint
+of pain he stubbornly tried to overcome. Besides, his step was dragging
+and his movements were awkward.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon, Adam stood near the noisy winch while
+a case was hoisted. The winch-man looked up when the heavy load, hanging
+from the derrick, swung across the slanted deck.
+
+"Hold her while they steady the boom!" Adam shouted and seized the rope
+that slipped round the drum.
+
+The winch-driver was watching the others who struggled with the guy, and
+perhaps forgot it was not a strong man who had come to his help. For a
+moment or two, Adam kept his grip, and then his hands opened and he
+staggered back. Somebody shouted, a pulley rattled, and the case, running
+down, crashed against the steamer's rail. Kit ran forward, but reached
+the spot a moment too late, for Adam lay unconscious on the iron deck.
+
+They picked him up and carried him to the bridge, where it was a little
+cooler than his room, but for some time he did not open his eyes. Then he
+looked about dully and seeing Kit gave him a feeble smile.
+
+"You're in charge now, partner; keep the boys hustling," he said.
+"There's the coffee to load up when you have put the guns ashore. Looks
+as if I had got to leave the job to you."
+
+He turned his head, drew a hard breath, as if it had hurt him to speak,
+and said nothing more. The work, however, went on until it got dark, and
+when the mist rose from the mangroves and a heavy dew began to fall they
+carried Adam to his room. He slept for part of the night while Kit
+watched, but now and then tossed about with delirious mutterings. When
+morning came he did not wake and Kit, looking at his pinched, wet face,
+went on deck with a heavy heart. He had sent for the Spanish doctor, but
+thought it did not matter much if Señor Martin came or not. In another
+day or two he would be alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+ADAM'S LAST REQUEST
+
+
+It was nearly full moon, the night was calm, and the flowing tide rippled
+among the mangrove roots. Clammy vapor drifted about the ship and big
+drops fell from the rigging and splashed upon the deck. A plume of smoke
+went nearly straight up from the funnel, and now and then the clang of
+furnace-slice and shovel rose from the stokehold, for Mayne hoped to
+float the vessel next tide. For the most part, however, the men were
+asleep and it was very quiet in the room under the poop. A lamp tilted at
+a sharp angle gave a feeble light that touched Adam's face. Kit sat on a
+locker opposite, looking anxious and worn.
+
+"You loaded up some of the coffee," Adam remarked in a strained voice.
+
+"Half of it, I think; the rest's on the beach," said Kit. "It's doubtful
+if we'll get the next lot, since Señor Martin understands the fighting
+has begun."
+
+"The lot you have shipped will be something to score against the account;
+it's prime coffee and ought to sell well. I'd like you to get the
+rubber, but Alvarez can't wait long for the goods Mackellar has ready for
+the boat. Another voyage and you can pull out for the old country. I'd
+reckoned on going with you, but that's done with."
+
+Kit said nothing. The doctor had come and gone, for he was needed
+elsewhere and could not help the sick man. One could indulge him and make
+things comfortable for a few days but that was all, he said, and Kit saw
+that Adam knew. By and by the latter resumed:
+
+"I've been thinking about Peter and Ashness. I'd have liked to see the
+old place and the fells again, and when I was half asleep I thought I
+heard the beck splash among the thorns and the pee-wits crying. Well, you
+are going back, and you'll marry that girl. Though it will cost you
+something to see Alvarez through, you ought to be rich enough."
+
+"You mustn't talk too much," said Kit. "Señor Martin told you to rest."
+
+Adam smiled. "It doesn't matter now if I rest or not. My brain's clearer
+and I'll talk while I can. I never told you much about my early life, but
+I'm going to do so, because there's something I want to ask."
+
+"Then, you have only to ask it," Kit replied.
+
+"I know," said Adam, feebly. "You're staunch. Well, you have seen the
+despatch-box in the office, marked _Hattie G._, though I lost the old
+boat long before you came out. She was a coal-eater and didn't pay to
+run, but I kept her going until she hit the reef. My first steamboat--I
+got her when she was going cheap; but she was bought with my wife's
+money, and called after her.
+
+"I met Hattie in Florida about the year you were born. She was
+Vanhuyten's cousin and the finest thing that ever wore a woman's shape.
+Northern grit and Southern fire, for she sprang from New England and good
+Virginia stock; I've seen no woman with her superb confidence. Well, I
+was a _contrabandista_ with some ugly tales against my name, but I fell
+in love with Hattie and married her in a month."
+
+Adam was silent for a few minutes, and while Kit mused, shovels clinked
+in the stokehold and the vessel began to lift. The tilted lamp
+straightened and its light rested on Adam's wasted form. His silk
+pyjamas rather emphasized than hid his gauntness; he looked strangely
+worn and weak, but Kit could picture the strong passion of his
+love-making. There was something fierce and primitive about the old
+Buccaneer, and it was not hard to see how he had, so to speak, swept the
+romantic girl off her feet by the fiery spirit that had burned him out.
+Yet he had never talked about other women, and though he knew the South,
+Kit thought he had cared for none.
+
+"I left her in a few weeks," Adam went on. "Alvarez was putting up for
+president and my savings were at stake. Hattie went home to Virginia
+while I helped Alvarez on the coast. He was hard up against it, though
+he's been president three times since. Well, when things looked blackest,
+I was knocked out in Salinas swamps, by fever and a bullet that touched
+my lungs. They took me to the old Indian mission--we were cut off from
+the ship--and Father Herman put the _rurales_ off my track. I've sent him
+wine and candles, he's at the mission yet; it stands between thick forest
+and swamps like this, and the padre's the only white man who has lived
+there long. Get down the chart and I'll show you the landing place."
+
+Kit did so, feeling that he ought to indulge a sick man's caprice, and
+Adam, after giving him clear directions, was quiet for some minutes. Then
+he began again, with an effort:
+
+"Vanhuyten told Hattie, and I found out afterwards, that she had had
+trouble at home. Her folks had never trusted me and wanted to keep her
+back, but she had rich friends who sent her out, like an American
+princess, on a big steam yacht. She got to the mission when I was at my
+worst, and finding I could not be moved, sent the yacht away. It was some
+days before I knew she had come. There was no doctor to be got. Alvarez
+could not send help, and the government soldiers were hunting for his
+friends, but Father Herman knew something about medicine and Hattie
+helped him better than a trained nurse. I can see her now, going about
+the mud-walled room in her clean, white dress, without a hint of
+weariness in her gentle eyes. That was when she thought I was watching,
+but sometimes at night her head bent and her figure drooped.
+
+"It was blisteringly hot and when the sun went down the poisonous steam
+from the swamps drifted round the spot. Sometimes I begged her not to
+stay, and sometimes I raged, but Hattie could not be moved and my weak
+anger broke before her smiles. She was strong and would not get fever,
+she said; she had come to nurse me, and, if I insisted, would go home
+when I was well."
+
+Adam stopped and asked for a drink, and afterwards Kit hoped he had gone
+to sleep, but he presently roused himself again.
+
+"I have got to finish, partner, because there's a reason you should hear
+it all. By and by Father Herman had to nurse us both, and when I got
+better Hattie died. We buried her by torchlight in the dusty mission
+yard--she was a Catholic--you'll see the marble cross. I've been lonely
+ever since, and that's partly why I sent for you; Peter came next to
+Hattie and you are Peter's son. Now I'm ready to pull out and somehow I
+think Hattie will find me when I'm wandering in the dark. Love like hers
+is strong. But I want you to listen when you have given me another
+drink."
+
+Kit held the glass to Adam's cracked lips. He drank and lay still,
+breathing hard, and Kit heard the ripple of the tide. The _Rio Negro_ was
+getting upright and as the lamp turned in its socket the light moved
+across the wall. After a time, Adam resumed in a clearer voice:
+
+"All I have is yours; Mackellar will prove the will, but you'll see
+Alvarez out, as I meant to do. Another thing; Mayne will get the old boat
+off tomorrow, and when he's loaded up I want you to take me out and land
+me on the creek I marked behind Salinas Point. He can fly the flag
+half-mast; I'll have started on the lone trail then. You'll hire some
+half-breed boys at the _pueblo_ in the swamp, and take me to the mission
+and lay me beside my wife. Hattie was a Catholic and you can tell Father
+Herman that what she believed was good enough for me. Afterwards, you'll
+send him now and then the box of candles he will tell you about. They're
+to burn in the little chapel before Our Lady of Sorrows, where Hattie
+used to pray I might get well. You'll do this for me?"
+
+"I will," Kit answered with forced quietness. "Then I've finished," said
+Adam. "I'm going to sleep now and mayn't talk much again."
+
+He turned his head from the light and presently Kit, hearing him breathe
+quietly, went out on deck.
+
+At high-water next day, the _Rio Negro_ floated off the mud and when she
+swung to her anchor Kit went into Adam's room. Adam was very weak, but
+looked up.
+
+"Get the coffee on board; I'm afraid you won't have time for the next lot
+and the rubber," he said. "Tell Finlay to bank his fires. You'll want
+steam to take me out."
+
+Kit understood, and nodded because he could not speak, and Adam, giving
+him a quiet smile, went to sleep again.
+
+Some hours later, Mayne joined Kit, who had gone on deck for a few
+minutes.
+
+"That's the last of the _hacienda Luisa_ coffee," he said, indicating a
+boat alongside. "The peons tell me the next lot's coming down, but if we
+ship it, we'll miss the tide."
+
+"You can close the hatches. The coffee must wait."
+
+"It's high-grade stuff and brings top price. I sure don't like to leave
+it to spoil."
+
+"We must risk that," Kit said quietly.
+
+"There's another thing; Pedro, the clerk, reckons they're fighting near
+Salinas and the president's not popular in that neighborhood. Looks as if
+you might have some trouble to take the old man to the mission."
+
+"It's possible," said Kit. "I'm going to try. Have everything ready for
+us to get off to-night."
+
+Mayne lifted his hand to his cap. "Very well, sir. We'll start as soon as
+there's water enough."
+
+He went away, but Kit knew what he meant. The captain had done his duty
+by indicating obstacles, but he approved his new master's resolve and
+owned his authority. Kit was persuaded he would have Mayne's loyal help
+and went back to Adam's room. When it was getting dark, Adam moved his
+head as the engines began to throb and the propeller churned noisily in
+the shallow water. It stopped after a few turns and steam blew off.
+
+"Finlay's giving her a trial spin," Adam remarked, in a very faint voice.
+"I see you've got things fixed and I'm ready to start." He stopped and
+shut his eyes for a minute or two, and Kit did not know if he was
+conscious or not. Then he resumed in a strained whisper: "All's ready;
+ring for full-speed. I'm going to meet my wife."
+
+He drew a hard breath, sighed, and did not speak again. An hour
+afterwards, Mayne met Kit coming out of the room, and glancing at his
+face took off his cap.
+
+"I guess it hits you hard and I'll miss him, too," he said. "I'll not get
+another master like the Buccaneer."
+
+He went off to give some orders and Kit sat down, feeling very desolate.
+
+When the tide had risen and flowed past, oily smooth, under the full
+moon, the windlass began to rattle and the cable clanged. The anchor came
+up and when the engines shook the ship Mayne pulled the whistle-line and
+a long blast rolled across the woods. Next moment a rocket soared and
+burst in a shower of colored lights.
+
+"Vanhuyten and Askew's signal! The head of the house is making his last
+trip," the captain remarked.
+
+The echoes sank, the colored lights burned out, and the measured beat of
+engines jarred upon the silence as the _Rio Negro_ went to sea. For a
+time the land breeze blew the steam of the swamps after her, and masts
+and funnels reeled through a muggy haze as she lurched across the
+surf-swept shoals. She floated high and light, her muddy side rising like
+a wall as she steadied between the rolls that dipped her channels in the
+foam. Outside, the swell was regular and the roll long and rhythmical;
+the haze thinned, the air got sweet and cool, and the hearts of the crew
+got lighter as she steamed out to open sea. For all that, men lowered
+their voices and trod quietly when they passed the poop cabin where her
+dead owner lay.
+
+At sunrise, Mayne hoisted the house-flag, and the Stars and Stripes
+drooped languidly half way up the ensign staff, until the glassy calm
+broke and the sea breeze straightened the blue and silver folds. By and
+by he changed the course and mountains rose ahead, although a bank of
+cloud hid the plain and mangrove forest at their feet. In the afternoon,
+he searched the haze with his glasses, and getting a bearing stopped the
+engines near Salinas Point at dusk.
+
+"If the weather's good, I'll wait three days," he said. "Then, if you
+send no word, I'll pull out for Havana and get the engines properly
+fixed. Better take this bag of Spanish money; minted silver goes and you
+may find the dagos shy of the president's notes."
+
+Kit took the money, a boat was swung out, and four sailors carried the
+plain, flag-wrapped coffin down the ladder. They were rough men, but Kit
+imagined he could trust them. Another crew picked up the oars, greasy
+caps were lifted, the _Rio Negro's_ whistle screamed a last salute, and
+the boat stole away. Mayne steamed off to anchor on good holding ground,
+and Kit sat at the tiller, with his eyes fixed on the misty coast.
+
+It was dark when he heard breakers and saw the glimmer of surf. There
+were shoals all round him, but he had been told about a bay where a creek
+flowed through a sheltered channel. He did not know if he could find the
+channel, and if not the boat might be wrecked, but something must be left
+to luck and they pulled on before the curling swell. She struck, and
+stopped until a comber rolled up astern. It broke and half buried her in
+rushing foam, but she lifted, lurched ahead, and did not strike again.
+The men were nearly knee-deep as they baled the water out and one was
+afterwards idle because his oar had gone. In spite of this, they made the
+creek and drifted quietly into the gloom of the mangroves with the
+flowing tide.
+
+After a time, the water got shallow and they pushed her across the mud
+while leaves and rotting branches floated up the creek. No light pierced
+the forest, and the feeble beam of Kit's lantern scarcely touched the
+shadowy trunks that moved past until they came to an opening. Kit thought
+this was the spot he had been told about and turned the boat. She would
+not float to the bank and he and his four men got out and lifted the
+coffin. They sank in treacherous mud, but reached a belt of sand riddled
+by land-crab's holes. All was very quiet except for the ripple of the
+tide and the noise made by the scuttling crabs. The sand, however, was
+dry and warm and they sat down to wait for morning when the boat went
+away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ROAD TO THE MISSION
+
+
+The sun was high when Kit and his tired men reached the village. He was
+wet with sweat and the moisture that had dripped upon him from the leaves
+in the early morning, and the men gasped when they put down their load.
+Two wore greasy engine-room overalls, and two ragged suits of duck; their
+soft hats were stained and battered and they looked like ruffians.
+Although Mayne paid good wages, respectable seamen avoided the _Rio
+Negro_ and her crew were, as a rule, accustomed to fight with knives and
+sandbags on disorderly water-fronts. Now they carried pistols, hidden as
+far as possible, but ready for use.
+
+Small, square mud houses occupied the hole in the forest. Where the
+plaster had not fallen off, their white fronts were dazzling, but they
+were dirty and ruinous and the narrow street was strewn with decaying
+rubbish. Although the _pueblo_ had once prospered under Spanish rule, it
+was now inhabited by languid half-breeds of strangely mixed blood,
+engaged in smuggling and revolutionary plots. They stood about the
+doorways, barefooted and ragged, watching Kit with furtive black eyes.
+
+"I want porters and a guide to the mission," he told the _patron_, who
+lounged against a wall smoking a cigar.
+
+"It is a long way, señor, and the road is bad. Besides, one cannot travel
+when the sun is high."
+
+"The road is, no doubt, safer then than in the dark."
+
+"That is true," agreed the other with a philosophic shrug. "The country
+is disturbed."
+
+"I must start at once," Kit said firmly. "I am willing to pay for
+the risk."
+
+The _patron_ spoke to the others in a harsh dialect, but none of the
+loafing figures moved.
+
+"They say the risk is great," he remarked. "There has been fighting and
+the president's soldiers are in the woods."
+
+"The president's soldiers will not meddle with us," Kit answered,
+incautiously.
+
+For a moment the half-breed's eyes were keen, but his dark face resumed
+its inscrutable look.
+
+"Then the señor is a friend of the president's?"
+
+"If we meet his soldiers, they will let me pass."
+
+"The soldiers are not the worst. There are the _rurales_; men without
+shame, who shoot and ask no questions. However, we will see if I can find
+porters, if the señor will wait until the afternoon."
+
+Kit distrusted the fellow and thought he had an object for putting off
+the start. He had been warned that the _Meztisos_ sympathized with the
+rebels, and imagined that his party's safety depended on its speed. But
+he did not want to look impatient, and, imitating the other's
+carelessness, sat down and lighted a cigarette while he pondered. To
+begin with, he suspected that the _patron_ would prevent his meeting any
+of the president's soldiers who might be about, and it would be prudent
+to finish his business and get back to the ship before Galdar knew he was
+in the woods. His men claimed to be American citizens and Mayne knew
+where he had gone, but the latter's statements might be doubted if the
+party disappeared. It was known that Askew was engaged in a risky trade
+and the captain's story would look more romantic than plausible.
+
+Kit saw he must depend upon his own resources and presently noted that a
+man was leaving the village. The fellow kept behind the group in the
+street as far as he could and moved quickly. There was something stealthy
+about his movements and when he looked back, as if to see if Kit were
+watching, the latter got up.
+
+"Stop that man," he said.
+
+"But he is going to his work, señor," the _patron_ objected.
+
+"In this country, one does not work while the sun is high," said Kit,
+who rather ostentatiously pulled out his pistol. "Call him back!"
+
+The _patron_ shouted and the man returned, but Kit kept his pistol
+in his hand.
+
+"Nobody must leave the _pueblo_ until I start," he said. "I want porters
+and am willing to pay."
+
+"Very well," the patron agreed, shrugging. "Perhaps I can find a few men,
+but they will want the money before they go."
+
+For a time, Kit bargained. The sailors were tired, and few white men are
+capable of much exertion in the tropic swamps. He must have help, and
+doubting if the _Meztisos_ could be trusted, thought it best to offer a
+sum that would excite their greed, but stipulated that half would not be
+paid until they returned. When the _patron_ was satisfied Kit turned to
+the sailors.
+
+"You'll have to hustle, boys," he said. "The sooner we make the mission,
+the sooner we'll get back, and I reckon nobody wants to stop in these
+swamps. There's something beside your wages coming to you."
+
+"That's all right, boss," one replied. "The old man drove hard, but he
+paid well and he was white. You can go ahead; we'll put the job over."
+
+The peons took up the stretcher-poles lashed to the coffin, a relief
+party went behind and they set off. Nobody spoke and the _Meztisos'_ bare
+feet fell silently on the hot sand, although Kit heard the dragging tramp
+of the sailors' muddy boots. In the open space round the village, the sun
+burned their skin and they pushed on as fast as possible for the twilight
+of the woods.
+
+Here and there a bright gleam pierced the gloom, but for the most part
+deep shadow filled the gaps between the trunks. Creepers laced the great
+cottonwoods, tangled vines crawled about their tall, buttressed roots,
+and hung in festoons from the giant branches. Some of the trees were
+rotten and orchids covered their decay with fantastic bloom. The forest
+smelt like a hothouse, but the smell had an unwholesome sourness. Growth
+ran riot; green things shot up, choked each other, and sank in fermenting
+corruption.
+
+Kit did not know if it was a relief to escape from the glare of the
+clearing or not. The sun no longer burned him, but he could hardly
+breathe the humid air, and effort was almost impossible.
+
+All the same, he pushed on, floundering in muddy pools and sinking in
+belts of mire. The road had been made long since, by slave labor, when
+the Spaniards ruled, and had fallen into ruin, like the country, when
+their yoke was broken. Kit could trace the ancient causeway across the
+swamps and wondered when another strong race would put their stamp on the
+land. The descendants of the conquerors had sunk into apathetic sloth;
+the blood of the dark-skinned peoples that ran in their veins had
+quenched the old Castilian fire.
+
+When the light was fading, the porters declared the swamps in front were
+dangerous and put down their load, and after some trouble the white men
+lighted a fire. A heavy dew began to drip from the leaves and the blaze
+was comforting in the gloom that swiftly settled down. Kit had brought a
+piece of tarpaulin and spread it between the roots of a cottonwood. He
+did not mean to go to sleep, but his head ached and he was worn out by
+physical effort and anxious watching. By and by his eyes got heavy and he
+sank down in a corner of the great roots.
+
+The fire had burned low when he looked up and a bright beam that touched
+a neighboring trunk indicated that the moon was high. All was very quiet
+but for the splash of the falling dew; the glade was a little brighter,
+and rousing himself with an effort, he glanced about. He saw the white
+men's figures, stretched in ungainly attitudes on a piece of old canvas.
+They were all there, but he could not see the _Meztisos_. Getting up, he
+walked into the gloom and then stopped with something of a shock. There
+was nobody about.
+
+For a few moments, Kit thought hard. To begin with, he had been rash to
+pay half the porters' wages before they started. The money was a large
+sum for them and they had stolen away; perhaps because they were
+satisfied and afraid of meeting the president's soldiers, or perhaps to
+betray the party to the rebels for another reward. If the latter
+supposition were correct, Kit thought he ran some risk. Galdar's friends
+knew he could not be bribed and that Adam was ill, although it was hardly
+possible they knew he was dead. They would see that Kit had now control
+and since his help was valuable to the president might try to kill him.
+His best plan was to push on.
+
+He wakened the sailors, who grumbled, but picked up the coffin when he
+tersely explained the situation. Wet bushes brushed against them,
+soaking their thin clothes, trailers caught their heads, and the road
+got wetter and rougher until they came to a creek. Kit could not tell
+how deep it was; the forest was very dark and only a faint reflection
+marked the water.
+
+"We must get across, boys," he said, and the others agreed. They were
+hard men, but the dark and silence weighed them down and excited vague
+superstitious fears. It was a gruesome business in which they were
+engaged and they did not like their load.
+
+They plunged in and one called out hoarsely when he stumbled and the
+lurching coffin struck his head. Another gasped, as if he were choking,
+while he struggled to balance the poles. The current rippled round
+their legs; it was hard to pull their feet out of the mud, and when
+there was a splash in the dark they stopped, dripping with sweat that
+was not altogether caused by effort. One swore at the others in a
+breathless voice.
+
+"Shove on, you slobs!" he said. "The old man's getting heavier while
+you stop. I want to dump him and be done with the job. Guess I've
+had enough."
+
+Splashing and stumbling, they went forward and when they struggled up the
+bank Kit wiped his wet face. For a moment or two he had thought the men
+would drop their load and as it jolted, vague and black, on their
+shoulders, the creaking of the poles had jarred his nerves. He was going
+to keep his promise, but he sympathized with the man who had had enough.
+
+After they left the creek, the road got very bad and in places vanished
+in belts of swamp. They sank in mud and stagnant water and no light
+pierced the daunting gloom, but it was not hard to keep the proper line,
+because one could not enter the jungle without a cutlass to clear a path.
+At length, when the men were exhausted, the trees got thinner and the
+moonlight shining through touched the front of a ruined building. The
+rest was indistinct, but the building was large and had evidently
+belonged to a sugar or coffee planter. The sailors stopped and Kit
+studied a gap in the wall.
+
+The gap did not look inviting and there were, no doubt, snakes and
+poisonous spiders inside, but he could go no farther and the broken walls
+offered some protection. Perhaps Kit was moved by an atavistic fear of
+the dark forest, and he owned that he was influenced by the civilized
+man's longing for the shelter of a house. They went in, and after putting
+down the coffin in a room where vines crawled about the ruined wall, the
+sailors entered the next. One frankly stated that they wanted to get away
+from the coffin; Kit could stop and watch it if he liked, but it bothered
+them to have the thing about.
+
+Kit let them go, and sitting down in a corner among the rubbish lighted a
+cigar. A moonbeam rested on the opposite wall and the room was not dark.
+Some light came in through holes, although there was impenetrable gloom
+beyond the door by which the men had gone. He could see the wet leaves of
+the vines, and the black coffin, covered by the flag. But he was not
+afraid of it; the man who lay there had been his friend and claimed the
+fulfilment of his promise.
+
+At the same time, it was soothing to hear the sailors' voices, until they
+got faint and stopped. Afterwards the silence was burdensome, although a
+small creature began to rustle in the wall. Kit did not know if it was a
+snake or a spider, and was too tired to feel disturbed. By and by his
+cigar fell from his mouth. He picked it up, but it fell again and his
+head drooped.
+
+The moonbeam had moved some distance when he opened his eyes and
+straightened his body with a jerk. The room was nearly dark, and when he
+thought about it afterwards, he imagined he was only half awake, for his
+heart beat and he was conscious of an enervating fear. A dark object,
+indistinct but like a man, stood beside the coffin.
+
+With something of an effort, Kit recovered his self-control as the figure
+turned and came towards him. It moved with a curious stealthy gait,
+making no noise, and this was enough for Kit. He had no grounds for
+distrusting the sailors, and they wore heavy boots. Trying not to change
+his position, he felt for his automatic pistol. The butt caught a fold of
+his sash and he was forced to bend his elbow in order to get it out. It
+looked as if he would be too late, and he slipped as the movement
+dislodged the rubbish on which he sat. Then, as he shrank with an
+instinctive quiver from the prick of the knife, the figure swerved and
+leaped back.
+
+Kit threw up the pistol and pulled the trigger. There was a flash that
+dazzled his eyes and a little smoke curled up, but when he leaned forward
+his antagonist had gone. He heard no movement when he sprang to his feet
+and almost imagined he had been dreaming, until the sailors shouted and
+their boots rattled on the broken floor. They ran in and when Kit told
+them what had happened went to the hole in the wall.
+
+The moonlight touched the front of the building and part of the road was
+bright, but the shadow of the forest had crept across the rest. All was
+very quiet; there was no sound in the gloom. Then a flake of plaster fell
+close behind Kit's head and a sharp report rolled across the trees. One
+of the men shot at a venture and two of his companions ran savagely along
+the road, until Kit called them back.
+
+"Come in," he said when they returned. "You're a plain mark in the
+moonlight and can't see the other fellow among the trees."
+
+"Looks as if it was you he wanted," one replied. "Well, I guess we have
+no use for being left without a boss, and since we don't like our
+camping ground, you have got to come with us. We'll draw cuts for who's
+to watch."
+
+Kit went with them. He felt shaken, for the man who had brought down the
+plaster was obviously a good shot. He imagined it was another who had
+intended to stab him; in fact, a number of his enemies might be lurking
+about. He was not, as a rule, vindictive, but the stealthy attack had
+induced a dangerous mood and he was sorry he had missed the man. It was
+hard to see why he had done so, but he had, perhaps, been half asleep.
+Now, however, he resolved to watch until day broke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
+
+
+It was getting light when the man on watch called Kit, who went to the
+gap in the wall. Thin mist drifted about the trees and trailed across the
+road. There was some open ground in front of the building, but behind
+this the forest loomed in a blurred, shadowy mass.
+
+"I reckon I saw something move where the fog's on the road," the
+man remarked.
+
+Kit saw nothing. His eyes were keen, for he had searched the hillsides
+for sheep, but it looked as if they were not as keen as the sailor's, and
+standing in the shadow he watched the indicated spot. After a minute or
+two, a figure came out of the fog and signaled with a lifted hand.
+
+"More of them around!" said the sailor grimly. "There's trouble coming to
+them if they mean to corral us. Jake's at the side window, and he had to
+get out of Mobile because he was too handy with his gun. Not often had to
+pull mine, but I can shoot some."
+
+"Quit talking!" Kit rejoined, and his mouth set firm when the
+figure vanished.
+
+He thought the rebels meant to surround the building. If so, they were
+probably numerous, and the rifle shot some hours before justified the
+supposition. They had first tried to kill him quietly and, finding this
+impossible, had resolved to seize the party. Well, there was good cover
+behind the broken walls, his men were a reckless lot, and he meant to
+fight. He wished the others would begin, for standing, highly-strung, in
+the dew was nervous work.
+
+The light had got clearer when he noted a movement in a festoon of
+trailing vines. The wet leaves shook as if somebody were cautiously
+pulling them back, and Kit stiffened his muscles. It was a comfort to
+feel his hand was steady, and although he had not used a pistol much he
+was a good shot with a gun. He thought he could send a bullet through the
+moving leaves, but wanted his lurking enemy to begin the fight.
+
+A face appeared at an opening and an arm pushed through. The man was
+coming out and Kit felt his nerves tingle. Then, as the fellow's
+body followed his arm, the sailor said quietly, "Don't move, boss.
+I'll fix him."
+
+Next moment, Kit swung round, for the man who stepped out into the road
+wore a white uniform. The sailor leaned against the wall to steady his
+aim, and his tense pose and rigid hand indicated that he was pressing
+the trigger.
+
+"Hold on!" Kit shouted. "Don't shoot!"
+
+The sailor lowered his pistol and Kit, springing out of the shadow,
+waved his hat.
+
+"Come forward. We are friends."
+
+The _rural_ turned and called to somebody, and then joining Kit glanced
+at the sailor's pistol with a dry smile.
+
+"It looks as if I had run some risk. You did not mean to be surprised."
+
+"No," said Kit; "one takes precautions. I came very near being surprised
+last night."
+
+"So the _Galdareros_ are about? We suspected something like this."
+
+"I suppose it was why you meant to search the _hacienda_. But did
+you see us?"
+
+The _rural_ indicated a plume of smoke that curled up from behind the
+ruined wall.
+
+"We saw _that_. When one takes precautions it is prudent to see they are
+complete."
+
+Kit nodded. There was no use in getting angry; his men were rash and
+careless, but, to some extent, this was why he had chosen them. They had,
+no doubt, lighted the fire to cook breakfast.
+
+"Where is your companion?" he asked.
+
+"There are three of us; you will see the others in a few moments. They
+watch the road farther on. It is usual for us to patrol in twos, but of
+late some have not returned. A revolution is a bad time for _rurales;_
+one pays old reckonings then."
+
+Kit smiled. "I imagine it would have been bad for any _Galdarero_ who had
+tried to steal away down the road. But I expect you know me?"
+
+"We have orders about you, señor; you see a servant of yours," the
+_rural_ answered with a bow. "But it might be better if you told us
+your plans."
+
+After giving him a cigarette, Kit sent the sailor to tell the others and
+when the _rurales_ came up offered them a share of the breakfast his men
+had cooked. While they ate he told them what had brought him there and
+where he was going.
+
+"So the American is dead? I have seen him at the presidio," one remarked.
+"Well, señor, it would be prudent to finish your business at Salinas
+to-night. After that, I do not know. There has been fighting and some of
+the president's soldiers have been killed in the swamps."
+
+"I must finish the business," Kit replied. "It does not matter what
+happens afterwards."
+
+The _rural_ nodded. "The American talked like that. Quick and short,
+but what he said went. However, we will go to Salinas with you when you
+are ready."
+
+Kit got up and gave his men an order. "I am ready now."
+
+They set off soon afterwards and reached the mission as the light was
+fading. Two small, mud buildings and a little church stood among some
+ruins in an opening, and a frail old man met the party at the gate. He
+took off his hat when the sailors put down the coffin, and then listened
+to Kit's quiet narrative.
+
+"This poor place is yours; it was a prosperous mission long since," he
+said. "In this country, men no longer build, but plot and destroy--it is
+easier than the other. Now we will put the coffin in the church and then
+I will give you food."
+
+Father Herman drew back an old leather curtain and the smell of incense
+met Kit as he stood at the door while the sailors went forward with their
+load. The church was nearly dark, but Kit saw it had some beauty and
+there were objects that hinted at more prosperous days. At the other end,
+a ruby lamp glimmered and a wax candle burned with a clear flame before a
+statue of the Virgin. Kit knew whence the candle came and that Hattie
+Askew had knelt on the stones, beneath it, praying that her husband might
+get well. Then he looked at Father Herman, with a doubt in his mind.
+
+The other met his glance and smiled. "The greatest of these is charity,"
+he said in Latin, and resumed in fine Castilian: "He was our benefactor,
+a man who kept his word, and with such a wife I think our faith was his.
+It is a gracious sentiment that they should not be parted."
+
+"In a sense," Kit said quietly, "I think they have not been parted yet.
+At the last he said, with confidence, he was going to meet his wife."
+
+"Who knows?" said Father Herman. "There is much that is dark; but one
+felt that his spirit reached out after hers. Well, I knew he would come
+back; I have long expected him."
+
+He went forward and lighted more candles when the sailors put down the
+coffin, and the noise their boots made jarred Kit's nerves as they came
+back. The light spread, touching the bare walls and tawdry decorations
+about the shrines. It was a poor little church, falling into ruin, and
+the beauty its pious builders had given it was vanishing. Yet something
+redeemed it from being commonplace, and Kit felt a strange emotional
+stirring as his eyes rested on the dim ruby lamp and the rude black
+coffin. He thought the light of love could not be quenched and knew the
+tender romance that had burned in the heart of the old Buccaneer. It was
+with something of an effort he turned away, and followed Father Herman
+across the corral.
+
+Two hours later, red torches flared in the dark as they laid Adam in his
+grave, and Kit, worn by anxiety and physical strain, listened dully to
+the solemn Latin office. Then, when the old priest's voice died away, he
+went back to the mission, where he fell asleep and slept twelve hours.
+
+In the morning, he sat beneath a broken arch that had once formed part of
+a cloister. Outside the patch of shadow, the sun beat upon dazzling sand,
+and a few vivid green palm-fronds hung over a ruined wall. Beyond this
+the forest rose, dark and forbidding, against the glaring sky. Although
+the rest had refreshed Kit, he felt as if he had got older in the last
+few days and now the strain had slackened he was lonely. So far, he had
+obeyed orders and when doubtful looked to Adam for a lead, but Adam had
+gone and left him control. All that belonged to his youth had vanished;
+he was a man, with a man's responsibilities, and a man's problems to
+solve. Presently Father Herman came up and sat down opposite. Although he
+looked feeble, his glance was clear and kind.
+
+"This house is yours, señor, and I am your servant," he said. "Yet I
+cannot hope that you will remain long and the times are disturbed. If I
+can help--"
+
+"Since the rebels know I am here, it would not be safe to stay, but I
+cannot reach Salinas Point before the steamer sails," Kit replied. "I
+must get to Havana as soon as possible."
+
+Father Herman thought for a few minutes and then resumed: "A small
+schooner is loading at a beach not far off and I know the _patron_. He
+would take you to Arenas, where the president has supporters and you
+might get a ship. I think he sails to-night, but I will send a message."
+
+Kit thanked him and went on: "You were my uncle's friend, and now I have
+taken his place, you are mine. As you let him send you things the mission
+needed, perhaps you will not refuse me."
+
+"I had not hoped for this," Father Herman answered with a grateful look.
+"The generous gifts meant much to us, for we are very poor."
+
+"Friendship has privileges. Besides, it was my uncle's wish, and will be
+something I can do for his sake."
+
+Father Herman's worn face got very soft and he gave Kit an approving
+glance. "You are his kinsman, señor; one cannot doubt that. Like him, you
+are staunch and do not forget, but in some ways you are different. I will
+take your gifts and pray that yours may be a less stormy life."
+
+"Thank you," Kit said gently and went off to look after his men.
+
+In the afternoon he left the mission, and a week later reached Havana,
+where he found a cablegram waiting. He got a shock when he opened it, and
+stood for a time with the message crumpled in his hand, for it told him
+that Peter Askew was dying at Ashness. Then he sat down on the long,
+arcaded veranda of the hotel, with a poignant sense of loss, for the last
+blow was heavier than the first. It would be too late when he got home;
+Andrew, his English relative, would not have sent the message had there
+been any hope.
+
+After a time, Kit began to pull himself together. He felt dull and half
+stunned, but saw that he must brace up. Although one duty was denied him,
+another was left. He could not bid his father good-by, but he could keep
+his promise to Adam, and there was much to be done. Getting up with a
+resolute movement, he went to the telegraph office.
+
+Although Peter had not hinted that he was ill, Kit felt he ought to have
+gone home before, and now blamed Alvarez for keeping him. He knew this
+was not logical, but he hated the country, with its turmoils and plots.
+It was not worth helping, and in very truth he did not know if by
+supporting the president he were helping it or not. After all, however,
+this was not important; Alvarez needed a last supply of munitions that
+Adam had agreed to send. Kit doubted if they would be paid for, but the
+doubt did not count for much. Adam knew the risk when he agreed and his
+engagements bound his nephew. The goods must be delivered and then Kit
+would let the business go. When he reached the office he wrote a
+cablegram to Andrew at Ashness and another to Mayne, who had left Havana
+before Kit arrived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE LAST CARGO
+
+
+Dusk was falling and Kit urged his tired mule up the winding road. His
+skin was grimed with dust, for he had ridden hard in scorching heat, and
+was anxious and impatient to get on. The _Rio Negro_ was in the lagoon
+and some cargo had been landed, but Kit stopped the work when nobody came
+to take the goods. It looked as if the message he had sent through a
+secret channel had not reached the president, and this was ominous.
+
+He had heard rumors of fighting when he was in Cuba and the United
+States, but the newspapers gave him little information and he had driven
+the _Rio Negro_ across at full speed in order to finish the contract
+before the revolution spread, which was all he wanted. Adam's staunch
+loyalty had cost him his life, but the president had no claim on Kit.
+Besides, his stopping in the country had kept him away from Ashness when
+he was needed there. He smiled as he admitted that he was hardly logical,
+since he was stubbornly pushing on when almost exhausted in order that
+Alvarez might get the goods he required; but after all, this was for
+Adam's sake.
+
+As he rode up the hill the sky got brighter and a flickering illumination
+was reflected on the clouds that hung about the mountains. It looked as
+if the town were lighted up and Kit wondered whether this was to
+celebrate a victory. He struck the mule, but the tired animal came near
+throwing him when it stumbled and he let it choose its pace. The jolt had
+shaken him and he was very tired.
+
+For a time he skirted a belt of trees, and when he came out on the open
+hillside the illumination was ominously bright. Now he was getting
+nearer, the clouds looked different from the mist that rolled down the
+mountains in the evening; they were dark and trailed away from the range.
+Still, he could go no faster and he waited with growing anxiety until he
+reached a narrow tableland. It commanded a wider view and he raised
+himself in the stirrups as he saw that the light was the reflection of a
+large fire.
+
+He sank back and pulling up the mule let the bridle fall on its drooping
+neck. It looked as if a number of houses were burning in the town, which
+indicated that there had been a fight. The trouble was he did not know
+who had won and this was important. If the president were badly beaten,
+he would not need the supplies at the lagoon, although they might be
+useful to the rebels. Kit imagined it would be prudent to turn back, but
+he must find out what had happened and sent the mule forward.
+
+Half an hour afterwards he rode into the town. The small square houses
+were dark and there was nobody in the narrow street, but he heard a
+confused uproar farther on. Although the glare in the sky was fainter, it
+leaped up now and then and a cloud of smoke floated across the roofs. A
+red glow shone down the next street and he saw the pavement was torn up.
+Broken furniture lay among piles of stones, the walls were chipped, and
+when Kit got down he had some trouble to lead the mule across the ruined
+barricade. Although he saw nobody yet, the shouts that came from the
+neighborhood of the presidio were ominous.
+
+Kit remounted and rode slowly up to the edge of the sandy square where
+the palms grew along the rails. The square was occupied by an excited
+crowd, but the presidio had gone. A great pile of smoking rubbish and a
+wall, broken by wide cracks, marked where it had stood. Flames played
+about the ruin and Kit turned his mule. He thought the crowd was waiting
+to search for plunder, and did not expect to find anybody calm enough to
+answer his questions. Besides, he needed food and drink and might learn
+what had happened at the café.
+
+The small tables stretched across the street and were all occupied, but
+when Kit had tied the mule to the alameda railings opposite he found a
+chair and ordered an omelette and wine. The waiter looked at him with
+some surprise and Kit wondered whether it was prudent for him to stay.
+
+"You have been burning the presidio," he remarked.
+
+"We have got rid of a tyrant," the waiter replied.
+
+"You may get another worse," said Kit, as coolly as he could. "What
+happened to the president?"
+
+Somebody shouted "_Mozo_" and when the waiter went away Kit rested his
+arms on the table. He was very tired, and it was obvious that he had come
+too late. Since the president was overthrown, he had lost a large sum of
+money and wasted the efforts he had made to carry out Adam's engagements.
+He must get back to the lagoon as soon as possible, but he needed food
+and wanted to find out if Alvarez had escaped. There was, however, some
+risk in asking questions, because the café seemed to be occupied by
+triumphant rebels.
+
+Presently the men at the next table got up and their place was taken by
+another group, among which Kit noted Francisca Sarmiento and her
+relations. He thought they looked surprised, but they saluted him
+politely, and soon afterwards the girl, who was nearest, looked round.
+
+"You have courage, señor," she remarked in a meaning tone.
+
+"I do not know if courage is needed," Kit replied, forcing a smile. "It
+looks as if I could no longer meddle with politics."
+
+"Then, since you could not help Alvarez, why did you come?"
+
+"I imagined I could help him, until I saw the presidio was burnt," Kit
+replied. "In fact, I haven't found out what has happened yet."
+
+The girl studied him with some curiosity, but Kit felt that he had
+nothing to fear from her.
+
+"If one did not know that you were incorruptible, one could understand
+your rashness," she said, in a mocking tone. "I suppose your steamer is
+in the lagoon?"
+
+Kit looked round. The café was crowded, but the people were talking
+excitedly, and nobody seemed to notice him and the girl. The noise would
+prevent their talk being heard.
+
+"There is no use in denying it, because Galdar's spies have, no doubt,
+seen her. I would be glad if you can tell me what has become of the
+president."
+
+Francisca gave him a keen glance. "You do not know Alvarez is dead?"
+
+"Ah!" said Kit. "I did not know. Was he killed?"
+
+"He died soon after the fighting began. The doctors say it was apoplexy;
+he had been hurrying about in the burning sun."
+
+"I wonder--He was a strong man and used to the sun."
+
+Francisca smiled. "One does not ask questions at a time like this. It is
+prudent to believe what one is told. When the soldiers lost their leader
+they ran away."
+
+Kit was silent for a few minutes. He had had a faint hope that the
+president might rally his supporters and begin the fight again, but the
+hope was gone. He knew all he wanted, and must leave the town as soon as
+he had had some food.
+
+"Alvarez was a friend of mine, and the news you have given me is
+something of a shock," he said. "I think the country will feel its loss,
+but that is not my business, and since there is nothing to keep me here,
+I shall be glad to get away."
+
+"It would be prudent to go soon," Francisca remarked in a low voice.
+
+"I do not see why. I am no longer important enough for your friends to
+meddle with me."
+
+"You are very modest, señor, if you are not rather dull. You have goods
+that would be useful to the new president, who has a rival he did not
+expect. Don Felix Muñez has turned traitor, and there are people who
+support him in the coast province."
+
+"Another president!" Kit exclaimed with a soft laugh, and then bowed to
+the girl. "I think you mean well. You have given me a useful hint and you
+have my thanks. I will be rash and tell you that Galdar shall not have
+the goods I brought."
+
+Franciscans eyes got soft and a touch of color crept into her olive skin.
+
+"One does not often meet a man who puts honor before money. _Adios,
+señor!_ I wish you well."
+
+Then she turned to her companions, who presently left the table and soon
+afterwards Kit's omelette was brought. While he ate, Olsen came in and
+sitting down opposite, lighted a cigarette.
+
+"You'll allow that the Buccaneer backed the wrong man," he said. "I
+warned you and reckon your obstinacy has cost you something."
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed. "One must run risks in a business like this,
+but I don't expect you to sympathize."
+
+Olsen smiled. "I don't pretend I'm not satisfied, but I can show you how
+to get some of your money back. I've learned much about you and Askew
+since we had our last talk, and am willing to buy part of the _Rio
+Negro's_ cargo."
+
+"You seem to know she has arrived?"
+
+"Oh, yes; I knew some hours since. I've been looking out for you."
+
+"To whom do you mean to sell the goods?" Kit asked.
+
+"Does that matter?"
+
+"Yes; it's rather important."
+
+"The important thing is you'll get paid," Olsen rejoined.
+
+Kit frowned. He imagined he could demand a high price, and now Alvarez
+was dead, there was perhaps no reason for refusing to bargain; but he did
+not mean to let Galdar have the goods. He thought Adam would not have
+done so, and he held the new president, to some extent, accountable for
+Adam's last illness.
+
+"The cargo is not for sale," he said.
+
+"Oh, shucks!" Olsen exclaimed. "I reckon you want to put up the price."
+
+"No," said Kit, rather grimly, "I don't want to sell."
+
+"Don't be a fool. The man you backed is dead. You carried out your
+contract, and it doesn't matter to him now who gets the truck."
+
+"That's true," Kit replied. "But I won't help his rival."
+
+Olsen looked hard at him and saw he was resolute. "Oh, well! If you're
+determined, there's no use in arguing! You're something of a curiosity; I
+haven't met a man like you before."
+
+He went away and Kit ordered more wine, for he was thirsty after his long
+ride and had borne some strain. He had to wait for the wine, but had
+expected this since the café was crowded, and in the meantime he got up
+and looked across the street. Nobody had meddled with the mule, which
+stood quietly by the railings with drooping head. Kit wondered where he
+could get it some food and if he could hire a fresh animal.
+
+Then a waiter brought the wine and when he had drunk some and lighted a
+cigarette Kit, listening to the talk of the men at the next table, got a
+hint that threw some light on Olsen's offer. Alvarez had used the vaults
+under the presidio for a munition store, and when he was dead the
+mayor-domo had blown up the building as the rebels forced their way in.
+Now there was a new president in the field, it was obvious why Galdar
+wanted fresh supplies. This, however, was not important, and Kit drained
+his glass and then tried to rouse himself. He must look after the mule
+and if it was not fit for the journey get another animal.
+
+He felt strangely reluctant to move; the fatigue he had for a time shaken
+off returned with puzzling suddenness and threatened to overpower him.
+His head was very heavy, he could hardly hear the people talk, and every
+now and then his eyes shut. He could not keep them open, but after a few
+minutes he straightened his bent shoulders with a resolute jerk and
+clenched his fist. It was not fatigue that was mastering him; the wine
+was drugged. He had not noted a suspicious taste, but he was thirsty and
+the omelette was strongly flavored with garlic and red pepper.
+
+Holding himself stiffly upright, he tried to think. Olsen had, no
+doubt, ordered the wine to be drugged, and his object was plain. He
+meant to prevent Kit reaching the lagoon until he had removed the cargo
+on the beach and tried to persuade Mayne to land the rest. Well, the
+plot would fail, and with an effort Kit got up and crossed the street.
+He suspected that he was watched, but nobody tried to stop him and he
+mounted the mule.
+
+The animal moved off at a better pace than he had hoped and he tried to
+brace himself. His head ached and his brain was very dull, but somehow he
+stuck to the saddle, and although he could hardly guide the mule the
+animal avoided the people in its way. After a time, the street became
+empty, the noise behind was fainter, and the houses were dark. Nobody
+seemed to follow him and Kit began to hope he might be able to leave the
+town. He did not know what he would do then, and hardly imagined he could
+keep up the effort much longer. Perhaps, when he got away from the houses
+he could tie up the mule in a quiet place and rest.
+
+When he rode down a rough track into open country he rocked in the saddle
+and would have fallen but for the high peak and big stirrups. The
+hillside was blurred; distorted objects that he thought were rocks and
+cactus lurched about in the elusive moonlight, and the sweat ran down his
+face as he fought against the drug. He knew it would conquer him, but he
+was going on as long as possible.
+
+At length the mule stepped into a hole, Kit's foot came out of the
+stirrup and he fell. For a moment or two, the mule dragged him along;
+then he got his other foot loose and for a time knew nothing more.
+
+The moonlight was fading when he opened his eyes and saw that he was
+lying beside a clump of cactus. Indistinct objects moved along the road
+not far off and he heard the click of hoofs on stones. A mule train was
+passing and was, no doubt, going to the lagoon. He could not get up and
+was glad he was in dark shadow. The muleteers had probably been told to
+look out for him and a blow from a heavy stone would prevent his
+interfering with the rebels' plans. The indistinct figures, however, went
+on and Kit relapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+It was daylight when he wakened and saw a man bending over him. Kit was
+cold and wet with dew; his head ached horribly and he did not try to get
+up. His pistol was underneath him and if the fellow meant to kill him he
+could not resist.
+
+"What do you want?" he asked.
+
+The man said he had seen him lying there and imagined he was ill. Then
+he held out his hand and asked if Kit could get up. Kit was surprised
+when he found himself on his feet, although he swayed as he tried to
+keep his balance.
+
+"I suppose you are a liberator?" he said dully.
+
+The other clenched his dark fist. "No, señor! Those dogs, the
+_Galdareros_, are no friends of mine! But you were for the president; it
+was known in the town."
+
+Kit admitted it. The fellow's scornful denial was comforting and after
+some talk, walking with a painful effort, he went with him down the hill
+to a small mud house. A few minutes after he got there he went to sleep,
+but in the meantime the man had promised to help him to reach the lagoon.
+
+He kept his promise, and before it was light next morning Kit dismounted
+on the sandy beach. There was no moon and mist drifted about the trees,
+but the water shone faintly and the tide was nearly full. The steamer
+loomed in the gloom and when Kit shouted there was a rattle of pulley
+blocks and a splash of oars. Ten minutes afterwards Mayne met him at the
+gangway and gave him his hand.
+
+"It's some relief to see you back," he said. "Finlay has his fires banked
+and can get steam to take us out in an hour or two."
+
+Kit went with him to his room and sat down limply. He was covered with
+dust and wet with dew; his face was haggard and his eyes were dull.
+
+"I'll tell you about my adventures later," he said. "What about
+the cargo?"
+
+"Some dagos came along with a mule train and loaded up part of the truck
+on the beach. They had an order that looked as if it had been signed by
+you, and as they were a pretty tough crowd and had their knives loose, I
+let them take the goods. When I studied the order I wasn't sure about the
+hand and brought off all they had left. By and by another gang came
+along, but I refused to send a boat until I'd seen you."
+
+"You were prudent," Kit remarked. "The order was forged. Let me see the
+mate's cargo-lists."
+
+He studied the book Mayne gave him and then pondered. Olsen had, no
+doubt, forged the order and Kit imagined he would have some trouble to
+get payment for the goods. The manufacturers might be persuaded to take
+back the rest of the cargo at something less than its proper price, but
+Kit thought the value of the munitions supplied to Alvarez would be lost.
+The new president would certainly try to disown the debt. Kit, however,
+had known that Adam's staunchness might cost him much, and something
+might, perhaps, be saved. He had had enough of the country, and as soon
+as he could straighten out the tangle in which the revolution had
+involved Adam's business he was going back to Ashness.
+
+"Heave your anchor when you're ready," he said to Mayne. "We'll call at
+Havana and then steam for New Orleans."
+
+At high-water he stood on the bridge, watching the mangroves fade into
+the mist. Ahead, the sun was rising out of a smooth sea, the air was
+fresh, and Kit's heart was lighter. He had done with plots and intrigue
+and was going back to Ashness and the quiet hills. At the same time, he
+felt a tender melancholy as he thought about the little church at Salinas
+and the marble cross in the sandy yard. Then he lifted his head and the
+melancholy vanished as he looked across the sparkling water. The clang of
+engines rose and fell with a measured beat and there was a noisy
+splashing at the bows. Bright streaks of foam eddied about the _Rio
+Negro's_ side, and a long smoke cloud trailed astern as she steamed to
+the North.
+
+
+
+
+PART III--KIT'S RETURN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+KIT'S WELCOME
+
+
+Kit was comfortably tired when he sat down by the beck at the head of the
+dale. He had been at Ashness for a week, and finding much to be done had
+occupied himself with characteristic energy. It was a relief to feel that
+the heat of the tropics had not relaxed his muscles as much as he had
+thought, and that the languidness he had sometimes fought against was
+vanishing before the bracing winds that swept his native hills. The ache
+in his arms had come from using the draining spade and his knees were
+stiff after a long walk through the heather to examine the Herdwick
+sheep. His vigor was coming back and he was conscious of a keen but
+tranquil satisfaction with the quiet dale.
+
+Filling his pipe lazily, he looked about. The sun was near the summit of
+the fells and the long slopes were turning gray in the shadow. The yellow
+light touched the other side of the valley, and the narrow bottom,
+through which shining water ran, was a belt of cool dark-green. A faint
+bleating of sheep came down the hill, and the beck splashed softly among
+the stones.
+
+Kit found the quiet soothing. He had had enough excitement and adventure,
+and had half-consciously recognized that the life he had led in the
+tropics was not for him. On the whole, he thought he had made good. One
+did one's best at the work one found, but intrigue was not his proper
+job. For all that, he did not mean to philosophize and had something to
+think about.
+
+When he sold the _Rio Negro_ and paid his debts he found a larger
+surplus than he had hoped. Moreover, his agents had not yet enforced all
+business claims and might be able to send him a fresh sum. The money he
+brought home would not have made him a rich man in America, but it would
+go a long way in the dale, and the soil and flocks at Ashness could be
+improved by modern methods and carefully spent capital. Kit had begun at
+once and found his task engrossing, but when the day's work was over he
+felt a gentle melancholy and a sense of loneliness. Adam and Peter had
+gone and he had loved them both; he knew he would not meet their like
+again. Yet he had not lost them altogether. They had, so to speak, blazed
+the trail for him, and he must try to follow, fronting obstacles with
+their fearless calm.
+
+Then he took his pipe from his mouth and his heart beat as a figure came
+round a bend of the road. The girl was some distance off and he could
+not see her face, but he knew her and braced himself. He had known the
+meeting must come and much depended on her attitude. Grace was no longer
+a romantic girl, and though he had not forgotten her, she might have
+been persuaded that she had nothing to do with him. Now she must choose
+her line, and he sat still, half prepared for her to pass him with a
+bow. While he waited, his dog got up and ran along the road. Old Bob
+knew Grace, and it looked as if she had spoken to, and perhaps petted,
+him while his master was away.
+
+She stopped, and Kit felt ashamed when he got up, for she gave him her
+hand with a friendly look and he saw she had not changed as much as he
+had thought. The proud calm he approved was perhaps more marked, but he
+imagined the generous rashness he had liked as well still lurked beneath
+the surface. He had met attractive girls in the tropics who knew they
+were beautiful and added by art to their physical charm. Grace, however,
+used hers unconsciously; he thought she was too proud to care if she had
+such charm or not.
+
+"I am glad to see you back," she said and stroked the dog that
+leaped upon her. "Bob and I are friends. He knew me when I came
+round the corner."
+
+"So did I," Kit rejoined quietly.
+
+He thought he noted a touch of color in her face, but she smiled.
+
+"You did not get up. Perhaps you were not sure, like Bob?"
+
+"I think I was sure. But I have been away some time and it was not my
+part to force you to acknowledge me."
+
+"If I didn't want to?" Grace suggested. "Well, I do not forget my
+friends, and now, if you are satisfied, we can let that go." She
+paused and resumed when he went on with her: "The dalesfolk have
+missed you, particularly since your father died. It must have been a
+shock--I felt it, too, because I saw him now and then. We were friends
+in spite of all."
+
+Kit was grateful for her frank sympathy, and felt he could talk to her
+about his father.
+
+"He did not tell me this, but he liked you."
+
+"He was just," Grace replied. "People knew, and trusted him. He had none
+of the rancor that often leads us wrong. When he was firm he did not get
+angry. That kind of attitude is hard, but it makes things easier. But you
+were in America with his brother, were you not?"
+
+"I was in the United States, and afterwards in some of the countries on
+the Caribbean."
+
+"Ah," said Grace with curiosity, "that must have been interesting! One
+understands that is a beautiful and romantic coast, with its memories of
+the great Elizabethan sailors and the pirates."
+
+"It is romantic, and dangerous in parts. You can land at some of the
+towns from modern mail-boats and find smart shops and cafés; others have
+fallen into ruin and lie, half-hidden by the forest, beside
+malaria-haunted lagoons. You steal in through the mist at the top of a
+high tide, much as the old pirates did, and when you land, find hints of
+a vanished civilization and the Spaniards' broken power. But you seem to
+know something about the coast."
+
+Grace smiled. "You look surprised! There is a library at Tarnside,
+although it is not often used, and we have books about the voyages of the
+buccaneers. One book is rather fascinating. But what were you doing in
+the lagoons?"
+
+"Sometimes we loaded dyewoods and rubber; sometimes we lent money to
+ambitious politicians in return for unlawful trading privileges, and now
+and then engaged in business that was something like that of the old
+adventurers."
+
+"After that, you must find the dale very tame," Grace remarked, and
+quietly studied Kit.
+
+She had liked his honesty and resolution before he went abroad, but he
+had gained something she had not noted then. Although he wore rough
+working clothes and had obviously been digging, he had an elusive touch
+of distinction, and there was a hint of command in his quiet look. He had
+seen the world, confronted dangers, and used power, and this had put a
+stamp on him.
+
+"It is hard to imagine you a pirate," she remarked with a twinkle. "You
+don't look the part, and, no doubt, like other occupations, it requires
+some study."
+
+Kit laughed. "One does the best one can! I rather think taking trouble
+and a determination to make good are as useful as specialized training."
+
+"Perhaps that's true. It's curious, in a way, but I expect a good farmer,
+for example, might make a successful buccaneer. One understands, though,
+that the last pirate was hanged a hundred years since."
+
+"There are a few left, although their methods have changed with the
+times. Some day I would like to tell you about my uncle. He was, so to
+speak, a survival, and I think you would appreciate him. But how have
+things been going in the dale?"
+
+Grace's twinkle vanished, her look became serious, and Kit thought he
+noted signs of strain. After all, she had changed since he left Ashness.
+It was not that she looked older, although she was now a rather stately
+woman and not an impulsive girl; he felt that she had known care.
+
+"On the whole," she said, "things have not gone very well. We have had
+wet summers and heavy snow in spring. The flocks are poor and rents have
+come down. Bell has gone; he quarreled with Hayes about some new
+machinery for the mill. All is much the same at Tarnside, though my
+father is not so active. Gerald left Woolwich--perhaps you knew--and is
+in a London bank."
+
+Kit hid his surprise. Gerald was not the stuff of which good bank clerks
+are made, although Osborn's influence with the local manager had, no
+doubt, got him the post. Kit imagined the lad had been forced to leave
+Woolwich, but money must be scarce at Tarnside, since he had gone into
+business. This threw some light on the hint of weariness he had noted
+about Grace. If fresh economy was needful, she and Mrs. Osborn must
+carry the load.
+
+"Hayes is still your agent. I met him yesterday and he gave me a sour
+nod," Kit remarked.
+
+"Yes," said Grace, and added quietly: "I sometimes wish he were not!"
+
+"Well, I never liked the man. All the same, he's a very good agent, from
+the landlord's point of view, and your father's interests ought to be
+safe with him."
+
+"I suppose so," Grace agreed, but her look was doubtful, and they
+reached the Ashness lonning a few minutes later. When Kit stopped she
+gave him her hand. "I hear you are going to make a number of
+improvements, and wish you good luck!"
+
+Kit went up the lonning and sitting down in the porch lighted his pipe.
+Grace had not forgotten; she had given him his real welcome home and he
+thrilled as he thought about her quiet friendliness. Perhaps the meeting
+was awkward for her, but she had struck the right note, with the
+dignified simplicity he had expected. It said something for her pluck
+that she had met him as if the interview at Ashness, when Osborn had
+driven him away, had never taken place. All this was comforting, but Kit
+was vaguely disturbed on her account.
+
+He had noted a hint of anxiety and she had implied that things were not
+going well for the Osborns. He meant to marry Grace; his longing for her
+was keener than he had felt it yet, but it was not altogether selfish.
+She must be removed from surroundings in which she could not thrive.
+Tarnside, with its rash extravagance, pretense, and stern private
+economy, was not the place for her. But he felt he must be patient and
+cautious; there were numerous obstacles in his way.
+
+In the meantime, Grace met Thorn farther along the road and tried to hide
+her annoyance as he advanced. Perhaps it was the contrast between him and
+Kit, whose thin, brown face had a half-ascetic look, for Alan was fat and
+getting coarse. Grace had noted this before, but not so plainly as she
+did now. His manners were urbane and he belonged to her circle; to some
+extent, his code was hers and she had his prejudices and tastes. All the
+same, she did not like him; for one thing, he was a type her father
+approved, a man of local importance and strictly local ideas, and Osborn
+had forced her into rebellion. Alan managed the otter hounds well and
+knew much about farming, but he was satisfied with this. Although he
+belonged to a smart London club, Grace imagined he only went there
+because he thought he ought. Yet he was cunning and patient, and knowing
+why he bore with Osborn, she was sometimes afraid.
+
+"Was that Askew?" he inquired when he turned and went on with her.
+
+Grace said it was and he gave her a careless look.
+
+"I heard he had come back. Might have been better if he had stayed away.
+A fellow like that is rather disturbing."
+
+"I don't think he could do much harm, when you and Hayes are on your
+guard," Grace rejoined.
+
+"That is so," Thorn agreed and she could not tell if he knew she had
+meant to be ironical. "Anyhow, I don't suppose he wants to do much harm;
+I was thinking about his example."
+
+"Is it a dangerous example to improve one's land? I thought you advocated
+scientific farming?"
+
+"So I do. I don't mean that, although I don't know if Askew's farming is
+scientific or not. One can't judge yet. His independence and habit of
+taking his own line might be dangerous."
+
+"Mr. Askew's independence is justified. Ashness is his."
+
+"Yes," said Thorn thoughtfully, "that's the trouble. If he was a farming
+tenant, things would be easier."
+
+Grace laughed. "You are delightfully naïve! I'm afraid you'll have to
+leave Mr. Askew alone, but I don't expect he'll do anything alarming. I
+think you know he is a friend of mine."
+
+"I knew he was, before he went abroad. If you have renewed the
+friendship, it means you're satisfied about him and perhaps we needn't be
+disturbed. Your judgment is generally sound."
+
+"Thank you," said Grace. "I have relations who would not agree! But why
+do you dislike people who take their own line?"
+
+"It would be awkward if one's tenants did so; but perhaps my feeling
+springs from envy. The rest of us can't do what we want. You can't,
+for example!"
+
+Grace gave him a keen glance, and then laughed. "On the whole, that is
+true. We have a number of rules at Tarnside, but one now and then gets
+some satisfaction from breaking them."
+
+"Rebellion doesn't pay," Thorn rejoined with a touch of dry humor. "You
+are young and adventurous, but you'll find it prudent, so to speak, to
+accept your environment and submit. Some people call submission duty,
+but that's really cant; they mean it saves them trouble. Anyhow, you
+cannot make your own code; when you're born at a place like Tarnside,
+it's made for you."
+
+"Ah!" said Grace, "I wonder--Well, you know I am sometimes rash."
+
+Then she was careful to talk about something else, for she thought Alan
+had not philosophized without an object and it was not difficult to see
+where his hints led. When they reached the lodge, she firmly sent him
+away, although he looked as if he wanted to come to the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A DANGEROUS TALENT
+
+
+Dinner was nearly over at Tarnside. The meal was served with some
+ceremony, although the bill of fare was frugal except when game could be
+shot and, as a rule, nobody but Osborn talked much. Now he had satisfied
+his appetite he looked about the spacious room. The handsome, molded
+ceiling was dark from neglect and the cornice was stained by damp. The
+light of the setting sun streamed in through the long casement window
+which commanded the shining tarn and the woods that melted into shadow at
+the mouth of the dale. It was a noble view, but it did not hold Osborn's
+eyes, for the quivering sunbeams searched out the faded spots on the
+curtains and the worn patches on the rugs on the polished floor.
+
+"We need a number of new things and I don't know how they're to be
+got," he remarked, and when Mrs. Osborn said nothing knitted his brows.
+He had put away some money for renovations, but it had gone. One could
+not keep money at Tarnside; it vanished and left nothing to show how it
+had been spent.
+
+"I understand young Askew is back at Ashness," he resumed, looking
+hard at Grace.
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "I met him not long since."
+
+Osborn frowned. He knew she had met Kit, but did not know if he liked her
+candor. The girl was independent, but he thought she now understood the
+responsibilities of her rank.
+
+"The fellow is obviously prosperous, since he's spending a large sum on
+draining. I saw a big stack of pipes and a number of men at work. My
+opinion is it's a ridiculous waste of money."
+
+"Perhaps there are worse extravagances," Grace rejoined. "I expect he has
+some hope of getting his money back by growing better crops. Ours goes
+and never returns."
+
+Mrs. Osborn gave her a warning glance. Osborn hated contradiction and
+Grace and he often jarred, but the girl smiled.
+
+"Father and I are not going to quarrel about Mr. Askew's farming; it is
+not worth while," she said and studied Osborn with half-penitent
+sympathy.
+
+The strong light touched his face, forcing up the deep lines and
+wrinkles, and she thought he was getting older fast. His eyes were dull
+and his shoulders were slightly bent. She knew about some of his troubles
+and suspected others, but the stamp of indulgence that had got plainer in
+the last year or two disturbed her.
+
+"The Askews seem fated to give me trouble," he went on. "Now the fellow
+has begun to drain, his neighbors will expect me to do so. In fact, Black
+and Pattinson bothered Hayes about some plans for buying pipes when they
+paid their rent. Besides, the contrast hurts; I don't see why a fellow
+like Askew should be able to waste money on rash experiments when we have
+not enough. However, this leads to another matter; Gerald comes back
+tomorrow, and will no doubt, grumble about his poverty. If he does, you
+must give him nothing. He has his pay and I make him an allowance. I
+won't have his extravagance encouraged."
+
+Grace smiled as Mrs. Osborn got up with a disturbed look. "Mother cannot
+have much to give and I have nothing at all. I'm afraid Gerald's talent
+for begging will be used in vain."
+
+She went out with Mrs. Osborn and when they had gone Osborn, crossing
+the floor to the sideboard, filled his glass to the top. This was his
+regular habit and its futility escaped him, although he knew his wife and
+daughter knew. He felt he did enough if he exercised some self-denial
+when they were about.
+
+In the meantime, Mrs. Osborn sat down on the terrace and looked across
+the untidy lawn.
+
+"We need a new pony mower; Jenkins cannot keep the grass in order with
+the small machine. He was very obstinate about the bedding plants he
+wanted to buy and the borders look thin, but I felt I must be firm," she
+said and added drearily: "I wonder when we shall be forced to get a
+sporting tenant and live in a smaller house."
+
+"Father would not leave Tarnside. I suppose you don't know how things are
+really going?"
+
+"I know they are not going well and suspect they get worse; but he will
+not tell me. One could help if one did know."
+
+"I'm afraid I have disappointed father and given you anxieties you need
+not have had," Grace replied with some bitterness. "After all, however,
+the fault is hardly mine. I wanted to make my own career, but was not
+allowed; to work at a useful occupation, would somehow have humiliated
+our ridiculous pride, and there was, of course, only one hope left for
+you." She paused, and colored as she resumed: "Well, although I am not
+sorry, it looks as if that hope had gone."
+
+"It would have been a relief if you had made a good marriage," Mrs.
+Osborn admitted. "Still, since you met nobody you like--"
+
+"The men I might perhaps have liked were poor. Father would, no doubt,
+think it my natural perversity, or our bad luck; but I don't believe in
+luck. It's an excuse for weak makeshifts and futilities; one can conquer
+bad fortune if one is resolute."
+
+"None of us, except you, has much resolution," Mrs. Osborn remarked and
+sighed. "So far, your firmness has not helped much; I imagine you know
+your father has not given up hope."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, rather harshly. "I do know, and that is why I am often
+impatient. He will not be persuaded the thing's impossible."
+
+"After all, Alan has some advantages."
+
+"He has many drawbacks," Grace rejoined, and then her face softened and
+she gave her mother an appealing look. "I thought you were on my side!"
+
+"I am on your side where you feel strongly. Perhaps I am reserved and you
+do not often give me your confidence."
+
+"I'm sorry. We are seldom quite honest at Tarnside; somehow one can't be
+oneself, but now we must be frank. I don't like Alan Thorn; I never liked
+him. It's impossible."
+
+"Then, my dear, there is no more to be said."
+
+Grace made a sign of disagreement. "There may be much; that is why I am
+disturbed. You and I don't count, mother; we are expected to submit. It
+isn't that I don't like Alan; I shrink from him. He is cunning and knows
+how to wait. Sometimes his patience frightens me."
+
+"But why should his patience frighten you?"
+
+"Oh!" said Grace, "can't you understand? You know father's habits and
+that Gerald is following him. You know our debts are mounting up and this
+can't go on. Some day we may be ruined and then I think Alan will seize
+his chance. Perhaps I'm imaginative--but such things happen."
+
+Mrs. Osborn put her hand on the girl's arm and her touch was unusually
+firm. "You may be alarmed for nothing, my dear. But if the time should
+come when my help is really needed, it will be yours."
+
+Grace kissed her. "I can trust you. I was weak--I'm sometimes a
+coward--but now I'm comforted."
+
+They were silent for a few minutes and then Mrs. Osborn looked up.
+
+"Is it prudent for you to meet Christopher Askew again?"
+
+Grace colored, but met her mother's glance and answered with a thoughtful
+calm; "I see no danger. I liked Kit before he went away, but our
+friendship was really not romantic. When father met us in Redmire Wood, a
+horribly silly impulse made me hide. I blush when I think about it and
+imagine I forgot I had grown up--Gerald and I used to hide when father
+was angry. Anyhow, I made Kit Askew hide and he was first to remember and
+step into the road."
+
+"But this happened long since and he is older."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, "he's different, although one feels that he has
+kept a promise made in his half-developed stage. He has been out in
+the world and done strenuous things, while I stayed at home and played
+at make-believe. He talks like a man who knows his value and there's a
+touch of distinction in his look; a stupid word, but it comes near
+what I mean."
+
+Mrs. Osborn glanced at her sharply, but Grace smiled.
+
+"Don't be disturbed, mother; I am trying to tell you all I think.
+We were friends, but I imagine Kit knows his drawbacks from our
+point of view. Besides, after father quarreled with Peter Askew I
+never sent Kit a message, and he must have thought I acquiesced. In
+a way, I did acquiesce; it was the best thing to be done. You see
+what this implied? If I had loved him, it meant I had no pluck and
+was ashamed to acknowledge a farmer's son. But he knew I did not
+love him and understood that our friendship would not bear the
+strain of father's disapproval. Either way, it hinted that I was
+weak and not worth pursuing. Well, he met me without embarrassment
+and we talked about nothing important. I may meet him now and then,
+but that, I think, is all."
+
+"Very well," said Mrs. Osborn, who looked relieved. "Perhaps it would be
+prudent not to meet him often."
+
+Grace smiled and was silent for a time. She had tried to be frank and
+thought she had stated things correctly--so far as she knew. Then she
+remembered Kit's look when she stopped and spoke, and began to wonder.
+Perhaps she had not told all and the little she had left out was
+important. By and by she got up and went into the house.
+
+Gerald Osborn came home next day and not long afterwards Kit found him
+lying on the gravel beside a tarn on the Ashness moor. Heavy rain had
+fallen, but the clouds had rolled away and the water shone with dazzling
+light. The sky was clear except for a bank of mist floating about the
+round top of a fell, and a swollen beck sparkled among the heather. The
+wind had dropped and it was very hot.
+
+When he heard Kit's steps Gerald looked up. He was a handsome young man,
+with some charm of manner, although it was obvious now and then that he
+had inherited a touch of his father's pride. His glance was keen and
+intelligent, but his mouth and chin were weak. Gerald had talent, but was
+very like Osborn, since he was sometimes rashly obstinate and sometimes
+vacillating.
+
+"Hallo!" he said. "I expect I ought to have asked your leave before I
+came to fish. I hope you don't mind."
+
+"I don't mind. Nobody asks my leave," Kit replied. "Have you had
+much luck?"
+
+Gerald opened his creel and showed him a number of small, dark-colored
+trout. "Pretty good. They rose well until the light got strong. Then I
+thought I'd take a rest. Will you smoke a cigarette?"
+
+Kit sat down and looked across the shining water at the silver bent-grass
+that gleamed among vivid green moss on the side of the hill.
+
+"You must find this a pleasant change from town. Are you staying long?"
+
+"A fortnight; that's all I get. I wish I could stop for good. It's rot to
+spend one's life working in a bank."
+
+"I suppose one must work at something," Kit remarked.
+
+"I don't see why, unless you're forced. The only object for working is
+when you must work to live, and it isn't mine, because I can't live on my
+pay. In fact, the futility of the thing is plain."
+
+Kit laughed. Gerald's humorous candor was part of his charm, but Kit
+thought it deceptive.
+
+"Why did you go to the bank, then?"
+
+"Because my father thought I ought. I expect you know he believes in the
+firm hand. I wanted to stop at Tarnside, which would have cost him less.
+Besides, I could have looked after the estate. It will be mine sometime;
+that is, as much as is left."
+
+"But Hayes transacts the business."
+
+"Just so," said Gerald, rather dryly. "What do you think about Hayes?"
+
+"He's your father's agent and has nothing to do with me. I imagine he's a
+capable manager."
+
+"I sometimes think he's too capable." Gerald rejoined.
+
+Kit let this go. Before he went away he had suspected that Hayes had
+plans his employer would not approve, and he knew Gerald was shrewd. It
+was, however, not his business and he remarked: "You wanted to go to
+Woolwich, didn't you?"
+
+"I did not," Gerald declared. "As a matter of fact, I said so, but my
+objections didn't count. I might have made a good farmer or
+land-steward, but a number of us had been soldiers and that was enough.
+I don't know if it was a logical argument, but I had to go, and on the
+whole it was a relief when they turned me out. Too many regulations for
+my independent taste! Rules are good, perhaps, so long as they're made
+for somebody else."
+
+He was silent for a few minutes and Kit mused. He thought there was some
+bitterness in Gerald's humor; it looked as if Osborn had not been wise
+when he planned his son's career without consulting him. This, however,
+was typical. Osborn was satisfied to give orders and expected others to
+accept his point of view.
+
+"Well," said Gerald, getting up, "I must be off. Rather a bore to walk to
+Tarnside, and the trout will probably rise again if there's wind enough
+to make a ripple, but I forgot to ask for sandwiches."
+
+"If you lunch with me, you could come back afterwards," Kit suggested,
+and they set off down the hill.
+
+When they reached Ashness, Gerald tried to hide his surprise. Kit had
+made some changes in the old house and so far kept to the Spanish rule of
+meals. Lunch was a late breakfast, well served in china and silver that
+were seldom used in Peter Askew's time. The low room had been cleverly
+painted and a casement commanding a view of the dale replaced the
+original narrow windows. Specimens of ancient Indian pottery stood on the
+sideboard, and there were curtains of embroidered silk, feather-flowers,
+and silverwork that Kit had brought from Spanish America. The things gave
+the lonely farmstead an exotic touch, but they implied the command of
+money and cultivated taste.
+
+"You have a beautiful room," Gerald remarked, when the meal was over.
+"Don't know that I'm much of a connoisseur, but some of the things look
+rather fine."
+
+"I'll show them to you presently," Kit replied and gave Gerald a small,
+dark cigar. "I wonder how you'll like the flavor."
+
+"Our club cigars are dear and good, but the best is nothing like this,"
+Gerald declared after a minute or two. "Where did they come from?"
+
+"They were given me in Cuba; I believe the make is not offered for public
+sale. In a general way, Cuban tobacco is not what it was, but there are
+belts of soil that grow a leaf that can't be equaled anywhere else."
+
+"I suppose they keep the crop for presidents and dictators. The quality
+indicates it," Gerald suggested, and Kit smiled.
+
+Gerald tasted his black coffee. "If it's not bad form, where did you get
+this? There's nothing of the kind in Cumberland, and it's better than the
+Turkish they give you in London."
+
+"It came from a Costa Rican _hacienda,_ and was a gift. I'll get no more
+when the bag is done. If you come back in a month, you'll find me living
+in plain north-country style."
+
+"I imagine you made up for that while you were away," said Gerald, who
+rose and went to the side-board. "A curious little jar and obviously old!
+Is this the kind of thing the Aztecs made?"
+
+"I rather think it is Aztec, though I didn't buy it in Mexico. I gave
+about a pound for the jar and found a gold onza inside."
+
+"An _onza?_ Oh, yes, an ounce! The kind of coin some countries mint but
+very seldom use. Something of a bargain!"
+
+"I suppose it was," Kit replied incautiously. "For all that, the onza
+wasn't mine, and in a sense my efforts to find the owner cost me a very
+large sum."
+
+Gerald gave him a keen glance. Askew was not boasting; he had enjoyed
+the command of money.
+
+"Well," he said, "I think I'd have kept the onza, whether it was mine or
+not." He paused and pulled a knife from its sheath. The handle was
+ornamented and the narrow blade glittered in the light, although its
+point was dull. "But what is this? Has it a story?"
+
+"Take care!" said Kit "It may be poisoned; the _Meztisos_ use a stuff
+that will kill you if a very small quantity gets into your blood. The
+fellow who owned that knife came near burying it in my back."
+
+"It looks as if you had had some adventures," Gerald remarked, and
+leaning against the sideboard he lighted a cigarette.
+
+Kit crossed the floor and stood by the open window. The shadow of a cloud
+rested motionless, a patch of cool neutral color, on the gleaming yellow
+side of the hill. A wild-cherry tree hung over a neighboring wall, and
+bees hummed drowsily among the flowers. He was strangely satisfied to be
+at home, and it was hard to realize that not long since he had been
+engaged in a dangerous trade among the fever-haunted swamps.
+
+"Have you any more curiosities?" Gerald asked.
+
+Kit opened a drawer in his big desk, where he kept specimens of
+featherwork. As he took them out he moved some documents and Gerald
+indicated one.
+
+"_Cristoval Askew_? Your name in Castilian, I suppose. You write a
+curious hand."
+
+"A matter of precaution! Anyhow, I didn't sign this order, and that's why
+I kept it. The thing was rather important and we were lucky to find out
+the cheat in time, particularly as I imagined nobody could imitate my
+hand. You'll see my proper signature on the next document."
+
+"It's not a very good counterfeit," said Gerald, who compared the writing
+with the other, "This is a subject I know something about. Penmanship is
+one of my few talents and I keep the customers' signature book at the
+bank. Yours is an uncommon hand, but it could be forged. Let's see! May I
+use this paper?"
+
+Kit nodded and Gerald, knitting his brows, wrote the name three or four
+times and then looked up.
+
+"I think I've got it. Hard to tell which is genuine, if you put them
+side by side?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I'm not sure I could tell which is mine."
+
+Gerald laughed. "One has to study these things; part of my job, you see,
+and banks are cheated oftener than people think. However, I expect you
+want to get to work and I'll go back to the tarn."
+
+He went out and Kit tore up the paper. He thought a talent like Gerald's
+might be dangerous if it were used by an unscrupulous man.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HORSE SHOW
+
+
+It was a calm evening and Osborn sat on the terrace, studying a printed
+notice. Mrs. Osborn poured out coffee at a small table, and Gerald and
+Grace occupied the top of the broad steps to the lawn. The sun was low,
+the air was cool, and except for the soft splash of a beck, a deep
+quietness brooded over the dale.
+
+"It will be a good show," Osborn remarked, reaching for a cup. "I
+insisted on the rather early date, because if we had waited until the hay
+was in, we might have got wet weather. Two or three objected, but I'm
+satisfied I took the proper line. One must be firm with an argumentative
+committee."
+
+Gerald's eyes twinkled as he looked at Grace. Osborn generally was firm
+with people who gave way, and Gerald had heard some grumbling about his
+changing the date for the horse show.
+
+"It's the last time I'll be president," Osborn resumed. "I had meant to
+resign, but Thorn could not take the post, Sir George is away, and a
+well-known local man is needed to give the thing a proper start."
+
+"Rather an expensive honor!" Gerald observed. "The president's expected
+to make up the shortage if the day is wet."
+
+"That was one reason for my fixing the meeting early, when we often get
+it fine," Osborn replied naïvely. "The expense is a drawback, but the
+committee would not let me drop out."
+
+"Mother and Grace will want new hats and clothes, and I expect the job
+will cost you more than you think. You'll have to give them a lead by
+bidding for the chapel sheep."
+
+"If that meddlesome fellow Drysdale is going to send his sheep to
+the show, the arrangement was made without my knowing," Osborn
+replied angrily.
+
+Mrs. Osborn looked disturbed, but Gerald laughed. He rather enjoyed
+provoking his father when he thought it safe. Drysdale was treasurer for
+a body of Nonconformists, who wanted to build a new chapel and, finding
+the farmers reluctant to give money, had asked for contributions from
+their flocks and herds.
+
+"The idea was that the sale would be an extra attraction," Gerald went
+on. "Still, I admit it's hard for you, because you hate chapels and will
+have to bid. In fact, you'll, no doubt, have to buy the sheep at a
+sentimental price and sell them at their value."
+
+"I believe in liberty of conscience and do not hate chapels," Osborn
+rejoined. "For all that, I own to a natural prejudice against people who
+attend such places, largely because they mix up their religious and
+political creeds. It would be strange if I sympathized with their plans
+for robbing the landlords."
+
+"Anyhow, Drysdale means to bring his flock, and I'm afraid you'll have to
+pay. The situation has some humor."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. Hayes had been talking to him about the estate
+accounts and he had resolved to practise stern economy. Economy was
+needful, unless he gave a fresh mortgage to pay the interest on his other
+debts; and here was an expense he had not bargained for.
+
+"If I'd known about Drysdale, I'd have resigned," he said. "I took the
+post again because there was nobody else."
+
+"They might have tried Askew," Gerald suggested.
+
+"Askew? A fellow of no importance, unknown outside the dale!"
+
+"I imagine he'll be better known soon, and he's rather a good sort. Gave
+me a very good lunch not long since and has obviously spent something on
+the farm. His room is like a museum, and he has a number of valuable
+things. Seems to have had some adventures abroad, and found them
+profitable."
+
+"You mean he tried to impress you by vague boasting?"
+
+"No," said Gerald, "I don't think he did; the fellow's not that kind. In
+fact, he's rather good form, and has somehow got the proper stamp."
+
+Grace looked at her brother, as if she agreed; but Osborn remarked
+ironically, "You imagine yourself a judge?"
+
+"Oh, well," said Gerald, smiling, "I've had the advantage of being
+brought up at Tarnside, and belong to a good London club. Anyhow, Askew's
+much less provincial than some of our exclusive friends."
+
+He strolled off and Osborn went to the library, where he spent some time
+studying his accounts. The calculations he made were disturbing and he
+resented the possibility of his being forced to help Drysdale's fund.
+Nevertheless, the president of the show would be expected to lead the
+bidding and the Osborns did things properly.
+
+A week or two afterwards, Mrs. Osborn opened the show in a field by the
+market-town, which stood in a hollow among the moors. The grass sloped to
+a river that sparkled in the sun and then vanished in the alders' shade.
+Across the stream, old oak and ash trees rolled up the side of the Moot
+Hill, and round the latter gray walls and roofs showed among the leaves.
+A spire and a square, ivy-covered tower rose above the faint blue haze of
+smoke. A few white clouds floated in the sky and their cool shadows
+crept slowly across the field.
+
+The horses were not very numerous, but the show had other attractions
+and was an excuse for a general holiday. The crowd was larger than
+usual, Mrs. Osborn's nervous speech was cheered, and for a time Osborn
+forgot that the office he had taken might cost him something. He was
+carrying out a duty he owed the neighborhood and felt that he could do
+so better than anybody else. He did not admit that he liked to take the
+leading place.
+
+His first annoyance came with the sheep-dog trials. He had not known
+Askew was a competitor and frowned as he saw Grace go up to him when a
+flock of Herdwicks entered the field. The girl ought to have seen that it
+was not the proper thing for his daughter to proclaim her acquaintance
+with the fellow. Then Gerald followed her, and began talking to Askew as
+if he knew him well. Gerald, was of course, irresponsibly eccentric, but
+his folly jarred.
+
+Grace had found it needful to get a new dress and hat, and Kit thrilled
+and tried to hide his delight in her beauty as she advanced. His
+rough-coated dog ran to meet her and she stroked its shaggy head.
+
+"I hope Bob is going to win," she remarked.
+
+"It's doubtful," Kit replied. "He's clever, but they don't give us much
+time and he's getting slow. One or two of his rivals are very good."
+
+"You'll do your best, old Bob," said Grace, and the dog, looking up at
+her with friendly eyes, beat his tail on the ground.
+
+Then Gerald came up, and soon afterwards the judges tied a string to a
+farmer's leg and fastened the other end to a post. This allowed him to
+run a short distance, after which he must direct his dog by voice.
+
+"First trial, Mr. Forsyth's Merry Lad," a steward announced, and the
+crowd gathered round when the judge took out his watch.
+
+Furze bushes had been stuck into the ground to simulate a broken hedge.
+Beyond these was a row of hurdles with an open gate, and then a number
+of obstacles, while a railed pen occupied a corner of the field. Kit
+gave Grace a card showing the way the sheep must be driven round the
+different barriers.
+
+"It's a good test, particularly as we can't follow the dogs and they must
+take each obstacle in its proper turn."
+
+"They are wonderfully clever to understand," said Grace, and stopped when
+the judge shouted, "Time!"
+
+The farmer called his dog, a handsome smooth-haired collie, that set off
+with a bound and drove the sheep at full speed towards the furze. As they
+came up, with fleeces shaking and a patter of little feet, the man ran to
+the length of the string and waved his stick.
+
+"Away back! Gan away back! T'ither slap, ye fule!"
+
+People laughed when the dog in desperate haste stopped the sheep as they
+packed outside a hole, but it drove them to the next gap, through which
+they streamed.
+
+"Forrad! Gan forrad!" cried the farmer. "Head them, Merry Lad!"
+
+The dog turned the sheep and brought them back through another opening,
+after which they raced towards the hurdles, and the collie hesitated as
+if puzzled by its master's shouts. The sheep were near the end of the
+rails, but it was not the end the card indicated. Then the dog seemed to
+understand what was required, and circling round the flock with swift,
+graceful leaps, drove them along the hurdles and round the other end.
+
+There was some applause from the crowd and afterwards good-humored
+banter when the dog ran backwards and forwards at a loss. The animal
+obviously knew the flock must be taken round the remaining obstacles, but
+had only its master's shouts for guide to the order in which they must be
+passed. Sometimes the farmer got angry and sometimes laughed, but except
+for a mistake or two the collie drove the sheep in and out among the
+barriers as the card required and put them in the pen.
+
+Two or three more trials took place, and for the most part, the
+unoccupied dogs strained at their leads and whimpered, but old Bob sat at
+Kit's feet, watching, with his head on one side.
+
+"One can see he's thinking; I believe he wants to remember the right way
+round," Grace remarked, and smiled when a steward beckoned Kit. "It's
+your turn," she said. "I wish you good luck!"
+
+Kit went off with his heart beating and felt half amused by his keenness
+when the steward tied the string to his leg. After his adventures on the
+Caribbean and the stakes he and Adam had played for, it was strange he
+should be eager to win a box of plated forks at a rustic show. Yet, he
+was eager; Grace had wished him luck.
+
+"Number four; Mr. Askew's Old Bob!" the steward announced.
+
+Kit called, and Bob, trotting away deliberately, got the sheep together
+and drove them correctly through the holes. He was doing well, in one
+sense, and Kit knew he would make few mistakes, but time counted and old
+Bob was slow. He had trouble at the hurdles, where the sheep seemed
+resolved to go the wrong way, but he stopped them and took them back to
+the proper end. Kit gave very few orders, although he looked at his watch
+rather anxiously. Bob understood and could be trusted to do his work, the
+trouble was he might not finish it in time. At length, Kit drew a deep
+breath, and put back his watch. The sheep were in the pen and there was a
+minute left.
+
+Kit went back to Grace, and Bob trotted up, panting, with his tongue
+hanging out. He looked at Kit, as if for approval; and then, after
+wagging his tail when his master spoke, held up his paw to Grace.
+
+"Hallo!" said Kit. "I haven't known him to do that before. It's not a
+sheepdog's trick."
+
+"I taught him," Grace replied, with a touch of color. "He has not
+forgotten, and really deserves to be stroked."
+
+She went away, but she gave Kit a smile across the railing, behind which
+she stood with Mrs. Osborn, when the judge called out:
+
+"First prize, Number Four; Mr. Askew's Bob!"
+
+When lunch was served in a big tent Osborn sat at the top of the table,
+but his satisfaction had vanished. For one thing, everybody had applauded
+when Askew won the prize; the fellow was obviously a favorite and this
+annoyed him. Then, Drysdale's sheep were to be sold by auction after
+lunch and the committee had hinted that the president was the proper
+person to buy the flock. Drysdale sat next to Kit at the bottom of the
+table. He was a little, shabbily-dressed man, with a brown face, and a
+twinkling smile.
+
+"Where are the sheep?" Kit asked.
+
+"We'll send t' band for them presently. Are you gan t' bid?"
+
+"I don't know until I've seen them. What about their quality?"
+
+"Weel, it might be better; they're gifts, you ken. There's a young ram
+might suit you; he's true Carlside strain."
+
+"I don't know how you got him then. I can't see Mayson giving away good
+breeding stock."
+
+Drysdale grinned. "Some big stanes fell on t' ram when Mayson was
+Bringing flock doon Barra ghyll. He looks a bit the waur o' it, but you
+can tell the Carlside blood."
+
+"I'll see what I think about the animal," Kit said with a laugh. "Do you
+expect a good sale? The rich people, as a rule, go to church."
+
+"They'll bid aw t' same. When you canna stir their generosity, you can
+try their pride. If you look at it one way, the thing's humorsome. They
+dinna want to help me, but they will."
+
+"It's possible," Kit agreed. "I don't know if the plan's above suspicion,
+but you need the money."
+
+"It will be weel spent. Hooiver, I must be off and see the band dinna get
+ower much to drink."
+
+Drysdale went away and soon afterwards a strange procession headed by the
+band and guarded by children, entered the field. A row of geese, waddling
+solemnly in single file, came first, and then turkeys stalked among their
+broods; a boy led a handsome goat and long-legged calf, and in the rear
+straggled a flock of sheep. When all were driven into pens the sale began
+and the crowd laughed and bantered the men who bid. In the meantime, Kit
+examined the sheep. Some had faults and the ram had obviously suffered
+from its accident. It was clear, though, that it sprang from a famous
+stock, and Kit knew an animal transmits to its offspring inherited
+qualities and not acquired defects. He recognized the stamp of breeding
+and resolved to buy the sheep. The ram was worth much more than he
+imagined the shepherds thought.
+
+He went back to the stand and by and by the auctioneer praised the flock.
+When he stopped, there was silence for a few moments until Osborn nodded.
+
+"A cautious beginning often makes a good ending, but we've a long way to
+go yet," the auctioneer remarked. "Who'll say five pounds more?"
+
+Thorn made a sign, and the auctioneer raised his hammer. "We've got a
+start, but you must keep it up. The opportunity's what folks call
+unique; you'll save money by buying, and help a good cause. Don't
+know which will appeal to you, but you can pay your money, and take
+your choice."
+
+He looked about while the crowd laughed, and after two or three
+flockmasters advanced the price, caught Kit's eye. "Mr. Askew's a judge
+of sheep. We'll call it ten pounds rise!"
+
+Kit nodded, and Osborn glanced at Thorn, who shrugged. The latter had
+helped to start the bidding, which was all he meant to do, and Osborn
+would have tried to draw out after making another offer, had he not seen
+Kit. He did not want the sheep, although he was willing to buy them at
+something above their proper price. Now, however, Askew was his
+antagonist, the fellow must be beaten.
+
+"We must finish the sale before the driving-matches," he said. "Go up
+twenty pounds."
+
+"They'd not sell near it if you sent them to the market," a farmer
+remarked.
+
+"Do you sell pedigree stock to butchers? The ram's worth the money," the
+auctioneer rejoined.
+
+On the whole, Kit agreed, although he saw that others did not. Moreover
+he was willing to run some risk by helping Drysdale, whom he liked, and
+he signed to the auctioneer. The farmers stopped, but Osborn went on. He
+had not liked Peter Askew and liked Kit worse. Father and son had opposed
+him, and now the young upstart was proud of the money he had, no doubt,
+got by doubtful means. He would not let the fellow balk him, and his face
+got red as he answered the auctioneer's inquiring glance. Presently he
+turned with a frown as Hayes touched his arm.
+
+"It's an extravagant price," the agent remarked. "They'll want a check
+and your account is getting very low."
+
+"You'll have to cut down expenses, then," Osborn answered haughtily.
+"This is not a matter about which I need your advice."
+
+Hayes shrugged and Osborn nodded to the auctioneer when Kit made another
+bid. He felt hot and savage and wanted a drink, but could not leave the
+stand. Askew meant to humiliate him and he must hold out. He was the most
+important man in the neighborhood, and must not be beaten by a small
+farmer. For all that, the sum he would have to pay would be a drain.
+
+After the next bid the auctioneer looked at Kit, who smiled and
+shook his head.
+
+"Mr. Osborn takes the lot," the auctioneer remarked. "He has paid a high
+price to help a good object, but I think we all hope the next lambing
+season will give him his money back."
+
+Osborn's savage satisfaction was spoiled by a chilling doubt and he went
+off to look for Hayes.
+
+"Give the fellow a check for the sheep on the estate account," he said.
+
+"How much?" Hayes asked, and looked thoughtful when Osborn told him.
+
+"There are a number of bills to meet and we'll have no money coming in
+until term-day."
+
+"Can't you put off the bills?"
+
+"I think not," Hayes answered, meaningly. "It mightn't be prudent. Our
+credit is not too good."
+
+Osborn was silent for a moment or two. "Very well," he said. "I'll try to
+sell the sheep to somebody who'll give me what they're really worth. Come
+over to-morrow and we'll talk about the new mortgage."
+
+Then he went back, moodily, to join the judges for the driving-match.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE FLOOD
+
+
+On the morning after the show, Osborn walked up and down the terrace,
+waiting moodily for Hayes. It was a rash extravagance to buy the sheep
+and he blamed Kit for this. The fellow had gone on bidding in order to
+force him to pay a high price; besides, the money would help an object
+Osborn did not approve. There were enough chapels in the neighborhood and
+any legislation that interfered with the landlords' privileges got its
+warmest support at such places.
+
+The sum he had spent was not remarkably large and he had cut his loss by
+selling the flock to a farmer at their market price, but this was about
+half what he had given and he had some urgent debts. Although he had
+hoped to hold out until term-day, when the payment of rents would ease
+the strain on his finances, he must have money and did not know where it
+could be got by prudent means.
+
+In the meantime, he looked about gloomily. The weather had changed, a
+moist west wind drove heavy clouds across the sky and the fell-tops
+were hidden by mist. It threatened a wet hay-time and hay was scarce
+in the dale, where they generally cut it late after feeding sheep on
+the meadows. Osborn farmed some of his land and had hoped for a good
+crop, which he needed. The grass in the big meadow by the beck was
+long and getting ripe, but the red sorrel that grew among it had lost
+its bright color. The filling heads rolled in waves before the wind,
+but there was something dull and lifeless in the noise they made, and
+Osborn knew what this meant. Rain was coming and when rain began in the
+dale it did not stop.
+
+His glance rested on the green embankment along the beck. His father had
+made the dyke at a heavy cost but in places the stones and soil had
+gradually washed away. If the dyke broke at one spot, the beck would
+return to its old channel and much damage might be done, particularly if
+the floods rolled across the turnip fields. Osborn had meant to
+strengthen the dyke, but had put it off because of the expense.
+
+A little later Hayes came up the steps. Osborn did not ask him to sit
+down, although there was room on the stone bench, and the agent leaned
+against the terrace wall. His face was inscrutable but he remarked his
+employer's rudeness.
+
+"I have seen Fisher and he is willing to take a mortgage on Ryecote," he
+said. "The interest is higher than I thought, but the money would pay off
+urgent bills and cover the cost of the farmstead repairs."
+
+"How much does Fisher want?" Osborn asked and frowned when he was told.
+"It's unjust; two per cent above the proper interest."
+
+"I can't borrow for less. However, if we use the money judiciously, we
+ought to get something back by higher rents. Lang and Grey, for example,
+would pay a little more for the improvements they require."
+
+Osborn pondered. He was in a suspicious mood and thought Hayes wanted to
+negotiate the mortgage.
+
+"When I have satisfied the other tenants there won't be much left for
+Lang and Grey," he rejoined. "My experience is that the money you sink in
+improvements is gone for good."
+
+"They must be made, for all that; particularly just now when a
+dissatisfied spirit is spreading among the farmers. Askew is showing them
+what can be done by the proper use of capital."
+
+"Askew!" Osborn exclaimed. "Father and son, the Askews have been the
+origin of the worst trouble I've had."
+
+Hayes was willing to indulge Osborn's rancor and derived a rather
+malicious satisfaction from seeing him annoyed. Besides, he did not want
+to dwell upon the mortgage.
+
+"I wonder whether you know Askew has bought Drysdale's sheep?"
+
+"I did not know. I sold the flock to Graham."
+
+"Then Askew must have bought them soon afterwards, unless he sent Graham
+to make the deal with you."
+
+Osborn's face got red. "A shabby trick! Unthinkably shabby, after he
+forced up the price." He paused, and tried to control his anger. "But why
+did he buy that second-class lot?"
+
+"There was a Carlside ram."
+
+"Only fit for mutton; I studied the animal."
+
+"Oh, well! Askew, no doubt, thinks he is a judge. I imagine he bought the
+others in order to get the ram."
+
+"He cheated me," said Osborn, with a savage frown. "The fellow's a
+cunning rogue. I wish he hadn't come back--confound him!" He pulled
+himself up and added: "However, about the mortgage. I suppose I must
+agree to Fisher's terms. See him and arrange the thing as soon as
+possible."
+
+Hayes went away and Osborn lighted a cigar. He had a disturbing feeling
+that he had been rash. The money would not last long and if he had not
+borrowed it, he might have paid the interest on other loans. Buying the
+sheep had really decided him to give the mortgage, since it had made him
+feel keenly the embarrassment of having very little money at command.
+There was another thing; Hayes wanted him to borrow the fresh sum,
+although a prudent agent would try to keep the estate out of debt. He
+could not see Hayes' object and felt suspicious, but while he pondered it
+began to rain and he went into the house.
+
+It rained all day and at dusk the mist had crept down the hills. The long
+grass in the meadow bent before the deluge and slanted from the wind. The
+becks began to roar in the gyhlls, and threads of foam glimmered in the
+mist. A hoarse turmoil rose from the stream that fed the tarn, and an
+angry flood, stained brown by peat, rose steadily up the dyke. There was
+no promise of better weather when Osborn went to bed, and he had known
+rain like that last for a week. In fact, he had known all the hay crop
+and the most part of the young turnips washed down the valley.
+
+The rain was heavier when, early next morning, Kit went out to move some
+sheep from a spot where the rising water might cut them off. He came back
+along the meadow dyke and stopped for a few minutes when he reached its
+weakest place. Reeds and tufts of heather whirled down the brown flood.
+Wide patches of turf and soil had fallen away, uncovering the foundation
+of boulders and gravel, and while Kit looked down a heavy stone rolled
+out of its place and plunged into the stream. Others were ready to go;
+the water was rising ominously fast and would rise for some time after
+the rain stopped. There was, however, nothing to indicate that it would
+stop, and Kit, knowing his native climate, looked about with some
+uneasiness.
+
+A hollow across the meadow to a hedge, behind which were two large turnip
+fields, and he knew this marked a former channel of the beck. It was long
+since the water had flowed that way, but his father had told him that in
+heavy floods it had some times spread across the fields and joined the
+other stream at Allerby. If this happened again, the bottom of the dale
+would be covered and the crops ruined. When he was going away, three or
+four men with picks and spades came up.
+
+"Are you going to mend the dyke?" he asked.
+
+"We're gan to try," said one. "I reckon we'll not can hoad her up if beck
+rises much."
+
+"She'll rise three or four feet," said Kit. "Is nobody else coming?"
+
+"Neabody we ken aboot. Mr. Osborn sent to Allerby first thing, but miller
+wadn't let him have a man."
+
+Kit thought hard. Bell had given up the mill and his successor had a
+dispute with Hayes. To repair the dyke properly would be a long and
+expensive business, since there were a number of weak spots, but a dozen
+men, working hard, might perhaps strengthen the threatened part
+sufficiently to bear the strain. Clearly, if they were to be of use, they
+must be found and set to work at once. In a sense, the risk was Osborn's,
+who would pay for his neglect, but the flood might damage his tenants'
+fields, and even if the damage were confined to Osborn's, Kit hated to
+see crops spoiled.
+
+"You had better begin," he said. "I'll try to get help."
+
+"Mayhappen folks will come for you, though they wadn't for t' maister,"
+one replied. "We'll need aw you can get before lang."
+
+Kit set off as fast as he could walk and, stopping for a minute at
+Ashness, sent his men. Then he went on to Allerby and at first found
+the farmers unwilling to move, but after some argument they went with
+him to the mill.
+
+"We'll hear what miller has to say," one remarked. "He kens maist aboot
+the job, sin' he had t' mend t' lade when Hayes refused. For aw that,
+mending dyke is landlord's business."
+
+"I'll not stir a hand to save Osborn's crops," the miller declared when
+he met them at the door. "His oad rogue o' an agent promised me he'd
+build up brocken lade, but when time came I had to do't mysel'."
+
+Two of the others grumbled about promises Hayes had not kept, and then
+Kit said, "All this is not important. I don't ask you to mend the dyke
+for Osborn's sake but yours. If the beck breaks through and runs down to
+Allerby, it will spoil all the hay and fill the mill-lead with rubbish."
+
+"Then we'll get compensation. Landlord's bound to keep dyke in order."
+
+Kit smiled. "You'll get nothing, unless you go to law and I don't know if
+you'll get much then. Hayes is clever and the dispute would be expensive.
+You'll certainly find it cheaper to mend the dyke."
+
+They pondered this, until the miller made a sign of agreement.
+
+"I'll not can say you're wrang. I'm coming with my two men."
+
+Kit told him to bring a horse and cart and the party set off for the
+threatened bank. The beck had risen while Kit was away and stones and
+soil slipped down into the flood. An angry turmoil indicated that the
+current had rolled the rubbish into a dam.
+
+"We've gotten our job," said the miller as he drove in his spade.
+
+They got to work, but the current that undermined the bank brought down
+the turf and soil with which they tried to fill the holes. It was plain
+that a stronger material was needed and Kit sent some men to a
+roadmaker's quarry at the bottom of the fell while he rearranged some
+harness. When he had finished he fastened an extra horse outside the
+shafts of the carts and two men drove the teams across the field. They
+went off fast, jolting the carts by their clumsy trot, but Kit knew the
+extra horse would be needed when they returned. Soon afterwards, Osborn
+came up the other bank and stopped opposite with the rain running off his
+mackintosh.
+
+"Has anybody given you leave to meddle with the dyke?" he asked.
+
+"No," said Kit. "We'll let it alone, if you like, but there won't be much
+of your hay left when the flood breaks through, and I imagine you could
+be made responsible for other damage."
+
+Osborn hesitated and Kit, seeing his frown, began to wonder whether he
+would send him away. Then he resumed: "Who engaged these men?"
+
+"I don't know that they are engaged. Anyhow, if there's a difficulty
+about their getting paid, I'm accountable."
+
+"Bring them to Tarnside when you have finished," Osborn answered
+and went off.
+
+Kit resumed his work with savage energy. He thought Osborn did not
+deserve to be helped, but this did not matter much. Others would suffer
+unless he finished the job he had undertaken and it almost looked as if
+the flood would beat him. The trench from which they dug the soil they
+needed filled with water, the spades got slippery with rain and mud,
+and the horses sank in the trampled slough. Kit, however, had made his
+plans while he looked for help and had forgotten nothing that he might
+want. Hammers, drills, and a can of powder had been brought, and now
+and then a dull report rolled across the dale and heavy stones crashed
+in the quarry.
+
+When he had stone enough he and one or two others stood on the front of
+the bank with the water washing round their legs while they built up the
+ragged blocks. The pieces were hard to fit and sometimes the rude wall
+broke when the men on top threw down the backing of soil. Kit tore his
+hand on a sharp corner, but persisted while the blood ran down his
+fingers and his wet clothes stuck to his skin. The others supported him
+well and he only stopped for breath and to wipe from his eyes the water
+that trickled off his soaked hat. The loaded cart, ploughing through the
+mire, met the other going back; the men at the quarry kept him supplied,
+and when he had made a foundation the bank began to rise. For all that,
+the beck rose almost as fast, and at noon they had not gained much on the
+flood. Kit was doubtful, but on the whole thought it prudent to let the
+men stop. They had worked hard and could not keep it up without a rest.
+
+When they collected with their dinner cans under a dripping hedge, one
+remarked: "Mayhappen we'd better wait for Osborn to send cold meat and
+ale. I'll mak' a start with bread and cheese."
+
+The others grinned, but Kit got up as he heard a rattle of wheels. "Don't
+begin just yet. Two of you go to the gate."
+
+The men came back with a big jar and a basket, and the others gathered
+round when Kit took off the clean, wet cloth.
+
+"Yon lunch niver came fra Tarnside; it's ower good and liberal," said
+one. "Ashness folk dinna believe in sending a half-empty jar."
+
+When they had eaten and drunk, one or two tried to light their pipes but
+gave it up and they got to work again. Kit's hand hurt; it was long since
+he had undertaken much manual labor, and his muscles felt horribly stiff.
+He knew, however, that the men needed a leader, not a superintendent, and
+he would not urge them to efforts he shirked. And a leader was all they
+needed. They had no liking for Osborn, but they were stubborn and now
+they had begun they meant to finish. Shovels clinked, stones rattled from
+the carts, and the pile of earth and rock rose faster than the flood.
+
+In the meantime the mist got thicker and the rain swept the valley. The
+long grass near the trench was trodden into pulp where the turf was cut,
+the surface of the bank melted, and the men stumbled as they climbed it
+with their loads. The wheelbarrows poured down water as well as sticky
+soil, and Kit's clothes got stiff with mud. Despite this, he held out
+until, in the evening, the strengthened dyke stood high above the stream.
+Then he threw down his spade and stretched his aching arms.
+
+"I think she'll hold the water back and we can do no more," said Kit.
+
+The others gathered up their tools and climbing into the carts drove down
+the dale. When they reached the Tarnside lodge Kit pulled up.
+
+"You have done a good job for Osborn and there's no reason you shouldn't
+get your pay," he said.
+
+Two or three jumped down, without much enthusiasm, and the old gardener
+came out and gave one an envelope.
+
+"For Mr. Askew," he remarked.
+
+"Is that all?" the other asked, and the gardener grinned.
+
+"That's all. What did you expect?"
+
+The man took the envelope to Kit and the rest waited with some curiosity.
+They were very tired and big drops fell on them as the wind shook the
+dripping trees. Kit opened the envelope and his face flushed as he took
+out a note addressed to Hayes.
+
+"Pay C. Askew and the men whose names follow one day's wages, on estate
+account," it ran.
+
+This was all and the sum noted at the bottom represented the lowest
+payment for unskilled labor. Kit handed the note to his companions and
+while some laughed ironically two or three swore.
+
+"Next time beck's in flood Osborn can mend his dyke himsel'," said one.
+"If five minutes' digging wad save Tarnside Hall, I'd sooner lose my hay
+than stir a hand!"
+
+Then they got into the carts, and drove off in the rain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+KIT TELLS A STORY
+
+
+The rain stopped at night, the next day was fine, and in the afternoon
+Kit went up the dale to look at the mended dyke. It had stood better
+than he had thought, the beck was falling, and Osborn's fields were safe
+until another flood came down. Kit did not know if he was pleased or
+not. There was some satisfaction in feeling that he had done a good job,
+but he did not think Osborn deserved the help his neighbors had given.
+Following the dyke until he came to the road, he sat down on the bridge
+and lighted his pipe.
+
+The sun was hot and he was glad of the shade of a big alder whose leaves
+rustled languidly overhead. The bent-grass on the hillside shone a warm
+yellow, wet rocks glittered like silver in the strong light, and the
+higher slopes, where belts of green moss checkered the heather, were
+streaked by lines of snowy foam. All was very quiet, except for the noise
+of running water and the joyous notes of a lark. Kit was not much of a
+philosopher; action was easier to him than abstract thought, but he
+vaguely felt that the serenity of the dale was marred by human passion.
+Man was, no doubt, meant to struggle, but Nature was his proper
+antagonist, and while the fight against floods and snow was bracing, one
+gained nothing by shabby quarrels that sprang from pride and greed.
+
+Kit was human, however, and owned that he had felt savage when he read
+Osborn's note. The fellow had meant to humiliate him, and he got hot
+again as he thought about it. Moreover, Osborn had, so to speak, for his
+sake, insulted the men he had persuaded to help. They had not worked for
+wages, when they fought the swollen beck, and some kindly acknowledgment,
+such as a supper at the hall, would have gone far to gain for Osborn a
+good will that money could not buy. Anyhow, since he offered pay, the sum
+ought to have been a just reward for their toil.
+
+Osborn had been led by personal rancor, and there was no use in Kit's
+pretending he did not resent it. The fellow seemed to think he had a
+right to command, and got savage when people would not obey. Kit felt he
+had done nothing to deserve his hatred, but since Osborn did hate him, he
+must brace himself for a struggle, and he meant to win. Then, as he
+knocked out his pipe, he saw Grace.
+
+For a few moments Kit hesitated. If Grace knew how Osborn had rewarded
+him, the meeting might be awkward, but there was nothing to be gained by
+putting it off. He meant to marry Grace, whether Osborn approved or not,
+and to some extent frankness was needful. He waited until she reached the
+bridge and got up when she stopped. There was some color in her face, but
+she gave him a steady look.
+
+"I have been to see the mended dyke," she said, and he knew that she
+had pluck.
+
+"It's a rough job. There was no time to finish it neatly."
+
+"I'm surprised you were able to finish it at all."
+
+"I mustn't claim all the credit," Kit rejoined, smiling. "There were a
+number of others as well as the Tarnside men."
+
+Grace made an impatient gesture. "Our men could have done nothing useful
+if they had been left alone, and the others wouldn't have helped if you
+had not persuaded them. Why did you?"
+
+"To some extent, my object was selfish. If the flood had broken through,
+it might have done much damage to all the crops, besides your father's."
+
+"It could not have damaged yours."
+
+"Oh, well," said Kit, "I hate to see things spoiled, and am afraid I'm
+meddlesome."
+
+Grace's color rose, but she fixed her eyes on him. "That is not kind; I
+hardly think it's just. I have not accused you of meddling."
+
+"No," said Kit; "I'm sorry! It was a stupid remark. But I expect you know
+what your father thinks."
+
+Grace was silent for a few moments. She did know and would rather not
+have met Kit, but was too proud to turn back. Besides, she felt her
+father was prejudiced, and although it was a family tradition that the
+Osborns stood together, she rebelled and wanted to be just. The situation
+was embarrassing, but there was no use in pretense.
+
+"I think you were generous and imagine my mother agrees," she said. "She
+wanted to send some lunch to the beck, but the rain was very heavy and
+there was nobody to go." Then, remembering something Osborn had said, she
+hesitated. "I understand your helpers were paid."
+
+"Oh, yes," said Kit, not with malice, but because he saw he must be
+frank. "I was not left out."
+
+Grace turned her head. This was worse than she had thought. She was
+angry, and would not let Kit think she approved. Her eyes sparkled as she
+looked up. "Ah," she said, "you deserved something very different! I wish
+you had not told me!"
+
+"I didn't tell you because I was hurt," Kit replied with grave
+quietness. "It looks as if we had got to face things. Your father thinks
+me his enemy. I'm not; I have never tried to injure him, and if the dyke
+was threatened by another flood, I believe I'd mend it. But, whatever
+happens, I mean to do what I think proper, and it's possible we may
+clash again."
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "I am afraid this may happen."
+
+"Well, I value your friendship and don't mean to give it up, but I can't
+pretend, and think you wouldn't be deceived if I tried."
+
+"You mean you would not do what you thought was shabby in order to
+avoid a clash?"
+
+"I mean something like that. Now you know how things are, you must
+choose your line. I can't judge how far your duty to your parents binds
+you; you can."
+
+Grace felt her heart beat and was silent for a moment or two.
+
+"I cannot criticize my father's deeds and agree with people who are
+opposed to him," she said. "All the same, unless he expressly orders it,
+I cannot give up my friends."
+
+Kit tried to hide his satisfaction. "We'll let it go; I understand!"
+
+He expected her to move away, and wondered whether it was tactful for him
+to stop, but to his surprise she smiled and sat down on the bridge.
+
+"Very well. Suppose we talk about something else? The shade is nice, and
+I need not go home yet. You promised to tell me about your adventures and
+your uncle. I think you called him a survival from the old romantic days
+when the pirates haunted the Gulf of Mexico."
+
+Kit pondered as he leaned against the alder trunk. He thought Grace meant
+to banish the strain; anyhow, she was willing to stay and he wanted her
+to do so. It was strangely pleasant to loiter on the bridge with her
+while the shadows trembled on the road and the beck murmured in the
+shade. But if he meant to keep her, he must talk, and although he did
+not want to say much about his adventures he had a story to tell. The
+story was moving, if he could tell it properly.
+
+"I'm not clever at drawing a portrait, but I'd like to try," he said.
+"For one thing, my subject's worth the effort; and then, you see, I was
+fond of Adam. In some ways, he was not romantic; in fact, he was
+remarkably practical. His bold strokes were made deliberately, after
+calculating the cost; but now and then one got a hint of something
+strangely romantic and in a sense extravagant. Yet human nature's
+curious. When he played out a losing game, knowing he would lose, it was
+not from sentimental impulse but a firm persuasion it was worth while."
+He paused, and gave Grace an apologetic glance. "I'm afraid this is
+rather foggy. Perhaps I'd better begin where I met him, at a Florida
+hotel--if I'm not boring you."
+
+Grace said she was not bored and Kit, gaining confidence, narrated how
+they bumped the _Rio Negro_ across the surf-swept shoals, landed the
+guns, and met Alvarez. His own part in their adventures was lightly
+indicated, but the girl's imagination supplied what he left out. She felt
+strangely interested as Kit's portrait of his uncle grew into shape,
+although her thoughts dwelt largely on the artist. Then the
+background--the steamy swamp, old presidio, and dazzling town--had a
+romantic fascination, and when he told her about the journey to the
+mission and the church where the candles that Adam sent burned before the
+Virgin's shrine, her eyes shone.
+
+"Ah," she said, "I am glad you told me! One thinks better of human nature
+after hearing a tale like that. In a way, it's a rebuke. Are such men
+numerous?"
+
+"I have known two. Perhaps it's a coincidence that both were my
+relations. They're commoner than people think."
+
+"You're an optimist, but one likes optimists," Grace remarked with a
+gentle smile. "However, what had the president done to deserve the
+sacrifice your uncle made?"
+
+"I never knew, but suspect it was something against the laws of his
+country. If I told my story properly, you would understand that both were
+buccaneers."
+
+"But they had their code! I like the president and your uncle was very
+fine. One feels moved when one thinks about the shabby little altar and
+the candles love had lighted that never went out--all those years! Adam's
+wife loved him. She went to nurse him, although her friends warned her
+and she knew the risk."
+
+Grace mused for a time and Kit thought her face disturbed. Then she
+looked up quietly.
+
+"One needs courage to know the risk and not to hesitate. But you will
+keep those candles burning?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit, "I promised. Besides, I like to think they're burning.
+It means something."
+
+"It means much," Grace agreed, and after a pause resumed: "You had no
+doubt about taking up your uncle's engagement with the president,
+although you saw what it might cost?"
+
+"Of course not," Kit replied. "There was nothing else to be done."
+
+Grace smiled and got up. "No," she said, "there was nothing else you
+could do. Well, I must go home."
+
+Kit went back with her for some distance. They talked but little on the
+way, but when she left him she gave him her hand and a look that made his
+heart beat.
+
+Soon after Grace reached Tarnside, Osborn crossed the lawn to the
+tea-table where she and Mrs. Osborn sat beneath a spreading copper-beech.
+His face was thoughtful when Mrs. Osborn gave him a cup.
+
+"I met the post as I was driving home," he said. "There's a letter
+from Gerald."
+
+"Has he any news?" Mrs. Osborn asked.
+
+"Nothing important. He's well and says he's kept occupied, which is
+fortunate. In fact, the harder they work him, the better; I'd sooner
+Gerald did not have much time on his hands."
+
+"Then, why did he write?" Grace asked, because Gerald's letters were by
+no means regular.
+
+"I hope he did not want money," Mrs. Osborn remarked.
+
+"No," said Osborn. "That is, he did not want it for himself." He
+hesitated, and then resumed: "He states that if I could raise a moderate
+sum, he knows how we could make a very satisfactory profit in a short
+time. It seems he has got a useful hint."
+
+Grace laughed. "About a racehorse? Gerald is always hopeful, but his
+confidence in his ability to spot the winner is dangerous. It has been so
+often misplaced."
+
+"This has nothing to do with racing," Osborn rejoined angrily. "Gerald
+knows the consequences of indulging his folly again. There's a difference
+between betting and buying shares."
+
+"I don't know if the difference is very marked," said Grace, with a
+curious feeling of annoyance, for there was a note in Osborn's voice that
+jarred. He was, like Gerald, a gambler, greedy for money he had not
+earned, and she thought about the story Kit had told. Its hero had risked
+and lost his life, and Kit had paid in health and fortune, because they
+put honor before gain. For all that, she knew she had said enough when
+she saw Osborn's frown.
+
+"Gerald is young, but he holds a responsible post and has opportunities
+of meeting important stock-brokers and business men," Osborn went on,
+turning to his wife. "He is, of course, optimistic and has been rash, but
+after all he may have found out something useful. He declares the
+venture is absolutely safe."
+
+"But you have no money to invest," Mrs. Osborn insisted anxiously.
+
+"As a matter of fact, I have some. You see, I borrowed a sum not long
+since on Ryecote."
+
+"Oh!" said Mrs. Osborn, with a resigned gesture, and then braced herself.
+"But if you have got the money, it ought not to be used for speculation.
+There is much that needs to be done on the estate."
+
+"That is so; it was my reason for borrowing. All the same, it would be a
+very long time before I got back what I meant to spend on drains and
+steadings. Besides, the repairs and improvements need not be made just
+yet, and I might be able to use the money and earn a good profit first."
+
+"You might lose it all," Mrs. Osborn insisted. "Gerald is rash and
+business men don't tell young bank-clerks important secrets. Then,
+although it was a shock to hear you had mortgaged Ryecote, the money is
+so badly needed that it must not be risked." She paused and resumed with
+some color in her face, "It is hard to own, but perhaps Gerald is not
+altogether to be trusted."
+
+Osborn moved abruptly. His wife had touched the doubt that made him
+hesitate; in fact, this was a matter upon which he wanted her advice. She
+knew her son and had judged right when Osborn had been deceived.
+
+"Well," he said, knitting his brows, "I haven't quite decided. I had
+thought about asking for particulars, but after all Gerald's hint may not
+be worth much and unless one is really well informed speculation is
+dangerous."
+
+He looked round and saw Thorn. The latter had come up without disturbing
+the group and now joined them with a smile.
+
+"I heard your last remark," he said. "My opinion is your views are
+sound. It is very rash to speculate on shares you don't know much about."
+
+Mrs. Osborn felt disturbed, because she wondered how much he had heard,
+but he went on carelessly: "Gerald's too young for one to trust his
+judgment. My advice is, leave the thing alone."
+
+Grace gave him a grateful glance. She did not like Alan Thorn, but he was
+cautious and she saw that Osborn was hesitating. It would not need much
+persuasion to move him one way or the other, and she felt that to let
+Gerald have the money would be a dangerous mistake.
+
+"You really think I had better keep out of it?" Osborn asked.
+
+"Certainly," said Thorn. "Only a few of the big jobbers can form an
+accurate notion how prices ought to go. For people like us speculation is
+a plunge in the dark."
+
+Osborn was silent for a few moments, but Grace saw that he was pulled in
+different ways by caution and greed. Then, to her relief, he made a sign
+of agreement.
+
+"Oh, well! I'll let the thing alone."
+
+Thorn sat down and when Mrs. Osborn had given him some tea they talked
+about other matters. Presently Grace got up and he walked with her
+across the lawn.
+
+"Were you satisfied with the advice I gave your father?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said Grace frankly. "I think he was tempted; I was glad you came."
+
+"After all, a hint that he'd better be prudent did not cost me much. You
+know I'd do more than that to help you."
+
+"You did all that was necessary," Grace replied. "You have my thanks."
+
+Thorn glanced at her keenly, but there was something chilling in her
+calm.
+
+"Well, I'm going to London in a day or two and it might be advisable to
+look Gerald up. I will, if you like."
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "If it doesn't give you much trouble."
+
+She left him and Thorn stood still, frowning. Grace was always like
+that, friendly but elusive. No matter how he tried, he could not break
+down her reserve.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THORN MAKES A PLAN
+
+
+Thorn went up to town and one evening loitered about the hall of his
+club. London rather bored him, but he went there now and then, because he
+felt one ought to keep in touch with things. It was, in a sense, one's
+duty to know what was going on, and the news he picked up helped him to
+look well informed. Thorn had not much imagination, but he was cautious,
+calculating, and generally saw where his advantage lay. His small estate
+was managed well, in general his tenants liked him, and his investments
+were sound. Nevertheless, he was dissatisfied; he had waited long for
+Grace Osborn, and feared that in spite of her father's approval he got no
+nearer her.
+
+Alan Thorn was not romantic but his love for Grace was, to some extent, a
+generous emotion. He knew Osborn's poverty, and it was plain that if he
+married Grace he might have to help him out of his embarrassments. He was
+fond of money and had grounds for imagining that the daughter of a rich
+neighbor would not refuse him; but he wanted Grace and saw he could not
+wait much longer. He was fastidious about his clothes, and their color
+and loose cut prevented people remarking that he was getting fat; his
+dark hair was carefully brushed. He knew, however, that he was getting
+heavier fast and that he would soon be bald.
+
+He had meant to go out, but had no particular object and the streets were
+hot; besides, after the quiet country, he liked the bustle in the hall.
+People were beginning to come in and one could see the crowd stream past
+the glass doors. Sitting down in a corner he began to muse. Although he
+had been in town some time, he had not seen Gerald. He had called at the
+latter's lodgings and found him not at home, while when he went to the
+bank he was told that Gerald had been sent to manage a small branch
+office. Thorn thought it strange that Osborn had said nothing about this
+and wondered whether he knew. Gerald was extravagant and much less frank
+than he looked; he might have had an object for hiding his promotion.
+Thorn understood that Osborn made him some allowance, but it was hard to
+see how the young man was able to belong to his rather expensive club.
+
+After a time, Gerald came in and glanced at two or three men who stood
+about. At first, Thorn imagined he was looking for him, but saw he was
+not. Gerald went into the telephone box close by and shut the door with a
+jerky movement. It jarred and then swung back a few inches as if the
+shock had jolted the spring. Thorn, whose curiosity was excited, listened
+and heard the number Gerald asked for. Then he heard him say:
+
+"Yes--Osborn! Is that Sanderson? Yes--I said _Ermentrudes_. Any chance
+of a recovery? What--none at all? Can't hear--oh, sell at once!
+Margin's gone."
+
+Next moment Gerald obviously saw that the door was open, for he banged it
+noisily and Thorn heard nothing more. He had, however, heard enough to
+give him food for thought and waited until Gerald came out. The young man
+stood still with his mouth firmly set and his eyes fixed on the wall as
+if he saw nobody. His clothes were in the latest fashion, but the look of
+fastidious languidness that generally marked him had gone. Turning
+abruptly, he went up the stairs, and Thorn entered the telephone box and
+opened the directory. When he came out he went up to a man he knew.
+
+"Can you tell me anything about Short and Sanderson, stockbrokers?"
+he asked.
+
+"Not much," said the other. "They're outside brokers. I imagine they're
+trustworthy, but it's better to do business through a member of the
+Exchange. You'll find it a good rule."
+
+"Thank you," said Thorn, who went upstairs to the smoking-room and found
+Gerald sitting in front of a table, with a newspaper that dealt with
+financial matters.
+
+"Hallo!" said Thorn. "I have been expecting you for some days. I suppose
+you got my message?"
+
+Gerald looked up and his smile was strained. "I did, but have been much
+engaged. Sit down and join me in a drink."
+
+"What have you ordered?" Thorn asked, and shrugged when Gerald told him.
+
+"That goes better after dinner. I'd sooner have something cool and
+light."
+
+"Oh, well," said Gerald. "I felt I needed bracing. The fact is, I've had
+a knock--"
+
+He stopped as a waiter came up and said nothing until the man had gone.
+Then he drained his glass and turned to Thorn.
+
+"I'm in a hole. Can you lend me two thousand pounds?"
+
+Thorn hid his surprise. He thought urgent need had forced Gerald to make
+his blunt request; it was not his way to plunge at things like that.
+
+"You asked your father for a smaller sum."
+
+"They told you about my letter? Well, things have changed since; changed
+for the worse."
+
+"They must have changed rather quickly," Thorn remarked, for his
+suspicion was excited and he thought he saw a light. Gerald had been
+embarrassed when he wrote to Osborn, and had not wanted the money to
+invest but to help him to escape the consequences of some extravagance.
+
+"That has nothing to do with it," Gerald rejoined. "Will you let me have
+the money? You can, if you like."
+
+"To begin with, you had better tell me why you want so large a sum."
+
+Gerald hesitated and his eyelids twitched nervously, but he pulled
+himself together and Thorn wondered how far he would stick to the truth.
+He knew Gerald and did not trust him.
+
+"Very well; I bought some shares. There was good ground for expecting
+they'd go up--"
+
+"They went down? When did you buy?"
+
+"Your meaning's plain," said Gerald sullenly. "If you insist, it was
+before I wrote home."
+
+"I suspected something like that. However, you have the shares and they
+may go up again."
+
+"I haven't got the shares. I bought on a margin, and the margin's gone."
+
+"Then, you're rasher than I thought," Thorn rejoined with a searching
+look. "Well, you have lost your money and it's something of a surprise to
+hear you had so much. Anyhow, it was yours, and although the loss is
+serious, I don't understand how you're embarrassed."
+
+"I borrowed," said Gerald, rather hoarsely. "You can wait; the other
+fellow won't. Then, of course, if I renewed the margin, the shares might
+recover and put me straight."
+
+Thorn pondered. Gerald's statement was plausible, but he doubted if he
+had told him all.
+
+"Two thousand pounds is a large sum," he said. "I don't know yet if I can
+lend it you."
+
+Gerald gave him a steady look. His face was haggard and the sweat ran
+down his forehead. It was obvious that he was desperate.
+
+"If you hope to marry my sister, you had better help me out."
+
+"I haven't much ground for thinking your sister will agree," Thorn
+rejoined with some dryness. "Anyhow, it's doubtful if your influence
+would go far with her, if that is what you mean."
+
+"It is not what I mean," Gerald answered in a hoarse voice. "I have given
+you a useful hint. You can spare two thousand pounds, and if you let me
+have the money, you'll be glad you did."
+
+"I must think about it. You can call me up on the telephone at noon
+to-morrow."
+
+Gerald hesitated, and then made an abrupt movement as a man came into the
+room. The latter crossed the floor and Gerald got up.
+
+"Very well," he said, and went off.
+
+Soon after Gerald had gone, the man Thorn had met in the hall came in and
+he asked: "Do you know anything about _Ermentrudes_, Norton? I suppose
+they're mining shares?"
+
+"I wouldn't advise you to invest," the other replied. "The company has
+seldom paid a dividend, but not long since a rumor got about that a new
+shaft had bottomed on rich ore." He paused and shrugged. "Nobody knows
+how such tales are started, but they appeal to optimistic outsiders who
+like to think they've got a secret tip. Anyhow, there was some reckless
+buying by people who expected developments at the shareholders' meeting.
+They were disappointed, and are knocking prices down by their anxiety to
+sell out."
+
+Thorn thanked him and began to think. He wondered where Gerald had
+managed to get two thousand pounds, since he imagined that nobody would
+lend him the sum. He did not know much about banking, but it was possible
+that Gerald had used his employers' money, hoping to replace it before he
+was found out. Then, since two thousand pounds, used for a margin, would
+cover a large number of shares, it looked as if Gerald had lost part of
+the sum by previous speculations. While he pondered, the man whose entry
+had seemed to disturb Gerald came to his table and sat down opposite.
+
+"You obviously know young Osborn," he remarked.
+
+Thorn said nothing for a moment or two. Hallam was not a public
+money-lender, but sometimes negotiated private loans for extravagant
+young men about town. One meets such people now and then at smart London
+clubs, and Thorn imagined the fellow could throw some light on Gerald's
+difficulties.
+
+"We come from the same neighborhood," he replied.
+
+"His father is a large landowner, I believe?"
+
+"He has some land," said Thorn, who began to see his way. He had not yet
+decided to help Gerald, but if he did, his help must be made as valuable
+as possible. "The rents are low and the estate is encumbered," he
+resumed. "On the whole, I don't think you would consider it good
+security."
+
+"Thank you for the hint. Osborn looked as if he had got a jar."
+
+"I think he had. He bought some shares that have gone down sharply, and
+since he's a bank-clerk I expect the loss is a serious thing for him."
+
+Hallam nodded carelessly. "No doubt! Do you know a man called Askew?"
+
+"I know something about him. He owns a farm in the dale and has recently
+spent some money on improvements, although it's doubtful if he'll get
+much return. I can't tell you if he has any more or not, but imagine he's
+not worth your bothering about. Besides, he's not the man I'd expect to
+get into debt."
+
+"Mr. Askew has not been trying to borrow," Hallam answered with a smile.
+"Well, I promised to meet a friend and mustn't stop."
+
+He went away and Thorn sat still, pondering. The other men went out by
+and by and the room was quiet except for the rumble of traffic in the
+street and the rattle of an electric fan. A waiter pulled down a blind
+to shut out a bright sunbeam and Thorn found the shade and softened
+noises from outside helpful to thought.
+
+Gerald had used money belonging to the bank and borrowed from Hallam in
+order to pay it back; although Thorn could not see what had persuaded the
+latter to lend. It was strange, certainly, that Hallam had inquired about
+Askew, but in the meantime he could let this go. Gerald was threatened by
+a danger money could avert, and Thorn could help. If he did help, it
+would give him a claim to Osborn's gratitude, although he could not tell
+how far this would influence Grace. The Osborns cherished the
+old-fashioned traditions of their class, and anything that touched one
+touched all. Grace, however, was modern and rebellious, and Thorn knew
+she did not like him much. He was not afraid to risk his money, but he
+must not waste an opportunity he might not get again, and the opportunity
+could be used in one of two ways.
+
+He could free Gerald from his entanglements and, using no pressure, leave
+her parents' gratitude to work on Grace. This was the proper line and
+would enable him to play a generous part; had he been younger, he would
+not have hesitated, but he saw a risk. He was beginning to look old and
+unless Grace married him soon, must give her up. The other line, although
+not attractive, promised greater security. Before he helped he must state
+his terms and force Osborn to agree. Grace could not struggle, because
+her refusal would involve the family in Gerald's disgrace. Thorn saw the
+plan had drawbacks, but Grace was young and, if he indulged and petted
+her, she would, no doubt, get to like him and forget his hardness. He had
+heard of marriages made like this that turned out happily.
+
+For a time he sat with his brows knitted and his mouth set. He would have
+liked to be generous, but he loved the girl and could not force himself
+to run the risk of losing her. Nevertheless, he honestly tried, and
+afterwards remembered with strange distinctness the soft rattle of the
+electric fan and the dull roll of traffic that throbbed in the quiet room
+while he fought the losing fight. The sunbeam the waiter had shut out
+crept on to another window and shone on the fluted pillars before he got
+up. His face was very hard, for he had chosen his line and knew he must
+take it without doubt or pity.
+
+Going down to the hall, he called up Gerald's branch bank. A clerk who
+was working late replied that Mr. Osborn had gone.
+
+"I know," said Thorn, giving his name. "Make a note to tell him he need
+not call on me to-morrow. I find I am unable to do what he requires."
+
+"Very well," said the clerk. "I'll give him the message in the morning."
+
+Thorn rang the bell and, leaving the box, asked for a railway guide.
+There was nothing to be gained by stopping in London and he looked up the
+best train for the north.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+GERALD'S RETURN
+
+
+Thorn went home and waited, confident that Osborn would presently send
+for him. The estate was heavily mortgaged, Osborn had no rich friends,
+and when the blow fell would look to Thorn for the aid nobody else could
+give. In the meantime, Osborn, enjoying a short relief from financial
+strain, squandered in personal extravagance part of the sum he had
+borrowed, and then set drainers, carpenters, and builders to work. He
+liked spending and now tried to persuade himself that the money he was
+laying out would give him some return. It ought to last until he had
+finished the renovations his tenants demanded, and although difficulties
+might arise afterwards, he would wait until they did. Indeed, his wife
+and daughter found him better humored than he had been for long.
+
+Then, one evening when the hay was harvested and the corn was ripening,
+his satisfaction was rudely banished. Grace had gone to the lodge with a
+message and stopped for a few minutes by the gate. The evening was calm
+and one side of the placid tarn glittered in the light; the other was
+dark, and soft blue shadows covered the fells behind. She heard the
+languid splash of ripples on the stones and the murmur of a beck in a
+distant ghyll. A strange restful tranquillity brooded over the dale.
+
+Grace felt the calm soothing, for her thoughts were not a little
+disturbed. She had met Thorn in the afternoon and noted a puzzling change
+in his manner. So far, she had been able to check his cautious advances,
+but she now remarked a new confidence that seemed to indicate he had some
+power in reserve. She admitted that she might have imagined this, but it
+troubled her.
+
+Afterwards she had met Kit and the comfort the meeting gave her had
+forced her to think. Their friendship had gone far; in fact, it had
+reached a point friendship could not pass. Kit was not yet her lover, but
+she thought he waited for a sign that she would acknowledge him when he
+made his claim. She liked Kit; she had not met a man she liked so much.
+This, however, did not imply that she was willing to marry him. Although
+she now and then rebelled against conventions, she had inherited some of
+Osborn's prejudices, and her mother sprang from old-fashioned land-owning
+stock. Kit belonged to another class; the life he led was different. She
+had been taught to enjoy cultivated idleness, broken by outdoor sports
+and social amusements; but Kit was a worker, farming for money and
+resolved to make his efforts pay. His wife must help and Grace did not
+know if this daunted her or not.
+
+Moreover, if she married Kit, she must quarrel with her parents. She knew
+what Osborn thought about him. Had she been sure she loved Kit, the
+choice would have been easier, but although she blushed as she mused,
+this was too much to own. Yet he loved her, and after all--
+
+She let the matter go and looked up, for there were steps in the shadowy
+road. Then a figure came into the fading light, and she started and ran
+to the gate.
+
+"Gerald!" she exclaimed. "Why have you come home?"
+
+"Somehow you don't feel flattered when people ask you why you came,"
+Gerald rejoined with a forced smile. "It rather indicates surprise than
+satisfaction."
+
+"I am surprised," Grace admitted, trying to hide her vague alarm. "We
+did not expect you. How did you getaway?"
+
+"I took a week's leave. I haven't been very fit."
+
+Grace gave him a sharp glance and thought he looked ill. His face was
+pinched, his eyes were furtive, and his mouth was slack.
+
+"What has been the matter?" she asked.
+
+"Nothing very much," Gerald replied. "Mental strain, I expect. Managing a
+bank is a big job and I'm not used to responsibility."
+
+It looked as if his carelessness cost him an effort and Grace said
+nothing. When they reached the house Gerald resumed: "You'll hear all
+about it later. Is the chief at home?"
+
+Grace nodded. They had seldom called Osborn father, but chief and head of
+the clan, and she thought it significant that Gerald used the name he
+often falteringly employed after boyish escapades. She began to feel that
+there was something wrong.
+
+"He's in the library," she said.
+
+"That's satisfactory, as far as it goes," Gerald remarked, climbing the
+steps. "The sooner I see him, the sooner I'll get through the thing." He
+paused and gave Grace an anxious glance. "You'll stand by me? You
+generally did."
+
+"I suppose so," Grace agreed. "But I don't know your difficulties and
+what you want."
+
+"You will know soon," Gerald rejoined and shrugged his shoulders. "Well,
+it's an awkward business; I've got to brace up."
+
+He left her and went to the library, where Osborn sat at the big oak
+table with some letters and a wine glass in front of him. The spacious
+room was mostly in shadow, but a ray of fading light shone in through the
+tall west window. Gerald avoided the illumination as he advanced, and
+stopped in the gloom opposite Osborn, who straightened his body with a
+jerk and upset the glass.
+
+"Well?" he said harshly. "Why have you left the bank?"
+
+"The wine is running across the table and on to your clothes.
+Shall I ring?"
+
+"No," said Osborn, pushing his chair back noisily. "Let it run! Stand
+still or sit down. Tell me why you came."
+
+"To begin with, I have left the bank for good."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn grimly, "I suspected something like this! You mean they
+turned you out? Well, you are consistent in your habits. You left school
+in similar circumstances, you left Woolwich, and now--"
+
+"I was not turned out, sir. They gave me a week's leave, but I
+can't go back."
+
+Osborn frowned. Things had been going well and he had thought himself
+free from trouble for a time, but it looked as if he would get his worst
+jar. He tried to preserve his calm and said with a touch of weariness:
+
+"Tell me what has happened and keep as near the truth as is
+possible for you."
+
+Gerald told him, standing back in the shadow and not pausing to choose
+his words. It was an ugly story that could not be toned down and he knew
+if he stopped he could not go on again. Although Osborn said nothing, his
+face got red and the veins on his forehead swelled, and Gerald found his
+silence strangely daunting. When the latter stopped, Osborn got up and
+stood, rather shakily, with his hand clenched.
+
+"Get out of my sight, you despicable thief!" he cried. "My control is
+going. If you stand and fidget there, I'll knock you down!"
+
+"There wouldn't be much use in that, although I deserve it," Gerald
+replied. "It's too late for excuses. The situation's dangerous. You have
+got to help me out."
+
+"I can't help," said Osborn in a strained, hoarse voice. "Why didn't you
+leave the country instead of coming home?"
+
+Gerald forced a nervous smile. "The reason ought to be obvious, sir; I
+might be brought back. We must get over the need for me to go. You see,
+the bill must be met. If it's dishonored, everybody who knows us will
+have something to talk about."
+
+"I thought you a fool," said Osborn bitterly. "You are a fool, but you
+have a vein of devilish cunning. You steal and forge; and then expect to
+shuffle off the consequences on to your relatives!"
+
+He pulled himself up, for Gerald's coolness was steadying. "However, I
+must understand. What will happen when the lender finds you cannot pay?"
+
+"The usual course would be for him to go to the endorser," Gerald replied
+and added with some awkwardness: "I mean the man whose name I used. His
+signature's a guarantee and makes him liable. Still, as Hallam's a
+tactful fellow, it's possible he'll first come to you."
+
+"Do you mean he's suspicious?"
+
+"I don't know. He took off an extortionate discount for a very
+short loan."
+
+"How much did he lend you?"
+
+"The bill was for two thousand pounds."
+
+Osborn made a helpless gesture. "I can't pay. The money I borrowed is
+partly spent and the rest must go for wages and material. You can't put
+wages off--"
+
+He stopped and sat down limply. The shock was beginning to tell. He felt
+dull and had no reserve of moral strength to sustain him now his fury had
+gone. Gerald saw this and knew that guidance must come from him. He
+waited, however, and Osborn went on:
+
+"It's ridiculous that we should be ruined for two thousand pounds; but
+there it is! If I try to borrow from my friends, I must tell why I need
+the money. And I don't know who would lend."
+
+"Thorn might," Gerald suggested meaningly. "I asked him and he wouldn't,
+but I don't think his refusal was final."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn, with a start. "Why do you think it was not?"
+
+"I imagine he has another plan; he means to wait until it's obvious we
+must have his help. Then he can ask what he likes."
+
+For a moment, Osborn's anger blazed up again. "I see where you are
+leading, you contemptible cur! You expect your sister to pay for you!"
+
+"It would be a good marriage," said Gerald, awkwardly. "I thought you
+wanted it."
+
+"Stop!" exclaimed Osborn, and rested his elbows on the table, with his
+shoulders bent.
+
+He had wanted Grace to marry Thorn, but his domineering temper did not
+carry him as far as Gerald thought. He had hoped that by and by Grace
+would consent; it was ridiculous to imagine she would long refuse to see
+the advantages that were plain to him, but to force her to pay for her
+brother's fault was another thing. Although Grace was rebellious, he had
+some love for her. In fact, he revolted from the plan and felt he hated
+Thorn for the pressure he could use. He was nearly resigned to letting
+things go and facing the threatened disaster.
+
+For a minute or two, he did not move and Gerald got horribly cramped as
+he stood opposite. The room was getting dark and Osborn's figure was
+indistinct, but his quietness hinted at a struggle, Gerald began to feel
+anxious, because he had not expected his father to hesitate. At length
+Osborn looked up.
+
+"You haven't told me whose name you used."
+
+"Askew's," said Gerald, with a tremor. He knew he could use no stronger
+argument, but felt afraid.
+
+"Askew's!" shouted Osborn, straightening his bent shoulders with a savage
+jerk. "This is more than I can bear. Was there nobody you could rob but
+the man who has plotted against me since he came home from school?" He
+stopped and gasped as if his rage were choking him and it was some
+moments before he went on: "You have given the fellow power to humble us
+and drag our name in the mud. Can't you imagine how he'll exult? Our
+honor in Askew's hands! It's unthinkable!"
+
+"If the bill isn't met, the holder will apply to Askew," Gerald said as
+coolly as he could.
+
+Osborn's muscles relaxed and he sank back into his limp pose. His hand
+shook as he wiped his wet forehead.
+
+"You have said enough. Leave me alone. I must try to think."
+
+Gerald went out and drew a deep breath when he reached the landing. He
+felt shaky and ashamed, but knew he had won. The shutting of the door
+gave Osborn some relief. The anger and disgust Gerald excited had
+confused his brain, but now the lad had gone he saw no light. There was
+but one way of escape, and this a way it was almost unthinkable that he
+should take. The strange thing was he should hate it so much, for he had
+never indulged his children or thought about their happiness. Yet he
+shrank from forcing his daughter to marry Thorn, whom he approved while
+she did not.
+
+He might, perhaps, for the girl's sake, have sacrificed his pride; but
+there was an obstacle before which his courage melted. If Thorn did not
+help, Askew would know his disgrace and Osborn did not expect him to be
+merciful. His rancor against Askew had by degrees become a blind,
+illogical hate that made it impossible for him to see anything Kit did in
+its proper light. Feeling as he did, he imagined Kit would rejoice in the
+opportunity for humbling him.
+
+All the same, knowing the fight was hopeless, he struggled against the
+conviction that he must beg help from Thorn. In many ways, he liked Alan,
+but he was hard and Osborn dreaded his firmness now. Yet he could help
+and there was nobody else. It got dark, but Osborn did not move. A faint
+breeze came up and moaned about the house, and presently a moonbeam stole
+into the room. Osborn sat still, with his head bent and his arms spread
+out across the table. Sometimes he burned with anger against Gerald and
+sometimes he scarcely felt anything at all.
+
+At length, he got up, and with an effort went upstairs. Half an hour
+later, a heavy sleep that came as a reaction after the shock closed his
+eyes and banished his troubles for a time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
+
+
+On the day after Gerald's return Osborn shut himself up in his library.
+If he could raise two thousand pounds, it would save him from agreeing to
+the demand Thorn would, no doubt, make, and although he really knew the
+thing was impossible, he sought desperately for a way of escape. He was
+careless about money, and, for the most part, left his business to his
+agent, but he wanted to find out how he stood before he went to Hayes.
+There was no obvious reason for his doing so, but he had begun to suspect
+that Hayes was not as devoted to his interests as he had thought. His
+wife and Grace distrusted the fellow, and although they knew nothing
+about business, Osborn admitted that the advice they had sometimes given
+him had been sound.
+
+The involved calculations he made gave him fresh ground for disturbance.
+It was plain that he could borrow no more money and the sum he had
+received for the last mortgage had nearly gone. He might perhaps get
+together three or four hundred pounds, at the risk of letting builders
+and drainers go unpaid, but this was not enough. After a time, he put
+away his books in a fit of hopeless anger and drove across to see Hayes
+at the market town.
+
+The interview was short and disappointing. Osborn could not tell Hayes
+why he needed money and found him unusually firm. He proved that the
+estate was heavily overburdened, fresh loans were impossible, and stern
+economy must be used if it was to be saved from bankruptcy. To some
+extent, Osborn had expected this, but had cherished a faint hope that
+Hayes might lend him enough to satisfy Gerald's creditor. He could not
+force himself to ask for a loan outright, and Hayes had been strangely
+dull about his cautious hints. Osborn believed the fellow could have
+helped him, but as he had shown no wish to do so there was nothing to be
+said. He drove home in a downcast mood and sent for Gerald.
+
+"I can't get the money," he said. "You know the man you dealt with. Is
+there any hope of his renewing the bill?"
+
+"I'm afraid there is none, sir," Gerald replied.
+
+"When he made the loan he knew you were a bank-clerk and had no money."
+
+"I expect he did know, but thought you had some."
+
+Osborn sighed. His anger had gone and a dull, hopeless dejection had
+taken its place. He felt as if he and Gerald were accomplices in a
+plot against Grace, and did not resent the lad's insinuation that they
+stood together. The Osborns did stand together, and he hoped Grace
+would see her duty.
+
+"Well," he said, "the payment is not due just yet. I'll wait a little
+and then write to the fellow."
+
+It was a relief to put the thing off, but he found no comfort as the days
+went by, and although he shrank from taking Mrs. Osborn into his
+confidence, his moody humor gave her a hint. Besides, he was not clever
+at keeping a secret and now and then made illuminating remarks. Mrs.
+Osborn, although reserved, was shrewd and she and Grace, without
+consulting each other, speculated about the trouble that obviously
+threatened the house. By degrees, their conjectures got near the truth
+and at length Mrs. Osborn nerved herself to ask her husband a few blunt
+questions. He had not meant to tell her all until he was forced, but was
+taken off his guard and told her much. Afterwards she sent for Grace.
+
+When Grace heard the story her face got very white and she looked at her
+mother with fear in her eyes.
+
+"I suspected something, but this is worse than I thought," she said in a
+low strained voice. "But Alan is an old friend; it is not very much for
+him to do and perhaps he will be generous."
+
+Mrs. Osborn was sitting rather limply on the stone bench on the terrace,
+but she roused herself.
+
+"He is hard and I think will understand what his help is worth. He
+knows there is nobody else. Besides, if we accept this favor, we
+cannot refuse--"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "it's unbearable! I never liked Alan; I feel I hate him
+now." She paused and gave Mrs. Osborn an appealing glance. "But you
+cannot think I ought to agree, mother? There must be another way!"
+
+Mrs. Osborn shook her head. "I cannot see another way, and many girls in
+our class have married men they did not like, though I had hoped for a
+better lot for you. With us, women do not count; the interests of the
+family come first."
+
+"That means the men's interests," Grace broke out. "Father has been
+reckless all his life and now Gerald has dragged our name in the mud. He
+is to be saved from the consequences and I must pay!"
+
+"It is unjust," Mrs. Osborn agreed. "So far as that goes, there is no
+more to be said. But when one thinks of the disgrace--Gerald hiding in
+America, or perhaps in prison!"
+
+Her voice broke. She was silent for a few moments and then resumed: "Your
+father's is the conventional point of view that I was taught to accept
+but which I begin to doubt. I must choose between my daughter and my son;
+the son who carries on the house. If Gerald escapes, his punishment falls
+on you. The choice is almost too hard for flesh and blood."
+
+"I know," said Grace, with quick sympathy. "It is horrible!"
+
+"Well," said Mrs. Osborn, "the line I ought to take is plain--Tarnside
+will be Gerald's; our honor must be saved. But I do not know. If you
+shrink from Alan--"
+
+"If he insists, I shall hate him always. Yet, it looks as if there
+was no use in rebelling. I feel as if I had been caught in a snare
+that tightens when I try to break loose. I understand why a rabbit
+screams and struggles until it chokes when it feels the wire. It's
+like that with me."
+
+Mrs. Osborn bent her head. "My dear! My dear!" Then she looked up
+irresolutely with tears in her eyes. "I cannot see my duty as I thought.
+The convention is that my son should come first, but you are nearer to me
+than Gerald has been for long. I feel numb and dull; I cannot think.
+Perhaps to-morrow I may see--"
+
+Grace got up and kissed her. "Then, we will wait. If no help comes, I
+suppose I must submit."
+
+She went away with a languid step and Mrs. Osborn, sinking back in a
+corner of the bench, looked across the lawn with vacant eyes. In a sense,
+she had shirked her duty and failed her husband, but she had long given
+way to him and was now beginning to rebel.
+
+Grace afterwards looked back with horror on the disturbed evening and
+sleepless night, and the morning brought her no relief. She could not
+resign herself to the sacrifice she thought she would be forced to make,
+and her mother told her that Osborn had sent a note to Thorn and a man
+from London would arrive in the evening. It was plain that Alan must be
+persuaded to help Gerald before the other came.
+
+In the afternoon she walked up the dale, without an object, because it
+was impossible to stop in the house. After a time she heard a dog bark
+and, stopping by an open gate, saw Kit swinging a scythe where an old
+thorn hedge threw its shadow on a field of corn. He was cutting a path
+for the binder and for a minute or two she stood and watched.
+
+Kit had taken off his jacket and his thin blue shirt harmonized with the
+warm yellow of the corn and the color of his sunburnt skin. The thin
+material showed the fine modeling of his figure as his body followed the
+sweep of the gleaming scythe. The forward stoop and recovery were marked
+by a rhythmic grace, and the crackle of the oat-stalks hinted at his
+strength. His face was calm and Grace saw his mind dwelt upon his work.
+He looked honest, clean, and virile, but she turned her head and
+struggled with a poignant sense of loss. She knew now what it would cost
+her to let him go.
+
+Then his dog ran up and Kit, putting down his scythe, came to the gate.
+He gave her a searching glance, but she was calm again and began to talk
+about the harvest. He did not seem to listen, and when she stopped said
+abruptly: "You are standing in the sun. Come into the shade; I'll make
+you a seat."
+
+She went with him, knowing this was imprudent but unable to resist, and
+he threw an oat-stook against the bank and covered it with his coat.
+Grace sat down and he studied her thoughtfully.
+
+"I want you to tell me what's the matter," he said.
+
+"How do you know I have anything to tell?"
+
+"Perhaps it's sympathy, instinct, or something like that. Anyhow, I do
+know, and you may feel better when you have told me. It's now and then a
+relief to talk about one's troubles."
+
+Grace was silent. Her heart beat fast and she longed for his sympathy,
+and his nearness gave her a feeling of support; but she could not tell
+him all her trouble. He waited with a patience that somehow indicated
+understanding, and she looked about. The tall oats rippled before the
+wind and soft shadows trailed across the hillside. When the white clouds
+passed, the dale was filled with light that jarred her hopelessness.
+
+"As you haven't begun yet, I'll make a guess," said Kit. "Things have
+been going wrong at Tarnside since Gerald came home? Well, if you can
+give me a few particulars, it's possible I can help."
+
+His steady glance was comforting and Grace's reserve gave way. It was
+humiliating, and in a sense disloyal, to talk about Gerald, but her pride
+had gone and she was suddenly inspired by a strange confidence. Perhaps
+Kit could help; one could trust him and he was not the man to be daunted
+by obstacles.
+
+"Yes," she said vaguely; "it's Gerald--"
+
+"So I thought," Kit remarked. "Very well. You had better tell me all you
+know, or, anyhow, all you can."
+
+She gave him a quick glance to see what he meant, but his brown face was
+inscrutable, and with an effort, talking fast in order to finish before
+her courage failed, she narrated what she had heard. She could not, of
+course, tell him all, and, indeed, Mrs. Osborn's story left much to be
+explained.
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I begin to see a light, although the thing's not quite
+plain yet. Anyhow, your father needs money and must ask his friends."
+He paused and resumed in a voice he tried to make careless: "Has he
+asked Thorn?"
+
+Grace hesitated and turned her head as she felt the blood creep into her
+face. "Yes; you see, there is nobody else."
+
+"I'm not sure about that. However, it looks as if Thorn had not sent his
+answer yet and there's not much time to lose. You expect the man from
+London to-night?"
+
+Grace said they did and studied Kit while he pondered. His preoccupied
+look indicated that he was working out some plan and did not understand
+how bold she had been. He did not seem at all surprised that she had come
+to him. She had broken the family traditions by giving him her
+confidence, but she felt happier.
+
+"I'd like to see Gerald," he said. "It's important, and I'll be at
+Ashness at four o'clock. If he will not come, you must let me know."
+
+"I'll send him if I can," said Grace, who got up. Then she hesitated and
+looked away across the field. "Perhaps I ought not to have told you, but
+I felt I must, and I'm glad I did."
+
+Kit smiled and after walking to the gate with her went on with his
+mowing. Her story left out much he wanted to know, but he thought he saw
+where it led and would get the rest from Gerald. This might be difficult,
+but he meant to insist.
+
+When Grace reached Tarnside she met Gerald on the lawn and took him to
+the bench under the copper-beech.
+
+"Mr. Askew wants you to go to Ashness at four o'clock," she said.
+
+"Askew wants me!" Gerald exclaimed, with a start, and Grace thought he
+looked afraid. "Why?"
+
+"I don't know. He said it was important."
+
+Gerald looked hard at her. "Well, I suppose it is important. But how does
+he know about the thing?"
+
+"I told him," Grace answered with forced quietness.
+
+"You told him?" Gerald gasped, and then laughed harshly. "I knew you had
+pluck, but didn't expect this! You don't seem to realize what an
+extravagant thing you've done."
+
+"I don't; it doesn't matter. Will you go?"
+
+Gerald pondered for a few moments and then looked up. "You owe me
+nothing, Grace. In fact, you and mother have often had to pay for my
+folly; but I want you to be honest now. I imagine you understand what
+Alan expects if he helps me out?"
+
+"Yes," said Grace in a strange hard voice.
+
+"It would be a good marriage; the kind of marriage you ought to make.
+Alan's rich and can give you the things you like and ought to have. But
+with all that, I imagine you'd sooner let it go?"
+
+"I hate it," Grace said quietly. "I don't like Alan; I never shall
+like him."
+
+"He has some drawbacks," Gerald remarked, and was silent. He had not
+often a generous impulse, but he was moved by his sister's distress and
+thought he saw a plan. The plan was extravagant, and risky for him.
+
+"I wonder whether you'd sooner marry Askew?" he resumed.
+
+Grace moved abruptly and her face got red. She had not expected the
+question and was highly strung. Gerald saw her embarrassment and went on:
+
+"Of course, he's an outsider, from our point of view, but he's a good
+sort. In fact, he's much better than Alan. Besides, there's some ground
+for believing you are pretty good friends."
+
+"Stop!" Grace exclaimed. "This has nothing to do with you. It's
+unthinkable that you should meddle!"
+
+Gerald smiled. "I'm not going to give Askew a hint, if that is what you
+mean. I wanted to find out if you'd shrink from him as you shrink from
+Alan, and I think I know."
+
+"You don't know," Grace declared, and then stopped and blushed as she met
+his steady look. After all, there was no use in pretending; Gerald would
+not be deceived. Still, when he quietly got up she asked with alarm:
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"I'm going to Ashness," Gerald replied. "I've made things hard for you
+and mother, but I won't bring you fresh embarrassment now. In fact, I
+think you can trust me, and, indeed, it's obvious that you must." He
+turned and looked back with a smile. "If Askew's the man I think, the
+chief will shortly get a jar."
+
+Grace wanted to call him back, but somehow could not, and sat still while
+he crossed the lawn. So long as she could see him, he moved carelessly,
+but when he went down the drive behind a clipped hedge his step got slow
+and his face was hard. The thing he meant to do would need some pluck,
+and might be dangerous if he had not judged Askew right.
+
+In the meantime, Kit went back to Ashness and smoked a cigarette while he
+pondered what Grace had told him. He had seen that she did not altogether
+know her brother's offense, but since money was needed, Kit could guess;
+Gerald had been betting or speculating and had used money that was not
+his. Undoubtedly, Kit did not think he had robbed his employers, because,
+if he had done so, he would not have stayed at Tarnside. He had, however,
+robbed somebody, and as Kit remembered his skill with the pen he saw a
+light. Gerald had used somebody else's name, on the back of a bill or
+promissory note, and now the bill must be met.
+
+Presently he heard steps in the passage and looking up as Gerald came in
+indicated a chair. Gerald sat down and for a few moments Kit studied him
+quietly. It was obvious that he felt some strain, but his look was
+resolute and Kit owned that he had more pluck than he had thought. The
+room was very quiet and the shadow of a big ash tree fell across the open
+window. The musical tinkle of a binder working among the corn came
+faintly down the dale.
+
+"Well?" said Gerald, conscious of a sense of relief in Askew's presence.
+"You sent for me."
+
+"I did. Your sister told me something; all she knew, perhaps, but not
+enough. Anyhow, you are in trouble about money and I promised to help."
+
+"For my sake?" Gerald asked.
+
+Kit frowned. "Not altogether, but we'll let that go. If I am to be
+of use, you had better state the trouble plainly. I must know how
+things are."
+
+"I suppose if you find the money I need, it will give you a claim on us,"
+Gerald remarked meaningly.
+
+"Yes," said Kit, with a steady look. "But that won't make any difference.
+I don't mean to urge my claim. I expect this clears the ground?"
+
+"It does; it's some relief. As a matter of fact, nobody can help quite as
+much as you."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I think I see! You used _my_ name. What was the sum for
+which you made me responsible?"
+
+Gerald told him and waited anxiously when Kit knitted his brows. The sum
+was not so large as the latter had thought and Osborn's inability to
+raise it indicated that he was seriously embarrassed.
+
+"I understand your father applied to Thorn," said Kit. "Does he know you
+have come to me?"
+
+"He does not; nobody knows but Grace. I'd better state that I did
+come because I thought you'd take a generous line, and I'm doubtful
+about Thorn."
+
+Kit made a sign of understanding. "Thorn hasn't arrived yet?" he said.
+
+"He sent a note he'd come across, but when I left he hadn't arrived. My
+notion is he's waiting until the last moment, with the object of making
+us realize we must have his help."
+
+"It's possible," said Kit, who approved Gerald's handling of the matter.
+The lad was a wastrel, but he had run some risk in order to save his
+sister from being forced to pay for his fault. "We won't bother about
+Thorn's object," he resumed. "Tell me about your difficulties. I don't
+want a half confidence."
+
+Gerald hesitated and then began his tale. He had used the bank's money
+to speculate with and had lost. Plunging again, in the hope of getting
+straight, he had got alarmed when the margin shrank, and had gone to
+Hallam, the money-lender. The latter had insisted on a guarantee for the
+bill and Gerald had used Kit's name. He replaced the bank's money and had
+hoped the shares would go up before the bill fell due, but they had not.
+
+"Well," said Kit quietly, "I expected something like this, and when the
+fellow brings the bill to your father it must be met." He stopped and
+picking up a newspaper studied the steamship advertisements. Then he
+turned to Gerald.
+
+"There's another thing. You can't get a post in England, and for your
+mother's and sister's sakes, had better leave the country. A fast New
+York boat sails from Liverpool to-morrow. You must get off by
+to-night's train."
+
+Gerald looked at him with surprise. "But I'm not going to New York. I've
+no money and don't know what to do when I get there."
+
+"I'll fix that," Kit said dryly. "You are going, anyhow. If you deliver
+the letter I'll give you to some people in Mobile, they'll find you a
+job. The rest will depend upon yourself."
+
+For a few moments Gerald hesitated, and then got up. "Very well!
+Perhaps it's the best chance I'll get, and I'll take it. But I must go
+back and pack."
+
+"I think not," said Kit. "There's not much time. I must see the bank
+manager at his house first of all, and start soon. You'll come with me to
+the town. Sit down and write to your mother; I'll see she gets the note."
+
+Gerald did as he was told and not long afterwards Kit and he drove out of
+the Ashness lonning and took the road to the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+As the sun got lower an apathetic gloom began to replace the anxiety that
+had kept the Osborns highly strung. Mrs. Osborn went dejectedly about the
+house, sometimes moving an ornament and putting away a book, for her
+brain was dull and she felt incapable of the effort to rouse herself for
+her daughter's sake. Thorn had not arrived and if he did not come soon he
+would be too late. On the whole, this was some relief, although it meant
+that there was no escape from the disaster that threatened her home.
+
+Torn by conflicting emotions, she had since morning struggled against
+the binding force of her traditions. In a sense, it was Grace's duty to
+save the family honor, but the duty would cost the girl too much. Yet,
+if Grace failed them, Gerald must suffer, and she doubted if her
+husband could bear the shame that must fall on all. Now, however, she
+was conscious of a numbing resignation that blunted feeling and dulled
+her brain.
+
+In the meantime, Grace stood at the lodge gate, watching the road to
+Ashness while the shadows crept across the dale. Gerald had not come
+back and she had not told her mother where he had gone. The delay was
+worrying, particularly since Kit had sent no message. He had said he
+could help and one could trust him, but he did not come and the
+confidence she had felt was vanishing. If it was not well placed,
+there was no escape for her, and she shrank with horror from meeting
+Thorn's demand.
+
+The shadows got longer, but nothing moved on the road that ran like a
+white riband across the fields until it vanished among the trees at
+Ashness. Presently, however, she heard the throb of a car coming up the
+valley and a cloud of dust rolled up behind a hedge. It was Thorn's car;
+she knew its hum and as she watched the dust get nearer her face went
+white. Then, as the hum became loud and menacing, she clenched her hand
+and ran in nervous panic up the drive. She was breathless when she
+reached the house, but pulled herself together and went to a quiet room
+where she would be alone.
+
+Osborn, sitting in the library, heard the car, and got up with a sense of
+relief and shrinking. He had been afraid that Thorn would fail him, and
+now he almost wished that the fellow had not come. He was not in the mood
+to be logical, and although it was obvious that Thorn alone could save
+him from disaster, knowing what Grace must pay hurt him more than he had
+thought. Yet she must pay; he could find no other plan. Now he was
+acquiescent but not resigned, and his hopelessness gave him calm.
+
+Thorn's face was hot when he came in, and he glanced at Osborn with an
+effort for carelessness when the latter indicated a chair. Osborn looked
+old and broken, but he had a touch of dignity that was new.
+
+"I'm sorry if I'm late," Thorn remarked. "I had to go to Swinset and had
+trouble with the car."
+
+Osborn wondered dully whether this was the real ground for his delay, but
+he said, "Oh, well, it does not matter now you have arrived. I gave you a
+hint about my object in sending for you, but you don't know all yet."
+
+"I imagine I know enough. Gerald's in trouble; he or you must meet the
+bill Hallam will bring. You see, the fellow belongs to my club and I had
+a talk with him when I was in town."
+
+"So you knew what threatened us?" Osborn remarked, rather sharply. "If
+so, it's curious you waited until I sent for you."
+
+Thorn hesitated. He had meant to be tactful, but it looked as if he had
+been rash. Osborn's suspicions were obviously excited.
+
+"The matter is delicate, and I knew you would send for me if you thought
+I could be of use."
+
+"You can be of use. Unless I take up the fellow's bill, Gerald will
+go to jail."
+
+Thorn made a sign of sympathy. He was surprised by Osborn's bluntness,
+which implied that the latter was desperate. "That must be prevented.
+I'll give you a cheque."
+
+He took out his cheque book, and then stopped, and Osborn asked: "Is this
+a free loan, Alan? I mean, is it made without conditions?"
+
+"A gift, if you like. Anyhow, I won't bother you about repayment. We
+can't talk about _conditions_; but I have something to ask."
+
+"Grace?" said Osborn, rather hoarsely.
+
+"Yes," said Thorn, with a hint of embarrassment. "I want Grace. It's an
+awkward situation. I don't want to urge that I deserve my reward, but
+I've waited a long time and thought you approved."
+
+"I did approve. I hoped she'd marry you, but I imagined she could be
+persuaded and would do so willingly. However, it looks as if I was
+mistaken."
+
+Thorn leaned forward, fixing his eyes on Osborn.
+
+"Grace is young, and perhaps I don't make a strong appeal to her
+romantic feelings, but I belong to her rank and her views and tastes
+are mine. That is much. Also, I can indulge and give her all she likes;
+the refinements and comforts to which she is, in a sense, entitled.
+After all, they count for something. I'm trying to be practical, but I
+love her."
+
+"If you really love her, I think you would do well not to urge her just
+now," Osborn remarked quietly.
+
+"Ah," said Thorn, "I can't wait. Waiting has gained me nothing and there
+is a risk. If I were young, I'd use all the patience I could control, but
+I'm getting old and farther away from Grace. In another year or two I
+shall be bald and fat. Perhaps the argument's humorous, but it has a
+cruel force for me."
+
+"There are other girls, brought up as we have brought up Grace. They
+might be flattered--"
+
+Thorn spread out his hands. "You don't understand. I'm not looking for a
+wife! I love her, and if she cannot be persuaded, will never marry
+anybody else." He paused and resumed with some emotion: "I know the
+shabbiness of using this opportunity; but it's the last I'll get. I don't
+want to work on her gratitude, but I see no other plan. I would like to
+be generous--but I can't let her go."
+
+"Yet you seem to realize that she does not like you."
+
+"She will get over that. Her likes and dislikes haven't yet hardened into
+their final mold. She's impulsive and generous; I can win her by patience
+and kindness."
+
+"It is a rash experiment. If you are disappointed, Grace would
+have to pay."
+
+Thorn was silent for a few moments. He had talked with sincere passion,
+but now began to think. Osborn's firmness was something of a surprise;
+Thorn had not expected he would weigh his daughter's feelings against the
+danger that threatened his house. His opposition must be broken down.
+
+"I had hoped for your consent," he said and his face got hard. "To some
+extent, I took it for granted."
+
+Osborn's head sunk forward. He had struggled, but saw that he was beaten.
+To beg would be useless and he could not fight. Pulling himself together
+with an effort, he looked up.
+
+"You mean you knew I could not refuse?"
+
+"Yes," said Thorn, awkwardly, "I suppose I do mean something like that."
+
+Osborn gave him a long, steady look. Thorn's face was set and his mouth
+was firm. There was no hint of yielding and Osborn got up. "Very well; I
+must tell my wife."
+
+He rang a bell and a minute or two afterwards Mrs. Osborn came in. She
+sat down and Osborn stood opposite.
+
+"Alan has done us the honor of asking my consent to his marrying Grace,"
+he said, with ironical formality. "If we approve, he is willing to help
+Gerald." He turned to Thorn. "I think I have stated your terms?"
+
+Thorn colored as he saw that Mrs. Osborn's eyes were fixed on him. "You
+exaggerate. I am willing to do you a service that nobody else can render
+and think I'm justified in counting on your gratitude."
+
+"Very well," said Osborn. "I don't see much difference, except that you
+want to save our pride." He paused and looked at his wife. "You know
+Grace best. Will she consent?"
+
+Something in his manner moved Mrs. Osborn. It was long since he had asked
+what she thought, and she felt encouraged. Besides, now the crisis had
+come, her irresolution had vanished. She had thrown off her reserve and
+meant to defend her daughter.
+
+"No," she said, with a determined note in her quiet voice. "Even if
+she were willing, I should protest. The fault is Gerald's and he
+must suffer."
+
+Osborn felt some surprise, but his humiliation had made him gentle.
+"Gerald cannot suffer alone. His disgrace will reflect upon us all and if
+he has a son it will follow him. We have been reckless and extravagant,
+but we have kept our good name and now, when it is all that is left us,
+it must be protected."
+
+"That was Gerald's duty," Mrs. Osborn rejoined and was silent for a few
+moments. To some extent, her husband's point of view was hers and she
+knew his finest quality was his exaggerated family pride. But she would
+not force her daughter to marry Thorn.
+
+"I will not consent," she resumed. "Grace has long suffered for her
+brother's extravagance, but she shall not pay for his folly now. It is
+unjust; the price is too high!" Then she gave Thorn an appealing glance.
+"Alan, can you not be generous?"
+
+"I'm not brave enough; it might cost me too much," Thorn answered in a
+strained voice. "I cannot let Grace go. She would be happy with me
+after a time."
+
+Mrs. Osborn made a scornful gesture and there was silence. Osborn moved
+irresolutely and it looked as if he were hesitating; then steps echoed
+along the landing and he started as Kit came in. Thorn's face got very
+dark, but Mrs. Osborn looked up with a strange sense of relief.
+
+"I didn't stop to ask if you were at home," Kit remarked. "As you know,
+time is getting short. I understand a man from London will bring you a
+document about a loan."
+
+"That is so," said Osborn, hoarsely. "What are you going to do about the
+document?"
+
+"Take it up," Kit answered, with a look of surprise. "My name's on the
+back." He paused and glanced at Thorn. "Still, this is a matter I'd
+sooner talk about with you alone."
+
+Thorn got up, making an effort for self-control. "Since Mr. Askew has
+arrived I needn't stay." He bowed to Mrs. Osborn. "It looks as if I had
+not understood things. You won't need my help."
+
+He went out with a curious heavy step, and when the door shut, Osborn sat
+down and looked at Kit as if he had got a shock.
+
+"Then, you haven't come to humble me?"
+
+"Certainly not," said Kit. "I should have come before, but had to find my
+bank manager, who had left his office."
+
+"Where is Gerald? What have you done with him?" Mrs. Osborn asked, for
+she began to see a light.
+
+"Gerald's at the station hotel, waiting for the train to Liverpool. He
+sails for New York to-morrow and takes a letter to some friends of mine
+who will give him a good start. He sent a note."
+
+Mrs. Osborn read the note and her eyes shone as she turned them on Kit.
+"It is perhaps the best plan. I would have liked to see him; but I
+thank you."
+
+"What I have done cost me nothing, and I imagine Gerald will have as good
+as chance of making progress as he had at the bank, while the excitement
+he'll probably get will suit him better. But Hallam will be here soon if
+the train is punctual, and before he comes I want to know--"
+
+At this moment they heard a car come up the drive, a servant knocked at
+the door, and Hallam was shown in. He sat down in front of the table
+where Osborn told him, and glanced at Kit.
+
+"This is Mr. Askew," Osborn said. "Mrs. Osborn will stay; she knows your
+business."
+
+Hallam bowed and tried not to look surprised. "Very well. I have brought
+the document about which you wrote. I am sorry I find it impossible to
+renew the loan."
+
+"Let me see the bill," said Kit, who took it from him and afterwards
+nodded. "Yes; that's all right! Cancel the thing and I'll give you a
+cheque."
+
+"You admit your liability, then?" Hallam asked.
+
+"Of course! What did you expect? My name's here. It's not my habit to
+disown my debts."
+
+Hallam did not state what he had expected. He was tactful and was
+satisfied to get his money. Pulling out a fountain pen, he cancelled the
+bill and put Kit's cheque in his pocket.
+
+"That is all, I think, and I can get a train if I start at once," he
+said. "If you should require help to extend your farm or improve your
+stock, I should be glad if you would apply to me."
+
+"I'm afraid your interest is too high," Kit rejoined with a smile, and
+Hallam bowed to the others and went out.
+
+When he had gone, Osborn turned to Kit, who gave Mrs. Osborn the
+cancelled bill.
+
+"I don't understand," he said dully. "Why have you come to my rescue?"
+
+"To some extent, it was for Miss Osborn's sake."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn. "I suppose you have a demand to make now I am in
+your power?"
+
+"You are not in my power. Mrs. Osborn has the bill, and if you cannot
+repay me, I won't urge the debt. But there is, so to speak, a
+stipulation. You must use no pressure to persuade Miss Osborn to marry
+Mr. Thorn."
+
+"I am not likely to do so," Osborn remarked, dryly. He paused and his
+face got red as he struggled with his deep-rooted dislike for Kit.
+
+"You have taken a very generous line, Mr. Askew," he resumed. "We have
+not been friends, but I must confess it looks as if I had been unjust."
+
+Kit smiled. "Luck made us antagonists. However, I hope the antagonism has
+gone for good, because after all I have something to ask. I must go to
+London on some business to-morrow, but with your leave I will again call
+in a week."
+
+"You will find us at home when you do come," Osborn answered with grave
+politeness, and when Kit got up Mrs. Osborn gave him her hand.
+
+He went out and Osborn, who felt limp now the strain had slackened,
+leaned back heavily in his chair and looked at his wife.
+
+"The fellow is a working farmer, but he struck just the right note. Well,
+he has beaten me, and it's easier to be beaten by him than I thought. But
+he states he's coming back--"
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Osborn. "I think he means to ask for Grace."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. "I imagined that was done with. It is one thing
+to take his help and another to give him Grace. After all, there is not
+much difference between his plan and Thorn's."
+
+"I expect you will find the difference important," Mrs. Osborn replied
+with a smile. "He has broken down your unjustified prejudice, and if he
+is the man I think, he will leave Grace free to refuse--if she likes."
+
+Then she went out, for the strain had been hard to bear, and Osborn sat
+at the table with his hand tightly closed. He admitted that he had from
+the beginning been wrong about Kit, but his prejudices were not
+altogether banished yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+GRACE'S CHOICE
+
+
+A week after Hallam's visit, Kit, one afternoon, started for Tarnside. He
+had been forced to go to London about some American business, but this
+was a relief, since it gave him an excuse for delay. At his interview
+with Osborn he had left the most important thing unsaid, because it might
+have jarred Mrs. Osborn, whom he thought his friend, had he asked for
+Grace at the moment he had put her father in his debt. In fact, he saw it
+would be tactful if he waited for some time, but he did not mean to do
+so. To some extent, he distrusted Osborn and resolved to make his request
+before the latter's gratitude began to cool. Grace must have full liberty
+to refuse, but he did not owe her father much.
+
+He wondered how she would choose and his step got slower until he stopped
+and, sitting on a broken wall, looked up the valley. The day was calm and
+the sun shone on smooth pasture and yellow corn. The becks had shrunk in
+the shady ghylls and a thin white line was all that marked the fall where
+the main stream leaped down the Force Crag. On the steep slopes the
+heather made purple patches among the bent-grass and Malton moor shone
+red. Kit loved the quiet hills; he had known intrigue and adventure and
+now saw his work waiting in his native dale. The soil called him; his job
+was to extend the plow-land and improve his flocks.
+
+This was important, because he could not tell how far Grace would
+sympathize. Her father liked the leading place; an effort for display
+and such luxury as could be cheaply got were the rule at Tarnside. It was
+possible that Grace had unconsciously accepted a false standard of
+values. Kit might, for her sake, have changed his mode of life, had he
+thought it good for her, but he did not. She must have inherited
+something of Osborn's tastes and to copy the Tarnside customs might
+encourage their development. It was better to remove her from insidious
+influences to fresh surroundings where she would, so to speak, breath a
+bracing air. But this could not be done unless she were willing to go.
+
+Kit knitted his brows as he mused, because there was not much to indicate
+whether he would find Grace willing or not. She liked him well enough,
+but he had not ventured to pose as her lover. He was too proud and
+jealous for her; knowing what Osborn thought, he would not involve her in
+a secret intrigue. Yet she had been kind and he had now and then got a
+hint of an elusive tenderness. Moreover, in her distress, she had come to
+him. She was proud and he thought would not have asked his help unless
+she was willing to give something in return.
+
+After a time he got up with a quick, resolute movement. He would soon
+know if he had set his hopes too high, and would gain nothing by
+indulging his doubts. Crossing a field where the binders were at work, he
+went up the Tarnside drive with a firm step and saw Osborn and Mrs.
+Osborn sitting under the copper-beech. It looked as if they were waiting
+for him, and he braced himself as he advanced. Mrs. Osborn smiled as she
+gave him her hand and Osborn indicated a box of cigarettes.
+
+"Sit down. Mrs. Osborn will give you some tea presently," he said, with
+an effort for hospitable politeness, because he could not yet resign
+himself to the demand his wife expected Kit would make. "You have been
+to town on business," he resumed, feeling that silence would be awkward.
+"I hope you found things satisfactory."
+
+"I did," said Kit, who was glad that Osborn had, no doubt unconsciously,
+given him a lead. He had gone to visit the agents of his American
+bankers, and had learned that Adam's estate had turned out to be worth
+more than he had thought. "It was a relief, because it helps me to get
+over some of the hesitation I felt," he resumed. "I want your permission
+to ask Miss Osborn if she will marry me."
+
+Osborn tried to hide his disturbed feelings and answered with forced
+quietness: "My wife warned me that I might expect something like this,
+but I must own that I find agreement hard. However, after the help you
+have given us, it is plain that I must try to overcome my reluctance."
+
+"That is all I ask in the meantime," said Kit. "I don't expect you to
+influence Miss Osborn. In fact, she must understand that I have no claim
+and feel herself free to refuse."
+
+"You are generous," Mrs. Osborn remarked. "Of course, it is obvious that
+her gratitude must count for much."
+
+"I don't want her gratitude to count," Kit declared, and Osborn gave him
+a puzzled glance.
+
+"There is something else that must be said. Grace has been indulged and
+knows nothing of self-denial. Frugality that you think proper and usual
+would be hardship to her. Can you give your wife the comforts and
+refinements she has had at home?"
+
+Kit noted Mrs. Osborn's faint smile and wondered whether it hinted at
+ironical amusement, but he put a document on the table.
+
+"You are entitled to ask and I have brought a short draught of the
+arrangements I am ready to make if I am fortunate enough to win your
+daughter."
+
+Osborn picked up the paper and gave it to his wife. Then he looked at
+Kit with surprise.
+
+"This alters things; you are almost a rich man! If you wanted, you could
+buy a house like Tarnside."
+
+"No," said Kit firmly; "it alters nothing and leaves me where I was. I'm
+satisfied with Ashness."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn. "You mean you would sooner be a working farmer than a
+country gentleman? The preference is somewhat remarkable!"
+
+"I know where I belong. The important thing is that if Miss Osborn
+marries me, she will be a farmer's wife."
+
+"Exactly," said Osborn. "From my point of view, it's an awkward drawback.
+I doubt if my daughter is suited for the part." He looked at Mrs. Osborn
+and resumed: "But this is a matter Grace must decide about and you
+insisted that no pressure should be used. I imagine you were afraid of my
+influence and do not know if I am afraid of yours or not. If you agree, I
+will send for her."
+
+Kit said he was willing and was silent when Osborn went away. Although he
+imagined Mrs. Osborn was sympathetic, he could not force himself to talk.
+Since he had insisted that persuasion must not be used, he could not
+demand to meet Grace alone and she might find it hard to accept his plans
+without some explanation, which would be awkward to give when her parents
+were there. He could, if he wanted, change his mode of life, but if they
+were to be happy, she must be removed from influences he thought
+dangerous and he must use his energy in useful work. He saw this very
+clearly; but whether Grace would see it was another thing.
+
+He felt some strain while he waited and watched the trembling
+shadows move upon the grass. The rays of light that pierced the dark
+foliage flickered about Mrs. Osborn's dress and when he glanced at
+her he thought her look encouraging, but she did not speak. By and
+by Osborn returned and said Grace was coming, and Kit found the
+suspense hard to bear.
+
+At length she came and his heart beat as he watched her cross the lawn.
+She wore a plain white dress and when she stopped in front of the others
+her face was pale but calm.
+
+"Mr. Askew has asked my permission to marry you and I cannot refuse if
+you agree," Osborn said in a formal tone. "He stipulates that I must not
+persuade you one way or the other, and declares that he does not want to
+work upon your gratitude."
+
+Some color came into Grace's face as she looked at Kit. "Then, you don't
+value my gratitude?"
+
+"I value it very much," Kit replied with forced quietness. "But I feel it
+ought not to count."
+
+He stopped awkwardly, for he noted a sparkle in Grace's eyes and felt
+that he was badly handicapped. She was proud and probably did not
+understand his disinterested attitude. It was a relief when Mrs. Osborn
+interposed:
+
+"Mr. Askew is trying to be just. We have agreed that you are not to be
+influenced."
+
+"Ah," said Grace, "I think I see--"
+
+She waited and Osborn went on: "Since you are to make a free choice, I
+must state things as plainly as I can. Mr. Askew is not poor; he is able
+to give you all we think you ought to have. In fact, there is no very
+obvious reason he should not leave Ashness, but he does not mean to do
+so, and although I cannot follow his argument, imagines that it would be
+better for you both if he carries on his farming. It looks as if he did
+not approve our rule."
+
+Kit frowned, and colored when Grace turned to him. On the whole,
+Osborn had not stated things incorrectly, but the situation was
+embarrassing; Grace would, no doubt, resent the stipulation he felt
+forced to make and expect a more lover-like attitude from the man who
+asked her to be his wife.
+
+"Grace," he said appealingly, "I'm afraid you don't understand. But when
+you must give up so much I durst not hide the drawbacks. Besides, it's
+agreed that I must not urge you."
+
+She studied him for a moment. "I do understand," she said, and then
+turned to Osborn. "I suppose you are trying to guard me, but I am not
+afraid. One gets tired of pretense and secret economy, and forced
+idleness has not much charm. Well, if Mr. Askew, knowing what he knows
+about us, is willing to run the risk--"
+
+"Grace!" said Kit, moving forward, but she stopped him with a
+proud gesture.
+
+"There is a risk. I think we shall both need courage, but if you are
+willing I need not hesitate. I will try to make a good farmer's wife."
+
+She turned and went away, and the blood came into Kit's face as he looked
+at Osborn.
+
+"I have played fair, but it was hard. Now you have heard her answer, I'm
+at liberty to plead my cause."
+
+Osborn said nothing, but his wife gave Kit a friendly smile and he
+went off with a resolute step in pursuit of Grace. He came up with
+her in a shrubbery, but it looked as if she did not hear him, for her
+head was bent.
+
+"Grace," he said, putting his hand on her arm. "I'm embarrassed and, in a
+way, ashamed."
+
+She turned and confronted him with her wonted calm. "I don't see why you
+are ashamed. You were just--I think I mean quite impartial. You wanted me
+to weigh things and would have been resigned if I had found the drawbacks
+too much."
+
+"It wasn't as easy as you think," said Kit grimly. "In fact, I was
+burning with anger and suspense. But, you see, I had promised your
+father--"
+
+"Yes," said Grace; "that was plain. You were firm when you thought I
+might be forced to marry Thorn, and when father agreed not to use his
+influence, I suppose you could not use yours. Well, I'm glad you were
+angry; it was human, and your scrupulous fairness was not flattering."
+She paused and, to Kit's relief, gave him a smile. "After all, it would
+not have hurt to be urged to marry the man I did like."
+
+"You mean me?" said Kit and boldly took her in his arms.
+
+She drew back from him, blushing, after a few moments, but Kit was
+content. There was something fascinatingly elusive about Grace and he
+could wait. They went on quietly down the path until they came to a bench
+in a shady nook. Kit leaned against a tree and Grace sat down.
+
+"Kit," she said, "I didn't know you were rich. It really doesn't matter,
+but I'm glad I fell in love with you when I didn't know."
+
+"Then, you were in love with me?"
+
+She smiled. "Of course! I must have been, when I came to you because I
+was afraid of Thorn. Love gave me confidence; I knew you would help. In
+a way, I did an extravagant thing, because you were not really like a
+lover at all."
+
+"The control I used often hurt," said Kit. "I was afraid I might alarm
+and lose you; it was much to see you now and then." He paused, feeling
+there was something to be said that must be said now. "However, about
+Ashness--"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "I suppose it cost you an effort to be firm and I
+hope it did. You needn't be afraid, though. When my father told me,
+I understood, and it won't hurt to leave Tarnside; I'm anxious to
+get away."
+
+"My dear!" said Kit. "Ashness has some charm and we will try to make it a
+proper home for you."
+
+"It is a home; I sometimes went to see your father--I liked him so much,
+Kit. One feels the old house has sheltered sincere men and women who
+loved each other and something they left haunts the quiet spot. I don't
+want you to alter it much."
+
+"You shall alter it as you like. The only rule at Ashness will be what
+pleases you."
+
+"Now you're very nice! I'm going to be happy because I can be myself. So
+far, I've been forced to be reserved. You don't really know me, Kit."
+
+"Perhaps that's true," Kit remarked. "You're wonderful, because there's
+always some fresh charm to learn. I thought I knew you before I went
+away, but when I came back I saw how foolish I was. I wonder whether you
+knew I loved you then?"
+
+Grace blushed. "I think I knew, and felt cheated."
+
+"Why did you feel cheated?"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "I liked you! I was young and felt I was entitled to
+love a man who loved me, if I wanted, but couldn't use my right. Then,
+not long since, when you were so grave and just, I felt I had been
+cheated worse."
+
+"I see," said Kit and came nearer the bench. "I was cheated, too. But
+look at me, dear, and I'll try to tell you all I think."
+
+He told her with fire and passion and when he stopped, bending down to
+her, she put her arm round his neck.
+
+"Now you're ridiculously romantic, but you're very charming, Kit," she
+said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OSBORN'S SURRENDER
+
+
+By degrees Osborn accepted his daughter's choice philosophically. Kit was
+not the son-in-law he had wanted, but he was forced to admit that the
+fellow jarred less than he had thought. For one thing, he never reminded
+Osborn of the benefit he had conferred, and the latter noted that his
+country-house neighbors opened their doors to him. They could not, of
+course, altogether ignore the man Grace had promised to marry, but Osborn
+soon had grounds for imagining that they liked Kit for himself. The
+wedding had been fixed and Osborn, although not satisfied, was resigned.
+
+In the meantime, it began to look as if the gloom that had long ruled at
+Tarnside was banished. Mrs. Osborn's reserve was less marked, she smiled,
+and her step was lighter. Grace, too, had changed, and developed. She had
+often been impatient but now was marked by a happy calm. Osborn found her
+gentler and sometimes strangely compliant, although he felt he must make
+no rash demands. The girl indulged him, but she could be firm. Her new
+serenity had a charm. Moreover, Gerald wrote cheerful letters and
+declared that he was making better progress than would have been possible
+for him at home.
+
+Osborn had seldom thought much about the happiness of his family, but he
+felt a dull satisfaction because things were going well with the others.
+It was a set-off against his troubles, which were getting worse. The
+improvements his tenants and Hayes had forced him to make cost more than
+he calculated and he met stubborn resistance when he talked about putting
+up the rents. The money he had got by the last mortgage had gone; he
+could not borrow more, and his creditors demanded payment of his debts.
+He put off the reckoning, however, until, one day when he drove to the
+market town to consult his agent, he got a rude jar.
+
+In the first place, Hayes kept him waiting in a cold room, and he stood
+for a time by the window, looking out drearily at the old-fashioned
+square. The day was bleak and wet, and the high moors that shut in the
+little town loomed, blurred and forbidding, through drifting mist. The
+square was empty, the fronts of the tall old houses were dark with rain,
+and the drops from a clump of bare trees fell in a steady shower on the
+grass behind the iron rails. The gloom reacted upon Osborn's disturbed
+mood, and he frowned when Hayes came in.
+
+"I sent you word that I would call," he said.
+
+"You did," Hayes agreed. "I was occupied when my clerk told me you
+were here."
+
+Osborn looked at him with some surprise. Hayes was very cool and not
+apologetic. "Well," he said, "you know what I want to talk about. I
+suppose you have seen Forsyth and Langdon about the renewal of their
+leases?"
+
+"Yes. Both state they'll go sooner than pay you extra rent."
+
+"Then they must go," Osborn rejoined, trying to hide his disappointment,
+since he had spent some money on the steadings in the hope of raising the
+rent. Now he came to think of it, Hayes had held this out as an
+inducement when he urged the expenditure. "It looks as if your judgment
+wasn't very good, but by comparison with other things the matter's not
+important," he resumed. "You know the sum I'll need between now and the
+end of the term?"
+
+"I do know. In fact, I imagine you will need more than you suspect,"
+Hayes rejoined. "You'll find it impossible to borrow the money on
+satisfactory terms."
+
+Osborn looked hard at him. The fellow's manner was rather abrupt than
+sympathetic; but Hayes went on: "Before we advertise for new tenants,
+there is something I want to suggest. Although the farms are mortgaged, I
+might be able to find a buyer--at a price."
+
+"No," said Osborn firmly. "The buyer would have to undertake the debt and
+the sum he would be willing to pay would not last me long. When it was
+spent I'd have practically nothing left."
+
+"The situation's awkward; but there it is! Of course, if you were able to
+carry on until your rents come in--"
+
+"You know I can't carry on. I came to you, hoping you might suggest a
+workable plan. Who is the buyer?"
+
+"I am," said Hayes.
+
+Osborn's face got red and he struggled for self-control. The fellow
+was his servant, but it looked as if he had cunningly involved him in
+entanglements an honest agent would have avoided. Osborn remembered
+that he had sometimes vaguely suspected Hayes. Now he knew him, it
+was too late.
+
+"I may be forced to sell, but not to you," he said haughtily.
+
+Hayes shrugged. "That must be as you like, but I'm able to give you a
+better price than anybody else. I have an object for buying the farms
+and, if necessary, would pay something near their proper value, without
+taking off much for the debt. Anyhow, you had better look at this
+statement of your liabilities."
+
+Osborn studied the document with a hopeless feeling. Things were worse
+than he had feared and it cost him an effort to pull himself together
+when he looked up.
+
+"Why do you want to buy?" he asked.
+
+"Well, you see, the land between Forsyth's and the dale-head is heavily
+mortgaged, and, taking the two farms with the others, would make a
+compact block that could be economically worked. The new estate would run
+down to Tarnside, and since you may find it needful to sell the house, I
+might make you an offer."
+
+"But the consolidation wouldn't help _you_," Osborn remarked with
+a puzzled look. "It would, perhaps, be an advantage for the mortgage
+holders."
+
+"I hold the mortgages," Hayes said quietly.
+
+Osborn started. "But," he stammered, "I got the money from somebody
+else."
+
+"That is so. I bought the other debts, and supplied the funds when you
+raised new loans."
+
+"You bought the debts with my money!" Osborn exclaimed. "You used your
+post to rob me of my estate!"
+
+"I suppose one must make allowances, but you are unjust. You got the
+proper value for the land you pawned, and squandered the money. The
+consequence was inevitable and it's futile to complain. For that
+matter, it is not altogether unusual for a landlord and his steward to
+change places."
+
+"I trusted you and you cheated me," Osborn resumed with poignant
+bitterness.
+
+"You lived in false security and refused to think. You knew the reckoning
+must come, but were satisfied if you could put it off. Now you must bear
+the consequences, it is not my fault. However, this is not important.
+Will you sell?"
+
+"No," said Osborn hoarsely. "I will not sell to _you_."
+
+Hayes smiled. "You must sell to somebody and will not get as good a
+price."
+
+Osborn got up and went out with a dragging step. The blow had left him
+numb, but as he drove home in the rain he had a hazy notion that Hayes'
+statements were to some extent justified. He had lived in false security;
+seeing how things were going and yet refusing to believe. Somehow, it had
+looked impossible for him to lose Tarnside. The estate was his by the
+sacred right of inheritance; for a hundred years there had been an Osborn
+at the Hall. Yet the estate had gone, and he was to blame. It had, so to
+speak, melted in his careless hands. He felt old and broken when he told
+his wife and daughter about the interview.
+
+Mrs. Osborn did not look as much surprised as he had thought and Grace,
+although sympathetic, was calm. They had known the blow was coming and
+were ready for the shock. After a time, Osborn left them and Grace looked
+at her mother.
+
+"I must tell Kit."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Osborn. "I think he ought to know, though this is not a
+matter in which he can help."
+
+"It looks like that," Grace agreed and then paused with a confident
+smile. "But Kit's rather wonderful; you don't really know him yet. He
+always finds a way when there is something hard to be done."
+
+"Ah," said Mrs. Osborn, "there is comfort in our troubles since they have
+given you a man you can trust."
+
+Grace went to Ashness and found Kit studying some accounts in the room
+she called his museum.
+
+"Put the books away, come to the fire and talk to me," said Grace, and
+stopped him when he moved a chair. "I think I'll take the low stool. It's
+wretchedly cold and I really came to be comforted."
+
+She sat down, leaning against his chair with her head turned so that she
+could look up, and held her hands to the fire. Kit's heart beat, for
+Grace had developed recently; her reserve had gone and a curious, frank
+tenderness had come instead.
+
+"This is very nice," she resumed. "There's something very homelike about
+Ashness. Perhaps I'm romantic, but I sometimes feel as if your father was
+still at the old house. It's kind and quiet--like him. Don't you think
+people can leave an influence, Kit?"
+
+"Yours will last. So far, I haven't had much quietness."
+
+"I'm afraid I've come to bother you again. I hate to bother you, but
+somehow trouble seems to follow me."
+
+"Your troubles are mine," Kit said and stroked her head. "Tell me
+about it."
+
+Grace told him, and although he said nothing, waited calmly. His face was
+thoughtful but the silence was not awkward; she felt that it was marked
+by an intimate confidence.
+
+"Kit," she resumed at length, "I don't know if you can help, or if you
+ought. You must decide, dear. I just wanted to tell you, and I'm
+comforted."
+
+"I can help," Kit answered quietly. "People abroad have paid some debts I
+didn't expect to get and I'm richer than I thought." He paused and mused
+for a moment or two. "It's strange the thing should happen now. When I
+came home I imagined Ashness would occupy all my time, but I soon began
+to feel I hadn't scope enough. You see, I'd been with Adam and he was a
+hustler. Well, it looks as if I had found a new field."
+
+"You mean you might buy Tarnside?"
+
+"Yes. I think the estate might be made to pay. High farming's a risky
+business in our climate and we have been satisfied to spend little and
+get a small return. I think there's a better plan than that; if one uses
+modern methods and can invest the capital. However, I see an obstacle to
+my buying Tarnside."
+
+"Father?" Grace suggested. "Well, I'm afraid he would never be economical
+and he likes to rule. But I didn't mean, Kit, that you should give him
+money to squander."
+
+"I know," said Kit gently, although his face was rather stern. "Adam's
+legacy must not be wasted in extravagance. Then, you see, Tarnside ought
+to have been Gerald's; but he's ruled out--"
+
+Grace looked up. "Yes, Kit. Now you have given him a fresh start, he may
+make a useful man, but Tarnside is not for him." She paused and blushed,
+but her glance was steady as she went on: "It must be ours, if you buy
+it, for us to hold in trust--"
+
+She turned her head and Kit quietly touched her hair. They were silent
+for a few moments and then he said, "If the estate is to be properly
+managed, my part will need much tact and I'm impatient now and then. But,
+we would live at Ashness and your mother would understand my
+difficulties."
+
+"She would help. Father's old, Kit, and might be indulged. You would try
+not to hurt him, and could consult him about things that didn't matter. I
+think he'd be satisfied if you let him imagine he had some control."
+
+Kit smiled. "Very well; we will make the plunge. Tell your father to do
+nothing until Hayes moves. The fellow's cunning and it might be better if
+he didn't know what we mean to do."
+
+He bent down and kissed her and she pressed her face against his hand.
+"Kit, you're wonderful. Things get done when you come on the scene, but
+perhaps you're nicest when they're done for me. After all, I am an Osborn
+and would have hated to let Tarnside go; let's plan what we can do when
+it belongs to us."
+
+For a time they engaged in happy talk, but Kit reopened his account books
+when Grace went home. It looked as if he were about to make a rash
+plunge, because he would not have much money left when he had carried out
+his plans. However, he could guard against the worst risks and on the
+whole imagined the venture ought to pay.
+
+Some weeks later, Osborn sent for him and on reaching Tarnside he was
+shown into the library. Mrs. Osborn was with her husband and there was a
+bundle of papers on the big table.
+
+"I have got the particulars you wanted," Osborn said. "Hayes will arrive
+in half an hour, but that should give us time enough."
+
+Kit nodded. "Yes, I want a few minutes."
+
+When he had studied the documents he looked up. Tarnside would soon be
+his and he glanced about the library with a new curiosity. Although the
+day was dark and rain beat upon the high windows, the light was strong
+enough to show the fine modeling of the old and shabby furniture. It was
+a noble room and with well used money could be given a touch of
+stateliness; but there was something cold and austere about Tarnside,
+while Ashness was homelike and warm. His short survey strengthened Kit's
+half-conscious feeling that he belonged to the farm and not the Hall.
+
+"Two things are obvious," he remarked. "The mortgages must be wiped off;
+and when other debts have been paid, the rents of the land I'm willing to
+redeem ought to keep you going, if they're economically used."
+
+"I doubt it," Osborn rejoined. "So far, the rent of the whole estate have
+failed to do so."
+
+"They will do so now," Kit said rather dryly, "That is, if I'm to free
+the land. But you must decide if you will help or not."
+
+He looked at Mrs. Osborn, who made a sign of agreement "There will be
+enough, Kit. Indeed, in some ways, we shall be better off than we were."
+
+"You have pluck," said Kit, and turned to Osborn, knowing he must be
+firm. "The house and grounds will be yours to use as you like and the
+farmers will bring their complaints and requests first to you. You will
+be the acknowledged landlord and I shall be glad of your advice; but the
+expenditure will be controlled by me."
+
+Osborn did not reply, but Mrs. Osborn said, "It is a generous offer."
+
+Kit waited, conscious of some suspense, for he doubted if Osborn's pride
+was quite humbled yet. He did not want to humble him, but, for the sake
+of Grace and her mother, did not mean to let him wreck his plans. After a
+few moments Osborn looked up.
+
+"It is a hard choice, but you have taken the proper line and I'm
+resigned," he said. "After all, I have had my day, and although luck has
+been against me, cannot claim that I have used it well. Besides, I'm not
+robbing Gerald by agreeing to your plan; Gerald robbed himself and me."
+He paused and went on with some emotion: "Very well, I'm ready to
+abdicate, and thank you for trying to save my feelings by giving me
+nominal control."
+
+There was nothing more of much importance to be said, and with the object
+of banishing the strain, Kit began to talk about improving some of the
+farms. Osborn did not help him much, but he kept it up until Hayes
+arrived. The latter seemed surprised to see Kit and hesitated when Osborn
+indicated a chair.
+
+"Mrs. Osborn will stay, and I brought Mr. Askew to meet you."
+
+"As you like," said Hayes, who looked annoyed, but sat down and took
+out some documents. "You have had formal notice that repayment of these
+loans is due, and it would be an advantage to make arrangements for
+taking up the other mortgages that will soon run out. Some time since, I
+made you an offer that you refused."
+
+"That is so," Osborn agreed. "Your offer is still unacceptable. What are
+you going to do?"
+
+"I must advertise the mortgaged farms for public sale, and when arrears
+of interest, various charges, and smaller loans are deducted, there will
+probably be nothing left. The rest is not my business, but I have managed
+the estate and do not see how you can carry on."
+
+"It is not your business, and Mr. Askew has a plan."
+
+Hayes smiled as he turned to Kit. "You may perhaps resent my advice, but
+I think it's sound; you would be rash to meddle. A small sum would be
+swallowed up and make no difference. You would be poorer and Mr. Osborn
+would not gain."
+
+"That's obvious, if the sum were small," Kit agreed. "But how much do you
+expect to get if you sell the farms?"
+
+He nodded when Hayes told him. "A fair estimate! I think we can take it
+as the proper price. You mean to buy the farms in, but I want them too,
+and if you force a sale, I'll bid higher."
+
+"Can you bid against me?" Hayes asked with something of a sneer.
+
+"I'll answer that afterwards. In the meantime, let me state that I want
+the other farms when the mortgages run out. You can fight me, if you
+like, but I don't think it will pay you, and if we run prices up Mr.
+Osborn will gain. Very well, here's my offer to buy up all his debts."
+
+He gave a document to Hayes, who studied it with surprise. "I presume
+you're serious?" the latter said with an effort. "You are rasher than I
+thought if you can make this offer good."
+
+"I can certainly make it good. You had better apply to the bank manager
+if you have doubts."
+
+For a few moments Hayes studied Kit, who looked quietly resolute. Then he
+said, "You are determined to oppose me if I don't consent?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I mean to buy all the land Mr. Osborn has pawned. If
+you want it, you'll have to pay the price I fix, since it must be a
+public sale. Don't you think it would be prudent to accept my offer?"
+
+Hayes clenched his fist, but with an effort preserved his self-control.
+"I am forced to agree."
+
+"Very well. Take the documents to my lawyers and as soon as they are
+satisfied I'll give you a check."
+
+Hayes nodded silently, and bowing to Mrs. Osborn went out. When he had
+gone, Osborn got up.
+
+"We have not been good friends--Kit," he said with some emotion. "Old
+prejudices are hard to conquer, but mine have broken down at last--you
+have beaten me. Well, I suppose I would not admit that the code I clung
+to had gone for good, but now I'm dropping out, I don't know that I could
+find a better man to step into my place." He paused and gave Kit his
+hand. "After all, Tarnside is not lost to us. Grace will follow me--she
+belongs to the new school, but I think your children will rule the old
+house well."
+
+Then Mrs. Osborn advanced and kissed Kit, who went out with her and found
+Grace waiting in the hall.
+
+"Hayes has gone," Mrs. Osborn remarked. "Kit has forced him to agree, and
+your father is reconciled. We have had much trouble, but I think we shall
+all be happy yet."
+
+Grace looked up and her eyes shone. "Ah," she said, "I knew long since
+that Kit was wonderful! In one way, it wouldn't have mattered if he had
+saved Tarnside or not; but now you and father know what a dear he is!"
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Buccaneer Farmer, by Harold Bindloss
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10930 ***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #10930 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10930)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Buccaneer Farmer, by Harold Bindloss
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Buccaneer Farmer
+       Published In England Under The Title "Askew's Victory"
+
+Author: Harold Bindloss
+
+Release Date: February 4, 2004 [EBook #10930]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BUCCANEER FARMER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Beginners Projects, Mary Meehan, and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+                          THE BUCCANEER FARMER
+
+                           BY HAROLD BINDLOSS
+
+                                  1918
+
+        PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND UNDER THE TITLE "ASKEW'S VICTORY"
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I--AT ASHNESS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+       I THE LEASE
+
+      II THE OTTER HOUNDS
+
+     III A COUNCIL OF DEFENSE
+
+      IV THE PEAT CUTTERS
+
+       V RAILTON'S TALLY
+
+      VI BLEATARN GHYLL
+
+     VII THE RECKONING
+
+    VIII GRACE FINDS A WAY
+
+      IX THE PLAN WORKS
+
+       X JANET MEDDLES
+
+      XI OSBORN'S PRIDE GETS HURT
+
+     XII OSBORN INTERFERES
+
+
+PART II--ON THE CARIBBEAN
+
+       I THE OLD BUCCANEER
+
+      II THE PRESIDIO
+
+     III THE GOLD ONZA
+
+      IV THE PRESIDENT'S BALL
+
+       V OLSEN'S OFFER
+
+      VI THE PRESIDENT'S WATCHERS
+
+     VII ADAM RESUMES CONTROL
+
+    VIII THE MANGROVE SWAMP
+
+      IX ADAM'S LAST REQUEST
+
+       X THE ROAD TO THE MISSION
+
+      XI KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
+
+     XII THE LAST CARGO
+
+
+PART III--KIT'S RETURN
+
+       I KIT'S WELCOME
+
+      II A DANGEROUS TALENT
+
+     III THE HORSE SHOW
+
+      IV THE FLOOD
+
+       V KIT TELLS A STORY
+
+      VI THORN MAKES A PLAN
+
+     VII GERALD'S RETURN
+
+    VIII GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
+
+      IX KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
+
+       X GRACE'S CHOICE
+
+      XI OSBORN'S SURRENDER
+
+
+
+
+PART I--AT ASHNESS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE LEASE
+
+
+The morning was bright after heavy rain, and when Osborn looked out of
+the library window a warm, south-west breeze shook the larches about
+Tarnside Hall. Now and then a shadow sped across the tarn, darkening the
+ripples that sparkled like silver when the cloud drove on. Osborn
+frowned, for he had meant to go fishing and it was a morning when the
+big, shy trout would rise. His game-keeper was waiting at the boathouse,
+but the postman had brought some letters that made him put off his sport.
+
+This was annoying, because Osborn hated to be balked and seldom allowed
+anything to interfere with his amusements. One letter, from a housemaster
+at a famous public school, covered a number of bills, which, the writer
+stated somewhat curtly, ought to have been paid. Another announced that
+Hayes, the agent for the estate, and a tenant would wait upon Osborn, who
+knew what they meant to talk about. He admitted that a landlord had
+duties, but his generally demanded attention at an inconvenient time.
+
+Osborn was fifty years of age. He had a ruddy skin and well-proportioned
+figure, and was, physically, a rather fine example of the sporting
+country gentleman. For all that, there were lines on his forehead and
+wrinkles about his eyes; his mouth was loose and sensual, and something
+about him hinted at indulgence. His manner, as a rule, was abrupt and
+often overbearing.
+
+The library was spacious, the furniture in good taste but getting shabby.
+In fact, a certain look of age and shabbiness was typical of the house.
+Although the windows were open, the room had a damp smell, and the rows
+of books that Osborn never read were touched with mildew. Rain was
+plentiful in the north-country dale, coal was dear, and Mrs. Osborn was
+forced to study economy, partly because her husband would not.
+
+By and by Osborn turned his glance from the window and fixed it on his
+son, who stood waiting across the big oak table. Gerald was a handsome
+lad, like his father, but marked by a certain refinement and a hint of
+delicacy. Although he felt anxious, his pose was free and graceful and
+his look undisturbed. Osborn threw the bills on the table.
+
+"This kind of thing must stop," he said. "I haven't grumbled much,
+perhaps not as much as I ought, about your extravagance, but only a fool
+imagines he can spend more than he has got."
+
+"We have had such fools in our family," the boy remarked, and stopped
+when he saw Osborn's color rise.
+
+"It's a pity it's true," the latter agreed, with a patience he did not
+often use. "I'm paying for it now and you will pay a higher price, if you
+go on as you promise. You must pull up; I've done enough and am getting
+tired of self-denial."
+
+Gerald's smile faded. He had inherited his extravagance from his father,
+but felt he must be cautious, although Osborn sometimes showed him a
+forbearance he used to nobody else.
+
+"I'm sorry, sir," he said. "Perhaps I was extravagant, but if you don't
+want to be an outsider, you must do like the rest, and I understood you
+expected me to make friends among our own set. We can't be shabby."
+
+He struck the right note, for Osborn was not clever and perhaps his
+strongest characteristic was his exaggerated family pride.
+
+"You had enough and I paid your debts not long since," he said. "In fact,
+you have had more than your share, with the consequence that Grace gets
+less than hers." He knitted his brows as he indicated the house-master's
+curt letter. "Then, you have given a stranger an opportunity for writing
+to me like this."
+
+Gerald, knowing his father's humor, saw he was getting on
+dangerous ground.
+
+"Brown's a dry old prig, sir. Nothing sporting about him; he's hardly a
+gentleman."
+
+Osborn was seldom logical and now his annoyance was rather concentrated
+on the master who had written to him with jarring frankness than on the
+extravagant lad.
+
+"His letter implies it," he agreed and then pulled himself up. Gerald was
+clever and no doubt meant to divert his thoughts. "After all, this
+doesn't matter," he went on. "I'll pay these bills, but if you get into
+debt at Woolwich, you had better not come home. I have enough trouble
+about money, and your allowance is going to be a strain. There's another
+thing: Carter, who hasn't had your advantages, got in as a prize cadet."
+
+Gerald smiled. "He hasn't got his commission. Old Harry means well, but
+he's not our sort, and these plodding, cramming fellows seldom make good
+officers."
+
+"An officer must pay his mess bills, whether he's good or bad," Osborn
+rejoined. "If you go into the Horse Artillery, there won't be much money
+left when you have settled yours, so it might be prudent to begin some
+self-denial now. Anyhow, if you get into debt again, you know the
+consequences."
+
+He raised his hand in dismissal and walked to the window when the lad
+went out. He had not taken the line he meant to take, but Gerald
+often, so to speak, eluded him. The lad had a way of hinting that they
+understood one another and Osborn vaguely suspected that he worked
+upon his prejudices; but he was a sportsman. He had pluck and knew
+what the Osborn traditions demanded. In fact, Gerald might go far, if
+he went straight.
+
+Then Osborn thought he needed a drink, and after ringing a bell he sat
+down by the window with the tray and glass a servant brought. It was
+significant that he had given no order; the servants knew what the bell
+meant. When he had drained the glass he vacantly looked out. Boggy
+pasture and stony cornfields ran back from the tarn. Here and there a
+white farmstead, surrounded by stunted trees, stood at the hill foot;
+farther back a waterfall seamed the rocks and yellow grass with threads
+of foam; and then a lofty moor, red with heather, shut off the view.
+
+The land was poor at the dale head, but there was better below, where the
+hills dropped down to the flat country, and, with the exception of
+Ashness farm, all was Osborn's, from Force Crag, where the beck plunged
+from the moor, to the rich bottoms round Allerby mill. Unfortunately, the
+estate was encumbered when he inherited it, and he had paid off one
+mortgage by raising another. He might perhaps have used other means,
+letting his sporting rights and using economy, but this would have
+jarred. The only Osborn who bothered about money was his wife, and Alice
+was parsimonious enough for both. Money was certainly what his agent
+called tight; but as long as he could give his friends some shooting and
+a good dinner and live as an Osborn ought to live, he was satisfied.
+Still, Gerald must have his chance at Woolwich and this needed thought.
+Osborn felt he would like another drink, but glanced at his watch and saw
+that his visitors would arrive in a few minutes.
+
+They were punctual and Osborn got up when his agent and another man came
+in. Hayes was tall, urbane, and dressed with rather fastidious neatness;
+Bell was round-shouldered and shabby. He had a weather-beaten skin, gray
+hair, and small, cunning eyes. Osborn indicated chairs and sat down at
+the top of the big table. He disliked business and knew the others meant
+to persuade him to do something he would sooner leave alone. This would
+have been impossible had he not needed money.
+
+"Mr. Bell wishes to know if his tender for the Slate Company's haulage
+is approved," Hayes began. "His traction engine is suited for the work
+and he is prepared to buy a trailer lurry, which we would find useful
+in the dale. Mechanical transport would be a public advantage on our
+hilly roads."
+
+"It needs a good horse to bring half a load from station," Bell
+interposed. "T'lurry would move as much in yan day as farmers'
+carts in four."
+
+Osborn agreed. He was not much of an economist, but it was obvious that
+time and labor were wasted when a farmer took a few sacks of potatoes to
+the railway and another a sack of wool. There was no difficulty about the
+tender, because Osborn was chairman of the small Slate Company; the
+trouble was that the contract would help Bell to carry out another plan.
+The fellow was greedy, and was getting a rather dangerous control; he had
+already a lease of the limekilns and Allerby mill. But his rents were
+regularly paid, and it was an advantage to deal with one prosperous
+tenant instead of several who had not his punctuality and capital.
+
+"The trailer would be useful if you decided to make the new terrace you
+thought about," Hayes suggested. "The cost of carting the gravel and the
+slabs for the wall would be heavy; but I have no doubt Mr. Bell would
+undertake the work with the trailer on very reasonable terms."
+
+"I might forget to send in t' bill. Yan good turn deserves another,"
+Bell remarked.
+
+Hayes frowned. He had meant to imply something like this, but Bell was
+too blunt. For all that, Osborn was not very fastidious and had long
+meant to make the terrace when funds permitted. In fact, he hardly saw
+the thing as a bribe; it was rather a graceful recognition of his
+authority.
+
+"Very well," he said, "I'll sign the contract."
+
+"There is another matter," Hayes resumed. "Mr. Bell is willing to take up
+Harkness' tenancy of the coal yard and seed store at the station. He
+hopes you will grant him a long lease."
+
+Osborn pondered. Harkness had been drunken, careless, and often behind
+with his rent. He had let his business fall away and it was understood
+that Bell, who managed the opposition coal yard, had lent him small sums
+and until recently kept him on his feet. This was not because Bell was
+charitable, but because if Harkness came down while he had any trade
+left, a capable rival might take his place. In the meantime, his
+customers gradually went to Bell, and now Harkness had failed there was
+no business to attract a newcomer.
+
+"I don't know," said Osborn, "I had thought of advertising the yard
+and store."
+
+"You'll get nobody to pay what I'm offering," Bell replied. "A stranger
+would want to see Harkness' books and there's nowt in them as would tempt
+him to pay a decent rent. Then, with trailer going back from station, I
+could beat him on the haulage up the dale. He'd niver get his money back
+if he bowt an engine like mine."
+
+This was plausible, but Osborn hesitated. He saw that Bell wanted a
+monopoly and had a vague notion that he ought to protect his tenants.
+
+"It's sometimes an advantage to have two traders in a place," he
+remarked. "A certain amount of competition is healthy."
+
+"I don't know if it would be an advantage to the estate, and imagine you
+would not get a tenant to pay what Bell offers," Hayes replied. "Besides,
+rival traders sometimes agree to keep up prices, and competition does not
+always make things cheap."
+
+"That's one of the ridiculous arguments people who want the Government to
+manage everything sometimes use," said Osborn with a scornful gesture.
+
+Hayes smiled, "It is very well known that I am not an advocate of State
+ownership. All the same, unnecessary competition would be wasteful in the
+dale. For example, if you have two tenants at the station, the farmers
+who deal with the new man must use their carts, each coming separately
+for the small load a horse can take up Redmire bank, while Bell's
+trailer, after bringing down the slate, would go back empty. Then I hear
+some talk about a fresh appeal to the council to make the loop road round
+the hill."
+
+For a moment or two Osborn did not answer. Redmire bank was an obstacle
+to horse traffic, and the road surveyor had plans for easing the gradient
+that would necessitate cutting down a wood where Osborn's pheasants found
+shelter. He had refused permission, and the matter had been dropped; but,
+if the farmers insisted, the council might be forced to use their powers.
+He was obstinate, and did not mean to let them have the wood unless he
+could get his price.
+
+"You know my opinion about that?" he said.
+
+"Yes," said Hayes; "I imagine it would be prudent not to have the matter
+brought up. However, if Bell can send back his lurry full, the economy is
+plain. It will enable him to sell his coal and seed at a moderate price
+and pay a higher rent."
+
+"That's so," Osborn agreed, and knitted his brows.
+
+He doubted if Bell would give his customers the benefit of the cheaper
+haulage, but the advantage of getting a higher rent was obvious. Osborn
+knew he was being persuaded to do a shabby thing and hesitated. Money,
+however, was needed and must be got.
+
+"Very well," he said, "Mr. Bell can have the lease."
+
+They talked about something else, and when Osborn went fishing after the
+others left the wind had dropped, the sun was bright, and the trout would
+not rise. He felt rather injured, because he had paid for his attention
+to duty, when he joined his wife and daughter at tea on the lawn.
+
+A copper beech threw a cool shadow across the small table and basket
+chairs; the china and silver were old and good. Beyond the belt of
+wavering shade, the recently mown grass gave out a moist smell in the hot
+sun. The grass grew fine and close, for the turf was old, but there were
+patches of ugly weeds. The borders by the house were thinly planted and
+the color plan was rude, but one could not do much with a rheumatic
+gardener and a boy. There used to be two men, but Mrs. Osborn had
+insisted on cutting wages down.
+
+Across the yew hedge, the tarn sparkled like a mirror and on its farther
+side, where a clump of dark pines overhung a beach of silver sand, the
+hillslopes shone with yellow grass, relieved by the green of fern and
+belts of moss. The spot was picturesque; the old house, with its low,
+straight front and mullioned windows, round which creepers grew, had a
+touch of quiet beauty. Osborn was proud of Tarnside, although he
+sometimes chafed because he had not enough money to care for it as he
+ought.
+
+By and by he glanced at his wife, who had silently filled the cups and
+was cutting cake. She was a thin, quiet woman, with a hint of reserve in
+her delicately molded face. Sometimes she tactfully exercised a
+restraining influence, but for the most part acquiesced, for she had
+found out, soon after her marriage, that her husband must not be opposed.
+
+Grace, who sat opposite, had recently come home from school, and was
+marked by an independence somewhat unusual at Tarnside. She argued
+with Osborn and was firm when he got angry. Then she had a fresh
+enthusiasm for change and improvement and a generous faith in what she
+thought was good. Since Osborn was obstinately conventional, this
+sometimes led to jars.
+
+"After all, I'm going to have the terrace made," he remarked, and waited
+for his wife's approval.
+
+"Is it prudent?" she asked hesitatingly. "If I remember, you thought the
+work would cost too much when we talked about it last."
+
+"It will cost very little. In fact, I imagine the haulage of the gravel
+and the slabs for the wall will cost nothing," Osborn replied. "Bell has
+promised to bring me all the stuff we'll need with his new trailer."
+
+"Oh," said Grace, rather sharply, "I suppose this means you have given
+him the lease of the station coal yard? No doubt he offered to bring the
+gravel before you agreed. He's cunning and knew you wanted the terrace."
+
+"I can't remember if he offered before or afterwards," Osborn replied,
+with a touch of embarrassment. "Anyhow, I don't think it's important,
+because I did not allow his offer to persuade me. For all that, it's some
+satisfaction to get the work done cheap."
+
+Grace pondered. She was intelligent; contact with her school companions
+had developed her character, and she had begun to understand Osborn since
+she came home. She knew he was easily deceived and sometimes
+half-consciously deceived himself.
+
+"No," she said, "I don't think the work will really be cheap. It's often
+expensive to take a favor from a man like Bell. He will find a means of
+making you pay."
+
+"Ridiculous! Bell can't make me pay."
+
+"Then he will make somebody else pay for what he does for you, and it's
+hardly honest to let him," Grace insisted.
+
+Mrs. Osborn gave her a warning glance and Osborn's face got red.
+
+"It's a new thing for a young girl to criticize her father. This is what
+comes of indulging your mother and making some sacrifice to send you to
+an expensive modern school! If I'd had my way, you would have gone to
+another, where they teach the old-fashioned virtues: modesty, obedience,
+and respect for parents."
+
+Grace smiled, because she knew the school Osborn meant and the type it
+produced. She was grateful to her mother for a better start.
+
+"I'm sorry," she said quietly, but with a hint of resolution. "I
+don't want to criticize, but Bell is greedy and cunning, and now he
+has got both coal yards will charge the farmers more than he ought.
+He has already got too large a share of all the business that is done
+in the dale."
+
+"It's obvious that you have learned less than you think," Osborn
+rejoined, feeling that he was on safer ground. "You don't seem to
+understand that concentration means economy. Bell, for example, buys and
+stores his goods in large quantities, instead of handling a number of
+small lots at different times, which would cost him more."
+
+"I can see that," Grace admitted, "But I imagine he will keep all he
+saves. You know the farmers are grumbling about his charges."
+
+Osborn frowned. "You talk too much to the farm people; I don't like it.
+You can be polite, but I want you to remember they are my tenants, and
+not to sympathize with their imaginary grievances. They're a grumbling
+lot, but will keep their places if you leave them alone."
+
+He got up abruptly and when he went off across the lawn Mrs. Osborn gave
+the girl a reproachful glance.
+
+"You are very rash, my dear. On the whole, your father was
+remarkably patient."
+
+Grace laughed, a rather strained laugh, as Osborn's angry voice rose from
+behind a shrubbery.
+
+"He isn't patient now, and I'm afraid Jackson is paying for my fault.
+However, I really think I was patient, too. To talk about people keeping
+their places is ridiculous; in fact, it's piffle! Father's notions are
+horribly out of date. One wonders he doesn't know."
+
+"Things change. Perhaps we don't quite realize this when we are getting
+old. But you mustn't argue with your father. He doesn't like it, and when
+he's annoyed everybody suffers."
+
+"It's true; but how illogical!" Grace remarked, and mused while she
+looked dreamily across the grass.
+
+She was romantic and generous, and had learned something about social
+economy at the famous school; in fact, Osborn would have been startled
+had he suspected how much she knew. Nevertheless, she was young; her
+studies were half digested, and her theories crude. She had come home
+with a vague notion of playing the part of Lady Bountiful and putting
+things right, but had got a jar soon after she began. Her father's idea
+of justice was elementary: he resented her meddling, and was sometimes
+tyrannical. When it was obvious that he had taken an improper line he
+blamed his agent; but perhaps the worst was he seldom knew when he was
+wrong. Then the agent's main object was to extort as much money from the
+tenants as possible.
+
+Grace did not see what she could do, although she felt that something
+ought to be done. She had a raw, undisciplined enthusiasm, and imagined
+that she was somehow responsible. Yet when she tried to use some
+influence her father got savage and she felt hurt. Well, she must try to
+be patient and tactful. While she meditated, Mrs. Osborn got up, and they
+went back to the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE OTTER HOUNDS
+
+
+Grace's tweed dress was wet and rather muddy when she stood with Gerald
+on a gravel bank at the head of a pool, where the beck from the tarn
+joined a larger stream that flowed through a neighboring dale. There had
+been some rain and the water was stained a warm claret-color by the peat.
+Bright sunshine pierced the tossing alder branches, and the rapid close
+by sparkled between belts of moving shade. Large white dogs with black
+and yellow spots swam uncertainly about the pool and searched the bank; a
+group of men stood in the rapid, while another group watched the tail of
+the pool. Somewhere between them a hard-pressed otter hid.
+
+A few of the men wore red coats and belonged to the hunt; the rest were
+shepherds and farmers whom custom entitled to join in the sport. All
+carried long iron-pointed poles and waited with keen expectation the
+reappearance of the otter. Grace was perhaps the only one to feel a touch
+of pity for the exhausted animal and she wondered whether this was not a
+sentimental weakness. There was not much to be said for the otter's right
+to live; it was stealthy, cruel, and horribly destructive, killing many
+more fish and moorhens than it could eat. Indeed, before she went to
+school, she had followed the hunt with pleasant excitement, and was now
+rather surprised to find the sport had lost its zest.
+
+The odds against the otter were too great, although it had for some hours
+baffled men who knew the river, and well-trained dogs. It had stolen up
+shallow rapids, slipping between the watchers' legs, dived under swimming
+dogs, made bold dashes along the bank, and hidden in belts of reeds. Its
+capture had often looked certain and yet it had escaped. At first Grace
+had noticed the animal's confidence, beauty of form, and strength; but it
+had gradually got slack, hesitating, and limp. Now, when it lurked,
+half-drowned, in the depths of the pool while its pitiless enemies waited
+for it to come up to breathe, she began to wish it would get away.
+
+Thorn, the master of the hounds, was talking to his huntsman not far
+off. He was a friend of Osborn's, and Grace had once thought him a
+dashing and accomplished man of the world, but had recently, for no
+obvious reason, felt antagonistic. Alan was not as clever as she had
+imagined; he was smart, sometimes cheaply smart, which was another
+thing. Then he was beginning to get fat, and she vaguely shrank from the
+way he now and then looked at her. On the whole, it was a relief to note
+that he was occupied.
+
+For a few moments Grace let her eyes wander up the dale to the crags
+where the force leaped down from the red moor at Malton Head. Belts of
+dry bent-grass shone like gold and mossy patches glimmered luminously
+green. The fall looked like white lace drawn across the stones. A streak
+of mist touched the lofty crag, and above it a soft white cloud trailed
+across the sky. Then she turned as her brother spoke.
+
+"Alan has given us a good hunt and means to make a kill. He's rather a
+selfish beast and a bit too sure of himself; but he runs the pack well
+and knows how to get the best out of life. No Woolwich and sweating as a
+snubbed subaltern for him! He stopped at home, saw his tenants farmed
+well, and shot his game. That's my notion of a country gentleman!"
+
+"Father can look after Tarnside and a duty goes with owning land,"
+Grace remarked. "A landlord who need not work ought to serve the State.
+That idea was perhaps the best thing in the feudal system and it's not
+altogether forgotten yet. Father was right when he decided to make you
+a soldier."
+
+"He can send me to Woolwich, but after all that's as far as he can go.
+You're not at your best when you're improving," Gerald rejoined; and
+added with a grin, "You don't like old Alan, do you? I thought you
+snubbed him half an hour since."
+
+Grace colored, but did not answer. She had hurt her foot by falling from
+a mossy boulder and Thorn had come to help as she floundered across a
+shallow pool. She was draggled and her hair was loose, and Thorn's faint
+amusement annoyed her. Somehow it hinted at familiarity. She would not
+have resented it once, for they had been friends; but when she came home
+and he had tried to renew the friendship she had noted a subtle
+difference. Alan was forty, but now she had left school the disparity of
+their ages was, in a sense, much less marked. Then a shout roused her and
+she looked round.
+
+Where the smooth, brown water ran past the alder roots, a very small,
+dark object moved in advance of a faint, widening ripple. Grace knew it
+was the point of the otter's head; the animal's lungs were empty since
+it remained up so long. Next moment plunging dogs churned the pool into
+foam, the object vanished, and men ran along the bank to the lower
+rapid, while those already there beat the shallow with their poles. The
+dogs bunched together and began to swim up stream; Gerald and one or two
+more plunged into the water, and for a few moments the otter showed
+itself again.
+
+It looked like a fish and not an animal as it broke the surface, rising
+in graceful leaps. Then it went down, with the dogs swimming hard close
+behind, and Grace thought it must be caught. It was being steadily driven
+to the lower end of the stopped rapid, where the water was scarcely a
+foot deep. The animal reappeared, plunging in and out among the shallows
+but forging up stream, and the men who meant to turn it back closed up.
+There was one at every yard across the belt of sparkling foam. They had
+spiked poles to beat the water and it seemed impossible that their victim
+could get past.
+
+Yet the otter vanished, and for a minute or two there was silence, until
+the dogs rushed up the bank. Then somebody shouted, the huntsman blew his
+horn, and a small, wedge-shaped ripple trailed, very slowly across the
+next pool. The otter had somehow stolen past the watchers' legs and
+reached deep water, but its slowness told that its strength had gone. The
+dogs took the water with a splash, and Grace turned her head. She felt
+pitiful and did not want to see the end. The animal had made a gallant
+fight, and she shrank from the butchery.
+
+The clatter of heavy boots on stones suddenly stopped; there was a
+curious pause, and Grace looked up as somebody shouted: "'Gone to holt!
+Ca' off your hounds. Wheer's t' terrier?"
+
+The hunt swept up the bank, smashed through a hedge, and spread along
+the margin of the neighboring pool. A few big alders grew beside its
+edge, sending down their roots into deep water; but for the most part
+the bank was supported by timbers driven into the soil, and freshly laid
+with neatly-bedded turf. Grace knew this had been done to protect the
+meadow, because the stream is thrown against the concave side when a
+pool lies in a bend.
+
+As she stopped at the broken hedge a man ran past carrying a small wet
+terrier, and two or three more came up with spades. The otter could not
+escape now, since the hounds would watch the underwater entrance to the
+cave among the alder roots, while the terrier would crawl down from the
+other side. If a hole could not be found, the men would dig. They were
+interrupted soon after they began, for somebody said, "Put down your
+spade, Tom. Hold the terrier."
+
+Grace studied the man who had interfered. He was young and on the whole
+attractive. His face was honest and sunburned; he carried himself well,
+and was dressed rather neatly in knickerbockers and shooting jacket. She
+knew Christopher Askew was the son of a neighboring farmer, who owned his
+land. Then, as the men stopped digging, Thorn pushed past.
+
+"What's this?" he asked haughtily. "Why have you meddled?"
+
+Askew looked hard at him, but answered in a quiet voice, "It cost us some
+trouble to mend the bank, and if you dig out the otter the stream will
+soon make an ugly gap."
+
+"Then it's a matter of the cost!" said Thorn. "How much?"
+
+"Not altogether," Askew replied, coloring. "It's a matter of the damage
+the next flood may do. We had an awkward job to strengthen the bank and
+I'm not going to have it cut."
+
+"Noo, Kit, dinna spoil sport," the old huntsman urged. "It's none a trick
+for a canny lad to cheat the hounds."
+
+"Put terrier in an' niver mind him!" shouted another, and there were
+cries of approval.
+
+"Stop digging, Tom," Askew said with quiet firmness. "Pick up the dog."
+
+"We are wasting time," Thorn remarked. "I don't like bargaining; you had
+better state your price."
+
+Grace, looking on across the broken hedge, sympathized with the farmer.
+For one thing, she wanted the otter to escape; besides, she approved the
+man's resolute quietness. He had pluck, since it was plain that he was
+taking an unpopular line, and he used some self-control, because Thorn's
+tone was strongly provocative. In fact, she thought Thorn was not at his
+best; he was not entitled to suggest that the other was trying to extort
+as much money as he could.
+
+"No more do I like bargaining," Askew replied. "There will be no digging
+here. You have smashed the hedge, and that's enough. Call off your dogs."
+
+"So you mean to spoil sport, even if the damage costs you nothing? I know
+your kind; it's getting common."
+
+"Oh, no," said Askew. "I won't have the bank cut down, but that is all.
+If you like, you can look for another otter on our part of the stream."
+
+Thorn gave him a searching glance, and then, seeing he was resolute,
+shrugged contemptuously. The huntsman blew his horn, the dogs were drawn
+off, and Gerald followed the others across the field. Grace, however, sat
+down on a fallen tree to rest her foot and for a minute or two thought
+herself alone. Then she rose as Askew came through the gap in the hedge.
+He began to pull about the broken rails and thorns, but saw her when he
+looked up.
+
+"They have left you behind, Miss Osborn," he remarked with a smile.
+
+"I think I had enough; besides, I hurt my foot."
+
+"Badly?"
+
+"No," said Grace. "I have only begun to feel it hurt, but I wish it
+wasn't quite so far to the bridge."
+
+Askew looked at the water, measuring its height. "The stepping stones are
+not far off. One or two may be covered, but perhaps I could help you
+across and it would save you a mile."
+
+Grace went on with him and they presently stopped beneath the alder
+branches by a sparkling shallow. Tall brush grew up the shady bank and
+briars trailed in the stream. A row of flat-topped stones ran across, but
+there were gaps where the current foamed over some that were lower than
+the rest. Grace's foot was getting worse, and sitting down on a slab of
+the slate stile, she glanced at her companion.
+
+"I imagine it needed some pluck to stop the hunt," she said. "For one
+thing, you were alone; nobody agreed with you."
+
+Askew smiled. "Opposition sometimes makes one obstinate. But do you think
+it's hard to stand alone?"
+
+"Yes," said Grace, impulsively. "I know it's hard. Yet, of course, if you
+feel you are taking the proper line, you oughtn't to be daunted by what
+others think."
+
+She stopped, remembering that the man was a stranger; and then resumed in
+a different tone, "But why did you really stop the hunt? Are you one of
+the people who don't believe in sport?"
+
+"No," said Askew good humoredly. "It's curious that Mr. Thorn hinted
+something like that. Anyhow, I'm not a champion of the otter's right to
+destroy useful fish. I think they ought to be shot."
+
+"Oh!" said Grace with a touch of indignation; "you would shoot an otter?
+Well, I suppose they must be killed; but to use a gun!"
+
+"It's better for the otter. Which do you imagine it would choose--a
+mercifully sudden end, or two or three hours of agony, with men and dogs
+close behind, until the half-drowned, exhausted animal is torn to pieces
+or mangled by the poles?"
+
+"I suppose one must answer as you expect."
+
+"You're honest," Askew remarked. "I imagine it cost you something
+to agree!"
+
+"It did," Grace admitted. "After all, you know our traditions, and many
+people, not cruel people, like the sport."
+
+"That is so; but let's take the hunt to-day, for an example. There were
+three or four men without an occupation, and no doubt they find following
+the hounds healthy exercise. The others had left work that ought to be
+done; in fact, if you think, you'll own that some were men we have not
+much use for in the dale."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, with some reluctance; "I know the men you mean. All
+the same, it is really not our business to decide if they ought to
+work or hunt."
+
+Askew looked amused and she liked his twinkle. He was obviously
+intelligent, and on the whole she approved his unconventional point of
+view. Conventional insincerities were the rule at Tarnside. Besides,
+although it was possible she ought not to talk to the man with such
+freedom, her foot hurt and the stile made a comfortable seat. She liked
+to watch the shadows quiver on the stream and hear the current brawl
+among the stones. This was an excuse for stopping, since she would not
+acknowledge that the young farmer's society had some charm.
+
+After a moment or two he resumed: "It is not my business, anyhow, and I
+don't want to argue if otter-hunting is a proper sport; it's an
+advantage, so to speak, to stick to the point. All I objected to was the
+hunt's breaking down the mended bank. There are not many good meadows at
+the dale-head, and grass land is too valuable to be destroyed. Don't you
+think this justifies my opposition?"
+
+"I suppose it does," Grace agreed, and then decided that she had talked
+to him enough. "Well, I must go on," she added with a doubtful glance at
+the stream. "But it doesn't look as if one could get across."
+
+"You can try," Askew replied, and jumping down stood in the water,
+holding out his hand. "Come on; there's not much risk of a slip."
+
+Since it was too late to refuse, Grace took his hand and he waded across,
+steadying her, while the current rippled round his legs. Some of the
+stones were covered, but with his support she sprang across the gaps and
+the effort did not hurt her foot as much as she had thought. He was not
+awkward. She liked his firm grasp, and his care that she did not fall;
+particularly since she saw he was satisfied to give her the help she
+needed and knew when to stop. After she got across she thanked him and
+let him go.
+
+When she crossed the field Askew went home in a thoughtful mood, though
+he was conscious of a pleasant thrill. He had felt the girl's charm
+strongly as he stood near her at the stile, and now tried to recapture
+the scene; the dark alder branches moving overhead, the sparkle of the
+water, and the light and shadow that touched his companion. Her face was
+attractive; although he was not a judge of female beauty, he knew its
+molding was good. Mouth, nose, and chin were finely but firmly lined; her
+color was delicate pink and white, and she had rather grave blue eyes.
+Her figure was marked by a touch of patrician grace. Askew smiled as he
+admitted that patrician was a word he disliked, but he could not think of
+another that quite expressed what he meant. Anyhow the girl's charm was
+strong; she was plucky and frank, perhaps because she knew her value and
+need not to pretend to dignity. In a sense, this was patrician, too.
+
+All the same, Askew, though young and romantic, was not a fool. He had
+had a good education and had then spent two years at an agricultural
+college; but he was a farmer's son and he knew where he stood, from the
+Osborns' point of view. He had been of help, but this was no reason Miss
+Osborn should recognize him when they next met; yet he somehow thought
+she would. In the meantime, it was rash to think about her much, although
+his thoughts returned to the stile beneath the alders where he had
+watched the sun and shadow play about her face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A COUNCIL OF DEFENCE
+
+
+The sun had sunk behind the moors when Peter Askew sat by an open window
+in his big, slate-flagged kitchen at Ashness. All was quiet outside,
+except for the hoarse turmoil of the force and a distant bleating of
+sheep. In front, across a stony pasture, the fellside ran up abruptly;
+its summit, edged with purple heath, cut against a belt of yellow sky.
+The long, green slope was broken by rocky scars and dotted by small
+Herdwick sheep that looked like scattered stones until they moved.
+
+The kitchen was shadowy, because the house was old and built with low,
+mullioned windows to keep out snow and storm, and a clump of stunted ash
+trees grew outside the courtyard wall. A fire of roots and peat, however,
+burned in the deep hearth, and now and then a flickering glow touched old
+copper and dark oak with red reflections. Collectors had sometimes
+offered to buy the tall clock and ponderous meal chest, but Askew would
+not sell. The most part of his furniture had been brought to Ashness by
+his great-grandfather.
+
+Peter's face was brown and deeply lined, and his shoulders were bent, for
+he had led a life of steady toil. This was rather from choice than stern
+necessity, because he owned the farm and had money enough to cultivate it
+well. As a rule, he was reserved and thoughtful, but his neighbors
+trusted him. They knew he was clever, although he used their homely
+dialect and lived as frugally as themselves. In the dale, one worked hard
+and spent no more than one need. Yet Peter had broken the latter rule
+when he resolved to give his son a wider outlook than he had had.
+
+Kit had gone from the lonely farm to a good school where he had beaten,
+by brains and resolution, the sons of professional and business men. His
+teachers said he had talent, and although Peter was often lonely since
+his wife died, he meant to give the lad his chance. Somewhat to his
+relief, Kit decided to return to the soil, and Peter sent him to an
+agricultural college. Since Kit meant to farm he should be armed by such
+advantages as modern science could give. It was obvious that he would
+need them all in the struggle against low prices and the inclement
+weather that vexed the dale. Now he had come home, in a sense not much
+changed, and Peter was satisfied. Kit and he seldom jarred, and the
+dalesfolk, who did not know how like they were under the surface,
+sometimes thought it strange.
+
+Four or five of their neighbors sat in the kitchen, for the most part
+smoking quietly, but now and then grumbling about the recent heavy rain.
+This was not what they had come to talk about, and Peter waited. He knew
+their cautious reserve; they were obstinate and slow to move, and if he
+tried to hurry them might take alarm. By and by one knocked out his pipe.
+
+"How are you getting forrad with t' peat-cutting?" he asked.
+
+"We have cut enough to last for three or four months."
+
+"You'll need it aw. Coal's a terrible price," another remarked.
+
+"It will be dearer soon," said Peter. "Since Bell has t' lease o' both
+coal yards, he can charge what he likes."
+
+"A grasping man! Yan canna get feeding stuff for stock, seed, an' lime,
+unless yan pays his price. Noo he has t' traction-engine, kilns, and
+mill, he'll own aw t' dale before lang."
+
+"It's very possible, unless you stop him," Kit interposed.
+
+"Landlord ought to stop him," one rejoined.
+
+Kit smiled. "That's too much to expect; it's your business to help
+yourselves. Mr. Osborn takes the highest rent that's offered, and you
+missed your chance when you let Bell get Allerby mill."
+
+"Neabody else had t' money," another grumbled.
+
+"Two or three of us could have clubbed together and made a profit after
+selling feeding stuff at a moderate price."
+
+The others were silent for a minute of two and Kit let them ponder. He
+had learned something about the wastefulness of individual effort, and on
+his return to Ashness had urged the farmers to join in bidding for a
+lease of the mill. They had refused, and would need careful handling now,
+for the old cooperative customs that had ruled in the dale before the
+railway came had gone.
+
+"Poor folks willunt have much left for groceries when they have paid
+Bell's price for coal," said one. "Since he gets his money for hauling in
+t' slate, it costs him nowt to tak' a big load back on t' lurry; but,
+with Redmire bank to clim', it's a terrible loss o' time carting half a
+ton up dale."
+
+"You won't be able to buy the half-ton unless you deal with Bell. I think
+you'll find he has a contract for all the coal that comes down the line."
+
+They pondered this and another remarked, "Peat's terrible messy stuff and
+bad to dry at back end o' year."
+
+"It can be dried," said an old man. "I mind the time when iver a load o'
+coals went past Allerby. Aw t' folk clubbed togedder to cut and haul t'
+peat from Malton. Browt it doon on stane-boats by the oad green road.
+Howiver, I reckon it cost them summat, counting their time"
+
+Kit gave him a paper. "This is what our peat has cost us; I've charged
+our labor and what the horses would have earned if we had been paid
+for plowing."
+
+They studied the figures, passing the paper around, and then one said,
+"But peat costs you nowt. Malton moor is yours and I ken nea ither peat
+worth cutting. Mayhappen yan could find some soft trash on the back moor,
+but I doot if Osborn would let yan bring it doon."
+
+"Osborn does what his agent says, and it's weel kent Hayes is a friend o'
+Bell's," another agreed.
+
+Peter smiled and gave Kit a warning glance. He suspected the agent had a
+private understanding that was not to his employer's benefit with Bell;
+but this was another matter. Peter had taught his son to concentrate on
+the business in hand.
+
+"Weel," he said, "you can have aw t' peat you want and we willunt fratch
+if you pay me nowt. There's acres o' good stuff on Malton moor, and the
+value o' peat t' labor it costs to cut. Aw t' same, it willunt pay to
+send a man or two noo and then. You must work in a gang; ivery man at his
+proper job."
+
+"It was done like that in oad days," said one.
+
+Peter looked at Kit, who did not speak, for both knew when enough was
+said. Indeed, although he was hardly conscious of it yet, Kit had
+something of a leader's talent. For a few minutes the others smoked and
+thought. They were independent and suspicious about new plans, but it
+was obvious that the best defense against a monopoly was a combine. In
+fact, they began to see it was the only defense they had. Then one
+turned to Peter.
+
+"If you're for stopping Bell robbing us and starving poor folk at
+Allerby, I'm with you."
+
+One after another promised his support, a plan was agreed upon, and Peter
+was satisfied when his neighbors went away. They were patient, cautious,
+and hard to move; but he knew their obstinacy when they were roused. Now
+they had started, they would go on, stubbornly taking a road that was new
+to them. Bell, of course, would make a cunning fight, but Peter doubted
+if he would win.
+
+"I reckon your plan will work," he said to Kit, with a nod of
+satisfaction.
+
+Kit nodded and picking up his hat and some letters went out. As he walked
+down the dale the moon rose above a shadowy fell, touching the opposite
+hillside with silver light that reached the fields at the bottom farther
+on. Tall pikes of wet hay threw dark shadows across a meadow, and he
+heard the roar of a swollen beck. There was too much water in the dale,
+but Kit knew something might be done to make farming pay in spite of the
+weather. Land that had gone sour might be recovered by draining, and a
+bank could be built where the river now and then washed away the crops.
+Osborn, however, was poor and extravagant, and his agent's talents were
+rather applied to raising rents than improving the soil.
+
+Kit stopped when he got near Allerby, where the dale widens and a cluster
+of low white houses stands among old trees. The village glimmered in the
+moonlight and beyond it rolling country, dotted by dark woods, ran back
+to the sea. A beck plunged down the hillside with a muffled roar, and a
+building, half in light and half in shadow, occupied the hollow of the
+ghyll. Kit, leaning on the bridge, watched the glistening thread of water
+that trickled over the new iron wheel, and noted the raw slate slabs that
+had been recently built into the mossy wall. A big traction engine,
+neatly covered by a tarpaulin, and a trailer lurry stood in front of the
+sliding door.
+
+Osborn had spent some money here, for Allerby mill, with its seed and
+chemical manure stores, paid him a higher rent than the best of his small
+farms. It was obviously well managed by the tenant, and Kit approved.
+Modern machines and methods, although expensive, were good and were
+needed in the dale. The trouble was, they sometimes gave the man who
+could use them power to rob his poorer neighbors. Kit saw that
+concentrated power was often dangerous, and since unorganized, individual
+effort was no longer profitable, he knew no cure but cooperation.
+
+Although young, he was seldom rash. Enthusiasm is not common in the bleak
+northern dales, whose inhabitants are, for the most part, conservative
+and slow. Wind and rain had hardened him and he had inherited a reserved
+strength and quietness from ancestors who had braved the storms that
+raged about Ashness. Yet the north is not always stern, for now and then
+the gray sky breaks, and fell and dale shine in dazzling light and melt
+with mystic beauty into passing shade. Kit, like his country, varied in
+his moods; sometimes he forgot to be practical and his caution vanished,
+leaving him romantic and imaginative.
+
+He went on, and as he reached the first of the white houses a girl came
+out of a gate and stopped where the moonlight fell across the road. She
+had some beauty and her pose was graceful.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed, with rather exaggerated surprise, "it's Kit! I
+suppose you'll take this letter? I was going to the post."
+
+Kit did not know much about young women, but hesitated, because he
+doubted if she wanted him to post the letter.
+
+"If you like," he said. "I expect the causeway at the water-splash
+will be wet."
+
+She gave him a curious smile. "Oh, well; here's the letter. Jim Nixon had
+to help me across the water when I went last night, and I don't suppose
+you're afraid of wetting your feet. You are used to it at Ashness."
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "My boots are stronger than yours."
+
+"Canny lad!" she answered, with a mocking laugh. Kit felt
+embarrassed, for he thought he saw what she meant. Janet Bell was
+something of a coquette.
+
+"I heard people coming down the road not long since," she resumed. "Have
+you had a supper party? Tell your father I think he's shabby because he
+left me out."
+
+"It wasn't a supper party and there were no women. Three or four
+neighbors came in."
+
+"To grumble about the weather or argue about the sheep?"
+
+"They did grumble about the weather," Kit replied.
+
+Janet looked amused. "You're very cautious, my lad; but you needn't take
+it for granted I'm always on father's side. Do you think I don't know why
+your neighbors came?"
+
+"You don't know altogether."
+
+The moonlight was clear enough to show that Janet colored. "And you think
+I stopped you to find out?"
+
+"I don't," said Kit, rather awkwardly. "Still, perhaps it's better that
+you shouldn't know."
+
+"Oh," said she, with some emotion, "I can't tell if you mean to be nice
+or not. It's the lazy, feckless people who dislike father, because
+they're jealous; and they try to make things hard for me. Why should I
+suffer because he's cleverer than them?"
+
+"You oughn't to suffer. I really don't think people blame you."
+
+"They do blame me," Janet insisted. "You doubted if you could trust me
+just now."
+
+This was true enough to embarrass Kit, but he said, "I didn't see why I
+should talk to you about our business; that was all. In fact, I don't
+mean to talk about it to anybody."
+
+"Now you're nicer. I didn't like to feel you were taking particular
+care not to let me know. Well, of course, father's no friend of
+yours and perhaps he'll like you worse by and by. But, after all,
+does that matter?"
+
+"Not in a way," said Kit, pretending to be dull. "You have nothing to do
+with the dispute and we don't want to quarrel with your father, although
+we mean to carry out our plans."
+
+Janet looked rather hard at him and there was some color in her face, but
+she forced a smile.
+
+"Oh, well! Good-night! I've stopped you, and expect you want to
+get home."
+
+She went back through the gate and Kit resumed his walk, struggling with
+an annoyance he felt was illogical. He knew something about Bell's
+household and imagined that Janet's life was not smooth. He was sorry for
+her, and it was, of course, unjust to blame her for her father's deeds.
+All the same, the favor she had sometimes shown him was embarrassing. He
+was not a philanderer, but he was young and she had made him feel that he
+had played an ungallant part. Jane was a flirt, but, after all, it would
+not have cost him much, so to speak, to play up to her. Perhaps he had
+acted like a prig. This made him angry, although he knew he had taken the
+proper line.
+
+By and by he came to the water-splash, where a beck crossed the road. Its
+channel was paved, so that one could drive across, and at the side a
+stone causeway had been made for foot passengers. Sometimes, when the
+beck was unusually swollen, shallow water covered the stones, and Kit saw
+the significance of a statement of Janet's as he noted the width of the
+submerged spot. It looked as if Jim Nixon had carried her across. Then
+his annoyance vanished and he laughed. Gallant or not, he was satisfied
+to carry Janet's letter.
+
+As he went on in the moonlight he began to see that there were some
+grounds for his reluctance to indulge the girl. He had thought about
+Miss Osborn often since he helped her across the stepping stones. He had
+not hesitated then, and although the things were different, to dwell
+upon the incident was perhaps rasher than indulging Janet. Miss Osborn
+had, no doubt, forgotten, but he had not. The trouble was, he could not
+forget; his imagination pictured her vividly, sitting beneath the alders
+talking to him.
+
+With something of an effort Kit pulled himself up. He was a small
+farmer's son and the Osborns were important people. He knew Osborn's
+family pride, which he thought his daughter had inherited. In Osborn, it
+was marked by arrogance; in the girl by a gracious, half-stately calm.
+For all that, the pride was there, and Kit, resolving that he would not
+be a fool, went to the post office and put Janet's letter in the box.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PEAT CUTTERS
+
+
+Osborn was dissatisfied and moody when, one afternoon, he stood, waiting
+for the grouse, behind a bank of turf on Malton moor. To begin with, he
+had played cards until the early morning with some of his guests and had
+been unlucky. Then he got up with a headache for which he held his wife
+accountable; Alice was getting horribly parsimonious, and had bothered
+him until he tried to cut down his wine merchant's bill by experimenting
+with cheaper liquor. His headache was the consequence. The whisky he had
+formerly kept never troubled him like that.
+
+Moreover, it was perhaps a mistake to invite Jardine, although he
+sometimes gave one a useful hint about speculations on the Stock
+Exchange. The fellow went to bigger shoots and looked bored when Osborn's
+partridges were scarce and wild; besides, he had broken rules in order to
+get a shot when they walked the turnip fields in line. Osborn imagined
+Jardine would not have done so had he been a guest at one of the houses
+he boasted about visiting.
+
+As they climbed Malton Head another of the party had broken Dowthwaite's
+drystone wall and the farmer had said more about the accident than the
+damage justified. In fact, Dowthwaite was rather aggressive, and now
+Osborn came to think of it, one or two others had recently grumbled about
+things they had hitherto borne without complaint.
+
+In the meantime, Osborn and Thorn, who shared his butt, looked about
+while they waited for the beaters. The row of turf banks, regularly
+spaced, ran back to the Force Crags at the head of the dale. The red
+bloom of the ling was fading from the moor, which had begun to get brown.
+Sunshine and shadow swept across it, and the blue sky was dotted by
+flying, white-edged clouds. A keen wind swept the high tableland, and the
+grouse, flying before it, would come over the butts very fast.
+
+In the distance, one could distinguish a row of figures that were
+presently lost in a hollow and got larger when they reappeared. They were
+beaters, driving the grouse, and by and by Osborn, picking up his
+glasses, saw clusters of small dark objects that skimmed and then dropped
+into the heath. It was satisfactory to note that they were numerous.
+Although the birds were rather wild, he could now give his friends some
+sport. After a time, however, the clusters of dark dots were seen first
+to scatter and then vanish. Osborn frowned as he gave Thorn the glasses.
+
+"What does that mean? Looks as if the birds had broken back."
+
+"Some have broken back," said Thorn. "If they've flown over the beaters,
+we have lost them for the afternoon." He paused and resumed: "I think the
+first lot are dropping. No; they're coming on."
+
+Picking up his gun, he watched the advancing grouse. They flew low but
+very fast, making a few strokes at intervals and then sailing on
+stretched wings down the wind. In a few moments they were large and
+distinct, but there were not enough to cross more than the first two
+butts. When they were fifty yards off Thorn threw up his gun and two pale
+flashes leaped out. Osborn was slower and swung his barrel. The sharp
+reports were echoed from the next butt and a thin streak of smoke that
+looked gray in the sunshine drifted across the bank of turf. Two brown
+objects, spinning round, struck the heath and a few light feathers
+followed. The grouse that had escaped went on and got small again.
+
+"Missed with my right," said Osborn. "Had to shoot on the swing. Don't
+know about the other barrel."
+
+Thorn did know, but used some tact. "I may have been a trifle slow; my
+last bird was going very fast."
+
+"I expect you saw whose bird it was," Osborn said to the lad who took
+their guns.
+
+"Yes, sir; Mr. Thorn's, sir."
+
+"Oh, well," said Osborn, forcing a smile as he turned to Thorn, "you have
+youth upon your side. Anyhow, I don't imagine the others have done much
+better, and it looks as if we might as well go home. When the birds broke
+back we lost the best chance we'll get. I wonder what spoiled the drive?"
+
+"Something on the old green road, I think. The grouse turned as they
+crossed the hollow."
+
+A short distance off there was a fold in the moor, and while Osborn
+wondered whether he would walk to the top a man came over the brow,
+leading two horses that hauled a clumsy sledge. Another team followed and
+presently four advanced across the heath.
+
+"Now you know what spoiled the drive," Thorn remarked with some dryness.
+"You can't expect a good shoot on the day your tenants move their peat."
+
+Osborn, who was very angry, picked up the glasses. "The first two are not
+my tenants. They're the Askews, and the boundary of their sheepwalk runs
+on this side of the green road."
+
+"Then I suppose there's nothing to be said!"
+
+In the meantime, Osborn's friends had left the other butts and come up,
+with Jardine in front. He was a fat, red-faced man, and as he got nearer
+remarked to his companions: "I call it wretched bad management! Somebody
+ought to have turned the fellows off the moor."
+
+Osborn heard and glanced at Thorn as he left the butt. "There is
+something to be said; I'm going to relieve my mind."
+
+He went off and signaled the farmers to stop. They waited, standing
+quietly by their horses. On the open moor, their powerful figures had a
+touch of grace, and their clothes, faded by sun and rain, harmonized with
+the color of the heath. Peter Askew's brown face was inscrutable when he
+fixed his steady eyes on Osborn.
+
+"You turned back the grouse and spoiled the beat. Do you call that
+sporting?" Osborn asked.
+
+"I'm sorry," Peter replied. "If I'd kenned you were shooting, mayhappen
+we could have put off loading the peat."
+
+"You knew we were shooting when you saw the beaters."
+
+"Aw, yis," said Peter. "It was over late then. I wadn't willingly
+spoil any man's sport, but we had browt up eight horses and had to
+get to work."
+
+"You have plenty of work at Ashness."
+
+"It's verra true; but the weather's our master and we canna awtogether do
+what we like. The peat's mair important than a few brace of grouse."
+
+"Important to you!" Osborn rejoined. "But what about me and my friends?
+One has come from London for a few days' sport."
+
+"Then I'm sorry he has lost the afternoon," Kit interposed quietly. "But
+you well know the wages laborers get in the dale, and there are old folks
+and some sick at Allerby who need a good fire. The winter's hard and some
+of the cottages are very damp."
+
+"The farmers pay the wages."
+
+"None of them make much money. They pay what their rent allows."
+
+"I don't force up the rents. They're fixed by the terms new tenants are
+willing to offer when a lease runs out."
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed. "I don't know that my neighbors grumble much
+because the rule works on your side. But peat is plentiful and we don't
+see why it can't be used when coal is dear."
+
+"I imagine you can see an opportunity of selling the right to cut it,"
+Osborn sneered.
+
+"We are willing to sell at the buyers' price. Anybody who can't pay may
+have the peat for nothing. None of the day laborers has paid us yet and
+none shall be forced to pay."
+
+Osborn did not know whether he could believe this statement or not, but
+he said ironically, "Then it looks as if you were generous! However, you
+are not a friend of my agent's and no doubt see a chance of making
+trouble. When you meddle with my tenants you play a risky game, and they
+may find they were foolish to join you."
+
+One of the farmers who had stood quietly by Peter Askew looked up with a
+slow smile; another's weather-beaten face got a little harder. They were
+seldom noisily quarrelsome, but they were stubborn and remembered an
+injury long. Peter, however, interposed:
+
+"We won't fratch; there's not much in arguing. You can beat moor t'ither
+side o' green road. Good day to you!"
+
+He spoke to the horses and the sledge lurched forward with its
+chocolate-colored load. The other teams strained at the chains; there was
+a beat of hoofs, and the row of sledges moved noisily away. Osborn waited
+for a few moments, but his face was very red when he went back to the
+butts. The farmer's refusal to dispute with him was galling. For all
+that, he must try to find his friends some sport, and after consulting
+with his gamekeeper sent the beaters on across the moor.
+
+The new drive was not successful, and in the evening the party came down
+the hill with a very poor bag. When they reached the Redmire wood Osborn
+stopped beside a broken hedge. Red beeches shone among the yellow birches
+and dark firs, the sun was low and its slanting rays touched the higher
+branches, but the gaps between the trunks were filled with shadow. A few
+bent figures moved in the gloom, and Osborn frowned when three or four
+children came down a drive, dragging a heavy fallen bough. An elderly
+woman with a sack upon her back followed them slowly, and it was obvious
+that cottagers from Allerby were gathering fuel.
+
+"Confound them! This is too much!" he exclaimed and beckoned his
+gamekeeper. "If that is Mrs. Forsyth, tell her to come up."
+
+The woman advanced and rested her sack upon the hedge. Her wrinkled face
+was wet with sweat, but she did not look alarmed.
+
+"Eh!" she said, "sticks is heavy and I'm none so young as I was."
+
+"You have no business in the wood," said Osborn sternly.
+
+"There's nea place else where we can pick up sticks."
+
+"That is your affair. You know you're not allowed to gather wood in my
+plantations."
+
+"We canna gan withoot some kindling; when you canna keep it dry, peat is
+ill to light. Terrible messy stuff, too, and mak's nea end o' dirt."
+
+The children came up and when they stood, open-mouthed, gazing at the
+party one of the sportsmen laughed.
+
+"Then burn coal and the dirt won't bother you," Osborn rejoined.
+
+"Hoo can we burn coal?" the woman asked. "Noo Tom Bell has lease o' baith
+yards, he's putten up t' price, and when you've paid what he's asking
+there's nowt left for meal. I canna work for Mrs. Osborn as I used, and
+with oad Jim yearning nobbut fifteen shilling--"
+
+She paused for breath and wiped her hot face, and Osborn signed to the
+keeper. The woman was making him ridiculous.
+
+"Turn them all out, Holliday," he said and went on with his friends.
+
+"The old lady's talkative," one remarked. "Quite frank, but not at all
+angry; I thought her line was rather dignified. I've met country folks
+who'd have been servilely apologetic, and some who would have called you
+ugly names."
+
+"These people are never apologetic," Osborn said dryly. "As a rule,
+they're not truculent, but they're devilish obstinate."
+
+"I think I see. After all, it's possible to stick to your point without
+abusing your antagonist. I suppose you turned them out because of the
+pheasants?"
+
+"Yes; good cover's scarce, and if the birds are disturbed they move down
+to Rafton Woods. For a sporting neighbor, Hayton hardly plays the game.
+To put down corn is, of course, allowable, but he uses damaged raisins!"
+
+"Then you don't feed?"
+
+"Very little," Osborn replied. "Corn's too dear. The Tarnside pheasants
+live on the country."
+
+"I expect that really means they live on the farmers!"
+
+Osborn frowned. It was Jardine's habit to make stupid remarks like that;
+Osborn wondered whether the fellow thought them smart.
+
+"The farmers knew my rules when they signed the lease," he said. "Anyhow,
+pheasants do much less damage than ground game, and I don't think my
+tenants have left a hare in the dale."
+
+Jardine began to talk about something else, and no more was said about
+Osborn's grievances until the party met on the new terrace in the
+twilight. The tarn glimmered with faint reflections from the west, but
+thin mist drifted across the pastures, and the hills rose, vague and
+black, against the sky, in which a half moon shone. Osborn, sitting at
+the top of the shallow steps that went down to the lawn, grumbled to his
+wife about the day's shooting.
+
+"I don't think I'm an exacting landlord," he remarked. "In fact, since I
+ask for nothing but a little give-and-take, it's annoying when people
+spoil my sport. Dowthwaite made himself unpleasant about his broken
+wall, the Askews turned the grouse back, and then I found the Allerby
+cottage children, ransacking Redmire Wood when the pheasants were going
+to roost."
+
+Grace, who stood close by with Thorn, indicated the smooth gravel and the
+low, wide-topped wall on which red geraniums grew.
+
+"This," she said, "is a great improvement on the old grass bank. The wide
+steps and broad slate coping have an artistic effect. However, you can't
+often get the things you like without paying."
+
+"Very true, but rather trite," Osborn agreed. "I don't see how it
+applies."
+
+"Well, I'm really sympathetic about your spoiled day, but it looks as if
+all your disappointments sprang from the same cause."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn, sharply; "I suppose you mean the coal yards' lease?"
+
+"I think I mean Bell's greediness. If he didn't charge so much for his
+coal, Askew would not have cut the peat, and the children would not have
+been sent to gather wood. Then Dowthwaite might not have grumbled about
+his wall; he feels the farmers have not been treated justly, and I
+imagine he blames you."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. "Then it's an example of the fellow's
+wrong-headed attitude! He and one or two others are treated better than
+they deserve, and would not be satisfied with anything I did. If you had
+to manage the estate, pay extortionate taxes, and make the unnecessary
+repairs the farmers demand, it would be interesting to see the line you
+would take."
+
+"Perhaps the right line isn't easy," Grace admitted. "Still, if I wanted
+a guide, there's the motto of our county town: 'Be just and fear not.'"
+
+Osborn looked at her with indignant surprise, and then shrugged
+scornfully. Thorn smiled.
+
+"It's an excellent motto; but they chose it some time since. One imagines
+it's out of date now."
+
+Grace colored and moved away, feeling embarrassed. She had made herself
+ridiculous, and perhaps sentiment such as she had indulged was cheap; but
+it hurt to feel that she, so to speak, stood alone. Although she had, no
+doubt, been imprudent, she had said what she felt, and Thorn had smiled.
+She turned to him angrily when he followed her along the terrace.
+
+"I daresay I am a raw sentimentalist, but I'm glad I'm not up to date,"
+she said. "I hate your modern smartness!"
+
+Thorn, noting the hardness of her voice, stopped with an apologetic
+gesture and let her go.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+RAILTON'S TALLY
+
+
+Winter had begun, and although the briars shone red along the hedgerows
+and the stunted oaks had not lost all their leaves, bitter sleet blew
+across the dale when Grace went up the muddy lonning to Mireside farm.
+Railton's daughter had for a time helped the housekeeper at Tarnside, and
+Grace, hearing that the farmer had been ill, was going to ask about him.
+It was nearly dark when she entered the big kitchen. The lamp had not
+been lighted, but a peat fire burned in the wide grate, where irons for
+cooking pots hung above the blaze. A bright glow leaped up and spread
+about the kitchen, touching the people in the room, and then faded as she
+shut the massive door.
+
+Grace thought her arrival had embarrassed the others, because nobody said
+anything for a moment or two. Railton sat in an old oak chair by the
+fire, with a stick near his hand; Tom, the shepherd, occupied the middle
+of the floor; and Kit Askew leaned against the table, at which Mrs.
+Railton and Lucy sat. Grace wished she could see them better, but the
+blaze had sunk and the fire burned low, giving out an aromatic smell, and
+throwing dull reflections on the old oak furniture, copper kettles, and
+tall brass candlesticks. As a rule, the lonely homesteads in the dales
+are furnished well, with objects made long since and handed down from
+father to son.
+
+Then Mrs. Railton began to talk, rather nervously, and Grace turned to
+the farmer as the light spread about the room again. He had a thin, lined
+face; his shoulders were bent, and his pose was slack. Sickness no doubt
+accounted for something, but Grace imagined his attitude hinted at
+dejection.
+
+"How are you to-day?" she asked.
+
+"No varra weel. I'm none so young, and the wet and cold dinna agree with
+my oad bones. Mayhappen I'll be better soon, but noo when I'm needed I
+canna get aboot."
+
+"He'll not can rest," Mrs. Railton interposed. "He was oot in sleet,
+boddering among t' sheep aw day."
+
+"And weel you ken I had to gan," the farmer rejoined.
+
+Mrs. Railton's silence implied agreement and Grace's curiosity was
+excited because of something she had heard at home. Railton's lease of
+the sheepwalk ran out in a few days, but he was by local custom entitled
+to its renewal after a review of the terms. Moreover, it was usual for
+the tenant to take the sheep with the farm, and leave them equal in
+number and condition when he went. The landlord could then demand a
+valuation and payment of the difference, if the flocks had fallen below
+the proper standard.
+
+"Why are you forced to go out in this bitter weather?" she asked.
+
+Railton hesitated, and then saw his daughter's meaning glance. Lucy was
+clever, and he thought she wanted him to be frank.
+
+"I had to see how sheep were," he answered dully. "Not that it was o'
+mich use. T' lambs niver get over wet spring and t' ewes is poor. Then
+flock is weel under tally; I've lost two score Swinset Herdwicks, and the
+mak-up's next Thursday."
+
+"But how did you lose forty sheep?" Grace asked.
+
+"There was a hole in fell dyke and Swinset sheep are thief sheep, varra
+bad to hoad. I bowt ewes there and t' lambs followed when they wandert
+back to their heaf."
+
+Grace pondered. She had noted some reserve in Railton's manner when he
+mentioned the broken dyke and knew the flockmasters were careful about
+their dry walls. The rest was plain; the _heaf_ is the hill pasture where
+a lamb is born, and Swinset was fifteen miles away. It was a very large
+sheepwalk and much time would be needed to find the sheep on the wide
+belt of moor.
+
+"If you know the sheep are at Swinset, they would be allowed for in the
+count," she said.
+
+"I have my doubts. Mr. Hayes sent me notice tally would be taken on
+Thursday and he's a hard man."
+
+Grace colored. Although she did not like Hayes, he was Osborn's agent.
+There was much she wanted to know, but she could not ask.
+
+"Mr. Hayes cannot do exactly as he likes; he must get my father's
+consent," she said. "However, as I am going home by the field path, I had
+better start before it's dark."
+
+"There's a broken gate that's awkward to open. I will come with you until
+you reach it," Kit remarked.
+
+They went out together. The sleet had stopped, but leaden clouds rolled
+across the hills that glimmered white in the dusk. As they struck across
+a wet field Grace said:
+
+"I suppose Railton's flock is below the proper standard and the count
+is short?"
+
+"Yes; the two or three wet years have hit flock-masters hard and Railton
+had to sell more stock than was prudent, in order to pay his debts."
+
+"Then if he can't pay the difference in number and value, the lease can
+be broken?"
+
+Kit made a sign of agreement and Grace asked: "But do you think Hayes
+would break the lease and turn him out?"
+
+"It's possible," Kit answered cautiously.
+
+Grace gave him a sharp glance. "What do you really think, Mr. Askew? I
+want to know."
+
+"Then, my notion is Hayes would like to get Mireside for Jim Richardson."
+
+"Richardson is his nephew."
+
+"Just so," said Kit, with some dryness. "All the same he'd make a good
+tenant. His father is rich enough to start him well."
+
+Grace's eyes sparkled, for she saw where the hint led, but she hid her
+resentment, because, after all, she had doubts. Osborn needed money and
+Hayes was cunning.
+
+"I imagine it would hurt Railton to leave."
+
+"It would hurt him much. He was born at Mireside and his father took the
+farm from your grandfather, a very long time since. Then he's an old man
+and has not enough money to begin again at another place."
+
+"Ah," said Grace, "it would be very hard if he had to go! But if he
+hasn't money, he couldn't carry on, even if we renewed the lease."
+
+"We have had remarkably bad weather for two or three years and the cold
+rain killed the young lambs, but a change is due. A dry spring and fine
+summer would put the old man straight."
+
+Grace was silent for a few moments and then looked at Kit with some color
+in her face.
+
+"Thank you for making the situation plain. You were not anxious to do so,
+were you? I think you don't trust us!"
+
+"I don't trust Hayes," Kit said awkwardly.
+
+"But Hayes is our agent. We are accountable for what he does."
+
+"In a way, I suppose you are accountable. For all that, when a landlord
+has a capable agent it is not the rule for him to meddle. I understand
+Mr. Osborn leaves much to Hayes."
+
+Grace pondered. Kit's embarrassment indicated that he was trying to save
+her feelings, but he must know, as she knew, that a landlord was rightly
+judged by his agent's deeds. Although she rather liked Kit Askew, he had
+humiliated her.
+
+"Well," she said resolutely, "something must be done. If the strayed
+sheep could be found, it would help."
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "Tom and I start for Swinset to-morrow to try to bring
+them back. But if you'll wait a moment, I'll open the gate."
+
+He walked through the mud the cattle had churned up, and, lifting the
+broken gate, pushed it back so that Grace could cross a drier spot. Then,
+as he stood with his hands on the rotten bars, she stopped.
+
+"Don't start for Swinset until you hear from me," she said. "Thank you.
+Good night!"
+
+Grace went on and Kit turned back to the farm with a satisfaction that
+made his heart beat. In a way, the girl had given him her confidence;
+she had, at least, not hidden her feelings. Her proud calm was only on
+the surface; it covered a generous, impulsive nature. Then she had
+pluck, because he could understand her difficulties. She was loyal to
+her father, but hated injustice and was quickly moved to sympathy. All
+the same, he had noted that when she spoke of Osborn renewing the
+lease she said we, and since he knew why she had done so, it gave him
+cause to think.
+
+It was the code of the old school; the family stood together, a compact
+unit to which she belonged and for whose deeds she believed herself
+accountable. In a sense, this was rather fine; but Kit, knowing Osborn's
+pride, saw it would confine their friendship to narrow limits. Still he
+had no ground for imagining she was his friend, and he tried to fix his
+thoughts upon the search for the sheep. Grace obviously meant to talk to
+Osborn, but Kit did not believe the latter would be moved by her
+arguments.
+
+When Kit returned to the farm kitchen Railton was sitting moodily by the
+fire and his wife's face was sternly set. They are not an emotional
+people in the dales, and her trouble was too deep for useless tears, but
+as she glanced about the room all she saw wakened poignant memories. The
+old china in the rack had been her mother's; she had brought it and the
+black oak meal-chest to Mireside thirty years since. The copper kettles
+and jelly-pan were wedding presents, and Tom, her son, who died in
+Australia, had sent the money to buy the sewing machine. Now it looked as
+if her household treasures must be sold, and to leave Mireside would mean
+the tearing up of roots that had struck deep. Besides, while she would
+suffer it would hurt her husband worse. When Kit came in she gave him a
+keen glance.
+
+"Weel, what had Miss Osborn to say?"
+
+"She didn't say much; I think she means to talk to Osborn."
+
+Railton looked up gloomily. "T' lass has a good heart, but talking to
+Osborn will be o' nea use. Hayes is real master and he wants Mireside for
+Jim Richardson."
+
+Kit made a sign of agreement. "The fellow's getting dangerous and must be
+stopped. I suspect he's backing Bell and now he means to use his nephew;
+it's not altogether for Richardson's sake he wants to break your lease.
+Some day I imagine Osborn will find his agent owns the estate; but that's
+not our business. Well, Peter told me to remind you that you and he are
+old friends, and if a hundred pounds would be some help--"
+
+"It would be a big help," said Railton, and Kit turned to the shepherd
+when Mrs. Railton awkwardly began to thank him.
+
+"About the broken dyke, Tom? What d'you think brought it down?"
+
+"I canna tell. Dyke's good and there was nea wind."
+
+They were all silent for a few moments, and then Kit said, "Well,
+Richardson is a cunning hound." He paused and picked up his hat before
+he turned to Railton. "I've a job at Ashness that must be finished
+to-night. There's not much time, but if it's possible Tom and I will
+find the sheep."
+
+In the meantime, Grace walked home thinking hard. Kit was Railton's
+friend, but he had used some tact, until she forced him to tell her the
+truth. This, however, was not important, because she had got a jar. It
+looked as if Osborn had consented to a cruel plot; a landlord ought to
+help his tenants and not take advantage of their need. She tried not to
+blame him; he had a bad agent, who used a dangerous influence. She must
+try to protect him from the fellow and, in a way, from his own
+carelessness.
+
+After all, it was, for the most part, carelessness, because he did not
+know Hayes as she knew him. Still, she had not undertaken an easy thing
+and she braced herself as she went up the steps of the new terrace. Grace
+hated the terrace. It was the price they, the Osborns, had taken for a
+shabby deed, and for which poor people and hard-worked women paid. Grace
+knew about the extra dust that peat fires caused and how often the bread
+was spoiled.
+
+When she entered the library Osborn was studying some documents. He
+looked up impatiently, and she said, "I was at Mireside. Railton's no
+better and is much disturbed about his lease."
+
+"Not more disturbed than he deserves!" Osborn rejoined. "The fellow has
+been getting slack for some time; he sold his store sheep imprudently and
+let the flock run down."
+
+"He has been ill and the weather has been bad for some years."
+
+"Exactly. A cautious man provides for bad years; he knows they
+will come."
+
+Grace was surprised her father did not see that his statement had a
+humorous touch, since improvident extravagance was his rule; but it was
+obvious that he did not.
+
+"One cannot save much money when rents are high and prices are low."
+
+"Do you know much about these matters?" Osborn asked.
+
+"I have heard the farmers talk. Sometimes I ask them questions."
+
+Osborn frowned. "You talk too much to the farmers. I don't like it. You
+know this."
+
+"Well," said Grace, "I think you ought not to break Railton's lease."
+
+"Why?"
+
+Grace hesitated. She began to see that Osborn could not be moved, but she
+had undertaken to plead Railton's cause.
+
+"He's an old man and has been at Mireside all his life. He has worked
+hard and always paid his rent. Now he's ill and in trouble, it would be
+shabby to turn him out because there's a risk--it's only a risk--that we
+might lose something by letting him stay."
+
+"You don't seem to understand a landlord's duty," Osborn rejoined. "He
+is, so to speak, the steward in charge of the estate; it belongs to the
+family and is not his. He must hand it on in good order and this means he
+cannot indulge his sentimental impulses. If he keeps a bad tenant from
+pity, or because he's afraid to seem harsh, he robs his heir."
+
+Grace knew there were other, and perhaps worse, ways of robbing one's
+heir; but she said, "Aren't you taking Hayes's view that Railton is a bad
+tenant? After all, we are responsible."
+
+"Then you suggest that Hayes is mistaken?" Osborn asked ironically.
+
+"I don't know if he's mistaken or not," said Grace, with a steady look.
+"I know he's greedy and unjust. But there's a thing you ought not to let
+him do. Railton has lost forty sheep, that have strayed back to Swinset,
+and Hayes doesn't mean to count them in the tally."
+
+Osborn's face got red and he knitted his brows. "I have tried to be
+patient; but this is too much! Do you know more about managing an estate
+than a clever agent? Or do you think I'm a fool and Hayes leads me like a
+child? Anyhow, you are much too young to criticize my actions. Let us
+have no more of it! An unmarried girl is not entitled to opinions that
+clash with her parents'."
+
+Grace went out silently. To know that she had failed hurt her pride, and
+it hurt worse to suspect that her father had got angry because he knew
+she was right. Besides, she felt strangely alone; as she had often felt
+since she came home. Gerald was careless and thought about nothing but
+his extravagant amusements; her mother's main object was to avoid jars
+and smooth over awkward situations. Then, she had household cares; money
+was scarce, and since Osborn hated self-denial, she must economize. Grace
+could not tell her her troubles; but there was a way by which Railton
+might save his lease and Kit could help. Getting a pencil and paper, she
+wrote him a very short note:
+
+"You must find Railton's sheep."
+
+Then, knowing that she was rash, she went to look for the gardener's boy,
+and sent him to Ashness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BLEATARN GHYLL
+
+
+It was getting dark when Kit and Tom, the shepherd, stopped to rest
+behind a cairn on the summit of Swinset moor. Close by, the two score
+sheep stood in a compact flock, with heads towards the panting dogs. They
+were Herdwicks, a small, hardy breed that best withstands the rain and
+snow that sweep the high fells in the lambing season. When he had lighted
+his pipe, Kit thoughtfully looked about.
+
+On one side the barren moor, getting dim in the distance, rolled back to
+the edge of the low country. Here and there patches of melting sleet
+gleamed a livid white among the withered ling, and storm-torn hummocks of
+peaty soil shone dark chocolate-brown. These were the only touches of
+color in the dreary landscape, except for the streak of pale-yellow sky
+that glimmered above a long black ridge. On the other side, a line of
+rugged fells with summits lost in snow clouds, rose dark and forbidding.
+It was very cold and a biting wind swept the heath.
+
+Kit was tired, for he had been on the moor since morning and had not
+eaten much. It was an awkward matter to find the sheep, and then the men
+and dogs had some difficulty to keep the ewes moving, because the
+Herdwick never willingly leaves the neighborhood where it was born and
+will, if possible, return. The lambs, now grown large and fat, gave less
+trouble, and when they sometimes stopped irresolutely while the ewes
+tried to break away Kit understood their hesitation. Two instincts were
+at work: it was natural to follow their dams, but Mireside was their
+native heath and they knew they were going to be taken home.
+
+Now they had gone some distance, Kit had to make a choice. One could
+reach Mireside by a rough moor-land road, but it went round the hills and
+there was a shorter way across the range. If he went round, he might
+arrive late for the reckoning and some of the lambs would get footsore
+and stop. On the other hand, he knew the fells and shrank from trying to
+find his way among the crags in the dark. It was, however, important that
+he should not be late. Hayes was hard, and the Herdwicks must arrive in
+time to be tallied with the rest of Railton's flock. In the dale, a
+tenant had a traditional right to have his sheep valued by a jury of his
+neighbors and Hayes had fixed the time at eight o'clock next day. The
+animals, however, must be sorted and penned before this, and the work
+would begin early in the morning.
+
+"We had better try the fells, Tom," said Kit.
+
+The shepherd looked at the threatening sky and fading line of
+rugged heights.
+
+"Aw, yes. It's gan t' be a rough neet, but we'll try 't. We can rest a
+bit at oad mine-house this side Bleatarn ghyll."
+
+Now their route was fixed, Kit mused about something else. Railton was
+his neighbor, but, except for this, Kit had no particular grounds for
+helping him; he had obviously nothing to gain. Then, the peat-cutting was
+his plan; he had, without altogether meaning to do so, allowed himself to
+become the leader of the revolt against Osborn. In a way, of course, he
+was the proper man, because Ashness belonged to his father, and Hayes
+could not punish him for meddling. Still, Hayes could punish the tenant
+farmers and Kit knew they ran some risk.
+
+On the whole, he thought the risk worth while. He had a talent that was
+beginning to develop for leading and saw when one could negotiate and
+when one must fight. He did not want to fight Osborn, but was being
+forced into the conflict, and it was comforting to feel that Miss Osborn
+was not against him. Her note, telling him he must find the sheep, was in
+his pocket, and he thought it had cost her something to write. She was
+generous and plucky and he must not hesitate. After all, the job was his
+and since he had accepted it, he must, if needful, bear the consequences.
+Knocking out his pipe, he got up.
+
+"We'll make a start, Tom," he said.
+
+The shepherd shouted to the dogs, the flock broke up and trailed out
+across the heath. The ewes moved slowly, turning now and then, and Kit
+thought it ominous that they met other flocks coming down. The Herdwicks
+knew the weather and were heading for the sheltered dales. For all that,
+he pushed on, with a bitter wind in his face, and by and by cold rain
+began to fall. It changed to sleet and the night had got very dark when
+they crossed the shoulder of a stony fell. One could not see fifty yards,
+but the steepness of the slope and the click of little hoofs on the wet
+rock told Kit where they were.
+
+Two hours afterwards, he stopped for breath at the bottom of a narrow
+valley. The sleet had turned to driving snow, the wind howled in the
+rocks above, and a swollen beck brawled angrily among the stones. Tom was
+hardly distinguishable a few yards ahead and Kit could not see the sheep,
+but the barking of the dogs came faintly down the steep white slope. The
+Herdwicks were strung out along the hillside, with a dog below and above,
+and it was comforting to know they could not leave the valley, which was
+shut in by rugged crags. For a time, driving them would be easy; but it
+would be different when they left the water and climbed the rise to
+Bleatarn ghyll.
+
+"How far are we off the mine-house, Tom?" he shouted.
+
+"I dinna ken," said the shepherd. "Mayhappen two miles. Ewes is
+travelling better; t'lambs is leading them."
+
+Kit agreed, and they pushed on through the snow. After a time, the ground
+got steeper, and when they crossed the noisy beck and scrambled up a
+shaly bank, Kit was glad to see a broken wall loom among the tossing
+flakes. This was the shaft-house of an abandoned mine, and there was a
+sheep-fold, built with pulled-down material, close by. He shouted and
+waited until he heard the dogs bark and a rattle of stones. The Herdwicks
+were coming down and presently broke out from the snow in a compact,
+struggling flock. Tom shouted and threw a hurdle across the entrance when
+the dogs had driven the sheep into the fold.
+
+"I dinna ken if snow'll tak' off or not, but it's early yet and we must
+have a rest before we try ghyll," he said.
+
+They went into the shaft-house and Kit struck a match. One end of the
+building had been pulled down and the snow blew in through holes in the
+roof, but a pile of dry fern filled a corner and rotten beams lay
+about. With some trouble, they lighted a fire and, sitting down close
+by, took out the food they had brought. The wind screamed about the
+ruined walls, the smoke eddied round them, and now and then a shower of
+snow fell on their heads, but they had some shelter and could, if
+forced, wait for morning.
+
+"Miss Osborn's a bonny lass and kind; but I reckon she couldn't talk her
+father round," Tom presently remarked.
+
+"No," said Kit. "I believe she tried."
+
+"Favors her mother," Tom resumed. "Mrs. Osborn's heart is good, but at
+Tarnside women dinna count. It's a kind o' pity, because t' Osborn
+menfolk are lakers and always was."
+
+A _laker_ is a lounging pleasure-seeker and Kit admitted that the remark
+was justified.
+
+"I sometimes think Osborn means well," he said.
+
+"Mayhappen! For aw his ordering folks aboot, he's wake; like his father,
+I mind him weel. Might mak' a fair landlord if he was letten and had t'
+money; but oad Hayes is grasping and always at his tail."
+
+"The rent-roll's good. The estate could be managed well."
+
+"There's t' mortgages and Osborn canna keep money. When he has it he must
+spend. There would be nea poor landlord's, if I had my way. I'd let them
+putten rents up if they had money and spent it on the land. Low rent
+means poor farming."
+
+Kit knew this was true on the Tarnside estate. Dykes that had kept the
+floods off the meadows were falling down, drains were choked, and land
+that had grown good crops was going sour. The wise use of capital would
+make a wholesome change, but Kit did not altogether like centralized
+control. Although it was economical, the landlord got the main advantage,
+and there was much a farmer could do, in cooperation with his neighbors,
+to help himself, if his lease was long enough. Then, joint action was
+once common in the dale. Men pooled their labor and implements at hay
+time and harvest, and combined for their mutual benefit in other ways.
+Now it looked as if they might combine again.
+
+"Are they grumbling much at Allerby about burning peat?" he asked.
+
+"T' women grumble," Tom said dryly. "But they willunt stop, for aw the
+dirt peat maks an' they canna get ovens hot. I reckon Bell has mair coal
+coming in than he can get shut of. When I was at station last t' yards
+was nearly full."
+
+"I rather think Bell has been too greedy. He must pay for the coal as it
+arrives and his money is probably getting short; the traction engine and
+trailer cost a good sum, and he has spent something on the lime-kilns. In
+fact, if we hold on, he's bound to give way."
+
+"Then we'll brek him. Our folks are slow to fratch, but they're not quick
+at letting go," said Tom, who paused and added: "I wunner where Bell got
+his money; he had none when he took a job at mill in oad Osborn's time."
+
+This started Kit on another line of thought. Bell had, no doubt, saved
+something, for he was parsimonious, and was too keen a business man to
+leave his money in the bank. All he made by one speculation was sunk in
+another; but, after allowing for this, it was hard to see where he got
+the capital for his numerous ventures. Kit wondered whether Hayes helped;
+if he did, it was not from friendship. The agent was clever and might be
+playing a cunning game, in which he used both Osborn and Bell. In fact,
+Kit thought if he were Osborn he would watch Hayes. This, however, was
+not his business, and getting up he went to a hole in the wall.
+
+It was snowing very hard; he could see nothing but a haze of tossing
+flakes, and the wind filled the valley with its roar. He could hardly
+hear the beck a few yards off.
+
+"The drifts will be getting deep, but we can't start yet," he said. "If
+we miss the track at the top, there's nothing to stop us falling over the
+Ling Crag."
+
+Tom agreed, and Kit shivered when he sat down again. He was cold and
+tired, and the worst part of the journey must yet be made. Looking at his
+watch he resigned himself to wait, and leaned back with eyes closed
+against the wall while a wet dog crouched at his feet. An hour or two
+passed and then Tom got up.
+
+"Snow's takin' off," he said. "We must try it."
+
+Kit, pulling himself together, went out and faced the storm. The snow was
+thinner, but the wind had not dropped and buffeted him savagely as he
+struggled through a drift to the fold. The dogs had some trouble to drive
+out the sheep, and when they straggled through the opening Kit imagined
+the lambs went in front. In a few moments the flock vanished, and he
+breathed hard as he followed their track up hill. Now and then the dogs
+barked, but for the most part he heard nothing except the roar of the
+wind in the crags. He hoped the dogs could find the path across the
+narrow tableland between two branching ghylls, because it was obvious
+that his judgment might be at fault. However, there were the lambs; one
+could trust a Herdwick to return to its heaf.
+
+When he reached the top the wind had blown away the snow, and he stood
+near the middle of a narrow belt of heath, with his feet sinking in a
+bog. On each side, he got a glimpse of dark rocks, streaked with white
+where the wind had packed the snow into the gullies. In front there was a
+gulf, down which his path led. Scattered snowflakes and rolling mist
+streamed up from the forbidding hollow. At first he could see nothing of
+the sheep, but as he floundered across the bog the dogs barked and he
+found them presently, guarding the flock in a hollow among the crags.
+
+The sheep broke away and Kit pushed on across the narrow belt of bog that
+was dotted by the marks of little feet. Sometimes he slackened his pace
+to wait for Tom; the shepherd was getting old and the long climb had
+tired him. Both stopped for some moments when they reached the brow of
+the descent, and Kit, bracing himself against the storm tried to look
+about. He thought he saw the flock close in front.
+
+"They seem doubtful where to go," he said.
+
+"We can do nowt but leave them to find t' ghyll," the shepherd remarked.
+
+Kit agreed. Bleatarn ghyll was beneath him, but there was another hollow
+and it is hard to walk straight down hill in the dark. He must trust the
+sheep, and, huddling close together, they refused to leave the crag. When
+the dogs drove them out they vanished, and since the ground was bare of
+snow they left no tracks. He stumbled on, falling into pools and
+stumbling across banks of stones, and soon stopped again. He had come
+down the slope, so to speak, blindly, and now stood on the edge of a
+vast, dark pit. One could not see beyond the edge, but the confused
+noises that came up hinted at profound depth. The gale shrieked, but he
+heard the roar of falling water and the rattle of stones the wind
+dislodged.
+
+"Do you think this is Beatarn ghyll?" he asked.
+
+"I dinna ken," Tom answered; and added hopefully, "if it's t'ither, we'll
+mayhappen find oot before we step over Ling Crag."
+
+They went down at a venture, whistling vainly for the dogs. The drop was
+very sharp, and now they were leaving the wind-swept pass, the snow had
+begun to pack among the stones and boggy grass. Still, so far as they
+could see, there were no marks of little feet and they wondered what had
+happened to the flock, until a faint bark came out of the mist. The noise
+got louder and Kit knew the dogs were running round the stopping sheep.
+
+"We're right," he said. "They've gone through the broken wall and the
+dogs are holding them at the top of the force."
+
+A few minutes afterwards he scrambled over a pile of fallen stones,
+shouted to Tom, and began to run, for he understood what had happened.
+The broken wall marked the boundary of the Mireside heaf and the sheep
+were now on familiar ground. It was his business to drive them to the
+farm, but they were trying to turn off to look for shelter among the
+crags. At the force, where the Bleatarn beck leaps in linked falls to the
+valley, one could get down between the water and the rocks; on the other
+side, a path about a foot wide led across the face of a precipice. In
+daylight, if the stones were dry, a man with steady nerves could use the
+path, but when slab and scree were packed with snow nothing but a
+Herdwick could cross it safely. The dogs knew this and were trying to
+hold the flock.
+
+When the men came up they saw an indistinct, woolly mass on the other
+side of the beck. The mass was not level but slanted sharply, and the
+sheep at the bottom sent down showers of stones as they surged to and
+fro, with heads turned to the dogs. It was obvious that they did not mean
+to go down the ghyll, and Herdwicks born among the crags can climb where
+no dog can follow.
+
+"The dogs canna turn them," gasped Tom. "They'll be away ower Eel Scar;
+they're brekkin' noo."
+
+The flock began to open out and three or four sheep straggled forward,
+but Kit's bob-tailed dog slid down a snowy slab and fell upon the first.
+The sheep ran back, but the others stood and Kit saw the dog could not
+stop them long. The Herdwicks knew the advantage was theirs on ground
+like this.
+
+Jumping from a boulder, he fell into the swollen beck and made his way up
+the nearly perpendicular slab. At the top he found a dangerous ledge and
+advanced upon the sheep, which had their backs to the stream. Twining his
+fingers in a lamb's wool, he picked up the animal and balancing himself
+precariously threw it as far as he could. It fell into the beck and
+scrambled out on the other side, where the track led down the ghyll. The
+effort had cost him much, for his heart beat and he gasped for breath,
+but he doubted if he had done enough. Dragging another lamb from the
+flock, he hurled it into the water, and then his foot slipped and he
+rolled down the slab and fell in the snow.
+
+He got up, badly shaken, and saw that his plan had worked. Sheep will
+follow a leader and the flock was straggling down the ghyll behind the
+lambs. Kit recrossed the beck and descended cautiously, keeping close to
+the rocks. The ghyll is a rough climb in daylight, and summer tourists,
+trying to cross the fells, often turn back at the bottom. There is no
+path and one scrambles over large, sharp stones, some of which are loose
+and fall at a touch. In places, banks of treacherous gravel drop to the
+beck, which plunges over ledges into deep, spray-veiled pools. Now the
+stones were slippery with snow, the wind raged, and mist and tossing
+flakes hid the ground a few yards ahead.
+
+Somehow he got down, but he was exhausted and breathless when he
+reached the bottom, where he was forced to wait before he could whistle
+to his dog. He heard its bark and stumbling forward, found the flock
+bunched together in a hollow. Then he sat down in the snow while Tom
+counted the sheep.
+
+"They're aw here," said the shepherd. "A better job than I thowt we'd
+mak! Weel, let's gan on."
+
+Kit was tired, and bruised by his fall, but he went forward behind the
+dogs. His troubles were over, for a broad smooth path led along the
+hill-foot to Mireside.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RECKONING
+
+The morning was dark, and although the gale had dropped, a raw, cold
+wind blew up the valley past Mireside farm, where three or four farmers'
+traps and some rusty bicycles stood beneath the projecting roof of a
+barn. The bleating of sheep rose from a boggy pasture by the beck, and
+lights twinkled as men with lanterns moved about in the gloom. Now and
+then somebody shouted and dogs barked as a flock of Herdwicks was driven
+to the pens.
+
+In the flagged kitchen, Mrs. Railton and Lucy bustled about by the light
+of a lamp and the glow of the fire. The table was covered with used
+plates and cups. The men outside had breakfasted, but one or two more
+might come and Mrs. Railton wondered when Kit would arrive. She had lain
+awake for the most part of the night, thinking about him and the strayed
+Herdwicks while she listened to the gale. Now and then Lucy went to the
+door and looked up the dale to the glimmering line of foam that marked
+the spot where Bleatarn beck came down. A path followed the water-side,
+but she could not see men or sheep in the gloom, and if Kit did not come
+soon he would be too late.
+
+Railton sat gloomily by the fire. He had had rheumatic fever, and the
+damp cold racked his aching joints; besides, there was nothing for him to
+do. He had called in his neighbors to value his flock, but he knew, to a
+few pounds, what their judgment would be. Hayes Would presently arrive,
+and Railton would be asked to pay, or give security for, the shortage,
+which was impossible. Hayes knew this and meant to break his lease.
+Perhaps the hardest thing was that the shortage was small; if the next
+lambing season were good, he could pay. But Hayes would not wait.
+
+Although Railton was too proud to beg for help from his neighbors, he had
+gone to the bank. Osborn, however, used the same bank, and it looked as
+if Hayes had given the manager a hint, because he refused a loan. Askew
+had offered a hundred pounds, but this was not enough, and even if Kit
+arrived with the sheep from Swinset, Railton could not find the rest of
+the money. However, the arrival of the Herdwicks would make a difference,
+and he did not altogether give up hope. By and by he tried to get up, and
+sitting down again with a groan, beckoned his wife.
+
+"Martha, you might gan to door."
+
+Mrs. Railton, knowing what he meant, went to the porch. It was
+lighter outside and the hillside was growing distinct. She thought
+something moved on the path beside the beck, and turned to her
+daughter, who had followed.
+
+"What's yon by the water, Lucy?"
+
+Lucy was silent for a few moments and then said quietly, "I think
+it's sheep!"
+
+She watched the path. The mist made a puzzling background and her eyes
+were getting dazzled; but there was something. Then she heard a chair jar
+on the flags and glanced at Railton, who leaned forward.
+
+"Weel?" he said. "Canna you speak? Is neabody coming yet?"
+
+Lucy threw another glance up the dale and her heart beat. An
+indistinct row of small dark objects moved along the path, with two
+tall figures behind.
+
+"Kit's coming down the beck; he's brought the Herdwicks!" she cried.
+
+"Canny lad!" said Railton, and leaning back limply, wiped his face.
+His forehead was wet with sweat, for he was weak and the suspense had
+been keen.
+
+The sheep vanished behind a wall, and Lucy began to put fresh food on the
+table. Mrs. Railton hung a kettle on a hook above the fire, and then
+turned with a start as a girl came into the porch.
+
+"Miss Osborn!" she exclaimed.
+
+Grace advanced calmly, although there was some color in her face, because
+she knew the others were surprised that she had come.
+
+"Is Mr. Hayes here?" she asked.
+
+"Mayhappen he's at the pens," Lucy replied. "I thought I heard his car."
+
+"Then I missed him at the cross-roads," said Grace. "I was going to
+Allerby, and my father asked me to give him a note when he stopped at
+Lawson's." She hesitated, and then resumed impulsively: "Perhaps I
+oughtn't to have come on; but I wanted to do so."
+
+They knew what she meant, but nobody answered, and Grace sat down on a
+bench by the table.
+
+"Will you give the note to Mr. Hayes? Has Kit Askew brought the
+Swinset sheep?"
+
+"He's coming now," said Lucy, picking up the note, and Grace's
+eyes sparkled.
+
+"I knew he would bring them; I told him he must."
+
+Lucy went out and Grace asked Railton about his pains. While they talked
+somebody shouted outside, and the old man, getting up with an effort,
+hobbled to the door.
+
+"Hoad on; dinna close t' pen," a man called. "Here's Kit and t' lot
+fra Swinset."
+
+Three of four more shouted and Grace, who had followed Railton, thought
+there was a note of triumph in their cries. Then dogs began to bark,
+somebody opened a gate, and a flock of Herdwicks, leaping out with wet
+fleeces shaking, and hoofs clicking on stone, ran across a shallow pool
+where the beck had overflowed.
+
+A few minutes afterwards, Kit came in. He looked tired, his face was
+rather haggard, and his clothes were wet. Tom, the shepherd, followed and
+sat down by the fire.
+
+"It was nea an easy job, but we manished it," he said. "Swinset sheep is
+thief sheep, but they're none a match for Kit's oad dog."
+
+Kit stopped abruptly as he crossed the floor and his heart beat. "Ah!" he
+said. "Miss Osborn?"
+
+Grace smiled as she got up and gave him her hand. "Well done! Have you
+brought them all? But of course you have!"
+
+"They're in the pen," Kit answered, with some embarrassment.
+
+Then Railton stood up, leaning awkwardly on his stick.
+
+"I've misdoubted your new-fashioned plans, and ken that I was wrang.
+There's nea ither lad in aw t' dale could ha' browt Herdwicks doon
+Bleatarn ghyll last neet. Weel, t' oad ways for t' oad men, but I'se
+niver deny again that the young and new are good."
+
+He sat down and while Mrs. Railton began to bustle about the table Grace
+stole away. She knew she ought not to have come, and had done so with a
+feeling of rebellion against her father's harshness, although she tried
+to persuade herself that Hayes was most to blame. Now she was glad the
+note made a pretext for the visit; she had shown the Railtons her
+sympathy and had thanked Kit. After all, he had perhaps gone to look for
+the sheep because she told him; she rather hoped he had, and rejoiced
+with the others at his success.
+
+Grace admitted that she liked Kit Askew. He was resolute but modest, and
+had just done a bold deed by which he had nothing to gain. Railton's
+praise had moved her, because she knew the dalesfolk's reserve and that
+the farmer would not, without good grounds, have spoken as he did.
+Moreover, she knew the fells, and it was something of an exploit to bring
+the sheep from Swinset in the storm. Kit was, of course, a farmer's son,
+but he was plucky and generous; besides, she approved his steady look,
+well-balanced, muscular figure, and clean brown skin. Then she blushed
+and began to wonder what she would say about her visit to Mireside when
+she went home.
+
+In the meantime, Kit ate his breakfast, and soon afterwards Peter Askew
+came in and began to talk to Railton. Until the valuation was agreed upon
+there was nothing for them to do, and it was some time before the men
+returned from the pens. They were plain farmers with rather hard, brown
+faces, and stood about the fire in half-embarrassed silence while Hayes
+sat down at the table and opened his pocket-book.
+
+"We have made up the tally," he began, and Railton interrupted.
+
+"Counting in the lambs and ewes fra Swinset?"
+
+"They are counted," Hayes replied. "I'll give you particulars of the
+different lots."
+
+He read out some figures and then turned to the group by the fire. "I
+think we are all agreed?"
+
+"Aw, yis," said one. "It's as near as yan can mak' it, withoot sending
+flock to auction."
+
+Hayes turned to Railton. "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"We willunt fratch. Mayhappen two or three lots would fetch anither pound
+or two, but we'll ca' it fair."
+
+"Then we must thank these gentlemen," said Hayes, who shut his
+pocket-book and took out a document. "As there is some other business and
+they have given us some time, we need not keep them."
+
+The men looked at one another and Peter Askew said, "If Railton doesn't
+mind, we'd sooner stop."
+
+"Stop if you like," Railton agreed. "You've got me a just reckoning and
+you're neebors aw."
+
+"It's not necessary," Hayes objected. "The business we have to transact
+is private."
+
+"They ken it," Railton replied in a stubborn voice. "I've bid them stop
+and the hoose is mine until Mr. Osborn turns me oot."
+
+"Very well. You know the sum due to the landlord. Are you ready to pay?"
+
+"I canna pay. It's weel you ken."
+
+"Then, can you give security for the debt?"
+
+"I canna and wadn't give it if I could. There's ways a cliver agent can
+run up a reckoning, and when you want Mireside I'll have to gan."
+
+"Then, I'm afraid we shall be forced to break the lease and take measures
+to recover the sum due."
+
+"Hoad on a minute!" said one of the group, who turned to Railton. "Would
+you like to stop?"
+
+"I would like; I've lived at Mireside sin' I was born. There's another
+thing: it's none too good a time for a sale o' farming stock, and when
+I've paid Osborn, I'll need some money to mak' anither start. Then
+may-happen a dry spring wold put me straight."
+
+"It ought to; you're not much behind," Peter agreed. "Weel, you ken I'm
+generally willing to back my judgment, and noo it seems there's others
+think like me."
+
+"In a sense, the lease does not run out yet," Kit interposed. "It has
+rather reached the half-term, because by our custom Railton is entitled
+to take it up again for an equal period if he and the landlord agree
+about the necessary adjustment. Our leases really cover a double term."
+
+Hayes turned to him with an ironical smile. "Do you know much about
+tenant law?" he asked.
+
+"No," said Kit, rather dryly. "I made some studies when I could get the
+books, but they didn't take me far. In fact, I imagine that in this
+neighborhood there's very little law and much precedent, which has
+generally been interpreted for the landlord's advantage. There are old
+Barony laws and Manor rights, and my notion is that nobody knows exactly
+how he stands. But we'll let this go. If Railton pays his fine, you will
+have some trouble to get rid of him."
+
+Hayes agreed and Railton looked up with a puzzled air.
+
+"But I canna pay," he said dully.
+
+The farmer who had interrupted Hayes took out a bulky envelope and
+crossed the floor.
+
+"Well," he said, "I think you're wrang. Your friends have been talking
+aboot the thing and wadn't like t' see you gan." He gave Railton the
+envelope, adding: "It's a loan."
+
+Railton's hand shook as he took out a bundle of bank-notes. "You're good
+neebors," he said in a strained voice. "But I dinna think I ought to tak'
+your money. There's a risk."
+
+"Not much risk in backing an honest man," the other rejoined, and taking
+the notes from Railton gave them to Hayes. "Noo, if you'll count these--"
+
+Hayes' face was inscrutable as he flicked over the notes. "The total's
+correct. It's an awkward bundle; a check would have been simpler."
+
+"A check has the drawback that it must be signed," Kit remarked with a
+meaning smile. "We're modest folk, and nobody was anxious to write
+himself down the leader."
+
+"I see!" said Hayes. "I don't know if you're modest; but you're certainly
+cautious."
+
+"Anyhow, we're aw in this," said one of the others.
+
+"So it seems. I hope you won't lose your money," Hayes rejoined dryly and
+took out a fountain pen. "Well, here's your receipt, Mr. Railton. I don't
+think there is anything more to be said."
+
+He put the receipt on the table and when he went away a farmer laughed.
+
+"O'ad Hayes is quiet and cunning as a hill fox, but my lease has some
+time to go and he canna put us aw oot."
+
+Railton tried to thank them, while Mrs. Railton smiled with tears in her
+eyes, but the dales folk dislike emotion and as soon as it was possible
+the visitors went away.
+
+An hour or two afterwards Grace heard about the matter from the sick wife
+of a farmer, whom she had gone to see, and when she went home thought she
+had better not confess that she had taken Hayes' note to Mireside. When
+Osborn joined his wife and daughter at the tea-table in the hall after
+some disappointing shooting, his remarks about his tenants were
+rancorous. Grace thought it prudent not to talk and left the table as
+soon as she could. When she had gone, Osborn frowned and getting up
+savagely kicked a log in the grate.
+
+"I got a nasty knock this morning," he said. "It's not so much that I
+mind letting Railton stop; I hate to feel I've been baffled and made the
+victim of a plot."
+
+"After all, wasn't it rather Hayes's idea than yours that Railton ought
+to go?" Mrs. Osborn ventured.
+
+"It was; there's some comfort in that! You don't like Hayes much."
+
+"I don't know that I dislike him. I'm not sure I trust him."
+
+"Well," said Osborn thoughtfully, "I sometimes feel he's keenest about my
+interests when they don't clash with his, and this last affair was a
+pretty good example of nepotism. For all that, his nephew would have been
+a better tenant and have paid a higher rent." He paused and knitted his
+brows angrily as he resumed: "However, it's done with, and one can't
+blame Railton for holding on to his lease. What I hate to feel is, the
+others plotted to baffle me. The land is mine, but I'd sooner get on well
+with my tenants."
+
+"One cannot, so to speak, have it both ways," Mrs. Osborn remarked
+timidly.
+
+"Oh, I know what you mean! But I don't think I'm a harsh landlord. If
+money was not quite so scarce, I might be generous. In fact, I don't
+know that I'd have agreed to turning Railton out if it hadn't been for
+Gerald's confounded debts and his allowance at Woolwich. That's a
+fresh expense."
+
+Mrs. Osborn thought the expense did not count for much by comparison with
+her husband's extravagance; but he had been rather patient and she must
+not go too far.
+
+"Well," she said, "you have got Railton's fine."
+
+"It is not a large sum," Osborn answered with a frown. "I need the money,
+but in a sense I'd sooner it had not been paid. Anyhow, I'd sooner it had
+not been paid like that. The others' confounded organized opposition
+annoys me."
+
+"They were forced to subscribe to a fund if they wanted to help."
+
+"Just so; but they probably wouldn't have thought about subscribing if
+Askew hadn't suggested it. They're an independent lot and believe in
+standing on their own feet. For a time after I got Tarnside, they used a
+sensible, give-and-take attitude; it's only recently they've met with
+stupid, sullen suspicion."
+
+"Perhaps it was rather a mistake to give Bell the coal yards' lease."
+
+"The coal yards had nothing to do with it," Osborn declared. "The
+trouble began earlier, and I've grounds for believing it began at
+Ashness. If I was rich enough, I'd buy the Askews out. They know I've no
+power over them and take advantage of the situation. The old man was a
+bad example for the others, but his son, with his raw communistic
+notions, is dangerous. If I could get rid of the meddling fool somehow,
+it would be a keen relief."
+
+He came back to the table and picked up a cup of tea. Then, grumbling
+that it had gone cold, he put it down noisily and went out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GRACE FINDS A WAY
+
+
+Soon after the reckoning at Mireside, the snow melted off the fells and
+for a month dark rain clouds from the sea rolled up the dale. They broke
+upon the hill tops in heavy showers, gray mist drifted about the wet
+slopes, the becks roared in the ghylls, and threads of foam that wavered
+in the wind streaked the crags. In the bottom of the valley it was never
+really light, water flowed across the roads, and the low-standing
+farmsteads reeked with damp.
+
+All this was not unusual and the dalesfolk would have borne it patiently
+had fuel not been short. Large fires were needed to dry the moisture that
+condensed in the flagged kitchens and soaked the thick walls, but coal
+could not be got at a price the house-wives were willing to pay. Some
+would have had to stint their families in food had they bought on Bell's
+terms, and the rest struggled, for the common cause, against the mould
+that gathered on clothing and spoiled the meal. They grumbled, but their
+resolution hardened as the strain got worse, while Bell waited rather
+anxiously for them to give way.
+
+His yards were full and more coal was coming in, but he saw that if he
+let the farmers beat him his power to overcharge them another time would
+be gone. The new combine was dangerous, since the cooperative plan might
+be extended to the purchase of chemical manures, seed, and lime. In the
+meantime, there was plenty of peat, stacked so that it would escape much
+damage, on Malton Head; but Askew and his friends could not get it down.
+Carts could not be used on the fells and the clumsy wooden sledges the
+farmers called stone-boats would not run across the boggy moor. The few
+loads Kit brought down at the cost of heavy labor were carried off by
+anxious house-wives as soon as they arrived.
+
+The weather was helping the monopolist, but he could not tell if a change
+to frost would be an advantage or not. Although it would make the need
+for coal felt keenly, it might simplify the transport of peat. When Bell
+thought about it, and the colliery company's bills came in, he felt
+disturbed, but he was stubborn and would not lower his price yet.
+
+At length the rain stopped, and after a heavy fall of snow keen frost
+began. The white fells glittered in cold sunshine that only touched the
+bottom of the dale for an hour or two. The ice on the tarn was covered,
+so that skating was impossible, and Thorn, feeling the need for
+amusement, had a few sledges made. He had learned something about
+winter sports in Switzerland, and one afternoon stood with a party of
+young men and women at the top of Malton Head. They had practised with
+a pair of skis farther down the hill, where one or two were sliding on
+a small Swiss luge, but Thorn wanted to find a long run for his
+Canadian-pattern toboggan.
+
+Grace stood near him; her face touched with warm color and her eyes
+sparkling as she looked about. She did not altogether approve of Alan
+Thorn, but she was young and vigorous and enjoyed the sport. Besides, she
+loved the high fells and now they looked majestic in the pale sunshine.
+They were not all white; dark rocks with glittering veins edged the
+snowfield, and the scarred face of Force Crag ran down where the shoulder
+of the moor broke off four hundred feet below. Where the sun did not
+strike, the snow was a curious delicate gray, and the bottom of the dale
+was colored an ethereal blue. The pale-gray riband, winding in a graceful
+curve round the crag, marked the old green road that was sometimes used
+for bringing down dry fern, and Grace's face got thoughtful as she noted
+a row of men and horses some distance off. She imagined they were Askew
+and his helpers.
+
+In the meantime, Thorn studied her with artistic satisfaction. He had an
+eye for female beauty and the girl looked very well in her rather shabby
+furs. Her pose was light and graceful, her figure finely modeled, and he
+liked the glow the cold had brought to her skin. Moreover, he liked her
+joyous confidence when they tried the luge on a risky slide. She was as
+steady-nerved and plucky as a man, and was marked by a fine
+fastidiousness that did not characterize other girls he knew.
+
+"I think this is about the best spot we have seen," he said. "The drop
+is steep but regular, although I expect we'll be breathless when we get
+to the bottom. Would you like to try? If not, perhaps somebody else
+will come."
+
+He looked at the others, and they looked at the white declivity. It was
+much longer than any they had gone down, and a girl laughed.
+
+"To begin with, we'll watch you. I was upset on the last slide and it's
+rather a long way to roll down to the dale."
+
+Grace lay down on a cushion with her head just behind the toboggan's
+curved front; Thorn found room farther back, with his legs in the snow,
+and amidst some laughter and joking the others pushed; them off. The
+surface was hard, and for a time the toboggan ran smoothly and steadily;
+then the pace got faster, and showers of snow flew up like spray. It beat
+into Grace's eyes and whipped her face, until she bent her head in the
+shelter of the curled front.
+
+The sharp hiss the steel runners made was louder, the wind began to
+scream, and she got something of a shock when she cautiously looked up.
+It was hard to see through the snowy spray, but the top of the crag
+looked ominously near. Glancing down hill with smarting eyes, she thought
+the slope, which, from the top, had seemed to fall evenly to the dale,
+was also inclined towards the crag. She could not see much of the latter,
+but there was a fringe of dark rock where the white declivity broke off.
+
+"Aren't we getting too near?" she shouted.
+
+"Nearer than I thought," Thorn gasped. "Not sure I can swing the sledge.
+Can you get back and help?"
+
+Grace braced herself. Alan's nerve was good, but there was a disturbed
+note in his voice; besides he would not have asked her help unless it was
+needed. Wriggling back cautiously, she got level with Thorn, although
+there was not much room for them side by side. Her feet and the seam of
+her short dress brushed in the snow and tore up the surface. She felt the
+looser stuff beneath foam about her gaiters, but this was an advantage.
+The drag would help to stop the sledge, and if she could put an extra
+pressure on one side, to some extent direct it. Still they were going
+very fast and at first she was nearly pulled off. She tightened her grasp
+with her hands until she felt her gloves split, and then risked another
+glance ahead.
+
+The rocks were very close, but the sledge had passed the top, and she
+could see a few yards down the dark side as they followed the curving
+edge of the crag. The sledge was now running nearly straight down the
+hill, but the curve bent in towards them, and she could not tell if they
+would shoot past the widest spot or plunge over.
+
+"Perhaps you had better let go," Thorn said hoarsely.
+
+Grace shook her head. If she dropped off, it was uncertain whether she
+would stop until she had rolled some distance; perhaps she might not stop
+before she reached the edge of the crag. Anyhow, she did not mean to let
+go, and tried to catch the snow with her toes in an effort to help Thorn
+to steer the sledge. It swerved a little but rushed on again, and she saw
+that the edge of the rock curved in yet. She doubted if they were far
+enough off to get past the bend.
+
+Then she saw that Thorn had slipped farther back in order to increase the
+drag of his legs. His face was dark with blood and she heard his heavy
+breathing as he tried to change their course. She helped all she could
+while the snow rolled across her dress, and then for a moment lifted her
+head. Powdered snow beat into her face and nearly blinded her, but she
+thought there was now an unbroken slant in front. They must have passed
+the middle of the bend, although Thorn was between her and the side on
+which it lay and she was not sure yet. She remembered with horrible
+distinctness how she had once stood at the bottom of the crag and seen a
+stone that rolled over the top smash upon the rocks.
+
+"Try again!" Thorn gasped. "Swing her to the right!"
+
+Grace let her body slip back. The thrust and drag were telling, for the
+sledge had swerved, and then there came a few seconds of keen suspense.
+After this she heard Thorn draw a labored breath and felt his hand on
+her waist.
+
+"We're past. Hitch yourself up before you're pulled off," he said.
+
+With some trouble Grace got back to her place and lay still, while her
+heart thumped painfully and something rang in her ears. The reaction had
+begun and she knew she could not move if Thorn wanted help again. It
+looked, however, as if he did not, and some moments afterwards she saw
+that the way was clear ahead. She wondered whether they would stop before
+they reached the bottom of the dale and how far it was. The round
+sheepfold in the first field looked no larger than a finger ring. She was
+getting numb and the rush of bitter air took away her breath.
+
+"Hold tight!" Thorn shouted presently and she noted that the hillside
+broke off not far in front.
+
+Since there were no crags near the spot, it was obvious that they had
+come to an extra steep pitch, the brow of which prevented her from seeing
+the bottom. Next moment the sledge seemed to leave the ground and leap
+forward. Grace thought that for some yards they traveled through the air,
+and then the hiss of the runners that had suddenly stopped became a
+scream. The speed was bewildering and a haze of fine snow streamed past.
+By and by, however, this began to thin, the speed slackened, and Thorn
+gave a warning shout. She felt him try to turn the sledge, but they were
+going too fast; the light frame canted and turned over, and they rolled
+off into the snow. When Grace got up and shook herself, fifty yards lower
+down, she saw Thorn standing by the righted sledge. He came to meet her
+as she toiled back and his eyes sparkled.
+
+"By George!" he said, "you are fine. You're a thorough sport!"
+
+Grace colored. The compliment was obviously frank and not premeditated;
+perhaps she deserved it, but she did not want Thorn to praise her. His
+manners were good, but somehow he often jarred. He had not, within her
+memory, said anything that could justly offend her, and although he was a
+neighbor and there were no secrets in the dale, she had not known him do
+a shabby thing. Yet, on the whole, he rather repelled than attracted her.
+She studied him as he came down the hill.
+
+He was a big, handsome man, and it was, of course, ridiculous to dislike
+him because he was older than she and was getting fat. He was an amusing
+talker and a good sportsman, but now and then one got a hint of hardness
+and cunning. Somehow, so to speak, he did not ring true.
+
+"I held on because I thought I might fall over the crag if I let go," she
+said with a laugh. "Then as I did hold on, it was merely prudent to try
+to steer the sledge."
+
+"Oh, yes," Thorn agreed. "But the important thing is you saw this and
+didn't lose your nerve. Anyhow, if you had lost it, I couldn't have
+blamed you; I blame myself for my confounded thoughtlessness that let you
+run the risk. In fact, I'm dreadfully sorry and don't mind owning that I
+got a fright."
+
+Grace noted that he was rather shaken, and felt vaguely disturbed. She
+had seen him following the foxhounds among the crags, for they hunt on
+foot in the rugged dales, and knew his steadiness and pluck. He had not
+been afraid for himself, and she did not want him to be afraid for her.
+
+"After all," she said, "the hill seemed to run down evenly when we stood
+at the top. If the little slant towards the crag deceived you, it
+deceived me."
+
+"I know more about tobogganing and oughtn't to have been deceived. It
+hurts to feel I didn't take proper care of you."
+
+"It really doesn't matter," Grace replied with a smile, and Thorn gave
+her a steady look.
+
+"Oh, but it does matter! You ought to see that!"
+
+"I don't see it," Grace insisted quietly, although her heart beat. "You
+were not accountable, and we got down quite safe. Let's talk about
+something else."
+
+Thorn's eyes rested on her for another moment, and then he made a sign of
+acquiescence and they went back up the hill. At the top he marked a new
+line for the next day's sport, and then as the sun was getting low the
+party started home by the old stone-boat road. Near the bottom they
+overtook the Askews, and one or two others walking at their horses' heads
+as they cautiously descended a steep pitch. Grace noted that although
+they were not bringing much peat there was a risk of the sledges running
+down upon the teams.
+
+"You have not got on very fast," she said to Peter.
+
+"If we're no verra careful, we'll gan faster than we like."
+
+"I suppose that's why you're only taking half a load?"
+
+"Just that," Peter agreed. "It wadn't suit for load to run ower the team.
+Better safe than sorry, though it's a terrible loss o' time."
+
+"Then, why don't you look for an easier way down?"
+
+"There's only the oad green road. Fellside's ower steep for horses."
+
+"Well, if I can think of a better way I'll tell you," Grace replied,
+smiling, and hurried on after the others.
+
+They left her at the Tarnside gate and she stopped abruptly as she went
+up the drive. It had obviously taken Askew a long time to bring down half
+a load because of the risk to his horses; but she had found a better
+plan. It was not needful to use horses, after they had pulled the sledges
+up. The latter could be heavily loaded and left to run down alone. She
+must tell Kit Askew when she saw him next, but she did not reflect that
+it was curious she meant to tell Kit and not Peter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE PLAN WORKS
+
+
+Although the air was bracingly keen the afternoon was calm and the
+scattered clouds scarcely moved across the sky. The snow in the valley
+shone a delicate gray, and soft lights and shadows rested on the hills. A
+peak that rose above the edge of the lofty moor gleamed pale-yellow
+against a background of deep blue. Grace noted the tranquil beauty of the
+landscape, but hesitated now and then as she climbed the steep road out
+of the dale.
+
+She had come to meet Kit Askew, and now she reviewed her reasons for
+doing so they did not look very sound. In fact, if Kit approved the plan
+she meant to suggest, she would perhaps be meddling unjustifiably with
+her father's business. After all, however, it was really not his
+business. He had allowed himself to be persuaded to help Hayes and the
+latter's accomplice, Bell, without quite understanding what this
+implied. Her plan would prevent his doing an injustice he did not really
+mean to do.
+
+She suspected that there was a touch of sophistry about her arguments,
+but would not own that she had come because she wanted to meet Kit. It
+was necessary that she should meet him; yet when she stopped at a gate
+and heard the tramp of horses' feet behind, her color came and went. For
+all that, she looked very calm, when Kit pulled up his team, and went
+forward to open the gate. He made an abrupt movement as he recognized
+her, but his eyes shone with satisfaction.
+
+"I suppose you are going for some peat," she said.
+
+Kit said he was, and added that Peter and two or three neighbors were
+loading the stone-boats on the moor.
+
+"Then, I wonder whether you could let me have a small quantity when you
+come down?"
+
+"You can have a load if you want."
+
+Grace laughed. "Two or three basketsful would be enough, and I don't want
+them for myself. I went to see Mrs. Waite and found her old father
+crippled by rheumatism. The kitchen was cold and damp, but she had a very
+little fire. She said her coal was nearly gone and she had got no peat."
+
+"Thank you for telling me; I didn't know," said Kit. "I'll take her a
+sack as I go down the dale." He paused and hesitated, with his hand on
+the open gate. "But it's rather cold. Am I keeping you?"
+
+Grace noted with some satisfaction that he did not seem to think it
+remarkable she had met him at the lonely spot.
+
+"Oh, no," she said. "I am going up the hill. I like the view from the
+crag and sometimes go to watch the sunset. When it shines over the
+shoulder of the Pike it throws wonderful lights on the snow."
+
+Kit agreed, and after he started his horses they went on together. By and
+by Grace resumed: "When I met you yesterday, your father said the sledges
+often ran down too fast and you could not put up a proper load."
+
+"That is a drawback. You see, there's plenty peat cut; the trouble is to
+bring it down. After the heavy rain, we couldn't drag the stone-boats
+across the boggy moor, and although the snow has made this easy, it
+hasn't helped much otherwise. If we put up a big load, there's some
+danger of the sledges overtaking and knocking down the horses where the
+track is steep."
+
+"And you can't see a way of getting over the difficulty?"
+
+Kit said he could not and Grace's eyes twinkled.
+
+"Then I can. I'll show you a way, if you're not too proud to take advice
+from a girl."
+
+"Certainly not," Kit said, smiling. "I don't know why you think
+I'm proud."
+
+"Then perhaps you're obstinate; some of the dalesfolk are."
+
+"We're slow. We like to try things properly; and then, perhaps we
+stick to them longer than is needful if we find them good. But
+caution's prudent."
+
+"You're very cautious now," Grace rejoined. "You don't seem curious about
+my plan. Are you afraid it isn't practical?"
+
+"No," said Kit, rather earnestly; "since it's yours, it's no doubt
+good." Then he pulled himself up and added with a twinkle: "But I
+haven't heard it yet."
+
+"Well, while your difficulty is that the peat comes down too fast, I
+think it does not go fast enough. You are afraid about your horses, but
+you needn't use them. The stone-boats would run down alone. Do you
+understand now?"
+
+Kit started. "I expect you have found the way, Miss Osborn, and we owe
+you some thanks. In fact, you're cleverer than the lot!"
+
+"The admission doesn't seem to hurt you," Grace rejoined. "But I imagine
+to feel you had to make it was something of a shock."
+
+"No," said Kit, with a laugh she liked. "We're often dull and our
+womenfolk have helped us much. But somehow I did not expect--"
+
+He stopped, and Grace gave him a level glance.
+
+"You mean you did not expect help from me?"
+
+"Well," he said, "I suppose I did mean something like that"
+
+"Then I'm glad you owned it, because it allows me to clear the ground. I
+don't want poor people to be cold in winter in order that Bell may get
+rich. Neither does my father want it--you must believe this! He doesn't
+know all that goes on; Hayes hides things from him. There is no reason I
+shouldn't help you to spoil _Bell's_ plot."
+
+Kit was silent for a few moments. The girl had pluck and he liked her
+frankness. She was trying to persuade herself Osborn was not unjust, and,
+although he imagined she found it hard, he did not mean to make it
+harder. One must respect her staunchness.
+
+"Bell is our real antagonist and he's an awkward man to beat," he said.
+"However, the hint you have given us ought to be useful. I'll look for a
+way down when we get to the top."
+
+Grace warned him about the inclination of the hillside to the rocks and
+stopped at the bottom of the crag.
+
+"I think I'll go across the hill and watch the first sledge come down, if
+you're not too long," she said and paused for a moment. "Perhaps you
+needn't tell the others it was my plan."
+
+Kit said he would not do so and was strangely satisfied as he went on
+with his horses. He understood her hesitation; it was delightful to feel
+that she had given him her confidence and they shared a secret. At the
+top, he found the others had loaded the sledges and were ready to start.
+Since the dales folk are conservative, he had expected some opposition to
+his plan, but they listened attentively and an old man supported him.
+
+"I mind hearing my father say that yan hard winter after a wet back end
+o' year, they let peat run doon t' fell. What has been done yance can be
+done again."
+
+Kit said nothing; for the other, by using a favorite motto, had banished
+his companions' dislike of novelties.
+
+"It was deeun no' so long sin'," another remarked. "In my time, they
+browt slate doon on t' stane-boats across the Fleet-pike scree. Pushed
+them off at top and let them go."
+
+There was some further talk and when they resolved to make the experiment
+Kit went down the hill. He said he wanted to see how the first sledge
+crossed an awkward pitch, but it counted for much that he saw a small
+figure below. Grace looked satisfied with his excuse for joining her and
+they waited for a time while the men above moved the first load to the
+edge. The sunshine had gone and it was getting cold; the shadows in the
+dale had faded from blue to dusky gray and the frost was keen. All was
+very quiet, but now and then distant voices and the musical rattle of
+chains came down through the nipping air.
+
+"It will be dark before they're ready if they're not quick," said Kit,
+and Grace looked up the hill.
+
+"I think they're starting the sledge. If there had been nobody about, I
+would have liked to come down with the peat. You can't imagine how
+exciting it is."
+
+They watched the sledge slip over the brow of the descent. It got larger
+as it came down, but it did not run as fast as the toboggan. One could
+see it rock and swerve, shaking off loose peats, where the ground was
+broken, and Grace glanced at the steep pitch Kit had come to watch.
+
+"It will go down there with a splendid rush, but I don't think it will
+upset," she said. "My plan is going to work."
+
+The sledge got nearer. They saw the snow fly up about its front and heard
+the scream the runners made. There was something fascinating about its
+smooth but fast descent, and as it approached the top of the dip they
+moved back rather unwillingly to let it pass. When it was nearly level
+with them it slowed on the changing incline and Grace noted that there
+was a narrow space between the back of the frame and the peat. She gave
+Kit a quick look as she said, "If one wanted, I think one could jump on."
+
+"Let's try!" said Kit impulsively, and they ran forward.
+
+He reached the sledge first, and throwing himself down held out his hand
+to Grace, who fell upon the runner log. Kit pulled her up and although
+the light was going saw her face glow after the effort she had made. Her
+eyes sparkled with excitement, but Kit felt half embarrassed because he
+did not know whether he had persuaded her to venture on an undignified
+adventure or she had persuaded him. It was a relief to hear her laugh.
+
+"This is rather ridiculous, and I don't know if we can hold on," she said
+as she tried to grasp the shaking peat.
+
+The sledge ran faster and lurched violently as it plunged over the edge
+of the steep drop. A shower of peat fell on them, the speed got furious,
+and they heard the runners scream, but they were sheltered from the rush
+of wind and could not see ahead. After a few moments Grace looked up with
+twinkling eyes.
+
+"You could drop off if you liked. Are you, sorry you came?"
+
+"No," said Kit. "I came because I wanted, and now I'm here I'll stop."
+
+"I really think you mean to be nice," Grace rejoined with amusement and
+Kit understood; she saw he did not mean to admit that she had suggested
+the adventure, but this was not important. It was something of an
+adventure for a girl like Miss Osborn, although her having embarked on it
+gave him a delightful feeling of partnership in a harmless folly.
+
+"I hope there's nothing in the way," he said. "We're going very fast and
+Hindbeck farm can't be far off. I ought to have looked before we jumped."
+
+"It is too late now," Grace answered with an excited laugh. "I imagine
+you're not as cautious as you think; but we won't talk. It's hard to hold
+on and I haven't much breath."
+
+Kit moved nearer and, seizing the edge of the frame, put his arm round
+her waist. She did not seem to resent this, and for a time they sped down
+hill with their feet plowing through the snow. Kit did not care how long
+the swift rush lasted, but by and by he began to get anxious. The sledge
+had gone a long way since they jumped on, and the hillside was steep to
+the bottom, where it met the Hindbeck pastures. While he wondered whether
+Grace would slide far and get shaken if he made her let go, the sledge
+tilted up. It stopped with a violent shock, he heard stones fall, and was
+thrown off amidst a shower of peat. When he got up Grace was sitting in
+the snow some distance off and he ran towards her. She had lost her small
+fur cap and her hair was loose, but to his relief she laughed.
+
+"Oh," she said, "it really was ridiculous! But the plan will work. The
+peat will run down!"
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed, with a breathless chuckle. "I think it would
+have run into the Hindbeck kitchen but for the wall."
+
+"Then it was a wall that stopped us. It felt like a rock."
+
+"Come and see," said Kit, holding out his hand to help her up.
+
+"I think," she said, "I'd rather you looked for my hat."
+
+He went off and it was two or three minutes before he found the hat among
+the scattered peat. When he came back it was nearly dark, but Grace's
+hair was no longer untidy, and the snow that had smeared her clothes had
+gone. She walked with him to where the sledge rested on a pile of stones,
+and looking through the gap, they saw a woman with a lantern cross a
+narrow pasture between them and a house.
+
+"What's t' matter?" the woman shouted and turned round. "Janet, gan on
+and see what's brokken t' wa'."
+
+Another figure came out of the gloom and Grace looked at Kit.
+
+"I don't know who Janet is, but I do know Mrs. Creighton. She talks," she
+said. "If you'll stop and explain matters, I'll go down the lonning. It
+was a glorious adventure! Good-night!"
+
+She stole away round the corner of the wall and Kit, who understood that
+he was, so to speak, to cover her retreat, waited until the two women
+came up. The one who carried the lantern was fat and homely; the other
+was slender and looked like Janet Bell.
+
+"It's Kit, an' stane-boat stucken in t' wa'!" said the first as she held
+up the light "But where's team? An' hoo did you get here? There's nea
+road this way."
+
+Kit laughed. "It's lucky I left the horses at the top. This is a new plan
+for bringing down the peat and it certainly works, although next time we
+must try to stop a little sooner."
+
+Mrs. Creighton asked him some questions before she understood what had
+happened. He was in the light, because she had put the lantern on the
+wall, and although he could not see her companion's face, he suspected
+from Janet's quietness that she was studying him.
+
+"Then you left the others on the moor," the girl remarked.
+
+"I did," said Kit. "We sent the stone-boat off by itself, and it was
+half-way down when I jumped on."
+
+"Then none of the men came with you?"
+
+"No," said Kit, who felt annoyed because he saw Janet suspected
+something. "I went down to watch the sledge and see if we had hit the
+best track."
+
+"It's strange!" said Janet. "I thought there was somebody else when I
+first came out. Still, of course, it was nearly dark."
+
+Kit was puzzled because he could not tell how much Janet had really seen,
+and thought the situation needed careful handling. If she knew Miss
+Osborn had been with him, it would be a mistake to make the thing look
+significant by pretending that she had not; but it was possible that
+Janet did not know. Then Grace had hinted that she did not want their
+adventure talked about.
+
+"I don't expect you could see very well if you had just come out from the
+light in the kitchen," he replied. "Anyhow, none of the men came with me
+and I must go back and tell them not to send off another lot. We'll see
+about mending your wall to-morrow, Mrs. Creighton."
+
+He went off to a gate that opened into the lonning. This was the wisest
+plan, because he did not want to talk to Janet. He was half afraid of
+her, but not because he thought she sympathized with her father's plots;
+it was known that Bell and his daughter quarreled. The girl was a
+dangerous coquette and had tactfully hinted that she rather approved Kit.
+This had alarmed Kit, who knew she was clever and resolute.
+
+When he reached the lane he stopped abruptly as he remembered something,
+and took out his pipe, although he did not mean to smoke. He must be
+cautious, since he was not sure if Janet had gone in. Striking a match,
+he held it between his hands as if he were going to light his pipe and
+stooped in the shelter of a wall.
+
+The light shone on the ground and he knitted his brows as he saw sharp
+footsteps in the snow. The farm people did not wear boots that would
+leave marks like these; moreover, the footsteps would lead anybody who
+thought it worth while to follow them to the spot where the sledge upset.
+Kit threw down the match, and frowned as he went on again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+JANET MEDDLES
+
+
+Bright moonlight sparkled on the snow when Kit left Ashness to post some
+letters he had written ordering new machines. He was young, but since he
+came home Peter had allowed much of the business of the farm to fall into
+his hands. Kit's judgment was sound; he had studied modern methods at the
+agricultural college and was progressive without being rash. For the most
+part, his experiments had paid, and Peter sometimes thought the lad's
+talents were wasted in the quiet dale. Kit had ability, particularly for
+management. Then, although he was rather reserved, people trusted him and
+often asked his advice.
+
+Peter knew Kit was satisfied to stay at Ashness; but, for all that, if
+the lad felt he wanted a wider field for his energies later, he would not
+stand in his way. The time might come when he must let him go, for Peter
+had a brother who had got rich in America and was willing to give his
+nephew a start. Indeed, Adam had written again not long since, asking if
+Peter was going to send him. It was a relief when Kit laughed and
+declared that he did not mean to leave Ashness yet.
+
+When he passed Allerby mill Kit looked about. Icicles covered the idle
+wheel, a snow cornice hung over the flagged roof, and water splashed
+softly in the half-frozen race. Farther on, the snowy road was
+checkered by the shadows of hedges and bare trees. Low roofs, touched
+by hoar-frost, rose behind the trunks, and here and there a gleam of
+yellow light shone out. The road, however, was empty, as Kit was
+relieved to note.
+
+He had once or twice recently, when he went to the post in the evening,
+met Janet Bell coming from the little shop in the village. In fact, the
+thing began to look significant. Kit was sorry for Janet, because Bell's
+rule was harsh and his neighbors extended their dislike for him to his
+family. All the same, Kit did not trust the girl and would sooner she
+left him alone. He might be taking too much for granted, but romantic
+pity was a treacherous guide; Janet was pretty and clever, and he was
+human. He had thought about changing the time he went to the post, but
+felt it would be cowardly. Besides, he was occupied all day and letters
+could not be written until the outside work was done, while a postman
+called at Allerby early in the morning.
+
+There was, however, nobody about and for a minute or two Kit went on at a
+quick pace. He passed Bell's house, and then hesitated with a frown as a
+figure he thought he knew came round a bend in front. Close by, the tall
+hedgerow was broken by a stile, from which a path led across a field and
+joined the road farther on. He was in the moonlight and if he vanished
+the thing would look too marked. Moreover, there would be something
+ridiculous about his running away.
+
+Kit went forward, wondering whether Janet had noted his hesitation, and
+she stopped him near a big ash-tree. The shadow of the branches made a
+black, open pattern on the snow and a belt of gloom lay behind the wide
+trunk. Kit would sooner Janet had stopped in the moonlight, since the
+villagers often went to the shop and post in the evening, and his
+standing in the shadow gave a hint of secrecy to the accidental meeting.
+He thought it strange that Janet did not see this.
+
+"You were walking fast," she said. "I believe you'd have gone by if I
+hadn't spoken."
+
+"The frost is sharp enough to make one move briskly and I've something to
+do when I get back."
+
+"Busy lad!" said Janet, in a mocking voice. "You're always in a hurry,
+Kit I suppose Peter works you hard?"
+
+"He says I work him harder than he likes," Kit replied, smiling. "Perhaps
+the truth is he lets me have my way."
+
+"You're lucky," Janet remarked with a sigh. "It's nice to be able
+to do what you like. There's only one way at the Mill house, and
+that's father's. But I suppose you agree with him that women's
+ideas don't count?"
+
+"I daresay their ideas are as sound as ours, but I don't know much about
+it. We have no women except old Bella and the dairymaid at Ashness."
+
+"And you never miss them? In that big, lonely house!"
+
+Kit mused for a moment. Sometimes, particularly on summer evenings when
+they did not light the lamps and the shadows of the fells rested on the
+old building, Ashness was lonely and drearily quiet. He had thought now
+and then the difference would be marked if a woman's laugh rang through
+the dim rooms and a graceful figure sat by the hearth. Still, his
+imagination had not pictured Janet there.
+
+"Oh, well," he said, "we're out all day and when we come home there are
+letters to write and books to read."
+
+"Letters and books!" said Janet. "Kit, I wonder if you're quite alive."
+Then she laughed, provocatively. "Anyhow, you don't seem to know when
+you're given a chance of being nice."
+
+Kit did not answer and wished she would let him go. He felt awkward and
+thought Janet knew this, for she resumed: "However, one mustn't expect
+too much and you want to get back. It's a habit of yours. You were in a
+hurry to get away the last time I saw you, when the stone-boat broke
+Creighton's wall."
+
+"I'd been at work since morning in the snow."
+
+"And Miss Osborn was waiting for you in the lonning?"
+
+"No," said Kit sharply; "she was not."
+
+"Anyhow she was with you, before she stole away."
+
+"She didn't steal away," Kit began indignantly, but hesitated. Now he
+came to think about it, Grace had gone as quietly as possible.
+
+"You mean Miss Osborn does nothing undignified? For all that, she didn't
+want Mrs. Creighton to see her. I don't suppose Osborn would be pleased
+to know his daughter and you went for moonlight walks on the fells."
+
+Kit knew Osborn would not like it, and since the dales folk are fond of
+gossip saw he must stop the story going round.
+
+"I had not gone for a walk with Miss Osborn. I met her as I came down
+from the moor. She didn't know I was coming."
+
+"So she wasn't waiting for you?" Janet remarked, with a hint of mockery.
+She stopped, and putting her hand on Kit's arm, pushed him nearer the
+hedgerow as a man and woman came round a neighboring corner.
+
+Kit was annoyed, but he waited and watched the people as they passed. The
+shadow was not very dark and he thought the woman give him a curious
+glance. He knew her and imagined that she knew him. When the people went
+through a gate Janet laughed.
+
+"That was very unlucky, Kit! Old Nanny's fond of talking; I'm afraid your
+character is gone."
+
+Kit frowned. He did not see much humor in the situation, although Janet
+was amused.
+
+"Oh," she said, "you are dull! I expect you couldn't be nice if you
+tried. But we were talking about Miss Osborn. You were not riding on the
+stone-boat when you met her. I don't suppose you could have stopped it."
+
+"No," said Kit, shortly, "I was not."
+
+"But I saw you and somebody else hardly a minute after the stone-boat hit
+the wall."
+
+"You saw _me_."
+
+"I did," said Janet. "The snow was sticking to your clothes as if you
+had fallen, and you looked angry when Mrs. Creighton put the lantern
+on the wall." She paused for a moment, and went on: "I begin to see;
+you did come down on the stone-boat and Miss Osborn came with you. You
+were both thrown off by the upset at the wall. Well, if you persuaded
+her to join you in an adventure like that, it looks as if you were
+pretty good friends."
+
+Kit said nothing. In a sense, Miss Osborn had persuaded him, and it was
+difficult to explain that both had really given way to a rash impulse.
+Somewhat to his surprise, Janet gently touched his arm.
+
+"Be careful, Kit! I wouldn't like to see you hurt. Miss Osborn's friends
+are not your kind of folk; she only wants to amuse herself when they are
+not about."
+
+"That's ridiculous," Kit declared. "Miss Osborn is not amusing
+herself with me."
+
+"Perhaps you ought to know," Janet rejoined with some dryness. "Now I
+come to think of it, you're not always very bright. Anyhow, when she
+finds the game tiresome, she'll soon get rid of you."
+
+"I meet Miss Osborn now and then and sometimes she stops and speaks. That
+is all," Kit said sternly.
+
+"I imagine it's enough," Janet remarked. "Well, I don't want to see you
+made to look a fool; you're rather a good sort, Kit, if you're not very
+clever. Be careful and remember you have been warned."
+
+She gave him a friendly nod and went off, but after a few moments turned
+and looked back. Kit was walking down the road with swift angry strides.
+Janet smiled, but when she entered the mill-house kitchen her face was
+flushed. Soon after she sat down by the fire, Bell came in and leaned
+against the table with an angry frown.
+
+"There's two mair trucks o' coal, and I canna find room for t' stuff," he
+said. "Yards is full and I only sold three or four car loads last week."
+
+Janet knew silence was prudent when her father was disturbed, but he had
+given her a lead. Kit was a fool, and although she doubted if he were as
+dull as he pretended, she was angry with him. Anyhow, it might be
+possible to stop his ridiculous infatuation for Miss Osborn.
+
+"You can't sell coal when the Askews are giving peat away," she said.
+
+"Looks like that," Bell agreed. "I'd ha' broke the others before noo if I
+hadn't had Peter and Kit against me. Hooiver, if I canna sell coal, I
+canna pay the rent and landlord will have to do something. Mayhappen it
+will be easier for him if he kens the Askews started the plot. Osborn's
+none too fond of them."
+
+"He wouldn't like them any better if he knew what I know," Janet remarked
+with a malicious smile.
+
+"What do you ken about them?" Bell asked scornfully.
+
+"I don't imagine Osborn wants Kit for his son-in-law."
+
+Bell started and then laughed harshly.
+
+"Old wives' crack! Kit's not such a fool!"
+
+"You know best," said Janet. "If you like, I'll tell you what I've seen."
+
+She did so and Bell's mean face got thoughtful. On the whole, Janet did
+not exaggerate much, although she now and then made a rather unwarranted
+implication. She threw a fresh light on matters the gossips already
+talked about; among others were Grace's visit to Mireside the morning
+Railton's sheep were counted and her meeting with Kit before he went to
+look for the Herdwicks. When she stopped Bell knitted his brows.
+
+"If it was used right, I might mak' some use o' this," he
+observed. "We'll see what Osborn says about coal yards and the
+alterations at mill."
+
+He went to his office and Janet sat quietly by the fire. Her plot would
+work; Miss Osborn should not have Kit.
+
+Bell made some calculations. His money was getting short; he had bills to
+pay, and his stock of coal was large. He could not hold it much longer,
+and since the Askews were bringing down large quantities of peat, there
+was no ground for imagining the dalesfolk would give way. It looked as if
+he must meet them and he wrote a notice that coal would be delivered by
+the trailer lurry at a reduction of two-and-six a ton.
+
+When he had put this in an envelope for the printers, Bell knitted his
+brows. Although his neighbors would sooner burn coal than peat, he was
+not sure the reduction would stimulate the demand for the former and he
+must look for relief in some other direction. He paid a high rent for
+the yards and the landlord ought to help. Osborn would, no doubt, be
+reluctant, but he might be forced. Bell's lease of the mill would soon
+run out; nobody else could pay as much as he paid, and he would demand
+certain expensive alterations. Furthermore, Osborn did not like the
+Askews, and Bell imagined he saw how to strike a blow at Kit; Janet had
+shown him the way. It would be some satisfaction to punish the
+meddlesome fellow.
+
+Two days afterwards the notice was fixed on the gateposts, but a week
+went by without its attracting fresh customers. Then a bill from the
+colliery arrived and Bell put down his price another two-and-six. For a
+day or two, no orders came in, and he resolved to wait until the week was
+out and then, if needful, get Hayes to arrange for a meeting with Osborn.
+
+On the last evening of the week, a number of the co-operators met in the
+kitchen at Ashness and for a time talked about the weather and the price
+of sheep. Askew let them talk and Kit was too preoccupied to give them a
+lead. He had been thoughtful since he met Janet Bell, for she had
+banished the self-deception he had unconsciously used and thrown a new
+and disturbing light on his friendship with Grace. Ridiculous as it was
+in many ways, he was falling in love with Grace Osborn. Moreover, he had
+met her an hour since and she had talked with a friendly confidence that
+made his heart beat. The girl liked and trusted him, and although he
+durst not look for more, this in itself was much. It was plain that he
+ought to conquer his infatuation, but he doubted if he could.
+
+Listening to the others mechanically, he was silent and absorbed until
+one asked, "Weel, what's to be done aboot coal noo? Are we gan t' buy?"
+
+"I dinna ken," said another. "My womenfolk are grumelling an' it's
+lang sin' we had good light bread, but they're none for letting Bell
+have his way."
+
+"He's come doon five shillings, and we've peat enough to fall back on if
+he puts up price again," somebody else remarked. "Hooiver, I reckon he's
+forced to sell and we might get anither half-croon off if we wait."
+
+Peter took his pipe from his mouth. "It's a kittle point. T' womenfolk
+have been patient and Bell canna rob us much if we buy from him noo. Aw
+t' same, we can beat him doon some shillings if we hoad on."
+
+"Then hoad on and break the grasping skinflint!" said one of the
+younger men.
+
+"I doot if we can break him and wadn't say it's wise to try. If he'll
+come down anither shilling, I think we might tak' his coal. That wad be a
+just price and we ought to be satisfied."
+
+"Let him smart!" urged the other. "He's robbed us lang enough."
+
+"Well," said Peter thoughtfully, "I dinna ken if that's a reason for
+robbing him, and it's sometimes safer no to push your enemy over hard
+when he's willing to give in. You must choose. If you hoad on and
+force him to sell at a big loss, the fight can only end in yan o' two
+ways. He'll mak' you pay top price for cattle food, lime, and patent
+manures; or you'll drive him oot o' dale. You must reckon if you're
+strong enough."
+
+"We'll hear what Kit says," one of the rest remarked.
+
+Kit's mood was hardly normal. He was not often rash, but he felt sore and
+rebellious and this had a stronger influence than he knew. Miss Osborn
+liked him, but her father's rank and traditions were daunting obstacles.
+Kit felt this was unjust, and raw passions and prejudices that he was, as
+a rule, too sensible to indulge, got the mastery.
+
+"My father is right," he said. "We have started a fight with Bell; he's a
+dangerous man to rouse and will make us pay, unless we beat him. Besides,
+he has made some pay already. Old rheumatic men and young children
+starved by half-empty grates when the snow stopped us getting the peat,
+and you have seen the profits you worked hard for melt before the price
+Bell charged for cattle-meal. He's been getting greedier, until he
+imagined he could rob us as he liked, and since he has forced us into the
+quarrel, my notion is we ought to fight it out."
+
+Peter looked surprised, but did not speak, and there was silence for a
+few moments. Then one said:
+
+"I'm with Kit. We'll hoad on until Bell comes doon seven-and-six. If he
+does, we'll talk aboot it again."
+
+After some argument, the rest agreed, and when they went away Peter
+turned to his son.
+
+"Mayhappen you've sent them t' right road, but I dinna ken! I'm none fond
+o' fratching, unless I'm forced."
+
+"We are forced," Kit answered moodily.
+
+Peter gave him a keen glance and then spread out his hands.
+
+"It's possible. For aw that, it wadn't ha' done much harm to give t' man
+his chance o' makin' peace."
+
+Kit did not answer, but went out, and Askew sat by the fire with a
+thoughtful look. Something had happened to the lad, and Peter wondered
+what it was. He felt vaguely disturbed, but could see no light.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OSBORN'S PRIDE GETS HURT
+
+
+Soon after the farmers met at Ashness, Bell, feeling sore and resentful,
+sat one evening in the Tarnside library. Osborn, after fixing a time for
+his visit, had kept him waiting twenty minutes, and Bell had come to
+think himself a man of a little importance. The spacious library was very
+cold and the end of a small log smouldered among the ashes in the grate.
+Bell knew he had been brought into the library because it was Osborn's
+business room; but the latter might have ordered the fire to be made up.
+
+His neglect rankled, although Bell had something else to think about. He
+had lowered his price for coal another shilling, without attracting
+buyers, and now admitted that the dales folks' resistance was getting
+dangerous. To some extent, the Askews were accountable for this, but
+Osborn got a large share of the profit Bell had hoped to make. One did
+not pay a high rent for nothing. By and by Bell looked at Hayes, who
+stood by the hearth.
+
+"The next time I come to Tarnside Mr. Osborn will wait for me," he
+remarked.
+
+Hayes made a warning gesture, there were steps in the passage, and Osborn
+came in. He sat down at the end of the table and looked at his watch.
+
+"I can give you about a quarter of an hour," he said. "Perhaps we had
+better begin."
+
+The big room was nearly dark, but the men sat in the light a shaded
+lamp threw across the table. Osborn looked half bored and half
+impatient, Hayes was urbanely inscrutable, while Bell's mean face was
+marked by greed.
+
+"Mr. Bell finds his stock of coal accumulating faster than he likes,"
+said Hayes. "He must pay on delivery, and since his customers have
+combined against him, feels he's entitled to some relief."
+
+"I don't see how that is my business," Osborn rejoined. "Bell might get
+over the difficulty by lowering his price."
+
+"I've putten it doon," Bell broke in. "The price I can sell at is fixed
+by my rent."
+
+"To some extent, the argument is logical," said Hayes.
+
+"Then am I to understand that Mr. Bell expects me to reduce his rent?"
+
+"Not to begin with," Hayes answered, giving Bell a warning glance. "He
+imagines he might gain his object almost as well if we stopped Askew
+cutting peat."
+
+"You cannot stop him. The peat is his."
+
+"We might embarrass him. While the snow lasts, it saves some awkward
+labor to cross Creighton's field and use his lonning. A tenant is not
+entitled to grant a way-leave."
+
+"Allowing a friend to use the lane for a week or two can hardly be called
+a way-leave."
+
+"Well, although Askew owns the moor, it's doubtful if he is entitled
+to remove peat for sale, unless by arrangement with the lord of the
+manor. I have seen Sir Gordon's agent and he is not unwilling to
+dispute the point."
+
+"At my cost?" said Osborn with a sarcastic smile. "Enforcing the old
+manorial rights, which nobody knows much about, would be an expensive
+business, and I have no money to risk. However, if Bell is willing to pay
+the lawyers--"
+
+"I'll pay nowt but rent. It's high enough," Bell declared.
+
+Osborn shrugged. "Very well! It would cost too much to try to frighten
+Askew off. He's confoundedly shrewd and obstinate."
+
+Bell was silent for a few moments, but his face got hard as he fixed his
+eyes on Osborn.
+
+"There's another matter. T' mill lease will soon fall in and I canna tak'
+it on again, unless I get the repairs and improvements done. Mr. Hayes
+has t' list."
+
+The agent took out the list with some builders' and millwrights'
+estimates, and Osborn frowned as he studied the documents. It was obvious
+that Bell meant to use pressure.
+
+"I don't like to be threatened," he replied.
+
+"It's not a threat," said Bell, with a cunning smile. "If I'm to lose my
+money at coal yards, I must earn some at mill, but unless I get t'
+repairs and new machines, mill willunt pay to run." He paused and
+studying Osborn's face resumed: "There'll be nea peace for either o' us
+while the Askews gan aboot makin' trouble."
+
+"I suppose that is so, to some extent," Osborn agreed.
+
+"Then is it fair to leave me to fratch wi' them? After aw, they're mair
+your enemies than mine."
+
+"I don't understand you; I have no coal to sell."
+
+Bell looked up with a sour grin. "There's worse ways o' hurting a proud
+man than touching his pocket. If you dinna ken what's going on, it's time
+you watched young Kit. I'll say nea mair, but aw t 'oad wives are
+cracking and you can ask Mr. Hayes. He kens!"
+
+Osborn's face got red, but he gave Bell a haughty look.
+
+"Anything that touches me personally is my private concern--and we are
+talking about the lease of the mill. I cannot make all the improvements
+you ask for, but perhaps something can be done. When we have studied the
+matter Mr. Hayes will let you know."
+
+Bell got up and when he went out Osborn turned to Hayes. "What did the
+fellow mean? He said you knew!"
+
+"It's dangerous ground and I frankly wish he'd told you to ask somebody
+else. However, there is some gossip--"
+
+"Go on," said Osborn sternly. "Whom are they gossiping about?"
+
+"Miss Osborn, since you insist."
+
+Osborn clenched his fist and the veins rose on his forehead as he said,
+"And young Askew?"
+
+Hayes made a sign of agreement and Osborn, getting up, walked across
+the floor. He came back with a savage sparkle in his eyes and stood in
+front of Hayes.
+
+"Tell me what you know."
+
+With a pretense of reluctance, Hayes obeyed. He told Osborn about
+Grace's visit to Railton's and hinted that she had gone to find out if
+Kit had brought the sheep. Then he narrated their meeting in the dark
+near Creighton's farm and stated his grounds for imagining she had
+ridden down the hill on the first load of peat. Hayes was tactful and
+apologetic, but he made it plain that the girl was in Kit's confidence
+and had known his plans.
+
+Osborn stopped him with a savage gesture. His face was deeply flushed and
+his voice was hoarse as he said: "That is enough. The thing looks
+impossible! I must try to find out what foundation there is for the
+ridiculous tale."
+
+"I shall be relieved if you do find it is ridiculous," said Hayes, who
+went off soon afterwards.
+
+For some minutes Osborn leaned against the mantel with his hands
+clenched, for he had got a shock. He admitted that the Osborns had some
+faults, but they were the Tarnside Osborns and had ruled the dale for a
+very long time. It was something to spring from such a stock, and the
+wilful girl had disgraced them all. Osborn had suspected Grace of holding
+dangerous modern views, but it was unthinkably humiliating that she had
+engaged in a flirtation with a farmer's son.
+
+He had declared the thing impossible, but he feared it was true. Hayes
+had been very clear about her visit to Railton's, and her coming down
+Malton Head on Askew's sledge was ominous. She must have been strongly
+attracted by Kit since she had done a thing like that. Besides, she
+had obviously sympathized with, and perhaps helped, his plans. This
+was treachery, because it was a tradition of the Osborns that they
+stood together.
+
+By and by he heard voices in the hall and braced himself. He must go down
+to receive his guests and was glad that they had come, since he did not
+want to tell his wife about the matter yet; in fact, he did not think he
+would talk to Grace. The thing was humiliating, and there was a
+possibility that Hayes had been mistaken. Osborn resolved to watch the
+girl and then insist on a reckoning if she gave him grounds for doing so.
+
+He went down and carried out his hospitable duties. Next morning he
+arranged for a day's shooting; the snow had nearly gone and there were a
+few pheasants left in Redmire wood. The party started early, taking their
+lunch, and in the afternoon Grace left Tarnside and walked down the dale.
+She had no particular object, but the day was fine and she wondered
+whether Kit had brought all the peat from Malton Head.
+
+There was no wind and the frost was not keen. Gray clouds trailed across
+the sky that was touched with yellow in the west, and soft, elusive
+lights played about the dale. Patches of snow on the fellsides gleamed
+and faded; mossy belts glowed vivid green, red berries in the hedgerows
+shone among withered leaves and fern, and then the light passed on and
+left the valley dim. Something in its calm beauty reacted on the girl and
+made her thoughtful. She loved the dale and felt that she might be happy
+there if it were not for her father's poverty and overbearing
+temperament.
+
+After all, they were not really poor; they had enough to satisfy their
+needs. Their clinging to out-of-date traditions caused the strain. One
+gained nothing by pretending to be rich and important; there was no
+logical reason for trying to live like one's ancestors, and the effort
+cost the Osborns much. It meant stern private economy, public
+ostentation, and many small deceits. Grace was getting tired of this
+pretense; she wanted something simpler and dignified. For the most part,
+the dalesfolk looked happy and she had come to envy them. They had their
+troubles, but they were troubles all mankind must bear, and they had joys
+one did not properly value at Tarnside: human fellowship and sympathy,
+and freedom to follow their bent. A shepherd's daughter, for example,
+could marry whom she liked and was not forced to accept a husband who had
+wealth enough to satisfy her parents.
+
+Grace blushed as she thought of Alan Thorn and contrasted him with Kit.
+She did not want to marry yet; but perhaps, if Kit were not a working
+farmer's son--She pulled herself up, with a smile, for it looked as if
+she had not broken free from the family traditions. After all, it did not
+matter if Kit were a farmer's son. He was honest and generous; he had a
+well-modeled figure, bright eyes, and a clean brown skin. But since Kit
+was not her lover, she was indulging in idle sentiment; and then she
+admitted that he might love her, although she did not yet love him.
+Indeed, if she must be honest, the thing was possible--she had seen his
+face brighten and remarked his satisfaction when they met.
+
+Then she stopped abruptly as she saw him coming down the road. There was
+a path across a field close by, but it would be admitting too much if she
+tried to avoid him, and she went on. Kit came up, dressed in rough
+working clothes, with muddy leggings, and a hedge stick in his hand. Two
+dogs ran before him and it looked as if he had been driving sheep. Grace
+was very calm when he took off his cap and he thought the hint of
+stateliness he sometimes noted was rather marked. It did not daunt him;
+he, felt it was proper Grace should look like that. She noted that he was
+hot and breathless.
+
+"I saw you as I was bringing the sheep down Burton ghyll," he said.
+
+"Then you must have good eyes," Grace remarked. "It's a long way, and I
+don't wear conspicuous clothes."
+
+Kit laughed. "I'd have known you much farther off. There's nobody in the
+dale who walks like you."
+
+Grace gave him a quiet glance that he met without embarrassment. She saw
+that he had not meant to offer her a cheap compliment; yet the compliment
+was justified. A dancing master had told her that she walked and carried
+herself well.
+
+"But where are the sheep?" she asked.
+
+"I left them in the field at the beckfoot," he answered with a touch of
+awkwardness. "We can bring them down afterwards; I remembered I wanted
+something at Allerby."
+
+Grace turned her head to hide a smile. It was obvious that he had
+remembered he wanted to go to Allerby when he saw her.
+
+"Oh, well," she said, "I am going part of the way. However, I mustn't
+stop you if you want to get back to the sheep."
+
+"It isn't at all important," Kit declared. Then he paused and Grace
+thought he was studying his old and rather muddy clothes. "But, of
+course," he resumed, "it's possible you'd sooner go on alone."
+
+She laughed. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Askew! I think you know what I
+mean. I didn't want to keep you from your work."
+
+He looked relieved. "Yes. Although I'm not very clever at this sort
+of thing, I generally do know what you mean. I can't tell if it's
+strange or not."
+
+"It certainly is not worth while puzzling about. I expect I'm rather
+obvious--for that matter, so are you."
+
+"Frankness often saves you some trouble and I don't know if it gives your
+opponent the advantage some folks imagine. However, it's not our rule in
+the dale to say all we feel."
+
+"It's not Bell's, for example. How is the coal campaign getting on?"
+
+"Well," said Kit, thoughtfully, "so far as that goes, I believe we have
+beaten him. There's a new notice that lowers the price seven-and-six
+altogether, and last night we advised folks to buy. But I don't know if
+the fight's over. Bell may find another way of putting on the screw."
+
+"I hope he will give it up," Grace replied. "I tried to help, because I
+felt I must; but of course you see I can't help again."
+
+Kit made a sign of understanding. "Yes; you showed us how to bring the
+peat down. Now I don't know what to say. It's awkward ground."
+
+They were silent for some time afterwards, for both had said enough and
+knew that Osborn's resentment must be reckoned on. It made them feel like
+accomplices and drew them together. They were young and not given to
+looking far ahead, but they saw the threat that the friendship both
+valued might be broken off.
+
+By and by three or four reports rang through the calm air and Grace came
+near to stopping, but did not. She had forgotten Osborn was shooting in
+Redmire wood and she and Kit must pass its edge. For all that, she could
+not turn back. Kit would guess why she did so; it would be an awkward
+admission that she was afraid of being seen with him by Osborn or his
+friends. She was afraid, but she was proud, and went on, hoping that Kit
+had not noted her hesitation. He had not, but was puzzled by her resolute
+and half-defiant look.
+
+The guns were silent when they came to the wood, which rolled down the
+hillside below the road. Here and there a white birch trunk and a yellow
+patch of oak leaves shone among the dark firs; the beech hedge was
+covered by withered brown foliage. A belt of grass ran between the wood
+and road and Grace took the little path along its edge. Her feet made no
+noise and her tweed dress harmonized with the subdued coloring of dead
+leaves and trunks. The light was not good and she thought she would not
+be visible a short distance off; besides the sportsmen might be at the
+other side of the wood. She hoped they were, since she vaguely perceived
+that if Osborn saw her it would force a crisis she was not yet ready to
+meet. Then her thoughts were disturbed, for somebody in the wood shouted:
+"Mark cock flying low to right!"
+
+A gunshot rang out close by and a small brown bird, skimming the top of
+the hedge, fluttered awkwardly across the road. Next moment dry twigs
+rustled and a young man leaped on to the grass with a smoking gun in his
+hand. As he threw it to his shoulder, Kit ran forward and struck the
+barrel. There was a flash and while the echoes of the report rolled
+across the wood a little puff of smoke floated about the men. Grace stood
+still, trembling, for she knew she had run some risk of being shot.
+
+"Why don't you look before you shoot?" Kit shouted in a strange, hoarse
+voice. "You've no business to use a gun on a public road. It's lucky I
+was quick."
+
+"That is so; my fault!" gasped the other, who took off his cap as he
+turned to Grace. "Very sorry, Miss Osborn; didn't see you. Wanted to get
+the woodcock. Hope you're not startled much."
+
+Grace forced a smile. She had physical courage and was shaken rather by
+what she saw in Kit's face than the risk she had run. Kit looked
+strangely white and strained. He had obviously got a bad shock, but she
+thought he would not have looked like that had he saved anybody else from
+the other's gun.
+
+"My dress is hard to see against the trees. You really needn't be
+disturbed," she said.
+
+The young man renewed his confused apologies, and when he pushed through
+the hedge and they went on again Grace looked at Kit. He had not got his
+color back, his lips were set and his gaze was fixed. The shock had
+broken his control and brought her enlightenment. He loved her, but she
+needed time and quietness to grapple with the situation. Her heart beat
+and her nerves tingled; she could not see the line she ought to take. Yet
+he must be thanked.
+
+"You were very quick," she said as calmly as possible although she was
+conscious of a curious pride in him. "Somehow I knew if there was need
+for quickness you would act like that. I believe I was stupid enough to
+stand still until you jumped. Well, of course, you know I thank you--"
+
+She stopped, for Kit, who turned his head for a moment turned it back and
+looked straight in front. He durst not trust himself to speak, and they
+went on silently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+OSBORN INTERFERES
+
+
+When Grace and Kit had gone a short distance they heard voices and a
+rattle of sticks in the wood, but the noise got fainter and she imagined
+the beaters were moving the other way. Ferrars, who shot at the woodcock,
+had probably not had time to tell Osborn about his carelessness, and it
+looked as if nobody else had been posted near the road. This was
+something of a relief, but Grace felt anxious. A gate not far off led to
+a drive in the wood, and she thought she had heard Osborn's voice.
+
+She kept on the belt of grass, which got narrower, so that the path ran
+close to the hedge. On the opposite side, a clump of silver-firs threw
+a shadow across the road, and a patch of pale-yellow sky shone behind
+an opening in the trees. The stiff fir-branches cut sharply against the
+glow, but where she and Kit were the light was dim. For all that, she
+stopped abruptly when a man came out of the wood and turned, as if to
+look up the road. It was Osborn and she thought she knew for whom he
+was looking.
+
+Grace's judgment failed her. She pushed Kit towards the beech hedge and
+they stepped into a small hollow among the withered leaves. Kit like
+Grace, had not had time for thought, but as Osborn, looking straight in
+front, went past, he felt he had done wrong. For one thing, it was rather
+shabby to hide and his doing so reflected on his companion. The feeling
+got stronger as Osborn went up the road, and Kit was sorry he had given
+way to a cowardly impulse. Yet since he had hidden, he must wait.
+
+After a few moments, Grace turned her head and Kit saw her face was
+flushed. It was obvious that she felt much as he felt. She had prompted
+him to hide, but she had done so in sudden alarm and he ought to have
+kept cool and thought for both, particularly since it was getting plain
+that Osborn was looking for them. The latter stopped, hesitated, and came
+back, and Grace turned sharply to Kit. Her look was strained, but he got
+a hint of haughtiness and resolve. He made a sign that he understood, and
+knew he had done well when he moved back from the hedge. A moment's
+hesitation would have cost him the girl's respect. They waited in the
+road and Kit's heart beat fast, but not with fear.
+
+Osborn stopped a yard or two off and looked at them with sternly
+controlled rage.
+
+"It's obvious that I passed you just now," he said.
+
+"You did; I ought to have stopped you," Kit agreed. "For a moment, it did
+not strike me that you were looking for Miss Osborn."
+
+Osborn glanced at the hollow in the hedge. "It's curious you stopped at a
+spot where there was not much chance of your being seen."
+
+Grace turned, as if she meant to speak, but Kit resumed: "After all, I
+don't know that you are entitled to question what I do on a public road."
+
+"Certainly not," said Osborn, with forced quietness. "I have, however, a
+right to question my daughter's choice of her acquaintances, and it looks
+as if I had some grounds for using my authority." He paused and turned to
+Grace. "Your mother is waiting for you. You had better go home."
+
+Grace hesitated, glancing at Kit. It was her fault that they had hidden
+and she would have waited had she thought he wanted her. Kit's face,
+however, was hard and inscrutable, and with something of an effort she
+went away. It was a relief to Kit that she had gone; he had meant to
+keep her out of the quarrel and now he was ready to talk to Osborn.
+
+"The matter doesn't end here," the latter remarked. "There's something to
+be said that your father ought to know. I am going to Ashness and expect
+you to come with me."
+
+"You must wait. I have some sheep at the beckfoot and it will take me
+half an hour to drive them home," Kit said coolly.
+
+Osborn looked at him with savage surprise. It was unthinkable that he
+should be forced to wait while the fellow went for his sheep, but he saw
+that Kit was not to be moved and tried to control his anger.
+
+"Very well. I will meet you at Ashness in half an hour."
+
+Kit braced himself as he went up the road. In a sense, he was not afraid
+of Osborn, but he had now to meet a crisis that he ought to have seen
+must come. In fact, he had seen it, and had, rather weakly, tried to
+cheat himself and put things off. He loved Grace, and Osborn would never
+approve. Kit knew Osborn's pride and admitted that his anger was,
+perhaps, not altogether unwarranted. For that matter, he doubted if Grace
+knew how far his rash hopes had led him. Then he thrilled as he
+remembered that when she pushed him back to the hedge, and afterwards
+when they left their hiding place, something had hinted that she did know
+and acknowledge him her lover.
+
+In the meantime, it was a relief to drive the sheep down the dale; he
+could not think while he was occupied and thought was disturbing. He put
+the sheep into a field and overtook Osborn as he went up the farm lonning
+in the dark. A lamp burned in the kitchen, and when they went in Peter
+got up and put his pipe on the table. He looked at them with some
+surprise, but waited without embarrassment. Indeed, Kit thought his
+father was curiously dignified.
+
+"Mr. Osborn has something to say he wants you to hear," Kit remarked.
+"Although the thing's really my business, I agreed."
+
+Osborn refused the chair Peter indicated and stood in a stiff pose. His
+face was red and he looked rather ridiculously savage.
+
+"I found your son and my daughter hiding from me in the hedge at Redmire
+wood," he said. "I imagine I'm entitled to ask for an explanation."
+
+"Hiding?" said Peter, who turned to Kit. "That was wrong."
+
+"It was wrong," Kit admitted. "I told Mr. Osborn so. In fact, I must have
+lost my head when I made a mistake like this. Since I had the honor of
+Miss Osborn's acquaintance--"
+
+"Who presented you to my daughter?" Osborn interrupted.
+
+"Nobody," Kit admitted, with some embarrassment. "The day the otter
+hounds were hunting the alder pool Miss Osborn wanted to cross the
+stepping stones. Some of them were covered and I--"
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn. "Then the thing began as long since as that?" He
+turned to Peter. "The girl is young and foolishly proud of being
+unconventional, or she would have known that she could make use of your
+son's help without an obligation to speak to him again. It's obvious that
+he has worked on her rebellious humor until she forgot what is due to
+herself and her parents."
+
+"Stop a bit," said Peter. "She was doing her parents no discredit by
+speaking to my son."
+
+"No discredit!" Osborn exclaimed, losing his self control. "When I find
+her and the fellow skulking out of sight, like a farm hand and a
+dairy-maid!"
+
+Kit raised his head and his eyes sparkled. "In a sense, I am a farm hand;
+but it would be better if you kept your hard words for me."
+
+"There are verra good dairymaids; modest, hardworking lasses,"
+Peter remarked.
+
+"It's rather late to play the part of a rustic cavalier, if that is what
+you meant," Osborn said to Kit with a sneer, and then turned to Peter. "I
+am forced to own that the girl deserves some blame. Although she's
+impulsive and unconventional, she ought to have seen it was ridiculous to
+let your son imagine they could be friends."
+
+"You think that was ridiculous?"
+
+"Of course," said Osborn, with haughty surprise. "The absurdity of the
+thing is obvious."
+
+"Weel," said Peter dryly, "I reckon they might be friends without much
+harm, though I wadn't have them gan farther. Although the lass is yours,
+the lad is mine."
+
+Osborn laughed scornfully. "If I understand you, your attitude is
+humorous. But do you wish me to believe you didn't know what was going
+on? You have made my tenants dissatisfied and plotted against me, and
+now, no doubt, you saw another means."
+
+"Stop," said Peter, with stern quietness. "We have not been good neebors,
+though I dinna ken that's much fault o' mine; but if you thowt I'd use a
+foolish girl to hurt a man I didn't like, you're varra wrang. Hooiver,
+you came for an explanation, and I want one, too." He turned to Kit. "You
+had better tell us why you kept up Miss Osborn's acquaintance withoot her
+father's consent."
+
+"Very well," said Kit, standing very straight and holding up his head. "I
+met Miss Osborn, so to speak, by accident, and afterwards we sometimes
+talked. Her beauty and talent were plain to me at first, but it was some
+time before I knew I loved her, and then it was too late. I knew my
+folly--it was a folly I couldn't conquer, and now I think I never shall.
+Well, I suppose I hoped that some day things might change."
+
+"Do you imply that Grace knew what you hoped?" Osborn asked.
+
+"No," said Kit, quietly. "I gave her no hint. It was plain that she was
+willing we should meet and talk like friends. This was not wrong."
+
+"Not wrong that my daughter should meet you secretly!" Osborn exclaimed
+with sudden rage. "Are you foolish enough to imagine you and a member of
+my family could meet like equals?"
+
+"I have not pretended to be Miss Osborn's equal. But the inequality I
+acknowledge is not what you mean."
+
+Osborn shrugged with scornful impatience. "Pshaw! We'll let that go. You
+said you hoped things might change. Do you think any change of fortune
+could give you the tastes and feelings of a gentleman? Make you a proper
+husband for my daughter? You know the thing's impossible."
+
+Kit colored and hesitated, and Peter signed him to be quiet.
+
+"These meetings must be stopped. I'm as much against such a match as I
+think you are."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn, who looked puzzled, "you hinted something of the kind!
+I don't know that your point of view's important, but I can't
+understand."
+
+"My meaning's no varra hard to see," Peter answered. "The lass is bonny
+and, so far as I ken, weel-meaning and kind; but she has been badly browt
+up at an extravagant hoose. She'll not can help her husband, except
+mayhappen to waste, and she has niver learned to work and gan withoot.
+Weel, it seems we are agreed. Miss Osborn is no the lass I would welcome
+for my son's wife."
+
+Osborn looked at him with frank surprise. Then he said, "We'll make an
+end," and turned to Kit. "If you speak to my daughter again, she will be
+forbidden to leave the Tarnside grounds; if you write to her, your
+letter will be burned. She cannot resist my control for the next three or
+four years. There's nothing more to be said."
+
+He went out and Peter, who walked to the porch with him, came back and
+looked quietly at Kit.
+
+"A proud and foolish man, but he's hit hard!" he said. "Mayhappen it
+will hurt, my lad, but you must be done wi' this. Osborn's daughter is
+none for you."
+
+Kit looked straight in front, with his hands clenched. "So it seems, for
+some years. It does hurt. I cannot give her up."
+
+Peter lighted his pipe and there was silence for a few minutes. Then as
+Kit did not move he remarked: "I ken something o' what you're feeling; aw
+t' same you've got to fratch. There's nowt against the lass except that
+she's Osborn's child, but she's none o' our kind and it's sense and
+custom that like gans to like."
+
+"It would be easier if I could get away. I can't stop in the dale,
+knowing she's about and I mustn't see her."
+
+Peter went into the next room and opened an old desk. He had for some
+time expected that the moment he now shrank from would come and his heart
+was sore, but he knew his son's steadfast character and meant to save him
+pain. Going back he gave Kit his brother's last letter.
+
+"Mayhappen it's better that you should gan," he said quietly.
+
+Kit read the letter and looked up with a strained expression. "I never
+thought I'd want to leave Ashness and I feel a selfish brute! All the
+same it would be a relief."
+
+"Just that!" said Peter. "I'll miss you when you've gone, but it's no'
+my part to stand in your way. We'll write Adam to-morrow and tell him
+you'll come."
+
+Kit crossed the floor and put his hand on his father's arm. "Thanks;
+I think I know what this means to you. It will cost me something; but
+I must go."
+
+He went out and Peter sat still, looking gloomily at the fire. He felt
+old and knew he would be very lonely soon. The fire burned low and the
+kitchen got cold, but Kit did not come back and when Peter heard his
+housekeeper's clogs on the stones outside he got up and crossed the
+floor, to get his hat. Old Bella was curious and he did not want to talk,
+but there was something to be done in the barn and when his heart was
+sore it was a relief to work.
+
+
+
+
+PART II--ON THE CARIBBEAN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE OLD BUCCANEER
+
+
+It was about four o'clock in the afternoon and Kit Askew lounged in a
+chair on the bridge-deck as the _Rio Negro_ steamed slowly across the
+long swell of the Caribbean. The wrinkled undulations sparkled with
+reflected light in a dazzling pattern of blue and silver, and then faded
+to green and purple in the shadow of the ship. A wave of snowy foam
+curled up as the bows went down and the throb of the propeller quickened
+as the poop swung against the sky. Then the lurching hull steadied and
+the clang of engines resumed its measured beat.
+
+The _Rio Negro_ was old and ugly, with short iron masts from which clumsy
+derricks hung, tall, upright funnel, and blistered, gray paint. Her boats
+were dirty and stained by soot, and a belt of rust at her waterline
+hinted at neglect, but no barnacles and weed marred the smoothness of the
+plates below. Her antifouling paint was clean, and her lines beneath the
+swell of quarter and bows were fine. In fact, the _Rio Negro_ was faster
+than she looked when she carried her regular load of two thousand tons
+and her under-water body was hidden. She traded in the Gulf of Mexico and
+the Caribbean, and at certain ports Customs officials carefully
+scrutinized her papers. At others, they smiled and allowed her captain
+privileges that strangers did not get.
+
+Kit wore spotless white clothes, a black-silk belt, and a Panama hat of
+the expensive kind the Indians weave, holding the fine material under
+water. A glass occupied a socket in his chair, and when the _Rio Negro_
+rolled a lump of ice tinkled against its rim; a box of choice cigars lay
+on the deck. Kit, however, was not smoking, but drowsily pondered the
+life he had led for the last three years. He was thinner and looked older
+than when he left Ashness. He had lost something of his frankness and
+his raw enthusiasm had gone. His face was quieter and his mouth set in a
+firm line.
+
+He remembered his surprise when he first met his uncle at a luxurious
+Florida hotel. Adam Askew wore loose white clothes, a well-cut Tuxedo
+jacket, a diamond ring, and another big diamond in his scarf. His skin
+was a curious yellowish brown and his eyes were very black; he rather
+looked like a Spanish Creole than an Englishman. He had nothing of his
+brother's quiet manner. Although he was getting old, he walked with a
+jaunty step; he had a humorous twinkle, and his laugh was careless. In
+fact, he had an exotic, romantic look that harmonized with Kit's notions
+of the pirates who once haunted the Gulf of Mexico. When Kit afterwards
+learned why Adam's friends called him the "buccaneer," he saw that his
+first impression was not extravagant.
+
+Now he remembered that when they sat behind the imitation Moorish arches
+on the hotel veranda Adam studied him and laughed.
+
+"You're certainly Peter's son," he remarked. "I can imagine I'd just left
+him at the end of the Ashness lonning thirty years since. Except that
+he's got older, I reckon he hasn't changed, and for that matter, Peter
+was never young. Well, you are surely like him, but if you stop in this
+country we'll put a move on you."
+
+"If I'm like my father, I am satisfied," Kit rejoined.
+
+Adam's black eyes twinkled. "Now I see a difference; there's red blood in
+you. But don't take me wrong. Peter's a white man, straight as a
+plumb-line, one of the best; he's a year the younger of us, but when the
+old man died he brought me up. There are two kinds of Askews and I belong
+to the other lot. I don't know why they called you after roystering Kit."
+
+It was obvious that Adam knew the family history, for Christopher Askew
+was a turbulent Jacobite who lost the most part of his estate when he
+joined Prince Charlie's starving Highlanders in the rearguard fight at
+Clifton Moor. Afterwards the sober quietness at Ashness had now and then
+been disturbed by an Askew who inherited the first Kit's reckless
+temperament.
+
+Three years had gone since Kit met Adam, and he had learned much. To
+begin with, Adam sent him to an American business school, and made him
+study Castilian and French. Then he sent him to Mexico and countries
+farther south, where he studied human nature of strangely varied kinds.
+He met and traded with men of many colors: French and Spanish Creoles,
+negroes, Indians, and half-breeds with some of the blood of all. He knew
+the American gulf ports and their cosmopolitan hotels and gambling
+saloons, but Adam noted with half-amused approval that while he was not
+at all a prig he developed Peter's character and not Kit the Jacobite's.
+Now they were going south across the Caribbean on a business venture.
+
+By and by Adam came slowly along the bridge-deck. The three years had
+marked a change in him and Kit thought he did not look well. Adam
+suffered now and then from malarial ague, caught in the mangrove swamps.
+He was thin, his yellow face was haggard, and his shoulders were bent.
+Sitting down close by, he lighted a cigar and turned to Kit.
+
+"We ought to raise the coast before it's dark and I reckon Mayne will
+get his bearings," he remarked. "The lagoon's a blamed awkward place to
+enter and I'd have waited until to-morrow only that Don Hernando is
+expecting us."
+
+"It will save us a day if we can get in, since you want to land the B. F.
+cargo in the dark," Kit said thoughtfully. "We pay high wages and the
+_Rio Negro_ is an expensive boat to run."
+
+"That's so," Adam agreed with a smile. "You talk like a Cumberland
+flock-master. Counting every cent you spend is a safe plan, but I don't
+know that this trip will pan out much of a business proposition."
+
+"Do you feel better for your sleep?" Kit asked.
+
+"Some, though I've got a headache and a pain in my back. Guess they'll
+shake off when I get to work."
+
+"I was surprised when you said you meant to sail with us."
+
+"So I imagined," Adam rejoined dryly. "You wondered why I didn't, as
+usual, trust you to deliver the goods? Well, there's rather more to
+this job than that, and I meant to put you wise before we landed. You
+have heard me called a pirate, but I don't reckon on taking home much
+plunder now."
+
+Kit mused while Adam beckoned a mulatto steward, who brought him a glass
+and some ice. His uncle's character was complex. Sometimes he was hard
+and exacted all that was his; sometimes he was rashly generous.
+Ostensibly, he was a merchant, shipping tools and machines, particularly
+supplies for sugar mills, to the countries round the Caribbean, and
+taking payment in native produce. Kit, however, knew the cases landed
+from the _Rio Negro_ did not always hold the goods the labels stated, and
+that Adam's money sometimes helped to float an unpopular government over
+a crisis and sometimes to turn another out. It was a risky business,
+carried on with people who had a talent for dark revolutionary intrigue.
+
+"Since Don Hernando Alvarez is president of the republic, I don't quite
+see why we need smuggle in his machine-guns," Kit remarked.
+
+"On the surface, the reason isn't very obvious. Alvarez is president now,
+but mayn't be very long. It depends on whether he or his rival, Galdar,
+gets his blow in first. I reckon the chances are against Alvarez if
+Galdar puts up a fight, but the latter's not ready yet and Alvarez means
+to arm his troops before the fellow knows. I imagine about half the
+citizens are plotters and spies."
+
+"Alvarez has been honest so far. I suppose if he wins he'll pay?"
+
+"That's so," said Adam dryly. "If he goes down, we get nothing. Although
+I don't know much about his ancestors and suspect that one was an Indian,
+Alvarez is white, but the other fellow's a blamed poor sample of the
+half-breed nigger. Well, when Alvarez found things were going wrong, he
+sent for me."
+
+"Ah," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I begin to understand."
+
+He did understand, although he would not have done so when he met his
+uncle first. He had known Adam play the part of a merciless creditor, and
+thought few men could beat him at a bargain, but he kept his bargain when
+it was made, and now and then risked his money on lost causes. It looked
+as if he had inherited something from Christopher the Jacobite.
+
+"You have known Alvarez long, haven't you?" Kit resumed.
+
+"When I met him first, he was a customs officer with some perquisites and
+a salary that paid for liquor and tobacco. Vanhuyten and I ran the old
+_Mercedes_ then, and Van made a mistake that put us at the fellow's
+mercy. There was a good case for confiscating the schooner, which would
+have given Alvarez a lift while we went broke. In fact, the night of the
+crisis, I dropped Van's pistol overboard; he'd got malaria badly and was
+feeling desperate. Well, all we had given Alvarez didn't cover that kind
+of a job, but he'd promised to stand our friend and kept his word like a
+gentleman. Guess it needed some nerve and judgment to work things the way
+he did, and when we stole out to sea at daybreak past the port guard, I
+knew there was one man in the rotten country I could trust with my life.
+Now he's in a tight place, he knows he can trust me."
+
+Adam got up and crossing the deck leaned against the rails. In the
+distance, where the glitter faded, there was a long gray smear that
+seemed to float like a smoke-trail above the water. Higher up, a vague
+blue line ran across the dazzling sky. The first was a fringe of mangrove
+forest; the other lofty mountains. A minute or two later, the fat,
+brown-faced captain came down from his bridge.
+
+"Looks like the Punta; we've hit her first time," he remarked. "In about
+an hour I ought to get my marks. When d'you want her taken in?"
+
+"Soon as it's dark," Adam replied. "You'll have to trust your lead and
+compass. Can't have you whistling for a pilot, and I'd sooner you put out
+your lights."
+
+"It's your risk and not the first time I've broken rules. I guess I can
+keep her off the ground. We'll get busy presently and heave the hatches
+off. The B.F. cases are right on top."
+
+Adam nodded, and beckoned Kit when the captain went away. "You haven't
+been in the Santa Marta lagoon yet. Stand by and watch the soundings and
+compass while Mayne takes her across the shoals. You may find it useful
+to know the channel."
+
+Kit understood. Malaria and other fevers are common on low-lying belts of
+the Caribbean coast and skippers and mates fall sick. Moreover, the _Rio
+Negro_ did not always load at the regular ports. Sometimes she crept into
+mangrove-fringed lagoons, and sometimes stopped at lonely beaches and
+sent loaded boats ashore when her captain saw the gleam of signal lights.
+
+When it was getting dark, Kit and Adam went to the bridge and the former
+noted that his uncle breathed rather hard and seized the rails firmly as
+he climbed the ladder. The red glow of sunset had faded behind the high
+land and a gray haze spread across the swampy shore, but the water shone
+with pale reflections. On one side, a long, dingy smear floated across
+the sky. It did not move and Kit thought it had come from the funnel of a
+steamer whose engineer had afterwards cleaned his fires. Captain Mayne
+studied the fleecy trail with his glasses.
+
+"I don't know if that's a coffee-boat going north; I can't make out her
+hull against the land," he said. "Sometimes there's a _guarda-costa_
+hanging round the point."
+
+"Better take no chances," Adam replied, glancing at the _Rio Negro's_
+funnel, from which a faint plume of vapor floated.
+
+Mayne signed to the quartermaster in the pilot house and the bows swung
+round. Half an hour afterwards, he rang his telegraph and the clang of
+engines died away while the throb of the propeller stopped. In what
+seemed an unnatural silence, a few barefooted deck-hands began to move
+about, and one stood on the forecastle, where his dark figure cut against
+the shining sea. The rest went aft with a line the other held, and when
+Mayne raised his hand there was a splash as the deep-sea lead plunged. A
+man aft called the depth while he gathered up the line, and Mayne
+beckoned another, who climbed to a little platform outside the bridge and
+fastened a strap round his waist.
+
+"We're on the Santa Marta shelf, but I'm four miles off the course I
+set," Mayne remarked. "I want to work out the angle from the first
+bearing I got."
+
+Kit went with him into the chart-room, for he knew something about
+navigation. They had taught him the principles of land-surveying at the
+agricultural college, and this had made his studies easier. When he
+came back the moon was getting bright, but the haze had thickened on
+the low ground and the heights behind had faded to a vague, formless
+blur. The trail of smoke had vanished, there was no wind, and the
+smooth swell broke against the bows with a monotonous dull roar as the
+_Rio Negro_ went on. She was alone on the heaving water and steaming
+slowly, but the noise of her progress carried far. By and by a light
+twinkled ahead, leaped up into a steady glow that lasted for some
+minutes, and then went out.
+
+"That's a relief," remarked Adam, who had struck a match and studied his
+watch. "The ground's clear and Don Hernando has somebody he can trust
+waiting at the lagoon. You can let her go ahead, Captain."
+
+Mayne rang his telegraph and Kit went into the pilot house. The dim light
+of the binnacle lamp touched the compass, but everything else was dark
+and the windows were down. Kit could see the quartermaster's dark form
+behind the wheel, and the silver shining of the sea. There was a splash
+as the man on the platform released the whirling hand-lead. When he
+called the depth Mayne gave an order and the quartermaster pulled round
+the wheel. The swell was not so smooth now. It ran in steep undulations
+and in one place to starboard a broad, foaming patch appeared between the
+rollers. Kit knew the water was shoaling fast as the _Rio Negro_ steamed
+across the inclined shelf. It was risky work to take her in, because the
+fire had vanished and there were no marks to steer for. Mayne must trust
+his compass and his rough calculations.
+
+"Tide's running flood," he said to Adam. "She'd have steered handier if
+we'd gone in against the ebb; but there's a better chance of coming off
+if she touches ground."
+
+"You don't want to touch ground and stop there with the B.F. goods on
+board," Adam replied.
+
+After this, there was silence except when Mayne gave an order. White
+upheavals broke the passing swell on both sides of the ship. She rolled
+with violent jerks and at regular intervals the bows swung up. When they
+sank, a dark mass with a ragged top cut off the view from the
+pilot-house, and Kit knew it was a mangrove forest. He could see no break
+in the wall of trees that grew out of the water, but they were not far
+off when there was a heavy jar, and the Rio Negro stopped. The floor of
+the pilot-house slanted and Kit and the quartermaster fell against the
+wheel. Then there was a roar as a white-topped roller came up astern and
+broke about the vessel's rail in boiling foam. She lifted, struck again,
+and went on with an awkward lurch.
+
+"Port; hard over!" Mayne shouted hoarsely, and Kit helped the
+quartermaster to pull round the wheel.
+
+The order disturbed him, since it looked as if Mayne was off his course.
+The swell broke angrily ahead, but in one place, some distance to one
+side, the wall of forest looked less solid than the rest. A roar came out
+of the mist and Kit knew it was the beat of surf on a hidden beach. This
+told him where he was, because a sandy key protected the mouth of the
+lagoon; but he doubted if Mayne could get round the point. The tide was
+carrying the vessel on and there was broken water all about.
+
+She went on, with engines thumping steadily; the hollow in the forest
+opened up until it became a gap and Kit could not see trees behind it.
+Mayne gave another sharp order, and Kit and the quartermaster pulled at
+the wheel. The dark bows swung, the speed quickened, and the rolling
+stopped. The throb of the screw and thump of engines echoed across misty
+woods and there was a curious gurgling noise that Kit thought was made by
+the tide rippling among the mangrove roots. The air got damp and steamy
+and a sour smell filled the pilot-house. Kit knew the odors of rotting
+leaves, spices, and warm mud.
+
+In the meantime, he was kept occupied at the wheel for Mayne changed his
+course as the trees rolled past, until the telegraph rang and the engines
+stopped. Then there was silence until he heard the splash of the anchor
+and the roar of running chain. As the _Rio Negro_ slowly swung round, the
+winches rattled and her boats were hoisted out. Kit got into one with
+Adam and landed on a muddy beach. Dark figures came down to meet them,
+horses were waiting at the edge of the forest, and a few minutes later
+they mounted and plunged into the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRESIDIO
+
+
+Dazzling sunshine flooded the belt of sand where the shadows of dusty
+palmettos quivered beyond the Moorish arch; the old presidio smelt like a
+brick-kiln and the heat outside was nearly intolerable. In the middle of
+the dirty patio a fountain splashed in a broken marble basin, and it was
+dim, and by contrast cool, under the arcade where Kit sat among the
+crumbling pillars. The presidio was a relic of Spanish dominion and its
+founders had built it well, copying, with such materials as they could
+get, stately models the Moors had left in the distant Peninsula. A part
+had fallen and blocks of sun-baked mud lay about in piles, but the long,
+white front, with its battlemented top and narrow, barred windows stood
+firm. In spite of the ruinous patio, the presidio was the finest building
+in the town.
+
+The others, so far as Kit could see, were squares of mud, for the most
+part whitewashed, although some were colored pink and cream. The glare
+they reflected was dazzling, but a row of limp palmettos ran between them
+and the space in front of the presidio, and here and there Kit noted
+rounded masses of vivid green. Except for the splash of the fountain, all
+was very quiet, and although the shadows had lengthened it looked as if
+the half-breed citizens were still enjoying their afternoon sleep. Now
+and then a barefooted sentry noiselessly passed the arch. He wore a dirty
+white uniform and ragged palm-leaf hat, but carried a good modern rifle,
+and Kit knew where the latter had come from. The country was rich with
+coffee, rubber, sugar, and dyewoods. Its inhabitants, however, for the
+most part, preferred political intrigue to cultivation; its government
+was corrupt, and prosperity had vanished with the Spaniards' firm rule.
+
+A table carrying some very small glasses and coffee-cups stood in the
+arcade. Don Hernando Alvarez occupied the other side, and Kit imagined it
+was not by accident he sat with his back to a whitewashed pillar, since
+he was in the shadow and as he wore white clothes could not be seen a
+short distance off. Don Hernando's hair was coarse and his skin dark. His
+face was well molded, although the cheek-bones were prominent; his black
+eyes were keen and his thin lips firm. He wore a plain red sash, with no
+other touch of color except a bit of riband on his breast. It was obvious
+that he was not a Peninsular, as pure-blooded Spaniards call themselves,
+but he looked like a man who must be reckoned on. Just then his dark face
+was moody.
+
+"You have come in good time," he said to Adam Askew, in Castilian. "I
+think the curtain will soon go up for the last act of the drama, but the
+plot is obscure and I do not know the end."
+
+"I imagine the action will be rapid," Adam replied. "Unless you have
+changed much, you are cut out for your part."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez, "one gets cautious as one gets old. One loses the
+young man's quick, sure touch."
+
+"That is so, to some extent," Adam agreed, and indicated Kit. "It
+explains why I have a partner; my brother's son. Still, perhaps one sees
+farther when one is old."
+
+Alvarez bowed to Kit. "You have a good model, señor; a man who seldom
+hesitates and whose word goes. A rare thing in this country; I do not
+know about yours." Then he turned to Adam with a hint of anxiety. "How
+far do you see now?"
+
+"I see what I have to do and that is enough. The consequences come
+afterwards."
+
+Alvarez's face cleared. "You were always a gambler, but you run some risk
+if you bet on me." He was silent for a moment and then resumed: "In a
+sense, I envy you; you have a partner you can trust, but I stand alone.
+My son was found in the plaza with a knife in his back, and the man who
+killed him goes unpunished."
+
+"Galdar was somewhere behind that deed, although I do not see his object
+yet," Adam remarked.
+
+"The people liked Maccario and his removal cleared the ground. My enemy
+is cunning and, I think, did not mean to force a conflict until my
+friends had gone. Now there are not many left and the time has come.
+Morales died of poison, Diaz of snake-bite, and Vinoles was shot by a
+curious accident. So far, I have escaped; perhaps because I was lucky,
+and perhaps because it was not certain the people would choose Galdar if
+I followed my friends."
+
+"I have wondered why you hold on. For a president of this country, you
+have had a good run. I think I would have left after a few prosperous
+years and located at Havana, for example."
+
+Alvarez smiled. "There was a time when we had money in the treasury and I
+might have gone; but it was too late afterwards. Part of the revenue
+stopped in Galdar's hands--that was one way of embarrassing me--and I was
+forced to use the rest to undermine his plots. Now I am drawing on my
+small private estate."
+
+"But why didn't you go while there was something left? You are not
+extravagant and do not need much."
+
+Kit thought Adam's remark was justified. Alvarez lived with Indian
+frugality and looked ascetic; besides he had been long in power and had
+no doubt had opportunities for enriching himself at his country's
+expense. Kit liked Alvarez, but did not think him much honester than
+other Spanish-American rulers he had met.
+
+"It was partly for my daughter's sake I remained," Alvarez replied. "She
+is at a Spanish convent and I would not leave her poor. Then I had my
+son's death to avenge." He paused and added with a deprecatory smile:
+"Moreover I have thought I can rule this country better than my rival."
+
+"That's a sure thing," Adam agreed, in English. "Well, you had better
+tell me how you think matters are going. If I'm to help you properly I
+want to know."
+
+Alvarez looked about. All was very quiet; there was nobody in the patio,
+and it was some distance to the nearest window in the wall that faced the
+pillars. For all that, he lowered his voice and answered in hesitating
+English with an American accent.
+
+"It is hard to tell; a gamble in which one takes steep chances! Perhaps
+half the people with an object are for Galdar, and half for me. Those who
+have none will wait and back the man they think will win. So far, I have
+the soldiers, but their pay is behind and they are badly armed and
+drilled. They will stand by me if I can give them machine-guns and pay
+off arrears. But this must be done soon, without Galdar knowing. The next
+president will be the man who strikes before the other is ready."
+
+"What will the thing cost altogether?" Adam asked.
+
+He looked thoughtful when Alvarez told him, and then nodded. "All right.
+You'll get some of the guns to-morrow and another lot is on the way. Go
+ahead; I'll help you put the business over."
+
+Alvarez filled the little glasses with a liquor that had a strong spicy
+smell and when his guests lifted them touched theirs with his.
+
+"It is what I had hoped, my friend. If I live, you will not lose."
+
+He drank and then held his glass slackly poised while he mused. Kit, who
+was nearest the arch, turned and glanced out. He saw the reflected light
+quiver across the trampled sand and the dusty green of the limp
+palmettos. Then, below the latter, there was a pale-yellow flash and the
+president's glass fell with a tinkle. A pistol-shot rang out and Kit,
+swinging round, saw that a flake of plaster had dropped on the table.
+There was some dust on Alvarez' brown face and on his clothes, but he
+looked unmoved.
+
+Next moment Adam leaned on the table, steadying a heavy automatic pistol,
+and three quick flashes streamed from the perking barrel. Three small
+puffs of dust leaped up about the roots of a palmetto and as the empty
+cartridges rattled on the floor Kit thought an indistinct figure stole
+through the shadow of the fan-shaped leaves. He was not certain, because
+the light was dazzling and thin smoke drifted about his head.
+
+He threw his chair back and plunging through the arch ran across the sand
+and stopped at the top of a narrow street. Men and women of different
+shades of color came out of the doors and began to talk excitedly, but
+there was nobody who looked like a fugitive. Kit went back after he got
+his breath and met two or three untidy, barefooted soldiers who ran past.
+When he entered the arch Adam was coolly reloading his pistol while the
+president dusted his clothes.
+
+"It is nothing--they have tried again," the latter remarked. "Still, it
+looks as if Galdar felt himself stronger than I thought. Now, with your
+permission, I will go and give some orders." He smiled as he added:
+"There will be some prisoners by and by, men my guards do not like, but
+the fellow who fired the shot will not be caught."
+
+"What about the sentry?" Adam asked.
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "It is hot, and perhaps he was half asleep. I think the
+man is faithful, and just now I am the soldier's friend."
+
+He went off and Adam filled his glass and looked at Kit. "I feel I'm
+getting old and want another drink. I got the bead on the fellow's dark
+head and missed him by a yard. Well, I guess you can't expect to have
+steady fingers when you've got malarial ague. It's a dramatic kind of
+country, anyhow."
+
+Kit lighted a maize-leaf cigarette and mused. He had been startled, but
+his nerve was good and he knew something about the dark-skinned, reckless
+people of the South. They were robbed by their rulers, who spent the most
+part of the revenue to keep themselves in power; and sometimes, when the
+vote was useless, assassination seemed the only remedy. But it was on his
+uncle's promise Kit's thoughts dwelt. Although Adam was rich, the sum
+Alvarez needed was large. The latter was honest, in a sense, and Kit
+thought would not rob his friend, but he might be unable to make
+repayment. In fact, he had warned Adam that there was a risk and the
+bullet that struck the pillar was a significant hint. The venture looked
+rash, but Adam had stated that it was not a business proposition. He and
+the president were friends and this counted for much. The old Buccaneer
+had a sentimental vein.
+
+Then Kit's thoughts strayed and he wondered what Peter was doing in the
+north country dale. Kit had prospered since he joined Adam and the latter
+had hinted that he might be rich, but he was tired of intrigue and
+excitement and the glare of the South. He wanted the bracing winds, and
+the soft lights that chased the flying shadows across the English hills.
+He smiled as he reflected that he was like the Herdwicks that never
+forgot their native heaf; but while he longed for the red moors and
+straight-cut valleys he felt a stronger call. He was young and had seen
+the daughters of the South; Louisiana Creoles with a touch of old French
+grace; dark-haired Habaneras with languid eyes, whose movements were a
+delight to watch; octoroons ready to welcome a lover who was altogether
+white, and half-breed Indian girls. All had charm and some had shown him
+favors that meant much, but their charm had left Kit cold.
+
+He thought about Grace Osborn, steady-eyed and marked by English calm.
+She was frank and sometimes impulsive, but even then one got a hint of
+proud reserve. There was no touch of southern coquetry about Grace, she
+was not the girl to attract a lover and let him go, but if he came and
+proved his worth, she would go forward with him steadfastly through the
+storms of life. Kit sighed and pulled himself up. Grace was not for him
+and he must not be a romantic fool. He looked round and saw that Adam was
+quietly studying him.
+
+"What are you thinking about, partner?" he asked and Kit knew the epithet
+meant much. Adam had not called him partner at first.
+
+"I was thinking about Ashness," he replied.
+
+"Ah," said Adam softly, "I often think about it too; the old house among
+the ash trees, and the Herdwicks feeding on the long slope behind. The
+red heath on the fell-top and the beck bubbling in the ghyll.
+Everything's clean and cool in the quiet dale, and the folk are calm and
+Slow." He paused and resumed with a curious smile: "Once I reckoned I'd
+go back when I got rich and make things hum, but when I had the money I
+saw that plan wouldn't work. Those quiet folk would have beaten me with
+their unchanging ways, and Ashness is too good to spoil. For all that, I
+allowed I'd see it again before I died, but now I don't know."
+
+His smile faded and he gave Kit a keen glance. "Why did you pull out? It
+wasn't for my money. You haven't told me yet."
+
+"No," said Kit, with some embarrassment. "I hardly think it's much of a
+story, but if you like I'll tell you now."
+
+After a few moments he stopped awkwardly, and Adam raised his hand.
+
+"Go on. I want to get the girl properly fixed."
+
+Kit was not skilled at sketching character, but he drew Grace's portrait
+well and when he stopped Adam made a sign of sympathy.
+
+"You have helped me place her. Don't know I'd have trusted another man's
+judgment when he talked about his sweetheart, but you're not a fool.
+Well, it seems to me the girl's worth getting."
+
+"Miss Osborn is not my sweetheart. It is possible I shall never see
+her again."
+
+"But you can't forget her?"
+
+"No," said Kit quietly; "I can't forget."
+
+Adam was silent for some moments and then looked up.
+
+"You're like Peter, slow and staunch, but that's one reason you're my
+partner. Well, I know Osborn's kind; folk we have no use for in the
+United States. White trash, we call them; men with no abilities, whose
+foolish pride makes them think it's mean to work. Reckon they've first
+claim on the soft jobs and don't belong to the world of fighting men. But
+I guess they listen when money talks."
+
+Kit said nothing, although he thought Adam's concluding remark
+significant, and the old man went on:
+
+"Don Hernando helped me on my feet when Vanhuyten and I first came along
+this coast, with about a thousand dollars and a worn-out schooner. He's
+been my friend ever since and now he's hard up against it I've got to see
+him out. Guess it's going to cost me high, but when the job's put over
+there ought to be some money left and I don't know that you need forget
+the girl if she hasn't forgotten you. Well, perhaps I've said enough, and
+now I'll go and see where Don Hernando is."
+
+Adam got up and as he crossed the patio Kit noted that his shoulders were
+bent and his movement slack. Adam had changed much since their first
+meeting at the Florida hotel. He had some very obvious faults, but Kit
+knew what he owed him and felt disturbed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE GOLD ONZA
+
+
+Kit paused as he wound the long silk sash round his waist, and looked
+out of the window of his room at the presidio. Square blocks of houses,
+colored white and yellow, ran down the hill. Here and there a palm rose
+from an opening, and the dusty green of the alameda broke the monotony
+of the flat roofs and straight, blank walls that gave the town an
+Eastern look.
+
+Kit noted the strength of the presidio's situation. The old building
+stood high, its battlemented roof commanded the narrow streets, and there
+was a broad open space all round. He thought a few machine-guns would
+make it impregnable, since a revolutionary mob was not likely to be
+provided with artillery.
+
+Kit tucked the end of the sash under the neatly-arranged folds. Some time
+is required to put on a Spanish _faja_ and at first Kit had thought the
+trouble unnecessary, but had found it is prudent to protect the middle of
+the body in a hot climate. When he was satisfied, he turned and looked
+about the room. There were no curtains or carpets, and two very crude
+religious pictures were fixed to the wall. Although the air was not yet
+hot, it was not fresh and a smell of spices, decay, and burnt oil came in
+through the window that opened on the patio.
+
+A sunbeam touched a small earthen jar, holding a bunch of feather
+flowers. The jar was harshly colored, but the outline was bold and
+graceful, and Kit knew no pottery like that had been made in the country
+since the Spaniards came. He had bought it with the flowers for a few
+dollars, and remembered that the shopkeeper had included its contents
+when he offered it to him. "_Todo loque hay,_" he said in uncouth
+Castilian.
+
+Kit, turning over the jar carelessly, took out the flowers and as he did
+so something inside rattled and a large coin fell into his hand. The coin
+was old and heavy; indeed, he thought it weighed about an ounce. Taking
+it to the window, he rubbed its dull face and when the metal began to
+shine sat down with a thoughtful look. Unless he was mistaken, the coin
+was gold and did weigh an ounce.
+
+When he finished dressing he went to the little dark shop. The shopkeeper
+was making coffee with a handful of charcoal on the doorstep, for the
+sake of the draught, and took off his hat politely as Kit came up.
+
+"I found a piece of money in the jar I bought from you," Kit said in
+Castilian.
+
+"Then your worship is lucky," the other remarked.
+
+"But the money was not mine."
+
+The shopkeeper shrugged. "What matter? It is yours now. Was the coin
+worth much?"
+
+"It was worth finding."
+
+"Well," said the shopkeeper, "I do not know where the money came from,
+and it may have been there a very long time. The jar is old and I
+bought it from an Indian some years since." He paused and gave Kit a
+keen glance. "You will remember that I offered you the jar with all
+there was inside."
+
+"You did; it held some feather flowers. Still, as you did know about
+the money--"
+
+"Then you want to give it back, if the owner can be found!"
+
+"Certainly," said Kit.
+
+The shopkeeper bowed. "I will make enquiries. If you should need anything
+I sell, señor, perhaps you will remember that I am an honest man."
+
+Kit went away, feeling puzzled and somewhat surprised. It looked as if
+the fellow was honest, but Kit thought he had studied him and there was
+something curious about his manner. Besides, a remark he made implied
+that he knew the coin was old.
+
+When he ate his eleven o'clock breakfast with Adam and the President in
+the arcade, he took out the coin and told them about the shopkeeper's
+refusal to take it back.
+
+"A Spanish onza," Adam remarked. "Worth nearly five pounds in English
+money, but a collector might give you more if it's as old as it looks.
+One used to see onzas in Cuba, and native merchants in Central America,
+who hadn't much use for banks, liked to get them. Now, however, they're
+getting scarce."
+
+"In this country, all gold coins are scarce," Alvarez said dryly. "I
+agree with the shopkeeper that Don Cristoval is fortunate, and expect he
+feels that my people are honester than he thought."
+
+"I was puzzled--" said Kit and stopped, for he saw the president's smile
+and began to understand.
+
+"You are shrewd, señor; but that was to be expected from my old friend's
+nephew. To begin with, the man who keeps the shop is not a supporter of
+the Government."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I think I see!"
+
+Alvarez bowed. "One can trust your intelligence, and you can keep the
+coin. It looks as if my antagonists were curious about your
+character--the honor of a man who would take money that does not belong
+to him is open to doubt. The experiment was cheap."
+
+Kit said nothing and the president filled a little glass with scented
+liquor. "I know my friends, Don Cristoval, and your uncle has stood much
+harder tests."
+
+He touched Kit's glass with his. "Well, I am lucky, because I may need
+friends soon."
+
+He got up and when he went down the long arcade Adam looked at Kit
+with a smile.
+
+"When I was your age I wouldn't have taken the onza back. I'd have kept
+the money and my faith with the president; in fact, in those days, I kept
+anything I could get. Now the other fellow knows what you're like, I
+reckon he'll find the owner of the coin."
+
+Adam went off after the president, and Kit pondered. A few days later, he
+sat one evening at a small table outside the café Bolivar. The café was
+badly lighted, hot, and full of flies. There was no door or window, and a
+few wooden pillars divided the low room from the pavement, which was
+strewn with cigarette ends and cardboard matches. In front, small palms,
+and eucalyptus lined the dusty alameda, where groups of citizens walked
+up and down. Inside the café somebody sang a Spanish song and played a
+guitar. It was not cool on the pavement, although a faint breeze made the
+palms rustle. The air was heavy and a smell of aniseed and new rum hung
+about the spot.
+
+Presently a man who had been playing dominos got up and came to Kit's
+table. He was a white man, with pale blue eyes and yellow hair, and
+although rather fat he carried himself well. Kit had met Olsen before,
+and he nodded when he sat down.
+
+"Nothing doing at the casino and the place was very hot," he said.
+"Besides, I don't quite trust the man who runs the bank. Taking them all
+round, these folks are clever crooks."
+
+Kit agreed languidly and noted the order Olsen gave the half-breed
+landlord. The fellow did not look as if he indulged much, but Kit thought
+a large glass of the strong liquor was not often asked for. As a rule,
+the Americans he had met on the Caribbean coast were abstemious, while
+the half-breeds and Spaniards were satisfied with small _copitas_ of
+fiery spirits distilled from the sugar cane. The English, German, and
+Scandinavian adventurers consumed them freely, and perhaps the Germans
+drank the most.
+
+"How do you like it here?" Olsen resumed when he put down his glass.
+"It's a country that soon palls. Are you staying long?"
+
+"I can't tell," said Kit, who decided not to state that he knew the
+country. "You see, I'm not in command."
+
+"No," said Olsen. "I suppose you're a relation of the Buccaneer?"
+
+"A poor relation. He gave me a lift when I needed it."
+
+Olsen laughed. "Well, I guess he makes you hustle. A pretty lively old
+pirate, if all one hears is true! I reckon they don't call him the
+Buccaneer for nothing, but it's hinted that he's beginning to lose his
+grip. I see your copita's empty. Will you take another drink?"
+
+"No, thanks; I've had enough," said Kit, who distrusted Olsen. He thought
+the fellow's careless remarks covered some curiosity and had tried to
+leave him in doubt. Olsen probably imagined he was Adam's clerk.
+
+"You're cautious, but one soon gets reckless here," Olsen resumed. "We
+are all adventurers, out for what we can get, and the chances against our
+making good are pretty steep. My notion is to have the best time I can,
+pick up as much money as possible, and quit before fever, intrigue, or a
+revolution knocks me out."
+
+"It's an exciting life," Kit agreed. "Money doesn't seem plentiful."
+
+"You have got to hustle and back the right man. Since you're stopping at
+the presidio, it's obvious that Askew's on the president's side. Well, I
+suppose everybody knows my employers have put their money on Galdar."
+
+"Then, I imagine you run some risk."
+
+"Sure," said Olsen, smiling. "Alvarez doesn't like me, and if I wasn't an
+American citizen, I'd feel scared. Showed his secretary my naturalization
+papers when I put up my shingle. Took them out as soon as I reached the
+United States from Norway."
+
+Kit pondered. Olsen spoke English and Castilian Well, but his accent was
+not American, nor, Kit thought, Scandinavian. There were a number of
+Germans in the country, engaged in extensive but rather dark commercial
+schemes, whom the United States consuls watched with jealous eyes. Kit
+knew that no one could transact much business without to some extent
+meddling with native politics, but while the other adventurers were
+satisfied with the money they could get, it looked as if the Germans
+wanted something else. It was perhaps significant that Olsen had, so to
+speak, insisted that he was a naturalized American and came from Norway.
+Kit doubted.
+
+"Askew's judgment is generally pretty good, but he's getting old," Olsen
+remarked. "I don't see why he's backing the president; my notion is,
+Galdar's surely going to win." He paused and looked at Kit thoughtfully.
+"In fact, if I was holding a clerk's job on the other side, I'd consider
+if it wouldn't pay me to change."
+
+Kit imagined this was a cautious feeler, made to find out if he could be
+bought, but he smiled.
+
+"If Galdar does win, he won't have much to give his friends."
+
+"He certainly won't have much money," Olsen agreed. "It's going to cost
+him all he can raise to turn Alvarez out, but he'll have something to
+give at the country's expense; sugar and coffee concessions, and perhaps
+monopolies. If I can get my share, it will pay my employers well and I
+allow they're generous."
+
+He stopped, as if he thought he had said enough, and after ordering
+another drink looked up with a grin. Two girls in light dresses had
+passed the café once or twice with a male companion and a fat old woman
+who wore black clothes. Kit had not noticed them particularly, because
+other groups were moving about, but he now remarked that the man had
+gone and the _dueña_ was a yard or two in front. One of the girls looked
+round and he thought her glance searched the café and then stopped at
+his table.
+
+"The señorita's a looker," said Olsen. "I wonder which of us she fancies.
+She's been round this way before."
+
+"I'm not remarkably handsome and there are other people in the café,"
+Kit replied. "Anyhow, I don't want to get a jealous señorita's knife
+in my back."
+
+"You're a blamed cautious fellow," Olsen rejoined in a meaning tone.
+"However, you'll find me at the casino evenings if you feel you'd like a
+talk, and now I'll get along."
+
+He went off and Kit smoked another cigarette. He thought Olsen had, so to
+speak, been sounding him; the fellow had certainly given him some hints.
+Kit imagined he had taken a prudent line by keeping the other in the dark
+about his partnership with Adam and their plans.
+
+When he had smoked his cigarette he crossed the street to the alameda and
+went up a broad walk beneath the trees. The sky had cleared, the moon was
+high, and in front of the openings pools of silver light lay upon the
+ground. By and by Kit saw the group he had noticed a few yards ahead.
+They were moving slowly and although he walked no faster he soon came up
+with them. The girl who had looked into the café was nearest and the
+moonlight touched her face as she turned her head.
+
+Kit gave her a half curious glance and felt some surprise, for he could
+see her better now and thought her a pure-blooded Spaniard. The
+_Peninsulares_ were aristocrats, the girl had a touch of dignity, and her
+dress was rich. It was strange if a girl like that was willing to defy
+conventions and risk an intrigue with a stranger. Yet he imagined he had
+seen her smile, and she carried a little bunch of purple flowers in the
+hand nearest him. He looked again and saw that she was beautiful and
+moved with the grace that generally marks the _Peninsulares_ when they
+are young. The path was broad and he could keep level with the group
+without exciting curiosity, but he thought it curious that the fat old
+woman, who ought to have guarded the others, was in front.
+
+He resolved to go past, and just before he did so the girl gave him a
+glance that he thought was half amused and half provocative. Then she
+turned her head and next moment he saw a flower near his feet. He noted a
+faint smell of heliotrope and knew she had dropped the flower for him.
+This meant something, although it would not have much significance unless
+he picked up the heliotrope. He did not, and walking past with a quicker
+step, heard a soft laugh.
+
+When he reached the presidio he sat down on the balcony that overlooked
+the patio outside his room. There was nobody about and he began to muse.
+It was rash to take things for granted, but he thought he had been made
+the subject of three experiments. Somebody had put a gold onza in the
+Indian jar; Olsen had tried to find out if he was ambitious; and the girl
+in the alameda meant to learn if he could be moved by beauty. Well, they
+ought to know something about him now, but they were not very clever or
+they would have extended their experiments over a longer time. It looked
+as if they thought him something of a fool, and this was, perhaps, an
+advantage.
+
+Kit smiled as he remembered that when Janet Bell tried to flirt with him
+he had been rather humiliated and felt himself a prig. He was older now
+and had not been much embarrassed in the alameda, although he nearly
+picked up the flower. His curiosity was excited and he wanted to find out
+the girl's object. Indeed, it was hard to see why he had left the flower
+alone, but he had a vague feeling that it was unfair to use a charming
+girl in a dark intrigue. Since he had known Grace Osborn, he had given
+women a higher place. For her sake, he would not try to gain an advantage
+against his and the president's antagonist by embarking on an adventure
+with the Spanish girl.
+
+Then he began to wonder whether he would see Grace again, but presently
+got up with an impatient shrug. Grace, in all probability, had forgotten
+their friendship and married Thorn. Anyhow, she was not for him and it
+was futile to indulge a barren sentiment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PRESIDENT'S BALL
+
+
+Breakfast was over and Alvarez, sitting at a table in the arcade, smiled
+as he indicated the transformed patio. The broken pavement had been
+swept, the fountain scrubbed until the marble showed white veins, and the
+old brass rails of the balconies gleamed with yellow reflections where
+the sunshine fell. Small palms and flowering plants in tubs stood among
+the pillars, flags hung from crumbling cornices, and barefooted peons
+were fastening up colored lamps.
+
+"When the people are discontented they must be amused," the president
+remarked. "In Rome, they gave them circuses and I had thought of a
+bull-fight. There is a Spanish quadrilla in Cuba but I found it would
+cost too much to bring the company across. Besides, I do not know if
+strong excitement would be good for the citizens."
+
+"A ball is safer," Adam agreed. "While they have the function to talk
+about they'll forget to plot."
+
+"For a week, perhaps! Well, it ought to be some help, if your agents
+are prompt."
+
+"They're hustlers and know they've got to get busy. I expect the _Rio
+Negro_ back in fourteen days, and then it will be your business to rush
+her cargo up. Mule transport's slow on your swamp tracks, and it's
+perhaps unfortunate you didn't give my friends the concession for the
+light railroad. You might have found it useful now."
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "A railroad can be cut, and locomotives break down at
+awkward times when their drivers are bribed. Then, I have granted so many
+concessions that there is not much that foreigners think worth getting
+left in the country. One must keep something to bargain with."
+
+"Governing a people like yours is an expensive job. However, since they
+make it expensive, they oughtn't to grumble if you tax them high."
+
+"They do not always pay the taxes," Alvarez rejoined with a twinkle. "If
+they run me out, they will probably disown their debts, and then there
+will be trouble with the foreigners. Still, that is not very important,
+because I shall be gone and the Americans will not let the others'
+consuls use much pressure. The speculators understand the risks."
+
+"That's so," said Adam and added meaningly: "Some of the speculators are
+American."
+
+Alvarez put his finely-shaped hand on Adam's arm. "My friend, if it is
+possible, you will be paid. If not, it will be because I am dead."
+
+"I know," said Adam. "I'm not scared to take chances and when they go
+against me I don't grumble. Anyhow, time is important and if you work
+this ball properly it ought to give us another week. You'll get the money
+for your soldiers shortly afterwards and Mayne will land your guns."
+
+The president's dark face softened and he smiled.
+
+"I know whom I can trust," he said and went away.
+
+"If it's possible for a half-breed to be an honest man, Don Hernando
+meets the bill," Adam remarked. "Anyhow, he's a better president than
+these folks deserve, and they'll be blamed fools if they turn him down."
+He was silent for a few moments and then resumed: "I gave you a share in
+my business, Kit, and now, if you are willing, I'll buy you out."
+
+"But I'm quite satisfied; I'd much sooner stick to our agreement," Kit
+said with surprise.
+
+"Well, I guess you're rash. Your share isn't large but it would go some
+way to buy an English farm. Raising Herdwick sheep is a pretty tame
+occupation, but I reckon it's safer than backing Alvarez."
+
+Kit thought hard and imagined he saw Adam's object. "Of course," he said,
+"if you want to get rid of me--"
+
+"I don't know that I'm keen. You're some help, but you came out to
+forget the girl in England, and not to stay. Well, if you mean to go,
+now's your time."
+
+"The trouble is I haven't forgotten her," Kit answered quietly.
+
+Adam's eyes twinkled. "If you go home, you may get her, and I allow she's
+probably worth the effort, but you're not going to side-track me like
+that. If you quit now, I can buy you out and you'll have something to
+help you make another start; afterwards I mayn't be able. You needn't
+hesitate about taking the money; I guess you've earned it."
+
+"I suspected where you were leading. Still you see, I'd sooner stay. For
+one thing, I hate leaving an awkward job half finished. You're beginning
+to feel the job is bigger than you thought it was when you undertook it?"
+
+"It certainly is," Adam agreed. "However, since you insist, I'll talk
+plain. Alvarez has no claim on you, although he has a claim on me, and I
+pay my debts. The last to fall due is going to strain my finances, but it
+must be paid, a hundred cents for every dollar. All the same, the
+liability is not yours. There's no reason why you shouldn't pull out
+while you're safe."
+
+Kit shook his head. "I see a reason. I don't know if it's sound, but
+after all one's self-respect is worth something."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Adam, "we won't quarrel. You're very like Peter and he's
+the staunchest man I know."
+
+He got up and when he went off, Kit, feeling somewhat moved, lighted a
+cigarette and smoked thoughtfully. It looked as if Adam did not think the
+president would win, but for all that meant to stand by him. Although not
+fastidious about his business methods, Adam had his code and was not
+afraid, when friendship demanded it, to fight for a lost cause. Moreover,
+Kit meant to fight with him. Then he got up and smiled. Adam meant well,
+but he was clumsy; if he had wanted to save Kit from sharing his risk, he
+might have made a better plan.
+
+When evening came Kit entered the arcade and sat down in a quiet spot to
+look about. The moon was nearly full and flooded half the patio with
+silver light; the rest was in shadow and rows of colored lamps twinkled
+in the gloom. A band played behind the pillars, the rattle of castanets
+breaking in on the tinkle of the guitars when the beat was sharply
+marked. The music was seductive, unlike any Kit had heard in England, and
+he thought it tinged by the melancholy the Moors had brought, long since,
+from the East to Spain.
+
+At one end of the patio, groups of young men and women moved through the
+changing figures of an old Spanish dance. Their poses were strangely
+graceful, and some had a touch of stateliness. This vanished when the
+music changed and the well-balanced figures, raising bent arms, danced
+with riotous abandon. In a minute or two the melancholy note was struck
+again and the movements were marked by dignified reserve. Kit got a hint
+of Southern passion and, by contrast, of the austerity that often goes
+with Indian blood.
+
+In the meantime, he noted the play of moving color, for the women wore
+white and pink and yellow. Some had flowers in their dark hair and some
+covered their heads with a lace mantilla. The men's clothes were varied,
+for a number wore shabby uniforms, and others white linen with red silk
+sashes, while a few had chosen the plain black, and wide sombrero, of the
+Spanish don.
+
+At the other end of the patio, portly señoras with powdered faces sat
+among the pillars, and grave, dark-skinned citizens moved about the
+pavement in talking groups. A heavily-built man with a very swarthy color
+and thick lips went to and fro among them, bowing and smiling, and Kit
+knew this was Galdar, the president's rival. Kit did not like the fellow
+and thought his negro strain was marked. He looked sensual, cruel, and
+cunning. For the most part, the president stood outside the crowd,
+although now and then a group formed about him. He was tall and thin, his
+face was inscrutable, and Kit thought he looked lonely and austere.
+
+By and by an officer Kit had met told him he must dance and took him
+along the arcade. The officer stopped where two girls sat under a string
+of lamps, with a man in black clothes and a fat old woman behind. At
+first, Kit could not see them well, but when they got up he started as he
+recognized the girl who had dropped the flower. Then he tried to hide his
+embarrassment as he was presented to Señorita Francisca Sarmiento. She
+was handsomer than he had thought and as she made him a stately curtsey
+her eyes twinkled.
+
+Kit imagined the other girl studied him carefully and wondered whether
+she knew about the flower. It was, however, his duty to ask the señorita
+to dance, and after a few moments they crossed the pavement. Kit had some
+misgivings, because the dance was involved and one used a number of
+different steps, but the girl guided him through its intricacies and when
+he took her back signed him to sit down. He obeyed, for Francisca
+Sarmiento had an imperious air. Other young men came up when the music
+began again, but passed on, and Kit imagined the girl had made them
+understand they were to do so since one or two frowned at him.
+
+"Well," she said, looking at him across her fan, "how do you like
+this country?"
+
+"It has many attractions," Kit replied.
+
+"But some drawbacks?"
+
+"The drawbacks are not very obvious now."
+
+"Ah," she said, giving him a mocking glance, "for an Englishman, you are
+polite, but it looks as if you were as cautious as I thought."
+
+"I'm flattered that you thought about me at all." Kit rejoined.
+
+She laughed and played with her fan. "Oh, well; we are curious about
+strangers, particularly when they are friends of the president's. One
+wonders why they come."
+
+"I imagine most of us come to get money."
+
+"In this country, one gets nothing unless one runs some risk, and you are
+cautious," Francisca remarked.
+
+Kit noted her insistence on this trait of his. He thought her remarks had
+a meaning that did not appear on the surface.
+
+"I wonder what grounds you have for thinking so," he said.
+
+"Are they not obvious?" she answered. "Not long since you hesitated to
+pick up a sprig of heliotrope."
+
+"I durst not think the compliment was meant for me."
+
+Francisca glanced at him with quiet amusement. "You are modest, señor; it
+looks as if you had a number of virtues. For one thing, I imagine you are
+honest, and honesty is not very common here." She paused and resumed in a
+meaning tone: "It is a drawback, if one wants to get rich."
+
+"I don't know that my character is worth your study," Kit replied
+carelessly.
+
+"You are of some importance, señor. Although I have admitted that you are
+modest, it is strange you do not know."
+
+"Why should I know?" Kit asked.
+
+Francisca studied him over her ebony fan, which hid half her face and
+emphasized the curious glow of her black eyes. "I do not think you are as
+dull as you pretend. Have you not been experimented on recently?"
+
+"I think I have," said Kit. "After all, a gold onza is not a great
+temptation. I found another--a spray of heliotrope--harder to resist."
+
+"But you did resist!" she replied in a quiet voice.
+
+"Yes," said Kit, fixing his eyes on her face. "I am an adventurer like
+the rest, but it is rather a shabby thing to try to gain an advantage in
+a battle with a woman. Besides, as I'm not clever, I might have failed."
+
+With a languid movement of her head Francisca looked round and Kit
+imagined she saw the others were too far off to hear. Then she made him a
+half mocking bow.
+
+"We need not quarrel, señor, and I will give you a hint. Since you are
+incorruptible, this town is not the place for you. Strangers from the
+North sometimes get fever. And I would not like you to suffer because you
+are honest, and have chosen the losing side."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "you think our side will lose?"
+
+Francisca moved her fan, as if to indicate Galdar, who stood in the
+moonlight near the fountain. He was smiling urbanely and a number of men
+and women had gathered about him. Kit knew they were people of
+importance. At the end of the patio, the president stood alone in the
+advancing gloom.
+
+"You see!" she said. "Well, I am engaged for the next dance. You have my
+leave to go."
+
+Kit left her and sat down in a quiet spot. On the whole, he thought the
+president's antagonists had been foolish when they tried to use the girl;
+she was, so to speak, too good, and perhaps too proud, for the part they
+expected her to play. This, however, was not important; he imagined she
+had meant well when she gave him a hint, although the hint was not worth
+much, because Kit thought Adam saw how things were going. Then he
+reflected with some amusement that he need not bother much about
+deceiving the enemy, since Galdar's friends would not suspect that
+Buccaneer Askew had knowingly chosen the losing side.
+
+Presently Kit joined Adam, who sat near a lamp. His face was damp and
+looked pinched.
+
+"Let's go and get a drink," he said. "I'm thirsty; got a dose of
+intermittent fever again."
+
+Some tables behind the pillars were laid out with wine and fruit, and
+Adam beckoned a mulatto waiter.
+
+"_Tinto and siphon_. Bring some ice."
+
+"There is no _siphon_, señor. We have sherry, vermouth, and some very
+good anisado."
+
+"You have plenty _siphon_" Adam declared. "Go and look."
+
+The waiter went away and Adam frowned. "I can't stand for their scented
+liquors; I want a long, cool drink."
+
+After a few minutes, the waiter came back with a large glass, in
+which a lump of ice floated in red wine and mineral water. Adam,
+sending him away, remarked: "That's a stupid fellow. I wanted to mix
+the stuff myself."
+
+He drank thirstily and put down the glass.
+
+"Tastes bitter; too much resin in the wine, or perhaps it's imagination."
+He lifted the glass but stopped and threw the rest of the liquor on the
+pavement. "Reckon I've had enough. About the meanest drink I've struck.
+Give me a cigar. The taste stops in my mouth."
+
+Kit gave him a cigar, but after a few minutes he threw it away.
+
+"I don't feel much better and think I'll go to my room. You might come
+along; the stairs are steep."
+
+He got up awkwardly and leaned upon the table, breathing rather hard
+while big drops of sweat started from his forehead. "This confounded
+ague grips me tight. Don't know when I've felt so shaky. Better give me
+your arm."
+
+They started, and keeping in the shadow, reached the outside stairs
+without exciting much curiosity, but Kit felt disturbed. Adam went up
+slowly, stopping now and then, and stumbled across the balcony at the
+top. Bright moonlight shone into the bare room, where a small lamp
+burned, and Kit saw that Adam's face was wet.
+
+"Leave me alone," he said. "You can come back by and by and see how I'm
+getting on."
+
+Kit did not want to go, but gave way when Adam insisted. He met the
+president soon afterwards.
+
+"Where is Don Adam?" the latter asked.
+
+Kit told him and added that his uncle had seemed to get worse after
+drinking some wine.
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez thoughtfully. "Fresh lime-juice is better when one is
+feverish. Did he drink anything else?"
+
+"No," said Kit. "The waiter wanted to bring some anisado, but he insisted
+on the wine."
+
+Alvarez took him to the table where the refreshments were served and
+clapped his hands. A waiter came up, but Kit said, "That is not the boy."
+
+"Where are your companions?" the president asked.
+
+"One is washing the glasses, señor. I do not know where the other
+has gone."
+
+Alvarez opened a door and Kit saw a man putting small _copitas_
+into a pail.
+
+"It was another fellow who brought the wine," he said, and Alvarez
+beckoned the waiter.
+
+"Call the mayor-domo."
+
+A man dressed in plain black clothes came in, and Alvarez asked: "How
+many of these fellows did you send to serve the wine?"
+
+"Two, señor. It was enough."
+
+"Three came. It will be your business to find the third," said the
+president sternly and turned to Kit. "What was the fellow like?"
+
+Kit described the waiter and Alvarez said to the mayor-domo, "You will be
+held accountable if the man has got away. Send Doctor Martin to the
+bottom of the stairs."
+
+The mayor-domo went away and Alvarez knitted his brows.
+
+"Galdar's friends are bold, but I had not expected this. However, Don
+Adam's drinking wine may have balked them and Martin is a good doctor."
+
+Kit asked no questions, for he could trust the president and thought
+there was no time to lose. They crossed the patio and found a man waiting
+in the shadow at the bottom of the steps. Alvarez said a word or two and
+they went up. When they entered the room Adam glanced up from the bed.
+
+"I see you have brought the doctor," he said with an effort.
+
+"In this country, one takes precautions," Alvarez replied. "You look ill,
+my friend."
+
+"I'd have looked worse if I'd drunk anisado," Adam remarked. "Anyhow, you
+had better light out and let Señor Martin get to work."
+
+The doctor, who felt Adam's pulse, made a sign of agreement, and then
+writing on a leaf of his pocketbook gave it to the president.
+
+"Will you send that to my house? I need the things at once."
+
+Alvarez moved away and Adam looked at Kit with a forced smile. "You
+needn't be anxious, partner. I didn't drink all the wine; reckon they
+haven't got me yet."
+
+Then they went out and left Adam with the doctor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+OLSEN'S OFFER
+
+
+For a time, Kit wandered about the arcade, talking now and then to people
+he knew. The doctor had forbidden him to return to Adam's room and the
+president said it was important the guests should not know that anything
+unusual had happened. Although Kit watched the stairs anxiously, nobody
+came down, but he saw the mayor-domo going quietly about and servants
+came and went on mysterious errands. When he looked out he found the
+sentries had been doubled on the terrace and one stopped when, for a few
+moments, Kit left the arch, but the soldier knew him and marched on.
+While it was obvious that the waiter was being looked for, Kit thought
+the search had begun too late.
+
+At length, Alvarez sent for him, and although his heart beat as he
+followed the messenger he felt some relief when he saw the president.
+
+"I have good news," the latter said. "The doctor is no longer anxious and
+you may see your uncle in the morning. It looks as if Don Adam's caution
+saved him."
+
+"You mean when he refused the anisado?"
+
+Alvarez nodded. "It is a strong-smelling liquor and one drinks a small
+quantity, taking water afterwards, if one wants. Don Adam knows the
+country, and after all my enemies have not much imagination. To offer him
+anisado was a rather obvious trick."
+
+"I'm thankful they failed," Kit said sternly, and clenched his fist with
+sudden passion. "If they had not--"
+
+"One understands, Don Cristoval; I have felt like that when the plotters
+did not fail," Alvarez answered with grim sympathy. He was silent for a
+moment or two and Kit imagined he was thinking about his murdered son.
+Then he resumed: "Well, we shall have a reckoning and it will be bad for
+the dogs when I send in my bill. But that must wait, and I would like you
+to dance. I see Señorita Sarmiento is not engaged and she dances well."
+
+"I doubt if Dona Francisca would care to dance with me again."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez, "one should not be too modest! Francisca is a
+politician, but she is a woman. Perhaps you found she is not on my side?"
+
+"I imagined she was not."
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "Well, I do not fight with women, although they are
+sometimes dangerous. Try again, my friend. Just now we are all playing at
+make-believe."
+
+Kit obeyed and found Francisca gracious. She danced with him and
+afterwards allowed him to sit by her. By and by she remarked: "I have not
+seen Señor Askew for some time."
+
+"He was not very well," said Kit.
+
+Francisca studied his face. "I hope his illness is not serious. I thought
+I saw Doctor Martin."
+
+"Fever. My uncle gets it now and then."
+
+"I think I warned you against our fevers," Francisca replied meaningly.
+"There are two or three kinds, but all are not dangerous."
+
+"Some are?" Kit suggested.
+
+"Yes; to foreigners. We others take precautions and are acclimatized."
+
+"Well," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I have not had fever yet, but I
+suppose an unacclimatized adventurer runs some risk."
+
+Francisca played with her fan and Kit imagined she was pondering.
+
+"A risk that leads to nothing is not worth while," she remarked. "I think
+it would be prudent if you left the country while you are well."
+
+"I should be sorry if I thought you wanted me to go," said Kit.
+
+"That is cheap, señor. I gave you good advice."
+
+"Oh, well," said Kit, "I really think you did. There are matters about
+which we do not agree; but I believe you are too kind to let a rather
+ignorant antagonist get hurt."
+
+Franciscans eyes twinkled as she rejoined: "I like the compliment better
+than the other. But I am engaged for the next dance and as you are
+intelligent there is not much more to be said."
+
+Kit went away, thinking rather hard. The girl had some part in the
+intrigue against the president, and it would obviously be an advantage to
+her friends if he could be persuaded to leave the country now Adam was
+ill. Admitting this, he thought her warning sincere. On the whole, he
+liked Francisca Sarmiento and believed she did not want him to be hurt.
+If Adam did not get much better and he had to look after things, he would
+certainly run some risk of a cunning attack by the president's enemies.
+
+When the guests began to leave, Kit went to his room and after some
+hours of broken sleep was told that Adam wanted him. He found Alvarez in
+the room and Adam lying, with a flushed face and wet forehead, in a big
+cane chair. When Kit came in Adam gave him a friendly smile and turned
+to Alvarez.
+
+"If I'd taken that drink at a wineshop, I'd have deserved all I got," he
+said. "I allowed I was safe at the presidio."
+
+"It is a stain on my hospitality for which somebody shall pay."
+
+"That's all right," said Adam; "you're not accountable. Looks as if the
+other fellow was too smart for both of us; but I had a feeling I'd better
+stick to _tinto_ and _siphon_. You can generally taste anything
+suspicious in that mixture and I've been doped before. But, as I'm an
+American citizen and American influence is powerful, I didn't expect
+they'd be bold enough to get after me."
+
+Alvarez smiled. "Our climate is unhealthy, but if you had died and
+suspicion was excited, your countrymen would have made the
+president responsible. That would have been another embarrassment
+and I have enough."
+
+"Galdar's friends are a cunning lot," Adam replied. "Well, I think your
+doctor has fixed me up for a time. What about your plans?"
+
+"I had some talk with my supporters last night and we agreed to strike
+when the _Rio Negro's_ cargo arrives. We need the guns and money to pay
+my troops, and when we get them we will arrest the leading conspirators.
+This will start the revolution, but it will fail if my blow is struck
+before Galdar is ready."
+
+"Yes," said Adam. "We can trust Mayne; he knows he's got to hustle. I've
+fixed it for him to get the Spanish money at Havana and that will mean
+losing a day or two, but the old _Rio Negro_ can hit up a pretty good
+pace and Mayne won't spare his coal. I reckon we'll hear from him soon."
+
+Adam stopped and Kit, seeing that it cost him an effort to talk, took
+the president away. They met the doctor on the stairs and Kit waited at
+the bottom until he came down. Señor Martin was a fat, dark-skinned,
+Spanish Creole.
+
+"Your uncle is an obstinate man and will not take a hint," he remarked.
+"I had some trouble to save him and he may not escape next time."
+
+"Then you imagine there will be another time?"
+
+Señor Martin shrugged expressively, "I am a doctor not a politician, but
+in this country much depends upon the risk of being found out. Señor
+Askew is old and not strong. One must pay for leading a strenuous life
+and he has had malaria for some years. He ought to remain in the North.
+It is your business to persuade him, but do not disturb him yet."
+
+"I will try," Kit said doubtfully. "You think it needful?"
+
+"If he does not go soon, he will not go at all," the doctor replied in a
+meaning tone.
+
+He went away and some time afterwards Kit returned to his uncle's room.
+The shutters were pushed back from the balcony window and the strong
+light, reflected by the white wall, showed the thinness of Adam's figure
+and the deep lines on his face. His skin was a curious yellow color and
+his eyes were dull.
+
+"You haven't been well for some time and the stuff you got last night has
+shaken you rather badly," Kit remarked with a touch of embarrassment. "I
+think you ought to go back with Mayne."
+
+"You imagine you can manage things better without me?" Adam rejoined.
+
+"No," said Kit, coloring. "It's a big and awkward job, but perhaps I can
+manage. I feel you ought to go."
+
+"It looks as if the doctor had put you on my track. He's been arguing
+with me. What did he say?"
+
+Kit hesitated and Adam smiled. "I can guess, partner, and perhaps he was
+right. Well, I'm getting old and have a notion I won't live long, anyway.
+Don't see that it matters much if I go or stay, and I've a reason for
+staying you don't know yet. Besides, I hate to be beaten and mean to put
+over my last job." He paused and gave Kit a steady look. "There's one
+drawback; putting it over may cost you something."
+
+"That doesn't count," Kit said quietly. "What you have is yours; I expect
+you earned it hard."
+
+"I certainly did," Adam agreed. "I earned part of what I've got by jobs
+that cost me more than my health. I'd wipe out some of my early deals, if
+I could. Well, I don't know if playing a straight game on a losing hand
+will cancel past mistakes, but I feel I've got to play it out. My wad and
+yours are in the pool."
+
+"It's not my wad," Kit objected. "You have treated me generously."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Adam. "Perhaps I'll ask you to remember that by and by.
+In the meantime, I've no use for arguing and am going to stop. We'll say
+no more about it, but if I'm too sick to handle things, you'll take
+control. You know my plans, and that's enough; I don't need your promises
+that you won't let me down. Now you can get out. I'm going to sleep."
+
+Kit went away, feeling moved, but anxious. His uncle trusted him and he
+had got strangely fond of the Buccaneer. Adam had his faults and his
+career had been marked by incidents that were hard to justify, but he was
+staunch to his friends. Kit did not know how far Alvarez deserved his
+staunch support, and suspected that Adam was, to some extent, moved by
+pride. He meant to make good before he let things go. Kit resolved that
+when the old man's hands lost the grip he would take firm hold.
+
+Next day Adam was obviously worse and when two or three more had passed
+the doctor looked anxious. Then, one hot evening, the president brought
+Kit a letter addressed to his uncle.
+
+"Don Adam is asleep and must not be disturbed," he said. "Perhaps you had
+better read this. It may be about the _Rio Negro_."
+
+Kit opened the envelope and frowned. The letter was from Mayne, who
+stated that he had met bad weather soon after leaving port and the racing
+of the engines in a heavy sea had caused some damage. He had, however,
+reached Havana, where he had received the Spanish money, and did not know
+what to do. Some time would be required to repair the damage, but it
+would be risky to resume the voyage with disabled engines. Kit gave the
+letter to the president, whose dark face flushed, and for a few moments
+he stormed with Spanish fury.
+
+"This dog of a sailor has been bought!" he cried, clenching his hands
+as he walked about the floor. "If the money does not arrive soon, it
+will be too late; my soldiers will not take our notes. Galdar has paid
+him to ruin me."
+
+Kit, knowing the emotional character of the half-breeds, let him rage.
+Alvarez did not often lose his self-control and he had some grounds for
+feeling disturbed. When he stopped, Kit said quietly, "The captain is
+honest, but if he loses his ship with the guns and money on board, it
+will not help us much. If my uncle is better in the morning, I will see
+what he thinks; if not, I will decide about the orders to send."
+
+When Alvarez left him he went into the town and after walking about the
+alameda sat down at a table in front of the café and ordered some wine.
+This was safer than the black coffee and scented cordials the citizens
+drank, but he tasted it carefully and gave himself up to anxious thought
+without draining his glass. The insurance on the _Rio Negro_ did not
+cover all the risks Mayne would run if he left port with disabled
+engines, and the coast was dangerous. The loss of the ship would be a
+blow, but if Mayne did not leave Havana soon the freight might arrive
+after the president's fall. Kit, feeling his responsibility, shrank from
+the momentous choice, and while he pondered Olsen came up and occupied a
+chair opposite.
+
+"Drinking _tinto_!" he remarked. "Well, I guess that's prudent. But how's
+the Buccaneer? He's been looking shaky and I heard he was ill."
+
+Kit wondered how much Olsen knew. He said Adam's fever came and went and
+he would, no doubt, be better soon. Olsen smiled and shook his head.
+
+"There's no use in giving me that stuff; I know the climate! Askew's
+going under fast and will never be fit again. I reckon the old man
+knows he's got to let up, if you don't. What are you going to do when
+he pulls out?"
+
+"It will need some thought," Kit answered cautiously, since he had
+grounds for believing the other imagined he was Adam's clerk.
+
+Olsen ordered some vermouth, and then remarked in a meaning tone: "I
+don't have to be careful about my drinks. There's an advantage in taking
+the popular side."
+
+"Are you sure yours is the popular side?"
+
+"Wait and see," Olsen rejoined, "though that plan's expensive, because
+it may be too late when you find out. My employers don't often back
+the wrong man and I trust their judgment now. If you'll listen, I'll
+show you."
+
+Kit signed him to go on and Olsen resumed: "The Buccaneer will drop out
+soon and you'll be left to do the best you can for yourself. Well, I
+don't suppose you'll get another chance like this; we'll pay you ten
+thousand dollars if you can keep the _Rio Negro_ back for a week."
+
+"That doesn't indicate that you're sure of winning," Kit remarked dryly.
+"Besides, I wouldn't trust Galdar to put up the money."
+
+"I don't ask you to trust Galdar; my people will find the money. In a
+sense, it doesn't matter to us who is president, except that we want the
+concessions Galdar promised, and they're worth an extra two thousand
+pounds. We'll give you American bills for the sum if your steamer lands
+her cargo too late to be of use."
+
+Kit thought hard. It looked as if Olsen knew the _Rio Negro_ had broken
+down. If so, he was obviously well informed and his employers were
+persuaded that the probability of the president's downfall was strong
+enough to justify the bribe. Two thousand pounds would go some way to
+making Ashness a model farm, while it was plain that Adam might lose the
+money he had hinted he meant to leave Kit. Kit, however, did not feel
+tempted, although he wanted to find out something about Olsen's plans.
+
+"You seem to take my agreement for granted," he remarked. "You must see
+that I could embarrass you by telling Alvarez."
+
+Olsen laughed. "You could put him wise; but you couldn't embarrass us.
+The president knows whom he's up against. The trouble is he isn't strong
+enough to get after us."
+
+"Well, suppose I refuse?"
+
+"You'll be a blame fool. That's all there is to it."
+
+Kit doubted. He knew what had happened to Adam, and, in spite of Olsen's
+statement, imagined Galdar's friends would not let him warn the
+president.
+
+"Anyhow, you must give me until the morning. I want to think about it,"
+he said, in order to test his suspicions.
+
+"We can't wait; the thing must be put over now. There's no use in trying
+to raise my offer. You know our limit."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Kit, "I'm afraid I'll have to let it go. There are
+difficulties, and if you can't wait--"
+
+Olsen looked at him with surprise, and Kit saw he had not expected his
+offer to be refused. The fellow had a cynical distrust of human nature
+that had persuaded him Kit could not resist the temptation; his shallow
+cleverness sometimes misled him and had done so when he took it for
+granted that Kit was Adam's clerk.
+
+"You don't mean you're going to turn my offer down?" Olsen said sharply.
+
+"You force me. I can't decide just yet."
+
+Olsen hesitated, knitting his brows. "Oh!" he exclaimed, "that's
+ridiculous! The thing will cost you nothing, and I'll come up a thousand
+dollars. You ought to see you must accept."
+
+"I don't see," Kit replied as carelessly as he could, and got up. "Since
+you can't wait, I understand the matter's off."
+
+He went away, and glancing back as he crossed the street, saw that
+Olsen's pose was curiously fixed and he seemed to be gazing straight in
+front. Some of the customers now left the café and Kit lost sight of him.
+The moon was high and clear, but the black shadows of the trees fell upon
+the walk through the alameda and there were not many people about. Kit
+would sooner not have crossed the alameda, although this was his nearest
+way, but thought he had better do so. Olsen might be watching, and Kit
+did not want the fellow to imagine he was afraid, since it would indicate
+that he knew the importance of his refusal. Yet he was afraid, and it
+cost him something of an effort to plunge into the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE PRESIDENT'S WATCHERS
+
+
+When Kit was half way across the alameda he stopped and looked about.
+Dark trees rose against the sky; he could smell the eucalyptus and their
+thin shadows covered the ground with a quivering, open pattern. There was
+a pool of moonlight, and farther on the solid, fan-shaped reflections of
+palms. Nobody was near him, although he heard voices across the alameda,
+and he stood for a few moments, thinking, while his heart beat.
+
+Since he had refused Olsen's offer, caution was advisable, because Kit
+felt sure the fellow had expected him to agree, and it was obvious that
+he knew enough to make him dangerous. He distrusted Olsen, who was not a
+native American, and probably not a Norwegian, as he pretended. There was
+a mystery about his employers, but Kit suspected that they were Germans,
+and as a rule the latters' commercial intrigues were marked by an
+unscrupulous cunning of which few of their rivals seemed capable. This
+was admitting much, since the foreign adventurers did not claim high
+principles.
+
+On the surface, it was obviously prudent to take the shortest line to the
+presidio, but Kit reflected that Olsen would expect him to do so. It
+might be better to put him off the track by going another way and Kit was
+anxious to know if he had left the café. Stepping back into the shadow,
+he made for another path and a few minutes afterwards returned to the
+street. He glanced at the café as he walked past and saw that Olsen was
+not there. He thought this ominous, since it indicated that the fellow
+had gone to consult his revolutionary friends and Kit imagined they would
+try to prevent his reaching the presidio. He seldom carried a pistol,
+which was difficult to hide when one wore thin white clothes. On the
+whole, he had found a suspicious bulge in one's pocket rather apt to
+provoke than to save one from attack; but he was sorry he had not a
+pistol now.
+
+Kit went back across the alameda, hoping he had put Olsen's friends off
+the track. If so, he would be safe until he got near the presidio, when
+he must be cautious. He passed two or three groups of people, and now and
+then heard steps behind, but the steps were followed by voices that
+relieved his anxiety. For all that, he was glad to leave the alameda and
+turn up a street.
+
+The street was narrow, hot, and dirty. There was a smell of decaying
+rubbish and the rancid oil used in cooking. One side was in shadow, and
+almost unbroken walls rose from the rough pavement. For the most part,
+the outside windows were narrow slits, since the houses got light from
+the central patio. Here and there an oil-lamp marked a corner, but that
+was all, and Kit kept in the moonlight and looked about keenly when he
+passed a shadowy door. Perspiration trickled down his face and he felt an
+unpleasant nervous tension. Yet nobody came near him and when he
+cautiously glanced round nobody was lurking in the gloom. He began to
+think he had cheated Olsen, but admitted that it was too soon to slacken
+his watchfulness.
+
+At one corner, he saw two figures in shabby white uniform, and hesitated.
+In Spanish-American countries, the government generally maintains a force
+of carefully picked men, entrusted with powers that are seldom given to
+ordinary police. They patrol in couples, carry arms, and are sometimes
+called _guardias civiles_ and sometimes _rurales_. Kit knew he could
+trust the men, but doubted if they could leave their post; besides he did
+not want Olsen to know he thought it needful to ask for protection. Now
+he came to think of it, he had seen the _rurales_ outside the café and at
+another corner. Perhaps this was why he had been left alone.
+
+He went on, rather reluctantly, and by and by reached the broad square in
+front of the presidio. The old building was clear in the moonlight; Kit
+could see a sentry on the terrace and a faint glow in the slit in the
+wall that marked Adam's room. It was hardly two-hundred yards off and he
+would be safe before he reached the arch, but a grove of small palms and
+shrubs ran between him and the square. There were rails behind the trees
+and the nearest opening was some distance off. A high blank wall threw a
+dark shadow that stretched across the road by the rails and met the gloom
+of the trees.
+
+Kit looked about, without stopping or turning his head much. There was
+nobody in sight, but he somehow felt that he was not alone. It was a
+disturbing, and apparently an illogical, feeling that he must not
+indulge, and pulling himself together he went on, with his fist clenched.
+He was not far from the gate, and although he listened hard could only
+hear his own steps and voices in a neighboring street. Yet his nerves
+tingled and his muscles got tense. In front, a thick, dark mass that
+looked like a clump of euphorbia or cactus stood beside the path, and
+just beyond it a bright beam of moonlight shone between the drooping
+branches of the palms.
+
+He thought the spot the beam touched was dangerous. As he crossed it his
+figure would be strongly illuminated and he would have his back to the
+dark bush. He wanted to move aside and go round the bush, but this might
+give somebody time to spring out and get between him and the gate. The
+gate was close by and he was strangely anxious to reach it. For all that,
+he was not going to indulge his imagination.
+
+He plunged into the gloom, without deviating from his path, and conquered
+a nervous impulse that urged him to run. When he had nearly passed the
+bush he thought he heard a movement and a thick stalk of the cactus
+shook. Half instinctively, Kit leaped forward and felt something soft
+brush against his shoulder. As he swung round, in the moonlight, with his
+mouth set and his hand drawn back to strike, he saw a blanket on the
+ground. There was nothing else and he breathed hard as he searched the
+gloom. The blanket had not been there before.
+
+Next moment, a dark figure sprang from the shadow and a knife flashed in
+the moonlight; then he heard a heavy report and a puff of smoke blew
+past his head. The figure swerved and, staggering awkwardly, fell with a
+heavy thud. It did not move afterwards, and while Kit gazed at it dully
+a man in white uniform ran past and stooped beside the fellow on the
+ground. Kit vacantly noted that a little smoke curled from the muzzle of
+his pistol.
+
+"One cartridge is enough," he said coolly. "Your worship did not
+escape by much."
+
+Another _rural_ came out of the bushes and when they turned over the body
+Kit saw a dark face and a long, thin knife clenched in a brown hand. He
+understood now that the blanket had been meant to entangle his arm or
+head; half-breed peons often carry a rolled-up blanket of good quality on
+their shoulder.
+
+"It is Gil Ortega," the _rural_ remarked. "A good shot that will save us
+some trouble, comrade!"
+
+"How did you come here when you were wanted?" Kit asked as calmly
+as he could.
+
+The _rural_ smiled. "By the president's order, señor. We were watching
+the café."
+
+"But it looks as if you had got in front of me."
+
+"It is so, señor. We thought it best to follow this fellow. He lost you
+when you turned back."
+
+Kit nodded, for he remembered that he had instinctively avoided one or
+two dark lanes that would have given him a shorter line than the streets.
+Ortega and the _rurales_ had taken the shorter way. He thought it curious
+the report had not drawn a crowd, but although he heard voices nobody
+came near and he imagined the citizens were used to pistol shots. Giving
+the _rurales_ some money, he crossed the square to the presidio and going
+to his room lighted a cigarette. He thought a smoke might be soothing,
+for he had got a jar.
+
+After a time, he went to look for Alvarez and found him sitting in front
+of a table in the patio. A soldier stood not far off, but the president
+was alone and the light of a shaded lamp fell upon a bundle of letters
+and documents. Alvarez worked hard and had inherited a rather austere
+simplicity from his Indian ancestors. Kit thought his plain white clothes
+and quiet calm gave him dignity.
+
+"It looks as if my enemies meant to lose no time," he said, in English,
+when Kit told him about his adventure.
+
+"It's their third try in a few weeks," Kit agreed. "Don't you find the
+uncertainty about where they'll strike next rather wearing?"
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "One gets used to these affairs; a custom of the
+country, and there is something to be said for it. If the plot succeeds,
+it is an easy way of turning out a president and changing the government.
+Perhaps it is better to kill a man or two than fight round barricades and
+burn the town."
+
+"In the North, we find it possible to change our government by vote."
+
+"You are cold-blooded people and don't understand the passions of the
+South," Alvarez rejoined with cynical humor. "We have tried your plan,
+but one must be rich to buy the votes. Besides, if one is beaten at the
+polls, there remains the last appeal to the knife. But you will let this
+go. We have something else to talk about."
+
+"That is so," said Kit. "To begin with, I must thank you for sending your
+_rurales_ to look after me."
+
+"It is nothing," Alvarez replied in a deprecatory tone. "You are my guest
+and we try to take care of foreigners, because if they meet with
+accidents their consuls ask embarrassing questions. Besides, watching
+them serves two objects."
+
+"Then, I expect you know I met Olsen at the café?" Kit suggested dryly.
+
+Alvarez smiled. "Yes; I know. But I was not suspicious."
+
+"After all, one doesn't generally conspire in a public place. In fact, I
+don't understand why Olsen met me there."
+
+"He may have meant to compromise you; to put doubts in my mind."
+
+"It's possible, now I think of it," Kit assented. "I hope he didn't
+succeed."
+
+"I know my friends, Don Cristoval. But what did the fellow want? I do not
+know all."
+
+"Your spies are pretty smart, but I expect our colloquial English puzzled
+them," Kit remarked, smiling. "However, I was going to tell you--"
+
+He narrated what Olsen had said and Alvarez looked thoughtful.
+
+"Galdar must be nearly ready; he has been quicker than I imagined. What
+are you going to do about the steamer?"
+
+"I'll wait until tomorrow. If my uncle is well enough, he must decide."
+
+"But if he is no better?" Alvarez asked.
+
+Kit gave him a level glance. "Then I will send Mayne orders to run all
+risks and start, whether his engines are repaired or not."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez with a bow, "Olsen was foolish when he tried to bribe
+you! I suppose this is your answer! Well, it is lucky that a fast
+schooner sails to a port from which a telegram can be sent. When your
+orders are ready I will see that they go."
+
+Next morning Kit found Adam lying half awake after a night of delirium.
+The old man's eyes were heavy, his brain was dull, and the doctor, who
+came in, made Kit a sign not to disturb him. Kit went out and spent some
+time writing a message to Mayne. It was necessary that the captain should
+know what he must do, but Kit was anxious to give no hint about the
+importance of speed that others would understand. He meant to guard
+against his orders being read by spies in Olsen's pay.
+
+When he had sealed the envelope and addressed it as the president had
+told him, he went down to the patio and found a peon talking to a guard.
+
+"This man is the mate of the Catalina and wants to see you," said
+the guard, and when he went off Kit turned to the other, who looked
+like a sailor.
+
+"My wife lives in the town and I have been at home for a day or two,"
+said the man. "I am going back to the schooner now and was told you had a
+letter for the patron."
+
+Kit put his hand in his pocket. Although he had expected the mayor-domo
+would come for the message, there was not much formality at the presidio,
+and the fellow was obviously a sailor. Yet Kit hesitated and as he stood
+with his hand on the envelope thought the other's eyelids flickered. The
+flicker was almost too slight to notice, but it hinted at nervousness and
+Kit dropped the message back.
+
+"Very well," he said. "Wait a few minutes."
+
+He went along the arcade and stopping near the end looked back. The
+sailor had sat down on a bench and was lighting a cigarette. This looked
+as if he did not mind waiting, and Kit wondered whether it was worth
+while to disturb the president, who was occupied. He went on, however,
+and Alvarez signed him to sit down when he entered his room. After a
+minute or two, he put down the document he was reading to his secretary.
+
+"Well," he said, "have you written your message for Captain Mayne?"
+
+"It is here. The _Catalina's_ mate is waiting."
+
+Alvarez turned to the secretary. "My order was that the _patron_
+should come."
+
+"That is so, señor. I sent him word."
+
+"The man told me his wife lived in the town and he was starting back,"
+Kit interposed.
+
+"The _patron_ has a house here," Alvarez replied. "We will see the man.
+But first send an order to the guard to let nobody go out."
+
+He waited for a minute after the secretary went off and then beckoned
+Kit, who followed him downstairs and into the arcade. When they reached
+it Kit stopped and Alvarez turned to him with a meaning smile. There was
+nobody on the bench.
+
+"It looks as if my order was sent too late," Alvarez remarked. "You had
+better tell me exactly what happened?"
+
+Kit complied and Alvarez sent for the guard and asked: "How did you know
+the sailor was the _Catalina's_ mate?"
+
+"He told me he was, señor. Afterwards, when Don Cristoval did not come
+back, he said it was not important and he would not wait."
+
+Alvarez dismissed the man and shrugged as he turned to Kit. "The plotters
+are clever, but they made a mistake. The fellow was too modest; he ought
+to have said he was the _patron_. Well, we must try to find him, although
+I expect we are late. Now give me the message for Captain Mayne. It looks
+as if our antagonists knew its importance."
+
+Kit gave him the envelope and went back to Adam's room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ADAM RESUMES CONTROL
+
+
+Although the shutters on the balcony window were open, no draught entered
+the small, bare room and the heat that soaked through the thick walls was
+nearly intolerable. There was not a sound in the presidio and a drowsy
+quietness brooded over the dazzling town. It was two o'clock in the
+afternoon, and the citizens were resting in their darkened houses until
+the sun got low and work and intrigue began again. Adam and Kit, however,
+had been talking for some time when the former, leaning back in a big
+cane chair, frowned at his nephew. His thin face was wet with sweat, but
+he shivered and his hands shook.
+
+"You can quit arguing; I've got to go," he said. "I don't get much
+better, anyhow, and can't stand for lying off when there's a big job
+to be done."
+
+"I believe I could see the job through," Kit answered quietly.
+
+Adam's dull eyes sparkled. "You might; I guess you're anxious to try your
+powers, but so long as I can get about I'm in command."
+
+"It's doubtful if you can get about," Kit insisted.
+
+"I'm going to try. You'll have a quiet mule ready when it's getting dark,
+and I'll ride out of town; then, if the saddle shakes me, I'll go in a
+hammock. You can cut out your objections. The thing's fixed."
+
+"Very well," said Kit. "We had better make for Corrientes, since the
+point commands the port and the lagoon. Mayne will stop for an hour or
+two, looking for a signal, when he picks up his marks."
+
+"We'll start for the port and take the other track afterwards. There's no
+use in telling the opposition where we're going. I imagine they don't
+know if the _Rio Negro_ has sailed or not."
+
+"For that matter, we don't know," Kit remarked.
+
+"Oh, shucks!" Adam exclaimed. "Mayne understands what we're up against
+and he'd pull out when he got your telegram. If he can't use his damaged
+engine, he'll disconnect and bring her along with the other." He stopped
+Kit with a frown. "If you're going to tell me the _Rio Negro_ can't steam
+across on one cylinder, you can cut it out. I've taught the men I put in
+charge that when a job's needful it has got to be done."
+
+He paused and when Kit said nothing, went on quietly: "Well, I reckon
+Galdar's crowd will expect the boat to make for the port. It's easier to
+land cargo there and there's a better road. With good luck, we'll have
+the goods delivered before they know she's gone to the lagoon. Now you
+can go along and get busy."
+
+Kit went away in a thoughtful mood. He agreed with Adam that secrecy and
+speed were essential, because if the rebels got a hint of their plans
+they might strike before Alvarez could ensure the loyalty of his troops
+by distributing their back pay. Much depended upon which party got in the
+first blow. In fact, if the guns and money reached the town before the
+rebels knew they were landed, Kit thought the president's chance of
+winning was good. All the same, he imagined that Adam, whom the doctor
+had forbidden to get up, would run a dangerous risk.
+
+At dusk a few barefooted soldiers paraded on the terrace, with two mules
+and three or four peons. Since it was impossible to evade the
+watchfulness of Galdar's spies, Adam had resolved to set off openly and
+not to give them a hint that his journey had an important object by
+trying to hide it. He mounted awkwardly, with an obvious effort, and when
+he was in the saddle set his lips for a moment or two. Then he turned to
+Alvarez and smiled.
+
+"I'm not a back-number yet, but it's lucky the opposition don't know how
+hard it was for me to get up."
+
+Alvarez made a sign of understanding. "You must dismount as soon as
+possible. You are very staunch, my friend."
+
+"I've got to make good. If everything is fixed, we'll pull out."
+
+"_Adios, señores_," said Alvarez, taking off his hat. "Much
+depends on you."
+
+Somebody gave an order, there was a rattle of thrown-up rifles, a patter
+of naked feet, and the party moved away. Kit, turning after a few
+moments, looked back. He saw the long, straight building, pierced here
+and there by lights, rise against the orange sky, and the president's
+tall figure, conspicuous in white clothes, in front of the arch. His
+attendants had vanished, he stood motionless, as if brooding, and Kit
+thought he looked pathetic and lonely. He afterwards remembered his
+glance at the old presidio.
+
+They rode down a hot street. The moon had not risen and the place was
+dark except for the feeble gleam of an oil-lamp at a corner. The clatter
+of the mules' feet on the uneven stones echoed along the walls, and here
+and there indistinct figures looked out from shadowy doors. For the most
+part, the watchers let them pass in silence, and although Kit imagined
+news of their departure would travel fast, he was glad they passed none
+of the lighted cafés and open squares. It would be hard to see who was
+riding the mules, and while Galdar's spies would probably find out this
+would need time and time was important.
+
+After leaving the streets, they followed the road to the port for some
+distance, and then turned into a track that wound along a dark hillside
+among clumps of trees. When they entered it, Adam stopped his mule and
+got down awkwardly.
+
+"I've had about as much as I can stand for," he remarked, breathing hard.
+"Looks as if we had got a start, but I reckon the other lot will try to
+track us to the port when the moon gets up."
+
+Then with a sigh of relief he lay down in a hammock the peons had got
+ready, and when two of the latter took up the poles they went on again.
+
+On the second night after leaving the presidio, Kit sat on the coaming of
+a small steam launch that lurched across the long undulations rolling in
+from the Caribbean. It had been blowing fresh, and although the wind had
+dropped the swell ran high. When the launch swung up, a vague, hazy smear
+rather suggested than indicated land astern; the sea ahead was dark, but
+in one place a faint reflection on the sky told that the moon would soon
+rise. Although the beach was some distance off, a dull monotonous rumble,
+pierced now and then by the clank of the launch's engines, hinted at
+breaking surf. The furnace door was open and the red light touched Adam's
+face as he sat, supported by a cushion, in a corner of the cockpit. He
+looked very haggard and Kit thought him the worse for his journey.
+
+"The light's in my eyes, but there was nothing on the skyline a minute or
+two ago," Kit remarked. "It will be awkward if Mayne doesn't get across.
+You seem persuaded he'll come."
+
+"I know he'd start. We can't tell what may have happened afterwards and
+there was more wind than I liked. He'll be here on time, if he's been
+able to keep the old boat off the ground."
+
+"Time is getting short. I expect the rebels have found out we're not at
+the port and Galdar will have the road watched when the news gets to the
+town. It might pay him to risk forcing a conflict if he could seize the
+convoy, and I'll feel happier when the guns and money are off our hands.
+It will be the president's business to look after them then."
+
+"That's so," Adam agreed. "Our part of the job's to land the goods and
+it's unlucky the tides are small. There won't be much water on the
+shoals and although we'll have an extra few inches tomorrow, I don't
+want Mayne to wait."
+
+Kit pondered, for he had taken some soundings when coming out. They
+were probably not correct, because the launch had rolled among the
+white combers that swept the shoals while he used the lead, but the
+average depth was about the steamer's draught in her usual trim. Mayne,
+however, ought to know what depth to expect, and Kit hoped he had
+loaded the vessel to correspond. By and by the mulatto fireman shut the
+furnace door, the puzzling light was cut off, and Kit searched the
+horizon. For some minutes, he saw nothing; and then a trail of red fire
+soared into the sky.
+
+"He's brought her across," said Adam. "Get our rocket off."
+
+The rocket swept up in a wide curve and burst into crimson lights. After
+this there was darkness for a time until an indistinct black object
+appeared against the brightening sky. Then the launch sank back into the
+trough, where the gloom was only broken by the glimmer of the
+phosphorescence that spangled the water. When she swung up on the top of
+the next swell the steamer was plainer and Kit blew the whistle as he
+changed their course.
+
+When the moon rose slowly out of the sea he stopped the clanking engine
+and the launch reeled up and down, some fifty yards off the steamer. The
+_Rio Negro _carried no lights, but the phosphorescence shone upon her wet
+plates as she rolled them out of the water. Her side rose high and black,
+and then sank until her rail was nearly level with the spangled foam.
+Indistinct figures scrambled about her deck, and when Kit sheered the
+launch in, her ladder went down with a rattle. A half-breed on board the
+launch caught it with his boat hook, and Adam stood at the bow, waiting
+for a chance to jump upon the narrow platform that lurched up above him
+and then plunged into the sea. Kit felt anxious. He did not think Adam
+was equal to the effort and dreaded the consequences of the shock if he
+missed and fell.
+
+"Stand by!" he shouted to the seaman on the ladder when the _Rio Negro_
+steadied after a violent roll; and then touched Adam. "Now; before she
+goes back!"
+
+Adam, jumping awkwardly, seized the seaman's hand, and Kit, leaning out,
+pushed him on to the platform as it began to sink. Then he jumped and
+coming down in a foot or two of water helped Adam to the deck. Mayne met
+them at the gangway and took them to his room, where Adam sat down and
+gasped. When Mayne poured out some liquor he clutched the glass with a
+shaking hand. After he drained it he was silent for a moment or two; and
+then asked in a strained voice: "Have you brought the goods?"
+
+"Got them all. We hadn't a nice trip. Don't know how Finlay kept her
+going and I thought I'd lost her on Tortillas reef; but we can talk about
+that afterwards."
+
+Adam made a sign of satisfaction and leaned back feebly. "It's some
+relief to know the goods are here."
+
+"Finlay can drive her seven knots and has plenty steam," Mayne said to
+Kit. "I'm bothered about the water; there won't be too much."
+
+Kit asked the vessel's draught and looked thoughtful when he heard
+what it was.
+
+"I can't guarantee my soundings, but imagine she won't float across and
+an ugly sea is running on the bar."
+
+"She'll certainly hit the bottom and the chances are she hits it hard,"
+Mayne remarked when Kit told him the depth he had got. "I expect, too,
+the mist will drift off from the mangroves with the land-breeze and hide
+our marks." He paused and glanced at Adam, who leaned back in a corner
+with his eyes half shut.
+
+"But I reckon we have got to take her in?"
+
+"Yes," said Adam dully. "Leave me alone; you can fix things with Kit."
+
+Mayne beckoned Kit and they went to the bridge. The moon had risen and
+threw a belt of silver light across the sea, but it was a half moon and
+would not help them much. Ahead, in the distance, gray haze obscured the
+water, and the dull roar that came out of the mist had become distinct.
+Mayne rang his telegraph to reduce the speed.
+
+"So far as I can reckon, it won't be high-water for most two hours, and
+on this coast you can't calculate just how much the tide will rise.
+There's going to be trouble if we find it shoaler than we expect and I
+had plenty trouble coming along. Finlay could hardly drive her four knots
+in last night's breeze and the current put us on Tortillas reef. She
+stopped there twenty minutes, jambed down on her bilge while the sea came
+on board."
+
+Kit noted two boats that had obviously been damaged while the steamer
+hammered on the reef, and the white crust of salt on the funnel; but
+Mayne resumed: "Say, the old man looks shaky; never seen him like that.
+You want to get him home."
+
+"He won't go. However, he's rather worse tonight. I think he was anxious
+about your turning up in time to catch the tide. The journey tried him
+and now a reaction has begun."
+
+"Well, I allow there's not much use in arguing if he means to stay; but
+he needn't have bothered about my getting across. When the orders came, I
+knew I had to bring her or pile her up. What Askew says goes."
+
+They were silent for a time while the _Rio Negro_, with engines throbbing
+slowly, crept towards the coast. The land breeze brought off a steamy
+heat and a sour smell. The long undulations were wrinkled by small waves,
+and a thin low haze that obscured the moon spread across the water. Kit,
+looking up now and then, could see the mastheads swing across the sky.
+There was, however, nothing to be seen ahead but a gray line that moved
+back as the steamer went on.
+
+"It's sure a blamed bad night for our job," Mayne remarked as he gazed
+towards the hidden land. "I'm glad I told your dagos to burn a flare when
+they hit the channel."
+
+Kit said nothing. The launch had vanished, and there was no guiding light
+in the mist. The turmoil of the surf had got louder and rang through the
+dark like the roar of a heavy train. Presently Mayne ordered a sounding
+to be taken and looked at Kit when the leadsman called the depth.
+
+"A foot less than we reckoned, and there won't be much rise. I don't like
+it, Mr. Askew, and if my employer was not your uncle, I'd heave the old
+boat round."
+
+Kit nodded sympathetically. He felt he hated the smothering haze that
+rolled in front and hid the dangers, but they must go on and trust to
+luck. He knew Adam's plans and no arguments would shake his resolve. Half
+an hour later a twinkle broke out some distance ahead and Mayne rang his
+telegraph.
+
+"I'm thankful for that, anyhow," he remarked. "We'll let her go, but I
+have my doubts about what will happen next."
+
+The throb of engines quickened, the gurgle of water got louder at the
+bows, and the _Rio Negro_, lurching sharply, went shorewards with tide
+and swell. The twinkle vanished and reappeared, to starboard now, and
+chains rattled as the quartermaster pulled round the wheel. Then the
+light faded and they were left without a guide in the puzzling haze. Ten
+minutes afterwards there was a heavy shock, and a rush of foam swept the
+rail as the steamer listed down. She lifted and struck again with a jar
+that tried Kit's nerve. A hoarse shout came from the forecastle and men
+ran about the slanted deck as a frothing sea rolled on board. Mayne,
+clutching his telegraph, beckoned Kit.
+
+"Bring Mr. Askew up. He's got to tell me what I am to do."
+
+Kit met Adam clumsily climbing the ladder and when he helped him to
+the bridge Mayne remarked: "She's on the tongue shoal. Don't know if I
+can back her off and steam out to deep water, but, if you consent, I
+want to try."
+
+"I won't consent," said Adam. "We're going in! What's that light to
+starboard?"
+
+"The launch; she's in the channel. I doubt if there's water enough for
+us, if we can get there."
+
+"Then, shove her across the sand or let her go to bits."
+
+Mayne rang the telegraph and touched his cap. "Very well! She's your
+ship, and we have some sound boats left."
+
+For the next ten minutes Kit clung to the bridge. He wanted to help Adam
+into the pilot-house, but the old man waved him off. Clouds of spray
+swept the vessel and made it hard to see her rail where the white combers
+leaped. Now and then one broke on board and poured in a foaming torrent
+across the slanted deck; she trembled horribly as she struck the sand. It
+looked as if she were driving sideways across the shoal, but the flare on
+the launch had gone out and Kit doubted if Mayne knew where he was.
+
+Sometimes the tall, black forecastle swung in a quarter-circle;
+sometimes the stern went round. For the most part, however, she lay with
+her side to the rollers and it was plain that the struggle could not
+last long. If they did not get off in a few minutes, rivets would smash
+and butts open, and one must take one's chances in the boats. Two were
+damaged, but others might be launched, and Kit was relieved to note that
+two or three deck-hands moved about as if engaged in clearing the
+davit-tackles. He sympathized with the men, although he did not think
+Mayne had given them orders.
+
+In the meantime, Adam clung to the rails, swaying when the bridge
+slanted, but looking unmoved, and Kit knew that so long as the _Rio
+Negro's_ engines turned he would go on. It was not for nothing men called
+him the Buccaneer, and now that he was staking his life and fortune on a
+hazardous chance there was something daunting about his grim resolve.
+
+A sea rolled up astern and buried the poop. Kit felt the steamer lift
+and turn, as if on a pivot at the middle of her length. The after-deck
+was full of water, but the bows were high and going round, and he was
+conscious of a curious shiver that ran through the straining hull as she
+shook herself free from the sand. She crawled forward, stopped, and
+moved again with a staggering lurch. The next sea swept her on, but she
+did not strike, and after a few moments Kit knew she had crossed the top
+of the shoal.
+
+Her whistle shrieked above the turmoil of the sea, a light blinked in
+the spray, and she lurched on before the tumbling combers. By and by the
+water got smooth and an indistinct dark mass grew out of the mist.
+Mayne, who was pacing up and down his bridge, stopped near Kit with a
+reckless laugh.
+
+"This is the kind of navigation they break skippers for! If those are the
+mangroves on False Point, I may take her in; if they're not, we'll make a
+hole in the forest."
+
+Kit looked about, but could not see the launch. The dark mass was a thick
+belt of trees, but he did not know, and did not think Mayne knew, where
+they were, and the easy motion indicated that the tide was carrying the
+steamer on. Much to his relief, the indistinct wall of forest seemed to
+bend back, away from the sea. It looked as if they were entering the
+lagoon; and then he heard the telegraph and the rattle of rudder chains.
+
+The screw shook the vessel as it spun hard-astern, and the bows began to
+swing. It was, however, too late; the forecastle would not clear the
+mangroves, and Kit knew the water was deep among their roots. Shouting to
+Adam, he seized the rails and waited for the shock. It came, for there
+was a crash, and a noise of branches breaking. The steamer rolled,
+recoiled, and forged on into the forest.
+
+Some minutes later, Mayne stopped his engines and there was a curious
+quietness as he came up to Adam.
+
+"We are fast in the mud, sir. Although she'll take a list when the tide
+falls, we may be able to work cargo. I'll lay out an anchor in the
+morning and try to heave her off, but I calculate it will be full moon
+before she floats."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE MANGROVE SWAMP
+
+
+Early next morning, Kit went on deck. Although it was hot, everything
+dripped with damp, and sour-smelling mist drifted past the ship. Her
+masts and funnels slanted and Kit could hardly keep his footing on the
+inclined deck. When he looked over the rail, the rows of wet plates ran
+up like a wall above broken mangrove roots and pools of slime. Smashed
+trunks and branches were piled against the bows and dingy foliage
+overhung the vessel's lower side.
+
+Kit walked aft. The screw was uncovered, and shallow, muddy water, dotted
+by floating scum, surrounded the stern, which projected into the lagoon.
+In one place, however, a mud-bank touched the bilge, and three or four
+men, standing on planks, cautiously tried its firmness. They were wet and
+splashed, and one who ventured a few yards from the plank sank to his
+waist. The others pulled him out and then they climbed a rope ladder. Kit
+thought the experiment proved that nothing useful could be done until the
+tide flowed round the ship.
+
+Another gang was moving a kedge-anchor across the deck, while a few more
+coiled heavy ropes beside the winch. Mayne obviously meant to try to
+heave the vessel off, but Kit thought he would not succeed until the moon
+was full. In the meantime, cargo could only be landed when there was
+water enough to float boats up to the ship, and Kit glanced across the
+lagoon. There were no mangroves on the other side, although thick timber
+grew close down to a belt of sand. Below this was mud, across which he
+imagined heavy goods could not be carried. The heat and steamy damp made
+him languid, and he went to Adam's room. Adam had got up and sat,
+half-dressed, on the lower berth with a glass on the floor close by. His
+hands shook and there was no color in his lips.
+
+"It's rather early for a strong cocktail, but I felt I needed bracing,"
+he said. "What do you think about our chance of getting her off?"
+
+"I imagine it's impossible for another week and don't see how we'll get
+the cargo out."
+
+"Don't you?" said Adam grimly. "It has got to be done. If Mayne finds the
+job too big, I'll put it through myself."
+
+"You ought to leave before the malaria knocks you down," Kit rejoined.
+"If I had the power, I'd make you go."
+
+Adam smiled. "You mean well, boy, but you don't understand, and if you
+plot with Mayne to bluff me, I'll surely break you both. Now go and see
+if the president's men have arrived. Then you can tell Mayne to rig his
+derricks and take the hatches off."
+
+Kit went out and after a time three or four figures appeared among the
+trees across the lagoon. They came down to the mud, but when Kit shouted,
+asking if they could launch a canoe, one shrugged and they turned back.
+
+"I reckon the old man means us to get busy with the cargo," Mayne
+remarked.
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I understand he's ready to undertake the job if we find
+it too much for us."
+
+"He's a hustler, sure! So far as I can see, the thing can't be done, but
+if Askew wants it done, I guess we've got to try. We'll carry out the
+kedge and make fast a warp or two when the tide flows. He'll expect it,
+though I don't reckon much on our chance of floating her."
+
+By degrees the muddy water crawled up the plates and the _Rio Negro_ rose
+upright; the haze melted and it got fiercely hot when the sun shone. A
+canoe, manned by half-breed peons, crossed the lagoon, and with heavy
+labor the kedge-anchor was hoisted out and hung between two boats.
+Half-naked men toiled at the oars until the lashings were cut and the
+boats rocked as the anchor sank. Then their crews, dragging large stiff
+warps, forced their way among the mangrove roots and made the ropes fast
+where they could. They came back exhausted, dripping with water and
+daubed by slime, and Mayne went to the bridge.
+
+The sun pierced the narrow awning and there was not a breath of wind. The
+lagoon shone with dazzling brightness and the iron deck threw up an
+intolerable heat. Kit felt the perspiration soak his thin clothes, and
+big drops of moisture trickled down Adam's yellow face as he sat with
+half-shut eyes, in a canvas chair. By and by he took out his watch, and
+Kit noted that he moved it once or twice before he could see the time.
+
+"Hadn't you better get busy?" he asked Mayne.
+
+The telegraph clanged, the engines panted, and the _Rio Negro_ began to
+shake as the screw revolved. There was no movement but the racking throb,
+until Mayne raised his hand and winch and windlass rattled. Puffs of
+steam blew about, the cable rose from the water with a jar, and the warps
+ran slowly across the winch-drums, foul with greasy scum.
+
+"Hold on to it!" Mayne shouted. "Get in the last inch!"
+
+His voice was drowned by the rattle of chain and hiss of steam, but the
+uproar began to die away and the sharp clatter of small engines changed
+to spasmodic jars. Then somebody shouted, there was a crash, and the end
+of a broken warp, flying back, tore up the dazzling water. The windlass
+stopped, and a few moments later a clump of mangroves swayed. Kit heard
+green wood crack, as a rope that had stretched and strained began to
+move. Then Mayne raised his hand.
+
+"Let go; stop her! You're pulling up the trees."
+
+There was a sudden quietness except for the insistent throb of the screw,
+and Mayne turned to Adam.
+
+"If the cable holds, I can smash the windlass, but I can't heave her
+off."
+
+"Very well. You quit and get the cargo out. Better hustle while
+she's upright."
+
+Mayne went down the ladder and when he unlocked the iron door of the
+after wheel-house a gang of men brought out a row of small-boxes. A
+mulatto from the beach, who wore neat white clothes and an expensive hat,
+counted the boxes and then gave Adam a receipt.
+
+"Don Hernando will be glad to get these goods and we will start at once,"
+he said. "Although I have a guard, it will be safe to reach the town
+before the president's enemies know."
+
+"That would be prudent, señor," Adam agreed, and turned to Kit when the
+mulatto went away.
+
+"I have done my part and it's Alvarez's business to see the chests get
+through. Well, we have both taken some chances since he was a
+Customs-clerk and I a _contrabandista_ running the old _Mercedes_, but I
+reckon this is my rashest plunge. Anyhow, if I get my money back or not,
+I've put up the goods. Now you can tell Mayne to break out the guns."
+
+Mayne gave orders, derrick-booms swung from the stumpy masts, pulleys
+rattled, and heavy cases rose from the holds. The boats, however, could
+not get abreast of the forward hatch and the cases had to be moved across
+slippery iron plates to the after derrick that hoisted them overboard. It
+was exhausting work, and the heat was intolerable. The white crew threw
+off their soaked clothes and toiled half-naked in the sun that burned
+their skin, but Adam left the awning and went about in the glare.
+
+At first, the mates grumbled with indignant surprise. Their employer was
+breaking rules; working the cargo was their business and nobody else must
+meddle. Besides, they had not met a shipowner able to superintend the
+job. One who ventured a protest, however, stopped in awkward
+embarrassment when Adam gave him a look, and the others soon admitted
+that few captains knew more about derricks and slings. Nevertheless, Kit
+was anxious as he watched his uncle. He knew Adam would pay for this and
+wondered how long he could keep it up.
+
+At noon, the peons refused another load and when Adam addressed them in
+virulent Castilian, coolly pulled the boats away from the ship. When they
+had rowed a short distance they stopped and one got up.
+
+"More is not possible, señor," he said. "To work in this sun is not
+for flesh and blood. After we have slept for an hour or two, we will
+come back."
+
+Adam felt for his pistol, but hesitated, with his hand at his silk belt,
+and Kit thought he looked very like a Buccaneer.
+
+"It might pay to plug that fellow, and I'd have risked it when I came
+here in the _Mercedes_. Still, I guess Don Hernando has enough trouble."
+
+Mayne, standing behind him, grinned. "I reckon that fixes the thing.
+Don't know I'm sorry the dagos have lit out; my crowd are used up and
+ready to mutiny."
+
+For two hours the tired crew rested while the water sank and the steamer
+resumed her awkward list. Then the boats came back and the men crawled
+languidly about the slanted deck, until Adam went among them with bitter
+words. The sea breeze was blowing outside, but no wind could enter the
+gap in the trees, and foul exhalations from warm mud and slime poisoned
+the stagnant air. Kit's head ached, his eyes hurt, and his joints were
+sore; he felt strangely limp and it cost him an effort to get about.
+
+All the while the winches hammered and pulleys screamed as the cases came
+up and the empty slings went down. The heat got suffocating and the slant
+of masts and deck made matters worse, because the men must hold the
+derricks back with guys while the heavy goods cleared the coamings of the
+hatch. Much judgment was needed to drop them safely in the boats. Men
+gasped and choked, quarreled with each other, and growled at the mates,
+but somehow held on while the tide ebbed and the sun sank nearer the
+mangroves' tops. It dipped when the breathless peons pushed the last boat
+away from the _Rio Negro's_ side, and the noisy machines stopped.
+
+Darkness spread swiftly across the lagoon and a white fog, hot and damp
+as steam, rose from the forest and hung about the ship. Everything was
+very quiet, for the men were too limp to talk, but a murmur came out of
+the distance where the long swell beat upon the shoals. Kit and Mayne sat
+in the chart-room, with a jug of iced liquor on the table in front.
+Sometimes they spoke a few words and sometimes smoked in silence, while
+Adam lay on the settee, saying nothing. At length, he got up and a
+steward helped him to his room. Somehow the others felt it a relief that
+he had gone.
+
+"I can hustle, but your uncle makes me tired," Mayne remarked. "If you
+get what I mean, it's like watching a dead man chase the boys about; you
+feel it's unnatural to see him on his feet. Well, one has to pay for
+fooling with a climate like this, and I'm afraid the bill he'll get will
+break him. Can't you make him quit?"
+
+"I can't; I've tried."
+
+"The curious thing is he knows the cost," Mayne resumed. "Knows what's
+coming to him unless he goes."
+
+"Yes," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I believe he does know and
+doesn't mind. This makes it rough on me. I'm powerless to send him off
+and I'm fond of the old man."
+
+Mayne made a sign of agreement. "He's a pretty tough proposition and was
+worse when he was young; but I've risked my life to serve him. The
+Buccaneer holds his friends."
+
+Kit said nothing. He was anxious and depressed and soon went off to bed.
+
+When work began next morning, Adam was on deck and superintended the
+landing of the cargo in spite of Kit's protest. Kit thought the day was
+hotter than the last, and after an hour or two's disturbed sleep in his
+stifling room, found it hard to drag himself about. When the exhausted
+peons stopped at noon, he lay under the awning and kept close to Adam
+when they resumed. He did not like his uncle's fixed frown and thought it
+was caused by the effort he made to keep at work. If not, it was a hint
+of pain he stubbornly tried to overcome. Besides, his step was dragging
+and his movements were awkward.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon, Adam stood near the noisy winch while
+a case was hoisted. The winch-man looked up when the heavy load, hanging
+from the derrick, swung across the slanted deck.
+
+"Hold her while they steady the boom!" Adam shouted and seized the rope
+that slipped round the drum.
+
+The winch-driver was watching the others who struggled with the guy, and
+perhaps forgot it was not a strong man who had come to his help. For a
+moment or two, Adam kept his grip, and then his hands opened and he
+staggered back. Somebody shouted, a pulley rattled, and the case, running
+down, crashed against the steamer's rail. Kit ran forward, but reached
+the spot a moment too late, for Adam lay unconscious on the iron deck.
+
+They picked him up and carried him to the bridge, where it was a little
+cooler than his room, but for some time he did not open his eyes. Then he
+looked about dully and seeing Kit gave him a feeble smile.
+
+"You're in charge now, partner; keep the boys hustling," he said.
+"There's the coffee to load up when you have put the guns ashore. Looks
+as if I had got to leave the job to you."
+
+He turned his head, drew a hard breath, as if it had hurt him to speak,
+and said nothing more. The work, however, went on until it got dark, and
+when the mist rose from the mangroves and a heavy dew began to fall they
+carried Adam to his room. He slept for part of the night while Kit
+watched, but now and then tossed about with delirious mutterings. When
+morning came he did not wake and Kit, looking at his pinched, wet face,
+went on deck with a heavy heart. He had sent for the Spanish doctor, but
+thought it did not matter much if Señor Martin came or not. In another
+day or two he would be alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+ADAM'S LAST REQUEST
+
+
+It was nearly full moon, the night was calm, and the flowing tide rippled
+among the mangrove roots. Clammy vapor drifted about the ship and big
+drops fell from the rigging and splashed upon the deck. A plume of smoke
+went nearly straight up from the funnel, and now and then the clang of
+furnace-slice and shovel rose from the stokehold, for Mayne hoped to
+float the vessel next tide. For the most part, however, the men were
+asleep and it was very quiet in the room under the poop. A lamp tilted at
+a sharp angle gave a feeble light that touched Adam's face. Kit sat on a
+locker opposite, looking anxious and worn.
+
+"You loaded up some of the coffee," Adam remarked in a strained voice.
+
+"Half of it, I think; the rest's on the beach," said Kit. "It's doubtful
+if we'll get the next lot, since Señor Martin understands the fighting
+has begun."
+
+"The lot you have shipped will be something to score against the account;
+it's prime coffee and ought to sell well. I'd like you to get the
+rubber, but Alvarez can't wait long for the goods Mackellar has ready for
+the boat. Another voyage and you can pull out for the old country. I'd
+reckoned on going with you, but that's done with."
+
+Kit said nothing. The doctor had come and gone, for he was needed
+elsewhere and could not help the sick man. One could indulge him and make
+things comfortable for a few days but that was all, he said, and Kit saw
+that Adam knew. By and by the latter resumed:
+
+"I've been thinking about Peter and Ashness. I'd have liked to see the
+old place and the fells again, and when I was half asleep I thought I
+heard the beck splash among the thorns and the pee-wits crying. Well, you
+are going back, and you'll marry that girl. Though it will cost you
+something to see Alvarez through, you ought to be rich enough."
+
+"You mustn't talk too much," said Kit. "Señor Martin told you to rest."
+
+Adam smiled. "It doesn't matter now if I rest or not. My brain's clearer
+and I'll talk while I can. I never told you much about my early life, but
+I'm going to do so, because there's something I want to ask."
+
+"Then, you have only to ask it," Kit replied.
+
+"I know," said Adam, feebly. "You're staunch. Well, you have seen the
+despatch-box in the office, marked _Hattie G._, though I lost the old
+boat long before you came out. She was a coal-eater and didn't pay to
+run, but I kept her going until she hit the reef. My first steamboat--I
+got her when she was going cheap; but she was bought with my wife's
+money, and called after her.
+
+"I met Hattie in Florida about the year you were born. She was
+Vanhuyten's cousin and the finest thing that ever wore a woman's shape.
+Northern grit and Southern fire, for she sprang from New England and good
+Virginia stock; I've seen no woman with her superb confidence. Well, I
+was a _contrabandista_ with some ugly tales against my name, but I fell
+in love with Hattie and married her in a month."
+
+Adam was silent for a few minutes, and while Kit mused, shovels clinked
+in the stokehold and the vessel began to lift. The tilted lamp
+straightened and its light rested on Adam's wasted form. His silk
+pyjamas rather emphasized than hid his gauntness; he looked strangely
+worn and weak, but Kit could picture the strong passion of his
+love-making. There was something fierce and primitive about the old
+Buccaneer, and it was not hard to see how he had, so to speak, swept the
+romantic girl off her feet by the fiery spirit that had burned him out.
+Yet he had never talked about other women, and though he knew the South,
+Kit thought he had cared for none.
+
+"I left her in a few weeks," Adam went on. "Alvarez was putting up for
+president and my savings were at stake. Hattie went home to Virginia
+while I helped Alvarez on the coast. He was hard up against it, though
+he's been president three times since. Well, when things looked blackest,
+I was knocked out in Salinas swamps, by fever and a bullet that touched
+my lungs. They took me to the old Indian mission--we were cut off from
+the ship--and Father Herman put the _rurales_ off my track. I've sent him
+wine and candles, he's at the mission yet; it stands between thick forest
+and swamps like this, and the padre's the only white man who has lived
+there long. Get down the chart and I'll show you the landing place."
+
+Kit did so, feeling that he ought to indulge a sick man's caprice, and
+Adam, after giving him clear directions, was quiet for some minutes. Then
+he began again, with an effort:
+
+"Vanhuyten told Hattie, and I found out afterwards, that she had had
+trouble at home. Her folks had never trusted me and wanted to keep her
+back, but she had rich friends who sent her out, like an American
+princess, on a big steam yacht. She got to the mission when I was at my
+worst, and finding I could not be moved, sent the yacht away. It was some
+days before I knew she had come. There was no doctor to be got. Alvarez
+could not send help, and the government soldiers were hunting for his
+friends, but Father Herman knew something about medicine and Hattie
+helped him better than a trained nurse. I can see her now, going about
+the mud-walled room in her clean, white dress, without a hint of
+weariness in her gentle eyes. That was when she thought I was watching,
+but sometimes at night her head bent and her figure drooped.
+
+"It was blisteringly hot and when the sun went down the poisonous steam
+from the swamps drifted round the spot. Sometimes I begged her not to
+stay, and sometimes I raged, but Hattie could not be moved and my weak
+anger broke before her smiles. She was strong and would not get fever,
+she said; she had come to nurse me, and, if I insisted, would go home
+when I was well."
+
+Adam stopped and asked for a drink, and afterwards Kit hoped he had gone
+to sleep, but he presently roused himself again.
+
+"I have got to finish, partner, because there's a reason you should hear
+it all. By and by Father Herman had to nurse us both, and when I got
+better Hattie died. We buried her by torchlight in the dusty mission
+yard--she was a Catholic--you'll see the marble cross. I've been lonely
+ever since, and that's partly why I sent for you; Peter came next to
+Hattie and you are Peter's son. Now I'm ready to pull out and somehow I
+think Hattie will find me when I'm wandering in the dark. Love like hers
+is strong. But I want you to listen when you have given me another
+drink."
+
+Kit held the glass to Adam's cracked lips. He drank and lay still,
+breathing hard, and Kit heard the ripple of the tide. The _Rio Negro_ was
+getting upright and as the lamp turned in its socket the light moved
+across the wall. After a time, Adam resumed in a clearer voice:
+
+"All I have is yours; Mackellar will prove the will, but you'll see
+Alvarez out, as I meant to do. Another thing; Mayne will get the old boat
+off tomorrow, and when he's loaded up I want you to take me out and land
+me on the creek I marked behind Salinas Point. He can fly the flag
+half-mast; I'll have started on the lone trail then. You'll hire some
+half-breed boys at the _pueblo_ in the swamp, and take me to the mission
+and lay me beside my wife. Hattie was a Catholic and you can tell Father
+Herman that what she believed was good enough for me. Afterwards, you'll
+send him now and then the box of candles he will tell you about. They're
+to burn in the little chapel before Our Lady of Sorrows, where Hattie
+used to pray I might get well. You'll do this for me?"
+
+"I will," Kit answered with forced quietness. "Then I've finished," said
+Adam. "I'm going to sleep now and mayn't talk much again."
+
+He turned his head from the light and presently Kit, hearing him breathe
+quietly, went out on deck.
+
+At high-water next day, the _Rio Negro_ floated off the mud and when she
+swung to her anchor Kit went into Adam's room. Adam was very weak, but
+looked up.
+
+"Get the coffee on board; I'm afraid you won't have time for the next lot
+and the rubber," he said. "Tell Finlay to bank his fires. You'll want
+steam to take me out."
+
+Kit understood, and nodded because he could not speak, and Adam, giving
+him a quiet smile, went to sleep again.
+
+Some hours later, Mayne joined Kit, who had gone on deck for a few
+minutes.
+
+"That's the last of the _hacienda Luisa_ coffee," he said, indicating a
+boat alongside. "The peons tell me the next lot's coming down, but if we
+ship it, we'll miss the tide."
+
+"You can close the hatches. The coffee must wait."
+
+"It's high-grade stuff and brings top price. I sure don't like to leave
+it to spoil."
+
+"We must risk that," Kit said quietly.
+
+"There's another thing; Pedro, the clerk, reckons they're fighting near
+Salinas and the president's not popular in that neighborhood. Looks as if
+you might have some trouble to take the old man to the mission."
+
+"It's possible," said Kit. "I'm going to try. Have everything ready for
+us to get off to-night."
+
+Mayne lifted his hand to his cap. "Very well, sir. We'll start as soon as
+there's water enough."
+
+He went away, but Kit knew what he meant. The captain had done his duty
+by indicating obstacles, but he approved his new master's resolve and
+owned his authority. Kit was persuaded he would have Mayne's loyal help
+and went back to Adam's room. When it was getting dark, Adam moved his
+head as the engines began to throb and the propeller churned noisily in
+the shallow water. It stopped after a few turns and steam blew off.
+
+"Finlay's giving her a trial spin," Adam remarked, in a very faint voice.
+"I see you've got things fixed and I'm ready to start." He stopped and
+shut his eyes for a minute or two, and Kit did not know if he was
+conscious or not. Then he resumed in a strained whisper: "All's ready;
+ring for full-speed. I'm going to meet my wife."
+
+He drew a hard breath, sighed, and did not speak again. An hour
+afterwards, Mayne met Kit coming out of the room, and glancing at his
+face took off his cap.
+
+"I guess it hits you hard and I'll miss him, too," he said. "I'll not get
+another master like the Buccaneer."
+
+He went off to give some orders and Kit sat down, feeling very desolate.
+
+When the tide had risen and flowed past, oily smooth, under the full
+moon, the windlass began to rattle and the cable clanged. The anchor came
+up and when the engines shook the ship Mayne pulled the whistle-line and
+a long blast rolled across the woods. Next moment a rocket soared and
+burst in a shower of colored lights.
+
+"Vanhuyten and Askew's signal! The head of the house is making his last
+trip," the captain remarked.
+
+The echoes sank, the colored lights burned out, and the measured beat of
+engines jarred upon the silence as the _Rio Negro_ went to sea. For a
+time the land breeze blew the steam of the swamps after her, and masts
+and funnels reeled through a muggy haze as she lurched across the
+surf-swept shoals. She floated high and light, her muddy side rising like
+a wall as she steadied between the rolls that dipped her channels in the
+foam. Outside, the swell was regular and the roll long and rhythmical;
+the haze thinned, the air got sweet and cool, and the hearts of the crew
+got lighter as she steamed out to open sea. For all that, men lowered
+their voices and trod quietly when they passed the poop cabin where her
+dead owner lay.
+
+At sunrise, Mayne hoisted the house-flag, and the Stars and Stripes
+drooped languidly half way up the ensign staff, until the glassy calm
+broke and the sea breeze straightened the blue and silver folds. By and
+by he changed the course and mountains rose ahead, although a bank of
+cloud hid the plain and mangrove forest at their feet. In the afternoon,
+he searched the haze with his glasses, and getting a bearing stopped the
+engines near Salinas Point at dusk.
+
+"If the weather's good, I'll wait three days," he said. "Then, if you
+send no word, I'll pull out for Havana and get the engines properly
+fixed. Better take this bag of Spanish money; minted silver goes and you
+may find the dagos shy of the president's notes."
+
+Kit took the money, a boat was swung out, and four sailors carried the
+plain, flag-wrapped coffin down the ladder. They were rough men, but Kit
+imagined he could trust them. Another crew picked up the oars, greasy
+caps were lifted, the _Rio Negro's_ whistle screamed a last salute, and
+the boat stole away. Mayne steamed off to anchor on good holding ground,
+and Kit sat at the tiller, with his eyes fixed on the misty coast.
+
+It was dark when he heard breakers and saw the glimmer of surf. There
+were shoals all round him, but he had been told about a bay where a creek
+flowed through a sheltered channel. He did not know if he could find the
+channel, and if not the boat might be wrecked, but something must be left
+to luck and they pulled on before the curling swell. She struck, and
+stopped until a comber rolled up astern. It broke and half buried her in
+rushing foam, but she lifted, lurched ahead, and did not strike again.
+The men were nearly knee-deep as they baled the water out and one was
+afterwards idle because his oar had gone. In spite of this, they made the
+creek and drifted quietly into the gloom of the mangroves with the
+flowing tide.
+
+After a time, the water got shallow and they pushed her across the mud
+while leaves and rotting branches floated up the creek. No light pierced
+the forest, and the feeble beam of Kit's lantern scarcely touched the
+shadowy trunks that moved past until they came to an opening. Kit thought
+this was the spot he had been told about and turned the boat. She would
+not float to the bank and he and his four men got out and lifted the
+coffin. They sank in treacherous mud, but reached a belt of sand riddled
+by land-crab's holes. All was very quiet except for the ripple of the
+tide and the noise made by the scuttling crabs. The sand, however, was
+dry and warm and they sat down to wait for morning when the boat went
+away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ROAD TO THE MISSION
+
+
+The sun was high when Kit and his tired men reached the village. He was
+wet with sweat and the moisture that had dripped upon him from the leaves
+in the early morning, and the men gasped when they put down their load.
+Two wore greasy engine-room overalls, and two ragged suits of duck; their
+soft hats were stained and battered and they looked like ruffians.
+Although Mayne paid good wages, respectable seamen avoided the _Rio
+Negro_ and her crew were, as a rule, accustomed to fight with knives and
+sandbags on disorderly water-fronts. Now they carried pistols, hidden as
+far as possible, but ready for use.
+
+Small, square mud houses occupied the hole in the forest. Where the
+plaster had not fallen off, their white fronts were dazzling, but they
+were dirty and ruinous and the narrow street was strewn with decaying
+rubbish. Although the _pueblo_ had once prospered under Spanish rule, it
+was now inhabited by languid half-breeds of strangely mixed blood,
+engaged in smuggling and revolutionary plots. They stood about the
+doorways, barefooted and ragged, watching Kit with furtive black eyes.
+
+"I want porters and a guide to the mission," he told the _patron_, who
+lounged against a wall smoking a cigar.
+
+"It is a long way, señor, and the road is bad. Besides, one cannot travel
+when the sun is high."
+
+"The road is, no doubt, safer then than in the dark."
+
+"That is true," agreed the other with a philosophic shrug. "The country
+is disturbed."
+
+"I must start at once," Kit said firmly. "I am willing to pay for
+the risk."
+
+The _patron_ spoke to the others in a harsh dialect, but none of the
+loafing figures moved.
+
+"They say the risk is great," he remarked. "There has been fighting and
+the president's soldiers are in the woods."
+
+"The president's soldiers will not meddle with us," Kit answered,
+incautiously.
+
+For a moment the half-breed's eyes were keen, but his dark face resumed
+its inscrutable look.
+
+"Then the señor is a friend of the president's?"
+
+"If we meet his soldiers, they will let me pass."
+
+"The soldiers are not the worst. There are the _rurales_; men without
+shame, who shoot and ask no questions. However, we will see if I can find
+porters, if the señor will wait until the afternoon."
+
+Kit distrusted the fellow and thought he had an object for putting off
+the start. He had been warned that the _Meztisos_ sympathized with the
+rebels, and imagined that his party's safety depended on its speed. But
+he did not want to look impatient, and, imitating the other's
+carelessness, sat down and lighted a cigarette while he pondered. To
+begin with, he suspected that the _patron_ would prevent his meeting any
+of the president's soldiers who might be about, and it would be prudent
+to finish his business and get back to the ship before Galdar knew he was
+in the woods. His men claimed to be American citizens and Mayne knew
+where he had gone, but the latter's statements might be doubted if the
+party disappeared. It was known that Askew was engaged in a risky trade
+and the captain's story would look more romantic than plausible.
+
+Kit saw he must depend upon his own resources and presently noted that a
+man was leaving the village. The fellow kept behind the group in the
+street as far as he could and moved quickly. There was something stealthy
+about his movements and when he looked back, as if to see if Kit were
+watching, the latter got up.
+
+"Stop that man," he said.
+
+"But he is going to his work, señor," the _patron_ objected.
+
+"In this country, one does not work while the sun is high," said Kit,
+who rather ostentatiously pulled out his pistol. "Call him back!"
+
+The _patron_ shouted and the man returned, but Kit kept his pistol
+in his hand.
+
+"Nobody must leave the _pueblo_ until I start," he said. "I want porters
+and am willing to pay."
+
+"Very well," the patron agreed, shrugging. "Perhaps I can find a few men,
+but they will want the money before they go."
+
+For a time, Kit bargained. The sailors were tired, and few white men are
+capable of much exertion in the tropic swamps. He must have help, and
+doubting if the _Meztisos_ could be trusted, thought it best to offer a
+sum that would excite their greed, but stipulated that half would not be
+paid until they returned. When the _patron_ was satisfied Kit turned to
+the sailors.
+
+"You'll have to hustle, boys," he said. "The sooner we make the mission,
+the sooner we'll get back, and I reckon nobody wants to stop in these
+swamps. There's something beside your wages coming to you."
+
+"That's all right, boss," one replied. "The old man drove hard, but he
+paid well and he was white. You can go ahead; we'll put the job over."
+
+The peons took up the stretcher-poles lashed to the coffin, a relief
+party went behind and they set off. Nobody spoke and the _Meztisos'_ bare
+feet fell silently on the hot sand, although Kit heard the dragging tramp
+of the sailors' muddy boots. In the open space round the village, the sun
+burned their skin and they pushed on as fast as possible for the twilight
+of the woods.
+
+Here and there a bright gleam pierced the gloom, but for the most part
+deep shadow filled the gaps between the trunks. Creepers laced the great
+cottonwoods, tangled vines crawled about their tall, buttressed roots,
+and hung in festoons from the giant branches. Some of the trees were
+rotten and orchids covered their decay with fantastic bloom. The forest
+smelt like a hothouse, but the smell had an unwholesome sourness. Growth
+ran riot; green things shot up, choked each other, and sank in fermenting
+corruption.
+
+Kit did not know if it was a relief to escape from the glare of the
+clearing or not. The sun no longer burned him, but he could hardly
+breathe the humid air, and effort was almost impossible.
+
+All the same, he pushed on, floundering in muddy pools and sinking in
+belts of mire. The road had been made long since, by slave labor, when
+the Spaniards ruled, and had fallen into ruin, like the country, when
+their yoke was broken. Kit could trace the ancient causeway across the
+swamps and wondered when another strong race would put their stamp on the
+land. The descendants of the conquerors had sunk into apathetic sloth;
+the blood of the dark-skinned peoples that ran in their veins had
+quenched the old Castilian fire.
+
+When the light was fading, the porters declared the swamps in front were
+dangerous and put down their load, and after some trouble the white men
+lighted a fire. A heavy dew began to drip from the leaves and the blaze
+was comforting in the gloom that swiftly settled down. Kit had brought a
+piece of tarpaulin and spread it between the roots of a cottonwood. He
+did not mean to go to sleep, but his head ached and he was worn out by
+physical effort and anxious watching. By and by his eyes got heavy and he
+sank down in a corner of the great roots.
+
+The fire had burned low when he looked up and a bright beam that touched
+a neighboring trunk indicated that the moon was high. All was very quiet
+but for the splash of the falling dew; the glade was a little brighter,
+and rousing himself with an effort, he glanced about. He saw the white
+men's figures, stretched in ungainly attitudes on a piece of old canvas.
+They were all there, but he could not see the _Meztisos_. Getting up, he
+walked into the gloom and then stopped with something of a shock. There
+was nobody about.
+
+For a few moments, Kit thought hard. To begin with, he had been rash to
+pay half the porters' wages before they started. The money was a large
+sum for them and they had stolen away; perhaps because they were
+satisfied and afraid of meeting the president's soldiers, or perhaps to
+betray the party to the rebels for another reward. If the latter
+supposition were correct, Kit thought he ran some risk. Galdar's friends
+knew he could not be bribed and that Adam was ill, although it was hardly
+possible they knew he was dead. They would see that Kit had now control
+and since his help was valuable to the president might try to kill him.
+His best plan was to push on.
+
+He wakened the sailors, who grumbled, but picked up the coffin when he
+tersely explained the situation. Wet bushes brushed against them,
+soaking their thin clothes, trailers caught their heads, and the road
+got wetter and rougher until they came to a creek. Kit could not tell
+how deep it was; the forest was very dark and only a faint reflection
+marked the water.
+
+"We must get across, boys," he said, and the others agreed. They were
+hard men, but the dark and silence weighed them down and excited vague
+superstitious fears. It was a gruesome business in which they were
+engaged and they did not like their load.
+
+They plunged in and one called out hoarsely when he stumbled and the
+lurching coffin struck his head. Another gasped, as if he were choking,
+while he struggled to balance the poles. The current rippled round
+their legs; it was hard to pull their feet out of the mud, and when
+there was a splash in the dark they stopped, dripping with sweat that
+was not altogether caused by effort. One swore at the others in a
+breathless voice.
+
+"Shove on, you slobs!" he said. "The old man's getting heavier while
+you stop. I want to dump him and be done with the job. Guess I've
+had enough."
+
+Splashing and stumbling, they went forward and when they struggled up the
+bank Kit wiped his wet face. For a moment or two he had thought the men
+would drop their load and as it jolted, vague and black, on their
+shoulders, the creaking of the poles had jarred his nerves. He was going
+to keep his promise, but he sympathized with the man who had had enough.
+
+After they left the creek, the road got very bad and in places vanished
+in belts of swamp. They sank in mud and stagnant water and no light
+pierced the daunting gloom, but it was not hard to keep the proper line,
+because one could not enter the jungle without a cutlass to clear a path.
+At length, when the men were exhausted, the trees got thinner and the
+moonlight shining through touched the front of a ruined building. The
+rest was indistinct, but the building was large and had evidently
+belonged to a sugar or coffee planter. The sailors stopped and Kit
+studied a gap in the wall.
+
+The gap did not look inviting and there were, no doubt, snakes and
+poisonous spiders inside, but he could go no farther and the broken walls
+offered some protection. Perhaps Kit was moved by an atavistic fear of
+the dark forest, and he owned that he was influenced by the civilized
+man's longing for the shelter of a house. They went in, and after putting
+down the coffin in a room where vines crawled about the ruined wall, the
+sailors entered the next. One frankly stated that they wanted to get away
+from the coffin; Kit could stop and watch it if he liked, but it bothered
+them to have the thing about.
+
+Kit let them go, and sitting down in a corner among the rubbish lighted a
+cigar. A moonbeam rested on the opposite wall and the room was not dark.
+Some light came in through holes, although there was impenetrable gloom
+beyond the door by which the men had gone. He could see the wet leaves of
+the vines, and the black coffin, covered by the flag. But he was not
+afraid of it; the man who lay there had been his friend and claimed the
+fulfilment of his promise.
+
+At the same time, it was soothing to hear the sailors' voices, until they
+got faint and stopped. Afterwards the silence was burdensome, although a
+small creature began to rustle in the wall. Kit did not know if it was a
+snake or a spider, and was too tired to feel disturbed. By and by his
+cigar fell from his mouth. He picked it up, but it fell again and his
+head drooped.
+
+The moonbeam had moved some distance when he opened his eyes and
+straightened his body with a jerk. The room was nearly dark, and when he
+thought about it afterwards, he imagined he was only half awake, for his
+heart beat and he was conscious of an enervating fear. A dark object,
+indistinct but like a man, stood beside the coffin.
+
+With something of an effort, Kit recovered his self-control as the figure
+turned and came towards him. It moved with a curious stealthy gait,
+making no noise, and this was enough for Kit. He had no grounds for
+distrusting the sailors, and they wore heavy boots. Trying not to change
+his position, he felt for his automatic pistol. The butt caught a fold of
+his sash and he was forced to bend his elbow in order to get it out. It
+looked as if he would be too late, and he slipped as the movement
+dislodged the rubbish on which he sat. Then, as he shrank with an
+instinctive quiver from the prick of the knife, the figure swerved and
+leaped back.
+
+Kit threw up the pistol and pulled the trigger. There was a flash that
+dazzled his eyes and a little smoke curled up, but when he leaned forward
+his antagonist had gone. He heard no movement when he sprang to his feet
+and almost imagined he had been dreaming, until the sailors shouted and
+their boots rattled on the broken floor. They ran in and when Kit told
+them what had happened went to the hole in the wall.
+
+The moonlight touched the front of the building and part of the road was
+bright, but the shadow of the forest had crept across the rest. All was
+very quiet; there was no sound in the gloom. Then a flake of plaster fell
+close behind Kit's head and a sharp report rolled across the trees. One
+of the men shot at a venture and two of his companions ran savagely along
+the road, until Kit called them back.
+
+"Come in," he said when they returned. "You're a plain mark in the
+moonlight and can't see the other fellow among the trees."
+
+"Looks as if it was you he wanted," one replied. "Well, I guess we have
+no use for being left without a boss, and since we don't like our
+camping ground, you have got to come with us. We'll draw cuts for who's
+to watch."
+
+Kit went with them. He felt shaken, for the man who had brought down the
+plaster was obviously a good shot. He imagined it was another who had
+intended to stab him; in fact, a number of his enemies might be lurking
+about. He was not, as a rule, vindictive, but the stealthy attack had
+induced a dangerous mood and he was sorry he had missed the man. It was
+hard to see why he had done so, but he had, perhaps, been half asleep.
+Now, however, he resolved to watch until day broke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
+
+
+It was getting light when the man on watch called Kit, who went to the
+gap in the wall. Thin mist drifted about the trees and trailed across the
+road. There was some open ground in front of the building, but behind
+this the forest loomed in a blurred, shadowy mass.
+
+"I reckon I saw something move where the fog's on the road," the
+man remarked.
+
+Kit saw nothing. His eyes were keen, for he had searched the hillsides
+for sheep, but it looked as if they were not as keen as the sailor's, and
+standing in the shadow he watched the indicated spot. After a minute or
+two, a figure came out of the fog and signaled with a lifted hand.
+
+"More of them around!" said the sailor grimly. "There's trouble coming to
+them if they mean to corral us. Jake's at the side window, and he had to
+get out of Mobile because he was too handy with his gun. Not often had to
+pull mine, but I can shoot some."
+
+"Quit talking!" Kit rejoined, and his mouth set firm when the
+figure vanished.
+
+He thought the rebels meant to surround the building. If so, they were
+probably numerous, and the rifle shot some hours before justified the
+supposition. They had first tried to kill him quietly and, finding this
+impossible, had resolved to seize the party. Well, there was good cover
+behind the broken walls, his men were a reckless lot, and he meant to
+fight. He wished the others would begin, for standing, highly-strung, in
+the dew was nervous work.
+
+The light had got clearer when he noted a movement in a festoon of
+trailing vines. The wet leaves shook as if somebody were cautiously
+pulling them back, and Kit stiffened his muscles. It was a comfort to
+feel his hand was steady, and although he had not used a pistol much he
+was a good shot with a gun. He thought he could send a bullet through the
+moving leaves, but wanted his lurking enemy to begin the fight.
+
+A face appeared at an opening and an arm pushed through. The man was
+coming out and Kit felt his nerves tingle. Then, as the fellow's
+body followed his arm, the sailor said quietly, "Don't move, boss.
+I'll fix him."
+
+Next moment, Kit swung round, for the man who stepped out into the road
+wore a white uniform. The sailor leaned against the wall to steady his
+aim, and his tense pose and rigid hand indicated that he was pressing
+the trigger.
+
+"Hold on!" Kit shouted. "Don't shoot!"
+
+The sailor lowered his pistol and Kit, springing out of the shadow,
+waved his hat.
+
+"Come forward. We are friends."
+
+The _rural_ turned and called to somebody, and then joining Kit glanced
+at the sailor's pistol with a dry smile.
+
+"It looks as if I had run some risk. You did not mean to be surprised."
+
+"No," said Kit; "one takes precautions. I came very near being surprised
+last night."
+
+"So the _Galdareros_ are about? We suspected something like this."
+
+"I suppose it was why you meant to search the _hacienda_. But did
+you see us?"
+
+The _rural_ indicated a plume of smoke that curled up from behind the
+ruined wall.
+
+"We saw _that_. When one takes precautions it is prudent to see they are
+complete."
+
+Kit nodded. There was no use in getting angry; his men were rash and
+careless, but, to some extent, this was why he had chosen them. They had,
+no doubt, lighted the fire to cook breakfast.
+
+"Where is your companion?" he asked.
+
+"There are three of us; you will see the others in a few moments. They
+watch the road farther on. It is usual for us to patrol in twos, but of
+late some have not returned. A revolution is a bad time for _rurales;_
+one pays old reckonings then."
+
+Kit smiled. "I imagine it would have been bad for any _Galdarero_ who had
+tried to steal away down the road. But I expect you know me?"
+
+"We have orders about you, señor; you see a servant of yours," the
+_rural_ answered with a bow. "But it might be better if you told us
+your plans."
+
+After giving him a cigarette, Kit sent the sailor to tell the others and
+when the _rurales_ came up offered them a share of the breakfast his men
+had cooked. While they ate he told them what had brought him there and
+where he was going.
+
+"So the American is dead? I have seen him at the presidio," one remarked.
+"Well, señor, it would be prudent to finish your business at Salinas
+to-night. After that, I do not know. There has been fighting and some of
+the president's soldiers have been killed in the swamps."
+
+"I must finish the business," Kit replied. "It does not matter what
+happens afterwards."
+
+The _rural_ nodded. "The American talked like that. Quick and short,
+but what he said went. However, we will go to Salinas with you when you
+are ready."
+
+Kit got up and gave his men an order. "I am ready now."
+
+They set off soon afterwards and reached the mission as the light was
+fading. Two small, mud buildings and a little church stood among some
+ruins in an opening, and a frail old man met the party at the gate. He
+took off his hat when the sailors put down the coffin, and then listened
+to Kit's quiet narrative.
+
+"This poor place is yours; it was a prosperous mission long since," he
+said. "In this country, men no longer build, but plot and destroy--it is
+easier than the other. Now we will put the coffin in the church and then
+I will give you food."
+
+Father Herman drew back an old leather curtain and the smell of incense
+met Kit as he stood at the door while the sailors went forward with their
+load. The church was nearly dark, but Kit saw it had some beauty and
+there were objects that hinted at more prosperous days. At the other end,
+a ruby lamp glimmered and a wax candle burned with a clear flame before a
+statue of the Virgin. Kit knew whence the candle came and that Hattie
+Askew had knelt on the stones, beneath it, praying that her husband might
+get well. Then he looked at Father Herman, with a doubt in his mind.
+
+The other met his glance and smiled. "The greatest of these is charity,"
+he said in Latin, and resumed in fine Castilian: "He was our benefactor,
+a man who kept his word, and with such a wife I think our faith was his.
+It is a gracious sentiment that they should not be parted."
+
+"In a sense," Kit said quietly, "I think they have not been parted yet.
+At the last he said, with confidence, he was going to meet his wife."
+
+"Who knows?" said Father Herman. "There is much that is dark; but one
+felt that his spirit reached out after hers. Well, I knew he would come
+back; I have long expected him."
+
+He went forward and lighted more candles when the sailors put down the
+coffin, and the noise their boots made jarred Kit's nerves as they came
+back. The light spread, touching the bare walls and tawdry decorations
+about the shrines. It was a poor little church, falling into ruin, and
+the beauty its pious builders had given it was vanishing. Yet something
+redeemed it from being commonplace, and Kit felt a strange emotional
+stirring as his eyes rested on the dim ruby lamp and the rude black
+coffin. He thought the light of love could not be quenched and knew the
+tender romance that had burned in the heart of the old Buccaneer. It was
+with something of an effort he turned away, and followed Father Herman
+across the corral.
+
+Two hours later, red torches flared in the dark as they laid Adam in his
+grave, and Kit, worn by anxiety and physical strain, listened dully to
+the solemn Latin office. Then, when the old priest's voice died away, he
+went back to the mission, where he fell asleep and slept twelve hours.
+
+In the morning, he sat beneath a broken arch that had once formed part of
+a cloister. Outside the patch of shadow, the sun beat upon dazzling sand,
+and a few vivid green palm-fronds hung over a ruined wall. Beyond this
+the forest rose, dark and forbidding, against the glaring sky. Although
+the rest had refreshed Kit, he felt as if he had got older in the last
+few days and now the strain had slackened he was lonely. So far, he had
+obeyed orders and when doubtful looked to Adam for a lead, but Adam had
+gone and left him control. All that belonged to his youth had vanished;
+he was a man, with a man's responsibilities, and a man's problems to
+solve. Presently Father Herman came up and sat down opposite. Although he
+looked feeble, his glance was clear and kind.
+
+"This house is yours, señor, and I am your servant," he said. "Yet I
+cannot hope that you will remain long and the times are disturbed. If I
+can help--"
+
+"Since the rebels know I am here, it would not be safe to stay, but I
+cannot reach Salinas Point before the steamer sails," Kit replied. "I
+must get to Havana as soon as possible."
+
+Father Herman thought for a few minutes and then resumed: "A small
+schooner is loading at a beach not far off and I know the _patron_. He
+would take you to Arenas, where the president has supporters and you
+might get a ship. I think he sails to-night, but I will send a message."
+
+Kit thanked him and went on: "You were my uncle's friend, and now I have
+taken his place, you are mine. As you let him send you things the mission
+needed, perhaps you will not refuse me."
+
+"I had not hoped for this," Father Herman answered with a grateful look.
+"The generous gifts meant much to us, for we are very poor."
+
+"Friendship has privileges. Besides, it was my uncle's wish, and will be
+something I can do for his sake."
+
+Father Herman's worn face got very soft and he gave Kit an approving
+glance. "You are his kinsman, señor; one cannot doubt that. Like him, you
+are staunch and do not forget, but in some ways you are different. I will
+take your gifts and pray that yours may be a less stormy life."
+
+"Thank you," Kit said gently and went off to look after his men.
+
+In the afternoon he left the mission, and a week later reached Havana,
+where he found a cablegram waiting. He got a shock when he opened it, and
+stood for a time with the message crumpled in his hand, for it told him
+that Peter Askew was dying at Ashness. Then he sat down on the long,
+arcaded veranda of the hotel, with a poignant sense of loss, for the last
+blow was heavier than the first. It would be too late when he got home;
+Andrew, his English relative, would not have sent the message had there
+been any hope.
+
+After a time, Kit began to pull himself together. He felt dull and half
+stunned, but saw that he must brace up. Although one duty was denied him,
+another was left. He could not bid his father good-by, but he could keep
+his promise to Adam, and there was much to be done. Getting up with a
+resolute movement, he went to the telegraph office.
+
+Although Peter had not hinted that he was ill, Kit felt he ought to have
+gone home before, and now blamed Alvarez for keeping him. He knew this
+was not logical, but he hated the country, with its turmoils and plots.
+It was not worth helping, and in very truth he did not know if by
+supporting the president he were helping it or not. After all, however,
+this was not important; Alvarez needed a last supply of munitions that
+Adam had agreed to send. Kit doubted if they would be paid for, but the
+doubt did not count for much. Adam knew the risk when he agreed and his
+engagements bound his nephew. The goods must be delivered and then Kit
+would let the business go. When he reached the office he wrote a
+cablegram to Andrew at Ashness and another to Mayne, who had left Havana
+before Kit arrived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE LAST CARGO
+
+
+Dusk was falling and Kit urged his tired mule up the winding road. His
+skin was grimed with dust, for he had ridden hard in scorching heat, and
+was anxious and impatient to get on. The _Rio Negro_ was in the lagoon
+and some cargo had been landed, but Kit stopped the work when nobody came
+to take the goods. It looked as if the message he had sent through a
+secret channel had not reached the president, and this was ominous.
+
+He had heard rumors of fighting when he was in Cuba and the United
+States, but the newspapers gave him little information and he had driven
+the _Rio Negro_ across at full speed in order to finish the contract
+before the revolution spread, which was all he wanted. Adam's staunch
+loyalty had cost him his life, but the president had no claim on Kit.
+Besides, his stopping in the country had kept him away from Ashness when
+he was needed there. He smiled as he admitted that he was hardly logical,
+since he was stubbornly pushing on when almost exhausted in order that
+Alvarez might get the goods he required; but after all, this was for
+Adam's sake.
+
+As he rode up the hill the sky got brighter and a flickering illumination
+was reflected on the clouds that hung about the mountains. It looked as
+if the town were lighted up and Kit wondered whether this was to
+celebrate a victory. He struck the mule, but the tired animal came near
+throwing him when it stumbled and he let it choose its pace. The jolt had
+shaken him and he was very tired.
+
+For a time he skirted a belt of trees, and when he came out on the open
+hillside the illumination was ominously bright. Now he was getting
+nearer, the clouds looked different from the mist that rolled down the
+mountains in the evening; they were dark and trailed away from the range.
+Still, he could go no faster and he waited with growing anxiety until he
+reached a narrow tableland. It commanded a wider view and he raised
+himself in the stirrups as he saw that the light was the reflection of a
+large fire.
+
+He sank back and pulling up the mule let the bridle fall on its drooping
+neck. It looked as if a number of houses were burning in the town, which
+indicated that there had been a fight. The trouble was he did not know
+who had won and this was important. If the president were badly beaten,
+he would not need the supplies at the lagoon, although they might be
+useful to the rebels. Kit imagined it would be prudent to turn back, but
+he must find out what had happened and sent the mule forward.
+
+Half an hour afterwards he rode into the town. The small square houses
+were dark and there was nobody in the narrow street, but he heard a
+confused uproar farther on. Although the glare in the sky was fainter, it
+leaped up now and then and a cloud of smoke floated across the roofs. A
+red glow shone down the next street and he saw the pavement was torn up.
+Broken furniture lay among piles of stones, the walls were chipped, and
+when Kit got down he had some trouble to lead the mule across the ruined
+barricade. Although he saw nobody yet, the shouts that came from the
+neighborhood of the presidio were ominous.
+
+Kit remounted and rode slowly up to the edge of the sandy square where
+the palms grew along the rails. The square was occupied by an excited
+crowd, but the presidio had gone. A great pile of smoking rubbish and a
+wall, broken by wide cracks, marked where it had stood. Flames played
+about the ruin and Kit turned his mule. He thought the crowd was waiting
+to search for plunder, and did not expect to find anybody calm enough to
+answer his questions. Besides, he needed food and drink and might learn
+what had happened at the café.
+
+The small tables stretched across the street and were all occupied, but
+when Kit had tied the mule to the alameda railings opposite he found a
+chair and ordered an omelette and wine. The waiter looked at him with
+some surprise and Kit wondered whether it was prudent for him to stay.
+
+"You have been burning the presidio," he remarked.
+
+"We have got rid of a tyrant," the waiter replied.
+
+"You may get another worse," said Kit, as coolly as he could. "What
+happened to the president?"
+
+Somebody shouted "_Mozo_" and when the waiter went away Kit rested his
+arms on the table. He was very tired, and it was obvious that he had come
+too late. Since the president was overthrown, he had lost a large sum of
+money and wasted the efforts he had made to carry out Adam's engagements.
+He must get back to the lagoon as soon as possible, but he needed food
+and wanted to find out if Alvarez had escaped. There was, however, some
+risk in asking questions, because the café seemed to be occupied by
+triumphant rebels.
+
+Presently the men at the next table got up and their place was taken by
+another group, among which Kit noted Francisca Sarmiento and her
+relations. He thought they looked surprised, but they saluted him
+politely, and soon afterwards the girl, who was nearest, looked round.
+
+"You have courage, señor," she remarked in a meaning tone.
+
+"I do not know if courage is needed," Kit replied, forcing a smile. "It
+looks as if I could no longer meddle with politics."
+
+"Then, since you could not help Alvarez, why did you come?"
+
+"I imagined I could help him, until I saw the presidio was burnt," Kit
+replied. "In fact, I haven't found out what has happened yet."
+
+The girl studied him with some curiosity, but Kit felt that he had
+nothing to fear from her.
+
+"If one did not know that you were incorruptible, one could understand
+your rashness," she said, in a mocking tone. "I suppose your steamer is
+in the lagoon?"
+
+Kit looked round. The café was crowded, but the people were talking
+excitedly, and nobody seemed to notice him and the girl. The noise would
+prevent their talk being heard.
+
+"There is no use in denying it, because Galdar's spies have, no doubt,
+seen her. I would be glad if you can tell me what has become of the
+president."
+
+Francisca gave him a keen glance. "You do not know Alvarez is dead?"
+
+"Ah!" said Kit. "I did not know. Was he killed?"
+
+"He died soon after the fighting began. The doctors say it was apoplexy;
+he had been hurrying about in the burning sun."
+
+"I wonder--He was a strong man and used to the sun."
+
+Francisca smiled. "One does not ask questions at a time like this. It is
+prudent to believe what one is told. When the soldiers lost their leader
+they ran away."
+
+Kit was silent for a few minutes. He had had a faint hope that the
+president might rally his supporters and begin the fight again, but the
+hope was gone. He knew all he wanted, and must leave the town as soon as
+he had had some food.
+
+"Alvarez was a friend of mine, and the news you have given me is
+something of a shock," he said. "I think the country will feel its loss,
+but that is not my business, and since there is nothing to keep me here,
+I shall be glad to get away."
+
+"It would be prudent to go soon," Francisca remarked in a low voice.
+
+"I do not see why. I am no longer important enough for your friends to
+meddle with me."
+
+"You are very modest, señor, if you are not rather dull. You have goods
+that would be useful to the new president, who has a rival he did not
+expect. Don Felix Muñez has turned traitor, and there are people who
+support him in the coast province."
+
+"Another president!" Kit exclaimed with a soft laugh, and then bowed to
+the girl. "I think you mean well. You have given me a useful hint and you
+have my thanks. I will be rash and tell you that Galdar shall not have
+the goods I brought."
+
+Franciscans eyes got soft and a touch of color crept into her olive skin.
+
+"One does not often meet a man who puts honor before money. _Adios,
+señor!_ I wish you well."
+
+Then she turned to her companions, who presently left the table and soon
+afterwards Kit's omelette was brought. While he ate, Olsen came in and
+sitting down opposite, lighted a cigarette.
+
+"You'll allow that the Buccaneer backed the wrong man," he said. "I
+warned you and reckon your obstinacy has cost you something."
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed. "One must run risks in a business like this,
+but I don't expect you to sympathize."
+
+Olsen smiled. "I don't pretend I'm not satisfied, but I can show you how
+to get some of your money back. I've learned much about you and Askew
+since we had our last talk, and am willing to buy part of the _Rio
+Negro's_ cargo."
+
+"You seem to know she has arrived?"
+
+"Oh, yes; I knew some hours since. I've been looking out for you."
+
+"To whom do you mean to sell the goods?" Kit asked.
+
+"Does that matter?"
+
+"Yes; it's rather important."
+
+"The important thing is you'll get paid," Olsen rejoined.
+
+Kit frowned. He imagined he could demand a high price, and now Alvarez
+was dead, there was perhaps no reason for refusing to bargain; but he did
+not mean to let Galdar have the goods. He thought Adam would not have
+done so, and he held the new president, to some extent, accountable for
+Adam's last illness.
+
+"The cargo is not for sale," he said.
+
+"Oh, shucks!" Olsen exclaimed. "I reckon you want to put up the price."
+
+"No," said Kit, rather grimly, "I don't want to sell."
+
+"Don't be a fool. The man you backed is dead. You carried out your
+contract, and it doesn't matter to him now who gets the truck."
+
+"That's true," Kit replied. "But I won't help his rival."
+
+Olsen looked hard at him and saw he was resolute. "Oh, well! If you're
+determined, there's no use in arguing! You're something of a curiosity; I
+haven't met a man like you before."
+
+He went away and Kit ordered more wine, for he was thirsty after his long
+ride and had borne some strain. He had to wait for the wine, but had
+expected this since the café was crowded, and in the meantime he got up
+and looked across the street. Nobody had meddled with the mule, which
+stood quietly by the railings with drooping head. Kit wondered where he
+could get it some food and if he could hire a fresh animal.
+
+Then a waiter brought the wine and when he had drunk some and lighted a
+cigarette Kit, listening to the talk of the men at the next table, got a
+hint that threw some light on Olsen's offer. Alvarez had used the vaults
+under the presidio for a munition store, and when he was dead the
+mayor-domo had blown up the building as the rebels forced their way in.
+Now there was a new president in the field, it was obvious why Galdar
+wanted fresh supplies. This, however, was not important, and Kit drained
+his glass and then tried to rouse himself. He must look after the mule
+and if it was not fit for the journey get another animal.
+
+He felt strangely reluctant to move; the fatigue he had for a time shaken
+off returned with puzzling suddenness and threatened to overpower him.
+His head was very heavy, he could hardly hear the people talk, and every
+now and then his eyes shut. He could not keep them open, but after a few
+minutes he straightened his bent shoulders with a resolute jerk and
+clenched his fist. It was not fatigue that was mastering him; the wine
+was drugged. He had not noted a suspicious taste, but he was thirsty and
+the omelette was strongly flavored with garlic and red pepper.
+
+Holding himself stiffly upright, he tried to think. Olsen had, no
+doubt, ordered the wine to be drugged, and his object was plain. He
+meant to prevent Kit reaching the lagoon until he had removed the cargo
+on the beach and tried to persuade Mayne to land the rest. Well, the
+plot would fail, and with an effort Kit got up and crossed the street.
+He suspected that he was watched, but nobody tried to stop him and he
+mounted the mule.
+
+The animal moved off at a better pace than he had hoped and he tried to
+brace himself. His head ached and his brain was very dull, but somehow he
+stuck to the saddle, and although he could hardly guide the mule the
+animal avoided the people in its way. After a time, the street became
+empty, the noise behind was fainter, and the houses were dark. Nobody
+seemed to follow him and Kit began to hope he might be able to leave the
+town. He did not know what he would do then, and hardly imagined he could
+keep up the effort much longer. Perhaps, when he got away from the houses
+he could tie up the mule in a quiet place and rest.
+
+When he rode down a rough track into open country he rocked in the saddle
+and would have fallen but for the high peak and big stirrups. The
+hillside was blurred; distorted objects that he thought were rocks and
+cactus lurched about in the elusive moonlight, and the sweat ran down his
+face as he fought against the drug. He knew it would conquer him, but he
+was going on as long as possible.
+
+At length the mule stepped into a hole, Kit's foot came out of the
+stirrup and he fell. For a moment or two, the mule dragged him along;
+then he got his other foot loose and for a time knew nothing more.
+
+The moonlight was fading when he opened his eyes and saw that he was
+lying beside a clump of cactus. Indistinct objects moved along the road
+not far off and he heard the click of hoofs on stones. A mule train was
+passing and was, no doubt, going to the lagoon. He could not get up and
+was glad he was in dark shadow. The muleteers had probably been told to
+look out for him and a blow from a heavy stone would prevent his
+interfering with the rebels' plans. The indistinct figures, however, went
+on and Kit relapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+It was daylight when he wakened and saw a man bending over him. Kit was
+cold and wet with dew; his head ached horribly and he did not try to get
+up. His pistol was underneath him and if the fellow meant to kill him he
+could not resist.
+
+"What do you want?" he asked.
+
+The man said he had seen him lying there and imagined he was ill. Then
+he held out his hand and asked if Kit could get up. Kit was surprised
+when he found himself on his feet, although he swayed as he tried to
+keep his balance.
+
+"I suppose you are a liberator?" he said dully.
+
+The other clenched his dark fist. "No, señor! Those dogs, the
+_Galdareros_, are no friends of mine! But you were for the president; it
+was known in the town."
+
+Kit admitted it. The fellow's scornful denial was comforting and after
+some talk, walking with a painful effort, he went with him down the hill
+to a small mud house. A few minutes after he got there he went to sleep,
+but in the meantime the man had promised to help him to reach the lagoon.
+
+He kept his promise, and before it was light next morning Kit dismounted
+on the sandy beach. There was no moon and mist drifted about the trees,
+but the water shone faintly and the tide was nearly full. The steamer
+loomed in the gloom and when Kit shouted there was a rattle of pulley
+blocks and a splash of oars. Ten minutes afterwards Mayne met him at the
+gangway and gave him his hand.
+
+"It's some relief to see you back," he said. "Finlay has his fires banked
+and can get steam to take us out in an hour or two."
+
+Kit went with him to his room and sat down limply. He was covered with
+dust and wet with dew; his face was haggard and his eyes were dull.
+
+"I'll tell you about my adventures later," he said. "What about
+the cargo?"
+
+"Some dagos came along with a mule train and loaded up part of the truck
+on the beach. They had an order that looked as if it had been signed by
+you, and as they were a pretty tough crowd and had their knives loose, I
+let them take the goods. When I studied the order I wasn't sure about the
+hand and brought off all they had left. By and by another gang came
+along, but I refused to send a boat until I'd seen you."
+
+"You were prudent," Kit remarked. "The order was forged. Let me see the
+mate's cargo-lists."
+
+He studied the book Mayne gave him and then pondered. Olsen had, no
+doubt, forged the order and Kit imagined he would have some trouble to
+get payment for the goods. The manufacturers might be persuaded to take
+back the rest of the cargo at something less than its proper price, but
+Kit thought the value of the munitions supplied to Alvarez would be lost.
+The new president would certainly try to disown the debt. Kit, however,
+had known that Adam's staunchness might cost him much, and something
+might, perhaps, be saved. He had had enough of the country, and as soon
+as he could straighten out the tangle in which the revolution had
+involved Adam's business he was going back to Ashness.
+
+"Heave your anchor when you're ready," he said to Mayne. "We'll call at
+Havana and then steam for New Orleans."
+
+At high-water he stood on the bridge, watching the mangroves fade into
+the mist. Ahead, the sun was rising out of a smooth sea, the air was
+fresh, and Kit's heart was lighter. He had done with plots and intrigue
+and was going back to Ashness and the quiet hills. At the same time, he
+felt a tender melancholy as he thought about the little church at Salinas
+and the marble cross in the sandy yard. Then he lifted his head and the
+melancholy vanished as he looked across the sparkling water. The clang of
+engines rose and fell with a measured beat and there was a noisy
+splashing at the bows. Bright streaks of foam eddied about the _Rio
+Negro's_ side, and a long smoke cloud trailed astern as she steamed to
+the North.
+
+
+
+
+PART III--KIT'S RETURN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+KIT'S WELCOME
+
+
+Kit was comfortably tired when he sat down by the beck at the head of the
+dale. He had been at Ashness for a week, and finding much to be done had
+occupied himself with characteristic energy. It was a relief to feel that
+the heat of the tropics had not relaxed his muscles as much as he had
+thought, and that the languidness he had sometimes fought against was
+vanishing before the bracing winds that swept his native hills. The ache
+in his arms had come from using the draining spade and his knees were
+stiff after a long walk through the heather to examine the Herdwick
+sheep. His vigor was coming back and he was conscious of a keen but
+tranquil satisfaction with the quiet dale.
+
+Filling his pipe lazily, he looked about. The sun was near the summit of
+the fells and the long slopes were turning gray in the shadow. The yellow
+light touched the other side of the valley, and the narrow bottom,
+through which shining water ran, was a belt of cool dark-green. A faint
+bleating of sheep came down the hill, and the beck splashed softly among
+the stones.
+
+Kit found the quiet soothing. He had had enough excitement and adventure,
+and had half-consciously recognized that the life he had led in the
+tropics was not for him. On the whole, he thought he had made good. One
+did one's best at the work one found, but intrigue was not his proper
+job. For all that, he did not mean to philosophize and had something to
+think about.
+
+When he sold the _Rio Negro_ and paid his debts he found a larger
+surplus than he had hoped. Moreover, his agents had not yet enforced all
+business claims and might be able to send him a fresh sum. The money he
+brought home would not have made him a rich man in America, but it would
+go a long way in the dale, and the soil and flocks at Ashness could be
+improved by modern methods and carefully spent capital. Kit had begun at
+once and found his task engrossing, but when the day's work was over he
+felt a gentle melancholy and a sense of loneliness. Adam and Peter had
+gone and he had loved them both; he knew he would not meet their like
+again. Yet he had not lost them altogether. They had, so to speak, blazed
+the trail for him, and he must try to follow, fronting obstacles with
+their fearless calm.
+
+Then he took his pipe from his mouth and his heart beat as a figure came
+round a bend of the road. The girl was some distance off and he could
+not see her face, but he knew her and braced himself. He had known the
+meeting must come and much depended on her attitude. Grace was no longer
+a romantic girl, and though he had not forgotten her, she might have
+been persuaded that she had nothing to do with him. Now she must choose
+her line, and he sat still, half prepared for her to pass him with a
+bow. While he waited, his dog got up and ran along the road. Old Bob
+knew Grace, and it looked as if she had spoken to, and perhaps petted,
+him while his master was away.
+
+She stopped, and Kit felt ashamed when he got up, for she gave him her
+hand with a friendly look and he saw she had not changed as much as he
+had thought. The proud calm he approved was perhaps more marked, but he
+imagined the generous rashness he had liked as well still lurked beneath
+the surface. He had met attractive girls in the tropics who knew they
+were beautiful and added by art to their physical charm. Grace, however,
+used hers unconsciously; he thought she was too proud to care if she had
+such charm or not.
+
+"I am glad to see you back," she said and stroked the dog that
+leaped upon her. "Bob and I are friends. He knew me when I came
+round the corner."
+
+"So did I," Kit rejoined quietly.
+
+He thought he noted a touch of color in her face, but she smiled.
+
+"You did not get up. Perhaps you were not sure, like Bob?"
+
+"I think I was sure. But I have been away some time and it was not my
+part to force you to acknowledge me."
+
+"If I didn't want to?" Grace suggested. "Well, I do not forget my
+friends, and now, if you are satisfied, we can let that go." She
+paused and resumed when he went on with her: "The dalesfolk have
+missed you, particularly since your father died. It must have been a
+shock--I felt it, too, because I saw him now and then. We were friends
+in spite of all."
+
+Kit was grateful for her frank sympathy, and felt he could talk to her
+about his father.
+
+"He did not tell me this, but he liked you."
+
+"He was just," Grace replied. "People knew, and trusted him. He had none
+of the rancor that often leads us wrong. When he was firm he did not get
+angry. That kind of attitude is hard, but it makes things easier. But you
+were in America with his brother, were you not?"
+
+"I was in the United States, and afterwards in some of the countries on
+the Caribbean."
+
+"Ah," said Grace with curiosity, "that must have been interesting! One
+understands that is a beautiful and romantic coast, with its memories of
+the great Elizabethan sailors and the pirates."
+
+"It is romantic, and dangerous in parts. You can land at some of the
+towns from modern mail-boats and find smart shops and cafés; others have
+fallen into ruin and lie, half-hidden by the forest, beside
+malaria-haunted lagoons. You steal in through the mist at the top of a
+high tide, much as the old pirates did, and when you land, find hints of
+a vanished civilization and the Spaniards' broken power. But you seem to
+know something about the coast."
+
+Grace smiled. "You look surprised! There is a library at Tarnside,
+although it is not often used, and we have books about the voyages of the
+buccaneers. One book is rather fascinating. But what were you doing in
+the lagoons?"
+
+"Sometimes we loaded dyewoods and rubber; sometimes we lent money to
+ambitious politicians in return for unlawful trading privileges, and now
+and then engaged in business that was something like that of the old
+adventurers."
+
+"After that, you must find the dale very tame," Grace remarked, and
+quietly studied Kit.
+
+She had liked his honesty and resolution before he went abroad, but he
+had gained something she had not noted then. Although he wore rough
+working clothes and had obviously been digging, he had an elusive touch
+of distinction, and there was a hint of command in his quiet look. He had
+seen the world, confronted dangers, and used power, and this had put a
+stamp on him.
+
+"It is hard to imagine you a pirate," she remarked with a twinkle. "You
+don't look the part, and, no doubt, like other occupations, it requires
+some study."
+
+Kit laughed. "One does the best one can! I rather think taking trouble
+and a determination to make good are as useful as specialized training."
+
+"Perhaps that's true. It's curious, in a way, but I expect a good farmer,
+for example, might make a successful buccaneer. One understands, though,
+that the last pirate was hanged a hundred years since."
+
+"There are a few left, although their methods have changed with the
+times. Some day I would like to tell you about my uncle. He was, so to
+speak, a survival, and I think you would appreciate him. But how have
+things been going in the dale?"
+
+Grace's twinkle vanished, her look became serious, and Kit thought he
+noted signs of strain. After all, she had changed since he left Ashness.
+It was not that she looked older, although she was now a rather stately
+woman and not an impulsive girl; he felt that she had known care.
+
+"On the whole," she said, "things have not gone very well. We have had
+wet summers and heavy snow in spring. The flocks are poor and rents have
+come down. Bell has gone; he quarreled with Hayes about some new
+machinery for the mill. All is much the same at Tarnside, though my
+father is not so active. Gerald left Woolwich--perhaps you knew--and is
+in a London bank."
+
+Kit hid his surprise. Gerald was not the stuff of which good bank clerks
+are made, although Osborn's influence with the local manager had, no
+doubt, got him the post. Kit imagined the lad had been forced to leave
+Woolwich, but money must be scarce at Tarnside, since he had gone into
+business. This threw some light on the hint of weariness he had noted
+about Grace. If fresh economy was needful, she and Mrs. Osborn must
+carry the load.
+
+"Hayes is still your agent. I met him yesterday and he gave me a sour
+nod," Kit remarked.
+
+"Yes," said Grace, and added quietly: "I sometimes wish he were not!"
+
+"Well, I never liked the man. All the same, he's a very good agent, from
+the landlord's point of view, and your father's interests ought to be
+safe with him."
+
+"I suppose so," Grace agreed, but her look was doubtful, and they
+reached the Ashness lonning a few minutes later. When Kit stopped she
+gave him her hand. "I hear you are going to make a number of
+improvements, and wish you good luck!"
+
+Kit went up the lonning and sitting down in the porch lighted his pipe.
+Grace had not forgotten; she had given him his real welcome home and he
+thrilled as he thought about her quiet friendliness. Perhaps the meeting
+was awkward for her, but she had struck the right note, with the
+dignified simplicity he had expected. It said something for her pluck
+that she had met him as if the interview at Ashness, when Osborn had
+driven him away, had never taken place. All this was comforting, but Kit
+was vaguely disturbed on her account.
+
+He had noted a hint of anxiety and she had implied that things were not
+going well for the Osborns. He meant to marry Grace; his longing for her
+was keener than he had felt it yet, but it was not altogether selfish.
+She must be removed from surroundings in which she could not thrive.
+Tarnside, with its rash extravagance, pretense, and stern private
+economy, was not the place for her. But he felt he must be patient and
+cautious; there were numerous obstacles in his way.
+
+In the meantime, Grace met Thorn farther along the road and tried to hide
+her annoyance as he advanced. Perhaps it was the contrast between him and
+Kit, whose thin, brown face had a half-ascetic look, for Alan was fat and
+getting coarse. Grace had noted this before, but not so plainly as she
+did now. His manners were urbane and he belonged to her circle; to some
+extent, his code was hers and she had his prejudices and tastes. All the
+same, she did not like him; for one thing, he was a type her father
+approved, a man of local importance and strictly local ideas, and Osborn
+had forced her into rebellion. Alan managed the otter hounds well and
+knew much about farming, but he was satisfied with this. Although he
+belonged to a smart London club, Grace imagined he only went there
+because he thought he ought. Yet he was cunning and patient, and knowing
+why he bore with Osborn, she was sometimes afraid.
+
+"Was that Askew?" he inquired when he turned and went on with her.
+
+Grace said it was and he gave her a careless look.
+
+"I heard he had come back. Might have been better if he had stayed away.
+A fellow like that is rather disturbing."
+
+"I don't think he could do much harm, when you and Hayes are on your
+guard," Grace rejoined.
+
+"That is so," Thorn agreed and she could not tell if he knew she had
+meant to be ironical. "Anyhow, I don't suppose he wants to do much harm;
+I was thinking about his example."
+
+"Is it a dangerous example to improve one's land? I thought you advocated
+scientific farming?"
+
+"So I do. I don't mean that, although I don't know if Askew's farming is
+scientific or not. One can't judge yet. His independence and habit of
+taking his own line might be dangerous."
+
+"Mr. Askew's independence is justified. Ashness is his."
+
+"Yes," said Thorn thoughtfully, "that's the trouble. If he was a farming
+tenant, things would be easier."
+
+Grace laughed. "You are delightfully naïve! I'm afraid you'll have to
+leave Mr. Askew alone, but I don't expect he'll do anything alarming. I
+think you know he is a friend of mine."
+
+"I knew he was, before he went abroad. If you have renewed the
+friendship, it means you're satisfied about him and perhaps we needn't be
+disturbed. Your judgment is generally sound."
+
+"Thank you," said Grace. "I have relations who would not agree! But why
+do you dislike people who take their own line?"
+
+"It would be awkward if one's tenants did so; but perhaps my feeling
+springs from envy. The rest of us can't do what we want. You can't,
+for example!"
+
+Grace gave him a keen glance, and then laughed. "On the whole, that is
+true. We have a number of rules at Tarnside, but one now and then gets
+some satisfaction from breaking them."
+
+"Rebellion doesn't pay," Thorn rejoined with a touch of dry humor. "You
+are young and adventurous, but you'll find it prudent, so to speak, to
+accept your environment and submit. Some people call submission duty,
+but that's really cant; they mean it saves them trouble. Anyhow, you
+cannot make your own code; when you're born at a place like Tarnside,
+it's made for you."
+
+"Ah!" said Grace, "I wonder--Well, you know I am sometimes rash."
+
+Then she was careful to talk about something else, for she thought Alan
+had not philosophized without an object and it was not difficult to see
+where his hints led. When they reached the lodge, she firmly sent him
+away, although he looked as if he wanted to come to the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A DANGEROUS TALENT
+
+
+Dinner was nearly over at Tarnside. The meal was served with some
+ceremony, although the bill of fare was frugal except when game could be
+shot and, as a rule, nobody but Osborn talked much. Now he had satisfied
+his appetite he looked about the spacious room. The handsome, molded
+ceiling was dark from neglect and the cornice was stained by damp. The
+light of the setting sun streamed in through the long casement window
+which commanded the shining tarn and the woods that melted into shadow at
+the mouth of the dale. It was a noble view, but it did not hold Osborn's
+eyes, for the quivering sunbeams searched out the faded spots on the
+curtains and the worn patches on the rugs on the polished floor.
+
+"We need a number of new things and I don't know how they're to be
+got," he remarked, and when Mrs. Osborn said nothing knitted his brows.
+He had put away some money for renovations, but it had gone. One could
+not keep money at Tarnside; it vanished and left nothing to show how it
+had been spent.
+
+"I understand young Askew is back at Ashness," he resumed, looking
+hard at Grace.
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "I met him not long since."
+
+Osborn frowned. He knew she had met Kit, but did not know if he liked her
+candor. The girl was independent, but he thought she now understood the
+responsibilities of her rank.
+
+"The fellow is obviously prosperous, since he's spending a large sum on
+draining. I saw a big stack of pipes and a number of men at work. My
+opinion is it's a ridiculous waste of money."
+
+"Perhaps there are worse extravagances," Grace rejoined. "I expect he has
+some hope of getting his money back by growing better crops. Ours goes
+and never returns."
+
+Mrs. Osborn gave her a warning glance. Osborn hated contradiction and
+Grace and he often jarred, but the girl smiled.
+
+"Father and I are not going to quarrel about Mr. Askew's farming; it is
+not worth while," she said and studied Osborn with half-penitent
+sympathy.
+
+The strong light touched his face, forcing up the deep lines and
+wrinkles, and she thought he was getting older fast. His eyes were dull
+and his shoulders were slightly bent. She knew about some of his troubles
+and suspected others, but the stamp of indulgence that had got plainer in
+the last year or two disturbed her.
+
+"The Askews seem fated to give me trouble," he went on. "Now the fellow
+has begun to drain, his neighbors will expect me to do so. In fact, Black
+and Pattinson bothered Hayes about some plans for buying pipes when they
+paid their rent. Besides, the contrast hurts; I don't see why a fellow
+like Askew should be able to waste money on rash experiments when we have
+not enough. However, this leads to another matter; Gerald comes back
+tomorrow, and will no doubt, grumble about his poverty. If he does, you
+must give him nothing. He has his pay and I make him an allowance. I
+won't have his extravagance encouraged."
+
+Grace smiled as Mrs. Osborn got up with a disturbed look. "Mother cannot
+have much to give and I have nothing at all. I'm afraid Gerald's talent
+for begging will be used in vain."
+
+She went out with Mrs. Osborn and when they had gone Osborn, crossing
+the floor to the sideboard, filled his glass to the top. This was his
+regular habit and its futility escaped him, although he knew his wife and
+daughter knew. He felt he did enough if he exercised some self-denial
+when they were about.
+
+In the meantime, Mrs. Osborn sat down on the terrace and looked across
+the untidy lawn.
+
+"We need a new pony mower; Jenkins cannot keep the grass in order with
+the small machine. He was very obstinate about the bedding plants he
+wanted to buy and the borders look thin, but I felt I must be firm," she
+said and added drearily: "I wonder when we shall be forced to get a
+sporting tenant and live in a smaller house."
+
+"Father would not leave Tarnside. I suppose you don't know how things are
+really going?"
+
+"I know they are not going well and suspect they get worse; but he will
+not tell me. One could help if one did know."
+
+"I'm afraid I have disappointed father and given you anxieties you need
+not have had," Grace replied with some bitterness. "After all, however,
+the fault is hardly mine. I wanted to make my own career, but was not
+allowed; to work at a useful occupation, would somehow have humiliated
+our ridiculous pride, and there was, of course, only one hope left for
+you." She paused, and colored as she resumed: "Well, although I am not
+sorry, it looks as if that hope had gone."
+
+"It would have been a relief if you had made a good marriage," Mrs.
+Osborn admitted. "Still, since you met nobody you like--"
+
+"The men I might perhaps have liked were poor. Father would, no doubt,
+think it my natural perversity, or our bad luck; but I don't believe in
+luck. It's an excuse for weak makeshifts and futilities; one can conquer
+bad fortune if one is resolute."
+
+"None of us, except you, has much resolution," Mrs. Osborn remarked and
+sighed. "So far, your firmness has not helped much; I imagine you know
+your father has not given up hope."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, rather harshly. "I do know, and that is why I am often
+impatient. He will not be persuaded the thing's impossible."
+
+"After all, Alan has some advantages."
+
+"He has many drawbacks," Grace rejoined, and then her face softened and
+she gave her mother an appealing look. "I thought you were on my side!"
+
+"I am on your side where you feel strongly. Perhaps I am reserved and you
+do not often give me your confidence."
+
+"I'm sorry. We are seldom quite honest at Tarnside; somehow one can't be
+oneself, but now we must be frank. I don't like Alan Thorn; I never liked
+him. It's impossible."
+
+"Then, my dear, there is no more to be said."
+
+Grace made a sign of disagreement. "There may be much; that is why I am
+disturbed. You and I don't count, mother; we are expected to submit. It
+isn't that I don't like Alan; I shrink from him. He is cunning and knows
+how to wait. Sometimes his patience frightens me."
+
+"But why should his patience frighten you?"
+
+"Oh!" said Grace, "can't you understand? You know father's habits and
+that Gerald is following him. You know our debts are mounting up and this
+can't go on. Some day we may be ruined and then I think Alan will seize
+his chance. Perhaps I'm imaginative--but such things happen."
+
+Mrs. Osborn put her hand on the girl's arm and her touch was unusually
+firm. "You may be alarmed for nothing, my dear. But if the time should
+come when my help is really needed, it will be yours."
+
+Grace kissed her. "I can trust you. I was weak--I'm sometimes a
+coward--but now I'm comforted."
+
+They were silent for a few minutes and then Mrs. Osborn looked up.
+
+"Is it prudent for you to meet Christopher Askew again?"
+
+Grace colored, but met her mother's glance and answered with a thoughtful
+calm; "I see no danger. I liked Kit before he went away, but our
+friendship was really not romantic. When father met us in Redmire Wood, a
+horribly silly impulse made me hide. I blush when I think about it and
+imagine I forgot I had grown up--Gerald and I used to hide when father
+was angry. Anyhow, I made Kit Askew hide and he was first to remember and
+step into the road."
+
+"But this happened long since and he is older."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, "he's different, although one feels that he has
+kept a promise made in his half-developed stage. He has been out in
+the world and done strenuous things, while I stayed at home and played
+at make-believe. He talks like a man who knows his value and there's a
+touch of distinction in his look; a stupid word, but it comes near
+what I mean."
+
+Mrs. Osborn glanced at her sharply, but Grace smiled.
+
+"Don't be disturbed, mother; I am trying to tell you all I think.
+We were friends, but I imagine Kit knows his drawbacks from our
+point of view. Besides, after father quarreled with Peter Askew I
+never sent Kit a message, and he must have thought I acquiesced. In
+a way, I did acquiesce; it was the best thing to be done. You see
+what this implied? If I had loved him, it meant I had no pluck and
+was ashamed to acknowledge a farmer's son. But he knew I did not
+love him and understood that our friendship would not bear the
+strain of father's disapproval. Either way, it hinted that I was
+weak and not worth pursuing. Well, he met me without embarrassment
+and we talked about nothing important. I may meet him now and then,
+but that, I think, is all."
+
+"Very well," said Mrs. Osborn, who looked relieved. "Perhaps it would be
+prudent not to meet him often."
+
+Grace smiled and was silent for a time. She had tried to be frank and
+thought she had stated things correctly--so far as she knew. Then she
+remembered Kit's look when she stopped and spoke, and began to wonder.
+Perhaps she had not told all and the little she had left out was
+important. By and by she got up and went into the house.
+
+Gerald Osborn came home next day and not long afterwards Kit found him
+lying on the gravel beside a tarn on the Ashness moor. Heavy rain had
+fallen, but the clouds had rolled away and the water shone with dazzling
+light. The sky was clear except for a bank of mist floating about the
+round top of a fell, and a swollen beck sparkled among the heather. The
+wind had dropped and it was very hot.
+
+When he heard Kit's steps Gerald looked up. He was a handsome young man,
+with some charm of manner, although it was obvious now and then that he
+had inherited a touch of his father's pride. His glance was keen and
+intelligent, but his mouth and chin were weak. Gerald had talent, but was
+very like Osborn, since he was sometimes rashly obstinate and sometimes
+vacillating.
+
+"Hallo!" he said. "I expect I ought to have asked your leave before I
+came to fish. I hope you don't mind."
+
+"I don't mind. Nobody asks my leave," Kit replied. "Have you had
+much luck?"
+
+Gerald opened his creel and showed him a number of small, dark-colored
+trout. "Pretty good. They rose well until the light got strong. Then I
+thought I'd take a rest. Will you smoke a cigarette?"
+
+Kit sat down and looked across the shining water at the silver bent-grass
+that gleamed among vivid green moss on the side of the hill.
+
+"You must find this a pleasant change from town. Are you staying long?"
+
+"A fortnight; that's all I get. I wish I could stop for good. It's rot to
+spend one's life working in a bank."
+
+"I suppose one must work at something," Kit remarked.
+
+"I don't see why, unless you're forced. The only object for working is
+when you must work to live, and it isn't mine, because I can't live on my
+pay. In fact, the futility of the thing is plain."
+
+Kit laughed. Gerald's humorous candor was part of his charm, but Kit
+thought it deceptive.
+
+"Why did you go to the bank, then?"
+
+"Because my father thought I ought. I expect you know he believes in the
+firm hand. I wanted to stop at Tarnside, which would have cost him less.
+Besides, I could have looked after the estate. It will be mine sometime;
+that is, as much as is left."
+
+"But Hayes transacts the business."
+
+"Just so," said Gerald, rather dryly. "What do you think about Hayes?"
+
+"He's your father's agent and has nothing to do with me. I imagine he's a
+capable manager."
+
+"I sometimes think he's too capable." Gerald rejoined.
+
+Kit let this go. Before he went away he had suspected that Hayes had
+plans his employer would not approve, and he knew Gerald was shrewd. It
+was, however, not his business and he remarked: "You wanted to go to
+Woolwich, didn't you?"
+
+"I did not," Gerald declared. "As a matter of fact, I said so, but my
+objections didn't count. I might have made a good farmer or
+land-steward, but a number of us had been soldiers and that was enough.
+I don't know if it was a logical argument, but I had to go, and on the
+whole it was a relief when they turned me out. Too many regulations for
+my independent taste! Rules are good, perhaps, so long as they're made
+for somebody else."
+
+He was silent for a few minutes and Kit mused. He thought there was some
+bitterness in Gerald's humor; it looked as if Osborn had not been wise
+when he planned his son's career without consulting him. This, however,
+was typical. Osborn was satisfied to give orders and expected others to
+accept his point of view.
+
+"Well," said Gerald, getting up, "I must be off. Rather a bore to walk to
+Tarnside, and the trout will probably rise again if there's wind enough
+to make a ripple, but I forgot to ask for sandwiches."
+
+"If you lunch with me, you could come back afterwards," Kit suggested,
+and they set off down the hill.
+
+When they reached Ashness, Gerald tried to hide his surprise. Kit had
+made some changes in the old house and so far kept to the Spanish rule of
+meals. Lunch was a late breakfast, well served in china and silver that
+were seldom used in Peter Askew's time. The low room had been cleverly
+painted and a casement commanding a view of the dale replaced the
+original narrow windows. Specimens of ancient Indian pottery stood on the
+sideboard, and there were curtains of embroidered silk, feather-flowers,
+and silverwork that Kit had brought from Spanish America. The things gave
+the lonely farmstead an exotic touch, but they implied the command of
+money and cultivated taste.
+
+"You have a beautiful room," Gerald remarked, when the meal was over.
+"Don't know that I'm much of a connoisseur, but some of the things look
+rather fine."
+
+"I'll show them to you presently," Kit replied and gave Gerald a small,
+dark cigar. "I wonder how you'll like the flavor."
+
+"Our club cigars are dear and good, but the best is nothing like this,"
+Gerald declared after a minute or two. "Where did they come from?"
+
+"They were given me in Cuba; I believe the make is not offered for public
+sale. In a general way, Cuban tobacco is not what it was, but there are
+belts of soil that grow a leaf that can't be equaled anywhere else."
+
+"I suppose they keep the crop for presidents and dictators. The quality
+indicates it," Gerald suggested, and Kit smiled.
+
+Gerald tasted his black coffee. "If it's not bad form, where did you get
+this? There's nothing of the kind in Cumberland, and it's better than the
+Turkish they give you in London."
+
+"It came from a Costa Rican _hacienda,_ and was a gift. I'll get no more
+when the bag is done. If you come back in a month, you'll find me living
+in plain north-country style."
+
+"I imagine you made up for that while you were away," said Gerald, who
+rose and went to the side-board. "A curious little jar and obviously old!
+Is this the kind of thing the Aztecs made?"
+
+"I rather think it is Aztec, though I didn't buy it in Mexico. I gave
+about a pound for the jar and found a gold onza inside."
+
+"An _onza?_ Oh, yes, an ounce! The kind of coin some countries mint but
+very seldom use. Something of a bargain!"
+
+"I suppose it was," Kit replied incautiously. "For all that, the onza
+wasn't mine, and in a sense my efforts to find the owner cost me a very
+large sum."
+
+Gerald gave him a keen glance. Askew was not boasting; he had enjoyed
+the command of money.
+
+"Well," he said, "I think I'd have kept the onza, whether it was mine or
+not." He paused and pulled a knife from its sheath. The handle was
+ornamented and the narrow blade glittered in the light, although its
+point was dull. "But what is this? Has it a story?"
+
+"Take care!" said Kit "It may be poisoned; the _Meztisos_ use a stuff
+that will kill you if a very small quantity gets into your blood. The
+fellow who owned that knife came near burying it in my back."
+
+"It looks as if you had had some adventures," Gerald remarked, and
+leaning against the sideboard he lighted a cigarette.
+
+Kit crossed the floor and stood by the open window. The shadow of a cloud
+rested motionless, a patch of cool neutral color, on the gleaming yellow
+side of the hill. A wild-cherry tree hung over a neighboring wall, and
+bees hummed drowsily among the flowers. He was strangely satisfied to be
+at home, and it was hard to realize that not long since he had been
+engaged in a dangerous trade among the fever-haunted swamps.
+
+"Have you any more curiosities?" Gerald asked.
+
+Kit opened a drawer in his big desk, where he kept specimens of
+featherwork. As he took them out he moved some documents and Gerald
+indicated one.
+
+"_Cristoval Askew_? Your name in Castilian, I suppose. You write a
+curious hand."
+
+"A matter of precaution! Anyhow, I didn't sign this order, and that's why
+I kept it. The thing was rather important and we were lucky to find out
+the cheat in time, particularly as I imagined nobody could imitate my
+hand. You'll see my proper signature on the next document."
+
+"It's not a very good counterfeit," said Gerald, who compared the writing
+with the other, "This is a subject I know something about. Penmanship is
+one of my few talents and I keep the customers' signature book at the
+bank. Yours is an uncommon hand, but it could be forged. Let's see! May I
+use this paper?"
+
+Kit nodded and Gerald, knitting his brows, wrote the name three or four
+times and then looked up.
+
+"I think I've got it. Hard to tell which is genuine, if you put them
+side by side?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I'm not sure I could tell which is mine."
+
+Gerald laughed. "One has to study these things; part of my job, you see,
+and banks are cheated oftener than people think. However, I expect you
+want to get to work and I'll go back to the tarn."
+
+He went out and Kit tore up the paper. He thought a talent like Gerald's
+might be dangerous if it were used by an unscrupulous man.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HORSE SHOW
+
+
+It was a calm evening and Osborn sat on the terrace, studying a printed
+notice. Mrs. Osborn poured out coffee at a small table, and Gerald and
+Grace occupied the top of the broad steps to the lawn. The sun was low,
+the air was cool, and except for the soft splash of a beck, a deep
+quietness brooded over the dale.
+
+"It will be a good show," Osborn remarked, reaching for a cup. "I
+insisted on the rather early date, because if we had waited until the hay
+was in, we might have got wet weather. Two or three objected, but I'm
+satisfied I took the proper line. One must be firm with an argumentative
+committee."
+
+Gerald's eyes twinkled as he looked at Grace. Osborn generally was firm
+with people who gave way, and Gerald had heard some grumbling about his
+changing the date for the horse show.
+
+"It's the last time I'll be president," Osborn resumed. "I had meant to
+resign, but Thorn could not take the post, Sir George is away, and a
+well-known local man is needed to give the thing a proper start."
+
+"Rather an expensive honor!" Gerald observed. "The president's expected
+to make up the shortage if the day is wet."
+
+"That was one reason for my fixing the meeting early, when we often get
+it fine," Osborn replied naïvely. "The expense is a drawback, but the
+committee would not let me drop out."
+
+"Mother and Grace will want new hats and clothes, and I expect the job
+will cost you more than you think. You'll have to give them a lead by
+bidding for the chapel sheep."
+
+"If that meddlesome fellow Drysdale is going to send his sheep to
+the show, the arrangement was made without my knowing," Osborn
+replied angrily.
+
+Mrs. Osborn looked disturbed, but Gerald laughed. He rather enjoyed
+provoking his father when he thought it safe. Drysdale was treasurer for
+a body of Nonconformists, who wanted to build a new chapel and, finding
+the farmers reluctant to give money, had asked for contributions from
+their flocks and herds.
+
+"The idea was that the sale would be an extra attraction," Gerald went
+on. "Still, I admit it's hard for you, because you hate chapels and will
+have to bid. In fact, you'll, no doubt, have to buy the sheep at a
+sentimental price and sell them at their value."
+
+"I believe in liberty of conscience and do not hate chapels," Osborn
+rejoined. "For all that, I own to a natural prejudice against people who
+attend such places, largely because they mix up their religious and
+political creeds. It would be strange if I sympathized with their plans
+for robbing the landlords."
+
+"Anyhow, Drysdale means to bring his flock, and I'm afraid you'll have to
+pay. The situation has some humor."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. Hayes had been talking to him about the estate
+accounts and he had resolved to practise stern economy. Economy was
+needful, unless he gave a fresh mortgage to pay the interest on his other
+debts; and here was an expense he had not bargained for.
+
+"If I'd known about Drysdale, I'd have resigned," he said. "I took the
+post again because there was nobody else."
+
+"They might have tried Askew," Gerald suggested.
+
+"Askew? A fellow of no importance, unknown outside the dale!"
+
+"I imagine he'll be better known soon, and he's rather a good sort. Gave
+me a very good lunch not long since and has obviously spent something on
+the farm. His room is like a museum, and he has a number of valuable
+things. Seems to have had some adventures abroad, and found them
+profitable."
+
+"You mean he tried to impress you by vague boasting?"
+
+"No," said Gerald, "I don't think he did; the fellow's not that kind. In
+fact, he's rather good form, and has somehow got the proper stamp."
+
+Grace looked at her brother, as if she agreed; but Osborn remarked
+ironically, "You imagine yourself a judge?"
+
+"Oh, well," said Gerald, smiling, "I've had the advantage of being
+brought up at Tarnside, and belong to a good London club. Anyhow, Askew's
+much less provincial than some of our exclusive friends."
+
+He strolled off and Osborn went to the library, where he spent some time
+studying his accounts. The calculations he made were disturbing and he
+resented the possibility of his being forced to help Drysdale's fund.
+Nevertheless, the president of the show would be expected to lead the
+bidding and the Osborns did things properly.
+
+A week or two afterwards, Mrs. Osborn opened the show in a field by the
+market-town, which stood in a hollow among the moors. The grass sloped to
+a river that sparkled in the sun and then vanished in the alders' shade.
+Across the stream, old oak and ash trees rolled up the side of the Moot
+Hill, and round the latter gray walls and roofs showed among the leaves.
+A spire and a square, ivy-covered tower rose above the faint blue haze of
+smoke. A few white clouds floated in the sky and their cool shadows
+crept slowly across the field.
+
+The horses were not very numerous, but the show had other attractions
+and was an excuse for a general holiday. The crowd was larger than
+usual, Mrs. Osborn's nervous speech was cheered, and for a time Osborn
+forgot that the office he had taken might cost him something. He was
+carrying out a duty he owed the neighborhood and felt that he could do
+so better than anybody else. He did not admit that he liked to take the
+leading place.
+
+His first annoyance came with the sheep-dog trials. He had not known
+Askew was a competitor and frowned as he saw Grace go up to him when a
+flock of Herdwicks entered the field. The girl ought to have seen that it
+was not the proper thing for his daughter to proclaim her acquaintance
+with the fellow. Then Gerald followed her, and began talking to Askew as
+if he knew him well. Gerald, was of course, irresponsibly eccentric, but
+his folly jarred.
+
+Grace had found it needful to get a new dress and hat, and Kit thrilled
+and tried to hide his delight in her beauty as she advanced. His
+rough-coated dog ran to meet her and she stroked its shaggy head.
+
+"I hope Bob is going to win," she remarked.
+
+"It's doubtful," Kit replied. "He's clever, but they don't give us much
+time and he's getting slow. One or two of his rivals are very good."
+
+"You'll do your best, old Bob," said Grace, and the dog, looking up at
+her with friendly eyes, beat his tail on the ground.
+
+Then Gerald came up, and soon afterwards the judges tied a string to a
+farmer's leg and fastened the other end to a post. This allowed him to
+run a short distance, after which he must direct his dog by voice.
+
+"First trial, Mr. Forsyth's Merry Lad," a steward announced, and the
+crowd gathered round when the judge took out his watch.
+
+Furze bushes had been stuck into the ground to simulate a broken hedge.
+Beyond these was a row of hurdles with an open gate, and then a number
+of obstacles, while a railed pen occupied a corner of the field. Kit
+gave Grace a card showing the way the sheep must be driven round the
+different barriers.
+
+"It's a good test, particularly as we can't follow the dogs and they must
+take each obstacle in its proper turn."
+
+"They are wonderfully clever to understand," said Grace, and stopped when
+the judge shouted, "Time!"
+
+The farmer called his dog, a handsome smooth-haired collie, that set off
+with a bound and drove the sheep at full speed towards the furze. As they
+came up, with fleeces shaking and a patter of little feet, the man ran to
+the length of the string and waved his stick.
+
+"Away back! Gan away back! T'ither slap, ye fule!"
+
+People laughed when the dog in desperate haste stopped the sheep as they
+packed outside a hole, but it drove them to the next gap, through which
+they streamed.
+
+"Forrad! Gan forrad!" cried the farmer. "Head them, Merry Lad!"
+
+The dog turned the sheep and brought them back through another opening,
+after which they raced towards the hurdles, and the collie hesitated as
+if puzzled by its master's shouts. The sheep were near the end of the
+rails, but it was not the end the card indicated. Then the dog seemed to
+understand what was required, and circling round the flock with swift,
+graceful leaps, drove them along the hurdles and round the other end.
+
+There was some applause from the crowd and afterwards good-humored
+banter when the dog ran backwards and forwards at a loss. The animal
+obviously knew the flock must be taken round the remaining obstacles, but
+had only its master's shouts for guide to the order in which they must be
+passed. Sometimes the farmer got angry and sometimes laughed, but except
+for a mistake or two the collie drove the sheep in and out among the
+barriers as the card required and put them in the pen.
+
+Two or three more trials took place, and for the most part, the
+unoccupied dogs strained at their leads and whimpered, but old Bob sat at
+Kit's feet, watching, with his head on one side.
+
+"One can see he's thinking; I believe he wants to remember the right way
+round," Grace remarked, and smiled when a steward beckoned Kit. "It's
+your turn," she said. "I wish you good luck!"
+
+Kit went off with his heart beating and felt half amused by his keenness
+when the steward tied the string to his leg. After his adventures on the
+Caribbean and the stakes he and Adam had played for, it was strange he
+should be eager to win a box of plated forks at a rustic show. Yet, he
+was eager; Grace had wished him luck.
+
+"Number four; Mr. Askew's Old Bob!" the steward announced.
+
+Kit called, and Bob, trotting away deliberately, got the sheep together
+and drove them correctly through the holes. He was doing well, in one
+sense, and Kit knew he would make few mistakes, but time counted and old
+Bob was slow. He had trouble at the hurdles, where the sheep seemed
+resolved to go the wrong way, but he stopped them and took them back to
+the proper end. Kit gave very few orders, although he looked at his watch
+rather anxiously. Bob understood and could be trusted to do his work, the
+trouble was he might not finish it in time. At length, Kit drew a deep
+breath, and put back his watch. The sheep were in the pen and there was a
+minute left.
+
+Kit went back to Grace, and Bob trotted up, panting, with his tongue
+hanging out. He looked at Kit, as if for approval; and then, after
+wagging his tail when his master spoke, held up his paw to Grace.
+
+"Hallo!" said Kit. "I haven't known him to do that before. It's not a
+sheepdog's trick."
+
+"I taught him," Grace replied, with a touch of color. "He has not
+forgotten, and really deserves to be stroked."
+
+She went away, but she gave Kit a smile across the railing, behind which
+she stood with Mrs. Osborn, when the judge called out:
+
+"First prize, Number Four; Mr. Askew's Bob!"
+
+When lunch was served in a big tent Osborn sat at the top of the table,
+but his satisfaction had vanished. For one thing, everybody had applauded
+when Askew won the prize; the fellow was obviously a favorite and this
+annoyed him. Then, Drysdale's sheep were to be sold by auction after
+lunch and the committee had hinted that the president was the proper
+person to buy the flock. Drysdale sat next to Kit at the bottom of the
+table. He was a little, shabbily-dressed man, with a brown face, and a
+twinkling smile.
+
+"Where are the sheep?" Kit asked.
+
+"We'll send t' band for them presently. Are you gan t' bid?"
+
+"I don't know until I've seen them. What about their quality?"
+
+"Weel, it might be better; they're gifts, you ken. There's a young ram
+might suit you; he's true Carlside strain."
+
+"I don't know how you got him then. I can't see Mayson giving away good
+breeding stock."
+
+Drysdale grinned. "Some big stanes fell on t' ram when Mayson was
+Bringing flock doon Barra ghyll. He looks a bit the waur o' it, but you
+can tell the Carlside blood."
+
+"I'll see what I think about the animal," Kit said with a laugh. "Do you
+expect a good sale? The rich people, as a rule, go to church."
+
+"They'll bid aw t' same. When you canna stir their generosity, you can
+try their pride. If you look at it one way, the thing's humorsome. They
+dinna want to help me, but they will."
+
+"It's possible," Kit agreed. "I don't know if the plan's above suspicion,
+but you need the money."
+
+"It will be weel spent. Hooiver, I must be off and see the band dinna get
+ower much to drink."
+
+Drysdale went away and soon afterwards a strange procession headed by the
+band and guarded by children, entered the field. A row of geese, waddling
+solemnly in single file, came first, and then turkeys stalked among their
+broods; a boy led a handsome goat and long-legged calf, and in the rear
+straggled a flock of sheep. When all were driven into pens the sale began
+and the crowd laughed and bantered the men who bid. In the meantime, Kit
+examined the sheep. Some had faults and the ram had obviously suffered
+from its accident. It was clear, though, that it sprang from a famous
+stock, and Kit knew an animal transmits to its offspring inherited
+qualities and not acquired defects. He recognized the stamp of breeding
+and resolved to buy the sheep. The ram was worth much more than he
+imagined the shepherds thought.
+
+He went back to the stand and by and by the auctioneer praised the flock.
+When he stopped, there was silence for a few moments until Osborn nodded.
+
+"A cautious beginning often makes a good ending, but we've a long way to
+go yet," the auctioneer remarked. "Who'll say five pounds more?"
+
+Thorn made a sign, and the auctioneer raised his hammer. "We've got a
+start, but you must keep it up. The opportunity's what folks call
+unique; you'll save money by buying, and help a good cause. Don't
+know which will appeal to you, but you can pay your money, and take
+your choice."
+
+He looked about while the crowd laughed, and after two or three
+flockmasters advanced the price, caught Kit's eye. "Mr. Askew's a judge
+of sheep. We'll call it ten pounds rise!"
+
+Kit nodded, and Osborn glanced at Thorn, who shrugged. The latter had
+helped to start the bidding, which was all he meant to do, and Osborn
+would have tried to draw out after making another offer, had he not seen
+Kit. He did not want the sheep, although he was willing to buy them at
+something above their proper price. Now, however, Askew was his
+antagonist, the fellow must be beaten.
+
+"We must finish the sale before the driving-matches," he said. "Go up
+twenty pounds."
+
+"They'd not sell near it if you sent them to the market," a farmer
+remarked.
+
+"Do you sell pedigree stock to butchers? The ram's worth the money," the
+auctioneer rejoined.
+
+On the whole, Kit agreed, although he saw that others did not. Moreover
+he was willing to run some risk by helping Drysdale, whom he liked, and
+he signed to the auctioneer. The farmers stopped, but Osborn went on. He
+had not liked Peter Askew and liked Kit worse. Father and son had opposed
+him, and now the young upstart was proud of the money he had, no doubt,
+got by doubtful means. He would not let the fellow balk him, and his face
+got red as he answered the auctioneer's inquiring glance. Presently he
+turned with a frown as Hayes touched his arm.
+
+"It's an extravagant price," the agent remarked. "They'll want a check
+and your account is getting very low."
+
+"You'll have to cut down expenses, then," Osborn answered haughtily.
+"This is not a matter about which I need your advice."
+
+Hayes shrugged and Osborn nodded to the auctioneer when Kit made another
+bid. He felt hot and savage and wanted a drink, but could not leave the
+stand. Askew meant to humiliate him and he must hold out. He was the most
+important man in the neighborhood, and must not be beaten by a small
+farmer. For all that, the sum he would have to pay would be a drain.
+
+After the next bid the auctioneer looked at Kit, who smiled and
+shook his head.
+
+"Mr. Osborn takes the lot," the auctioneer remarked. "He has paid a high
+price to help a good object, but I think we all hope the next lambing
+season will give him his money back."
+
+Osborn's savage satisfaction was spoiled by a chilling doubt and he went
+off to look for Hayes.
+
+"Give the fellow a check for the sheep on the estate account," he said.
+
+"How much?" Hayes asked, and looked thoughtful when Osborn told him.
+
+"There are a number of bills to meet and we'll have no money coming in
+until term-day."
+
+"Can't you put off the bills?"
+
+"I think not," Hayes answered, meaningly. "It mightn't be prudent. Our
+credit is not too good."
+
+Osborn was silent for a moment or two. "Very well," he said. "I'll try to
+sell the sheep to somebody who'll give me what they're really worth. Come
+over to-morrow and we'll talk about the new mortgage."
+
+Then he went back, moodily, to join the judges for the driving-match.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE FLOOD
+
+
+On the morning after the show, Osborn walked up and down the terrace,
+waiting moodily for Hayes. It was a rash extravagance to buy the sheep
+and he blamed Kit for this. The fellow had gone on bidding in order to
+force him to pay a high price; besides, the money would help an object
+Osborn did not approve. There were enough chapels in the neighborhood and
+any legislation that interfered with the landlords' privileges got its
+warmest support at such places.
+
+The sum he had spent was not remarkably large and he had cut his loss by
+selling the flock to a farmer at their market price, but this was about
+half what he had given and he had some urgent debts. Although he had
+hoped to hold out until term-day, when the payment of rents would ease
+the strain on his finances, he must have money and did not know where it
+could be got by prudent means.
+
+In the meantime, he looked about gloomily. The weather had changed, a
+moist west wind drove heavy clouds across the sky and the fell-tops
+were hidden by mist. It threatened a wet hay-time and hay was scarce
+in the dale, where they generally cut it late after feeding sheep on
+the meadows. Osborn farmed some of his land and had hoped for a good
+crop, which he needed. The grass in the big meadow by the beck was
+long and getting ripe, but the red sorrel that grew among it had lost
+its bright color. The filling heads rolled in waves before the wind,
+but there was something dull and lifeless in the noise they made, and
+Osborn knew what this meant. Rain was coming and when rain began in the
+dale it did not stop.
+
+His glance rested on the green embankment along the beck. His father had
+made the dyke at a heavy cost but in places the stones and soil had
+gradually washed away. If the dyke broke at one spot, the beck would
+return to its old channel and much damage might be done, particularly if
+the floods rolled across the turnip fields. Osborn had meant to
+strengthen the dyke, but had put it off because of the expense.
+
+A little later Hayes came up the steps. Osborn did not ask him to sit
+down, although there was room on the stone bench, and the agent leaned
+against the terrace wall. His face was inscrutable but he remarked his
+employer's rudeness.
+
+"I have seen Fisher and he is willing to take a mortgage on Ryecote," he
+said. "The interest is higher than I thought, but the money would pay off
+urgent bills and cover the cost of the farmstead repairs."
+
+"How much does Fisher want?" Osborn asked and frowned when he was told.
+"It's unjust; two per cent above the proper interest."
+
+"I can't borrow for less. However, if we use the money judiciously, we
+ought to get something back by higher rents. Lang and Grey, for example,
+would pay a little more for the improvements they require."
+
+Osborn pondered. He was in a suspicious mood and thought Hayes wanted to
+negotiate the mortgage.
+
+"When I have satisfied the other tenants there won't be much left for
+Lang and Grey," he rejoined. "My experience is that the money you sink in
+improvements is gone for good."
+
+"They must be made, for all that; particularly just now when a
+dissatisfied spirit is spreading among the farmers. Askew is showing them
+what can be done by the proper use of capital."
+
+"Askew!" Osborn exclaimed. "Father and son, the Askews have been the
+origin of the worst trouble I've had."
+
+Hayes was willing to indulge Osborn's rancor and derived a rather
+malicious satisfaction from seeing him annoyed. Besides, he did not want
+to dwell upon the mortgage.
+
+"I wonder whether you know Askew has bought Drysdale's sheep?"
+
+"I did not know. I sold the flock to Graham."
+
+"Then Askew must have bought them soon afterwards, unless he sent Graham
+to make the deal with you."
+
+Osborn's face got red. "A shabby trick! Unthinkably shabby, after he
+forced up the price." He paused, and tried to control his anger. "But why
+did he buy that second-class lot?"
+
+"There was a Carlside ram."
+
+"Only fit for mutton; I studied the animal."
+
+"Oh, well! Askew, no doubt, thinks he is a judge. I imagine he bought the
+others in order to get the ram."
+
+"He cheated me," said Osborn, with a savage frown. "The fellow's a
+cunning rogue. I wish he hadn't come back--confound him!" He pulled
+himself up and added: "However, about the mortgage. I suppose I must
+agree to Fisher's terms. See him and arrange the thing as soon as
+possible."
+
+Hayes went away and Osborn lighted a cigar. He had a disturbing feeling
+that he had been rash. The money would not last long and if he had not
+borrowed it, he might have paid the interest on other loans. Buying the
+sheep had really decided him to give the mortgage, since it had made him
+feel keenly the embarrassment of having very little money at command.
+There was another thing; Hayes wanted him to borrow the fresh sum,
+although a prudent agent would try to keep the estate out of debt. He
+could not see Hayes' object and felt suspicious, but while he pondered it
+began to rain and he went into the house.
+
+It rained all day and at dusk the mist had crept down the hills. The long
+grass in the meadow bent before the deluge and slanted from the wind. The
+becks began to roar in the gyhlls, and threads of foam glimmered in the
+mist. A hoarse turmoil rose from the stream that fed the tarn, and an
+angry flood, stained brown by peat, rose steadily up the dyke. There was
+no promise of better weather when Osborn went to bed, and he had known
+rain like that last for a week. In fact, he had known all the hay crop
+and the most part of the young turnips washed down the valley.
+
+The rain was heavier when, early next morning, Kit went out to move some
+sheep from a spot where the rising water might cut them off. He came back
+along the meadow dyke and stopped for a few minutes when he reached its
+weakest place. Reeds and tufts of heather whirled down the brown flood.
+Wide patches of turf and soil had fallen away, uncovering the foundation
+of boulders and gravel, and while Kit looked down a heavy stone rolled
+out of its place and plunged into the stream. Others were ready to go;
+the water was rising ominously fast and would rise for some time after
+the rain stopped. There was, however, nothing to indicate that it would
+stop, and Kit, knowing his native climate, looked about with some
+uneasiness.
+
+A hollow across the meadow to a hedge, behind which were two large turnip
+fields, and he knew this marked a former channel of the beck. It was long
+since the water had flowed that way, but his father had told him that in
+heavy floods it had some times spread across the fields and joined the
+other stream at Allerby. If this happened again, the bottom of the dale
+would be covered and the crops ruined. When he was going away, three or
+four men with picks and spades came up.
+
+"Are you going to mend the dyke?" he asked.
+
+"We're gan to try," said one. "I reckon we'll not can hoad her up if beck
+rises much."
+
+"She'll rise three or four feet," said Kit. "Is nobody else coming?"
+
+"Neabody we ken aboot. Mr. Osborn sent to Allerby first thing, but miller
+wadn't let him have a man."
+
+Kit thought hard. Bell had given up the mill and his successor had a
+dispute with Hayes. To repair the dyke properly would be a long and
+expensive business, since there were a number of weak spots, but a dozen
+men, working hard, might perhaps strengthen the threatened part
+sufficiently to bear the strain. Clearly, if they were to be of use, they
+must be found and set to work at once. In a sense, the risk was Osborn's,
+who would pay for his neglect, but the flood might damage his tenants'
+fields, and even if the damage were confined to Osborn's, Kit hated to
+see crops spoiled.
+
+"You had better begin," he said. "I'll try to get help."
+
+"Mayhappen folks will come for you, though they wadn't for t' maister,"
+one replied. "We'll need aw you can get before lang."
+
+Kit set off as fast as he could walk and, stopping for a minute at
+Ashness, sent his men. Then he went on to Allerby and at first found
+the farmers unwilling to move, but after some argument they went with
+him to the mill.
+
+"We'll hear what miller has to say," one remarked. "He kens maist aboot
+the job, sin' he had t' mend t' lade when Hayes refused. For aw that,
+mending dyke is landlord's business."
+
+"I'll not stir a hand to save Osborn's crops," the miller declared when
+he met them at the door. "His oad rogue o' an agent promised me he'd
+build up brocken lade, but when time came I had to do't mysel'."
+
+Two of the others grumbled about promises Hayes had not kept, and then
+Kit said, "All this is not important. I don't ask you to mend the dyke
+for Osborn's sake but yours. If the beck breaks through and runs down to
+Allerby, it will spoil all the hay and fill the mill-lead with rubbish."
+
+"Then we'll get compensation. Landlord's bound to keep dyke in order."
+
+Kit smiled. "You'll get nothing, unless you go to law and I don't know if
+you'll get much then. Hayes is clever and the dispute would be expensive.
+You'll certainly find it cheaper to mend the dyke."
+
+They pondered this, until the miller made a sign of agreement.
+
+"I'll not can say you're wrang. I'm coming with my two men."
+
+Kit told him to bring a horse and cart and the party set off for the
+threatened bank. The beck had risen while Kit was away and stones and
+soil slipped down into the flood. An angry turmoil indicated that the
+current had rolled the rubbish into a dam.
+
+"We've gotten our job," said the miller as he drove in his spade.
+
+They got to work, but the current that undermined the bank brought down
+the turf and soil with which they tried to fill the holes. It was plain
+that a stronger material was needed and Kit sent some men to a
+roadmaker's quarry at the bottom of the fell while he rearranged some
+harness. When he had finished he fastened an extra horse outside the
+shafts of the carts and two men drove the teams across the field. They
+went off fast, jolting the carts by their clumsy trot, but Kit knew the
+extra horse would be needed when they returned. Soon afterwards, Osborn
+came up the other bank and stopped opposite with the rain running off his
+mackintosh.
+
+"Has anybody given you leave to meddle with the dyke?" he asked.
+
+"No," said Kit. "We'll let it alone, if you like, but there won't be much
+of your hay left when the flood breaks through, and I imagine you could
+be made responsible for other damage."
+
+Osborn hesitated and Kit, seeing his frown, began to wonder whether he
+would send him away. Then he resumed: "Who engaged these men?"
+
+"I don't know that they are engaged. Anyhow, if there's a difficulty
+about their getting paid, I'm accountable."
+
+"Bring them to Tarnside when you have finished," Osborn answered
+and went off.
+
+Kit resumed his work with savage energy. He thought Osborn did not
+deserve to be helped, but this did not matter much. Others would suffer
+unless he finished the job he had undertaken and it almost looked as if
+the flood would beat him. The trench from which they dug the soil they
+needed filled with water, the spades got slippery with rain and mud,
+and the horses sank in the trampled slough. Kit, however, had made his
+plans while he looked for help and had forgotten nothing that he might
+want. Hammers, drills, and a can of powder had been brought, and now
+and then a dull report rolled across the dale and heavy stones crashed
+in the quarry.
+
+When he had stone enough he and one or two others stood on the front of
+the bank with the water washing round their legs while they built up the
+ragged blocks. The pieces were hard to fit and sometimes the rude wall
+broke when the men on top threw down the backing of soil. Kit tore his
+hand on a sharp corner, but persisted while the blood ran down his
+fingers and his wet clothes stuck to his skin. The others supported him
+well and he only stopped for breath and to wipe from his eyes the water
+that trickled off his soaked hat. The loaded cart, ploughing through the
+mire, met the other going back; the men at the quarry kept him supplied,
+and when he had made a foundation the bank began to rise. For all that,
+the beck rose almost as fast, and at noon they had not gained much on the
+flood. Kit was doubtful, but on the whole thought it prudent to let the
+men stop. They had worked hard and could not keep it up without a rest.
+
+When they collected with their dinner cans under a dripping hedge, one
+remarked: "Mayhappen we'd better wait for Osborn to send cold meat and
+ale. I'll mak' a start with bread and cheese."
+
+The others grinned, but Kit got up as he heard a rattle of wheels. "Don't
+begin just yet. Two of you go to the gate."
+
+The men came back with a big jar and a basket, and the others gathered
+round when Kit took off the clean, wet cloth.
+
+"Yon lunch niver came fra Tarnside; it's ower good and liberal," said
+one. "Ashness folk dinna believe in sending a half-empty jar."
+
+When they had eaten and drunk, one or two tried to light their pipes but
+gave it up and they got to work again. Kit's hand hurt; it was long since
+he had undertaken much manual labor, and his muscles felt horribly stiff.
+He knew, however, that the men needed a leader, not a superintendent, and
+he would not urge them to efforts he shirked. And a leader was all they
+needed. They had no liking for Osborn, but they were stubborn and now
+they had begun they meant to finish. Shovels clinked, stones rattled from
+the carts, and the pile of earth and rock rose faster than the flood.
+
+In the meantime the mist got thicker and the rain swept the valley. The
+long grass near the trench was trodden into pulp where the turf was cut,
+the surface of the bank melted, and the men stumbled as they climbed it
+with their loads. The wheelbarrows poured down water as well as sticky
+soil, and Kit's clothes got stiff with mud. Despite this, he held out
+until, in the evening, the strengthened dyke stood high above the stream.
+Then he threw down his spade and stretched his aching arms.
+
+"I think she'll hold the water back and we can do no more," said Kit.
+
+The others gathered up their tools and climbing into the carts drove down
+the dale. When they reached the Tarnside lodge Kit pulled up.
+
+"You have done a good job for Osborn and there's no reason you shouldn't
+get your pay," he said.
+
+Two or three jumped down, without much enthusiasm, and the old gardener
+came out and gave one an envelope.
+
+"For Mr. Askew," he remarked.
+
+"Is that all?" the other asked, and the gardener grinned.
+
+"That's all. What did you expect?"
+
+The man took the envelope to Kit and the rest waited with some curiosity.
+They were very tired and big drops fell on them as the wind shook the
+dripping trees. Kit opened the envelope and his face flushed as he took
+out a note addressed to Hayes.
+
+"Pay C. Askew and the men whose names follow one day's wages, on estate
+account," it ran.
+
+This was all and the sum noted at the bottom represented the lowest
+payment for unskilled labor. Kit handed the note to his companions and
+while some laughed ironically two or three swore.
+
+"Next time beck's in flood Osborn can mend his dyke himsel'," said one.
+"If five minutes' digging wad save Tarnside Hall, I'd sooner lose my hay
+than stir a hand!"
+
+Then they got into the carts, and drove off in the rain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+KIT TELLS A STORY
+
+
+The rain stopped at night, the next day was fine, and in the afternoon
+Kit went up the dale to look at the mended dyke. It had stood better
+than he had thought, the beck was falling, and Osborn's fields were safe
+until another flood came down. Kit did not know if he was pleased or
+not. There was some satisfaction in feeling that he had done a good job,
+but he did not think Osborn deserved the help his neighbors had given.
+Following the dyke until he came to the road, he sat down on the bridge
+and lighted his pipe.
+
+The sun was hot and he was glad of the shade of a big alder whose leaves
+rustled languidly overhead. The bent-grass on the hillside shone a warm
+yellow, wet rocks glittered like silver in the strong light, and the
+higher slopes, where belts of green moss checkered the heather, were
+streaked by lines of snowy foam. All was very quiet, except for the noise
+of running water and the joyous notes of a lark. Kit was not much of a
+philosopher; action was easier to him than abstract thought, but he
+vaguely felt that the serenity of the dale was marred by human passion.
+Man was, no doubt, meant to struggle, but Nature was his proper
+antagonist, and while the fight against floods and snow was bracing, one
+gained nothing by shabby quarrels that sprang from pride and greed.
+
+Kit was human, however, and owned that he had felt savage when he read
+Osborn's note. The fellow had meant to humiliate him, and he got hot
+again as he thought about it. Moreover, Osborn had, so to speak, for his
+sake, insulted the men he had persuaded to help. They had not worked for
+wages, when they fought the swollen beck, and some kindly acknowledgment,
+such as a supper at the hall, would have gone far to gain for Osborn a
+good will that money could not buy. Anyhow, since he offered pay, the sum
+ought to have been a just reward for their toil.
+
+Osborn had been led by personal rancor, and there was no use in Kit's
+pretending he did not resent it. The fellow seemed to think he had a
+right to command, and got savage when people would not obey. Kit felt he
+had done nothing to deserve his hatred, but since Osborn did hate him, he
+must brace himself for a struggle, and he meant to win. Then, as he
+knocked out his pipe, he saw Grace.
+
+For a few moments Kit hesitated. If Grace knew how Osborn had rewarded
+him, the meeting might be awkward, but there was nothing to be gained by
+putting it off. He meant to marry Grace, whether Osborn approved or not,
+and to some extent frankness was needful. He waited until she reached the
+bridge and got up when she stopped. There was some color in her face, but
+she gave him a steady look.
+
+"I have been to see the mended dyke," she said, and he knew that she
+had pluck.
+
+"It's a rough job. There was no time to finish it neatly."
+
+"I'm surprised you were able to finish it at all."
+
+"I mustn't claim all the credit," Kit rejoined, smiling. "There were a
+number of others as well as the Tarnside men."
+
+Grace made an impatient gesture. "Our men could have done nothing useful
+if they had been left alone, and the others wouldn't have helped if you
+had not persuaded them. Why did you?"
+
+"To some extent, my object was selfish. If the flood had broken through,
+it might have done much damage to all the crops, besides your father's."
+
+"It could not have damaged yours."
+
+"Oh, well," said Kit, "I hate to see things spoiled, and am afraid I'm
+meddlesome."
+
+Grace's color rose, but she fixed her eyes on him. "That is not kind; I
+hardly think it's just. I have not accused you of meddling."
+
+"No," said Kit; "I'm sorry! It was a stupid remark. But I expect you know
+what your father thinks."
+
+Grace was silent for a few moments. She did know and would rather not
+have met Kit, but was too proud to turn back. Besides, she felt her
+father was prejudiced, and although it was a family tradition that the
+Osborns stood together, she rebelled and wanted to be just. The situation
+was embarrassing, but there was no use in pretense.
+
+"I think you were generous and imagine my mother agrees," she said. "She
+wanted to send some lunch to the beck, but the rain was very heavy and
+there was nobody to go." Then, remembering something Osborn had said, she
+hesitated. "I understand your helpers were paid."
+
+"Oh, yes," said Kit, not with malice, but because he saw he must be
+frank. "I was not left out."
+
+Grace turned her head. This was worse than she had thought. She was
+angry, and would not let Kit think she approved. Her eyes sparkled as she
+looked up. "Ah," she said, "you deserved something very different! I wish
+you had not told me!"
+
+"I didn't tell you because I was hurt," Kit replied with grave
+quietness. "It looks as if we had got to face things. Your father thinks
+me his enemy. I'm not; I have never tried to injure him, and if the dyke
+was threatened by another flood, I believe I'd mend it. But, whatever
+happens, I mean to do what I think proper, and it's possible we may
+clash again."
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "I am afraid this may happen."
+
+"Well, I value your friendship and don't mean to give it up, but I can't
+pretend, and think you wouldn't be deceived if I tried."
+
+"You mean you would not do what you thought was shabby in order to
+avoid a clash?"
+
+"I mean something like that. Now you know how things are, you must
+choose your line. I can't judge how far your duty to your parents binds
+you; you can."
+
+Grace felt her heart beat and was silent for a moment or two.
+
+"I cannot criticize my father's deeds and agree with people who are
+opposed to him," she said. "All the same, unless he expressly orders it,
+I cannot give up my friends."
+
+Kit tried to hide his satisfaction. "We'll let it go; I understand!"
+
+He expected her to move away, and wondered whether it was tactful for him
+to stop, but to his surprise she smiled and sat down on the bridge.
+
+"Very well. Suppose we talk about something else? The shade is nice, and
+I need not go home yet. You promised to tell me about your adventures and
+your uncle. I think you called him a survival from the old romantic days
+when the pirates haunted the Gulf of Mexico."
+
+Kit pondered as he leaned against the alder trunk. He thought Grace meant
+to banish the strain; anyhow, she was willing to stay and he wanted her
+to do so. It was strangely pleasant to loiter on the bridge with her
+while the shadows trembled on the road and the beck murmured in the
+shade. But if he meant to keep her, he must talk, and although he did
+not want to say much about his adventures he had a story to tell. The
+story was moving, if he could tell it properly.
+
+"I'm not clever at drawing a portrait, but I'd like to try," he said.
+"For one thing, my subject's worth the effort; and then, you see, I was
+fond of Adam. In some ways, he was not romantic; in fact, he was
+remarkably practical. His bold strokes were made deliberately, after
+calculating the cost; but now and then one got a hint of something
+strangely romantic and in a sense extravagant. Yet human nature's
+curious. When he played out a losing game, knowing he would lose, it was
+not from sentimental impulse but a firm persuasion it was worth while."
+He paused, and gave Grace an apologetic glance. "I'm afraid this is
+rather foggy. Perhaps I'd better begin where I met him, at a Florida
+hotel--if I'm not boring you."
+
+Grace said she was not bored and Kit, gaining confidence, narrated how
+they bumped the _Rio Negro_ across the surf-swept shoals, landed the
+guns, and met Alvarez. His own part in their adventures was lightly
+indicated, but the girl's imagination supplied what he left out. She felt
+strangely interested as Kit's portrait of his uncle grew into shape,
+although her thoughts dwelt largely on the artist. Then the
+background--the steamy swamp, old presidio, and dazzling town--had a
+romantic fascination, and when he told her about the journey to the
+mission and the church where the candles that Adam sent burned before the
+Virgin's shrine, her eyes shone.
+
+"Ah," she said, "I am glad you told me! One thinks better of human nature
+after hearing a tale like that. In a way, it's a rebuke. Are such men
+numerous?"
+
+"I have known two. Perhaps it's a coincidence that both were my
+relations. They're commoner than people think."
+
+"You're an optimist, but one likes optimists," Grace remarked with a
+gentle smile. "However, what had the president done to deserve the
+sacrifice your uncle made?"
+
+"I never knew, but suspect it was something against the laws of his
+country. If I told my story properly, you would understand that both were
+buccaneers."
+
+"But they had their code! I like the president and your uncle was very
+fine. One feels moved when one thinks about the shabby little altar and
+the candles love had lighted that never went out--all those years! Adam's
+wife loved him. She went to nurse him, although her friends warned her
+and she knew the risk."
+
+Grace mused for a time and Kit thought her face disturbed. Then she
+looked up quietly.
+
+"One needs courage to know the risk and not to hesitate. But you will
+keep those candles burning?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit, "I promised. Besides, I like to think they're burning.
+It means something."
+
+"It means much," Grace agreed, and after a pause resumed: "You had no
+doubt about taking up your uncle's engagement with the president,
+although you saw what it might cost?"
+
+"Of course not," Kit replied. "There was nothing else to be done."
+
+Grace smiled and got up. "No," she said, "there was nothing else you
+could do. Well, I must go home."
+
+Kit went back with her for some distance. They talked but little on the
+way, but when she left him she gave him her hand and a look that made his
+heart beat.
+
+Soon after Grace reached Tarnside, Osborn crossed the lawn to the
+tea-table where she and Mrs. Osborn sat beneath a spreading copper-beech.
+His face was thoughtful when Mrs. Osborn gave him a cup.
+
+"I met the post as I was driving home," he said. "There's a letter
+from Gerald."
+
+"Has he any news?" Mrs. Osborn asked.
+
+"Nothing important. He's well and says he's kept occupied, which is
+fortunate. In fact, the harder they work him, the better; I'd sooner
+Gerald did not have much time on his hands."
+
+"Then, why did he write?" Grace asked, because Gerald's letters were by
+no means regular.
+
+"I hope he did not want money," Mrs. Osborn remarked.
+
+"No," said Osborn. "That is, he did not want it for himself." He
+hesitated, and then resumed: "He states that if I could raise a moderate
+sum, he knows how we could make a very satisfactory profit in a short
+time. It seems he has got a useful hint."
+
+Grace laughed. "About a racehorse? Gerald is always hopeful, but his
+confidence in his ability to spot the winner is dangerous. It has been so
+often misplaced."
+
+"This has nothing to do with racing," Osborn rejoined angrily. "Gerald
+knows the consequences of indulging his folly again. There's a difference
+between betting and buying shares."
+
+"I don't know if the difference is very marked," said Grace, with a
+curious feeling of annoyance, for there was a note in Osborn's voice that
+jarred. He was, like Gerald, a gambler, greedy for money he had not
+earned, and she thought about the story Kit had told. Its hero had risked
+and lost his life, and Kit had paid in health and fortune, because they
+put honor before gain. For all that, she knew she had said enough when
+she saw Osborn's frown.
+
+"Gerald is young, but he holds a responsible post and has opportunities
+of meeting important stock-brokers and business men," Osborn went on,
+turning to his wife. "He is, of course, optimistic and has been rash, but
+after all he may have found out something useful. He declares the
+venture is absolutely safe."
+
+"But you have no money to invest," Mrs. Osborn insisted anxiously.
+
+"As a matter of fact, I have some. You see, I borrowed a sum not long
+since on Ryecote."
+
+"Oh!" said Mrs. Osborn, with a resigned gesture, and then braced herself.
+"But if you have got the money, it ought not to be used for speculation.
+There is much that needs to be done on the estate."
+
+"That is so; it was my reason for borrowing. All the same, it would be a
+very long time before I got back what I meant to spend on drains and
+steadings. Besides, the repairs and improvements need not be made just
+yet, and I might be able to use the money and earn a good profit first."
+
+"You might lose it all," Mrs. Osborn insisted. "Gerald is rash and
+business men don't tell young bank-clerks important secrets. Then,
+although it was a shock to hear you had mortgaged Ryecote, the money is
+so badly needed that it must not be risked." She paused and resumed with
+some color in her face, "It is hard to own, but perhaps Gerald is not
+altogether to be trusted."
+
+Osborn moved abruptly. His wife had touched the doubt that made him
+hesitate; in fact, this was a matter upon which he wanted her advice. She
+knew her son and had judged right when Osborn had been deceived.
+
+"Well," he said, knitting his brows, "I haven't quite decided. I had
+thought about asking for particulars, but after all Gerald's hint may not
+be worth much and unless one is really well informed speculation is
+dangerous."
+
+He looked round and saw Thorn. The latter had come up without disturbing
+the group and now joined them with a smile.
+
+"I heard your last remark," he said. "My opinion is your views are
+sound. It is very rash to speculate on shares you don't know much about."
+
+Mrs. Osborn felt disturbed, because she wondered how much he had heard,
+but he went on carelessly: "Gerald's too young for one to trust his
+judgment. My advice is, leave the thing alone."
+
+Grace gave him a grateful glance. She did not like Alan Thorn, but he was
+cautious and she saw that Osborn was hesitating. It would not need much
+persuasion to move him one way or the other, and she felt that to let
+Gerald have the money would be a dangerous mistake.
+
+"You really think I had better keep out of it?" Osborn asked.
+
+"Certainly," said Thorn. "Only a few of the big jobbers can form an
+accurate notion how prices ought to go. For people like us speculation is
+a plunge in the dark."
+
+Osborn was silent for a few moments, but Grace saw that he was pulled in
+different ways by caution and greed. Then, to her relief, he made a sign
+of agreement.
+
+"Oh, well! I'll let the thing alone."
+
+Thorn sat down and when Mrs. Osborn had given him some tea they talked
+about other matters. Presently Grace got up and he walked with her
+across the lawn.
+
+"Were you satisfied with the advice I gave your father?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said Grace frankly. "I think he was tempted; I was glad you came."
+
+"After all, a hint that he'd better be prudent did not cost me much. You
+know I'd do more than that to help you."
+
+"You did all that was necessary," Grace replied. "You have my thanks."
+
+Thorn glanced at her keenly, but there was something chilling in her
+calm.
+
+"Well, I'm going to London in a day or two and it might be advisable to
+look Gerald up. I will, if you like."
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "If it doesn't give you much trouble."
+
+She left him and Thorn stood still, frowning. Grace was always like
+that, friendly but elusive. No matter how he tried, he could not break
+down her reserve.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THORN MAKES A PLAN
+
+
+Thorn went up to town and one evening loitered about the hall of his
+club. London rather bored him, but he went there now and then, because he
+felt one ought to keep in touch with things. It was, in a sense, one's
+duty to know what was going on, and the news he picked up helped him to
+look well informed. Thorn had not much imagination, but he was cautious,
+calculating, and generally saw where his advantage lay. His small estate
+was managed well, in general his tenants liked him, and his investments
+were sound. Nevertheless, he was dissatisfied; he had waited long for
+Grace Osborn, and feared that in spite of her father's approval he got no
+nearer her.
+
+Alan Thorn was not romantic but his love for Grace was, to some extent, a
+generous emotion. He knew Osborn's poverty, and it was plain that if he
+married Grace he might have to help him out of his embarrassments. He was
+fond of money and had grounds for imagining that the daughter of a rich
+neighbor would not refuse him; but he wanted Grace and saw he could not
+wait much longer. He was fastidious about his clothes, and their color
+and loose cut prevented people remarking that he was getting fat; his
+dark hair was carefully brushed. He knew, however, that he was getting
+heavier fast and that he would soon be bald.
+
+He had meant to go out, but had no particular object and the streets were
+hot; besides, after the quiet country, he liked the bustle in the hall.
+People were beginning to come in and one could see the crowd stream past
+the glass doors. Sitting down in a corner he began to muse. Although he
+had been in town some time, he had not seen Gerald. He had called at the
+latter's lodgings and found him not at home, while when he went to the
+bank he was told that Gerald had been sent to manage a small branch
+office. Thorn thought it strange that Osborn had said nothing about this
+and wondered whether he knew. Gerald was extravagant and much less frank
+than he looked; he might have had an object for hiding his promotion.
+Thorn understood that Osborn made him some allowance, but it was hard to
+see how the young man was able to belong to his rather expensive club.
+
+After a time, Gerald came in and glanced at two or three men who stood
+about. At first, Thorn imagined he was looking for him, but saw he was
+not. Gerald went into the telephone box close by and shut the door with a
+jerky movement. It jarred and then swung back a few inches as if the
+shock had jolted the spring. Thorn, whose curiosity was excited, listened
+and heard the number Gerald asked for. Then he heard him say:
+
+"Yes--Osborn! Is that Sanderson? Yes--I said _Ermentrudes_. Any chance
+of a recovery? What--none at all? Can't hear--oh, sell at once!
+Margin's gone."
+
+Next moment Gerald obviously saw that the door was open, for he banged it
+noisily and Thorn heard nothing more. He had, however, heard enough to
+give him food for thought and waited until Gerald came out. The young man
+stood still with his mouth firmly set and his eyes fixed on the wall as
+if he saw nobody. His clothes were in the latest fashion, but the look of
+fastidious languidness that generally marked him had gone. Turning
+abruptly, he went up the stairs, and Thorn entered the telephone box and
+opened the directory. When he came out he went up to a man he knew.
+
+"Can you tell me anything about Short and Sanderson, stockbrokers?"
+he asked.
+
+"Not much," said the other. "They're outside brokers. I imagine they're
+trustworthy, but it's better to do business through a member of the
+Exchange. You'll find it a good rule."
+
+"Thank you," said Thorn, who went upstairs to the smoking-room and found
+Gerald sitting in front of a table, with a newspaper that dealt with
+financial matters.
+
+"Hallo!" said Thorn. "I have been expecting you for some days. I suppose
+you got my message?"
+
+Gerald looked up and his smile was strained. "I did, but have been much
+engaged. Sit down and join me in a drink."
+
+"What have you ordered?" Thorn asked, and shrugged when Gerald told him.
+
+"That goes better after dinner. I'd sooner have something cool and
+light."
+
+"Oh, well," said Gerald. "I felt I needed bracing. The fact is, I've had
+a knock--"
+
+He stopped as a waiter came up and said nothing until the man had gone.
+Then he drained his glass and turned to Thorn.
+
+"I'm in a hole. Can you lend me two thousand pounds?"
+
+Thorn hid his surprise. He thought urgent need had forced Gerald to make
+his blunt request; it was not his way to plunge at things like that.
+
+"You asked your father for a smaller sum."
+
+"They told you about my letter? Well, things have changed since; changed
+for the worse."
+
+"They must have changed rather quickly," Thorn remarked, for his
+suspicion was excited and he thought he saw a light. Gerald had been
+embarrassed when he wrote to Osborn, and had not wanted the money to
+invest but to help him to escape the consequences of some extravagance.
+
+"That has nothing to do with it," Gerald rejoined. "Will you let me have
+the money? You can, if you like."
+
+"To begin with, you had better tell me why you want so large a sum."
+
+Gerald hesitated and his eyelids twitched nervously, but he pulled
+himself together and Thorn wondered how far he would stick to the truth.
+He knew Gerald and did not trust him.
+
+"Very well; I bought some shares. There was good ground for expecting
+they'd go up--"
+
+"They went down? When did you buy?"
+
+"Your meaning's plain," said Gerald sullenly. "If you insist, it was
+before I wrote home."
+
+"I suspected something like that. However, you have the shares and they
+may go up again."
+
+"I haven't got the shares. I bought on a margin, and the margin's gone."
+
+"Then, you're rasher than I thought," Thorn rejoined with a searching
+look. "Well, you have lost your money and it's something of a surprise to
+hear you had so much. Anyhow, it was yours, and although the loss is
+serious, I don't understand how you're embarrassed."
+
+"I borrowed," said Gerald, rather hoarsely. "You can wait; the other
+fellow won't. Then, of course, if I renewed the margin, the shares might
+recover and put me straight."
+
+Thorn pondered. Gerald's statement was plausible, but he doubted if he
+had told him all.
+
+"Two thousand pounds is a large sum," he said. "I don't know yet if I can
+lend it you."
+
+Gerald gave him a steady look. His face was haggard and the sweat ran
+down his forehead. It was obvious that he was desperate.
+
+"If you hope to marry my sister, you had better help me out."
+
+"I haven't much ground for thinking your sister will agree," Thorn
+rejoined with some dryness. "Anyhow, it's doubtful if your influence
+would go far with her, if that is what you mean."
+
+"It is not what I mean," Gerald answered in a hoarse voice. "I have given
+you a useful hint. You can spare two thousand pounds, and if you let me
+have the money, you'll be glad you did."
+
+"I must think about it. You can call me up on the telephone at noon
+to-morrow."
+
+Gerald hesitated, and then made an abrupt movement as a man came into the
+room. The latter crossed the floor and Gerald got up.
+
+"Very well," he said, and went off.
+
+Soon after Gerald had gone, the man Thorn had met in the hall came in and
+he asked: "Do you know anything about _Ermentrudes_, Norton? I suppose
+they're mining shares?"
+
+"I wouldn't advise you to invest," the other replied. "The company has
+seldom paid a dividend, but not long since a rumor got about that a new
+shaft had bottomed on rich ore." He paused and shrugged. "Nobody knows
+how such tales are started, but they appeal to optimistic outsiders who
+like to think they've got a secret tip. Anyhow, there was some reckless
+buying by people who expected developments at the shareholders' meeting.
+They were disappointed, and are knocking prices down by their anxiety to
+sell out."
+
+Thorn thanked him and began to think. He wondered where Gerald had
+managed to get two thousand pounds, since he imagined that nobody would
+lend him the sum. He did not know much about banking, but it was possible
+that Gerald had used his employers' money, hoping to replace it before he
+was found out. Then, since two thousand pounds, used for a margin, would
+cover a large number of shares, it looked as if Gerald had lost part of
+the sum by previous speculations. While he pondered, the man whose entry
+had seemed to disturb Gerald came to his table and sat down opposite.
+
+"You obviously know young Osborn," he remarked.
+
+Thorn said nothing for a moment or two. Hallam was not a public
+money-lender, but sometimes negotiated private loans for extravagant
+young men about town. One meets such people now and then at smart London
+clubs, and Thorn imagined the fellow could throw some light on Gerald's
+difficulties.
+
+"We come from the same neighborhood," he replied.
+
+"His father is a large landowner, I believe?"
+
+"He has some land," said Thorn, who began to see his way. He had not yet
+decided to help Gerald, but if he did, his help must be made as valuable
+as possible. "The rents are low and the estate is encumbered," he
+resumed. "On the whole, I don't think you would consider it good
+security."
+
+"Thank you for the hint. Osborn looked as if he had got a jar."
+
+"I think he had. He bought some shares that have gone down sharply, and
+since he's a bank-clerk I expect the loss is a serious thing for him."
+
+Hallam nodded carelessly. "No doubt! Do you know a man called Askew?"
+
+"I know something about him. He owns a farm in the dale and has recently
+spent some money on improvements, although it's doubtful if he'll get
+much return. I can't tell you if he has any more or not, but imagine he's
+not worth your bothering about. Besides, he's not the man I'd expect to
+get into debt."
+
+"Mr. Askew has not been trying to borrow," Hallam answered with a smile.
+"Well, I promised to meet a friend and mustn't stop."
+
+He went away and Thorn sat still, pondering. The other men went out by
+and by and the room was quiet except for the rumble of traffic in the
+street and the rattle of an electric fan. A waiter pulled down a blind
+to shut out a bright sunbeam and Thorn found the shade and softened
+noises from outside helpful to thought.
+
+Gerald had used money belonging to the bank and borrowed from Hallam in
+order to pay it back; although Thorn could not see what had persuaded the
+latter to lend. It was strange, certainly, that Hallam had inquired about
+Askew, but in the meantime he could let this go. Gerald was threatened by
+a danger money could avert, and Thorn could help. If he did help, it
+would give him a claim to Osborn's gratitude, although he could not tell
+how far this would influence Grace. The Osborns cherished the
+old-fashioned traditions of their class, and anything that touched one
+touched all. Grace, however, was modern and rebellious, and Thorn knew
+she did not like him much. He was not afraid to risk his money, but he
+must not waste an opportunity he might not get again, and the opportunity
+could be used in one of two ways.
+
+He could free Gerald from his entanglements and, using no pressure, leave
+her parents' gratitude to work on Grace. This was the proper line and
+would enable him to play a generous part; had he been younger, he would
+not have hesitated, but he saw a risk. He was beginning to look old and
+unless Grace married him soon, must give her up. The other line, although
+not attractive, promised greater security. Before he helped he must state
+his terms and force Osborn to agree. Grace could not struggle, because
+her refusal would involve the family in Gerald's disgrace. Thorn saw the
+plan had drawbacks, but Grace was young and, if he indulged and petted
+her, she would, no doubt, get to like him and forget his hardness. He had
+heard of marriages made like this that turned out happily.
+
+For a time he sat with his brows knitted and his mouth set. He would have
+liked to be generous, but he loved the girl and could not force himself
+to run the risk of losing her. Nevertheless, he honestly tried, and
+afterwards remembered with strange distinctness the soft rattle of the
+electric fan and the dull roll of traffic that throbbed in the quiet room
+while he fought the losing fight. The sunbeam the waiter had shut out
+crept on to another window and shone on the fluted pillars before he got
+up. His face was very hard, for he had chosen his line and knew he must
+take it without doubt or pity.
+
+Going down to the hall, he called up Gerald's branch bank. A clerk who
+was working late replied that Mr. Osborn had gone.
+
+"I know," said Thorn, giving his name. "Make a note to tell him he need
+not call on me to-morrow. I find I am unable to do what he requires."
+
+"Very well," said the clerk. "I'll give him the message in the morning."
+
+Thorn rang the bell and, leaving the box, asked for a railway guide.
+There was nothing to be gained by stopping in London and he looked up the
+best train for the north.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+GERALD'S RETURN
+
+
+Thorn went home and waited, confident that Osborn would presently send
+for him. The estate was heavily mortgaged, Osborn had no rich friends,
+and when the blow fell would look to Thorn for the aid nobody else could
+give. In the meantime, Osborn, enjoying a short relief from financial
+strain, squandered in personal extravagance part of the sum he had
+borrowed, and then set drainers, carpenters, and builders to work. He
+liked spending and now tried to persuade himself that the money he was
+laying out would give him some return. It ought to last until he had
+finished the renovations his tenants demanded, and although difficulties
+might arise afterwards, he would wait until they did. Indeed, his wife
+and daughter found him better humored than he had been for long.
+
+Then, one evening when the hay was harvested and the corn was ripening,
+his satisfaction was rudely banished. Grace had gone to the lodge with a
+message and stopped for a few minutes by the gate. The evening was calm
+and one side of the placid tarn glittered in the light; the other was
+dark, and soft blue shadows covered the fells behind. She heard the
+languid splash of ripples on the stones and the murmur of a beck in a
+distant ghyll. A strange restful tranquillity brooded over the dale.
+
+Grace felt the calm soothing, for her thoughts were not a little
+disturbed. She had met Thorn in the afternoon and noted a puzzling change
+in his manner. So far, she had been able to check his cautious advances,
+but she now remarked a new confidence that seemed to indicate he had some
+power in reserve. She admitted that she might have imagined this, but it
+troubled her.
+
+Afterwards she had met Kit and the comfort the meeting gave her had
+forced her to think. Their friendship had gone far; in fact, it had
+reached a point friendship could not pass. Kit was not yet her lover, but
+she thought he waited for a sign that she would acknowledge him when he
+made his claim. She liked Kit; she had not met a man she liked so much.
+This, however, did not imply that she was willing to marry him. Although
+she now and then rebelled against conventions, she had inherited some of
+Osborn's prejudices, and her mother sprang from old-fashioned land-owning
+stock. Kit belonged to another class; the life he led was different. She
+had been taught to enjoy cultivated idleness, broken by outdoor sports
+and social amusements; but Kit was a worker, farming for money and
+resolved to make his efforts pay. His wife must help and Grace did not
+know if this daunted her or not.
+
+Moreover, if she married Kit, she must quarrel with her parents. She knew
+what Osborn thought about him. Had she been sure she loved Kit, the
+choice would have been easier, but although she blushed as she mused,
+this was too much to own. Yet he loved her, and after all--
+
+She let the matter go and looked up, for there were steps in the shadowy
+road. Then a figure came into the fading light, and she started and ran
+to the gate.
+
+"Gerald!" she exclaimed. "Why have you come home?"
+
+"Somehow you don't feel flattered when people ask you why you came,"
+Gerald rejoined with a forced smile. "It rather indicates surprise than
+satisfaction."
+
+"I am surprised," Grace admitted, trying to hide her vague alarm. "We
+did not expect you. How did you getaway?"
+
+"I took a week's leave. I haven't been very fit."
+
+Grace gave him a sharp glance and thought he looked ill. His face was
+pinched, his eyes were furtive, and his mouth was slack.
+
+"What has been the matter?" she asked.
+
+"Nothing very much," Gerald replied. "Mental strain, I expect. Managing a
+bank is a big job and I'm not used to responsibility."
+
+It looked as if his carelessness cost him an effort and Grace said
+nothing. When they reached the house Gerald resumed: "You'll hear all
+about it later. Is the chief at home?"
+
+Grace nodded. They had seldom called Osborn father, but chief and head of
+the clan, and she thought it significant that Gerald used the name he
+often falteringly employed after boyish escapades. She began to feel that
+there was something wrong.
+
+"He's in the library," she said.
+
+"That's satisfactory, as far as it goes," Gerald remarked, climbing the
+steps. "The sooner I see him, the sooner I'll get through the thing." He
+paused and gave Grace an anxious glance. "You'll stand by me? You
+generally did."
+
+"I suppose so," Grace agreed. "But I don't know your difficulties and
+what you want."
+
+"You will know soon," Gerald rejoined and shrugged his shoulders. "Well,
+it's an awkward business; I've got to brace up."
+
+He left her and went to the library, where Osborn sat at the big oak
+table with some letters and a wine glass in front of him. The spacious
+room was mostly in shadow, but a ray of fading light shone in through the
+tall west window. Gerald avoided the illumination as he advanced, and
+stopped in the gloom opposite Osborn, who straightened his body with a
+jerk and upset the glass.
+
+"Well?" he said harshly. "Why have you left the bank?"
+
+"The wine is running across the table and on to your clothes.
+Shall I ring?"
+
+"No," said Osborn, pushing his chair back noisily. "Let it run! Stand
+still or sit down. Tell me why you came."
+
+"To begin with, I have left the bank for good."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn grimly, "I suspected something like this! You mean they
+turned you out? Well, you are consistent in your habits. You left school
+in similar circumstances, you left Woolwich, and now--"
+
+"I was not turned out, sir. They gave me a week's leave, but I
+can't go back."
+
+Osborn frowned. Things had been going well and he had thought himself
+free from trouble for a time, but it looked as if he would get his worst
+jar. He tried to preserve his calm and said with a touch of weariness:
+
+"Tell me what has happened and keep as near the truth as is
+possible for you."
+
+Gerald told him, standing back in the shadow and not pausing to choose
+his words. It was an ugly story that could not be toned down and he knew
+if he stopped he could not go on again. Although Osborn said nothing, his
+face got red and the veins on his forehead swelled, and Gerald found his
+silence strangely daunting. When the latter stopped, Osborn got up and
+stood, rather shakily, with his hand clenched.
+
+"Get out of my sight, you despicable thief!" he cried. "My control is
+going. If you stand and fidget there, I'll knock you down!"
+
+"There wouldn't be much use in that, although I deserve it," Gerald
+replied. "It's too late for excuses. The situation's dangerous. You have
+got to help me out."
+
+"I can't help," said Osborn in a strained, hoarse voice. "Why didn't you
+leave the country instead of coming home?"
+
+Gerald forced a nervous smile. "The reason ought to be obvious, sir; I
+might be brought back. We must get over the need for me to go. You see,
+the bill must be met. If it's dishonored, everybody who knows us will
+have something to talk about."
+
+"I thought you a fool," said Osborn bitterly. "You are a fool, but you
+have a vein of devilish cunning. You steal and forge; and then expect to
+shuffle off the consequences on to your relatives!"
+
+He pulled himself up, for Gerald's coolness was steadying. "However, I
+must understand. What will happen when the lender finds you cannot pay?"
+
+"The usual course would be for him to go to the endorser," Gerald replied
+and added with some awkwardness: "I mean the man whose name I used. His
+signature's a guarantee and makes him liable. Still, as Hallam's a
+tactful fellow, it's possible he'll first come to you."
+
+"Do you mean he's suspicious?"
+
+"I don't know. He took off an extortionate discount for a very
+short loan."
+
+"How much did he lend you?"
+
+"The bill was for two thousand pounds."
+
+Osborn made a helpless gesture. "I can't pay. The money I borrowed is
+partly spent and the rest must go for wages and material. You can't put
+wages off--"
+
+He stopped and sat down limply. The shock was beginning to tell. He felt
+dull and had no reserve of moral strength to sustain him now his fury had
+gone. Gerald saw this and knew that guidance must come from him. He
+waited, however, and Osborn went on:
+
+"It's ridiculous that we should be ruined for two thousand pounds; but
+there it is! If I try to borrow from my friends, I must tell why I need
+the money. And I don't know who would lend."
+
+"Thorn might," Gerald suggested meaningly. "I asked him and he wouldn't,
+but I don't think his refusal was final."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn, with a start. "Why do you think it was not?"
+
+"I imagine he has another plan; he means to wait until it's obvious we
+must have his help. Then he can ask what he likes."
+
+For a moment, Osborn's anger blazed up again. "I see where you are
+leading, you contemptible cur! You expect your sister to pay for you!"
+
+"It would be a good marriage," said Gerald, awkwardly. "I thought you
+wanted it."
+
+"Stop!" exclaimed Osborn, and rested his elbows on the table, with his
+shoulders bent.
+
+He had wanted Grace to marry Thorn, but his domineering temper did not
+carry him as far as Gerald thought. He had hoped that by and by Grace
+would consent; it was ridiculous to imagine she would long refuse to see
+the advantages that were plain to him, but to force her to pay for her
+brother's fault was another thing. Although Grace was rebellious, he had
+some love for her. In fact, he revolted from the plan and felt he hated
+Thorn for the pressure he could use. He was nearly resigned to letting
+things go and facing the threatened disaster.
+
+For a minute or two, he did not move and Gerald got horribly cramped as
+he stood opposite. The room was getting dark and Osborn's figure was
+indistinct, but his quietness hinted at a struggle, Gerald began to feel
+anxious, because he had not expected his father to hesitate. At length
+Osborn looked up.
+
+"You haven't told me whose name you used."
+
+"Askew's," said Gerald, with a tremor. He knew he could use no stronger
+argument, but felt afraid.
+
+"Askew's!" shouted Osborn, straightening his bent shoulders with a savage
+jerk. "This is more than I can bear. Was there nobody you could rob but
+the man who has plotted against me since he came home from school?" He
+stopped and gasped as if his rage were choking him and it was some
+moments before he went on: "You have given the fellow power to humble us
+and drag our name in the mud. Can't you imagine how he'll exult? Our
+honor in Askew's hands! It's unthinkable!"
+
+"If the bill isn't met, the holder will apply to Askew," Gerald said as
+coolly as he could.
+
+Osborn's muscles relaxed and he sank back into his limp pose. His hand
+shook as he wiped his wet forehead.
+
+"You have said enough. Leave me alone. I must try to think."
+
+Gerald went out and drew a deep breath when he reached the landing. He
+felt shaky and ashamed, but knew he had won. The shutting of the door
+gave Osborn some relief. The anger and disgust Gerald excited had
+confused his brain, but now the lad had gone he saw no light. There was
+but one way of escape, and this a way it was almost unthinkable that he
+should take. The strange thing was he should hate it so much, for he had
+never indulged his children or thought about their happiness. Yet he
+shrank from forcing his daughter to marry Thorn, whom he approved while
+she did not.
+
+He might, perhaps, for the girl's sake, have sacrificed his pride; but
+there was an obstacle before which his courage melted. If Thorn did not
+help, Askew would know his disgrace and Osborn did not expect him to be
+merciful. His rancor against Askew had by degrees become a blind,
+illogical hate that made it impossible for him to see anything Kit did in
+its proper light. Feeling as he did, he imagined Kit would rejoice in the
+opportunity for humbling him.
+
+All the same, knowing the fight was hopeless, he struggled against the
+conviction that he must beg help from Thorn. In many ways, he liked Alan,
+but he was hard and Osborn dreaded his firmness now. Yet he could help
+and there was nobody else. It got dark, but Osborn did not move. A faint
+breeze came up and moaned about the house, and presently a moonbeam stole
+into the room. Osborn sat still, with his head bent and his arms spread
+out across the table. Sometimes he burned with anger against Gerald and
+sometimes he scarcely felt anything at all.
+
+At length, he got up, and with an effort went upstairs. Half an hour
+later, a heavy sleep that came as a reaction after the shock closed his
+eyes and banished his troubles for a time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
+
+
+On the day after Gerald's return Osborn shut himself up in his library.
+If he could raise two thousand pounds, it would save him from agreeing to
+the demand Thorn would, no doubt, make, and although he really knew the
+thing was impossible, he sought desperately for a way of escape. He was
+careless about money, and, for the most part, left his business to his
+agent, but he wanted to find out how he stood before he went to Hayes.
+There was no obvious reason for his doing so, but he had begun to suspect
+that Hayes was not as devoted to his interests as he had thought. His
+wife and Grace distrusted the fellow, and although they knew nothing
+about business, Osborn admitted that the advice they had sometimes given
+him had been sound.
+
+The involved calculations he made gave him fresh ground for disturbance.
+It was plain that he could borrow no more money and the sum he had
+received for the last mortgage had nearly gone. He might perhaps get
+together three or four hundred pounds, at the risk of letting builders
+and drainers go unpaid, but this was not enough. After a time, he put
+away his books in a fit of hopeless anger and drove across to see Hayes
+at the market town.
+
+The interview was short and disappointing. Osborn could not tell Hayes
+why he needed money and found him unusually firm. He proved that the
+estate was heavily overburdened, fresh loans were impossible, and stern
+economy must be used if it was to be saved from bankruptcy. To some
+extent, Osborn had expected this, but had cherished a faint hope that
+Hayes might lend him enough to satisfy Gerald's creditor. He could not
+force himself to ask for a loan outright, and Hayes had been strangely
+dull about his cautious hints. Osborn believed the fellow could have
+helped him, but as he had shown no wish to do so there was nothing to be
+said. He drove home in a downcast mood and sent for Gerald.
+
+"I can't get the money," he said. "You know the man you dealt with. Is
+there any hope of his renewing the bill?"
+
+"I'm afraid there is none, sir," Gerald replied.
+
+"When he made the loan he knew you were a bank-clerk and had no money."
+
+"I expect he did know, but thought you had some."
+
+Osborn sighed. His anger had gone and a dull, hopeless dejection had
+taken its place. He felt as if he and Gerald were accomplices in a
+plot against Grace, and did not resent the lad's insinuation that they
+stood together. The Osborns did stand together, and he hoped Grace
+would see her duty.
+
+"Well," he said, "the payment is not due just yet. I'll wait a little
+and then write to the fellow."
+
+It was a relief to put the thing off, but he found no comfort as the days
+went by, and although he shrank from taking Mrs. Osborn into his
+confidence, his moody humor gave her a hint. Besides, he was not clever
+at keeping a secret and now and then made illuminating remarks. Mrs.
+Osborn, although reserved, was shrewd and she and Grace, without
+consulting each other, speculated about the trouble that obviously
+threatened the house. By degrees, their conjectures got near the truth
+and at length Mrs. Osborn nerved herself to ask her husband a few blunt
+questions. He had not meant to tell her all until he was forced, but was
+taken off his guard and told her much. Afterwards she sent for Grace.
+
+When Grace heard the story her face got very white and she looked at her
+mother with fear in her eyes.
+
+"I suspected something, but this is worse than I thought," she said in a
+low strained voice. "But Alan is an old friend; it is not very much for
+him to do and perhaps he will be generous."
+
+Mrs. Osborn was sitting rather limply on the stone bench on the terrace,
+but she roused herself.
+
+"He is hard and I think will understand what his help is worth. He
+knows there is nobody else. Besides, if we accept this favor, we
+cannot refuse--"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "it's unbearable! I never liked Alan; I feel I hate him
+now." She paused and gave Mrs. Osborn an appealing glance. "But you
+cannot think I ought to agree, mother? There must be another way!"
+
+Mrs. Osborn shook her head. "I cannot see another way, and many girls in
+our class have married men they did not like, though I had hoped for a
+better lot for you. With us, women do not count; the interests of the
+family come first."
+
+"That means the men's interests," Grace broke out. "Father has been
+reckless all his life and now Gerald has dragged our name in the mud. He
+is to be saved from the consequences and I must pay!"
+
+"It is unjust," Mrs. Osborn agreed. "So far as that goes, there is no
+more to be said. But when one thinks of the disgrace--Gerald hiding in
+America, or perhaps in prison!"
+
+Her voice broke. She was silent for a few moments and then resumed: "Your
+father's is the conventional point of view that I was taught to accept
+but which I begin to doubt. I must choose between my daughter and my son;
+the son who carries on the house. If Gerald escapes, his punishment falls
+on you. The choice is almost too hard for flesh and blood."
+
+"I know," said Grace, with quick sympathy. "It is horrible!"
+
+"Well," said Mrs. Osborn, "the line I ought to take is plain--Tarnside
+will be Gerald's; our honor must be saved. But I do not know. If you
+shrink from Alan--"
+
+"If he insists, I shall hate him always. Yet, it looks as if there
+was no use in rebelling. I feel as if I had been caught in a snare
+that tightens when I try to break loose. I understand why a rabbit
+screams and struggles until it chokes when it feels the wire. It's
+like that with me."
+
+Mrs. Osborn bent her head. "My dear! My dear!" Then she looked up
+irresolutely with tears in her eyes. "I cannot see my duty as I thought.
+The convention is that my son should come first, but you are nearer to me
+than Gerald has been for long. I feel numb and dull; I cannot think.
+Perhaps to-morrow I may see--"
+
+Grace got up and kissed her. "Then, we will wait. If no help comes, I
+suppose I must submit."
+
+She went away with a languid step and Mrs. Osborn, sinking back in a
+corner of the bench, looked across the lawn with vacant eyes. In a sense,
+she had shirked her duty and failed her husband, but she had long given
+way to him and was now beginning to rebel.
+
+Grace afterwards looked back with horror on the disturbed evening and
+sleepless night, and the morning brought her no relief. She could not
+resign herself to the sacrifice she thought she would be forced to make,
+and her mother told her that Osborn had sent a note to Thorn and a man
+from London would arrive in the evening. It was plain that Alan must be
+persuaded to help Gerald before the other came.
+
+In the afternoon she walked up the dale, without an object, because it
+was impossible to stop in the house. After a time she heard a dog bark
+and, stopping by an open gate, saw Kit swinging a scythe where an old
+thorn hedge threw its shadow on a field of corn. He was cutting a path
+for the binder and for a minute or two she stood and watched.
+
+Kit had taken off his jacket and his thin blue shirt harmonized with the
+warm yellow of the corn and the color of his sunburnt skin. The thin
+material showed the fine modeling of his figure as his body followed the
+sweep of the gleaming scythe. The forward stoop and recovery were marked
+by a rhythmic grace, and the crackle of the oat-stalks hinted at his
+strength. His face was calm and Grace saw his mind dwelt upon his work.
+He looked honest, clean, and virile, but she turned her head and
+struggled with a poignant sense of loss. She knew now what it would cost
+her to let him go.
+
+Then his dog ran up and Kit, putting down his scythe, came to the gate.
+He gave her a searching glance, but she was calm again and began to talk
+about the harvest. He did not seem to listen, and when she stopped said
+abruptly: "You are standing in the sun. Come into the shade; I'll make
+you a seat."
+
+She went with him, knowing this was imprudent but unable to resist, and
+he threw an oat-stook against the bank and covered it with his coat.
+Grace sat down and he studied her thoughtfully.
+
+"I want you to tell me what's the matter," he said.
+
+"How do you know I have anything to tell?"
+
+"Perhaps it's sympathy, instinct, or something like that. Anyhow, I do
+know, and you may feel better when you have told me. It's now and then a
+relief to talk about one's troubles."
+
+Grace was silent. Her heart beat fast and she longed for his sympathy,
+and his nearness gave her a feeling of support; but she could not tell
+him all her trouble. He waited with a patience that somehow indicated
+understanding, and she looked about. The tall oats rippled before the
+wind and soft shadows trailed across the hillside. When the white clouds
+passed, the dale was filled with light that jarred her hopelessness.
+
+"As you haven't begun yet, I'll make a guess," said Kit. "Things have
+been going wrong at Tarnside since Gerald came home? Well, if you can
+give me a few particulars, it's possible I can help."
+
+His steady glance was comforting and Grace's reserve gave way. It was
+humiliating, and in a sense disloyal, to talk about Gerald, but her pride
+had gone and she was suddenly inspired by a strange confidence. Perhaps
+Kit could help; one could trust him and he was not the man to be daunted
+by obstacles.
+
+"Yes," she said vaguely; "it's Gerald--"
+
+"So I thought," Kit remarked. "Very well. You had better tell me all you
+know, or, anyhow, all you can."
+
+She gave him a quick glance to see what he meant, but his brown face was
+inscrutable, and with an effort, talking fast in order to finish before
+her courage failed, she narrated what she had heard. She could not, of
+course, tell him all, and, indeed, Mrs. Osborn's story left much to be
+explained.
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I begin to see a light, although the thing's not quite
+plain yet. Anyhow, your father needs money and must ask his friends."
+He paused and resumed in a voice he tried to make careless: "Has he
+asked Thorn?"
+
+Grace hesitated and turned her head as she felt the blood creep into her
+face. "Yes; you see, there is nobody else."
+
+"I'm not sure about that. However, it looks as if Thorn had not sent his
+answer yet and there's not much time to lose. You expect the man from
+London to-night?"
+
+Grace said they did and studied Kit while he pondered. His preoccupied
+look indicated that he was working out some plan and did not understand
+how bold she had been. He did not seem at all surprised that she had come
+to him. She had broken the family traditions by giving him her
+confidence, but she felt happier.
+
+"I'd like to see Gerald," he said. "It's important, and I'll be at
+Ashness at four o'clock. If he will not come, you must let me know."
+
+"I'll send him if I can," said Grace, who got up. Then she hesitated and
+looked away across the field. "Perhaps I ought not to have told you, but
+I felt I must, and I'm glad I did."
+
+Kit smiled and after walking to the gate with her went on with his
+mowing. Her story left out much he wanted to know, but he thought he saw
+where it led and would get the rest from Gerald. This might be difficult,
+but he meant to insist.
+
+When Grace reached Tarnside she met Gerald on the lawn and took him to
+the bench under the copper-beech.
+
+"Mr. Askew wants you to go to Ashness at four o'clock," she said.
+
+"Askew wants me!" Gerald exclaimed, with a start, and Grace thought he
+looked afraid. "Why?"
+
+"I don't know. He said it was important."
+
+Gerald looked hard at her. "Well, I suppose it is important. But how does
+he know about the thing?"
+
+"I told him," Grace answered with forced quietness.
+
+"You told him?" Gerald gasped, and then laughed harshly. "I knew you had
+pluck, but didn't expect this! You don't seem to realize what an
+extravagant thing you've done."
+
+"I don't; it doesn't matter. Will you go?"
+
+Gerald pondered for a few moments and then looked up. "You owe me
+nothing, Grace. In fact, you and mother have often had to pay for my
+folly; but I want you to be honest now. I imagine you understand what
+Alan expects if he helps me out?"
+
+"Yes," said Grace in a strange hard voice.
+
+"It would be a good marriage; the kind of marriage you ought to make.
+Alan's rich and can give you the things you like and ought to have. But
+with all that, I imagine you'd sooner let it go?"
+
+"I hate it," Grace said quietly. "I don't like Alan; I never shall
+like him."
+
+"He has some drawbacks," Gerald remarked, and was silent. He had not
+often a generous impulse, but he was moved by his sister's distress and
+thought he saw a plan. The plan was extravagant, and risky for him.
+
+"I wonder whether you'd sooner marry Askew?" he resumed.
+
+Grace moved abruptly and her face got red. She had not expected the
+question and was highly strung. Gerald saw her embarrassment and went on:
+
+"Of course, he's an outsider, from our point of view, but he's a good
+sort. In fact, he's much better than Alan. Besides, there's some ground
+for believing you are pretty good friends."
+
+"Stop!" Grace exclaimed. "This has nothing to do with you. It's
+unthinkable that you should meddle!"
+
+Gerald smiled. "I'm not going to give Askew a hint, if that is what you
+mean. I wanted to find out if you'd shrink from him as you shrink from
+Alan, and I think I know."
+
+"You don't know," Grace declared, and then stopped and blushed as she met
+his steady look. After all, there was no use in pretending; Gerald would
+not be deceived. Still, when he quietly got up she asked with alarm:
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"I'm going to Ashness," Gerald replied. "I've made things hard for you
+and mother, but I won't bring you fresh embarrassment now. In fact, I
+think you can trust me, and, indeed, it's obvious that you must." He
+turned and looked back with a smile. "If Askew's the man I think, the
+chief will shortly get a jar."
+
+Grace wanted to call him back, but somehow could not, and sat still while
+he crossed the lawn. So long as she could see him, he moved carelessly,
+but when he went down the drive behind a clipped hedge his step got slow
+and his face was hard. The thing he meant to do would need some pluck,
+and might be dangerous if he had not judged Askew right.
+
+In the meantime, Kit went back to Ashness and smoked a cigarette while he
+pondered what Grace had told him. He had seen that she did not altogether
+know her brother's offense, but since money was needed, Kit could guess;
+Gerald had been betting or speculating and had used money that was not
+his. Undoubtedly, Kit did not think he had robbed his employers, because,
+if he had done so, he would not have stayed at Tarnside. He had, however,
+robbed somebody, and as Kit remembered his skill with the pen he saw a
+light. Gerald had used somebody else's name, on the back of a bill or
+promissory note, and now the bill must be met.
+
+Presently he heard steps in the passage and looking up as Gerald came in
+indicated a chair. Gerald sat down and for a few moments Kit studied him
+quietly. It was obvious that he felt some strain, but his look was
+resolute and Kit owned that he had more pluck than he had thought. The
+room was very quiet and the shadow of a big ash tree fell across the open
+window. The musical tinkle of a binder working among the corn came
+faintly down the dale.
+
+"Well?" said Gerald, conscious of a sense of relief in Askew's presence.
+"You sent for me."
+
+"I did. Your sister told me something; all she knew, perhaps, but not
+enough. Anyhow, you are in trouble about money and I promised to help."
+
+"For my sake?" Gerald asked.
+
+Kit frowned. "Not altogether, but we'll let that go. If I am to be
+of use, you had better state the trouble plainly. I must know how
+things are."
+
+"I suppose if you find the money I need, it will give you a claim on us,"
+Gerald remarked meaningly.
+
+"Yes," said Kit, with a steady look. "But that won't make any difference.
+I don't mean to urge my claim. I expect this clears the ground?"
+
+"It does; it's some relief. As a matter of fact, nobody can help quite as
+much as you."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I think I see! You used _my_ name. What was the sum for
+which you made me responsible?"
+
+Gerald told him and waited anxiously when Kit knitted his brows. The sum
+was not so large as the latter had thought and Osborn's inability to
+raise it indicated that he was seriously embarrassed.
+
+"I understand your father applied to Thorn," said Kit. "Does he know you
+have come to me?"
+
+"He does not; nobody knows but Grace. I'd better state that I did
+come because I thought you'd take a generous line, and I'm doubtful
+about Thorn."
+
+Kit made a sign of understanding. "Thorn hasn't arrived yet?" he said.
+
+"He sent a note he'd come across, but when I left he hadn't arrived. My
+notion is he's waiting until the last moment, with the object of making
+us realize we must have his help."
+
+"It's possible," said Kit, who approved Gerald's handling of the matter.
+The lad was a wastrel, but he had run some risk in order to save his
+sister from being forced to pay for his fault. "We won't bother about
+Thorn's object," he resumed. "Tell me about your difficulties. I don't
+want a half confidence."
+
+Gerald hesitated and then began his tale. He had used the bank's money
+to speculate with and had lost. Plunging again, in the hope of getting
+straight, he had got alarmed when the margin shrank, and had gone to
+Hallam, the money-lender. The latter had insisted on a guarantee for the
+bill and Gerald had used Kit's name. He replaced the bank's money and had
+hoped the shares would go up before the bill fell due, but they had not.
+
+"Well," said Kit quietly, "I expected something like this, and when the
+fellow brings the bill to your father it must be met." He stopped and
+picking up a newspaper studied the steamship advertisements. Then he
+turned to Gerald.
+
+"There's another thing. You can't get a post in England, and for your
+mother's and sister's sakes, had better leave the country. A fast New
+York boat sails from Liverpool to-morrow. You must get off by
+to-night's train."
+
+Gerald looked at him with surprise. "But I'm not going to New York. I've
+no money and don't know what to do when I get there."
+
+"I'll fix that," Kit said dryly. "You are going, anyhow. If you deliver
+the letter I'll give you to some people in Mobile, they'll find you a
+job. The rest will depend upon yourself."
+
+For a few moments Gerald hesitated, and then got up. "Very well!
+Perhaps it's the best chance I'll get, and I'll take it. But I must go
+back and pack."
+
+"I think not," said Kit. "There's not much time. I must see the bank
+manager at his house first of all, and start soon. You'll come with me to
+the town. Sit down and write to your mother; I'll see she gets the note."
+
+Gerald did as he was told and not long afterwards Kit and he drove out of
+the Ashness lonning and took the road to the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+As the sun got lower an apathetic gloom began to replace the anxiety that
+had kept the Osborns highly strung. Mrs. Osborn went dejectedly about the
+house, sometimes moving an ornament and putting away a book, for her
+brain was dull and she felt incapable of the effort to rouse herself for
+her daughter's sake. Thorn had not arrived and if he did not come soon he
+would be too late. On the whole, this was some relief, although it meant
+that there was no escape from the disaster that threatened her home.
+
+Torn by conflicting emotions, she had since morning struggled against
+the binding force of her traditions. In a sense, it was Grace's duty to
+save the family honor, but the duty would cost the girl too much. Yet,
+if Grace failed them, Gerald must suffer, and she doubted if her
+husband could bear the shame that must fall on all. Now, however, she
+was conscious of a numbing resignation that blunted feeling and dulled
+her brain.
+
+In the meantime, Grace stood at the lodge gate, watching the road to
+Ashness while the shadows crept across the dale. Gerald had not come
+back and she had not told her mother where he had gone. The delay was
+worrying, particularly since Kit had sent no message. He had said he
+could help and one could trust him, but he did not come and the
+confidence she had felt was vanishing. If it was not well placed,
+there was no escape for her, and she shrank with horror from meeting
+Thorn's demand.
+
+The shadows got longer, but nothing moved on the road that ran like a
+white riband across the fields until it vanished among the trees at
+Ashness. Presently, however, she heard the throb of a car coming up the
+valley and a cloud of dust rolled up behind a hedge. It was Thorn's car;
+she knew its hum and as she watched the dust get nearer her face went
+white. Then, as the hum became loud and menacing, she clenched her hand
+and ran in nervous panic up the drive. She was breathless when she
+reached the house, but pulled herself together and went to a quiet room
+where she would be alone.
+
+Osborn, sitting in the library, heard the car, and got up with a sense of
+relief and shrinking. He had been afraid that Thorn would fail him, and
+now he almost wished that the fellow had not come. He was not in the mood
+to be logical, and although it was obvious that Thorn alone could save
+him from disaster, knowing what Grace must pay hurt him more than he had
+thought. Yet she must pay; he could find no other plan. Now he was
+acquiescent but not resigned, and his hopelessness gave him calm.
+
+Thorn's face was hot when he came in, and he glanced at Osborn with an
+effort for carelessness when the latter indicated a chair. Osborn looked
+old and broken, but he had a touch of dignity that was new.
+
+"I'm sorry if I'm late," Thorn remarked. "I had to go to Swinset and had
+trouble with the car."
+
+Osborn wondered dully whether this was the real ground for his delay, but
+he said, "Oh, well, it does not matter now you have arrived. I gave you a
+hint about my object in sending for you, but you don't know all yet."
+
+"I imagine I know enough. Gerald's in trouble; he or you must meet the
+bill Hallam will bring. You see, the fellow belongs to my club and I had
+a talk with him when I was in town."
+
+"So you knew what threatened us?" Osborn remarked, rather sharply. "If
+so, it's curious you waited until I sent for you."
+
+Thorn hesitated. He had meant to be tactful, but it looked as if he had
+been rash. Osborn's suspicions were obviously excited.
+
+"The matter is delicate, and I knew you would send for me if you thought
+I could be of use."
+
+"You can be of use. Unless I take up the fellow's bill, Gerald will
+go to jail."
+
+Thorn made a sign of sympathy. He was surprised by Osborn's bluntness,
+which implied that the latter was desperate. "That must be prevented.
+I'll give you a cheque."
+
+He took out his cheque book, and then stopped, and Osborn asked: "Is this
+a free loan, Alan? I mean, is it made without conditions?"
+
+"A gift, if you like. Anyhow, I won't bother you about repayment. We
+can't talk about _conditions_; but I have something to ask."
+
+"Grace?" said Osborn, rather hoarsely.
+
+"Yes," said Thorn, with a hint of embarrassment. "I want Grace. It's an
+awkward situation. I don't want to urge that I deserve my reward, but
+I've waited a long time and thought you approved."
+
+"I did approve. I hoped she'd marry you, but I imagined she could be
+persuaded and would do so willingly. However, it looks as if I was
+mistaken."
+
+Thorn leaned forward, fixing his eyes on Osborn.
+
+"Grace is young, and perhaps I don't make a strong appeal to her
+romantic feelings, but I belong to her rank and her views and tastes
+are mine. That is much. Also, I can indulge and give her all she likes;
+the refinements and comforts to which she is, in a sense, entitled.
+After all, they count for something. I'm trying to be practical, but I
+love her."
+
+"If you really love her, I think you would do well not to urge her just
+now," Osborn remarked quietly.
+
+"Ah," said Thorn, "I can't wait. Waiting has gained me nothing and there
+is a risk. If I were young, I'd use all the patience I could control, but
+I'm getting old and farther away from Grace. In another year or two I
+shall be bald and fat. Perhaps the argument's humorous, but it has a
+cruel force for me."
+
+"There are other girls, brought up as we have brought up Grace. They
+might be flattered--"
+
+Thorn spread out his hands. "You don't understand. I'm not looking for a
+wife! I love her, and if she cannot be persuaded, will never marry
+anybody else." He paused and resumed with some emotion: "I know the
+shabbiness of using this opportunity; but it's the last I'll get. I don't
+want to work on her gratitude, but I see no other plan. I would like to
+be generous--but I can't let her go."
+
+"Yet you seem to realize that she does not like you."
+
+"She will get over that. Her likes and dislikes haven't yet hardened into
+their final mold. She's impulsive and generous; I can win her by patience
+and kindness."
+
+"It is a rash experiment. If you are disappointed, Grace would
+have to pay."
+
+Thorn was silent for a few moments. He had talked with sincere passion,
+but now began to think. Osborn's firmness was something of a surprise;
+Thorn had not expected he would weigh his daughter's feelings against the
+danger that threatened his house. His opposition must be broken down.
+
+"I had hoped for your consent," he said and his face got hard. "To some
+extent, I took it for granted."
+
+Osborn's head sunk forward. He had struggled, but saw that he was beaten.
+To beg would be useless and he could not fight. Pulling himself together
+with an effort, he looked up.
+
+"You mean you knew I could not refuse?"
+
+"Yes," said Thorn, awkwardly, "I suppose I do mean something like that."
+
+Osborn gave him a long, steady look. Thorn's face was set and his mouth
+was firm. There was no hint of yielding and Osborn got up. "Very well; I
+must tell my wife."
+
+He rang a bell and a minute or two afterwards Mrs. Osborn came in. She
+sat down and Osborn stood opposite.
+
+"Alan has done us the honor of asking my consent to his marrying Grace,"
+he said, with ironical formality. "If we approve, he is willing to help
+Gerald." He turned to Thorn. "I think I have stated your terms?"
+
+Thorn colored as he saw that Mrs. Osborn's eyes were fixed on him. "You
+exaggerate. I am willing to do you a service that nobody else can render
+and think I'm justified in counting on your gratitude."
+
+"Very well," said Osborn. "I don't see much difference, except that you
+want to save our pride." He paused and looked at his wife. "You know
+Grace best. Will she consent?"
+
+Something in his manner moved Mrs. Osborn. It was long since he had asked
+what she thought, and she felt encouraged. Besides, now the crisis had
+come, her irresolution had vanished. She had thrown off her reserve and
+meant to defend her daughter.
+
+"No," she said, with a determined note in her quiet voice. "Even if
+she were willing, I should protest. The fault is Gerald's and he
+must suffer."
+
+Osborn felt some surprise, but his humiliation had made him gentle.
+"Gerald cannot suffer alone. His disgrace will reflect upon us all and if
+he has a son it will follow him. We have been reckless and extravagant,
+but we have kept our good name and now, when it is all that is left us,
+it must be protected."
+
+"That was Gerald's duty," Mrs. Osborn rejoined and was silent for a few
+moments. To some extent, her husband's point of view was hers and she
+knew his finest quality was his exaggerated family pride. But she would
+not force her daughter to marry Thorn.
+
+"I will not consent," she resumed. "Grace has long suffered for her
+brother's extravagance, but she shall not pay for his folly now. It is
+unjust; the price is too high!" Then she gave Thorn an appealing glance.
+"Alan, can you not be generous?"
+
+"I'm not brave enough; it might cost me too much," Thorn answered in a
+strained voice. "I cannot let Grace go. She would be happy with me
+after a time."
+
+Mrs. Osborn made a scornful gesture and there was silence. Osborn moved
+irresolutely and it looked as if he were hesitating; then steps echoed
+along the landing and he started as Kit came in. Thorn's face got very
+dark, but Mrs. Osborn looked up with a strange sense of relief.
+
+"I didn't stop to ask if you were at home," Kit remarked. "As you know,
+time is getting short. I understand a man from London will bring you a
+document about a loan."
+
+"That is so," said Osborn, hoarsely. "What are you going to do about the
+document?"
+
+"Take it up," Kit answered, with a look of surprise. "My name's on the
+back." He paused and glanced at Thorn. "Still, this is a matter I'd
+sooner talk about with you alone."
+
+Thorn got up, making an effort for self-control. "Since Mr. Askew has
+arrived I needn't stay." He bowed to Mrs. Osborn. "It looks as if I had
+not understood things. You won't need my help."
+
+He went out with a curious heavy step, and when the door shut, Osborn sat
+down and looked at Kit as if he had got a shock.
+
+"Then, you haven't come to humble me?"
+
+"Certainly not," said Kit. "I should have come before, but had to find my
+bank manager, who had left his office."
+
+"Where is Gerald? What have you done with him?" Mrs. Osborn asked, for
+she began to see a light.
+
+"Gerald's at the station hotel, waiting for the train to Liverpool. He
+sails for New York to-morrow and takes a letter to some friends of mine
+who will give him a good start. He sent a note."
+
+Mrs. Osborn read the note and her eyes shone as she turned them on Kit.
+"It is perhaps the best plan. I would have liked to see him; but I
+thank you."
+
+"What I have done cost me nothing, and I imagine Gerald will have as good
+as chance of making progress as he had at the bank, while the excitement
+he'll probably get will suit him better. But Hallam will be here soon if
+the train is punctual, and before he comes I want to know--"
+
+At this moment they heard a car come up the drive, a servant knocked at
+the door, and Hallam was shown in. He sat down in front of the table
+where Osborn told him, and glanced at Kit.
+
+"This is Mr. Askew," Osborn said. "Mrs. Osborn will stay; she knows your
+business."
+
+Hallam bowed and tried not to look surprised. "Very well. I have brought
+the document about which you wrote. I am sorry I find it impossible to
+renew the loan."
+
+"Let me see the bill," said Kit, who took it from him and afterwards
+nodded. "Yes; that's all right! Cancel the thing and I'll give you a
+cheque."
+
+"You admit your liability, then?" Hallam asked.
+
+"Of course! What did you expect? My name's here. It's not my habit to
+disown my debts."
+
+Hallam did not state what he had expected. He was tactful and was
+satisfied to get his money. Pulling out a fountain pen, he cancelled the
+bill and put Kit's cheque in his pocket.
+
+"That is all, I think, and I can get a train if I start at once," he
+said. "If you should require help to extend your farm or improve your
+stock, I should be glad if you would apply to me."
+
+"I'm afraid your interest is too high," Kit rejoined with a smile, and
+Hallam bowed to the others and went out.
+
+When he had gone, Osborn turned to Kit, who gave Mrs. Osborn the
+cancelled bill.
+
+"I don't understand," he said dully. "Why have you come to my rescue?"
+
+"To some extent, it was for Miss Osborn's sake."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn. "I suppose you have a demand to make now I am in
+your power?"
+
+"You are not in my power. Mrs. Osborn has the bill, and if you cannot
+repay me, I won't urge the debt. But there is, so to speak, a
+stipulation. You must use no pressure to persuade Miss Osborn to marry
+Mr. Thorn."
+
+"I am not likely to do so," Osborn remarked, dryly. He paused and his
+face got red as he struggled with his deep-rooted dislike for Kit.
+
+"You have taken a very generous line, Mr. Askew," he resumed. "We have
+not been friends, but I must confess it looks as if I had been unjust."
+
+Kit smiled. "Luck made us antagonists. However, I hope the antagonism has
+gone for good, because after all I have something to ask. I must go to
+London on some business to-morrow, but with your leave I will again call
+in a week."
+
+"You will find us at home when you do come," Osborn answered with grave
+politeness, and when Kit got up Mrs. Osborn gave him her hand.
+
+He went out and Osborn, who felt limp now the strain had slackened,
+leaned back heavily in his chair and looked at his wife.
+
+"The fellow is a working farmer, but he struck just the right note. Well,
+he has beaten me, and it's easier to be beaten by him than I thought. But
+he states he's coming back--"
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Osborn. "I think he means to ask for Grace."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. "I imagined that was done with. It is one thing
+to take his help and another to give him Grace. After all, there is not
+much difference between his plan and Thorn's."
+
+"I expect you will find the difference important," Mrs. Osborn replied
+with a smile. "He has broken down your unjustified prejudice, and if he
+is the man I think, he will leave Grace free to refuse--if she likes."
+
+Then she went out, for the strain had been hard to bear, and Osborn sat
+at the table with his hand tightly closed. He admitted that he had from
+the beginning been wrong about Kit, but his prejudices were not
+altogether banished yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+GRACE'S CHOICE
+
+
+A week after Hallam's visit, Kit, one afternoon, started for Tarnside. He
+had been forced to go to London about some American business, but this
+was a relief, since it gave him an excuse for delay. At his interview
+with Osborn he had left the most important thing unsaid, because it might
+have jarred Mrs. Osborn, whom he thought his friend, had he asked for
+Grace at the moment he had put her father in his debt. In fact, he saw it
+would be tactful if he waited for some time, but he did not mean to do
+so. To some extent, he distrusted Osborn and resolved to make his request
+before the latter's gratitude began to cool. Grace must have full liberty
+to refuse, but he did not owe her father much.
+
+He wondered how she would choose and his step got slower until he stopped
+and, sitting on a broken wall, looked up the valley. The day was calm and
+the sun shone on smooth pasture and yellow corn. The becks had shrunk in
+the shady ghylls and a thin white line was all that marked the fall where
+the main stream leaped down the Force Crag. On the steep slopes the
+heather made purple patches among the bent-grass and Malton moor shone
+red. Kit loved the quiet hills; he had known intrigue and adventure and
+now saw his work waiting in his native dale. The soil called him; his job
+was to extend the plow-land and improve his flocks.
+
+This was important, because he could not tell how far Grace would
+sympathize. Her father liked the leading place; an effort for display
+and such luxury as could be cheaply got were the rule at Tarnside. It was
+possible that Grace had unconsciously accepted a false standard of
+values. Kit might, for her sake, have changed his mode of life, had he
+thought it good for her, but he did not. She must have inherited
+something of Osborn's tastes and to copy the Tarnside customs might
+encourage their development. It was better to remove her from insidious
+influences to fresh surroundings where she would, so to speak, breath a
+bracing air. But this could not be done unless she were willing to go.
+
+Kit knitted his brows as he mused, because there was not much to indicate
+whether he would find Grace willing or not. She liked him well enough,
+but he had not ventured to pose as her lover. He was too proud and
+jealous for her; knowing what Osborn thought, he would not involve her in
+a secret intrigue. Yet she had been kind and he had now and then got a
+hint of an elusive tenderness. Moreover, in her distress, she had come to
+him. She was proud and he thought would not have asked his help unless
+she was willing to give something in return.
+
+After a time he got up with a quick, resolute movement. He would soon
+know if he had set his hopes too high, and would gain nothing by
+indulging his doubts. Crossing a field where the binders were at work, he
+went up the Tarnside drive with a firm step and saw Osborn and Mrs.
+Osborn sitting under the copper-beech. It looked as if they were waiting
+for him, and he braced himself as he advanced. Mrs. Osborn smiled as she
+gave him her hand and Osborn indicated a box of cigarettes.
+
+"Sit down. Mrs. Osborn will give you some tea presently," he said, with
+an effort for hospitable politeness, because he could not yet resign
+himself to the demand his wife expected Kit would make. "You have been
+to town on business," he resumed, feeling that silence would be awkward.
+"I hope you found things satisfactory."
+
+"I did," said Kit, who was glad that Osborn had, no doubt unconsciously,
+given him a lead. He had gone to visit the agents of his American
+bankers, and had learned that Adam's estate had turned out to be worth
+more than he had thought. "It was a relief, because it helps me to get
+over some of the hesitation I felt," he resumed. "I want your permission
+to ask Miss Osborn if she will marry me."
+
+Osborn tried to hide his disturbed feelings and answered with forced
+quietness: "My wife warned me that I might expect something like this,
+but I must own that I find agreement hard. However, after the help you
+have given us, it is plain that I must try to overcome my reluctance."
+
+"That is all I ask in the meantime," said Kit. "I don't expect you to
+influence Miss Osborn. In fact, she must understand that I have no claim
+and feel herself free to refuse."
+
+"You are generous," Mrs. Osborn remarked. "Of course, it is obvious that
+her gratitude must count for much."
+
+"I don't want her gratitude to count," Kit declared, and Osborn gave him
+a puzzled glance.
+
+"There is something else that must be said. Grace has been indulged and
+knows nothing of self-denial. Frugality that you think proper and usual
+would be hardship to her. Can you give your wife the comforts and
+refinements she has had at home?"
+
+Kit noted Mrs. Osborn's faint smile and wondered whether it hinted at
+ironical amusement, but he put a document on the table.
+
+"You are entitled to ask and I have brought a short draught of the
+arrangements I am ready to make if I am fortunate enough to win your
+daughter."
+
+Osborn picked up the paper and gave it to his wife. Then he looked at
+Kit with surprise.
+
+"This alters things; you are almost a rich man! If you wanted, you could
+buy a house like Tarnside."
+
+"No," said Kit firmly; "it alters nothing and leaves me where I was. I'm
+satisfied with Ashness."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn. "You mean you would sooner be a working farmer than a
+country gentleman? The preference is somewhat remarkable!"
+
+"I know where I belong. The important thing is that if Miss Osborn
+marries me, she will be a farmer's wife."
+
+"Exactly," said Osborn. "From my point of view, it's an awkward drawback.
+I doubt if my daughter is suited for the part." He looked at Mrs. Osborn
+and resumed: "But this is a matter Grace must decide about and you
+insisted that no pressure should be used. I imagine you were afraid of my
+influence and do not know if I am afraid of yours or not. If you agree, I
+will send for her."
+
+Kit said he was willing and was silent when Osborn went away. Although he
+imagined Mrs. Osborn was sympathetic, he could not force himself to talk.
+Since he had insisted that persuasion must not be used, he could not
+demand to meet Grace alone and she might find it hard to accept his plans
+without some explanation, which would be awkward to give when her parents
+were there. He could, if he wanted, change his mode of life, but if they
+were to be happy, she must be removed from influences he thought
+dangerous and he must use his energy in useful work. He saw this very
+clearly; but whether Grace would see it was another thing.
+
+He felt some strain while he waited and watched the trembling
+shadows move upon the grass. The rays of light that pierced the dark
+foliage flickered about Mrs. Osborn's dress and when he glanced at
+her he thought her look encouraging, but she did not speak. By and
+by Osborn returned and said Grace was coming, and Kit found the
+suspense hard to bear.
+
+At length she came and his heart beat as he watched her cross the lawn.
+She wore a plain white dress and when she stopped in front of the others
+her face was pale but calm.
+
+"Mr. Askew has asked my permission to marry you and I cannot refuse if
+you agree," Osborn said in a formal tone. "He stipulates that I must not
+persuade you one way or the other, and declares that he does not want to
+work upon your gratitude."
+
+Some color came into Grace's face as she looked at Kit. "Then, you don't
+value my gratitude?"
+
+"I value it very much," Kit replied with forced quietness. "But I feel it
+ought not to count."
+
+He stopped awkwardly, for he noted a sparkle in Grace's eyes and felt
+that he was badly handicapped. She was proud and probably did not
+understand his disinterested attitude. It was a relief when Mrs. Osborn
+interposed:
+
+"Mr. Askew is trying to be just. We have agreed that you are not to be
+influenced."
+
+"Ah," said Grace, "I think I see--"
+
+She waited and Osborn went on: "Since you are to make a free choice, I
+must state things as plainly as I can. Mr. Askew is not poor; he is able
+to give you all we think you ought to have. In fact, there is no very
+obvious reason he should not leave Ashness, but he does not mean to do
+so, and although I cannot follow his argument, imagines that it would be
+better for you both if he carries on his farming. It looks as if he did
+not approve our rule."
+
+Kit frowned, and colored when Grace turned to him. On the whole,
+Osborn had not stated things incorrectly, but the situation was
+embarrassing; Grace would, no doubt, resent the stipulation he felt
+forced to make and expect a more lover-like attitude from the man who
+asked her to be his wife.
+
+"Grace," he said appealingly, "I'm afraid you don't understand. But when
+you must give up so much I durst not hide the drawbacks. Besides, it's
+agreed that I must not urge you."
+
+She studied him for a moment. "I do understand," she said, and then
+turned to Osborn. "I suppose you are trying to guard me, but I am not
+afraid. One gets tired of pretense and secret economy, and forced
+idleness has not much charm. Well, if Mr. Askew, knowing what he knows
+about us, is willing to run the risk--"
+
+"Grace!" said Kit, moving forward, but she stopped him with a
+proud gesture.
+
+"There is a risk. I think we shall both need courage, but if you are
+willing I need not hesitate. I will try to make a good farmer's wife."
+
+She turned and went away, and the blood came into Kit's face as he looked
+at Osborn.
+
+"I have played fair, but it was hard. Now you have heard her answer, I'm
+at liberty to plead my cause."
+
+Osborn said nothing, but his wife gave Kit a friendly smile and he
+went off with a resolute step in pursuit of Grace. He came up with
+her in a shrubbery, but it looked as if she did not hear him, for her
+head was bent.
+
+"Grace," he said, putting his hand on her arm. "I'm embarrassed and, in a
+way, ashamed."
+
+She turned and confronted him with her wonted calm. "I don't see why you
+are ashamed. You were just--I think I mean quite impartial. You wanted me
+to weigh things and would have been resigned if I had found the drawbacks
+too much."
+
+"It wasn't as easy as you think," said Kit grimly. "In fact, I was
+burning with anger and suspense. But, you see, I had promised your
+father--"
+
+"Yes," said Grace; "that was plain. You were firm when you thought I
+might be forced to marry Thorn, and when father agreed not to use his
+influence, I suppose you could not use yours. Well, I'm glad you were
+angry; it was human, and your scrupulous fairness was not flattering."
+She paused and, to Kit's relief, gave him a smile. "After all, it would
+not have hurt to be urged to marry the man I did like."
+
+"You mean me?" said Kit and boldly took her in his arms.
+
+She drew back from him, blushing, after a few moments, but Kit was
+content. There was something fascinatingly elusive about Grace and he
+could wait. They went on quietly down the path until they came to a bench
+in a shady nook. Kit leaned against a tree and Grace sat down.
+
+"Kit," she said, "I didn't know you were rich. It really doesn't matter,
+but I'm glad I fell in love with you when I didn't know."
+
+"Then, you were in love with me?"
+
+She smiled. "Of course! I must have been, when I came to you because I
+was afraid of Thorn. Love gave me confidence; I knew you would help. In
+a way, I did an extravagant thing, because you were not really like a
+lover at all."
+
+"The control I used often hurt," said Kit. "I was afraid I might alarm
+and lose you; it was much to see you now and then." He paused, feeling
+there was something to be said that must be said now. "However, about
+Ashness--"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "I suppose it cost you an effort to be firm and I
+hope it did. You needn't be afraid, though. When my father told me,
+I understood, and it won't hurt to leave Tarnside; I'm anxious to
+get away."
+
+"My dear!" said Kit. "Ashness has some charm and we will try to make it a
+proper home for you."
+
+"It is a home; I sometimes went to see your father--I liked him so much,
+Kit. One feels the old house has sheltered sincere men and women who
+loved each other and something they left haunts the quiet spot. I don't
+want you to alter it much."
+
+"You shall alter it as you like. The only rule at Ashness will be what
+pleases you."
+
+"Now you're very nice! I'm going to be happy because I can be myself. So
+far, I've been forced to be reserved. You don't really know me, Kit."
+
+"Perhaps that's true," Kit remarked. "You're wonderful, because there's
+always some fresh charm to learn. I thought I knew you before I went
+away, but when I came back I saw how foolish I was. I wonder whether you
+knew I loved you then?"
+
+Grace blushed. "I think I knew, and felt cheated."
+
+"Why did you feel cheated?"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "I liked you! I was young and felt I was entitled to
+love a man who loved me, if I wanted, but couldn't use my right. Then,
+not long since, when you were so grave and just, I felt I had been
+cheated worse."
+
+"I see," said Kit and came nearer the bench. "I was cheated, too. But
+look at me, dear, and I'll try to tell you all I think."
+
+He told her with fire and passion and when he stopped, bending down to
+her, she put her arm round his neck.
+
+"Now you're ridiculously romantic, but you're very charming, Kit," she
+said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OSBORN'S SURRENDER
+
+
+By degrees Osborn accepted his daughter's choice philosophically. Kit was
+not the son-in-law he had wanted, but he was forced to admit that the
+fellow jarred less than he had thought. For one thing, he never reminded
+Osborn of the benefit he had conferred, and the latter noted that his
+country-house neighbors opened their doors to him. They could not, of
+course, altogether ignore the man Grace had promised to marry, but Osborn
+soon had grounds for imagining that they liked Kit for himself. The
+wedding had been fixed and Osborn, although not satisfied, was resigned.
+
+In the meantime, it began to look as if the gloom that had long ruled at
+Tarnside was banished. Mrs. Osborn's reserve was less marked, she smiled,
+and her step was lighter. Grace, too, had changed, and developed. She had
+often been impatient but now was marked by a happy calm. Osborn found her
+gentler and sometimes strangely compliant, although he felt he must make
+no rash demands. The girl indulged him, but she could be firm. Her new
+serenity had a charm. Moreover, Gerald wrote cheerful letters and
+declared that he was making better progress than would have been possible
+for him at home.
+
+Osborn had seldom thought much about the happiness of his family, but he
+felt a dull satisfaction because things were going well with the others.
+It was a set-off against his troubles, which were getting worse. The
+improvements his tenants and Hayes had forced him to make cost more than
+he calculated and he met stubborn resistance when he talked about putting
+up the rents. The money he had got by the last mortgage had gone; he
+could not borrow more, and his creditors demanded payment of his debts.
+He put off the reckoning, however, until, one day when he drove to the
+market town to consult his agent, he got a rude jar.
+
+In the first place, Hayes kept him waiting in a cold room, and he stood
+for a time by the window, looking out drearily at the old-fashioned
+square. The day was bleak and wet, and the high moors that shut in the
+little town loomed, blurred and forbidding, through drifting mist. The
+square was empty, the fronts of the tall old houses were dark with rain,
+and the drops from a clump of bare trees fell in a steady shower on the
+grass behind the iron rails. The gloom reacted upon Osborn's disturbed
+mood, and he frowned when Hayes came in.
+
+"I sent you word that I would call," he said.
+
+"You did," Hayes agreed. "I was occupied when my clerk told me you
+were here."
+
+Osborn looked at him with some surprise. Hayes was very cool and not
+apologetic. "Well," he said, "you know what I want to talk about. I
+suppose you have seen Forsyth and Langdon about the renewal of their
+leases?"
+
+"Yes. Both state they'll go sooner than pay you extra rent."
+
+"Then they must go," Osborn rejoined, trying to hide his disappointment,
+since he had spent some money on the steadings in the hope of raising the
+rent. Now he came to think of it, Hayes had held this out as an
+inducement when he urged the expenditure. "It looks as if your judgment
+wasn't very good, but by comparison with other things the matter's not
+important," he resumed. "You know the sum I'll need between now and the
+end of the term?"
+
+"I do know. In fact, I imagine you will need more than you suspect,"
+Hayes rejoined. "You'll find it impossible to borrow the money on
+satisfactory terms."
+
+Osborn looked hard at him. The fellow's manner was rather abrupt than
+sympathetic; but Hayes went on: "Before we advertise for new tenants,
+there is something I want to suggest. Although the farms are mortgaged, I
+might be able to find a buyer--at a price."
+
+"No," said Osborn firmly. "The buyer would have to undertake the debt and
+the sum he would be willing to pay would not last me long. When it was
+spent I'd have practically nothing left."
+
+"The situation's awkward; but there it is! Of course, if you were able to
+carry on until your rents come in--"
+
+"You know I can't carry on. I came to you, hoping you might suggest a
+workable plan. Who is the buyer?"
+
+"I am," said Hayes.
+
+Osborn's face got red and he struggled for self-control. The fellow
+was his servant, but it looked as if he had cunningly involved him in
+entanglements an honest agent would have avoided. Osborn remembered
+that he had sometimes vaguely suspected Hayes. Now he knew him, it
+was too late.
+
+"I may be forced to sell, but not to you," he said haughtily.
+
+Hayes shrugged. "That must be as you like, but I'm able to give you a
+better price than anybody else. I have an object for buying the farms
+and, if necessary, would pay something near their proper value, without
+taking off much for the debt. Anyhow, you had better look at this
+statement of your liabilities."
+
+Osborn studied the document with a hopeless feeling. Things were worse
+than he had feared and it cost him an effort to pull himself together
+when he looked up.
+
+"Why do you want to buy?" he asked.
+
+"Well, you see, the land between Forsyth's and the dale-head is heavily
+mortgaged, and, taking the two farms with the others, would make a
+compact block that could be economically worked. The new estate would run
+down to Tarnside, and since you may find it needful to sell the house, I
+might make you an offer."
+
+"But the consolidation wouldn't help _you_," Osborn remarked with
+a puzzled look. "It would, perhaps, be an advantage for the mortgage
+holders."
+
+"I hold the mortgages," Hayes said quietly.
+
+Osborn started. "But," he stammered, "I got the money from somebody
+else."
+
+"That is so. I bought the other debts, and supplied the funds when you
+raised new loans."
+
+"You bought the debts with my money!" Osborn exclaimed. "You used your
+post to rob me of my estate!"
+
+"I suppose one must make allowances, but you are unjust. You got the
+proper value for the land you pawned, and squandered the money. The
+consequence was inevitable and it's futile to complain. For that
+matter, it is not altogether unusual for a landlord and his steward to
+change places."
+
+"I trusted you and you cheated me," Osborn resumed with poignant
+bitterness.
+
+"You lived in false security and refused to think. You knew the reckoning
+must come, but were satisfied if you could put it off. Now you must bear
+the consequences, it is not my fault. However, this is not important.
+Will you sell?"
+
+"No," said Osborn hoarsely. "I will not sell to _you_."
+
+Hayes smiled. "You must sell to somebody and will not get as good a
+price."
+
+Osborn got up and went out with a dragging step. The blow had left him
+numb, but as he drove home in the rain he had a hazy notion that Hayes'
+statements were to some extent justified. He had lived in false security;
+seeing how things were going and yet refusing to believe. Somehow, it had
+looked impossible for him to lose Tarnside. The estate was his by the
+sacred right of inheritance; for a hundred years there had been an Osborn
+at the Hall. Yet the estate had gone, and he was to blame. It had, so to
+speak, melted in his careless hands. He felt old and broken when he told
+his wife and daughter about the interview.
+
+Mrs. Osborn did not look as much surprised as he had thought and Grace,
+although sympathetic, was calm. They had known the blow was coming and
+were ready for the shock. After a time, Osborn left them and Grace looked
+at her mother.
+
+"I must tell Kit."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Osborn. "I think he ought to know, though this is not a
+matter in which he can help."
+
+"It looks like that," Grace agreed and then paused with a confident
+smile. "But Kit's rather wonderful; you don't really know him yet. He
+always finds a way when there is something hard to be done."
+
+"Ah," said Mrs. Osborn, "there is comfort in our troubles since they have
+given you a man you can trust."
+
+Grace went to Ashness and found Kit studying some accounts in the room
+she called his museum.
+
+"Put the books away, come to the fire and talk to me," said Grace, and
+stopped him when he moved a chair. "I think I'll take the low stool. It's
+wretchedly cold and I really came to be comforted."
+
+She sat down, leaning against his chair with her head turned so that she
+could look up, and held her hands to the fire. Kit's heart beat, for
+Grace had developed recently; her reserve had gone and a curious, frank
+tenderness had come instead.
+
+"This is very nice," she resumed. "There's something very homelike about
+Ashness. Perhaps I'm romantic, but I sometimes feel as if your father was
+still at the old house. It's kind and quiet--like him. Don't you think
+people can leave an influence, Kit?"
+
+"Yours will last. So far, I haven't had much quietness."
+
+"I'm afraid I've come to bother you again. I hate to bother you, but
+somehow trouble seems to follow me."
+
+"Your troubles are mine," Kit said and stroked her head. "Tell me
+about it."
+
+Grace told him, and although he said nothing, waited calmly. His face was
+thoughtful but the silence was not awkward; she felt that it was marked
+by an intimate confidence.
+
+"Kit," she resumed at length, "I don't know if you can help, or if you
+ought. You must decide, dear. I just wanted to tell you, and I'm
+comforted."
+
+"I can help," Kit answered quietly. "People abroad have paid some debts I
+didn't expect to get and I'm richer than I thought." He paused and mused
+for a moment or two. "It's strange the thing should happen now. When I
+came home I imagined Ashness would occupy all my time, but I soon began
+to feel I hadn't scope enough. You see, I'd been with Adam and he was a
+hustler. Well, it looks as if I had found a new field."
+
+"You mean you might buy Tarnside?"
+
+"Yes. I think the estate might be made to pay. High farming's a risky
+business in our climate and we have been satisfied to spend little and
+get a small return. I think there's a better plan than that; if one uses
+modern methods and can invest the capital. However, I see an obstacle to
+my buying Tarnside."
+
+"Father?" Grace suggested. "Well, I'm afraid he would never be economical
+and he likes to rule. But I didn't mean, Kit, that you should give him
+money to squander."
+
+"I know," said Kit gently, although his face was rather stern. "Adam's
+legacy must not be wasted in extravagance. Then, you see, Tarnside ought
+to have been Gerald's; but he's ruled out--"
+
+Grace looked up. "Yes, Kit. Now you have given him a fresh start, he may
+make a useful man, but Tarnside is not for him." She paused and blushed,
+but her glance was steady as she went on: "It must be ours, if you buy
+it, for us to hold in trust--"
+
+She turned her head and Kit quietly touched her hair. They were silent
+for a few moments and then he said, "If the estate is to be properly
+managed, my part will need much tact and I'm impatient now and then. But,
+we would live at Ashness and your mother would understand my
+difficulties."
+
+"She would help. Father's old, Kit, and might be indulged. You would try
+not to hurt him, and could consult him about things that didn't matter. I
+think he'd be satisfied if you let him imagine he had some control."
+
+Kit smiled. "Very well; we will make the plunge. Tell your father to do
+nothing until Hayes moves. The fellow's cunning and it might be better if
+he didn't know what we mean to do."
+
+He bent down and kissed her and she pressed her face against his hand.
+"Kit, you're wonderful. Things get done when you come on the scene, but
+perhaps you're nicest when they're done for me. After all, I am an Osborn
+and would have hated to let Tarnside go; let's plan what we can do when
+it belongs to us."
+
+For a time they engaged in happy talk, but Kit reopened his account books
+when Grace went home. It looked as if he were about to make a rash
+plunge, because he would not have much money left when he had carried out
+his plans. However, he could guard against the worst risks and on the
+whole imagined the venture ought to pay.
+
+Some weeks later, Osborn sent for him and on reaching Tarnside he was
+shown into the library. Mrs. Osborn was with her husband and there was a
+bundle of papers on the big table.
+
+"I have got the particulars you wanted," Osborn said. "Hayes will arrive
+in half an hour, but that should give us time enough."
+
+Kit nodded. "Yes, I want a few minutes."
+
+When he had studied the documents he looked up. Tarnside would soon be
+his and he glanced about the library with a new curiosity. Although the
+day was dark and rain beat upon the high windows, the light was strong
+enough to show the fine modeling of the old and shabby furniture. It was
+a noble room and with well used money could be given a touch of
+stateliness; but there was something cold and austere about Tarnside,
+while Ashness was homelike and warm. His short survey strengthened Kit's
+half-conscious feeling that he belonged to the farm and not the Hall.
+
+"Two things are obvious," he remarked. "The mortgages must be wiped off;
+and when other debts have been paid, the rents of the land I'm willing to
+redeem ought to keep you going, if they're economically used."
+
+"I doubt it," Osborn rejoined. "So far, the rent of the whole estate have
+failed to do so."
+
+"They will do so now," Kit said rather dryly, "That is, if I'm to free
+the land. But you must decide if you will help or not."
+
+He looked at Mrs. Osborn, who made a sign of agreement "There will be
+enough, Kit. Indeed, in some ways, we shall be better off than we were."
+
+"You have pluck," said Kit, and turned to Osborn, knowing he must be
+firm. "The house and grounds will be yours to use as you like and the
+farmers will bring their complaints and requests first to you. You will
+be the acknowledged landlord and I shall be glad of your advice; but the
+expenditure will be controlled by me."
+
+Osborn did not reply, but Mrs. Osborn said, "It is a generous offer."
+
+Kit waited, conscious of some suspense, for he doubted if Osborn's pride
+was quite humbled yet. He did not want to humble him, but, for the sake
+of Grace and her mother, did not mean to let him wreck his plans. After a
+few moments Osborn looked up.
+
+"It is a hard choice, but you have taken the proper line and I'm
+resigned," he said. "After all, I have had my day, and although luck has
+been against me, cannot claim that I have used it well. Besides, I'm not
+robbing Gerald by agreeing to your plan; Gerald robbed himself and me."
+He paused and went on with some emotion: "Very well, I'm ready to
+abdicate, and thank you for trying to save my feelings by giving me
+nominal control."
+
+There was nothing more of much importance to be said, and with the object
+of banishing the strain, Kit began to talk about improving some of the
+farms. Osborn did not help him much, but he kept it up until Hayes
+arrived. The latter seemed surprised to see Kit and hesitated when Osborn
+indicated a chair.
+
+"Mrs. Osborn will stay, and I brought Mr. Askew to meet you."
+
+"As you like," said Hayes, who looked annoyed, but sat down and took
+out some documents. "You have had formal notice that repayment of these
+loans is due, and it would be an advantage to make arrangements for
+taking up the other mortgages that will soon run out. Some time since, I
+made you an offer that you refused."
+
+"That is so," Osborn agreed. "Your offer is still unacceptable. What are
+you going to do?"
+
+"I must advertise the mortgaged farms for public sale, and when arrears
+of interest, various charges, and smaller loans are deducted, there will
+probably be nothing left. The rest is not my business, but I have managed
+the estate and do not see how you can carry on."
+
+"It is not your business, and Mr. Askew has a plan."
+
+Hayes smiled as he turned to Kit. "You may perhaps resent my advice, but
+I think it's sound; you would be rash to meddle. A small sum would be
+swallowed up and make no difference. You would be poorer and Mr. Osborn
+would not gain."
+
+"That's obvious, if the sum were small," Kit agreed. "But how much do you
+expect to get if you sell the farms?"
+
+He nodded when Hayes told him. "A fair estimate! I think we can take it
+as the proper price. You mean to buy the farms in, but I want them too,
+and if you force a sale, I'll bid higher."
+
+"Can you bid against me?" Hayes asked with something of a sneer.
+
+"I'll answer that afterwards. In the meantime, let me state that I want
+the other farms when the mortgages run out. You can fight me, if you
+like, but I don't think it will pay you, and if we run prices up Mr.
+Osborn will gain. Very well, here's my offer to buy up all his debts."
+
+He gave a document to Hayes, who studied it with surprise. "I presume
+you're serious?" the latter said with an effort. "You are rasher than I
+thought if you can make this offer good."
+
+"I can certainly make it good. You had better apply to the bank manager
+if you have doubts."
+
+For a few moments Hayes studied Kit, who looked quietly resolute. Then he
+said, "You are determined to oppose me if I don't consent?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I mean to buy all the land Mr. Osborn has pawned. If
+you want it, you'll have to pay the price I fix, since it must be a
+public sale. Don't you think it would be prudent to accept my offer?"
+
+Hayes clenched his fist, but with an effort preserved his self-control.
+"I am forced to agree."
+
+"Very well. Take the documents to my lawyers and as soon as they are
+satisfied I'll give you a check."
+
+Hayes nodded silently, and bowing to Mrs. Osborn went out. When he had
+gone, Osborn got up.
+
+"We have not been good friends--Kit," he said with some emotion. "Old
+prejudices are hard to conquer, but mine have broken down at last--you
+have beaten me. Well, I suppose I would not admit that the code I clung
+to had gone for good, but now I'm dropping out, I don't know that I could
+find a better man to step into my place." He paused and gave Kit his
+hand. "After all, Tarnside is not lost to us. Grace will follow me--she
+belongs to the new school, but I think your children will rule the old
+house well."
+
+Then Mrs. Osborn advanced and kissed Kit, who went out with her and found
+Grace waiting in the hall.
+
+"Hayes has gone," Mrs. Osborn remarked. "Kit has forced him to agree, and
+your father is reconciled. We have had much trouble, but I think we shall
+all be happy yet."
+
+Grace looked up and her eyes shone. "Ah," she said, "I knew long since
+that Kit was wonderful! In one way, it wouldn't have mattered if he had
+saved Tarnside or not; but now you and father know what a dear he is!"
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Buccaneer Farmer, by Harold Bindloss
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Buccaneer Farmer
+       Published In England Under The Title "Askew's Victory"
+
+Author: Harold Bindloss
+
+Release Date: February 4, 2004 [EBook #10930]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BUCCANEER FARMER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Beginners Projects, Mary Meehan, and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+                          THE BUCCANEER FARMER
+
+                           BY HAROLD BINDLOSS
+
+                                  1918
+
+        PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND UNDER THE TITLE "ASKEW'S VICTORY"
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I--AT ASHNESS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+       I THE LEASE
+
+      II THE OTTER HOUNDS
+
+     III A COUNCIL OF DEFENSE
+
+      IV THE PEAT CUTTERS
+
+       V RAILTON'S TALLY
+
+      VI BLEATARN GHYLL
+
+     VII THE RECKONING
+
+    VIII GRACE FINDS A WAY
+
+      IX THE PLAN WORKS
+
+       X JANET MEDDLES
+
+      XI OSBORN'S PRIDE GETS HURT
+
+     XII OSBORN INTERFERES
+
+
+PART II--ON THE CARIBBEAN
+
+       I THE OLD BUCCANEER
+
+      II THE PRESIDIO
+
+     III THE GOLD ONZA
+
+      IV THE PRESIDENT'S BALL
+
+       V OLSEN'S OFFER
+
+      VI THE PRESIDENT'S WATCHERS
+
+     VII ADAM RESUMES CONTROL
+
+    VIII THE MANGROVE SWAMP
+
+      IX ADAM'S LAST REQUEST
+
+       X THE ROAD TO THE MISSION
+
+      XI KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
+
+     XII THE LAST CARGO
+
+
+PART III--KIT'S RETURN
+
+       I KIT'S WELCOME
+
+      II A DANGEROUS TALENT
+
+     III THE HORSE SHOW
+
+      IV THE FLOOD
+
+       V KIT TELLS A STORY
+
+      VI THORN MAKES A PLAN
+
+     VII GERALD'S RETURN
+
+    VIII GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
+
+      IX KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
+
+       X GRACE'S CHOICE
+
+      XI OSBORN'S SURRENDER
+
+
+
+
+PART I--AT ASHNESS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE LEASE
+
+
+The morning was bright after heavy rain, and when Osborn looked out of
+the library window a warm, south-west breeze shook the larches about
+Tarnside Hall. Now and then a shadow sped across the tarn, darkening the
+ripples that sparkled like silver when the cloud drove on. Osborn
+frowned, for he had meant to go fishing and it was a morning when the
+big, shy trout would rise. His game-keeper was waiting at the boathouse,
+but the postman had brought some letters that made him put off his sport.
+
+This was annoying, because Osborn hated to be balked and seldom allowed
+anything to interfere with his amusements. One letter, from a housemaster
+at a famous public school, covered a number of bills, which, the writer
+stated somewhat curtly, ought to have been paid. Another announced that
+Hayes, the agent for the estate, and a tenant would wait upon Osborn, who
+knew what they meant to talk about. He admitted that a landlord had
+duties, but his generally demanded attention at an inconvenient time.
+
+Osborn was fifty years of age. He had a ruddy skin and well-proportioned
+figure, and was, physically, a rather fine example of the sporting
+country gentleman. For all that, there were lines on his forehead and
+wrinkles about his eyes; his mouth was loose and sensual, and something
+about him hinted at indulgence. His manner, as a rule, was abrupt and
+often overbearing.
+
+The library was spacious, the furniture in good taste but getting shabby.
+In fact, a certain look of age and shabbiness was typical of the house.
+Although the windows were open, the room had a damp smell, and the rows
+of books that Osborn never read were touched with mildew. Rain was
+plentiful in the north-country dale, coal was dear, and Mrs. Osborn was
+forced to study economy, partly because her husband would not.
+
+By and by Osborn turned his glance from the window and fixed it on his
+son, who stood waiting across the big oak table. Gerald was a handsome
+lad, like his father, but marked by a certain refinement and a hint of
+delicacy. Although he felt anxious, his pose was free and graceful and
+his look undisturbed. Osborn threw the bills on the table.
+
+"This kind of thing must stop," he said. "I haven't grumbled much,
+perhaps not as much as I ought, about your extravagance, but only a fool
+imagines he can spend more than he has got."
+
+"We have had such fools in our family," the boy remarked, and stopped
+when he saw Osborn's color rise.
+
+"It's a pity it's true," the latter agreed, with a patience he did not
+often use. "I'm paying for it now and you will pay a higher price, if you
+go on as you promise. You must pull up; I've done enough and am getting
+tired of self-denial."
+
+Gerald's smile faded. He had inherited his extravagance from his father,
+but felt he must be cautious, although Osborn sometimes showed him a
+forbearance he used to nobody else.
+
+"I'm sorry, sir," he said. "Perhaps I was extravagant, but if you don't
+want to be an outsider, you must do like the rest, and I understood you
+expected me to make friends among our own set. We can't be shabby."
+
+He struck the right note, for Osborn was not clever and perhaps his
+strongest characteristic was his exaggerated family pride.
+
+"You had enough and I paid your debts not long since," he said. "In fact,
+you have had more than your share, with the consequence that Grace gets
+less than hers." He knitted his brows as he indicated the house-master's
+curt letter. "Then, you have given a stranger an opportunity for writing
+to me like this."
+
+Gerald, knowing his father's humor, saw he was getting on
+dangerous ground.
+
+"Brown's a dry old prig, sir. Nothing sporting about him; he's hardly a
+gentleman."
+
+Osborn was seldom logical and now his annoyance was rather concentrated
+on the master who had written to him with jarring frankness than on the
+extravagant lad.
+
+"His letter implies it," he agreed and then pulled himself up. Gerald was
+clever and no doubt meant to divert his thoughts. "After all, this
+doesn't matter," he went on. "I'll pay these bills, but if you get into
+debt at Woolwich, you had better not come home. I have enough trouble
+about money, and your allowance is going to be a strain. There's another
+thing: Carter, who hasn't had your advantages, got in as a prize cadet."
+
+Gerald smiled. "He hasn't got his commission. Old Harry means well, but
+he's not our sort, and these plodding, cramming fellows seldom make good
+officers."
+
+"An officer must pay his mess bills, whether he's good or bad," Osborn
+rejoined. "If you go into the Horse Artillery, there won't be much money
+left when you have settled yours, so it might be prudent to begin some
+self-denial now. Anyhow, if you get into debt again, you know the
+consequences."
+
+He raised his hand in dismissal and walked to the window when the lad
+went out. He had not taken the line he meant to take, but Gerald
+often, so to speak, eluded him. The lad had a way of hinting that they
+understood one another and Osborn vaguely suspected that he worked
+upon his prejudices; but he was a sportsman. He had pluck and knew
+what the Osborn traditions demanded. In fact, Gerald might go far, if
+he went straight.
+
+Then Osborn thought he needed a drink, and after ringing a bell he sat
+down by the window with the tray and glass a servant brought. It was
+significant that he had given no order; the servants knew what the bell
+meant. When he had drained the glass he vacantly looked out. Boggy
+pasture and stony cornfields ran back from the tarn. Here and there a
+white farmstead, surrounded by stunted trees, stood at the hill foot;
+farther back a waterfall seamed the rocks and yellow grass with threads
+of foam; and then a lofty moor, red with heather, shut off the view.
+
+The land was poor at the dale head, but there was better below, where the
+hills dropped down to the flat country, and, with the exception of
+Ashness farm, all was Osborn's, from Force Crag, where the beck plunged
+from the moor, to the rich bottoms round Allerby mill. Unfortunately, the
+estate was encumbered when he inherited it, and he had paid off one
+mortgage by raising another. He might perhaps have used other means,
+letting his sporting rights and using economy, but this would have
+jarred. The only Osborn who bothered about money was his wife, and Alice
+was parsimonious enough for both. Money was certainly what his agent
+called tight; but as long as he could give his friends some shooting and
+a good dinner and live as an Osborn ought to live, he was satisfied.
+Still, Gerald must have his chance at Woolwich and this needed thought.
+Osborn felt he would like another drink, but glanced at his watch and saw
+that his visitors would arrive in a few minutes.
+
+They were punctual and Osborn got up when his agent and another man came
+in. Hayes was tall, urbane, and dressed with rather fastidious neatness;
+Bell was round-shouldered and shabby. He had a weather-beaten skin, gray
+hair, and small, cunning eyes. Osborn indicated chairs and sat down at
+the top of the big table. He disliked business and knew the others meant
+to persuade him to do something he would sooner leave alone. This would
+have been impossible had he not needed money.
+
+"Mr. Bell wishes to know if his tender for the Slate Company's haulage
+is approved," Hayes began. "His traction engine is suited for the work
+and he is prepared to buy a trailer lurry, which we would find useful
+in the dale. Mechanical transport would be a public advantage on our
+hilly roads."
+
+"It needs a good horse to bring half a load from station," Bell
+interposed. "T'lurry would move as much in yan day as farmers'
+carts in four."
+
+Osborn agreed. He was not much of an economist, but it was obvious that
+time and labor were wasted when a farmer took a few sacks of potatoes to
+the railway and another a sack of wool. There was no difficulty about the
+tender, because Osborn was chairman of the small Slate Company; the
+trouble was that the contract would help Bell to carry out another plan.
+The fellow was greedy, and was getting a rather dangerous control; he had
+already a lease of the limekilns and Allerby mill. But his rents were
+regularly paid, and it was an advantage to deal with one prosperous
+tenant instead of several who had not his punctuality and capital.
+
+"The trailer would be useful if you decided to make the new terrace you
+thought about," Hayes suggested. "The cost of carting the gravel and the
+slabs for the wall would be heavy; but I have no doubt Mr. Bell would
+undertake the work with the trailer on very reasonable terms."
+
+"I might forget to send in t' bill. Yan good turn deserves another,"
+Bell remarked.
+
+Hayes frowned. He had meant to imply something like this, but Bell was
+too blunt. For all that, Osborn was not very fastidious and had long
+meant to make the terrace when funds permitted. In fact, he hardly saw
+the thing as a bribe; it was rather a graceful recognition of his
+authority.
+
+"Very well," he said, "I'll sign the contract."
+
+"There is another matter," Hayes resumed. "Mr. Bell is willing to take up
+Harkness' tenancy of the coal yard and seed store at the station. He
+hopes you will grant him a long lease."
+
+Osborn pondered. Harkness had been drunken, careless, and often behind
+with his rent. He had let his business fall away and it was understood
+that Bell, who managed the opposition coal yard, had lent him small sums
+and until recently kept him on his feet. This was not because Bell was
+charitable, but because if Harkness came down while he had any trade
+left, a capable rival might take his place. In the meantime, his
+customers gradually went to Bell, and now Harkness had failed there was
+no business to attract a newcomer.
+
+"I don't know," said Osborn, "I had thought of advertising the yard
+and store."
+
+"You'll get nobody to pay what I'm offering," Bell replied. "A stranger
+would want to see Harkness' books and there's nowt in them as would tempt
+him to pay a decent rent. Then, with trailer going back from station, I
+could beat him on the haulage up the dale. He'd niver get his money back
+if he bowt an engine like mine."
+
+This was plausible, but Osborn hesitated. He saw that Bell wanted a
+monopoly and had a vague notion that he ought to protect his tenants.
+
+"It's sometimes an advantage to have two traders in a place," he
+remarked. "A certain amount of competition is healthy."
+
+"I don't know if it would be an advantage to the estate, and imagine you
+would not get a tenant to pay what Bell offers," Hayes replied. "Besides,
+rival traders sometimes agree to keep up prices, and competition does not
+always make things cheap."
+
+"That's one of the ridiculous arguments people who want the Government to
+manage everything sometimes use," said Osborn with a scornful gesture.
+
+Hayes smiled, "It is very well known that I am not an advocate of State
+ownership. All the same, unnecessary competition would be wasteful in the
+dale. For example, if you have two tenants at the station, the farmers
+who deal with the new man must use their carts, each coming separately
+for the small load a horse can take up Redmire bank, while Bell's
+trailer, after bringing down the slate, would go back empty. Then I hear
+some talk about a fresh appeal to the council to make the loop road round
+the hill."
+
+For a moment or two Osborn did not answer. Redmire bank was an obstacle
+to horse traffic, and the road surveyor had plans for easing the gradient
+that would necessitate cutting down a wood where Osborn's pheasants found
+shelter. He had refused permission, and the matter had been dropped; but,
+if the farmers insisted, the council might be forced to use their powers.
+He was obstinate, and did not mean to let them have the wood unless he
+could get his price.
+
+"You know my opinion about that?" he said.
+
+"Yes," said Hayes; "I imagine it would be prudent not to have the matter
+brought up. However, if Bell can send back his lurry full, the economy is
+plain. It will enable him to sell his coal and seed at a moderate price
+and pay a higher rent."
+
+"That's so," Osborn agreed, and knitted his brows.
+
+He doubted if Bell would give his customers the benefit of the cheaper
+haulage, but the advantage of getting a higher rent was obvious. Osborn
+knew he was being persuaded to do a shabby thing and hesitated. Money,
+however, was needed and must be got.
+
+"Very well," he said, "Mr. Bell can have the lease."
+
+They talked about something else, and when Osborn went fishing after the
+others left the wind had dropped, the sun was bright, and the trout would
+not rise. He felt rather injured, because he had paid for his attention
+to duty, when he joined his wife and daughter at tea on the lawn.
+
+A copper beech threw a cool shadow across the small table and basket
+chairs; the china and silver were old and good. Beyond the belt of
+wavering shade, the recently mown grass gave out a moist smell in the hot
+sun. The grass grew fine and close, for the turf was old, but there were
+patches of ugly weeds. The borders by the house were thinly planted and
+the color plan was rude, but one could not do much with a rheumatic
+gardener and a boy. There used to be two men, but Mrs. Osborn had
+insisted on cutting wages down.
+
+Across the yew hedge, the tarn sparkled like a mirror and on its farther
+side, where a clump of dark pines overhung a beach of silver sand, the
+hillslopes shone with yellow grass, relieved by the green of fern and
+belts of moss. The spot was picturesque; the old house, with its low,
+straight front and mullioned windows, round which creepers grew, had a
+touch of quiet beauty. Osborn was proud of Tarnside, although he
+sometimes chafed because he had not enough money to care for it as he
+ought.
+
+By and by he glanced at his wife, who had silently filled the cups and
+was cutting cake. She was a thin, quiet woman, with a hint of reserve in
+her delicately molded face. Sometimes she tactfully exercised a
+restraining influence, but for the most part acquiesced, for she had
+found out, soon after her marriage, that her husband must not be opposed.
+
+Grace, who sat opposite, had recently come home from school, and was
+marked by an independence somewhat unusual at Tarnside. She argued
+with Osborn and was firm when he got angry. Then she had a fresh
+enthusiasm for change and improvement and a generous faith in what she
+thought was good. Since Osborn was obstinately conventional, this
+sometimes led to jars.
+
+"After all, I'm going to have the terrace made," he remarked, and waited
+for his wife's approval.
+
+"Is it prudent?" she asked hesitatingly. "If I remember, you thought the
+work would cost too much when we talked about it last."
+
+"It will cost very little. In fact, I imagine the haulage of the gravel
+and the slabs for the wall will cost nothing," Osborn replied. "Bell has
+promised to bring me all the stuff we'll need with his new trailer."
+
+"Oh," said Grace, rather sharply, "I suppose this means you have given
+him the lease of the station coal yard? No doubt he offered to bring the
+gravel before you agreed. He's cunning and knew you wanted the terrace."
+
+"I can't remember if he offered before or afterwards," Osborn replied,
+with a touch of embarrassment. "Anyhow, I don't think it's important,
+because I did not allow his offer to persuade me. For all that, it's some
+satisfaction to get the work done cheap."
+
+Grace pondered. She was intelligent; contact with her school companions
+had developed her character, and she had begun to understand Osborn since
+she came home. She knew he was easily deceived and sometimes
+half-consciously deceived himself.
+
+"No," she said, "I don't think the work will really be cheap. It's often
+expensive to take a favor from a man like Bell. He will find a means of
+making you pay."
+
+"Ridiculous! Bell can't make me pay."
+
+"Then he will make somebody else pay for what he does for you, and it's
+hardly honest to let him," Grace insisted.
+
+Mrs. Osborn gave her a warning glance and Osborn's face got red.
+
+"It's a new thing for a young girl to criticize her father. This is what
+comes of indulging your mother and making some sacrifice to send you to
+an expensive modern school! If I'd had my way, you would have gone to
+another, where they teach the old-fashioned virtues: modesty, obedience,
+and respect for parents."
+
+Grace smiled, because she knew the school Osborn meant and the type it
+produced. She was grateful to her mother for a better start.
+
+"I'm sorry," she said quietly, but with a hint of resolution. "I
+don't want to criticize, but Bell is greedy and cunning, and now he
+has got both coal yards will charge the farmers more than he ought.
+He has already got too large a share of all the business that is done
+in the dale."
+
+"It's obvious that you have learned less than you think," Osborn
+rejoined, feeling that he was on safer ground. "You don't seem to
+understand that concentration means economy. Bell, for example, buys and
+stores his goods in large quantities, instead of handling a number of
+small lots at different times, which would cost him more."
+
+"I can see that," Grace admitted, "But I imagine he will keep all he
+saves. You know the farmers are grumbling about his charges."
+
+Osborn frowned. "You talk too much to the farm people; I don't like it.
+You can be polite, but I want you to remember they are my tenants, and
+not to sympathize with their imaginary grievances. They're a grumbling
+lot, but will keep their places if you leave them alone."
+
+He got up abruptly and when he went off across the lawn Mrs. Osborn gave
+the girl a reproachful glance.
+
+"You are very rash, my dear. On the whole, your father was
+remarkably patient."
+
+Grace laughed, a rather strained laugh, as Osborn's angry voice rose from
+behind a shrubbery.
+
+"He isn't patient now, and I'm afraid Jackson is paying for my fault.
+However, I really think I was patient, too. To talk about people keeping
+their places is ridiculous; in fact, it's piffle! Father's notions are
+horribly out of date. One wonders he doesn't know."
+
+"Things change. Perhaps we don't quite realize this when we are getting
+old. But you mustn't argue with your father. He doesn't like it, and when
+he's annoyed everybody suffers."
+
+"It's true; but how illogical!" Grace remarked, and mused while she
+looked dreamily across the grass.
+
+She was romantic and generous, and had learned something about social
+economy at the famous school; in fact, Osborn would have been startled
+had he suspected how much she knew. Nevertheless, she was young; her
+studies were half digested, and her theories crude. She had come home
+with a vague notion of playing the part of Lady Bountiful and putting
+things right, but had got a jar soon after she began. Her father's idea
+of justice was elementary: he resented her meddling, and was sometimes
+tyrannical. When it was obvious that he had taken an improper line he
+blamed his agent; but perhaps the worst was he seldom knew when he was
+wrong. Then the agent's main object was to extort as much money from the
+tenants as possible.
+
+Grace did not see what she could do, although she felt that something
+ought to be done. She had a raw, undisciplined enthusiasm, and imagined
+that she was somehow responsible. Yet when she tried to use some
+influence her father got savage and she felt hurt. Well, she must try to
+be patient and tactful. While she meditated, Mrs. Osborn got up, and they
+went back to the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE OTTER HOUNDS
+
+
+Grace's tweed dress was wet and rather muddy when she stood with Gerald
+on a gravel bank at the head of a pool, where the beck from the tarn
+joined a larger stream that flowed through a neighboring dale. There had
+been some rain and the water was stained a warm claret-color by the peat.
+Bright sunshine pierced the tossing alder branches, and the rapid close
+by sparkled between belts of moving shade. Large white dogs with black
+and yellow spots swam uncertainly about the pool and searched the bank; a
+group of men stood in the rapid, while another group watched the tail of
+the pool. Somewhere between them a hard-pressed otter hid.
+
+A few of the men wore red coats and belonged to the hunt; the rest were
+shepherds and farmers whom custom entitled to join in the sport. All
+carried long iron-pointed poles and waited with keen expectation the
+reappearance of the otter. Grace was perhaps the only one to feel a touch
+of pity for the exhausted animal and she wondered whether this was not a
+sentimental weakness. There was not much to be said for the otter's right
+to live; it was stealthy, cruel, and horribly destructive, killing many
+more fish and moorhens than it could eat. Indeed, before she went to
+school, she had followed the hunt with pleasant excitement, and was now
+rather surprised to find the sport had lost its zest.
+
+The odds against the otter were too great, although it had for some hours
+baffled men who knew the river, and well-trained dogs. It had stolen up
+shallow rapids, slipping between the watchers' legs, dived under swimming
+dogs, made bold dashes along the bank, and hidden in belts of reeds. Its
+capture had often looked certain and yet it had escaped. At first Grace
+had noticed the animal's confidence, beauty of form, and strength; but it
+had gradually got slack, hesitating, and limp. Now, when it lurked,
+half-drowned, in the depths of the pool while its pitiless enemies waited
+for it to come up to breathe, she began to wish it would get away.
+
+Thorn, the master of the hounds, was talking to his huntsman not far
+off. He was a friend of Osborn's, and Grace had once thought him a
+dashing and accomplished man of the world, but had recently, for no
+obvious reason, felt antagonistic. Alan was not as clever as she had
+imagined; he was smart, sometimes cheaply smart, which was another
+thing. Then he was beginning to get fat, and she vaguely shrank from the
+way he now and then looked at her. On the whole, it was a relief to note
+that he was occupied.
+
+For a few moments Grace let her eyes wander up the dale to the crags
+where the force leaped down from the red moor at Malton Head. Belts of
+dry bent-grass shone like gold and mossy patches glimmered luminously
+green. The fall looked like white lace drawn across the stones. A streak
+of mist touched the lofty crag, and above it a soft white cloud trailed
+across the sky. Then she turned as her brother spoke.
+
+"Alan has given us a good hunt and means to make a kill. He's rather a
+selfish beast and a bit too sure of himself; but he runs the pack well
+and knows how to get the best out of life. No Woolwich and sweating as a
+snubbed subaltern for him! He stopped at home, saw his tenants farmed
+well, and shot his game. That's my notion of a country gentleman!"
+
+"Father can look after Tarnside and a duty goes with owning land,"
+Grace remarked. "A landlord who need not work ought to serve the State.
+That idea was perhaps the best thing in the feudal system and it's not
+altogether forgotten yet. Father was right when he decided to make you
+a soldier."
+
+"He can send me to Woolwich, but after all that's as far as he can go.
+You're not at your best when you're improving," Gerald rejoined; and
+added with a grin, "You don't like old Alan, do you? I thought you
+snubbed him half an hour since."
+
+Grace colored, but did not answer. She had hurt her foot by falling from
+a mossy boulder and Thorn had come to help as she floundered across a
+shallow pool. She was draggled and her hair was loose, and Thorn's faint
+amusement annoyed her. Somehow it hinted at familiarity. She would not
+have resented it once, for they had been friends; but when she came home
+and he had tried to renew the friendship she had noted a subtle
+difference. Alan was forty, but now she had left school the disparity of
+their ages was, in a sense, much less marked. Then a shout roused her and
+she looked round.
+
+Where the smooth, brown water ran past the alder roots, a very small,
+dark object moved in advance of a faint, widening ripple. Grace knew it
+was the point of the otter's head; the animal's lungs were empty since
+it remained up so long. Next moment plunging dogs churned the pool into
+foam, the object vanished, and men ran along the bank to the lower
+rapid, while those already there beat the shallow with their poles. The
+dogs bunched together and began to swim up stream; Gerald and one or two
+more plunged into the water, and for a few moments the otter showed
+itself again.
+
+It looked like a fish and not an animal as it broke the surface, rising
+in graceful leaps. Then it went down, with the dogs swimming hard close
+behind, and Grace thought it must be caught. It was being steadily driven
+to the lower end of the stopped rapid, where the water was scarcely a
+foot deep. The animal reappeared, plunging in and out among the shallows
+but forging up stream, and the men who meant to turn it back closed up.
+There was one at every yard across the belt of sparkling foam. They had
+spiked poles to beat the water and it seemed impossible that their victim
+could get past.
+
+Yet the otter vanished, and for a minute or two there was silence, until
+the dogs rushed up the bank. Then somebody shouted, the huntsman blew his
+horn, and a small, wedge-shaped ripple trailed, very slowly across the
+next pool. The otter had somehow stolen past the watchers' legs and
+reached deep water, but its slowness told that its strength had gone. The
+dogs took the water with a splash, and Grace turned her head. She felt
+pitiful and did not want to see the end. The animal had made a gallant
+fight, and she shrank from the butchery.
+
+The clatter of heavy boots on stones suddenly stopped; there was a
+curious pause, and Grace looked up as somebody shouted: "'Gone to holt!
+Ca' off your hounds. Wheer's t' terrier?"
+
+The hunt swept up the bank, smashed through a hedge, and spread along
+the margin of the neighboring pool. A few big alders grew beside its
+edge, sending down their roots into deep water; but for the most part
+the bank was supported by timbers driven into the soil, and freshly laid
+with neatly-bedded turf. Grace knew this had been done to protect the
+meadow, because the stream is thrown against the concave side when a
+pool lies in a bend.
+
+As she stopped at the broken hedge a man ran past carrying a small wet
+terrier, and two or three more came up with spades. The otter could not
+escape now, since the hounds would watch the underwater entrance to the
+cave among the alder roots, while the terrier would crawl down from the
+other side. If a hole could not be found, the men would dig. They were
+interrupted soon after they began, for somebody said, "Put down your
+spade, Tom. Hold the terrier."
+
+Grace studied the man who had interfered. He was young and on the whole
+attractive. His face was honest and sunburned; he carried himself well,
+and was dressed rather neatly in knickerbockers and shooting jacket. She
+knew Christopher Askew was the son of a neighboring farmer, who owned his
+land. Then, as the men stopped digging, Thorn pushed past.
+
+"What's this?" he asked haughtily. "Why have you meddled?"
+
+Askew looked hard at him, but answered in a quiet voice, "It cost us some
+trouble to mend the bank, and if you dig out the otter the stream will
+soon make an ugly gap."
+
+"Then it's a matter of the cost!" said Thorn. "How much?"
+
+"Not altogether," Askew replied, coloring. "It's a matter of the damage
+the next flood may do. We had an awkward job to strengthen the bank and
+I'm not going to have it cut."
+
+"Noo, Kit, dinna spoil sport," the old huntsman urged. "It's none a trick
+for a canny lad to cheat the hounds."
+
+"Put terrier in an' niver mind him!" shouted another, and there were
+cries of approval.
+
+"Stop digging, Tom," Askew said with quiet firmness. "Pick up the dog."
+
+"We are wasting time," Thorn remarked. "I don't like bargaining; you had
+better state your price."
+
+Grace, looking on across the broken hedge, sympathized with the farmer.
+For one thing, she wanted the otter to escape; besides, she approved the
+man's resolute quietness. He had pluck, since it was plain that he was
+taking an unpopular line, and he used some self-control, because Thorn's
+tone was strongly provocative. In fact, she thought Thorn was not at his
+best; he was not entitled to suggest that the other was trying to extort
+as much money as he could.
+
+"No more do I like bargaining," Askew replied. "There will be no digging
+here. You have smashed the hedge, and that's enough. Call off your dogs."
+
+"So you mean to spoil sport, even if the damage costs you nothing? I know
+your kind; it's getting common."
+
+"Oh, no," said Askew. "I won't have the bank cut down, but that is all.
+If you like, you can look for another otter on our part of the stream."
+
+Thorn gave him a searching glance, and then, seeing he was resolute,
+shrugged contemptuously. The huntsman blew his horn, the dogs were drawn
+off, and Gerald followed the others across the field. Grace, however, sat
+down on a fallen tree to rest her foot and for a minute or two thought
+herself alone. Then she rose as Askew came through the gap in the hedge.
+He began to pull about the broken rails and thorns, but saw her when he
+looked up.
+
+"They have left you behind, Miss Osborn," he remarked with a smile.
+
+"I think I had enough; besides, I hurt my foot."
+
+"Badly?"
+
+"No," said Grace. "I have only begun to feel it hurt, but I wish it
+wasn't quite so far to the bridge."
+
+Askew looked at the water, measuring its height. "The stepping stones are
+not far off. One or two may be covered, but perhaps I could help you
+across and it would save you a mile."
+
+Grace went on with him and they presently stopped beneath the alder
+branches by a sparkling shallow. Tall brush grew up the shady bank and
+briars trailed in the stream. A row of flat-topped stones ran across, but
+there were gaps where the current foamed over some that were lower than
+the rest. Grace's foot was getting worse, and sitting down on a slab of
+the slate stile, she glanced at her companion.
+
+"I imagine it needed some pluck to stop the hunt," she said. "For one
+thing, you were alone; nobody agreed with you."
+
+Askew smiled. "Opposition sometimes makes one obstinate. But do you think
+it's hard to stand alone?"
+
+"Yes," said Grace, impulsively. "I know it's hard. Yet, of course, if you
+feel you are taking the proper line, you oughtn't to be daunted by what
+others think."
+
+She stopped, remembering that the man was a stranger; and then resumed in
+a different tone, "But why did you really stop the hunt? Are you one of
+the people who don't believe in sport?"
+
+"No," said Askew good humoredly. "It's curious that Mr. Thorn hinted
+something like that. Anyhow, I'm not a champion of the otter's right to
+destroy useful fish. I think they ought to be shot."
+
+"Oh!" said Grace with a touch of indignation; "you would shoot an otter?
+Well, I suppose they must be killed; but to use a gun!"
+
+"It's better for the otter. Which do you imagine it would choose--a
+mercifully sudden end, or two or three hours of agony, with men and dogs
+close behind, until the half-drowned, exhausted animal is torn to pieces
+or mangled by the poles?"
+
+"I suppose one must answer as you expect."
+
+"You're honest," Askew remarked. "I imagine it cost you something
+to agree!"
+
+"It did," Grace admitted. "After all, you know our traditions, and many
+people, not cruel people, like the sport."
+
+"That is so; but let's take the hunt to-day, for an example. There were
+three or four men without an occupation, and no doubt they find following
+the hounds healthy exercise. The others had left work that ought to be
+done; in fact, if you think, you'll own that some were men we have not
+much use for in the dale."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, with some reluctance; "I know the men you mean. All
+the same, it is really not our business to decide if they ought to
+work or hunt."
+
+Askew looked amused and she liked his twinkle. He was obviously
+intelligent, and on the whole she approved his unconventional point of
+view. Conventional insincerities were the rule at Tarnside. Besides,
+although it was possible she ought not to talk to the man with such
+freedom, her foot hurt and the stile made a comfortable seat. She liked
+to watch the shadows quiver on the stream and hear the current brawl
+among the stones. This was an excuse for stopping, since she would not
+acknowledge that the young farmer's society had some charm.
+
+After a moment or two he resumed: "It is not my business, anyhow, and I
+don't want to argue if otter-hunting is a proper sport; it's an
+advantage, so to speak, to stick to the point. All I objected to was the
+hunt's breaking down the mended bank. There are not many good meadows at
+the dale-head, and grass land is too valuable to be destroyed. Don't you
+think this justifies my opposition?"
+
+"I suppose it does," Grace agreed, and then decided that she had talked
+to him enough. "Well, I must go on," she added with a doubtful glance at
+the stream. "But it doesn't look as if one could get across."
+
+"You can try," Askew replied, and jumping down stood in the water,
+holding out his hand. "Come on; there's not much risk of a slip."
+
+Since it was too late to refuse, Grace took his hand and he waded across,
+steadying her, while the current rippled round his legs. Some of the
+stones were covered, but with his support she sprang across the gaps and
+the effort did not hurt her foot as much as she had thought. He was not
+awkward. She liked his firm grasp, and his care that she did not fall;
+particularly since she saw he was satisfied to give her the help she
+needed and knew when to stop. After she got across she thanked him and
+let him go.
+
+When she crossed the field Askew went home in a thoughtful mood, though
+he was conscious of a pleasant thrill. He had felt the girl's charm
+strongly as he stood near her at the stile, and now tried to recapture
+the scene; the dark alder branches moving overhead, the sparkle of the
+water, and the light and shadow that touched his companion. Her face was
+attractive; although he was not a judge of female beauty, he knew its
+molding was good. Mouth, nose, and chin were finely but firmly lined; her
+color was delicate pink and white, and she had rather grave blue eyes.
+Her figure was marked by a touch of patrician grace. Askew smiled as he
+admitted that patrician was a word he disliked, but he could not think of
+another that quite expressed what he meant. Anyhow the girl's charm was
+strong; she was plucky and frank, perhaps because she knew her value and
+need not to pretend to dignity. In a sense, this was patrician, too.
+
+All the same, Askew, though young and romantic, was not a fool. He had
+had a good education and had then spent two years at an agricultural
+college; but he was a farmer's son and he knew where he stood, from the
+Osborns' point of view. He had been of help, but this was no reason Miss
+Osborn should recognize him when they next met; yet he somehow thought
+she would. In the meantime, it was rash to think about her much, although
+his thoughts returned to the stile beneath the alders where he had
+watched the sun and shadow play about her face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A COUNCIL OF DEFENCE
+
+
+The sun had sunk behind the moors when Peter Askew sat by an open window
+in his big, slate-flagged kitchen at Ashness. All was quiet outside,
+except for the hoarse turmoil of the force and a distant bleating of
+sheep. In front, across a stony pasture, the fellside ran up abruptly;
+its summit, edged with purple heath, cut against a belt of yellow sky.
+The long, green slope was broken by rocky scars and dotted by small
+Herdwick sheep that looked like scattered stones until they moved.
+
+The kitchen was shadowy, because the house was old and built with low,
+mullioned windows to keep out snow and storm, and a clump of stunted ash
+trees grew outside the courtyard wall. A fire of roots and peat, however,
+burned in the deep hearth, and now and then a flickering glow touched old
+copper and dark oak with red reflections. Collectors had sometimes
+offered to buy the tall clock and ponderous meal chest, but Askew would
+not sell. The most part of his furniture had been brought to Ashness by
+his great-grandfather.
+
+Peter's face was brown and deeply lined, and his shoulders were bent, for
+he had led a life of steady toil. This was rather from choice than stern
+necessity, because he owned the farm and had money enough to cultivate it
+well. As a rule, he was reserved and thoughtful, but his neighbors
+trusted him. They knew he was clever, although he used their homely
+dialect and lived as frugally as themselves. In the dale, one worked hard
+and spent no more than one need. Yet Peter had broken the latter rule
+when he resolved to give his son a wider outlook than he had had.
+
+Kit had gone from the lonely farm to a good school where he had beaten,
+by brains and resolution, the sons of professional and business men. His
+teachers said he had talent, and although Peter was often lonely since
+his wife died, he meant to give the lad his chance. Somewhat to his
+relief, Kit decided to return to the soil, and Peter sent him to an
+agricultural college. Since Kit meant to farm he should be armed by such
+advantages as modern science could give. It was obvious that he would
+need them all in the struggle against low prices and the inclement
+weather that vexed the dale. Now he had come home, in a sense not much
+changed, and Peter was satisfied. Kit and he seldom jarred, and the
+dalesfolk, who did not know how like they were under the surface,
+sometimes thought it strange.
+
+Four or five of their neighbors sat in the kitchen, for the most part
+smoking quietly, but now and then grumbling about the recent heavy rain.
+This was not what they had come to talk about, and Peter waited. He knew
+their cautious reserve; they were obstinate and slow to move, and if he
+tried to hurry them might take alarm. By and by one knocked out his pipe.
+
+"How are you getting forrad with t' peat-cutting?" he asked.
+
+"We have cut enough to last for three or four months."
+
+"You'll need it aw. Coal's a terrible price," another remarked.
+
+"It will be dearer soon," said Peter. "Since Bell has t' lease o' both
+coal yards, he can charge what he likes."
+
+"A grasping man! Yan canna get feeding stuff for stock, seed, an' lime,
+unless yan pays his price. Noo he has t' traction-engine, kilns, and
+mill, he'll own aw t' dale before lang."
+
+"It's very possible, unless you stop him," Kit interposed.
+
+"Landlord ought to stop him," one rejoined.
+
+Kit smiled. "That's too much to expect; it's your business to help
+yourselves. Mr. Osborn takes the highest rent that's offered, and you
+missed your chance when you let Bell get Allerby mill."
+
+"Neabody else had t' money," another grumbled.
+
+"Two or three of us could have clubbed together and made a profit after
+selling feeding stuff at a moderate price."
+
+The others were silent for a minute of two and Kit let them ponder. He
+had learned something about the wastefulness of individual effort, and on
+his return to Ashness had urged the farmers to join in bidding for a
+lease of the mill. They had refused, and would need careful handling now,
+for the old cooperative customs that had ruled in the dale before the
+railway came had gone.
+
+"Poor folks willunt have much left for groceries when they have paid
+Bell's price for coal," said one. "Since he gets his money for hauling in
+t' slate, it costs him nowt to tak' a big load back on t' lurry; but,
+with Redmire bank to clim', it's a terrible loss o' time carting half a
+ton up dale."
+
+"You won't be able to buy the half-ton unless you deal with Bell. I think
+you'll find he has a contract for all the coal that comes down the line."
+
+They pondered this and another remarked, "Peat's terrible messy stuff and
+bad to dry at back end o' year."
+
+"It can be dried," said an old man. "I mind the time when iver a load o'
+coals went past Allerby. Aw t' folk clubbed togedder to cut and haul t'
+peat from Malton. Browt it doon on stane-boats by the oad green road.
+Howiver, I reckon it cost them summat, counting their time"
+
+Kit gave him a paper. "This is what our peat has cost us; I've charged
+our labor and what the horses would have earned if we had been paid
+for plowing."
+
+They studied the figures, passing the paper around, and then one said,
+"But peat costs you nowt. Malton moor is yours and I ken nea ither peat
+worth cutting. Mayhappen yan could find some soft trash on the back moor,
+but I doot if Osborn would let yan bring it doon."
+
+"Osborn does what his agent says, and it's weel kent Hayes is a friend o'
+Bell's," another agreed.
+
+Peter smiled and gave Kit a warning glance. He suspected the agent had a
+private understanding that was not to his employer's benefit with Bell;
+but this was another matter. Peter had taught his son to concentrate on
+the business in hand.
+
+"Weel," he said, "you can have aw t' peat you want and we willunt fratch
+if you pay me nowt. There's acres o' good stuff on Malton moor, and the
+value o' peat t' labor it costs to cut. Aw t' same, it willunt pay to
+send a man or two noo and then. You must work in a gang; ivery man at his
+proper job."
+
+"It was done like that in oad days," said one.
+
+Peter looked at Kit, who did not speak, for both knew when enough was
+said. Indeed, although he was hardly conscious of it yet, Kit had
+something of a leader's talent. For a few minutes the others smoked and
+thought. They were independent and suspicious about new plans, but it
+was obvious that the best defense against a monopoly was a combine. In
+fact, they began to see it was the only defense they had. Then one
+turned to Peter.
+
+"If you're for stopping Bell robbing us and starving poor folk at
+Allerby, I'm with you."
+
+One after another promised his support, a plan was agreed upon, and Peter
+was satisfied when his neighbors went away. They were patient, cautious,
+and hard to move; but he knew their obstinacy when they were roused. Now
+they had started, they would go on, stubbornly taking a road that was new
+to them. Bell, of course, would make a cunning fight, but Peter doubted
+if he would win.
+
+"I reckon your plan will work," he said to Kit, with a nod of
+satisfaction.
+
+Kit nodded and picking up his hat and some letters went out. As he walked
+down the dale the moon rose above a shadowy fell, touching the opposite
+hillside with silver light that reached the fields at the bottom farther
+on. Tall pikes of wet hay threw dark shadows across a meadow, and he
+heard the roar of a swollen beck. There was too much water in the dale,
+but Kit knew something might be done to make farming pay in spite of the
+weather. Land that had gone sour might be recovered by draining, and a
+bank could be built where the river now and then washed away the crops.
+Osborn, however, was poor and extravagant, and his agent's talents were
+rather applied to raising rents than improving the soil.
+
+Kit stopped when he got near Allerby, where the dale widens and a cluster
+of low white houses stands among old trees. The village glimmered in the
+moonlight and beyond it rolling country, dotted by dark woods, ran back
+to the sea. A beck plunged down the hillside with a muffled roar, and a
+building, half in light and half in shadow, occupied the hollow of the
+ghyll. Kit, leaning on the bridge, watched the glistening thread of water
+that trickled over the new iron wheel, and noted the raw slate slabs that
+had been recently built into the mossy wall. A big traction engine,
+neatly covered by a tarpaulin, and a trailer lurry stood in front of the
+sliding door.
+
+Osborn had spent some money here, for Allerby mill, with its seed and
+chemical manure stores, paid him a higher rent than the best of his small
+farms. It was obviously well managed by the tenant, and Kit approved.
+Modern machines and methods, although expensive, were good and were
+needed in the dale. The trouble was, they sometimes gave the man who
+could use them power to rob his poorer neighbors. Kit saw that
+concentrated power was often dangerous, and since unorganized, individual
+effort was no longer profitable, he knew no cure but cooperation.
+
+Although young, he was seldom rash. Enthusiasm is not common in the bleak
+northern dales, whose inhabitants are, for the most part, conservative
+and slow. Wind and rain had hardened him and he had inherited a reserved
+strength and quietness from ancestors who had braved the storms that
+raged about Ashness. Yet the north is not always stern, for now and then
+the gray sky breaks, and fell and dale shine in dazzling light and melt
+with mystic beauty into passing shade. Kit, like his country, varied in
+his moods; sometimes he forgot to be practical and his caution vanished,
+leaving him romantic and imaginative.
+
+He went on, and as he reached the first of the white houses a girl came
+out of a gate and stopped where the moonlight fell across the road. She
+had some beauty and her pose was graceful.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed, with rather exaggerated surprise, "it's Kit! I
+suppose you'll take this letter? I was going to the post."
+
+Kit did not know much about young women, but hesitated, because he
+doubted if she wanted him to post the letter.
+
+"If you like," he said. "I expect the causeway at the water-splash
+will be wet."
+
+She gave him a curious smile. "Oh, well; here's the letter. Jim Nixon had
+to help me across the water when I went last night, and I don't suppose
+you're afraid of wetting your feet. You are used to it at Ashness."
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "My boots are stronger than yours."
+
+"Canny lad!" she answered, with a mocking laugh. Kit felt
+embarrassed, for he thought he saw what she meant. Janet Bell was
+something of a coquette.
+
+"I heard people coming down the road not long since," she resumed. "Have
+you had a supper party? Tell your father I think he's shabby because he
+left me out."
+
+"It wasn't a supper party and there were no women. Three or four
+neighbors came in."
+
+"To grumble about the weather or argue about the sheep?"
+
+"They did grumble about the weather," Kit replied.
+
+Janet looked amused. "You're very cautious, my lad; but you needn't take
+it for granted I'm always on father's side. Do you think I don't know why
+your neighbors came?"
+
+"You don't know altogether."
+
+The moonlight was clear enough to show that Janet colored. "And you think
+I stopped you to find out?"
+
+"I don't," said Kit, rather awkwardly. "Still, perhaps it's better that
+you shouldn't know."
+
+"Oh," said she, with some emotion, "I can't tell if you mean to be nice
+or not. It's the lazy, feckless people who dislike father, because
+they're jealous; and they try to make things hard for me. Why should I
+suffer because he's cleverer than them?"
+
+"You oughn't to suffer. I really don't think people blame you."
+
+"They do blame me," Janet insisted. "You doubted if you could trust me
+just now."
+
+This was true enough to embarrass Kit, but he said, "I didn't see why I
+should talk to you about our business; that was all. In fact, I don't
+mean to talk about it to anybody."
+
+"Now you're nicer. I didn't like to feel you were taking particular
+care not to let me know. Well, of course, father's no friend of
+yours and perhaps he'll like you worse by and by. But, after all,
+does that matter?"
+
+"Not in a way," said Kit, pretending to be dull. "You have nothing to do
+with the dispute and we don't want to quarrel with your father, although
+we mean to carry out our plans."
+
+Janet looked rather hard at him and there was some color in her face, but
+she forced a smile.
+
+"Oh, well! Good-night! I've stopped you, and expect you want to
+get home."
+
+She went back through the gate and Kit resumed his walk, struggling with
+an annoyance he felt was illogical. He knew something about Bell's
+household and imagined that Janet's life was not smooth. He was sorry for
+her, and it was, of course, unjust to blame her for her father's deeds.
+All the same, the favor she had sometimes shown him was embarrassing. He
+was not a philanderer, but he was young and she had made him feel that he
+had played an ungallant part. Jane was a flirt, but, after all, it would
+not have cost him much, so to speak, to play up to her. Perhaps he had
+acted like a prig. This made him angry, although he knew he had taken the
+proper line.
+
+By and by he came to the water-splash, where a beck crossed the road. Its
+channel was paved, so that one could drive across, and at the side a
+stone causeway had been made for foot passengers. Sometimes, when the
+beck was unusually swollen, shallow water covered the stones, and Kit saw
+the significance of a statement of Janet's as he noted the width of the
+submerged spot. It looked as if Jim Nixon had carried her across. Then
+his annoyance vanished and he laughed. Gallant or not, he was satisfied
+to carry Janet's letter.
+
+As he went on in the moonlight he began to see that there were some
+grounds for his reluctance to indulge the girl. He had thought about
+Miss Osborn often since he helped her across the stepping stones. He had
+not hesitated then, and although the things were different, to dwell
+upon the incident was perhaps rasher than indulging Janet. Miss Osborn
+had, no doubt, forgotten, but he had not. The trouble was, he could not
+forget; his imagination pictured her vividly, sitting beneath the alders
+talking to him.
+
+With something of an effort Kit pulled himself up. He was a small
+farmer's son and the Osborns were important people. He knew Osborn's
+family pride, which he thought his daughter had inherited. In Osborn, it
+was marked by arrogance; in the girl by a gracious, half-stately calm.
+For all that, the pride was there, and Kit, resolving that he would not
+be a fool, went to the post office and put Janet's letter in the box.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PEAT CUTTERS
+
+
+Osborn was dissatisfied and moody when, one afternoon, he stood, waiting
+for the grouse, behind a bank of turf on Malton moor. To begin with, he
+had played cards until the early morning with some of his guests and had
+been unlucky. Then he got up with a headache for which he held his wife
+accountable; Alice was getting horribly parsimonious, and had bothered
+him until he tried to cut down his wine merchant's bill by experimenting
+with cheaper liquor. His headache was the consequence. The whisky he had
+formerly kept never troubled him like that.
+
+Moreover, it was perhaps a mistake to invite Jardine, although he
+sometimes gave one a useful hint about speculations on the Stock
+Exchange. The fellow went to bigger shoots and looked bored when Osborn's
+partridges were scarce and wild; besides, he had broken rules in order to
+get a shot when they walked the turnip fields in line. Osborn imagined
+Jardine would not have done so had he been a guest at one of the houses
+he boasted about visiting.
+
+As they climbed Malton Head another of the party had broken Dowthwaite's
+drystone wall and the farmer had said more about the accident than the
+damage justified. In fact, Dowthwaite was rather aggressive, and now
+Osborn came to think of it, one or two others had recently grumbled about
+things they had hitherto borne without complaint.
+
+In the meantime, Osborn and Thorn, who shared his butt, looked about
+while they waited for the beaters. The row of turf banks, regularly
+spaced, ran back to the Force Crags at the head of the dale. The red
+bloom of the ling was fading from the moor, which had begun to get brown.
+Sunshine and shadow swept across it, and the blue sky was dotted by
+flying, white-edged clouds. A keen wind swept the high tableland, and the
+grouse, flying before it, would come over the butts very fast.
+
+In the distance, one could distinguish a row of figures that were
+presently lost in a hollow and got larger when they reappeared. They were
+beaters, driving the grouse, and by and by Osborn, picking up his
+glasses, saw clusters of small dark objects that skimmed and then dropped
+into the heath. It was satisfactory to note that they were numerous.
+Although the birds were rather wild, he could now give his friends some
+sport. After a time, however, the clusters of dark dots were seen first
+to scatter and then vanish. Osborn frowned as he gave Thorn the glasses.
+
+"What does that mean? Looks as if the birds had broken back."
+
+"Some have broken back," said Thorn. "If they've flown over the beaters,
+we have lost them for the afternoon." He paused and resumed: "I think the
+first lot are dropping. No; they're coming on."
+
+Picking up his gun, he watched the advancing grouse. They flew low but
+very fast, making a few strokes at intervals and then sailing on
+stretched wings down the wind. In a few moments they were large and
+distinct, but there were not enough to cross more than the first two
+butts. When they were fifty yards off Thorn threw up his gun and two pale
+flashes leaped out. Osborn was slower and swung his barrel. The sharp
+reports were echoed from the next butt and a thin streak of smoke that
+looked gray in the sunshine drifted across the bank of turf. Two brown
+objects, spinning round, struck the heath and a few light feathers
+followed. The grouse that had escaped went on and got small again.
+
+"Missed with my right," said Osborn. "Had to shoot on the swing. Don't
+know about the other barrel."
+
+Thorn did know, but used some tact. "I may have been a trifle slow; my
+last bird was going very fast."
+
+"I expect you saw whose bird it was," Osborn said to the lad who took
+their guns.
+
+"Yes, sir; Mr. Thorn's, sir."
+
+"Oh, well," said Osborn, forcing a smile as he turned to Thorn, "you have
+youth upon your side. Anyhow, I don't imagine the others have done much
+better, and it looks as if we might as well go home. When the birds broke
+back we lost the best chance we'll get. I wonder what spoiled the drive?"
+
+"Something on the old green road, I think. The grouse turned as they
+crossed the hollow."
+
+A short distance off there was a fold in the moor, and while Osborn
+wondered whether he would walk to the top a man came over the brow,
+leading two horses that hauled a clumsy sledge. Another team followed and
+presently four advanced across the heath.
+
+"Now you know what spoiled the drive," Thorn remarked with some dryness.
+"You can't expect a good shoot on the day your tenants move their peat."
+
+Osborn, who was very angry, picked up the glasses. "The first two are not
+my tenants. They're the Askews, and the boundary of their sheepwalk runs
+on this side of the green road."
+
+"Then I suppose there's nothing to be said!"
+
+In the meantime, Osborn's friends had left the other butts and come up,
+with Jardine in front. He was a fat, red-faced man, and as he got nearer
+remarked to his companions: "I call it wretched bad management! Somebody
+ought to have turned the fellows off the moor."
+
+Osborn heard and glanced at Thorn as he left the butt. "There is
+something to be said; I'm going to relieve my mind."
+
+He went off and signaled the farmers to stop. They waited, standing
+quietly by their horses. On the open moor, their powerful figures had a
+touch of grace, and their clothes, faded by sun and rain, harmonized with
+the color of the heath. Peter Askew's brown face was inscrutable when he
+fixed his steady eyes on Osborn.
+
+"You turned back the grouse and spoiled the beat. Do you call that
+sporting?" Osborn asked.
+
+"I'm sorry," Peter replied. "If I'd kenned you were shooting, mayhappen
+we could have put off loading the peat."
+
+"You knew we were shooting when you saw the beaters."
+
+"Aw, yis," said Peter. "It was over late then. I wadn't willingly
+spoil any man's sport, but we had browt up eight horses and had to
+get to work."
+
+"You have plenty of work at Ashness."
+
+"It's verra true; but the weather's our master and we canna awtogether do
+what we like. The peat's mair important than a few brace of grouse."
+
+"Important to you!" Osborn rejoined. "But what about me and my friends?
+One has come from London for a few days' sport."
+
+"Then I'm sorry he has lost the afternoon," Kit interposed quietly. "But
+you well know the wages laborers get in the dale, and there are old folks
+and some sick at Allerby who need a good fire. The winter's hard and some
+of the cottages are very damp."
+
+"The farmers pay the wages."
+
+"None of them make much money. They pay what their rent allows."
+
+"I don't force up the rents. They're fixed by the terms new tenants are
+willing to offer when a lease runs out."
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed. "I don't know that my neighbors grumble much
+because the rule works on your side. But peat is plentiful and we don't
+see why it can't be used when coal is dear."
+
+"I imagine you can see an opportunity of selling the right to cut it,"
+Osborn sneered.
+
+"We are willing to sell at the buyers' price. Anybody who can't pay may
+have the peat for nothing. None of the day laborers has paid us yet and
+none shall be forced to pay."
+
+Osborn did not know whether he could believe this statement or not, but
+he said ironically, "Then it looks as if you were generous! However, you
+are not a friend of my agent's and no doubt see a chance of making
+trouble. When you meddle with my tenants you play a risky game, and they
+may find they were foolish to join you."
+
+One of the farmers who had stood quietly by Peter Askew looked up with a
+slow smile; another's weather-beaten face got a little harder. They were
+seldom noisily quarrelsome, but they were stubborn and remembered an
+injury long. Peter, however, interposed:
+
+"We won't fratch; there's not much in arguing. You can beat moor t'ither
+side o' green road. Good day to you!"
+
+He spoke to the horses and the sledge lurched forward with its
+chocolate-colored load. The other teams strained at the chains; there was
+a beat of hoofs, and the row of sledges moved noisily away. Osborn waited
+for a few moments, but his face was very red when he went back to the
+butts. The farmer's refusal to dispute with him was galling. For all
+that, he must try to find his friends some sport, and after consulting
+with his gamekeeper sent the beaters on across the moor.
+
+The new drive was not successful, and in the evening the party came down
+the hill with a very poor bag. When they reached the Redmire wood Osborn
+stopped beside a broken hedge. Red beeches shone among the yellow birches
+and dark firs, the sun was low and its slanting rays touched the higher
+branches, but the gaps between the trunks were filled with shadow. A few
+bent figures moved in the gloom, and Osborn frowned when three or four
+children came down a drive, dragging a heavy fallen bough. An elderly
+woman with a sack upon her back followed them slowly, and it was obvious
+that cottagers from Allerby were gathering fuel.
+
+"Confound them! This is too much!" he exclaimed and beckoned his
+gamekeeper. "If that is Mrs. Forsyth, tell her to come up."
+
+The woman advanced and rested her sack upon the hedge. Her wrinkled face
+was wet with sweat, but she did not look alarmed.
+
+"Eh!" she said, "sticks is heavy and I'm none so young as I was."
+
+"You have no business in the wood," said Osborn sternly.
+
+"There's nea place else where we can pick up sticks."
+
+"That is your affair. You know you're not allowed to gather wood in my
+plantations."
+
+"We canna gan withoot some kindling; when you canna keep it dry, peat is
+ill to light. Terrible messy stuff, too, and mak's nea end o' dirt."
+
+The children came up and when they stood, open-mouthed, gazing at the
+party one of the sportsmen laughed.
+
+"Then burn coal and the dirt won't bother you," Osborn rejoined.
+
+"Hoo can we burn coal?" the woman asked. "Noo Tom Bell has lease o' baith
+yards, he's putten up t' price, and when you've paid what he's asking
+there's nowt left for meal. I canna work for Mrs. Osborn as I used, and
+with oad Jim yearning nobbut fifteen shilling--"
+
+She paused for breath and wiped her hot face, and Osborn signed to the
+keeper. The woman was making him ridiculous.
+
+"Turn them all out, Holliday," he said and went on with his friends.
+
+"The old lady's talkative," one remarked. "Quite frank, but not at all
+angry; I thought her line was rather dignified. I've met country folks
+who'd have been servilely apologetic, and some who would have called you
+ugly names."
+
+"These people are never apologetic," Osborn said dryly. "As a rule,
+they're not truculent, but they're devilish obstinate."
+
+"I think I see. After all, it's possible to stick to your point without
+abusing your antagonist. I suppose you turned them out because of the
+pheasants?"
+
+"Yes; good cover's scarce, and if the birds are disturbed they move down
+to Rafton Woods. For a sporting neighbor, Hayton hardly plays the game.
+To put down corn is, of course, allowable, but he uses damaged raisins!"
+
+"Then you don't feed?"
+
+"Very little," Osborn replied. "Corn's too dear. The Tarnside pheasants
+live on the country."
+
+"I expect that really means they live on the farmers!"
+
+Osborn frowned. It was Jardine's habit to make stupid remarks like that;
+Osborn wondered whether the fellow thought them smart.
+
+"The farmers knew my rules when they signed the lease," he said. "Anyhow,
+pheasants do much less damage than ground game, and I don't think my
+tenants have left a hare in the dale."
+
+Jardine began to talk about something else, and no more was said about
+Osborn's grievances until the party met on the new terrace in the
+twilight. The tarn glimmered with faint reflections from the west, but
+thin mist drifted across the pastures, and the hills rose, vague and
+black, against the sky, in which a half moon shone. Osborn, sitting at
+the top of the shallow steps that went down to the lawn, grumbled to his
+wife about the day's shooting.
+
+"I don't think I'm an exacting landlord," he remarked. "In fact, since I
+ask for nothing but a little give-and-take, it's annoying when people
+spoil my sport. Dowthwaite made himself unpleasant about his broken
+wall, the Askews turned the grouse back, and then I found the Allerby
+cottage children, ransacking Redmire Wood when the pheasants were going
+to roost."
+
+Grace, who stood close by with Thorn, indicated the smooth gravel and the
+low, wide-topped wall on which red geraniums grew.
+
+"This," she said, "is a great improvement on the old grass bank. The wide
+steps and broad slate coping have an artistic effect. However, you can't
+often get the things you like without paying."
+
+"Very true, but rather trite," Osborn agreed. "I don't see how it
+applies."
+
+"Well, I'm really sympathetic about your spoiled day, but it looks as if
+all your disappointments sprang from the same cause."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn, sharply; "I suppose you mean the coal yards' lease?"
+
+"I think I mean Bell's greediness. If he didn't charge so much for his
+coal, Askew would not have cut the peat, and the children would not have
+been sent to gather wood. Then Dowthwaite might not have grumbled about
+his wall; he feels the farmers have not been treated justly, and I
+imagine he blames you."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. "Then it's an example of the fellow's
+wrong-headed attitude! He and one or two others are treated better than
+they deserve, and would not be satisfied with anything I did. If you had
+to manage the estate, pay extortionate taxes, and make the unnecessary
+repairs the farmers demand, it would be interesting to see the line you
+would take."
+
+"Perhaps the right line isn't easy," Grace admitted. "Still, if I wanted
+a guide, there's the motto of our county town: 'Be just and fear not.'"
+
+Osborn looked at her with indignant surprise, and then shrugged
+scornfully. Thorn smiled.
+
+"It's an excellent motto; but they chose it some time since. One imagines
+it's out of date now."
+
+Grace colored and moved away, feeling embarrassed. She had made herself
+ridiculous, and perhaps sentiment such as she had indulged was cheap; but
+it hurt to feel that she, so to speak, stood alone. Although she had, no
+doubt, been imprudent, she had said what she felt, and Thorn had smiled.
+She turned to him angrily when he followed her along the terrace.
+
+"I daresay I am a raw sentimentalist, but I'm glad I'm not up to date,"
+she said. "I hate your modern smartness!"
+
+Thorn, noting the hardness of her voice, stopped with an apologetic
+gesture and let her go.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+RAILTON'S TALLY
+
+
+Winter had begun, and although the briars shone red along the hedgerows
+and the stunted oaks had not lost all their leaves, bitter sleet blew
+across the dale when Grace went up the muddy lonning to Mireside farm.
+Railton's daughter had for a time helped the housekeeper at Tarnside, and
+Grace, hearing that the farmer had been ill, was going to ask about him.
+It was nearly dark when she entered the big kitchen. The lamp had not
+been lighted, but a peat fire burned in the wide grate, where irons for
+cooking pots hung above the blaze. A bright glow leaped up and spread
+about the kitchen, touching the people in the room, and then faded as she
+shut the massive door.
+
+Grace thought her arrival had embarrassed the others, because nobody said
+anything for a moment or two. Railton sat in an old oak chair by the
+fire, with a stick near his hand; Tom, the shepherd, occupied the middle
+of the floor; and Kit Askew leaned against the table, at which Mrs.
+Railton and Lucy sat. Grace wished she could see them better, but the
+blaze had sunk and the fire burned low, giving out an aromatic smell, and
+throwing dull reflections on the old oak furniture, copper kettles, and
+tall brass candlesticks. As a rule, the lonely homesteads in the dales
+are furnished well, with objects made long since and handed down from
+father to son.
+
+Then Mrs. Railton began to talk, rather nervously, and Grace turned to
+the farmer as the light spread about the room again. He had a thin, lined
+face; his shoulders were bent, and his pose was slack. Sickness no doubt
+accounted for something, but Grace imagined his attitude hinted at
+dejection.
+
+"How are you to-day?" she asked.
+
+"No varra weel. I'm none so young, and the wet and cold dinna agree with
+my oad bones. Mayhappen I'll be better soon, but noo when I'm needed I
+canna get aboot."
+
+"He'll not can rest," Mrs. Railton interposed. "He was oot in sleet,
+boddering among t' sheep aw day."
+
+"And weel you ken I had to gan," the farmer rejoined.
+
+Mrs. Railton's silence implied agreement and Grace's curiosity was
+excited because of something she had heard at home. Railton's lease of
+the sheepwalk ran out in a few days, but he was by local custom entitled
+to its renewal after a review of the terms. Moreover, it was usual for
+the tenant to take the sheep with the farm, and leave them equal in
+number and condition when he went. The landlord could then demand a
+valuation and payment of the difference, if the flocks had fallen below
+the proper standard.
+
+"Why are you forced to go out in this bitter weather?" she asked.
+
+Railton hesitated, and then saw his daughter's meaning glance. Lucy was
+clever, and he thought she wanted him to be frank.
+
+"I had to see how sheep were," he answered dully. "Not that it was o'
+mich use. T' lambs niver get over wet spring and t' ewes is poor. Then
+flock is weel under tally; I've lost two score Swinset Herdwicks, and the
+mak-up's next Thursday."
+
+"But how did you lose forty sheep?" Grace asked.
+
+"There was a hole in fell dyke and Swinset sheep are thief sheep, varra
+bad to hoad. I bowt ewes there and t' lambs followed when they wandert
+back to their heaf."
+
+Grace pondered. She had noted some reserve in Railton's manner when he
+mentioned the broken dyke and knew the flockmasters were careful about
+their dry walls. The rest was plain; the _heaf_ is the hill pasture where
+a lamb is born, and Swinset was fifteen miles away. It was a very large
+sheepwalk and much time would be needed to find the sheep on the wide
+belt of moor.
+
+"If you know the sheep are at Swinset, they would be allowed for in the
+count," she said.
+
+"I have my doubts. Mr. Hayes sent me notice tally would be taken on
+Thursday and he's a hard man."
+
+Grace colored. Although she did not like Hayes, he was Osborn's agent.
+There was much she wanted to know, but she could not ask.
+
+"Mr. Hayes cannot do exactly as he likes; he must get my father's
+consent," she said. "However, as I am going home by the field path, I had
+better start before it's dark."
+
+"There's a broken gate that's awkward to open. I will come with you until
+you reach it," Kit remarked.
+
+They went out together. The sleet had stopped, but leaden clouds rolled
+across the hills that glimmered white in the dusk. As they struck across
+a wet field Grace said:
+
+"I suppose Railton's flock is below the proper standard and the count
+is short?"
+
+"Yes; the two or three wet years have hit flock-masters hard and Railton
+had to sell more stock than was prudent, in order to pay his debts."
+
+"Then if he can't pay the difference in number and value, the lease can
+be broken?"
+
+Kit made a sign of agreement and Grace asked: "But do you think Hayes
+would break the lease and turn him out?"
+
+"It's possible," Kit answered cautiously.
+
+Grace gave him a sharp glance. "What do you really think, Mr. Askew? I
+want to know."
+
+"Then, my notion is Hayes would like to get Mireside for Jim Richardson."
+
+"Richardson is his nephew."
+
+"Just so," said Kit, with some dryness. "All the same he'd make a good
+tenant. His father is rich enough to start him well."
+
+Grace's eyes sparkled, for she saw where the hint led, but she hid her
+resentment, because, after all, she had doubts. Osborn needed money and
+Hayes was cunning.
+
+"I imagine it would hurt Railton to leave."
+
+"It would hurt him much. He was born at Mireside and his father took the
+farm from your grandfather, a very long time since. Then he's an old man
+and has not enough money to begin again at another place."
+
+"Ah," said Grace, "it would be very hard if he had to go! But if he
+hasn't money, he couldn't carry on, even if we renewed the lease."
+
+"We have had remarkably bad weather for two or three years and the cold
+rain killed the young lambs, but a change is due. A dry spring and fine
+summer would put the old man straight."
+
+Grace was silent for a few moments and then looked at Kit with some color
+in her face.
+
+"Thank you for making the situation plain. You were not anxious to do so,
+were you? I think you don't trust us!"
+
+"I don't trust Hayes," Kit said awkwardly.
+
+"But Hayes is our agent. We are accountable for what he does."
+
+"In a way, I suppose you are accountable. For all that, when a landlord
+has a capable agent it is not the rule for him to meddle. I understand
+Mr. Osborn leaves much to Hayes."
+
+Grace pondered. Kit's embarrassment indicated that he was trying to save
+her feelings, but he must know, as she knew, that a landlord was rightly
+judged by his agent's deeds. Although she rather liked Kit Askew, he had
+humiliated her.
+
+"Well," she said resolutely, "something must be done. If the strayed
+sheep could be found, it would help."
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "Tom and I start for Swinset to-morrow to try to bring
+them back. But if you'll wait a moment, I'll open the gate."
+
+He walked through the mud the cattle had churned up, and, lifting the
+broken gate, pushed it back so that Grace could cross a drier spot. Then,
+as he stood with his hands on the rotten bars, she stopped.
+
+"Don't start for Swinset until you hear from me," she said. "Thank you.
+Good night!"
+
+Grace went on and Kit turned back to the farm with a satisfaction that
+made his heart beat. In a way, the girl had given him her confidence;
+she had, at least, not hidden her feelings. Her proud calm was only on
+the surface; it covered a generous, impulsive nature. Then she had
+pluck, because he could understand her difficulties. She was loyal to
+her father, but hated injustice and was quickly moved to sympathy. All
+the same, he had noted that when she spoke of Osborn renewing the
+lease she said we, and since he knew why she had done so, it gave him
+cause to think.
+
+It was the code of the old school; the family stood together, a compact
+unit to which she belonged and for whose deeds she believed herself
+accountable. In a sense, this was rather fine; but Kit, knowing Osborn's
+pride, saw it would confine their friendship to narrow limits. Still he
+had no ground for imagining she was his friend, and he tried to fix his
+thoughts upon the search for the sheep. Grace obviously meant to talk to
+Osborn, but Kit did not believe the latter would be moved by her
+arguments.
+
+When Kit returned to the farm kitchen Railton was sitting moodily by the
+fire and his wife's face was sternly set. They are not an emotional
+people in the dales, and her trouble was too deep for useless tears, but
+as she glanced about the room all she saw wakened poignant memories. The
+old china in the rack had been her mother's; she had brought it and the
+black oak meal-chest to Mireside thirty years since. The copper kettles
+and jelly-pan were wedding presents, and Tom, her son, who died in
+Australia, had sent the money to buy the sewing machine. Now it looked as
+if her household treasures must be sold, and to leave Mireside would mean
+the tearing up of roots that had struck deep. Besides, while she would
+suffer it would hurt her husband worse. When Kit came in she gave him a
+keen glance.
+
+"Weel, what had Miss Osborn to say?"
+
+"She didn't say much; I think she means to talk to Osborn."
+
+Railton looked up gloomily. "T' lass has a good heart, but talking to
+Osborn will be o' nea use. Hayes is real master and he wants Mireside for
+Jim Richardson."
+
+Kit made a sign of agreement. "The fellow's getting dangerous and must be
+stopped. I suspect he's backing Bell and now he means to use his nephew;
+it's not altogether for Richardson's sake he wants to break your lease.
+Some day I imagine Osborn will find his agent owns the estate; but that's
+not our business. Well, Peter told me to remind you that you and he are
+old friends, and if a hundred pounds would be some help--"
+
+"It would be a big help," said Railton, and Kit turned to the shepherd
+when Mrs. Railton awkwardly began to thank him.
+
+"About the broken dyke, Tom? What d'you think brought it down?"
+
+"I canna tell. Dyke's good and there was nea wind."
+
+They were all silent for a few moments, and then Kit said, "Well,
+Richardson is a cunning hound." He paused and picked up his hat before
+he turned to Railton. "I've a job at Ashness that must be finished
+to-night. There's not much time, but if it's possible Tom and I will
+find the sheep."
+
+In the meantime, Grace walked home thinking hard. Kit was Railton's
+friend, but he had used some tact, until she forced him to tell her the
+truth. This, however, was not important, because she had got a jar. It
+looked as if Osborn had consented to a cruel plot; a landlord ought to
+help his tenants and not take advantage of their need. She tried not to
+blame him; he had a bad agent, who used a dangerous influence. She must
+try to protect him from the fellow and, in a way, from his own
+carelessness.
+
+After all, it was, for the most part, carelessness, because he did not
+know Hayes as she knew him. Still, she had not undertaken an easy thing
+and she braced herself as she went up the steps of the new terrace. Grace
+hated the terrace. It was the price they, the Osborns, had taken for a
+shabby deed, and for which poor people and hard-worked women paid. Grace
+knew about the extra dust that peat fires caused and how often the bread
+was spoiled.
+
+When she entered the library Osborn was studying some documents. He
+looked up impatiently, and she said, "I was at Mireside. Railton's no
+better and is much disturbed about his lease."
+
+"Not more disturbed than he deserves!" Osborn rejoined. "The fellow has
+been getting slack for some time; he sold his store sheep imprudently and
+let the flock run down."
+
+"He has been ill and the weather has been bad for some years."
+
+"Exactly. A cautious man provides for bad years; he knows they
+will come."
+
+Grace was surprised her father did not see that his statement had a
+humorous touch, since improvident extravagance was his rule; but it was
+obvious that he did not.
+
+"One cannot save much money when rents are high and prices are low."
+
+"Do you know much about these matters?" Osborn asked.
+
+"I have heard the farmers talk. Sometimes I ask them questions."
+
+Osborn frowned. "You talk too much to the farmers. I don't like it. You
+know this."
+
+"Well," said Grace, "I think you ought not to break Railton's lease."
+
+"Why?"
+
+Grace hesitated. She began to see that Osborn could not be moved, but she
+had undertaken to plead Railton's cause.
+
+"He's an old man and has been at Mireside all his life. He has worked
+hard and always paid his rent. Now he's ill and in trouble, it would be
+shabby to turn him out because there's a risk--it's only a risk--that we
+might lose something by letting him stay."
+
+"You don't seem to understand a landlord's duty," Osborn rejoined. "He
+is, so to speak, the steward in charge of the estate; it belongs to the
+family and is not his. He must hand it on in good order and this means he
+cannot indulge his sentimental impulses. If he keeps a bad tenant from
+pity, or because he's afraid to seem harsh, he robs his heir."
+
+Grace knew there were other, and perhaps worse, ways of robbing one's
+heir; but she said, "Aren't you taking Hayes's view that Railton is a bad
+tenant? After all, we are responsible."
+
+"Then you suggest that Hayes is mistaken?" Osborn asked ironically.
+
+"I don't know if he's mistaken or not," said Grace, with a steady look.
+"I know he's greedy and unjust. But there's a thing you ought not to let
+him do. Railton has lost forty sheep, that have strayed back to Swinset,
+and Hayes doesn't mean to count them in the tally."
+
+Osborn's face got red and he knitted his brows. "I have tried to be
+patient; but this is too much! Do you know more about managing an estate
+than a clever agent? Or do you think I'm a fool and Hayes leads me like a
+child? Anyhow, you are much too young to criticize my actions. Let us
+have no more of it! An unmarried girl is not entitled to opinions that
+clash with her parents'."
+
+Grace went out silently. To know that she had failed hurt her pride, and
+it hurt worse to suspect that her father had got angry because he knew
+she was right. Besides, she felt strangely alone; as she had often felt
+since she came home. Gerald was careless and thought about nothing but
+his extravagant amusements; her mother's main object was to avoid jars
+and smooth over awkward situations. Then, she had household cares; money
+was scarce, and since Osborn hated self-denial, she must economize. Grace
+could not tell her her troubles; but there was a way by which Railton
+might save his lease and Kit could help. Getting a pencil and paper, she
+wrote him a very short note:
+
+"You must find Railton's sheep."
+
+Then, knowing that she was rash, she went to look for the gardener's boy,
+and sent him to Ashness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BLEATARN GHYLL
+
+
+It was getting dark when Kit and Tom, the shepherd, stopped to rest
+behind a cairn on the summit of Swinset moor. Close by, the two score
+sheep stood in a compact flock, with heads towards the panting dogs. They
+were Herdwicks, a small, hardy breed that best withstands the rain and
+snow that sweep the high fells in the lambing season. When he had lighted
+his pipe, Kit thoughtfully looked about.
+
+On one side the barren moor, getting dim in the distance, rolled back to
+the edge of the low country. Here and there patches of melting sleet
+gleamed a livid white among the withered ling, and storm-torn hummocks of
+peaty soil shone dark chocolate-brown. These were the only touches of
+color in the dreary landscape, except for the streak of pale-yellow sky
+that glimmered above a long black ridge. On the other side, a line of
+rugged fells with summits lost in snow clouds, rose dark and forbidding.
+It was very cold and a biting wind swept the heath.
+
+Kit was tired, for he had been on the moor since morning and had not
+eaten much. It was an awkward matter to find the sheep, and then the men
+and dogs had some difficulty to keep the ewes moving, because the
+Herdwick never willingly leaves the neighborhood where it was born and
+will, if possible, return. The lambs, now grown large and fat, gave less
+trouble, and when they sometimes stopped irresolutely while the ewes
+tried to break away Kit understood their hesitation. Two instincts were
+at work: it was natural to follow their dams, but Mireside was their
+native heath and they knew they were going to be taken home.
+
+Now they had gone some distance, Kit had to make a choice. One could
+reach Mireside by a rough moor-land road, but it went round the hills and
+there was a shorter way across the range. If he went round, he might
+arrive late for the reckoning and some of the lambs would get footsore
+and stop. On the other hand, he knew the fells and shrank from trying to
+find his way among the crags in the dark. It was, however, important that
+he should not be late. Hayes was hard, and the Herdwicks must arrive in
+time to be tallied with the rest of Railton's flock. In the dale, a
+tenant had a traditional right to have his sheep valued by a jury of his
+neighbors and Hayes had fixed the time at eight o'clock next day. The
+animals, however, must be sorted and penned before this, and the work
+would begin early in the morning.
+
+"We had better try the fells, Tom," said Kit.
+
+The shepherd looked at the threatening sky and fading line of
+rugged heights.
+
+"Aw, yes. It's gan t' be a rough neet, but we'll try 't. We can rest a
+bit at oad mine-house this side Bleatarn ghyll."
+
+Now their route was fixed, Kit mused about something else. Railton was
+his neighbor, but, except for this, Kit had no particular grounds for
+helping him; he had obviously nothing to gain. Then, the peat-cutting was
+his plan; he had, without altogether meaning to do so, allowed himself to
+become the leader of the revolt against Osborn. In a way, of course, he
+was the proper man, because Ashness belonged to his father, and Hayes
+could not punish him for meddling. Still, Hayes could punish the tenant
+farmers and Kit knew they ran some risk.
+
+On the whole, he thought the risk worth while. He had a talent that was
+beginning to develop for leading and saw when one could negotiate and
+when one must fight. He did not want to fight Osborn, but was being
+forced into the conflict, and it was comforting to feel that Miss Osborn
+was not against him. Her note, telling him he must find the sheep, was in
+his pocket, and he thought it had cost her something to write. She was
+generous and plucky and he must not hesitate. After all, the job was his
+and since he had accepted it, he must, if needful, bear the consequences.
+Knocking out his pipe, he got up.
+
+"We'll make a start, Tom," he said.
+
+The shepherd shouted to the dogs, the flock broke up and trailed out
+across the heath. The ewes moved slowly, turning now and then, and Kit
+thought it ominous that they met other flocks coming down. The Herdwicks
+knew the weather and were heading for the sheltered dales. For all that,
+he pushed on, with a bitter wind in his face, and by and by cold rain
+began to fall. It changed to sleet and the night had got very dark when
+they crossed the shoulder of a stony fell. One could not see fifty yards,
+but the steepness of the slope and the click of little hoofs on the wet
+rock told Kit where they were.
+
+Two hours afterwards, he stopped for breath at the bottom of a narrow
+valley. The sleet had turned to driving snow, the wind howled in the
+rocks above, and a swollen beck brawled angrily among the stones. Tom was
+hardly distinguishable a few yards ahead and Kit could not see the sheep,
+but the barking of the dogs came faintly down the steep white slope. The
+Herdwicks were strung out along the hillside, with a dog below and above,
+and it was comforting to know they could not leave the valley, which was
+shut in by rugged crags. For a time, driving them would be easy; but it
+would be different when they left the water and climbed the rise to
+Bleatarn ghyll.
+
+"How far are we off the mine-house, Tom?" he shouted.
+
+"I dinna ken," said the shepherd. "Mayhappen two miles. Ewes is
+travelling better; t'lambs is leading them."
+
+Kit agreed, and they pushed on through the snow. After a time, the ground
+got steeper, and when they crossed the noisy beck and scrambled up a
+shaly bank, Kit was glad to see a broken wall loom among the tossing
+flakes. This was the shaft-house of an abandoned mine, and there was a
+sheep-fold, built with pulled-down material, close by. He shouted and
+waited until he heard the dogs bark and a rattle of stones. The Herdwicks
+were coming down and presently broke out from the snow in a compact,
+struggling flock. Tom shouted and threw a hurdle across the entrance when
+the dogs had driven the sheep into the fold.
+
+"I dinna ken if snow'll tak' off or not, but it's early yet and we must
+have a rest before we try ghyll," he said.
+
+They went into the shaft-house and Kit struck a match. One end of the
+building had been pulled down and the snow blew in through holes in the
+roof, but a pile of dry fern filled a corner and rotten beams lay
+about. With some trouble, they lighted a fire and, sitting down close
+by, took out the food they had brought. The wind screamed about the
+ruined walls, the smoke eddied round them, and now and then a shower of
+snow fell on their heads, but they had some shelter and could, if
+forced, wait for morning.
+
+"Miss Osborn's a bonny lass and kind; but I reckon she couldn't talk her
+father round," Tom presently remarked.
+
+"No," said Kit. "I believe she tried."
+
+"Favors her mother," Tom resumed. "Mrs. Osborn's heart is good, but at
+Tarnside women dinna count. It's a kind o' pity, because t' Osborn
+menfolk are lakers and always was."
+
+A _laker_ is a lounging pleasure-seeker and Kit admitted that the remark
+was justified.
+
+"I sometimes think Osborn means well," he said.
+
+"Mayhappen! For aw his ordering folks aboot, he's wake; like his father,
+I mind him weel. Might mak' a fair landlord if he was letten and had t'
+money; but oad Hayes is grasping and always at his tail."
+
+"The rent-roll's good. The estate could be managed well."
+
+"There's t' mortgages and Osborn canna keep money. When he has it he must
+spend. There would be nea poor landlord's, if I had my way. I'd let them
+putten rents up if they had money and spent it on the land. Low rent
+means poor farming."
+
+Kit knew this was true on the Tarnside estate. Dykes that had kept the
+floods off the meadows were falling down, drains were choked, and land
+that had grown good crops was going sour. The wise use of capital would
+make a wholesome change, but Kit did not altogether like centralized
+control. Although it was economical, the landlord got the main advantage,
+and there was much a farmer could do, in cooperation with his neighbors,
+to help himself, if his lease was long enough. Then, joint action was
+once common in the dale. Men pooled their labor and implements at hay
+time and harvest, and combined for their mutual benefit in other ways.
+Now it looked as if they might combine again.
+
+"Are they grumbling much at Allerby about burning peat?" he asked.
+
+"T' women grumble," Tom said dryly. "But they willunt stop, for aw the
+dirt peat maks an' they canna get ovens hot. I reckon Bell has mair coal
+coming in than he can get shut of. When I was at station last t' yards
+was nearly full."
+
+"I rather think Bell has been too greedy. He must pay for the coal as it
+arrives and his money is probably getting short; the traction engine and
+trailer cost a good sum, and he has spent something on the lime-kilns. In
+fact, if we hold on, he's bound to give way."
+
+"Then we'll brek him. Our folks are slow to fratch, but they're not quick
+at letting go," said Tom, who paused and added: "I wunner where Bell got
+his money; he had none when he took a job at mill in oad Osborn's time."
+
+This started Kit on another line of thought. Bell had, no doubt, saved
+something, for he was parsimonious, and was too keen a business man to
+leave his money in the bank. All he made by one speculation was sunk in
+another; but, after allowing for this, it was hard to see where he got
+the capital for his numerous ventures. Kit wondered whether Hayes helped;
+if he did, it was not from friendship. The agent was clever and might be
+playing a cunning game, in which he used both Osborn and Bell. In fact,
+Kit thought if he were Osborn he would watch Hayes. This, however, was
+not his business, and getting up he went to a hole in the wall.
+
+It was snowing very hard; he could see nothing but a haze of tossing
+flakes, and the wind filled the valley with its roar. He could hardly
+hear the beck a few yards off.
+
+"The drifts will be getting deep, but we can't start yet," he said. "If
+we miss the track at the top, there's nothing to stop us falling over the
+Ling Crag."
+
+Tom agreed, and Kit shivered when he sat down again. He was cold and
+tired, and the worst part of the journey must yet be made. Looking at his
+watch he resigned himself to wait, and leaned back with eyes closed
+against the wall while a wet dog crouched at his feet. An hour or two
+passed and then Tom got up.
+
+"Snow's takin' off," he said. "We must try it."
+
+Kit, pulling himself together, went out and faced the storm. The snow was
+thinner, but the wind had not dropped and buffeted him savagely as he
+struggled through a drift to the fold. The dogs had some trouble to drive
+out the sheep, and when they straggled through the opening Kit imagined
+the lambs went in front. In a few moments the flock vanished, and he
+breathed hard as he followed their track up hill. Now and then the dogs
+barked, but for the most part he heard nothing except the roar of the
+wind in the crags. He hoped the dogs could find the path across the
+narrow tableland between two branching ghylls, because it was obvious
+that his judgment might be at fault. However, there were the lambs; one
+could trust a Herdwick to return to its heaf.
+
+When he reached the top the wind had blown away the snow, and he stood
+near the middle of a narrow belt of heath, with his feet sinking in a
+bog. On each side, he got a glimpse of dark rocks, streaked with white
+where the wind had packed the snow into the gullies. In front there was a
+gulf, down which his path led. Scattered snowflakes and rolling mist
+streamed up from the forbidding hollow. At first he could see nothing of
+the sheep, but as he floundered across the bog the dogs barked and he
+found them presently, guarding the flock in a hollow among the crags.
+
+The sheep broke away and Kit pushed on across the narrow belt of bog that
+was dotted by the marks of little feet. Sometimes he slackened his pace
+to wait for Tom; the shepherd was getting old and the long climb had
+tired him. Both stopped for some moments when they reached the brow of
+the descent, and Kit, bracing himself against the storm tried to look
+about. He thought he saw the flock close in front.
+
+"They seem doubtful where to go," he said.
+
+"We can do nowt but leave them to find t' ghyll," the shepherd remarked.
+
+Kit agreed. Bleatarn ghyll was beneath him, but there was another hollow
+and it is hard to walk straight down hill in the dark. He must trust the
+sheep, and, huddling close together, they refused to leave the crag. When
+the dogs drove them out they vanished, and since the ground was bare of
+snow they left no tracks. He stumbled on, falling into pools and
+stumbling across banks of stones, and soon stopped again. He had come
+down the slope, so to speak, blindly, and now stood on the edge of a
+vast, dark pit. One could not see beyond the edge, but the confused
+noises that came up hinted at profound depth. The gale shrieked, but he
+heard the roar of falling water and the rattle of stones the wind
+dislodged.
+
+"Do you think this is Beatarn ghyll?" he asked.
+
+"I dinna ken," Tom answered; and added hopefully, "if it's t'ither, we'll
+mayhappen find oot before we step over Ling Crag."
+
+They went down at a venture, whistling vainly for the dogs. The drop was
+very sharp, and now they were leaving the wind-swept pass, the snow had
+begun to pack among the stones and boggy grass. Still, so far as they
+could see, there were no marks of little feet and they wondered what had
+happened to the flock, until a faint bark came out of the mist. The noise
+got louder and Kit knew the dogs were running round the stopping sheep.
+
+"We're right," he said. "They've gone through the broken wall and the
+dogs are holding them at the top of the force."
+
+A few minutes afterwards he scrambled over a pile of fallen stones,
+shouted to Tom, and began to run, for he understood what had happened.
+The broken wall marked the boundary of the Mireside heaf and the sheep
+were now on familiar ground. It was his business to drive them to the
+farm, but they were trying to turn off to look for shelter among the
+crags. At the force, where the Bleatarn beck leaps in linked falls to the
+valley, one could get down between the water and the rocks; on the other
+side, a path about a foot wide led across the face of a precipice. In
+daylight, if the stones were dry, a man with steady nerves could use the
+path, but when slab and scree were packed with snow nothing but a
+Herdwick could cross it safely. The dogs knew this and were trying to
+hold the flock.
+
+When the men came up they saw an indistinct, woolly mass on the other
+side of the beck. The mass was not level but slanted sharply, and the
+sheep at the bottom sent down showers of stones as they surged to and
+fro, with heads turned to the dogs. It was obvious that they did not mean
+to go down the ghyll, and Herdwicks born among the crags can climb where
+no dog can follow.
+
+"The dogs canna turn them," gasped Tom. "They'll be away ower Eel Scar;
+they're brekkin' noo."
+
+The flock began to open out and three or four sheep straggled forward,
+but Kit's bob-tailed dog slid down a snowy slab and fell upon the first.
+The sheep ran back, but the others stood and Kit saw the dog could not
+stop them long. The Herdwicks knew the advantage was theirs on ground
+like this.
+
+Jumping from a boulder, he fell into the swollen beck and made his way up
+the nearly perpendicular slab. At the top he found a dangerous ledge and
+advanced upon the sheep, which had their backs to the stream. Twining his
+fingers in a lamb's wool, he picked up the animal and balancing himself
+precariously threw it as far as he could. It fell into the beck and
+scrambled out on the other side, where the track led down the ghyll. The
+effort had cost him much, for his heart beat and he gasped for breath,
+but he doubted if he had done enough. Dragging another lamb from the
+flock, he hurled it into the water, and then his foot slipped and he
+rolled down the slab and fell in the snow.
+
+He got up, badly shaken, and saw that his plan had worked. Sheep will
+follow a leader and the flock was straggling down the ghyll behind the
+lambs. Kit recrossed the beck and descended cautiously, keeping close to
+the rocks. The ghyll is a rough climb in daylight, and summer tourists,
+trying to cross the fells, often turn back at the bottom. There is no
+path and one scrambles over large, sharp stones, some of which are loose
+and fall at a touch. In places, banks of treacherous gravel drop to the
+beck, which plunges over ledges into deep, spray-veiled pools. Now the
+stones were slippery with snow, the wind raged, and mist and tossing
+flakes hid the ground a few yards ahead.
+
+Somehow he got down, but he was exhausted and breathless when he
+reached the bottom, where he was forced to wait before he could whistle
+to his dog. He heard its bark and stumbling forward, found the flock
+bunched together in a hollow. Then he sat down in the snow while Tom
+counted the sheep.
+
+"They're aw here," said the shepherd. "A better job than I thowt we'd
+mak! Weel, let's gan on."
+
+Kit was tired, and bruised by his fall, but he went forward behind the
+dogs. His troubles were over, for a broad smooth path led along the
+hill-foot to Mireside.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RECKONING
+
+The morning was dark, and although the gale had dropped, a raw, cold
+wind blew up the valley past Mireside farm, where three or four farmers'
+traps and some rusty bicycles stood beneath the projecting roof of a
+barn. The bleating of sheep rose from a boggy pasture by the beck, and
+lights twinkled as men with lanterns moved about in the gloom. Now and
+then somebody shouted and dogs barked as a flock of Herdwicks was driven
+to the pens.
+
+In the flagged kitchen, Mrs. Railton and Lucy bustled about by the light
+of a lamp and the glow of the fire. The table was covered with used
+plates and cups. The men outside had breakfasted, but one or two more
+might come and Mrs. Railton wondered when Kit would arrive. She had lain
+awake for the most part of the night, thinking about him and the strayed
+Herdwicks while she listened to the gale. Now and then Lucy went to the
+door and looked up the dale to the glimmering line of foam that marked
+the spot where Bleatarn beck came down. A path followed the water-side,
+but she could not see men or sheep in the gloom, and if Kit did not come
+soon he would be too late.
+
+Railton sat gloomily by the fire. He had had rheumatic fever, and the
+damp cold racked his aching joints; besides, there was nothing for him to
+do. He had called in his neighbors to value his flock, but he knew, to a
+few pounds, what their judgment would be. Hayes Would presently arrive,
+and Railton would be asked to pay, or give security for, the shortage,
+which was impossible. Hayes knew this and meant to break his lease.
+Perhaps the hardest thing was that the shortage was small; if the next
+lambing season were good, he could pay. But Hayes would not wait.
+
+Although Railton was too proud to beg for help from his neighbors, he had
+gone to the bank. Osborn, however, used the same bank, and it looked as
+if Hayes had given the manager a hint, because he refused a loan. Askew
+had offered a hundred pounds, but this was not enough, and even if Kit
+arrived with the sheep from Swinset, Railton could not find the rest of
+the money. However, the arrival of the Herdwicks would make a difference,
+and he did not altogether give up hope. By and by he tried to get up, and
+sitting down again with a groan, beckoned his wife.
+
+"Martha, you might gan to door."
+
+Mrs. Railton, knowing what he meant, went to the porch. It was
+lighter outside and the hillside was growing distinct. She thought
+something moved on the path beside the beck, and turned to her
+daughter, who had followed.
+
+"What's yon by the water, Lucy?"
+
+Lucy was silent for a few moments and then said quietly, "I think
+it's sheep!"
+
+She watched the path. The mist made a puzzling background and her eyes
+were getting dazzled; but there was something. Then she heard a chair jar
+on the flags and glanced at Railton, who leaned forward.
+
+"Weel?" he said. "Canna you speak? Is neabody coming yet?"
+
+Lucy threw another glance up the dale and her heart beat. An
+indistinct row of small dark objects moved along the path, with two
+tall figures behind.
+
+"Kit's coming down the beck; he's brought the Herdwicks!" she cried.
+
+"Canny lad!" said Railton, and leaning back limply, wiped his face.
+His forehead was wet with sweat, for he was weak and the suspense had
+been keen.
+
+The sheep vanished behind a wall, and Lucy began to put fresh food on the
+table. Mrs. Railton hung a kettle on a hook above the fire, and then
+turned with a start as a girl came into the porch.
+
+"Miss Osborn!" she exclaimed.
+
+Grace advanced calmly, although there was some color in her face, because
+she knew the others were surprised that she had come.
+
+"Is Mr. Hayes here?" she asked.
+
+"Mayhappen he's at the pens," Lucy replied. "I thought I heard his car."
+
+"Then I missed him at the cross-roads," said Grace. "I was going to
+Allerby, and my father asked me to give him a note when he stopped at
+Lawson's." She hesitated, and then resumed impulsively: "Perhaps I
+oughtn't to have come on; but I wanted to do so."
+
+They knew what she meant, but nobody answered, and Grace sat down on a
+bench by the table.
+
+"Will you give the note to Mr. Hayes? Has Kit Askew brought the
+Swinset sheep?"
+
+"He's coming now," said Lucy, picking up the note, and Grace's
+eyes sparkled.
+
+"I knew he would bring them; I told him he must."
+
+Lucy went out and Grace asked Railton about his pains. While they talked
+somebody shouted outside, and the old man, getting up with an effort,
+hobbled to the door.
+
+"Hoad on; dinna close t' pen," a man called. "Here's Kit and t' lot
+fra Swinset."
+
+Three of four more shouted and Grace, who had followed Railton, thought
+there was a note of triumph in their cries. Then dogs began to bark,
+somebody opened a gate, and a flock of Herdwicks, leaping out with wet
+fleeces shaking, and hoofs clicking on stone, ran across a shallow pool
+where the beck had overflowed.
+
+A few minutes afterwards, Kit came in. He looked tired, his face was
+rather haggard, and his clothes were wet. Tom, the shepherd, followed and
+sat down by the fire.
+
+"It was nea an easy job, but we manished it," he said. "Swinset sheep is
+thief sheep, but they're none a match for Kit's oad dog."
+
+Kit stopped abruptly as he crossed the floor and his heart beat. "Ah!" he
+said. "Miss Osborn?"
+
+Grace smiled as she got up and gave him her hand. "Well done! Have you
+brought them all? But of course you have!"
+
+"They're in the pen," Kit answered, with some embarrassment.
+
+Then Railton stood up, leaning awkwardly on his stick.
+
+"I've misdoubted your new-fashioned plans, and ken that I was wrang.
+There's nea ither lad in aw t' dale could ha' browt Herdwicks doon
+Bleatarn ghyll last neet. Weel, t' oad ways for t' oad men, but I'se
+niver deny again that the young and new are good."
+
+He sat down and while Mrs. Railton began to bustle about the table Grace
+stole away. She knew she ought not to have come, and had done so with a
+feeling of rebellion against her father's harshness, although she tried
+to persuade herself that Hayes was most to blame. Now she was glad the
+note made a pretext for the visit; she had shown the Railtons her
+sympathy and had thanked Kit. After all, he had perhaps gone to look for
+the sheep because she told him; she rather hoped he had, and rejoiced
+with the others at his success.
+
+Grace admitted that she liked Kit Askew. He was resolute but modest, and
+had just done a bold deed by which he had nothing to gain. Railton's
+praise had moved her, because she knew the dalesfolk's reserve and that
+the farmer would not, without good grounds, have spoken as he did.
+Moreover, she knew the fells, and it was something of an exploit to bring
+the sheep from Swinset in the storm. Kit was, of course, a farmer's son,
+but he was plucky and generous; besides, she approved his steady look,
+well-balanced, muscular figure, and clean brown skin. Then she blushed
+and began to wonder what she would say about her visit to Mireside when
+she went home.
+
+In the meantime, Kit ate his breakfast, and soon afterwards Peter Askew
+came in and began to talk to Railton. Until the valuation was agreed upon
+there was nothing for them to do, and it was some time before the men
+returned from the pens. They were plain farmers with rather hard, brown
+faces, and stood about the fire in half-embarrassed silence while Hayes
+sat down at the table and opened his pocket-book.
+
+"We have made up the tally," he began, and Railton interrupted.
+
+"Counting in the lambs and ewes fra Swinset?"
+
+"They are counted," Hayes replied. "I'll give you particulars of the
+different lots."
+
+He read out some figures and then turned to the group by the fire. "I
+think we are all agreed?"
+
+"Aw, yis," said one. "It's as near as yan can mak' it, withoot sending
+flock to auction."
+
+Hayes turned to Railton. "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"We willunt fratch. Mayhappen two or three lots would fetch anither pound
+or two, but we'll ca' it fair."
+
+"Then we must thank these gentlemen," said Hayes, who shut his
+pocket-book and took out a document. "As there is some other business and
+they have given us some time, we need not keep them."
+
+The men looked at one another and Peter Askew said, "If Railton doesn't
+mind, we'd sooner stop."
+
+"Stop if you like," Railton agreed. "You've got me a just reckoning and
+you're neebors aw."
+
+"It's not necessary," Hayes objected. "The business we have to transact
+is private."
+
+"They ken it," Railton replied in a stubborn voice. "I've bid them stop
+and the hoose is mine until Mr. Osborn turns me oot."
+
+"Very well. You know the sum due to the landlord. Are you ready to pay?"
+
+"I canna pay. It's weel you ken."
+
+"Then, can you give security for the debt?"
+
+"I canna and wadn't give it if I could. There's ways a cliver agent can
+run up a reckoning, and when you want Mireside I'll have to gan."
+
+"Then, I'm afraid we shall be forced to break the lease and take measures
+to recover the sum due."
+
+"Hoad on a minute!" said one of the group, who turned to Railton. "Would
+you like to stop?"
+
+"I would like; I've lived at Mireside sin' I was born. There's another
+thing: it's none too good a time for a sale o' farming stock, and when
+I've paid Osborn, I'll need some money to mak' anither start. Then
+may-happen a dry spring wold put me straight."
+
+"It ought to; you're not much behind," Peter agreed. "Weel, you ken I'm
+generally willing to back my judgment, and noo it seems there's others
+think like me."
+
+"In a sense, the lease does not run out yet," Kit interposed. "It has
+rather reached the half-term, because by our custom Railton is entitled
+to take it up again for an equal period if he and the landlord agree
+about the necessary adjustment. Our leases really cover a double term."
+
+Hayes turned to him with an ironical smile. "Do you know much about
+tenant law?" he asked.
+
+"No," said Kit, rather dryly. "I made some studies when I could get the
+books, but they didn't take me far. In fact, I imagine that in this
+neighborhood there's very little law and much precedent, which has
+generally been interpreted for the landlord's advantage. There are old
+Barony laws and Manor rights, and my notion is that nobody knows exactly
+how he stands. But we'll let this go. If Railton pays his fine, you will
+have some trouble to get rid of him."
+
+Hayes agreed and Railton looked up with a puzzled air.
+
+"But I canna pay," he said dully.
+
+The farmer who had interrupted Hayes took out a bulky envelope and
+crossed the floor.
+
+"Well," he said, "I think you're wrang. Your friends have been talking
+aboot the thing and wadn't like t' see you gan." He gave Railton the
+envelope, adding: "It's a loan."
+
+Railton's hand shook as he took out a bundle of bank-notes. "You're good
+neebors," he said in a strained voice. "But I dinna think I ought to tak'
+your money. There's a risk."
+
+"Not much risk in backing an honest man," the other rejoined, and taking
+the notes from Railton gave them to Hayes. "Noo, if you'll count these--"
+
+Hayes' face was inscrutable as he flicked over the notes. "The total's
+correct. It's an awkward bundle; a check would have been simpler."
+
+"A check has the drawback that it must be signed," Kit remarked with a
+meaning smile. "We're modest folk, and nobody was anxious to write
+himself down the leader."
+
+"I see!" said Hayes. "I don't know if you're modest; but you're certainly
+cautious."
+
+"Anyhow, we're aw in this," said one of the others.
+
+"So it seems. I hope you won't lose your money," Hayes rejoined dryly and
+took out a fountain pen. "Well, here's your receipt, Mr. Railton. I don't
+think there is anything more to be said."
+
+He put the receipt on the table and when he went away a farmer laughed.
+
+"O'ad Hayes is quiet and cunning as a hill fox, but my lease has some
+time to go and he canna put us aw oot."
+
+Railton tried to thank them, while Mrs. Railton smiled with tears in her
+eyes, but the dales folk dislike emotion and as soon as it was possible
+the visitors went away.
+
+An hour or two afterwards Grace heard about the matter from the sick wife
+of a farmer, whom she had gone to see, and when she went home thought she
+had better not confess that she had taken Hayes' note to Mireside. When
+Osborn joined his wife and daughter at the tea-table in the hall after
+some disappointing shooting, his remarks about his tenants were
+rancorous. Grace thought it prudent not to talk and left the table as
+soon as she could. When she had gone, Osborn frowned and getting up
+savagely kicked a log in the grate.
+
+"I got a nasty knock this morning," he said. "It's not so much that I
+mind letting Railton stop; I hate to feel I've been baffled and made the
+victim of a plot."
+
+"After all, wasn't it rather Hayes's idea than yours that Railton ought
+to go?" Mrs. Osborn ventured.
+
+"It was; there's some comfort in that! You don't like Hayes much."
+
+"I don't know that I dislike him. I'm not sure I trust him."
+
+"Well," said Osborn thoughtfully, "I sometimes feel he's keenest about my
+interests when they don't clash with his, and this last affair was a
+pretty good example of nepotism. For all that, his nephew would have been
+a better tenant and have paid a higher rent." He paused and knitted his
+brows angrily as he resumed: "However, it's done with, and one can't
+blame Railton for holding on to his lease. What I hate to feel is, the
+others plotted to baffle me. The land is mine, but I'd sooner get on well
+with my tenants."
+
+"One cannot, so to speak, have it both ways," Mrs. Osborn remarked
+timidly.
+
+"Oh, I know what you mean! But I don't think I'm a harsh landlord. If
+money was not quite so scarce, I might be generous. In fact, I don't
+know that I'd have agreed to turning Railton out if it hadn't been for
+Gerald's confounded debts and his allowance at Woolwich. That's a
+fresh expense."
+
+Mrs. Osborn thought the expense did not count for much by comparison with
+her husband's extravagance; but he had been rather patient and she must
+not go too far.
+
+"Well," she said, "you have got Railton's fine."
+
+"It is not a large sum," Osborn answered with a frown. "I need the money,
+but in a sense I'd sooner it had not been paid. Anyhow, I'd sooner it had
+not been paid like that. The others' confounded organized opposition
+annoys me."
+
+"They were forced to subscribe to a fund if they wanted to help."
+
+"Just so; but they probably wouldn't have thought about subscribing if
+Askew hadn't suggested it. They're an independent lot and believe in
+standing on their own feet. For a time after I got Tarnside, they used a
+sensible, give-and-take attitude; it's only recently they've met with
+stupid, sullen suspicion."
+
+"Perhaps it was rather a mistake to give Bell the coal yards' lease."
+
+"The coal yards had nothing to do with it," Osborn declared. "The
+trouble began earlier, and I've grounds for believing it began at
+Ashness. If I was rich enough, I'd buy the Askews out. They know I've no
+power over them and take advantage of the situation. The old man was a
+bad example for the others, but his son, with his raw communistic
+notions, is dangerous. If I could get rid of the meddling fool somehow,
+it would be a keen relief."
+
+He came back to the table and picked up a cup of tea. Then, grumbling
+that it had gone cold, he put it down noisily and went out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GRACE FINDS A WAY
+
+
+Soon after the reckoning at Mireside, the snow melted off the fells and
+for a month dark rain clouds from the sea rolled up the dale. They broke
+upon the hill tops in heavy showers, gray mist drifted about the wet
+slopes, the becks roared in the ghylls, and threads of foam that wavered
+in the wind streaked the crags. In the bottom of the valley it was never
+really light, water flowed across the roads, and the low-standing
+farmsteads reeked with damp.
+
+All this was not unusual and the dalesfolk would have borne it patiently
+had fuel not been short. Large fires were needed to dry the moisture that
+condensed in the flagged kitchens and soaked the thick walls, but coal
+could not be got at a price the house-wives were willing to pay. Some
+would have had to stint their families in food had they bought on Bell's
+terms, and the rest struggled, for the common cause, against the mould
+that gathered on clothing and spoiled the meal. They grumbled, but their
+resolution hardened as the strain got worse, while Bell waited rather
+anxiously for them to give way.
+
+His yards were full and more coal was coming in, but he saw that if he
+let the farmers beat him his power to overcharge them another time would
+be gone. The new combine was dangerous, since the cooperative plan might
+be extended to the purchase of chemical manures, seed, and lime. In the
+meantime, there was plenty of peat, stacked so that it would escape much
+damage, on Malton Head; but Askew and his friends could not get it down.
+Carts could not be used on the fells and the clumsy wooden sledges the
+farmers called stone-boats would not run across the boggy moor. The few
+loads Kit brought down at the cost of heavy labor were carried off by
+anxious house-wives as soon as they arrived.
+
+The weather was helping the monopolist, but he could not tell if a change
+to frost would be an advantage or not. Although it would make the need
+for coal felt keenly, it might simplify the transport of peat. When Bell
+thought about it, and the colliery company's bills came in, he felt
+disturbed, but he was stubborn and would not lower his price yet.
+
+At length the rain stopped, and after a heavy fall of snow keen frost
+began. The white fells glittered in cold sunshine that only touched the
+bottom of the dale for an hour or two. The ice on the tarn was covered,
+so that skating was impossible, and Thorn, feeling the need for
+amusement, had a few sledges made. He had learned something about
+winter sports in Switzerland, and one afternoon stood with a party of
+young men and women at the top of Malton Head. They had practised with
+a pair of skis farther down the hill, where one or two were sliding on
+a small Swiss luge, but Thorn wanted to find a long run for his
+Canadian-pattern toboggan.
+
+Grace stood near him; her face touched with warm color and her eyes
+sparkling as she looked about. She did not altogether approve of Alan
+Thorn, but she was young and vigorous and enjoyed the sport. Besides, she
+loved the high fells and now they looked majestic in the pale sunshine.
+They were not all white; dark rocks with glittering veins edged the
+snowfield, and the scarred face of Force Crag ran down where the shoulder
+of the moor broke off four hundred feet below. Where the sun did not
+strike, the snow was a curious delicate gray, and the bottom of the dale
+was colored an ethereal blue. The pale-gray riband, winding in a graceful
+curve round the crag, marked the old green road that was sometimes used
+for bringing down dry fern, and Grace's face got thoughtful as she noted
+a row of men and horses some distance off. She imagined they were Askew
+and his helpers.
+
+In the meantime, Thorn studied her with artistic satisfaction. He had an
+eye for female beauty and the girl looked very well in her rather shabby
+furs. Her pose was light and graceful, her figure finely modeled, and he
+liked the glow the cold had brought to her skin. Moreover, he liked her
+joyous confidence when they tried the luge on a risky slide. She was as
+steady-nerved and plucky as a man, and was marked by a fine
+fastidiousness that did not characterize other girls he knew.
+
+"I think this is about the best spot we have seen," he said. "The drop
+is steep but regular, although I expect we'll be breathless when we get
+to the bottom. Would you like to try? If not, perhaps somebody else
+will come."
+
+He looked at the others, and they looked at the white declivity. It was
+much longer than any they had gone down, and a girl laughed.
+
+"To begin with, we'll watch you. I was upset on the last slide and it's
+rather a long way to roll down to the dale."
+
+Grace lay down on a cushion with her head just behind the toboggan's
+curved front; Thorn found room farther back, with his legs in the snow,
+and amidst some laughter and joking the others pushed; them off. The
+surface was hard, and for a time the toboggan ran smoothly and steadily;
+then the pace got faster, and showers of snow flew up like spray. It beat
+into Grace's eyes and whipped her face, until she bent her head in the
+shelter of the curled front.
+
+The sharp hiss the steel runners made was louder, the wind began to
+scream, and she got something of a shock when she cautiously looked up.
+It was hard to see through the snowy spray, but the top of the crag
+looked ominously near. Glancing down hill with smarting eyes, she thought
+the slope, which, from the top, had seemed to fall evenly to the dale,
+was also inclined towards the crag. She could not see much of the latter,
+but there was a fringe of dark rock where the white declivity broke off.
+
+"Aren't we getting too near?" she shouted.
+
+"Nearer than I thought," Thorn gasped. "Not sure I can swing the sledge.
+Can you get back and help?"
+
+Grace braced herself. Alan's nerve was good, but there was a disturbed
+note in his voice; besides he would not have asked her help unless it was
+needed. Wriggling back cautiously, she got level with Thorn, although
+there was not much room for them side by side. Her feet and the seam of
+her short dress brushed in the snow and tore up the surface. She felt the
+looser stuff beneath foam about her gaiters, but this was an advantage.
+The drag would help to stop the sledge, and if she could put an extra
+pressure on one side, to some extent direct it. Still they were going
+very fast and at first she was nearly pulled off. She tightened her grasp
+with her hands until she felt her gloves split, and then risked another
+glance ahead.
+
+The rocks were very close, but the sledge had passed the top, and she
+could see a few yards down the dark side as they followed the curving
+edge of the crag. The sledge was now running nearly straight down the
+hill, but the curve bent in towards them, and she could not tell if they
+would shoot past the widest spot or plunge over.
+
+"Perhaps you had better let go," Thorn said hoarsely.
+
+Grace shook her head. If she dropped off, it was uncertain whether she
+would stop until she had rolled some distance; perhaps she might not stop
+before she reached the edge of the crag. Anyhow, she did not mean to let
+go, and tried to catch the snow with her toes in an effort to help Thorn
+to steer the sledge. It swerved a little but rushed on again, and she saw
+that the edge of the rock curved in yet. She doubted if they were far
+enough off to get past the bend.
+
+Then she saw that Thorn had slipped farther back in order to increase the
+drag of his legs. His face was dark with blood and she heard his heavy
+breathing as he tried to change their course. She helped all she could
+while the snow rolled across her dress, and then for a moment lifted her
+head. Powdered snow beat into her face and nearly blinded her, but she
+thought there was now an unbroken slant in front. They must have passed
+the middle of the bend, although Thorn was between her and the side on
+which it lay and she was not sure yet. She remembered with horrible
+distinctness how she had once stood at the bottom of the crag and seen a
+stone that rolled over the top smash upon the rocks.
+
+"Try again!" Thorn gasped. "Swing her to the right!"
+
+Grace let her body slip back. The thrust and drag were telling, for the
+sledge had swerved, and then there came a few seconds of keen suspense.
+After this she heard Thorn draw a labored breath and felt his hand on
+her waist.
+
+"We're past. Hitch yourself up before you're pulled off," he said.
+
+With some trouble Grace got back to her place and lay still, while her
+heart thumped painfully and something rang in her ears. The reaction had
+begun and she knew she could not move if Thorn wanted help again. It
+looked, however, as if he did not, and some moments afterwards she saw
+that the way was clear ahead. She wondered whether they would stop before
+they reached the bottom of the dale and how far it was. The round
+sheepfold in the first field looked no larger than a finger ring. She was
+getting numb and the rush of bitter air took away her breath.
+
+"Hold tight!" Thorn shouted presently and she noted that the hillside
+broke off not far in front.
+
+Since there were no crags near the spot, it was obvious that they had
+come to an extra steep pitch, the brow of which prevented her from seeing
+the bottom. Next moment the sledge seemed to leave the ground and leap
+forward. Grace thought that for some yards they traveled through the air,
+and then the hiss of the runners that had suddenly stopped became a
+scream. The speed was bewildering and a haze of fine snow streamed past.
+By and by, however, this began to thin, the speed slackened, and Thorn
+gave a warning shout. She felt him try to turn the sledge, but they were
+going too fast; the light frame canted and turned over, and they rolled
+off into the snow. When Grace got up and shook herself, fifty yards lower
+down, she saw Thorn standing by the righted sledge. He came to meet her
+as she toiled back and his eyes sparkled.
+
+"By George!" he said, "you are fine. You're a thorough sport!"
+
+Grace colored. The compliment was obviously frank and not premeditated;
+perhaps she deserved it, but she did not want Thorn to praise her. His
+manners were good, but somehow he often jarred. He had not, within her
+memory, said anything that could justly offend her, and although he was a
+neighbor and there were no secrets in the dale, she had not known him do
+a shabby thing. Yet, on the whole, he rather repelled than attracted her.
+She studied him as he came down the hill.
+
+He was a big, handsome man, and it was, of course, ridiculous to dislike
+him because he was older than she and was getting fat. He was an amusing
+talker and a good sportsman, but now and then one got a hint of hardness
+and cunning. Somehow, so to speak, he did not ring true.
+
+"I held on because I thought I might fall over the crag if I let go," she
+said with a laugh. "Then as I did hold on, it was merely prudent to try
+to steer the sledge."
+
+"Oh, yes," Thorn agreed. "But the important thing is you saw this and
+didn't lose your nerve. Anyhow, if you had lost it, I couldn't have
+blamed you; I blame myself for my confounded thoughtlessness that let you
+run the risk. In fact, I'm dreadfully sorry and don't mind owning that I
+got a fright."
+
+Grace noted that he was rather shaken, and felt vaguely disturbed. She
+had seen him following the foxhounds among the crags, for they hunt on
+foot in the rugged dales, and knew his steadiness and pluck. He had not
+been afraid for himself, and she did not want him to be afraid for her.
+
+"After all," she said, "the hill seemed to run down evenly when we stood
+at the top. If the little slant towards the crag deceived you, it
+deceived me."
+
+"I know more about tobogganing and oughtn't to have been deceived. It
+hurts to feel I didn't take proper care of you."
+
+"It really doesn't matter," Grace replied with a smile, and Thorn gave
+her a steady look.
+
+"Oh, but it does matter! You ought to see that!"
+
+"I don't see it," Grace insisted quietly, although her heart beat. "You
+were not accountable, and we got down quite safe. Let's talk about
+something else."
+
+Thorn's eyes rested on her for another moment, and then he made a sign of
+acquiescence and they went back up the hill. At the top he marked a new
+line for the next day's sport, and then as the sun was getting low the
+party started home by the old stone-boat road. Near the bottom they
+overtook the Askews, and one or two others walking at their horses' heads
+as they cautiously descended a steep pitch. Grace noted that although
+they were not bringing much peat there was a risk of the sledges running
+down upon the teams.
+
+"You have not got on very fast," she said to Peter.
+
+"If we're no verra careful, we'll gan faster than we like."
+
+"I suppose that's why you're only taking half a load?"
+
+"Just that," Peter agreed. "It wadn't suit for load to run ower the team.
+Better safe than sorry, though it's a terrible loss o' time."
+
+"Then, why don't you look for an easier way down?"
+
+"There's only the oad green road. Fellside's ower steep for horses."
+
+"Well, if I can think of a better way I'll tell you," Grace replied,
+smiling, and hurried on after the others.
+
+They left her at the Tarnside gate and she stopped abruptly as she went
+up the drive. It had obviously taken Askew a long time to bring down half
+a load because of the risk to his horses; but she had found a better
+plan. It was not needful to use horses, after they had pulled the sledges
+up. The latter could be heavily loaded and left to run down alone. She
+must tell Kit Askew when she saw him next, but she did not reflect that
+it was curious she meant to tell Kit and not Peter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE PLAN WORKS
+
+
+Although the air was bracingly keen the afternoon was calm and the
+scattered clouds scarcely moved across the sky. The snow in the valley
+shone a delicate gray, and soft lights and shadows rested on the hills. A
+peak that rose above the edge of the lofty moor gleamed pale-yellow
+against a background of deep blue. Grace noted the tranquil beauty of the
+landscape, but hesitated now and then as she climbed the steep road out
+of the dale.
+
+She had come to meet Kit Askew, and now she reviewed her reasons for
+doing so they did not look very sound. In fact, if Kit approved the plan
+she meant to suggest, she would perhaps be meddling unjustifiably with
+her father's business. After all, however, it was really not his
+business. He had allowed himself to be persuaded to help Hayes and the
+latter's accomplice, Bell, without quite understanding what this
+implied. Her plan would prevent his doing an injustice he did not really
+mean to do.
+
+She suspected that there was a touch of sophistry about her arguments,
+but would not own that she had come because she wanted to meet Kit. It
+was necessary that she should meet him; yet when she stopped at a gate
+and heard the tramp of horses' feet behind, her color came and went. For
+all that, she looked very calm, when Kit pulled up his team, and went
+forward to open the gate. He made an abrupt movement as he recognized
+her, but his eyes shone with satisfaction.
+
+"I suppose you are going for some peat," she said.
+
+Kit said he was, and added that Peter and two or three neighbors were
+loading the stone-boats on the moor.
+
+"Then, I wonder whether you could let me have a small quantity when you
+come down?"
+
+"You can have a load if you want."
+
+Grace laughed. "Two or three basketsful would be enough, and I don't want
+them for myself. I went to see Mrs. Waite and found her old father
+crippled by rheumatism. The kitchen was cold and damp, but she had a very
+little fire. She said her coal was nearly gone and she had got no peat."
+
+"Thank you for telling me; I didn't know," said Kit. "I'll take her a
+sack as I go down the dale." He paused and hesitated, with his hand on
+the open gate. "But it's rather cold. Am I keeping you?"
+
+Grace noted with some satisfaction that he did not seem to think it
+remarkable she had met him at the lonely spot.
+
+"Oh, no," she said. "I am going up the hill. I like the view from the
+crag and sometimes go to watch the sunset. When it shines over the
+shoulder of the Pike it throws wonderful lights on the snow."
+
+Kit agreed, and after he started his horses they went on together. By and
+by Grace resumed: "When I met you yesterday, your father said the sledges
+often ran down too fast and you could not put up a proper load."
+
+"That is a drawback. You see, there's plenty peat cut; the trouble is to
+bring it down. After the heavy rain, we couldn't drag the stone-boats
+across the boggy moor, and although the snow has made this easy, it
+hasn't helped much otherwise. If we put up a big load, there's some
+danger of the sledges overtaking and knocking down the horses where the
+track is steep."
+
+"And you can't see a way of getting over the difficulty?"
+
+Kit said he could not and Grace's eyes twinkled.
+
+"Then I can. I'll show you a way, if you're not too proud to take advice
+from a girl."
+
+"Certainly not," Kit said, smiling. "I don't know why you think
+I'm proud."
+
+"Then perhaps you're obstinate; some of the dalesfolk are."
+
+"We're slow. We like to try things properly; and then, perhaps we
+stick to them longer than is needful if we find them good. But
+caution's prudent."
+
+"You're very cautious now," Grace rejoined. "You don't seem curious about
+my plan. Are you afraid it isn't practical?"
+
+"No," said Kit, rather earnestly; "since it's yours, it's no doubt
+good." Then he pulled himself up and added with a twinkle: "But I
+haven't heard it yet."
+
+"Well, while your difficulty is that the peat comes down too fast, I
+think it does not go fast enough. You are afraid about your horses, but
+you needn't use them. The stone-boats would run down alone. Do you
+understand now?"
+
+Kit started. "I expect you have found the way, Miss Osborn, and we owe
+you some thanks. In fact, you're cleverer than the lot!"
+
+"The admission doesn't seem to hurt you," Grace rejoined. "But I imagine
+to feel you had to make it was something of a shock."
+
+"No," said Kit, with a laugh she liked. "We're often dull and our
+womenfolk have helped us much. But somehow I did not expect--"
+
+He stopped, and Grace gave him a level glance.
+
+"You mean you did not expect help from me?"
+
+"Well," he said, "I suppose I did mean something like that"
+
+"Then I'm glad you owned it, because it allows me to clear the ground. I
+don't want poor people to be cold in winter in order that Bell may get
+rich. Neither does my father want it--you must believe this! He doesn't
+know all that goes on; Hayes hides things from him. There is no reason I
+shouldn't help you to spoil _Bell's_ plot."
+
+Kit was silent for a few moments. The girl had pluck and he liked her
+frankness. She was trying to persuade herself Osborn was not unjust, and,
+although he imagined she found it hard, he did not mean to make it
+harder. One must respect her staunchness.
+
+"Bell is our real antagonist and he's an awkward man to beat," he said.
+"However, the hint you have given us ought to be useful. I'll look for a
+way down when we get to the top."
+
+Grace warned him about the inclination of the hillside to the rocks and
+stopped at the bottom of the crag.
+
+"I think I'll go across the hill and watch the first sledge come down, if
+you're not too long," she said and paused for a moment. "Perhaps you
+needn't tell the others it was my plan."
+
+Kit said he would not do so and was strangely satisfied as he went on
+with his horses. He understood her hesitation; it was delightful to feel
+that she had given him her confidence and they shared a secret. At the
+top, he found the others had loaded the sledges and were ready to start.
+Since the dales folk are conservative, he had expected some opposition to
+his plan, but they listened attentively and an old man supported him.
+
+"I mind hearing my father say that yan hard winter after a wet back end
+o' year, they let peat run doon t' fell. What has been done yance can be
+done again."
+
+Kit said nothing; for the other, by using a favorite motto, had banished
+his companions' dislike of novelties.
+
+"It was deeun no' so long sin'," another remarked. "In my time, they
+browt slate doon on t' stane-boats across the Fleet-pike scree. Pushed
+them off at top and let them go."
+
+There was some further talk and when they resolved to make the experiment
+Kit went down the hill. He said he wanted to see how the first sledge
+crossed an awkward pitch, but it counted for much that he saw a small
+figure below. Grace looked satisfied with his excuse for joining her and
+they waited for a time while the men above moved the first load to the
+edge. The sunshine had gone and it was getting cold; the shadows in the
+dale had faded from blue to dusky gray and the frost was keen. All was
+very quiet, but now and then distant voices and the musical rattle of
+chains came down through the nipping air.
+
+"It will be dark before they're ready if they're not quick," said Kit,
+and Grace looked up the hill.
+
+"I think they're starting the sledge. If there had been nobody about, I
+would have liked to come down with the peat. You can't imagine how
+exciting it is."
+
+They watched the sledge slip over the brow of the descent. It got larger
+as it came down, but it did not run as fast as the toboggan. One could
+see it rock and swerve, shaking off loose peats, where the ground was
+broken, and Grace glanced at the steep pitch Kit had come to watch.
+
+"It will go down there with a splendid rush, but I don't think it will
+upset," she said. "My plan is going to work."
+
+The sledge got nearer. They saw the snow fly up about its front and heard
+the scream the runners made. There was something fascinating about its
+smooth but fast descent, and as it approached the top of the dip they
+moved back rather unwillingly to let it pass. When it was nearly level
+with them it slowed on the changing incline and Grace noted that there
+was a narrow space between the back of the frame and the peat. She gave
+Kit a quick look as she said, "If one wanted, I think one could jump on."
+
+"Let's try!" said Kit impulsively, and they ran forward.
+
+He reached the sledge first, and throwing himself down held out his hand
+to Grace, who fell upon the runner log. Kit pulled her up and although
+the light was going saw her face glow after the effort she had made. Her
+eyes sparkled with excitement, but Kit felt half embarrassed because he
+did not know whether he had persuaded her to venture on an undignified
+adventure or she had persuaded him. It was a relief to hear her laugh.
+
+"This is rather ridiculous, and I don't know if we can hold on," she said
+as she tried to grasp the shaking peat.
+
+The sledge ran faster and lurched violently as it plunged over the edge
+of the steep drop. A shower of peat fell on them, the speed got furious,
+and they heard the runners scream, but they were sheltered from the rush
+of wind and could not see ahead. After a few moments Grace looked up with
+twinkling eyes.
+
+"You could drop off if you liked. Are you, sorry you came?"
+
+"No," said Kit. "I came because I wanted, and now I'm here I'll stop."
+
+"I really think you mean to be nice," Grace rejoined with amusement and
+Kit understood; she saw he did not mean to admit that she had suggested
+the adventure, but this was not important. It was something of an
+adventure for a girl like Miss Osborn, although her having embarked on it
+gave him a delightful feeling of partnership in a harmless folly.
+
+"I hope there's nothing in the way," he said. "We're going very fast and
+Hindbeck farm can't be far off. I ought to have looked before we jumped."
+
+"It is too late now," Grace answered with an excited laugh. "I imagine
+you're not as cautious as you think; but we won't talk. It's hard to hold
+on and I haven't much breath."
+
+Kit moved nearer and, seizing the edge of the frame, put his arm round
+her waist. She did not seem to resent this, and for a time they sped down
+hill with their feet plowing through the snow. Kit did not care how long
+the swift rush lasted, but by and by he began to get anxious. The sledge
+had gone a long way since they jumped on, and the hillside was steep to
+the bottom, where it met the Hindbeck pastures. While he wondered whether
+Grace would slide far and get shaken if he made her let go, the sledge
+tilted up. It stopped with a violent shock, he heard stones fall, and was
+thrown off amidst a shower of peat. When he got up Grace was sitting in
+the snow some distance off and he ran towards her. She had lost her small
+fur cap and her hair was loose, but to his relief she laughed.
+
+"Oh," she said, "it really was ridiculous! But the plan will work. The
+peat will run down!"
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed, with a breathless chuckle. "I think it would
+have run into the Hindbeck kitchen but for the wall."
+
+"Then it was a wall that stopped us. It felt like a rock."
+
+"Come and see," said Kit, holding out his hand to help her up.
+
+"I think," she said, "I'd rather you looked for my hat."
+
+He went off and it was two or three minutes before he found the hat among
+the scattered peat. When he came back it was nearly dark, but Grace's
+hair was no longer untidy, and the snow that had smeared her clothes had
+gone. She walked with him to where the sledge rested on a pile of stones,
+and looking through the gap, they saw a woman with a lantern cross a
+narrow pasture between them and a house.
+
+"What's t' matter?" the woman shouted and turned round. "Janet, gan on
+and see what's brokken t' wa'."
+
+Another figure came out of the gloom and Grace looked at Kit.
+
+"I don't know who Janet is, but I do know Mrs. Creighton. She talks," she
+said. "If you'll stop and explain matters, I'll go down the lonning. It
+was a glorious adventure! Good-night!"
+
+She stole away round the corner of the wall and Kit, who understood that
+he was, so to speak, to cover her retreat, waited until the two women
+came up. The one who carried the lantern was fat and homely; the other
+was slender and looked like Janet Bell.
+
+"It's Kit, an' stane-boat stucken in t' wa'!" said the first as she held
+up the light "But where's team? An' hoo did you get here? There's nea
+road this way."
+
+Kit laughed. "It's lucky I left the horses at the top. This is a new plan
+for bringing down the peat and it certainly works, although next time we
+must try to stop a little sooner."
+
+Mrs. Creighton asked him some questions before she understood what had
+happened. He was in the light, because she had put the lantern on the
+wall, and although he could not see her companion's face, he suspected
+from Janet's quietness that she was studying him.
+
+"Then you left the others on the moor," the girl remarked.
+
+"I did," said Kit. "We sent the stone-boat off by itself, and it was
+half-way down when I jumped on."
+
+"Then none of the men came with you?"
+
+"No," said Kit, who felt annoyed because he saw Janet suspected
+something. "I went down to watch the sledge and see if we had hit the
+best track."
+
+"It's strange!" said Janet. "I thought there was somebody else when I
+first came out. Still, of course, it was nearly dark."
+
+Kit was puzzled because he could not tell how much Janet had really seen,
+and thought the situation needed careful handling. If she knew Miss
+Osborn had been with him, it would be a mistake to make the thing look
+significant by pretending that she had not; but it was possible that
+Janet did not know. Then Grace had hinted that she did not want their
+adventure talked about.
+
+"I don't expect you could see very well if you had just come out from the
+light in the kitchen," he replied. "Anyhow, none of the men came with me
+and I must go back and tell them not to send off another lot. We'll see
+about mending your wall to-morrow, Mrs. Creighton."
+
+He went off to a gate that opened into the lonning. This was the wisest
+plan, because he did not want to talk to Janet. He was half afraid of
+her, but not because he thought she sympathized with her father's plots;
+it was known that Bell and his daughter quarreled. The girl was a
+dangerous coquette and had tactfully hinted that she rather approved Kit.
+This had alarmed Kit, who knew she was clever and resolute.
+
+When he reached the lane he stopped abruptly as he remembered something,
+and took out his pipe, although he did not mean to smoke. He must be
+cautious, since he was not sure if Janet had gone in. Striking a match,
+he held it between his hands as if he were going to light his pipe and
+stooped in the shelter of a wall.
+
+The light shone on the ground and he knitted his brows as he saw sharp
+footsteps in the snow. The farm people did not wear boots that would
+leave marks like these; moreover, the footsteps would lead anybody who
+thought it worth while to follow them to the spot where the sledge upset.
+Kit threw down the match, and frowned as he went on again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+JANET MEDDLES
+
+
+Bright moonlight sparkled on the snow when Kit left Ashness to post some
+letters he had written ordering new machines. He was young, but since he
+came home Peter had allowed much of the business of the farm to fall into
+his hands. Kit's judgment was sound; he had studied modern methods at the
+agricultural college and was progressive without being rash. For the most
+part, his experiments had paid, and Peter sometimes thought the lad's
+talents were wasted in the quiet dale. Kit had ability, particularly for
+management. Then, although he was rather reserved, people trusted him and
+often asked his advice.
+
+Peter knew Kit was satisfied to stay at Ashness; but, for all that, if
+the lad felt he wanted a wider field for his energies later, he would not
+stand in his way. The time might come when he must let him go, for Peter
+had a brother who had got rich in America and was willing to give his
+nephew a start. Indeed, Adam had written again not long since, asking if
+Peter was going to send him. It was a relief when Kit laughed and
+declared that he did not mean to leave Ashness yet.
+
+When he passed Allerby mill Kit looked about. Icicles covered the idle
+wheel, a snow cornice hung over the flagged roof, and water splashed
+softly in the half-frozen race. Farther on, the snowy road was
+checkered by the shadows of hedges and bare trees. Low roofs, touched
+by hoar-frost, rose behind the trunks, and here and there a gleam of
+yellow light shone out. The road, however, was empty, as Kit was
+relieved to note.
+
+He had once or twice recently, when he went to the post in the evening,
+met Janet Bell coming from the little shop in the village. In fact, the
+thing began to look significant. Kit was sorry for Janet, because Bell's
+rule was harsh and his neighbors extended their dislike for him to his
+family. All the same, Kit did not trust the girl and would sooner she
+left him alone. He might be taking too much for granted, but romantic
+pity was a treacherous guide; Janet was pretty and clever, and he was
+human. He had thought about changing the time he went to the post, but
+felt it would be cowardly. Besides, he was occupied all day and letters
+could not be written until the outside work was done, while a postman
+called at Allerby early in the morning.
+
+There was, however, nobody about and for a minute or two Kit went on at a
+quick pace. He passed Bell's house, and then hesitated with a frown as a
+figure he thought he knew came round a bend in front. Close by, the tall
+hedgerow was broken by a stile, from which a path led across a field and
+joined the road farther on. He was in the moonlight and if he vanished
+the thing would look too marked. Moreover, there would be something
+ridiculous about his running away.
+
+Kit went forward, wondering whether Janet had noted his hesitation, and
+she stopped him near a big ash-tree. The shadow of the branches made a
+black, open pattern on the snow and a belt of gloom lay behind the wide
+trunk. Kit would sooner Janet had stopped in the moonlight, since the
+villagers often went to the shop and post in the evening, and his
+standing in the shadow gave a hint of secrecy to the accidental meeting.
+He thought it strange that Janet did not see this.
+
+"You were walking fast," she said. "I believe you'd have gone by if I
+hadn't spoken."
+
+"The frost is sharp enough to make one move briskly and I've something to
+do when I get back."
+
+"Busy lad!" said Janet, in a mocking voice. "You're always in a hurry,
+Kit I suppose Peter works you hard?"
+
+"He says I work him harder than he likes," Kit replied, smiling. "Perhaps
+the truth is he lets me have my way."
+
+"You're lucky," Janet remarked with a sigh. "It's nice to be able
+to do what you like. There's only one way at the Mill house, and
+that's father's. But I suppose you agree with him that women's
+ideas don't count?"
+
+"I daresay their ideas are as sound as ours, but I don't know much about
+it. We have no women except old Bella and the dairymaid at Ashness."
+
+"And you never miss them? In that big, lonely house!"
+
+Kit mused for a moment. Sometimes, particularly on summer evenings when
+they did not light the lamps and the shadows of the fells rested on the
+old building, Ashness was lonely and drearily quiet. He had thought now
+and then the difference would be marked if a woman's laugh rang through
+the dim rooms and a graceful figure sat by the hearth. Still, his
+imagination had not pictured Janet there.
+
+"Oh, well," he said, "we're out all day and when we come home there are
+letters to write and books to read."
+
+"Letters and books!" said Janet. "Kit, I wonder if you're quite alive."
+Then she laughed, provocatively. "Anyhow, you don't seem to know when
+you're given a chance of being nice."
+
+Kit did not answer and wished she would let him go. He felt awkward and
+thought Janet knew this, for she resumed: "However, one mustn't expect
+too much and you want to get back. It's a habit of yours. You were in a
+hurry to get away the last time I saw you, when the stone-boat broke
+Creighton's wall."
+
+"I'd been at work since morning in the snow."
+
+"And Miss Osborn was waiting for you in the lonning?"
+
+"No," said Kit sharply; "she was not."
+
+"Anyhow she was with you, before she stole away."
+
+"She didn't steal away," Kit began indignantly, but hesitated. Now he
+came to think about it, Grace had gone as quietly as possible.
+
+"You mean Miss Osborn does nothing undignified? For all that, she didn't
+want Mrs. Creighton to see her. I don't suppose Osborn would be pleased
+to know his daughter and you went for moonlight walks on the fells."
+
+Kit knew Osborn would not like it, and since the dales folk are fond of
+gossip saw he must stop the story going round.
+
+"I had not gone for a walk with Miss Osborn. I met her as I came down
+from the moor. She didn't know I was coming."
+
+"So she wasn't waiting for you?" Janet remarked, with a hint of mockery.
+She stopped, and putting her hand on Kit's arm, pushed him nearer the
+hedgerow as a man and woman came round a neighboring corner.
+
+Kit was annoyed, but he waited and watched the people as they passed. The
+shadow was not very dark and he thought the woman give him a curious
+glance. He knew her and imagined that she knew him. When the people went
+through a gate Janet laughed.
+
+"That was very unlucky, Kit! Old Nanny's fond of talking; I'm afraid your
+character is gone."
+
+Kit frowned. He did not see much humor in the situation, although Janet
+was amused.
+
+"Oh," she said, "you are dull! I expect you couldn't be nice if you
+tried. But we were talking about Miss Osborn. You were not riding on the
+stone-boat when you met her. I don't suppose you could have stopped it."
+
+"No," said Kit, shortly, "I was not."
+
+"But I saw you and somebody else hardly a minute after the stone-boat hit
+the wall."
+
+"You saw _me_."
+
+"I did," said Janet. "The snow was sticking to your clothes as if you
+had fallen, and you looked angry when Mrs. Creighton put the lantern
+on the wall." She paused for a moment, and went on: "I begin to see;
+you did come down on the stone-boat and Miss Osborn came with you. You
+were both thrown off by the upset at the wall. Well, if you persuaded
+her to join you in an adventure like that, it looks as if you were
+pretty good friends."
+
+Kit said nothing. In a sense, Miss Osborn had persuaded him, and it was
+difficult to explain that both had really given way to a rash impulse.
+Somewhat to his surprise, Janet gently touched his arm.
+
+"Be careful, Kit! I wouldn't like to see you hurt. Miss Osborn's friends
+are not your kind of folk; she only wants to amuse herself when they are
+not about."
+
+"That's ridiculous," Kit declared. "Miss Osborn is not amusing
+herself with me."
+
+"Perhaps you ought to know," Janet rejoined with some dryness. "Now I
+come to think of it, you're not always very bright. Anyhow, when she
+finds the game tiresome, she'll soon get rid of you."
+
+"I meet Miss Osborn now and then and sometimes she stops and speaks. That
+is all," Kit said sternly.
+
+"I imagine it's enough," Janet remarked. "Well, I don't want to see you
+made to look a fool; you're rather a good sort, Kit, if you're not very
+clever. Be careful and remember you have been warned."
+
+She gave him a friendly nod and went off, but after a few moments turned
+and looked back. Kit was walking down the road with swift angry strides.
+Janet smiled, but when she entered the mill-house kitchen her face was
+flushed. Soon after she sat down by the fire, Bell came in and leaned
+against the table with an angry frown.
+
+"There's two mair trucks o' coal, and I canna find room for t' stuff," he
+said. "Yards is full and I only sold three or four car loads last week."
+
+Janet knew silence was prudent when her father was disturbed, but he had
+given her a lead. Kit was a fool, and although she doubted if he were as
+dull as he pretended, she was angry with him. Anyhow, it might be
+possible to stop his ridiculous infatuation for Miss Osborn.
+
+"You can't sell coal when the Askews are giving peat away," she said.
+
+"Looks like that," Bell agreed. "I'd ha' broke the others before noo if I
+hadn't had Peter and Kit against me. Hooiver, if I canna sell coal, I
+canna pay the rent and landlord will have to do something. Mayhappen it
+will be easier for him if he kens the Askews started the plot. Osborn's
+none too fond of them."
+
+"He wouldn't like them any better if he knew what I know," Janet remarked
+with a malicious smile.
+
+"What do you ken about them?" Bell asked scornfully.
+
+"I don't imagine Osborn wants Kit for his son-in-law."
+
+Bell started and then laughed harshly.
+
+"Old wives' crack! Kit's not such a fool!"
+
+"You know best," said Janet. "If you like, I'll tell you what I've seen."
+
+She did so and Bell's mean face got thoughtful. On the whole, Janet did
+not exaggerate much, although she now and then made a rather unwarranted
+implication. She threw a fresh light on matters the gossips already
+talked about; among others were Grace's visit to Mireside the morning
+Railton's sheep were counted and her meeting with Kit before he went to
+look for the Herdwicks. When she stopped Bell knitted his brows.
+
+"If it was used right, I might mak' some use o' this," he
+observed. "We'll see what Osborn says about coal yards and the
+alterations at mill."
+
+He went to his office and Janet sat quietly by the fire. Her plot would
+work; Miss Osborn should not have Kit.
+
+Bell made some calculations. His money was getting short; he had bills to
+pay, and his stock of coal was large. He could not hold it much longer,
+and since the Askews were bringing down large quantities of peat, there
+was no ground for imagining the dalesfolk would give way. It looked as if
+he must meet them and he wrote a notice that coal would be delivered by
+the trailer lurry at a reduction of two-and-six a ton.
+
+When he had put this in an envelope for the printers, Bell knitted his
+brows. Although his neighbors would sooner burn coal than peat, he was
+not sure the reduction would stimulate the demand for the former and he
+must look for relief in some other direction. He paid a high rent for
+the yards and the landlord ought to help. Osborn would, no doubt, be
+reluctant, but he might be forced. Bell's lease of the mill would soon
+run out; nobody else could pay as much as he paid, and he would demand
+certain expensive alterations. Furthermore, Osborn did not like the
+Askews, and Bell imagined he saw how to strike a blow at Kit; Janet had
+shown him the way. It would be some satisfaction to punish the
+meddlesome fellow.
+
+Two days afterwards the notice was fixed on the gateposts, but a week
+went by without its attracting fresh customers. Then a bill from the
+colliery arrived and Bell put down his price another two-and-six. For a
+day or two, no orders came in, and he resolved to wait until the week was
+out and then, if needful, get Hayes to arrange for a meeting with Osborn.
+
+On the last evening of the week, a number of the co-operators met in the
+kitchen at Ashness and for a time talked about the weather and the price
+of sheep. Askew let them talk and Kit was too preoccupied to give them a
+lead. He had been thoughtful since he met Janet Bell, for she had
+banished the self-deception he had unconsciously used and thrown a new
+and disturbing light on his friendship with Grace. Ridiculous as it was
+in many ways, he was falling in love with Grace Osborn. Moreover, he had
+met her an hour since and she had talked with a friendly confidence that
+made his heart beat. The girl liked and trusted him, and although he
+durst not look for more, this in itself was much. It was plain that he
+ought to conquer his infatuation, but he doubted if he could.
+
+Listening to the others mechanically, he was silent and absorbed until
+one asked, "Weel, what's to be done aboot coal noo? Are we gan t' buy?"
+
+"I dinna ken," said another. "My womenfolk are grumelling an' it's
+lang sin' we had good light bread, but they're none for letting Bell
+have his way."
+
+"He's come doon five shillings, and we've peat enough to fall back on if
+he puts up price again," somebody else remarked. "Hooiver, I reckon he's
+forced to sell and we might get anither half-croon off if we wait."
+
+Peter took his pipe from his mouth. "It's a kittle point. T' womenfolk
+have been patient and Bell canna rob us much if we buy from him noo. Aw
+t' same, we can beat him doon some shillings if we hoad on."
+
+"Then hoad on and break the grasping skinflint!" said one of the
+younger men.
+
+"I doot if we can break him and wadn't say it's wise to try. If he'll
+come down anither shilling, I think we might tak' his coal. That wad be a
+just price and we ought to be satisfied."
+
+"Let him smart!" urged the other. "He's robbed us lang enough."
+
+"Well," said Peter thoughtfully, "I dinna ken if that's a reason for
+robbing him, and it's sometimes safer no to push your enemy over hard
+when he's willing to give in. You must choose. If you hoad on and
+force him to sell at a big loss, the fight can only end in yan o' two
+ways. He'll mak' you pay top price for cattle food, lime, and patent
+manures; or you'll drive him oot o' dale. You must reckon if you're
+strong enough."
+
+"We'll hear what Kit says," one of the rest remarked.
+
+Kit's mood was hardly normal. He was not often rash, but he felt sore and
+rebellious and this had a stronger influence than he knew. Miss Osborn
+liked him, but her father's rank and traditions were daunting obstacles.
+Kit felt this was unjust, and raw passions and prejudices that he was, as
+a rule, too sensible to indulge, got the mastery.
+
+"My father is right," he said. "We have started a fight with Bell; he's a
+dangerous man to rouse and will make us pay, unless we beat him. Besides,
+he has made some pay already. Old rheumatic men and young children
+starved by half-empty grates when the snow stopped us getting the peat,
+and you have seen the profits you worked hard for melt before the price
+Bell charged for cattle-meal. He's been getting greedier, until he
+imagined he could rob us as he liked, and since he has forced us into the
+quarrel, my notion is we ought to fight it out."
+
+Peter looked surprised, but did not speak, and there was silence for a
+few moments. Then one said:
+
+"I'm with Kit. We'll hoad on until Bell comes doon seven-and-six. If he
+does, we'll talk aboot it again."
+
+After some argument, the rest agreed, and when they went away Peter
+turned to his son.
+
+"Mayhappen you've sent them t' right road, but I dinna ken! I'm none fond
+o' fratching, unless I'm forced."
+
+"We are forced," Kit answered moodily.
+
+Peter gave him a keen glance and then spread out his hands.
+
+"It's possible. For aw that, it wadn't ha' done much harm to give t' man
+his chance o' makin' peace."
+
+Kit did not answer, but went out, and Askew sat by the fire with a
+thoughtful look. Something had happened to the lad, and Peter wondered
+what it was. He felt vaguely disturbed, but could see no light.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OSBORN'S PRIDE GETS HURT
+
+
+Soon after the farmers met at Ashness, Bell, feeling sore and resentful,
+sat one evening in the Tarnside library. Osborn, after fixing a time for
+his visit, had kept him waiting twenty minutes, and Bell had come to
+think himself a man of a little importance. The spacious library was very
+cold and the end of a small log smouldered among the ashes in the grate.
+Bell knew he had been brought into the library because it was Osborn's
+business room; but the latter might have ordered the fire to be made up.
+
+His neglect rankled, although Bell had something else to think about. He
+had lowered his price for coal another shilling, without attracting
+buyers, and now admitted that the dales folks' resistance was getting
+dangerous. To some extent, the Askews were accountable for this, but
+Osborn got a large share of the profit Bell had hoped to make. One did
+not pay a high rent for nothing. By and by Bell looked at Hayes, who
+stood by the hearth.
+
+"The next time I come to Tarnside Mr. Osborn will wait for me," he
+remarked.
+
+Hayes made a warning gesture, there were steps in the passage, and Osborn
+came in. He sat down at the end of the table and looked at his watch.
+
+"I can give you about a quarter of an hour," he said. "Perhaps we had
+better begin."
+
+The big room was nearly dark, but the men sat in the light a shaded
+lamp threw across the table. Osborn looked half bored and half
+impatient, Hayes was urbanely inscrutable, while Bell's mean face was
+marked by greed.
+
+"Mr. Bell finds his stock of coal accumulating faster than he likes,"
+said Hayes. "He must pay on delivery, and since his customers have
+combined against him, feels he's entitled to some relief."
+
+"I don't see how that is my business," Osborn rejoined. "Bell might get
+over the difficulty by lowering his price."
+
+"I've putten it doon," Bell broke in. "The price I can sell at is fixed
+by my rent."
+
+"To some extent, the argument is logical," said Hayes.
+
+"Then am I to understand that Mr. Bell expects me to reduce his rent?"
+
+"Not to begin with," Hayes answered, giving Bell a warning glance. "He
+imagines he might gain his object almost as well if we stopped Askew
+cutting peat."
+
+"You cannot stop him. The peat is his."
+
+"We might embarrass him. While the snow lasts, it saves some awkward
+labor to cross Creighton's field and use his lonning. A tenant is not
+entitled to grant a way-leave."
+
+"Allowing a friend to use the lane for a week or two can hardly be called
+a way-leave."
+
+"Well, although Askew owns the moor, it's doubtful if he is entitled
+to remove peat for sale, unless by arrangement with the lord of the
+manor. I have seen Sir Gordon's agent and he is not unwilling to
+dispute the point."
+
+"At my cost?" said Osborn with a sarcastic smile. "Enforcing the old
+manorial rights, which nobody knows much about, would be an expensive
+business, and I have no money to risk. However, if Bell is willing to pay
+the lawyers--"
+
+"I'll pay nowt but rent. It's high enough," Bell declared.
+
+Osborn shrugged. "Very well! It would cost too much to try to frighten
+Askew off. He's confoundedly shrewd and obstinate."
+
+Bell was silent for a few moments, but his face got hard as he fixed his
+eyes on Osborn.
+
+"There's another matter. T' mill lease will soon fall in and I canna tak'
+it on again, unless I get the repairs and improvements done. Mr. Hayes
+has t' list."
+
+The agent took out the list with some builders' and millwrights'
+estimates, and Osborn frowned as he studied the documents. It was obvious
+that Bell meant to use pressure.
+
+"I don't like to be threatened," he replied.
+
+"It's not a threat," said Bell, with a cunning smile. "If I'm to lose my
+money at coal yards, I must earn some at mill, but unless I get t'
+repairs and new machines, mill willunt pay to run." He paused and
+studying Osborn's face resumed: "There'll be nea peace for either o' us
+while the Askews gan aboot makin' trouble."
+
+"I suppose that is so, to some extent," Osborn agreed.
+
+"Then is it fair to leave me to fratch wi' them? After aw, they're mair
+your enemies than mine."
+
+"I don't understand you; I have no coal to sell."
+
+Bell looked up with a sour grin. "There's worse ways o' hurting a proud
+man than touching his pocket. If you dinna ken what's going on, it's time
+you watched young Kit. I'll say nea mair, but aw t 'oad wives are
+cracking and you can ask Mr. Hayes. He kens!"
+
+Osborn's face got red, but he gave Bell a haughty look.
+
+"Anything that touches me personally is my private concern--and we are
+talking about the lease of the mill. I cannot make all the improvements
+you ask for, but perhaps something can be done. When we have studied the
+matter Mr. Hayes will let you know."
+
+Bell got up and when he went out Osborn turned to Hayes. "What did the
+fellow mean? He said you knew!"
+
+"It's dangerous ground and I frankly wish he'd told you to ask somebody
+else. However, there is some gossip--"
+
+"Go on," said Osborn sternly. "Whom are they gossiping about?"
+
+"Miss Osborn, since you insist."
+
+Osborn clenched his fist and the veins rose on his forehead as he said,
+"And young Askew?"
+
+Hayes made a sign of agreement and Osborn, getting up, walked across
+the floor. He came back with a savage sparkle in his eyes and stood in
+front of Hayes.
+
+"Tell me what you know."
+
+With a pretense of reluctance, Hayes obeyed. He told Osborn about
+Grace's visit to Railton's and hinted that she had gone to find out if
+Kit had brought the sheep. Then he narrated their meeting in the dark
+near Creighton's farm and stated his grounds for imagining she had
+ridden down the hill on the first load of peat. Hayes was tactful and
+apologetic, but he made it plain that the girl was in Kit's confidence
+and had known his plans.
+
+Osborn stopped him with a savage gesture. His face was deeply flushed and
+his voice was hoarse as he said: "That is enough. The thing looks
+impossible! I must try to find out what foundation there is for the
+ridiculous tale."
+
+"I shall be relieved if you do find it is ridiculous," said Hayes, who
+went off soon afterwards.
+
+For some minutes Osborn leaned against the mantel with his hands
+clenched, for he had got a shock. He admitted that the Osborns had some
+faults, but they were the Tarnside Osborns and had ruled the dale for a
+very long time. It was something to spring from such a stock, and the
+wilful girl had disgraced them all. Osborn had suspected Grace of holding
+dangerous modern views, but it was unthinkably humiliating that she had
+engaged in a flirtation with a farmer's son.
+
+He had declared the thing impossible, but he feared it was true. Hayes
+had been very clear about her visit to Railton's, and her coming down
+Malton Head on Askew's sledge was ominous. She must have been strongly
+attracted by Kit since she had done a thing like that. Besides, she
+had obviously sympathized with, and perhaps helped, his plans. This
+was treachery, because it was a tradition of the Osborns that they
+stood together.
+
+By and by he heard voices in the hall and braced himself. He must go down
+to receive his guests and was glad that they had come, since he did not
+want to tell his wife about the matter yet; in fact, he did not think he
+would talk to Grace. The thing was humiliating, and there was a
+possibility that Hayes had been mistaken. Osborn resolved to watch the
+girl and then insist on a reckoning if she gave him grounds for doing so.
+
+He went down and carried out his hospitable duties. Next morning he
+arranged for a day's shooting; the snow had nearly gone and there were a
+few pheasants left in Redmire wood. The party started early, taking their
+lunch, and in the afternoon Grace left Tarnside and walked down the dale.
+She had no particular object, but the day was fine and she wondered
+whether Kit had brought all the peat from Malton Head.
+
+There was no wind and the frost was not keen. Gray clouds trailed across
+the sky that was touched with yellow in the west, and soft, elusive
+lights played about the dale. Patches of snow on the fellsides gleamed
+and faded; mossy belts glowed vivid green, red berries in the hedgerows
+shone among withered leaves and fern, and then the light passed on and
+left the valley dim. Something in its calm beauty reacted on the girl and
+made her thoughtful. She loved the dale and felt that she might be happy
+there if it were not for her father's poverty and overbearing
+temperament.
+
+After all, they were not really poor; they had enough to satisfy their
+needs. Their clinging to out-of-date traditions caused the strain. One
+gained nothing by pretending to be rich and important; there was no
+logical reason for trying to live like one's ancestors, and the effort
+cost the Osborns much. It meant stern private economy, public
+ostentation, and many small deceits. Grace was getting tired of this
+pretense; she wanted something simpler and dignified. For the most part,
+the dalesfolk looked happy and she had come to envy them. They had their
+troubles, but they were troubles all mankind must bear, and they had joys
+one did not properly value at Tarnside: human fellowship and sympathy,
+and freedom to follow their bent. A shepherd's daughter, for example,
+could marry whom she liked and was not forced to accept a husband who had
+wealth enough to satisfy her parents.
+
+Grace blushed as she thought of Alan Thorn and contrasted him with Kit.
+She did not want to marry yet; but perhaps, if Kit were not a working
+farmer's son--She pulled herself up, with a smile, for it looked as if
+she had not broken free from the family traditions. After all, it did not
+matter if Kit were a farmer's son. He was honest and generous; he had a
+well-modeled figure, bright eyes, and a clean brown skin. But since Kit
+was not her lover, she was indulging in idle sentiment; and then she
+admitted that he might love her, although she did not yet love him.
+Indeed, if she must be honest, the thing was possible--she had seen his
+face brighten and remarked his satisfaction when they met.
+
+Then she stopped abruptly as she saw him coming down the road. There was
+a path across a field close by, but it would be admitting too much if she
+tried to avoid him, and she went on. Kit came up, dressed in rough
+working clothes, with muddy leggings, and a hedge stick in his hand. Two
+dogs ran before him and it looked as if he had been driving sheep. Grace
+was very calm when he took off his cap and he thought the hint of
+stateliness he sometimes noted was rather marked. It did not daunt him;
+he, felt it was proper Grace should look like that. She noted that he was
+hot and breathless.
+
+"I saw you as I was bringing the sheep down Burton ghyll," he said.
+
+"Then you must have good eyes," Grace remarked. "It's a long way, and I
+don't wear conspicuous clothes."
+
+Kit laughed. "I'd have known you much farther off. There's nobody in the
+dale who walks like you."
+
+Grace gave him a quiet glance that he met without embarrassment. She saw
+that he had not meant to offer her a cheap compliment; yet the compliment
+was justified. A dancing master had told her that she walked and carried
+herself well.
+
+"But where are the sheep?" she asked.
+
+"I left them in the field at the beckfoot," he answered with a touch of
+awkwardness. "We can bring them down afterwards; I remembered I wanted
+something at Allerby."
+
+Grace turned her head to hide a smile. It was obvious that he had
+remembered he wanted to go to Allerby when he saw her.
+
+"Oh, well," she said, "I am going part of the way. However, I mustn't
+stop you if you want to get back to the sheep."
+
+"It isn't at all important," Kit declared. Then he paused and Grace
+thought he was studying his old and rather muddy clothes. "But, of
+course," he resumed, "it's possible you'd sooner go on alone."
+
+She laughed. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Askew! I think you know what I
+mean. I didn't want to keep you from your work."
+
+He looked relieved. "Yes. Although I'm not very clever at this sort
+of thing, I generally do know what you mean. I can't tell if it's
+strange or not."
+
+"It certainly is not worth while puzzling about. I expect I'm rather
+obvious--for that matter, so are you."
+
+"Frankness often saves you some trouble and I don't know if it gives your
+opponent the advantage some folks imagine. However, it's not our rule in
+the dale to say all we feel."
+
+"It's not Bell's, for example. How is the coal campaign getting on?"
+
+"Well," said Kit, thoughtfully, "so far as that goes, I believe we have
+beaten him. There's a new notice that lowers the price seven-and-six
+altogether, and last night we advised folks to buy. But I don't know if
+the fight's over. Bell may find another way of putting on the screw."
+
+"I hope he will give it up," Grace replied. "I tried to help, because I
+felt I must; but of course you see I can't help again."
+
+Kit made a sign of understanding. "Yes; you showed us how to bring the
+peat down. Now I don't know what to say. It's awkward ground."
+
+They were silent for some time afterwards, for both had said enough and
+knew that Osborn's resentment must be reckoned on. It made them feel like
+accomplices and drew them together. They were young and not given to
+looking far ahead, but they saw the threat that the friendship both
+valued might be broken off.
+
+By and by three or four reports rang through the calm air and Grace came
+near to stopping, but did not. She had forgotten Osborn was shooting in
+Redmire wood and she and Kit must pass its edge. For all that, she could
+not turn back. Kit would guess why she did so; it would be an awkward
+admission that she was afraid of being seen with him by Osborn or his
+friends. She was afraid, but she was proud, and went on, hoping that Kit
+had not noted her hesitation. He had not, but was puzzled by her resolute
+and half-defiant look.
+
+The guns were silent when they came to the wood, which rolled down the
+hillside below the road. Here and there a white birch trunk and a yellow
+patch of oak leaves shone among the dark firs; the beech hedge was
+covered by withered brown foliage. A belt of grass ran between the wood
+and road and Grace took the little path along its edge. Her feet made no
+noise and her tweed dress harmonized with the subdued coloring of dead
+leaves and trunks. The light was not good and she thought she would not
+be visible a short distance off; besides the sportsmen might be at the
+other side of the wood. She hoped they were, since she vaguely perceived
+that if Osborn saw her it would force a crisis she was not yet ready to
+meet. Then her thoughts were disturbed, for somebody in the wood shouted:
+"Mark cock flying low to right!"
+
+A gunshot rang out close by and a small brown bird, skimming the top of
+the hedge, fluttered awkwardly across the road. Next moment dry twigs
+rustled and a young man leaped on to the grass with a smoking gun in his
+hand. As he threw it to his shoulder, Kit ran forward and struck the
+barrel. There was a flash and while the echoes of the report rolled
+across the wood a little puff of smoke floated about the men. Grace stood
+still, trembling, for she knew she had run some risk of being shot.
+
+"Why don't you look before you shoot?" Kit shouted in a strange, hoarse
+voice. "You've no business to use a gun on a public road. It's lucky I
+was quick."
+
+"That is so; my fault!" gasped the other, who took off his cap as he
+turned to Grace. "Very sorry, Miss Osborn; didn't see you. Wanted to get
+the woodcock. Hope you're not startled much."
+
+Grace forced a smile. She had physical courage and was shaken rather by
+what she saw in Kit's face than the risk she had run. Kit looked
+strangely white and strained. He had obviously got a bad shock, but she
+thought he would not have looked like that had he saved anybody else from
+the other's gun.
+
+"My dress is hard to see against the trees. You really needn't be
+disturbed," she said.
+
+The young man renewed his confused apologies, and when he pushed through
+the hedge and they went on again Grace looked at Kit. He had not got his
+color back, his lips were set and his gaze was fixed. The shock had
+broken his control and brought her enlightenment. He loved her, but she
+needed time and quietness to grapple with the situation. Her heart beat
+and her nerves tingled; she could not see the line she ought to take. Yet
+he must be thanked.
+
+"You were very quick," she said as calmly as possible although she was
+conscious of a curious pride in him. "Somehow I knew if there was need
+for quickness you would act like that. I believe I was stupid enough to
+stand still until you jumped. Well, of course, you know I thank you--"
+
+She stopped, for Kit, who turned his head for a moment turned it back and
+looked straight in front. He durst not trust himself to speak, and they
+went on silently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+OSBORN INTERFERES
+
+
+When Grace and Kit had gone a short distance they heard voices and a
+rattle of sticks in the wood, but the noise got fainter and she imagined
+the beaters were moving the other way. Ferrars, who shot at the woodcock,
+had probably not had time to tell Osborn about his carelessness, and it
+looked as if nobody else had been posted near the road. This was
+something of a relief, but Grace felt anxious. A gate not far off led to
+a drive in the wood, and she thought she had heard Osborn's voice.
+
+She kept on the belt of grass, which got narrower, so that the path ran
+close to the hedge. On the opposite side, a clump of silver-firs threw
+a shadow across the road, and a patch of pale-yellow sky shone behind
+an opening in the trees. The stiff fir-branches cut sharply against the
+glow, but where she and Kit were the light was dim. For all that, she
+stopped abruptly when a man came out of the wood and turned, as if to
+look up the road. It was Osborn and she thought she knew for whom he
+was looking.
+
+Grace's judgment failed her. She pushed Kit towards the beech hedge and
+they stepped into a small hollow among the withered leaves. Kit like
+Grace, had not had time for thought, but as Osborn, looking straight in
+front, went past, he felt he had done wrong. For one thing, it was rather
+shabby to hide and his doing so reflected on his companion. The feeling
+got stronger as Osborn went up the road, and Kit was sorry he had given
+way to a cowardly impulse. Yet since he had hidden, he must wait.
+
+After a few moments, Grace turned her head and Kit saw her face was
+flushed. It was obvious that she felt much as he felt. She had prompted
+him to hide, but she had done so in sudden alarm and he ought to have
+kept cool and thought for both, particularly since it was getting plain
+that Osborn was looking for them. The latter stopped, hesitated, and came
+back, and Grace turned sharply to Kit. Her look was strained, but he got
+a hint of haughtiness and resolve. He made a sign that he understood, and
+knew he had done well when he moved back from the hedge. A moment's
+hesitation would have cost him the girl's respect. They waited in the
+road and Kit's heart beat fast, but not with fear.
+
+Osborn stopped a yard or two off and looked at them with sternly
+controlled rage.
+
+"It's obvious that I passed you just now," he said.
+
+"You did; I ought to have stopped you," Kit agreed. "For a moment, it did
+not strike me that you were looking for Miss Osborn."
+
+Osborn glanced at the hollow in the hedge. "It's curious you stopped at a
+spot where there was not much chance of your being seen."
+
+Grace turned, as if she meant to speak, but Kit resumed: "After all, I
+don't know that you are entitled to question what I do on a public road."
+
+"Certainly not," said Osborn, with forced quietness. "I have, however, a
+right to question my daughter's choice of her acquaintances, and it looks
+as if I had some grounds for using my authority." He paused and turned to
+Grace. "Your mother is waiting for you. You had better go home."
+
+Grace hesitated, glancing at Kit. It was her fault that they had hidden
+and she would have waited had she thought he wanted her. Kit's face,
+however, was hard and inscrutable, and with something of an effort she
+went away. It was a relief to Kit that she had gone; he had meant to
+keep her out of the quarrel and now he was ready to talk to Osborn.
+
+"The matter doesn't end here," the latter remarked. "There's something to
+be said that your father ought to know. I am going to Ashness and expect
+you to come with me."
+
+"You must wait. I have some sheep at the beckfoot and it will take me
+half an hour to drive them home," Kit said coolly.
+
+Osborn looked at him with savage surprise. It was unthinkable that he
+should be forced to wait while the fellow went for his sheep, but he saw
+that Kit was not to be moved and tried to control his anger.
+
+"Very well. I will meet you at Ashness in half an hour."
+
+Kit braced himself as he went up the road. In a sense, he was not afraid
+of Osborn, but he had now to meet a crisis that he ought to have seen
+must come. In fact, he had seen it, and had, rather weakly, tried to
+cheat himself and put things off. He loved Grace, and Osborn would never
+approve. Kit knew Osborn's pride and admitted that his anger was,
+perhaps, not altogether unwarranted. For that matter, he doubted if Grace
+knew how far his rash hopes had led him. Then he thrilled as he
+remembered that when she pushed him back to the hedge, and afterwards
+when they left their hiding place, something had hinted that she did know
+and acknowledge him her lover.
+
+In the meantime, it was a relief to drive the sheep down the dale; he
+could not think while he was occupied and thought was disturbing. He put
+the sheep into a field and overtook Osborn as he went up the farm lonning
+in the dark. A lamp burned in the kitchen, and when they went in Peter
+got up and put his pipe on the table. He looked at them with some
+surprise, but waited without embarrassment. Indeed, Kit thought his
+father was curiously dignified.
+
+"Mr. Osborn has something to say he wants you to hear," Kit remarked.
+"Although the thing's really my business, I agreed."
+
+Osborn refused the chair Peter indicated and stood in a stiff pose. His
+face was red and he looked rather ridiculously savage.
+
+"I found your son and my daughter hiding from me in the hedge at Redmire
+wood," he said. "I imagine I'm entitled to ask for an explanation."
+
+"Hiding?" said Peter, who turned to Kit. "That was wrong."
+
+"It was wrong," Kit admitted. "I told Mr. Osborn so. In fact, I must have
+lost my head when I made a mistake like this. Since I had the honor of
+Miss Osborn's acquaintance--"
+
+"Who presented you to my daughter?" Osborn interrupted.
+
+"Nobody," Kit admitted, with some embarrassment. "The day the otter
+hounds were hunting the alder pool Miss Osborn wanted to cross the
+stepping stones. Some of them were covered and I--"
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn. "Then the thing began as long since as that?" He
+turned to Peter. "The girl is young and foolishly proud of being
+unconventional, or she would have known that she could make use of your
+son's help without an obligation to speak to him again. It's obvious that
+he has worked on her rebellious humor until she forgot what is due to
+herself and her parents."
+
+"Stop a bit," said Peter. "She was doing her parents no discredit by
+speaking to my son."
+
+"No discredit!" Osborn exclaimed, losing his self control. "When I find
+her and the fellow skulking out of sight, like a farm hand and a
+dairy-maid!"
+
+Kit raised his head and his eyes sparkled. "In a sense, I am a farm hand;
+but it would be better if you kept your hard words for me."
+
+"There are verra good dairymaids; modest, hardworking lasses,"
+Peter remarked.
+
+"It's rather late to play the part of a rustic cavalier, if that is what
+you meant," Osborn said to Kit with a sneer, and then turned to Peter. "I
+am forced to own that the girl deserves some blame. Although she's
+impulsive and unconventional, she ought to have seen it was ridiculous to
+let your son imagine they could be friends."
+
+"You think that was ridiculous?"
+
+"Of course," said Osborn, with haughty surprise. "The absurdity of the
+thing is obvious."
+
+"Weel," said Peter dryly, "I reckon they might be friends without much
+harm, though I wadn't have them gan farther. Although the lass is yours,
+the lad is mine."
+
+Osborn laughed scornfully. "If I understand you, your attitude is
+humorous. But do you wish me to believe you didn't know what was going
+on? You have made my tenants dissatisfied and plotted against me, and
+now, no doubt, you saw another means."
+
+"Stop," said Peter, with stern quietness. "We have not been good neebors,
+though I dinna ken that's much fault o' mine; but if you thowt I'd use a
+foolish girl to hurt a man I didn't like, you're varra wrang. Hooiver,
+you came for an explanation, and I want one, too." He turned to Kit. "You
+had better tell us why you kept up Miss Osborn's acquaintance withoot her
+father's consent."
+
+"Very well," said Kit, standing very straight and holding up his head. "I
+met Miss Osborn, so to speak, by accident, and afterwards we sometimes
+talked. Her beauty and talent were plain to me at first, but it was some
+time before I knew I loved her, and then it was too late. I knew my
+folly--it was a folly I couldn't conquer, and now I think I never shall.
+Well, I suppose I hoped that some day things might change."
+
+"Do you imply that Grace knew what you hoped?" Osborn asked.
+
+"No," said Kit, quietly. "I gave her no hint. It was plain that she was
+willing we should meet and talk like friends. This was not wrong."
+
+"Not wrong that my daughter should meet you secretly!" Osborn exclaimed
+with sudden rage. "Are you foolish enough to imagine you and a member of
+my family could meet like equals?"
+
+"I have not pretended to be Miss Osborn's equal. But the inequality I
+acknowledge is not what you mean."
+
+Osborn shrugged with scornful impatience. "Pshaw! We'll let that go. You
+said you hoped things might change. Do you think any change of fortune
+could give you the tastes and feelings of a gentleman? Make you a proper
+husband for my daughter? You know the thing's impossible."
+
+Kit colored and hesitated, and Peter signed him to be quiet.
+
+"These meetings must be stopped. I'm as much against such a match as I
+think you are."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn, who looked puzzled, "you hinted something of the kind!
+I don't know that your point of view's important, but I can't
+understand."
+
+"My meaning's no varra hard to see," Peter answered. "The lass is bonny
+and, so far as I ken, weel-meaning and kind; but she has been badly browt
+up at an extravagant hoose. She'll not can help her husband, except
+mayhappen to waste, and she has niver learned to work and gan withoot.
+Weel, it seems we are agreed. Miss Osborn is no the lass I would welcome
+for my son's wife."
+
+Osborn looked at him with frank surprise. Then he said, "We'll make an
+end," and turned to Kit. "If you speak to my daughter again, she will be
+forbidden to leave the Tarnside grounds; if you write to her, your
+letter will be burned. She cannot resist my control for the next three or
+four years. There's nothing more to be said."
+
+He went out and Peter, who walked to the porch with him, came back and
+looked quietly at Kit.
+
+"A proud and foolish man, but he's hit hard!" he said. "Mayhappen it
+will hurt, my lad, but you must be done wi' this. Osborn's daughter is
+none for you."
+
+Kit looked straight in front, with his hands clenched. "So it seems, for
+some years. It does hurt. I cannot give her up."
+
+Peter lighted his pipe and there was silence for a few minutes. Then as
+Kit did not move he remarked: "I ken something o' what you're feeling; aw
+t' same you've got to fratch. There's nowt against the lass except that
+she's Osborn's child, but she's none o' our kind and it's sense and
+custom that like gans to like."
+
+"It would be easier if I could get away. I can't stop in the dale,
+knowing she's about and I mustn't see her."
+
+Peter went into the next room and opened an old desk. He had for some
+time expected that the moment he now shrank from would come and his heart
+was sore, but he knew his son's steadfast character and meant to save him
+pain. Going back he gave Kit his brother's last letter.
+
+"Mayhappen it's better that you should gan," he said quietly.
+
+Kit read the letter and looked up with a strained expression. "I never
+thought I'd want to leave Ashness and I feel a selfish brute! All the
+same it would be a relief."
+
+"Just that!" said Peter. "I'll miss you when you've gone, but it's no'
+my part to stand in your way. We'll write Adam to-morrow and tell him
+you'll come."
+
+Kit crossed the floor and put his hand on his father's arm. "Thanks;
+I think I know what this means to you. It will cost me something; but
+I must go."
+
+He went out and Peter sat still, looking gloomily at the fire. He felt
+old and knew he would be very lonely soon. The fire burned low and the
+kitchen got cold, but Kit did not come back and when Peter heard his
+housekeeper's clogs on the stones outside he got up and crossed the
+floor, to get his hat. Old Bella was curious and he did not want to talk,
+but there was something to be done in the barn and when his heart was
+sore it was a relief to work.
+
+
+
+
+PART II--ON THE CARIBBEAN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE OLD BUCCANEER
+
+
+It was about four o'clock in the afternoon and Kit Askew lounged in a
+chair on the bridge-deck as the _Rio Negro_ steamed slowly across the
+long swell of the Caribbean. The wrinkled undulations sparkled with
+reflected light in a dazzling pattern of blue and silver, and then faded
+to green and purple in the shadow of the ship. A wave of snowy foam
+curled up as the bows went down and the throb of the propeller quickened
+as the poop swung against the sky. Then the lurching hull steadied and
+the clang of engines resumed its measured beat.
+
+The _Rio Negro_ was old and ugly, with short iron masts from which clumsy
+derricks hung, tall, upright funnel, and blistered, gray paint. Her boats
+were dirty and stained by soot, and a belt of rust at her waterline
+hinted at neglect, but no barnacles and weed marred the smoothness of the
+plates below. Her antifouling paint was clean, and her lines beneath the
+swell of quarter and bows were fine. In fact, the _Rio Negro_ was faster
+than she looked when she carried her regular load of two thousand tons
+and her under-water body was hidden. She traded in the Gulf of Mexico and
+the Caribbean, and at certain ports Customs officials carefully
+scrutinized her papers. At others, they smiled and allowed her captain
+privileges that strangers did not get.
+
+Kit wore spotless white clothes, a black-silk belt, and a Panama hat of
+the expensive kind the Indians weave, holding the fine material under
+water. A glass occupied a socket in his chair, and when the _Rio Negro_
+rolled a lump of ice tinkled against its rim; a box of choice cigars lay
+on the deck. Kit, however, was not smoking, but drowsily pondered the
+life he had led for the last three years. He was thinner and looked older
+than when he left Ashness. He had lost something of his frankness and
+his raw enthusiasm had gone. His face was quieter and his mouth set in a
+firm line.
+
+He remembered his surprise when he first met his uncle at a luxurious
+Florida hotel. Adam Askew wore loose white clothes, a well-cut Tuxedo
+jacket, a diamond ring, and another big diamond in his scarf. His skin
+was a curious yellowish brown and his eyes were very black; he rather
+looked like a Spanish Creole than an Englishman. He had nothing of his
+brother's quiet manner. Although he was getting old, he walked with a
+jaunty step; he had a humorous twinkle, and his laugh was careless. In
+fact, he had an exotic, romantic look that harmonized with Kit's notions
+of the pirates who once haunted the Gulf of Mexico. When Kit afterwards
+learned why Adam's friends called him the "buccaneer," he saw that his
+first impression was not extravagant.
+
+Now he remembered that when they sat behind the imitation Moorish arches
+on the hotel veranda Adam studied him and laughed.
+
+"You're certainly Peter's son," he remarked. "I can imagine I'd just left
+him at the end of the Ashness lonning thirty years since. Except that
+he's got older, I reckon he hasn't changed, and for that matter, Peter
+was never young. Well, you are surely like him, but if you stop in this
+country we'll put a move on you."
+
+"If I'm like my father, I am satisfied," Kit rejoined.
+
+Adam's black eyes twinkled. "Now I see a difference; there's red blood in
+you. But don't take me wrong. Peter's a white man, straight as a
+plumb-line, one of the best; he's a year the younger of us, but when the
+old man died he brought me up. There are two kinds of Askews and I belong
+to the other lot. I don't know why they called you after roystering Kit."
+
+It was obvious that Adam knew the family history, for Christopher Askew
+was a turbulent Jacobite who lost the most part of his estate when he
+joined Prince Charlie's starving Highlanders in the rearguard fight at
+Clifton Moor. Afterwards the sober quietness at Ashness had now and then
+been disturbed by an Askew who inherited the first Kit's reckless
+temperament.
+
+Three years had gone since Kit met Adam, and he had learned much. To
+begin with, Adam sent him to an American business school, and made him
+study Castilian and French. Then he sent him to Mexico and countries
+farther south, where he studied human nature of strangely varied kinds.
+He met and traded with men of many colors: French and Spanish Creoles,
+negroes, Indians, and half-breeds with some of the blood of all. He knew
+the American gulf ports and their cosmopolitan hotels and gambling
+saloons, but Adam noted with half-amused approval that while he was not
+at all a prig he developed Peter's character and not Kit the Jacobite's.
+Now they were going south across the Caribbean on a business venture.
+
+By and by Adam came slowly along the bridge-deck. The three years had
+marked a change in him and Kit thought he did not look well. Adam
+suffered now and then from malarial ague, caught in the mangrove swamps.
+He was thin, his yellow face was haggard, and his shoulders were bent.
+Sitting down close by, he lighted a cigar and turned to Kit.
+
+"We ought to raise the coast before it's dark and I reckon Mayne will
+get his bearings," he remarked. "The lagoon's a blamed awkward place to
+enter and I'd have waited until to-morrow only that Don Hernando is
+expecting us."
+
+"It will save us a day if we can get in, since you want to land the B. F.
+cargo in the dark," Kit said thoughtfully. "We pay high wages and the
+_Rio Negro_ is an expensive boat to run."
+
+"That's so," Adam agreed with a smile. "You talk like a Cumberland
+flock-master. Counting every cent you spend is a safe plan, but I don't
+know that this trip will pan out much of a business proposition."
+
+"Do you feel better for your sleep?" Kit asked.
+
+"Some, though I've got a headache and a pain in my back. Guess they'll
+shake off when I get to work."
+
+"I was surprised when you said you meant to sail with us."
+
+"So I imagined," Adam rejoined dryly. "You wondered why I didn't, as
+usual, trust you to deliver the goods? Well, there's rather more to
+this job than that, and I meant to put you wise before we landed. You
+have heard me called a pirate, but I don't reckon on taking home much
+plunder now."
+
+Kit mused while Adam beckoned a mulatto steward, who brought him a glass
+and some ice. His uncle's character was complex. Sometimes he was hard
+and exacted all that was his; sometimes he was rashly generous.
+Ostensibly, he was a merchant, shipping tools and machines, particularly
+supplies for sugar mills, to the countries round the Caribbean, and
+taking payment in native produce. Kit, however, knew the cases landed
+from the _Rio Negro_ did not always hold the goods the labels stated, and
+that Adam's money sometimes helped to float an unpopular government over
+a crisis and sometimes to turn another out. It was a risky business,
+carried on with people who had a talent for dark revolutionary intrigue.
+
+"Since Don Hernando Alvarez is president of the republic, I don't quite
+see why we need smuggle in his machine-guns," Kit remarked.
+
+"On the surface, the reason isn't very obvious. Alvarez is president now,
+but mayn't be very long. It depends on whether he or his rival, Galdar,
+gets his blow in first. I reckon the chances are against Alvarez if
+Galdar puts up a fight, but the latter's not ready yet and Alvarez means
+to arm his troops before the fellow knows. I imagine about half the
+citizens are plotters and spies."
+
+"Alvarez has been honest so far. I suppose if he wins he'll pay?"
+
+"That's so," said Adam dryly. "If he goes down, we get nothing. Although
+I don't know much about his ancestors and suspect that one was an Indian,
+Alvarez is white, but the other fellow's a blamed poor sample of the
+half-breed nigger. Well, when Alvarez found things were going wrong, he
+sent for me."
+
+"Ah," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I begin to understand."
+
+He did understand, although he would not have done so when he met his
+uncle first. He had known Adam play the part of a merciless creditor, and
+thought few men could beat him at a bargain, but he kept his bargain when
+it was made, and now and then risked his money on lost causes. It looked
+as if he had inherited something from Christopher the Jacobite.
+
+"You have known Alvarez long, haven't you?" Kit resumed.
+
+"When I met him first, he was a customs officer with some perquisites and
+a salary that paid for liquor and tobacco. Vanhuyten and I ran the old
+_Mercedes_ then, and Van made a mistake that put us at the fellow's
+mercy. There was a good case for confiscating the schooner, which would
+have given Alvarez a lift while we went broke. In fact, the night of the
+crisis, I dropped Van's pistol overboard; he'd got malaria badly and was
+feeling desperate. Well, all we had given Alvarez didn't cover that kind
+of a job, but he'd promised to stand our friend and kept his word like a
+gentleman. Guess it needed some nerve and judgment to work things the way
+he did, and when we stole out to sea at daybreak past the port guard, I
+knew there was one man in the rotten country I could trust with my life.
+Now he's in a tight place, he knows he can trust me."
+
+Adam got up and crossing the deck leaned against the rails. In the
+distance, where the glitter faded, there was a long gray smear that
+seemed to float like a smoke-trail above the water. Higher up, a vague
+blue line ran across the dazzling sky. The first was a fringe of mangrove
+forest; the other lofty mountains. A minute or two later, the fat,
+brown-faced captain came down from his bridge.
+
+"Looks like the Punta; we've hit her first time," he remarked. "In about
+an hour I ought to get my marks. When d'you want her taken in?"
+
+"Soon as it's dark," Adam replied. "You'll have to trust your lead and
+compass. Can't have you whistling for a pilot, and I'd sooner you put out
+your lights."
+
+"It's your risk and not the first time I've broken rules. I guess I can
+keep her off the ground. We'll get busy presently and heave the hatches
+off. The B.F. cases are right on top."
+
+Adam nodded, and beckoned Kit when the captain went away. "You haven't
+been in the Santa Marta lagoon yet. Stand by and watch the soundings and
+compass while Mayne takes her across the shoals. You may find it useful
+to know the channel."
+
+Kit understood. Malaria and other fevers are common on low-lying belts of
+the Caribbean coast and skippers and mates fall sick. Moreover, the _Rio
+Negro_ did not always load at the regular ports. Sometimes she crept into
+mangrove-fringed lagoons, and sometimes stopped at lonely beaches and
+sent loaded boats ashore when her captain saw the gleam of signal lights.
+
+When it was getting dark, Kit and Adam went to the bridge and the former
+noted that his uncle breathed rather hard and seized the rails firmly as
+he climbed the ladder. The red glow of sunset had faded behind the high
+land and a gray haze spread across the swampy shore, but the water shone
+with pale reflections. On one side, a long, dingy smear floated across
+the sky. It did not move and Kit thought it had come from the funnel of a
+steamer whose engineer had afterwards cleaned his fires. Captain Mayne
+studied the fleecy trail with his glasses.
+
+"I don't know if that's a coffee-boat going north; I can't make out her
+hull against the land," he said. "Sometimes there's a _guarda-costa_
+hanging round the point."
+
+"Better take no chances," Adam replied, glancing at the _Rio Negro's_
+funnel, from which a faint plume of vapor floated.
+
+Mayne signed to the quartermaster in the pilot house and the bows swung
+round. Half an hour afterwards, he rang his telegraph and the clang of
+engines died away while the throb of the propeller stopped. In what
+seemed an unnatural silence, a few barefooted deck-hands began to move
+about, and one stood on the forecastle, where his dark figure cut against
+the shining sea. The rest went aft with a line the other held, and when
+Mayne raised his hand there was a splash as the deep-sea lead plunged. A
+man aft called the depth while he gathered up the line, and Mayne
+beckoned another, who climbed to a little platform outside the bridge and
+fastened a strap round his waist.
+
+"We're on the Santa Marta shelf, but I'm four miles off the course I
+set," Mayne remarked. "I want to work out the angle from the first
+bearing I got."
+
+Kit went with him into the chart-room, for he knew something about
+navigation. They had taught him the principles of land-surveying at the
+agricultural college, and this had made his studies easier. When he
+came back the moon was getting bright, but the haze had thickened on
+the low ground and the heights behind had faded to a vague, formless
+blur. The trail of smoke had vanished, there was no wind, and the
+smooth swell broke against the bows with a monotonous dull roar as the
+_Rio Negro_ went on. She was alone on the heaving water and steaming
+slowly, but the noise of her progress carried far. By and by a light
+twinkled ahead, leaped up into a steady glow that lasted for some
+minutes, and then went out.
+
+"That's a relief," remarked Adam, who had struck a match and studied his
+watch. "The ground's clear and Don Hernando has somebody he can trust
+waiting at the lagoon. You can let her go ahead, Captain."
+
+Mayne rang his telegraph and Kit went into the pilot house. The dim light
+of the binnacle lamp touched the compass, but everything else was dark
+and the windows were down. Kit could see the quartermaster's dark form
+behind the wheel, and the silver shining of the sea. There was a splash
+as the man on the platform released the whirling hand-lead. When he
+called the depth Mayne gave an order and the quartermaster pulled round
+the wheel. The swell was not so smooth now. It ran in steep undulations
+and in one place to starboard a broad, foaming patch appeared between the
+rollers. Kit knew the water was shoaling fast as the _Rio Negro_ steamed
+across the inclined shelf. It was risky work to take her in, because the
+fire had vanished and there were no marks to steer for. Mayne must trust
+his compass and his rough calculations.
+
+"Tide's running flood," he said to Adam. "She'd have steered handier if
+we'd gone in against the ebb; but there's a better chance of coming off
+if she touches ground."
+
+"You don't want to touch ground and stop there with the B.F. goods on
+board," Adam replied.
+
+After this, there was silence except when Mayne gave an order. White
+upheavals broke the passing swell on both sides of the ship. She rolled
+with violent jerks and at regular intervals the bows swung up. When they
+sank, a dark mass with a ragged top cut off the view from the
+pilot-house, and Kit knew it was a mangrove forest. He could see no break
+in the wall of trees that grew out of the water, but they were not far
+off when there was a heavy jar, and the Rio Negro stopped. The floor of
+the pilot-house slanted and Kit and the quartermaster fell against the
+wheel. Then there was a roar as a white-topped roller came up astern and
+broke about the vessel's rail in boiling foam. She lifted, struck again,
+and went on with an awkward lurch.
+
+"Port; hard over!" Mayne shouted hoarsely, and Kit helped the
+quartermaster to pull round the wheel.
+
+The order disturbed him, since it looked as if Mayne was off his course.
+The swell broke angrily ahead, but in one place, some distance to one
+side, the wall of forest looked less solid than the rest. A roar came out
+of the mist and Kit knew it was the beat of surf on a hidden beach. This
+told him where he was, because a sandy key protected the mouth of the
+lagoon; but he doubted if Mayne could get round the point. The tide was
+carrying the vessel on and there was broken water all about.
+
+She went on, with engines thumping steadily; the hollow in the forest
+opened up until it became a gap and Kit could not see trees behind it.
+Mayne gave another sharp order, and Kit and the quartermaster pulled at
+the wheel. The dark bows swung, the speed quickened, and the rolling
+stopped. The throb of the screw and thump of engines echoed across misty
+woods and there was a curious gurgling noise that Kit thought was made by
+the tide rippling among the mangrove roots. The air got damp and steamy
+and a sour smell filled the pilot-house. Kit knew the odors of rotting
+leaves, spices, and warm mud.
+
+In the meantime, he was kept occupied at the wheel for Mayne changed his
+course as the trees rolled past, until the telegraph rang and the engines
+stopped. Then there was silence until he heard the splash of the anchor
+and the roar of running chain. As the _Rio Negro_ slowly swung round, the
+winches rattled and her boats were hoisted out. Kit got into one with
+Adam and landed on a muddy beach. Dark figures came down to meet them,
+horses were waiting at the edge of the forest, and a few minutes later
+they mounted and plunged into the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRESIDIO
+
+
+Dazzling sunshine flooded the belt of sand where the shadows of dusty
+palmettos quivered beyond the Moorish arch; the old presidio smelt like a
+brick-kiln and the heat outside was nearly intolerable. In the middle of
+the dirty patio a fountain splashed in a broken marble basin, and it was
+dim, and by contrast cool, under the arcade where Kit sat among the
+crumbling pillars. The presidio was a relic of Spanish dominion and its
+founders had built it well, copying, with such materials as they could
+get, stately models the Moors had left in the distant Peninsula. A part
+had fallen and blocks of sun-baked mud lay about in piles, but the long,
+white front, with its battlemented top and narrow, barred windows stood
+firm. In spite of the ruinous patio, the presidio was the finest building
+in the town.
+
+The others, so far as Kit could see, were squares of mud, for the most
+part whitewashed, although some were colored pink and cream. The glare
+they reflected was dazzling, but a row of limp palmettos ran between them
+and the space in front of the presidio, and here and there Kit noted
+rounded masses of vivid green. Except for the splash of the fountain, all
+was very quiet, and although the shadows had lengthened it looked as if
+the half-breed citizens were still enjoying their afternoon sleep. Now
+and then a barefooted sentry noiselessly passed the arch. He wore a dirty
+white uniform and ragged palm-leaf hat, but carried a good modern rifle,
+and Kit knew where the latter had come from. The country was rich with
+coffee, rubber, sugar, and dyewoods. Its inhabitants, however, for the
+most part, preferred political intrigue to cultivation; its government
+was corrupt, and prosperity had vanished with the Spaniards' firm rule.
+
+A table carrying some very small glasses and coffee-cups stood in the
+arcade. Don Hernando Alvarez occupied the other side, and Kit imagined it
+was not by accident he sat with his back to a whitewashed pillar, since
+he was in the shadow and as he wore white clothes could not be seen a
+short distance off. Don Hernando's hair was coarse and his skin dark. His
+face was well molded, although the cheek-bones were prominent; his black
+eyes were keen and his thin lips firm. He wore a plain red sash, with no
+other touch of color except a bit of riband on his breast. It was obvious
+that he was not a Peninsular, as pure-blooded Spaniards call themselves,
+but he looked like a man who must be reckoned on. Just then his dark face
+was moody.
+
+"You have come in good time," he said to Adam Askew, in Castilian. "I
+think the curtain will soon go up for the last act of the drama, but the
+plot is obscure and I do not know the end."
+
+"I imagine the action will be rapid," Adam replied. "Unless you have
+changed much, you are cut out for your part."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez, "one gets cautious as one gets old. One loses the
+young man's quick, sure touch."
+
+"That is so, to some extent," Adam agreed, and indicated Kit. "It
+explains why I have a partner; my brother's son. Still, perhaps one sees
+farther when one is old."
+
+Alvarez bowed to Kit. "You have a good model, senor; a man who seldom
+hesitates and whose word goes. A rare thing in this country; I do not
+know about yours." Then he turned to Adam with a hint of anxiety. "How
+far do you see now?"
+
+"I see what I have to do and that is enough. The consequences come
+afterwards."
+
+Alvarez's face cleared. "You were always a gambler, but you run some risk
+if you bet on me." He was silent for a moment and then resumed: "In a
+sense, I envy you; you have a partner you can trust, but I stand alone.
+My son was found in the plaza with a knife in his back, and the man who
+killed him goes unpunished."
+
+"Galdar was somewhere behind that deed, although I do not see his object
+yet," Adam remarked.
+
+"The people liked Maccario and his removal cleared the ground. My enemy
+is cunning and, I think, did not mean to force a conflict until my
+friends had gone. Now there are not many left and the time has come.
+Morales died of poison, Diaz of snake-bite, and Vinoles was shot by a
+curious accident. So far, I have escaped; perhaps because I was lucky,
+and perhaps because it was not certain the people would choose Galdar if
+I followed my friends."
+
+"I have wondered why you hold on. For a president of this country, you
+have had a good run. I think I would have left after a few prosperous
+years and located at Havana, for example."
+
+Alvarez smiled. "There was a time when we had money in the treasury and I
+might have gone; but it was too late afterwards. Part of the revenue
+stopped in Galdar's hands--that was one way of embarrassing me--and I was
+forced to use the rest to undermine his plots. Now I am drawing on my
+small private estate."
+
+"But why didn't you go while there was something left? You are not
+extravagant and do not need much."
+
+Kit thought Adam's remark was justified. Alvarez lived with Indian
+frugality and looked ascetic; besides he had been long in power and had
+no doubt had opportunities for enriching himself at his country's
+expense. Kit liked Alvarez, but did not think him much honester than
+other Spanish-American rulers he had met.
+
+"It was partly for my daughter's sake I remained," Alvarez replied. "She
+is at a Spanish convent and I would not leave her poor. Then I had my
+son's death to avenge." He paused and added with a deprecatory smile:
+"Moreover I have thought I can rule this country better than my rival."
+
+"That's a sure thing," Adam agreed, in English. "Well, you had better
+tell me how you think matters are going. If I'm to help you properly I
+want to know."
+
+Alvarez looked about. All was very quiet; there was nobody in the patio,
+and it was some distance to the nearest window in the wall that faced the
+pillars. For all that, he lowered his voice and answered in hesitating
+English with an American accent.
+
+"It is hard to tell; a gamble in which one takes steep chances! Perhaps
+half the people with an object are for Galdar, and half for me. Those who
+have none will wait and back the man they think will win. So far, I have
+the soldiers, but their pay is behind and they are badly armed and
+drilled. They will stand by me if I can give them machine-guns and pay
+off arrears. But this must be done soon, without Galdar knowing. The next
+president will be the man who strikes before the other is ready."
+
+"What will the thing cost altogether?" Adam asked.
+
+He looked thoughtful when Alvarez told him, and then nodded. "All right.
+You'll get some of the guns to-morrow and another lot is on the way. Go
+ahead; I'll help you put the business over."
+
+Alvarez filled the little glasses with a liquor that had a strong spicy
+smell and when his guests lifted them touched theirs with his.
+
+"It is what I had hoped, my friend. If I live, you will not lose."
+
+He drank and then held his glass slackly poised while he mused. Kit, who
+was nearest the arch, turned and glanced out. He saw the reflected light
+quiver across the trampled sand and the dusty green of the limp
+palmettos. Then, below the latter, there was a pale-yellow flash and the
+president's glass fell with a tinkle. A pistol-shot rang out and Kit,
+swinging round, saw that a flake of plaster had dropped on the table.
+There was some dust on Alvarez' brown face and on his clothes, but he
+looked unmoved.
+
+Next moment Adam leaned on the table, steadying a heavy automatic pistol,
+and three quick flashes streamed from the perking barrel. Three small
+puffs of dust leaped up about the roots of a palmetto and as the empty
+cartridges rattled on the floor Kit thought an indistinct figure stole
+through the shadow of the fan-shaped leaves. He was not certain, because
+the light was dazzling and thin smoke drifted about his head.
+
+He threw his chair back and plunging through the arch ran across the sand
+and stopped at the top of a narrow street. Men and women of different
+shades of color came out of the doors and began to talk excitedly, but
+there was nobody who looked like a fugitive. Kit went back after he got
+his breath and met two or three untidy, barefooted soldiers who ran past.
+When he entered the arch Adam was coolly reloading his pistol while the
+president dusted his clothes.
+
+"It is nothing--they have tried again," the latter remarked. "Still, it
+looks as if Galdar felt himself stronger than I thought. Now, with your
+permission, I will go and give some orders." He smiled as he added:
+"There will be some prisoners by and by, men my guards do not like, but
+the fellow who fired the shot will not be caught."
+
+"What about the sentry?" Adam asked.
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "It is hot, and perhaps he was half asleep. I think the
+man is faithful, and just now I am the soldier's friend."
+
+He went off and Adam filled his glass and looked at Kit. "I feel I'm
+getting old and want another drink. I got the bead on the fellow's dark
+head and missed him by a yard. Well, I guess you can't expect to have
+steady fingers when you've got malarial ague. It's a dramatic kind of
+country, anyhow."
+
+Kit lighted a maize-leaf cigarette and mused. He had been startled, but
+his nerve was good and he knew something about the dark-skinned, reckless
+people of the South. They were robbed by their rulers, who spent the most
+part of the revenue to keep themselves in power; and sometimes, when the
+vote was useless, assassination seemed the only remedy. But it was on his
+uncle's promise Kit's thoughts dwelt. Although Adam was rich, the sum
+Alvarez needed was large. The latter was honest, in a sense, and Kit
+thought would not rob his friend, but he might be unable to make
+repayment. In fact, he had warned Adam that there was a risk and the
+bullet that struck the pillar was a significant hint. The venture looked
+rash, but Adam had stated that it was not a business proposition. He and
+the president were friends and this counted for much. The old Buccaneer
+had a sentimental vein.
+
+Then Kit's thoughts strayed and he wondered what Peter was doing in the
+north country dale. Kit had prospered since he joined Adam and the latter
+had hinted that he might be rich, but he was tired of intrigue and
+excitement and the glare of the South. He wanted the bracing winds, and
+the soft lights that chased the flying shadows across the English hills.
+He smiled as he reflected that he was like the Herdwicks that never
+forgot their native heaf; but while he longed for the red moors and
+straight-cut valleys he felt a stronger call. He was young and had seen
+the daughters of the South; Louisiana Creoles with a touch of old French
+grace; dark-haired Habaneras with languid eyes, whose movements were a
+delight to watch; octoroons ready to welcome a lover who was altogether
+white, and half-breed Indian girls. All had charm and some had shown him
+favors that meant much, but their charm had left Kit cold.
+
+He thought about Grace Osborn, steady-eyed and marked by English calm.
+She was frank and sometimes impulsive, but even then one got a hint of
+proud reserve. There was no touch of southern coquetry about Grace, she
+was not the girl to attract a lover and let him go, but if he came and
+proved his worth, she would go forward with him steadfastly through the
+storms of life. Kit sighed and pulled himself up. Grace was not for him
+and he must not be a romantic fool. He looked round and saw that Adam was
+quietly studying him.
+
+"What are you thinking about, partner?" he asked and Kit knew the epithet
+meant much. Adam had not called him partner at first.
+
+"I was thinking about Ashness," he replied.
+
+"Ah," said Adam softly, "I often think about it too; the old house among
+the ash trees, and the Herdwicks feeding on the long slope behind. The
+red heath on the fell-top and the beck bubbling in the ghyll.
+Everything's clean and cool in the quiet dale, and the folk are calm and
+Slow." He paused and resumed with a curious smile: "Once I reckoned I'd
+go back when I got rich and make things hum, but when I had the money I
+saw that plan wouldn't work. Those quiet folk would have beaten me with
+their unchanging ways, and Ashness is too good to spoil. For all that, I
+allowed I'd see it again before I died, but now I don't know."
+
+His smile faded and he gave Kit a keen glance. "Why did you pull out? It
+wasn't for my money. You haven't told me yet."
+
+"No," said Kit, with some embarrassment. "I hardly think it's much of a
+story, but if you like I'll tell you now."
+
+After a few moments he stopped awkwardly, and Adam raised his hand.
+
+"Go on. I want to get the girl properly fixed."
+
+Kit was not skilled at sketching character, but he drew Grace's portrait
+well and when he stopped Adam made a sign of sympathy.
+
+"You have helped me place her. Don't know I'd have trusted another man's
+judgment when he talked about his sweetheart, but you're not a fool.
+Well, it seems to me the girl's worth getting."
+
+"Miss Osborn is not my sweetheart. It is possible I shall never see
+her again."
+
+"But you can't forget her?"
+
+"No," said Kit quietly; "I can't forget."
+
+Adam was silent for some moments and then looked up.
+
+"You're like Peter, slow and staunch, but that's one reason you're my
+partner. Well, I know Osborn's kind; folk we have no use for in the
+United States. White trash, we call them; men with no abilities, whose
+foolish pride makes them think it's mean to work. Reckon they've first
+claim on the soft jobs and don't belong to the world of fighting men. But
+I guess they listen when money talks."
+
+Kit said nothing, although he thought Adam's concluding remark
+significant, and the old man went on:
+
+"Don Hernando helped me on my feet when Vanhuyten and I first came along
+this coast, with about a thousand dollars and a worn-out schooner. He's
+been my friend ever since and now he's hard up against it I've got to see
+him out. Guess it's going to cost me high, but when the job's put over
+there ought to be some money left and I don't know that you need forget
+the girl if she hasn't forgotten you. Well, perhaps I've said enough, and
+now I'll go and see where Don Hernando is."
+
+Adam got up and as he crossed the patio Kit noted that his shoulders were
+bent and his movement slack. Adam had changed much since their first
+meeting at the Florida hotel. He had some very obvious faults, but Kit
+knew what he owed him and felt disturbed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE GOLD ONZA
+
+
+Kit paused as he wound the long silk sash round his waist, and looked
+out of the window of his room at the presidio. Square blocks of houses,
+colored white and yellow, ran down the hill. Here and there a palm rose
+from an opening, and the dusty green of the alameda broke the monotony
+of the flat roofs and straight, blank walls that gave the town an
+Eastern look.
+
+Kit noted the strength of the presidio's situation. The old building
+stood high, its battlemented roof commanded the narrow streets, and there
+was a broad open space all round. He thought a few machine-guns would
+make it impregnable, since a revolutionary mob was not likely to be
+provided with artillery.
+
+Kit tucked the end of the sash under the neatly-arranged folds. Some time
+is required to put on a Spanish _faja_ and at first Kit had thought the
+trouble unnecessary, but had found it is prudent to protect the middle of
+the body in a hot climate. When he was satisfied, he turned and looked
+about the room. There were no curtains or carpets, and two very crude
+religious pictures were fixed to the wall. Although the air was not yet
+hot, it was not fresh and a smell of spices, decay, and burnt oil came in
+through the window that opened on the patio.
+
+A sunbeam touched a small earthen jar, holding a bunch of feather
+flowers. The jar was harshly colored, but the outline was bold and
+graceful, and Kit knew no pottery like that had been made in the country
+since the Spaniards came. He had bought it with the flowers for a few
+dollars, and remembered that the shopkeeper had included its contents
+when he offered it to him. "_Todo loque hay,_" he said in uncouth
+Castilian.
+
+Kit, turning over the jar carelessly, took out the flowers and as he did
+so something inside rattled and a large coin fell into his hand. The coin
+was old and heavy; indeed, he thought it weighed about an ounce. Taking
+it to the window, he rubbed its dull face and when the metal began to
+shine sat down with a thoughtful look. Unless he was mistaken, the coin
+was gold and did weigh an ounce.
+
+When he finished dressing he went to the little dark shop. The shopkeeper
+was making coffee with a handful of charcoal on the doorstep, for the
+sake of the draught, and took off his hat politely as Kit came up.
+
+"I found a piece of money in the jar I bought from you," Kit said in
+Castilian.
+
+"Then your worship is lucky," the other remarked.
+
+"But the money was not mine."
+
+The shopkeeper shrugged. "What matter? It is yours now. Was the coin
+worth much?"
+
+"It was worth finding."
+
+"Well," said the shopkeeper, "I do not know where the money came from,
+and it may have been there a very long time. The jar is old and I
+bought it from an Indian some years since." He paused and gave Kit a
+keen glance. "You will remember that I offered you the jar with all
+there was inside."
+
+"You did; it held some feather flowers. Still, as you did know about
+the money--"
+
+"Then you want to give it back, if the owner can be found!"
+
+"Certainly," said Kit.
+
+The shopkeeper bowed. "I will make enquiries. If you should need anything
+I sell, senor, perhaps you will remember that I am an honest man."
+
+Kit went away, feeling puzzled and somewhat surprised. It looked as if
+the fellow was honest, but Kit thought he had studied him and there was
+something curious about his manner. Besides, a remark he made implied
+that he knew the coin was old.
+
+When he ate his eleven o'clock breakfast with Adam and the President in
+the arcade, he took out the coin and told them about the shopkeeper's
+refusal to take it back.
+
+"A Spanish onza," Adam remarked. "Worth nearly five pounds in English
+money, but a collector might give you more if it's as old as it looks.
+One used to see onzas in Cuba, and native merchants in Central America,
+who hadn't much use for banks, liked to get them. Now, however, they're
+getting scarce."
+
+"In this country, all gold coins are scarce," Alvarez said dryly. "I
+agree with the shopkeeper that Don Cristoval is fortunate, and expect he
+feels that my people are honester than he thought."
+
+"I was puzzled--" said Kit and stopped, for he saw the president's smile
+and began to understand.
+
+"You are shrewd, senor; but that was to be expected from my old friend's
+nephew. To begin with, the man who keeps the shop is not a supporter of
+the Government."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I think I see!"
+
+Alvarez bowed. "One can trust your intelligence, and you can keep the
+coin. It looks as if my antagonists were curious about your
+character--the honor of a man who would take money that does not belong
+to him is open to doubt. The experiment was cheap."
+
+Kit said nothing and the president filled a little glass with scented
+liquor. "I know my friends, Don Cristoval, and your uncle has stood much
+harder tests."
+
+He touched Kit's glass with his. "Well, I am lucky, because I may need
+friends soon."
+
+He got up and when he went down the long arcade Adam looked at Kit
+with a smile.
+
+"When I was your age I wouldn't have taken the onza back. I'd have kept
+the money and my faith with the president; in fact, in those days, I kept
+anything I could get. Now the other fellow knows what you're like, I
+reckon he'll find the owner of the coin."
+
+Adam went off after the president, and Kit pondered. A few days later, he
+sat one evening at a small table outside the cafe Bolivar. The cafe was
+badly lighted, hot, and full of flies. There was no door or window, and a
+few wooden pillars divided the low room from the pavement, which was
+strewn with cigarette ends and cardboard matches. In front, small palms,
+and eucalyptus lined the dusty alameda, where groups of citizens walked
+up and down. Inside the cafe somebody sang a Spanish song and played a
+guitar. It was not cool on the pavement, although a faint breeze made the
+palms rustle. The air was heavy and a smell of aniseed and new rum hung
+about the spot.
+
+Presently a man who had been playing dominos got up and came to Kit's
+table. He was a white man, with pale blue eyes and yellow hair, and
+although rather fat he carried himself well. Kit had met Olsen before,
+and he nodded when he sat down.
+
+"Nothing doing at the casino and the place was very hot," he said.
+"Besides, I don't quite trust the man who runs the bank. Taking them all
+round, these folks are clever crooks."
+
+Kit agreed languidly and noted the order Olsen gave the half-breed
+landlord. The fellow did not look as if he indulged much, but Kit thought
+a large glass of the strong liquor was not often asked for. As a rule,
+the Americans he had met on the Caribbean coast were abstemious, while
+the half-breeds and Spaniards were satisfied with small _copitas_ of
+fiery spirits distilled from the sugar cane. The English, German, and
+Scandinavian adventurers consumed them freely, and perhaps the Germans
+drank the most.
+
+"How do you like it here?" Olsen resumed when he put down his glass.
+"It's a country that soon palls. Are you staying long?"
+
+"I can't tell," said Kit, who decided not to state that he knew the
+country. "You see, I'm not in command."
+
+"No," said Olsen. "I suppose you're a relation of the Buccaneer?"
+
+"A poor relation. He gave me a lift when I needed it."
+
+Olsen laughed. "Well, I guess he makes you hustle. A pretty lively old
+pirate, if all one hears is true! I reckon they don't call him the
+Buccaneer for nothing, but it's hinted that he's beginning to lose his
+grip. I see your copita's empty. Will you take another drink?"
+
+"No, thanks; I've had enough," said Kit, who distrusted Olsen. He thought
+the fellow's careless remarks covered some curiosity and had tried to
+leave him in doubt. Olsen probably imagined he was Adam's clerk.
+
+"You're cautious, but one soon gets reckless here," Olsen resumed. "We
+are all adventurers, out for what we can get, and the chances against our
+making good are pretty steep. My notion is to have the best time I can,
+pick up as much money as possible, and quit before fever, intrigue, or a
+revolution knocks me out."
+
+"It's an exciting life," Kit agreed. "Money doesn't seem plentiful."
+
+"You have got to hustle and back the right man. Since you're stopping at
+the presidio, it's obvious that Askew's on the president's side. Well, I
+suppose everybody knows my employers have put their money on Galdar."
+
+"Then, I imagine you run some risk."
+
+"Sure," said Olsen, smiling. "Alvarez doesn't like me, and if I wasn't an
+American citizen, I'd feel scared. Showed his secretary my naturalization
+papers when I put up my shingle. Took them out as soon as I reached the
+United States from Norway."
+
+Kit pondered. Olsen spoke English and Castilian Well, but his accent was
+not American, nor, Kit thought, Scandinavian. There were a number of
+Germans in the country, engaged in extensive but rather dark commercial
+schemes, whom the United States consuls watched with jealous eyes. Kit
+knew that no one could transact much business without to some extent
+meddling with native politics, but while the other adventurers were
+satisfied with the money they could get, it looked as if the Germans
+wanted something else. It was perhaps significant that Olsen had, so to
+speak, insisted that he was a naturalized American and came from Norway.
+Kit doubted.
+
+"Askew's judgment is generally pretty good, but he's getting old," Olsen
+remarked. "I don't see why he's backing the president; my notion is,
+Galdar's surely going to win." He paused and looked at Kit thoughtfully.
+"In fact, if I was holding a clerk's job on the other side, I'd consider
+if it wouldn't pay me to change."
+
+Kit imagined this was a cautious feeler, made to find out if he could be
+bought, but he smiled.
+
+"If Galdar does win, he won't have much to give his friends."
+
+"He certainly won't have much money," Olsen agreed. "It's going to cost
+him all he can raise to turn Alvarez out, but he'll have something to
+give at the country's expense; sugar and coffee concessions, and perhaps
+monopolies. If I can get my share, it will pay my employers well and I
+allow they're generous."
+
+He stopped, as if he thought he had said enough, and after ordering
+another drink looked up with a grin. Two girls in light dresses had
+passed the cafe once or twice with a male companion and a fat old woman
+who wore black clothes. Kit had not noticed them particularly, because
+other groups were moving about, but he now remarked that the man had
+gone and the _duena_ was a yard or two in front. One of the girls looked
+round and he thought her glance searched the cafe and then stopped at
+his table.
+
+"The senorita's a looker," said Olsen. "I wonder which of us she fancies.
+She's been round this way before."
+
+"I'm not remarkably handsome and there are other people in the cafe,"
+Kit replied. "Anyhow, I don't want to get a jealous senorita's knife
+in my back."
+
+"You're a blamed cautious fellow," Olsen rejoined in a meaning tone.
+"However, you'll find me at the casino evenings if you feel you'd like a
+talk, and now I'll get along."
+
+He went off and Kit smoked another cigarette. He thought Olsen had, so to
+speak, been sounding him; the fellow had certainly given him some hints.
+Kit imagined he had taken a prudent line by keeping the other in the dark
+about his partnership with Adam and their plans.
+
+When he had smoked his cigarette he crossed the street to the alameda and
+went up a broad walk beneath the trees. The sky had cleared, the moon was
+high, and in front of the openings pools of silver light lay upon the
+ground. By and by Kit saw the group he had noticed a few yards ahead.
+They were moving slowly and although he walked no faster he soon came up
+with them. The girl who had looked into the cafe was nearest and the
+moonlight touched her face as she turned her head.
+
+Kit gave her a half curious glance and felt some surprise, for he could
+see her better now and thought her a pure-blooded Spaniard. The
+_Peninsulares_ were aristocrats, the girl had a touch of dignity, and her
+dress was rich. It was strange if a girl like that was willing to defy
+conventions and risk an intrigue with a stranger. Yet he imagined he had
+seen her smile, and she carried a little bunch of purple flowers in the
+hand nearest him. He looked again and saw that she was beautiful and
+moved with the grace that generally marks the _Peninsulares_ when they
+are young. The path was broad and he could keep level with the group
+without exciting curiosity, but he thought it curious that the fat old
+woman, who ought to have guarded the others, was in front.
+
+He resolved to go past, and just before he did so the girl gave him a
+glance that he thought was half amused and half provocative. Then she
+turned her head and next moment he saw a flower near his feet. He noted a
+faint smell of heliotrope and knew she had dropped the flower for him.
+This meant something, although it would not have much significance unless
+he picked up the heliotrope. He did not, and walking past with a quicker
+step, heard a soft laugh.
+
+When he reached the presidio he sat down on the balcony that overlooked
+the patio outside his room. There was nobody about and he began to muse.
+It was rash to take things for granted, but he thought he had been made
+the subject of three experiments. Somebody had put a gold onza in the
+Indian jar; Olsen had tried to find out if he was ambitious; and the girl
+in the alameda meant to learn if he could be moved by beauty. Well, they
+ought to know something about him now, but they were not very clever or
+they would have extended their experiments over a longer time. It looked
+as if they thought him something of a fool, and this was, perhaps, an
+advantage.
+
+Kit smiled as he remembered that when Janet Bell tried to flirt with him
+he had been rather humiliated and felt himself a prig. He was older now
+and had not been much embarrassed in the alameda, although he nearly
+picked up the flower. His curiosity was excited and he wanted to find out
+the girl's object. Indeed, it was hard to see why he had left the flower
+alone, but he had a vague feeling that it was unfair to use a charming
+girl in a dark intrigue. Since he had known Grace Osborn, he had given
+women a higher place. For her sake, he would not try to gain an advantage
+against his and the president's antagonist by embarking on an adventure
+with the Spanish girl.
+
+Then he began to wonder whether he would see Grace again, but presently
+got up with an impatient shrug. Grace, in all probability, had forgotten
+their friendship and married Thorn. Anyhow, she was not for him and it
+was futile to indulge a barren sentiment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PRESIDENT'S BALL
+
+
+Breakfast was over and Alvarez, sitting at a table in the arcade, smiled
+as he indicated the transformed patio. The broken pavement had been
+swept, the fountain scrubbed until the marble showed white veins, and the
+old brass rails of the balconies gleamed with yellow reflections where
+the sunshine fell. Small palms and flowering plants in tubs stood among
+the pillars, flags hung from crumbling cornices, and barefooted peons
+were fastening up colored lamps.
+
+"When the people are discontented they must be amused," the president
+remarked. "In Rome, they gave them circuses and I had thought of a
+bull-fight. There is a Spanish quadrilla in Cuba but I found it would
+cost too much to bring the company across. Besides, I do not know if
+strong excitement would be good for the citizens."
+
+"A ball is safer," Adam agreed. "While they have the function to talk
+about they'll forget to plot."
+
+"For a week, perhaps! Well, it ought to be some help, if your agents
+are prompt."
+
+"They're hustlers and know they've got to get busy. I expect the _Rio
+Negro_ back in fourteen days, and then it will be your business to rush
+her cargo up. Mule transport's slow on your swamp tracks, and it's
+perhaps unfortunate you didn't give my friends the concession for the
+light railroad. You might have found it useful now."
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "A railroad can be cut, and locomotives break down at
+awkward times when their drivers are bribed. Then, I have granted so many
+concessions that there is not much that foreigners think worth getting
+left in the country. One must keep something to bargain with."
+
+"Governing a people like yours is an expensive job. However, since they
+make it expensive, they oughtn't to grumble if you tax them high."
+
+"They do not always pay the taxes," Alvarez rejoined with a twinkle. "If
+they run me out, they will probably disown their debts, and then there
+will be trouble with the foreigners. Still, that is not very important,
+because I shall be gone and the Americans will not let the others'
+consuls use much pressure. The speculators understand the risks."
+
+"That's so," said Adam and added meaningly: "Some of the speculators are
+American."
+
+Alvarez put his finely-shaped hand on Adam's arm. "My friend, if it is
+possible, you will be paid. If not, it will be because I am dead."
+
+"I know," said Adam. "I'm not scared to take chances and when they go
+against me I don't grumble. Anyhow, time is important and if you work
+this ball properly it ought to give us another week. You'll get the money
+for your soldiers shortly afterwards and Mayne will land your guns."
+
+The president's dark face softened and he smiled.
+
+"I know whom I can trust," he said and went away.
+
+"If it's possible for a half-breed to be an honest man, Don Hernando
+meets the bill," Adam remarked. "Anyhow, he's a better president than
+these folks deserve, and they'll be blamed fools if they turn him down."
+He was silent for a few moments and then resumed: "I gave you a share in
+my business, Kit, and now, if you are willing, I'll buy you out."
+
+"But I'm quite satisfied; I'd much sooner stick to our agreement," Kit
+said with surprise.
+
+"Well, I guess you're rash. Your share isn't large but it would go some
+way to buy an English farm. Raising Herdwick sheep is a pretty tame
+occupation, but I reckon it's safer than backing Alvarez."
+
+Kit thought hard and imagined he saw Adam's object. "Of course," he said,
+"if you want to get rid of me--"
+
+"I don't know that I'm keen. You're some help, but you came out to
+forget the girl in England, and not to stay. Well, if you mean to go,
+now's your time."
+
+"The trouble is I haven't forgotten her," Kit answered quietly.
+
+Adam's eyes twinkled. "If you go home, you may get her, and I allow she's
+probably worth the effort, but you're not going to side-track me like
+that. If you quit now, I can buy you out and you'll have something to
+help you make another start; afterwards I mayn't be able. You needn't
+hesitate about taking the money; I guess you've earned it."
+
+"I suspected where you were leading. Still you see, I'd sooner stay. For
+one thing, I hate leaving an awkward job half finished. You're beginning
+to feel the job is bigger than you thought it was when you undertook it?"
+
+"It certainly is," Adam agreed. "However, since you insist, I'll talk
+plain. Alvarez has no claim on you, although he has a claim on me, and I
+pay my debts. The last to fall due is going to strain my finances, but it
+must be paid, a hundred cents for every dollar. All the same, the
+liability is not yours. There's no reason why you shouldn't pull out
+while you're safe."
+
+Kit shook his head. "I see a reason. I don't know if it's sound, but
+after all one's self-respect is worth something."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Adam, "we won't quarrel. You're very like Peter and he's
+the staunchest man I know."
+
+He got up and when he went off, Kit, feeling somewhat moved, lighted a
+cigarette and smoked thoughtfully. It looked as if Adam did not think the
+president would win, but for all that meant to stand by him. Although not
+fastidious about his business methods, Adam had his code and was not
+afraid, when friendship demanded it, to fight for a lost cause. Moreover,
+Kit meant to fight with him. Then he got up and smiled. Adam meant well,
+but he was clumsy; if he had wanted to save Kit from sharing his risk, he
+might have made a better plan.
+
+When evening came Kit entered the arcade and sat down in a quiet spot to
+look about. The moon was nearly full and flooded half the patio with
+silver light; the rest was in shadow and rows of colored lamps twinkled
+in the gloom. A band played behind the pillars, the rattle of castanets
+breaking in on the tinkle of the guitars when the beat was sharply
+marked. The music was seductive, unlike any Kit had heard in England, and
+he thought it tinged by the melancholy the Moors had brought, long since,
+from the East to Spain.
+
+At one end of the patio, groups of young men and women moved through the
+changing figures of an old Spanish dance. Their poses were strangely
+graceful, and some had a touch of stateliness. This vanished when the
+music changed and the well-balanced figures, raising bent arms, danced
+with riotous abandon. In a minute or two the melancholy note was struck
+again and the movements were marked by dignified reserve. Kit got a hint
+of Southern passion and, by contrast, of the austerity that often goes
+with Indian blood.
+
+In the meantime, he noted the play of moving color, for the women wore
+white and pink and yellow. Some had flowers in their dark hair and some
+covered their heads with a lace mantilla. The men's clothes were varied,
+for a number wore shabby uniforms, and others white linen with red silk
+sashes, while a few had chosen the plain black, and wide sombrero, of the
+Spanish don.
+
+At the other end of the patio, portly senoras with powdered faces sat
+among the pillars, and grave, dark-skinned citizens moved about the
+pavement in talking groups. A heavily-built man with a very swarthy color
+and thick lips went to and fro among them, bowing and smiling, and Kit
+knew this was Galdar, the president's rival. Kit did not like the fellow
+and thought his negro strain was marked. He looked sensual, cruel, and
+cunning. For the most part, the president stood outside the crowd,
+although now and then a group formed about him. He was tall and thin, his
+face was inscrutable, and Kit thought he looked lonely and austere.
+
+By and by an officer Kit had met told him he must dance and took him
+along the arcade. The officer stopped where two girls sat under a string
+of lamps, with a man in black clothes and a fat old woman behind. At
+first, Kit could not see them well, but when they got up he started as he
+recognized the girl who had dropped the flower. Then he tried to hide his
+embarrassment as he was presented to Senorita Francisca Sarmiento. She
+was handsomer than he had thought and as she made him a stately curtsey
+her eyes twinkled.
+
+Kit imagined the other girl studied him carefully and wondered whether
+she knew about the flower. It was, however, his duty to ask the senorita
+to dance, and after a few moments they crossed the pavement. Kit had some
+misgivings, because the dance was involved and one used a number of
+different steps, but the girl guided him through its intricacies and when
+he took her back signed him to sit down. He obeyed, for Francisca
+Sarmiento had an imperious air. Other young men came up when the music
+began again, but passed on, and Kit imagined the girl had made them
+understand they were to do so since one or two frowned at him.
+
+"Well," she said, looking at him across her fan, "how do you like
+this country?"
+
+"It has many attractions," Kit replied.
+
+"But some drawbacks?"
+
+"The drawbacks are not very obvious now."
+
+"Ah," she said, giving him a mocking glance, "for an Englishman, you are
+polite, but it looks as if you were as cautious as I thought."
+
+"I'm flattered that you thought about me at all." Kit rejoined.
+
+She laughed and played with her fan. "Oh, well; we are curious about
+strangers, particularly when they are friends of the president's. One
+wonders why they come."
+
+"I imagine most of us come to get money."
+
+"In this country, one gets nothing unless one runs some risk, and you are
+cautious," Francisca remarked.
+
+Kit noted her insistence on this trait of his. He thought her remarks had
+a meaning that did not appear on the surface.
+
+"I wonder what grounds you have for thinking so," he said.
+
+"Are they not obvious?" she answered. "Not long since you hesitated to
+pick up a sprig of heliotrope."
+
+"I durst not think the compliment was meant for me."
+
+Francisca glanced at him with quiet amusement. "You are modest, senor; it
+looks as if you had a number of virtues. For one thing, I imagine you are
+honest, and honesty is not very common here." She paused and resumed in a
+meaning tone: "It is a drawback, if one wants to get rich."
+
+"I don't know that my character is worth your study," Kit replied
+carelessly.
+
+"You are of some importance, senor. Although I have admitted that you are
+modest, it is strange you do not know."
+
+"Why should I know?" Kit asked.
+
+Francisca studied him over her ebony fan, which hid half her face and
+emphasized the curious glow of her black eyes. "I do not think you are as
+dull as you pretend. Have you not been experimented on recently?"
+
+"I think I have," said Kit. "After all, a gold onza is not a great
+temptation. I found another--a spray of heliotrope--harder to resist."
+
+"But you did resist!" she replied in a quiet voice.
+
+"Yes," said Kit, fixing his eyes on her face. "I am an adventurer like
+the rest, but it is rather a shabby thing to try to gain an advantage in
+a battle with a woman. Besides, as I'm not clever, I might have failed."
+
+With a languid movement of her head Francisca looked round and Kit
+imagined she saw the others were too far off to hear. Then she made him a
+half mocking bow.
+
+"We need not quarrel, senor, and I will give you a hint. Since you are
+incorruptible, this town is not the place for you. Strangers from the
+North sometimes get fever. And I would not like you to suffer because you
+are honest, and have chosen the losing side."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "you think our side will lose?"
+
+Francisca moved her fan, as if to indicate Galdar, who stood in the
+moonlight near the fountain. He was smiling urbanely and a number of men
+and women had gathered about him. Kit knew they were people of
+importance. At the end of the patio, the president stood alone in the
+advancing gloom.
+
+"You see!" she said. "Well, I am engaged for the next dance. You have my
+leave to go."
+
+Kit left her and sat down in a quiet spot. On the whole, he thought the
+president's antagonists had been foolish when they tried to use the girl;
+she was, so to speak, too good, and perhaps too proud, for the part they
+expected her to play. This, however, was not important; he imagined she
+had meant well when she gave him a hint, although the hint was not worth
+much, because Kit thought Adam saw how things were going. Then he
+reflected with some amusement that he need not bother much about
+deceiving the enemy, since Galdar's friends would not suspect that
+Buccaneer Askew had knowingly chosen the losing side.
+
+Presently Kit joined Adam, who sat near a lamp. His face was damp and
+looked pinched.
+
+"Let's go and get a drink," he said. "I'm thirsty; got a dose of
+intermittent fever again."
+
+Some tables behind the pillars were laid out with wine and fruit, and
+Adam beckoned a mulatto waiter.
+
+"_Tinto and siphon_. Bring some ice."
+
+"There is no _siphon_, senor. We have sherry, vermouth, and some very
+good anisado."
+
+"You have plenty _siphon_" Adam declared. "Go and look."
+
+The waiter went away and Adam frowned. "I can't stand for their scented
+liquors; I want a long, cool drink."
+
+After a few minutes, the waiter came back with a large glass, in
+which a lump of ice floated in red wine and mineral water. Adam,
+sending him away, remarked: "That's a stupid fellow. I wanted to mix
+the stuff myself."
+
+He drank thirstily and put down the glass.
+
+"Tastes bitter; too much resin in the wine, or perhaps it's imagination."
+He lifted the glass but stopped and threw the rest of the liquor on the
+pavement. "Reckon I've had enough. About the meanest drink I've struck.
+Give me a cigar. The taste stops in my mouth."
+
+Kit gave him a cigar, but after a few minutes he threw it away.
+
+"I don't feel much better and think I'll go to my room. You might come
+along; the stairs are steep."
+
+He got up awkwardly and leaned upon the table, breathing rather hard
+while big drops of sweat started from his forehead. "This confounded
+ague grips me tight. Don't know when I've felt so shaky. Better give me
+your arm."
+
+They started, and keeping in the shadow, reached the outside stairs
+without exciting much curiosity, but Kit felt disturbed. Adam went up
+slowly, stopping now and then, and stumbled across the balcony at the
+top. Bright moonlight shone into the bare room, where a small lamp
+burned, and Kit saw that Adam's face was wet.
+
+"Leave me alone," he said. "You can come back by and by and see how I'm
+getting on."
+
+Kit did not want to go, but gave way when Adam insisted. He met the
+president soon afterwards.
+
+"Where is Don Adam?" the latter asked.
+
+Kit told him and added that his uncle had seemed to get worse after
+drinking some wine.
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez thoughtfully. "Fresh lime-juice is better when one is
+feverish. Did he drink anything else?"
+
+"No," said Kit. "The waiter wanted to bring some anisado, but he insisted
+on the wine."
+
+Alvarez took him to the table where the refreshments were served and
+clapped his hands. A waiter came up, but Kit said, "That is not the boy."
+
+"Where are your companions?" the president asked.
+
+"One is washing the glasses, senor. I do not know where the other
+has gone."
+
+Alvarez opened a door and Kit saw a man putting small _copitas_
+into a pail.
+
+"It was another fellow who brought the wine," he said, and Alvarez
+beckoned the waiter.
+
+"Call the mayor-domo."
+
+A man dressed in plain black clothes came in, and Alvarez asked: "How
+many of these fellows did you send to serve the wine?"
+
+"Two, senor. It was enough."
+
+"Three came. It will be your business to find the third," said the
+president sternly and turned to Kit. "What was the fellow like?"
+
+Kit described the waiter and Alvarez said to the mayor-domo, "You will be
+held accountable if the man has got away. Send Doctor Martin to the
+bottom of the stairs."
+
+The mayor-domo went away and Alvarez knitted his brows.
+
+"Galdar's friends are bold, but I had not expected this. However, Don
+Adam's drinking wine may have balked them and Martin is a good doctor."
+
+Kit asked no questions, for he could trust the president and thought
+there was no time to lose. They crossed the patio and found a man waiting
+in the shadow at the bottom of the steps. Alvarez said a word or two and
+they went up. When they entered the room Adam glanced up from the bed.
+
+"I see you have brought the doctor," he said with an effort.
+
+"In this country, one takes precautions," Alvarez replied. "You look ill,
+my friend."
+
+"I'd have looked worse if I'd drunk anisado," Adam remarked. "Anyhow, you
+had better light out and let Senor Martin get to work."
+
+The doctor, who felt Adam's pulse, made a sign of agreement, and then
+writing on a leaf of his pocketbook gave it to the president.
+
+"Will you send that to my house? I need the things at once."
+
+Alvarez moved away and Adam looked at Kit with a forced smile. "You
+needn't be anxious, partner. I didn't drink all the wine; reckon they
+haven't got me yet."
+
+Then they went out and left Adam with the doctor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+OLSEN'S OFFER
+
+
+For a time, Kit wandered about the arcade, talking now and then to people
+he knew. The doctor had forbidden him to return to Adam's room and the
+president said it was important the guests should not know that anything
+unusual had happened. Although Kit watched the stairs anxiously, nobody
+came down, but he saw the mayor-domo going quietly about and servants
+came and went on mysterious errands. When he looked out he found the
+sentries had been doubled on the terrace and one stopped when, for a few
+moments, Kit left the arch, but the soldier knew him and marched on.
+While it was obvious that the waiter was being looked for, Kit thought
+the search had begun too late.
+
+At length, Alvarez sent for him, and although his heart beat as he
+followed the messenger he felt some relief when he saw the president.
+
+"I have good news," the latter said. "The doctor is no longer anxious and
+you may see your uncle in the morning. It looks as if Don Adam's caution
+saved him."
+
+"You mean when he refused the anisado?"
+
+Alvarez nodded. "It is a strong-smelling liquor and one drinks a small
+quantity, taking water afterwards, if one wants. Don Adam knows the
+country, and after all my enemies have not much imagination. To offer him
+anisado was a rather obvious trick."
+
+"I'm thankful they failed," Kit said sternly, and clenched his fist with
+sudden passion. "If they had not--"
+
+"One understands, Don Cristoval; I have felt like that when the plotters
+did not fail," Alvarez answered with grim sympathy. He was silent for a
+moment or two and Kit imagined he was thinking about his murdered son.
+Then he resumed: "Well, we shall have a reckoning and it will be bad for
+the dogs when I send in my bill. But that must wait, and I would like you
+to dance. I see Senorita Sarmiento is not engaged and she dances well."
+
+"I doubt if Dona Francisca would care to dance with me again."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez, "one should not be too modest! Francisca is a
+politician, but she is a woman. Perhaps you found she is not on my side?"
+
+"I imagined she was not."
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "Well, I do not fight with women, although they are
+sometimes dangerous. Try again, my friend. Just now we are all playing at
+make-believe."
+
+Kit obeyed and found Francisca gracious. She danced with him and
+afterwards allowed him to sit by her. By and by she remarked: "I have not
+seen Senor Askew for some time."
+
+"He was not very well," said Kit.
+
+Francisca studied his face. "I hope his illness is not serious. I thought
+I saw Doctor Martin."
+
+"Fever. My uncle gets it now and then."
+
+"I think I warned you against our fevers," Francisca replied meaningly.
+"There are two or three kinds, but all are not dangerous."
+
+"Some are?" Kit suggested.
+
+"Yes; to foreigners. We others take precautions and are acclimatized."
+
+"Well," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I have not had fever yet, but I
+suppose an unacclimatized adventurer runs some risk."
+
+Francisca played with her fan and Kit imagined she was pondering.
+
+"A risk that leads to nothing is not worth while," she remarked. "I think
+it would be prudent if you left the country while you are well."
+
+"I should be sorry if I thought you wanted me to go," said Kit.
+
+"That is cheap, senor. I gave you good advice."
+
+"Oh, well," said Kit, "I really think you did. There are matters about
+which we do not agree; but I believe you are too kind to let a rather
+ignorant antagonist get hurt."
+
+Franciscans eyes twinkled as she rejoined: "I like the compliment better
+than the other. But I am engaged for the next dance and as you are
+intelligent there is not much more to be said."
+
+Kit went away, thinking rather hard. The girl had some part in the
+intrigue against the president, and it would obviously be an advantage to
+her friends if he could be persuaded to leave the country now Adam was
+ill. Admitting this, he thought her warning sincere. On the whole, he
+liked Francisca Sarmiento and believed she did not want him to be hurt.
+If Adam did not get much better and he had to look after things, he would
+certainly run some risk of a cunning attack by the president's enemies.
+
+When the guests began to leave, Kit went to his room and after some
+hours of broken sleep was told that Adam wanted him. He found Alvarez in
+the room and Adam lying, with a flushed face and wet forehead, in a big
+cane chair. When Kit came in Adam gave him a friendly smile and turned
+to Alvarez.
+
+"If I'd taken that drink at a wineshop, I'd have deserved all I got," he
+said. "I allowed I was safe at the presidio."
+
+"It is a stain on my hospitality for which somebody shall pay."
+
+"That's all right," said Adam; "you're not accountable. Looks as if the
+other fellow was too smart for both of us; but I had a feeling I'd better
+stick to _tinto_ and _siphon_. You can generally taste anything
+suspicious in that mixture and I've been doped before. But, as I'm an
+American citizen and American influence is powerful, I didn't expect
+they'd be bold enough to get after me."
+
+Alvarez smiled. "Our climate is unhealthy, but if you had died and
+suspicion was excited, your countrymen would have made the
+president responsible. That would have been another embarrassment
+and I have enough."
+
+"Galdar's friends are a cunning lot," Adam replied. "Well, I think your
+doctor has fixed me up for a time. What about your plans?"
+
+"I had some talk with my supporters last night and we agreed to strike
+when the _Rio Negro's_ cargo arrives. We need the guns and money to pay
+my troops, and when we get them we will arrest the leading conspirators.
+This will start the revolution, but it will fail if my blow is struck
+before Galdar is ready."
+
+"Yes," said Adam. "We can trust Mayne; he knows he's got to hustle. I've
+fixed it for him to get the Spanish money at Havana and that will mean
+losing a day or two, but the old _Rio Negro_ can hit up a pretty good
+pace and Mayne won't spare his coal. I reckon we'll hear from him soon."
+
+Adam stopped and Kit, seeing that it cost him an effort to talk, took
+the president away. They met the doctor on the stairs and Kit waited at
+the bottom until he came down. Senor Martin was a fat, dark-skinned,
+Spanish Creole.
+
+"Your uncle is an obstinate man and will not take a hint," he remarked.
+"I had some trouble to save him and he may not escape next time."
+
+"Then you imagine there will be another time?"
+
+Senor Martin shrugged expressively, "I am a doctor not a politician, but
+in this country much depends upon the risk of being found out. Senor
+Askew is old and not strong. One must pay for leading a strenuous life
+and he has had malaria for some years. He ought to remain in the North.
+It is your business to persuade him, but do not disturb him yet."
+
+"I will try," Kit said doubtfully. "You think it needful?"
+
+"If he does not go soon, he will not go at all," the doctor replied in a
+meaning tone.
+
+He went away and some time afterwards Kit returned to his uncle's room.
+The shutters were pushed back from the balcony window and the strong
+light, reflected by the white wall, showed the thinness of Adam's figure
+and the deep lines on his face. His skin was a curious yellow color and
+his eyes were dull.
+
+"You haven't been well for some time and the stuff you got last night has
+shaken you rather badly," Kit remarked with a touch of embarrassment. "I
+think you ought to go back with Mayne."
+
+"You imagine you can manage things better without me?" Adam rejoined.
+
+"No," said Kit, coloring. "It's a big and awkward job, but perhaps I can
+manage. I feel you ought to go."
+
+"It looks as if the doctor had put you on my track. He's been arguing
+with me. What did he say?"
+
+Kit hesitated and Adam smiled. "I can guess, partner, and perhaps he was
+right. Well, I'm getting old and have a notion I won't live long, anyway.
+Don't see that it matters much if I go or stay, and I've a reason for
+staying you don't know yet. Besides, I hate to be beaten and mean to put
+over my last job." He paused and gave Kit a steady look. "There's one
+drawback; putting it over may cost you something."
+
+"That doesn't count," Kit said quietly. "What you have is yours; I expect
+you earned it hard."
+
+"I certainly did," Adam agreed. "I earned part of what I've got by jobs
+that cost me more than my health. I'd wipe out some of my early deals, if
+I could. Well, I don't know if playing a straight game on a losing hand
+will cancel past mistakes, but I feel I've got to play it out. My wad and
+yours are in the pool."
+
+"It's not my wad," Kit objected. "You have treated me generously."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Adam. "Perhaps I'll ask you to remember that by and by.
+In the meantime, I've no use for arguing and am going to stop. We'll say
+no more about it, but if I'm too sick to handle things, you'll take
+control. You know my plans, and that's enough; I don't need your promises
+that you won't let me down. Now you can get out. I'm going to sleep."
+
+Kit went away, feeling moved, but anxious. His uncle trusted him and he
+had got strangely fond of the Buccaneer. Adam had his faults and his
+career had been marked by incidents that were hard to justify, but he was
+staunch to his friends. Kit did not know how far Alvarez deserved his
+staunch support, and suspected that Adam was, to some extent, moved by
+pride. He meant to make good before he let things go. Kit resolved that
+when the old man's hands lost the grip he would take firm hold.
+
+Next day Adam was obviously worse and when two or three more had passed
+the doctor looked anxious. Then, one hot evening, the president brought
+Kit a letter addressed to his uncle.
+
+"Don Adam is asleep and must not be disturbed," he said. "Perhaps you had
+better read this. It may be about the _Rio Negro_."
+
+Kit opened the envelope and frowned. The letter was from Mayne, who
+stated that he had met bad weather soon after leaving port and the racing
+of the engines in a heavy sea had caused some damage. He had, however,
+reached Havana, where he had received the Spanish money, and did not know
+what to do. Some time would be required to repair the damage, but it
+would be risky to resume the voyage with disabled engines. Kit gave the
+letter to the president, whose dark face flushed, and for a few moments
+he stormed with Spanish fury.
+
+"This dog of a sailor has been bought!" he cried, clenching his hands
+as he walked about the floor. "If the money does not arrive soon, it
+will be too late; my soldiers will not take our notes. Galdar has paid
+him to ruin me."
+
+Kit, knowing the emotional character of the half-breeds, let him rage.
+Alvarez did not often lose his self-control and he had some grounds for
+feeling disturbed. When he stopped, Kit said quietly, "The captain is
+honest, but if he loses his ship with the guns and money on board, it
+will not help us much. If my uncle is better in the morning, I will see
+what he thinks; if not, I will decide about the orders to send."
+
+When Alvarez left him he went into the town and after walking about the
+alameda sat down at a table in front of the cafe and ordered some wine.
+This was safer than the black coffee and scented cordials the citizens
+drank, but he tasted it carefully and gave himself up to anxious thought
+without draining his glass. The insurance on the _Rio Negro_ did not
+cover all the risks Mayne would run if he left port with disabled
+engines, and the coast was dangerous. The loss of the ship would be a
+blow, but if Mayne did not leave Havana soon the freight might arrive
+after the president's fall. Kit, feeling his responsibility, shrank from
+the momentous choice, and while he pondered Olsen came up and occupied a
+chair opposite.
+
+"Drinking _tinto_!" he remarked. "Well, I guess that's prudent. But how's
+the Buccaneer? He's been looking shaky and I heard he was ill."
+
+Kit wondered how much Olsen knew. He said Adam's fever came and went and
+he would, no doubt, be better soon. Olsen smiled and shook his head.
+
+"There's no use in giving me that stuff; I know the climate! Askew's
+going under fast and will never be fit again. I reckon the old man
+knows he's got to let up, if you don't. What are you going to do when
+he pulls out?"
+
+"It will need some thought," Kit answered cautiously, since he had
+grounds for believing the other imagined he was Adam's clerk.
+
+Olsen ordered some vermouth, and then remarked in a meaning tone: "I
+don't have to be careful about my drinks. There's an advantage in taking
+the popular side."
+
+"Are you sure yours is the popular side?"
+
+"Wait and see," Olsen rejoined, "though that plan's expensive, because
+it may be too late when you find out. My employers don't often back
+the wrong man and I trust their judgment now. If you'll listen, I'll
+show you."
+
+Kit signed him to go on and Olsen resumed: "The Buccaneer will drop out
+soon and you'll be left to do the best you can for yourself. Well, I
+don't suppose you'll get another chance like this; we'll pay you ten
+thousand dollars if you can keep the _Rio Negro_ back for a week."
+
+"That doesn't indicate that you're sure of winning," Kit remarked dryly.
+"Besides, I wouldn't trust Galdar to put up the money."
+
+"I don't ask you to trust Galdar; my people will find the money. In a
+sense, it doesn't matter to us who is president, except that we want the
+concessions Galdar promised, and they're worth an extra two thousand
+pounds. We'll give you American bills for the sum if your steamer lands
+her cargo too late to be of use."
+
+Kit thought hard. It looked as if Olsen knew the _Rio Negro_ had broken
+down. If so, he was obviously well informed and his employers were
+persuaded that the probability of the president's downfall was strong
+enough to justify the bribe. Two thousand pounds would go some way to
+making Ashness a model farm, while it was plain that Adam might lose the
+money he had hinted he meant to leave Kit. Kit, however, did not feel
+tempted, although he wanted to find out something about Olsen's plans.
+
+"You seem to take my agreement for granted," he remarked. "You must see
+that I could embarrass you by telling Alvarez."
+
+Olsen laughed. "You could put him wise; but you couldn't embarrass us.
+The president knows whom he's up against. The trouble is he isn't strong
+enough to get after us."
+
+"Well, suppose I refuse?"
+
+"You'll be a blame fool. That's all there is to it."
+
+Kit doubted. He knew what had happened to Adam, and, in spite of Olsen's
+statement, imagined Galdar's friends would not let him warn the
+president.
+
+"Anyhow, you must give me until the morning. I want to think about it,"
+he said, in order to test his suspicions.
+
+"We can't wait; the thing must be put over now. There's no use in trying
+to raise my offer. You know our limit."
+
+"Oh, well!" said Kit, "I'm afraid I'll have to let it go. There are
+difficulties, and if you can't wait--"
+
+Olsen looked at him with surprise, and Kit saw he had not expected his
+offer to be refused. The fellow had a cynical distrust of human nature
+that had persuaded him Kit could not resist the temptation; his shallow
+cleverness sometimes misled him and had done so when he took it for
+granted that Kit was Adam's clerk.
+
+"You don't mean you're going to turn my offer down?" Olsen said sharply.
+
+"You force me. I can't decide just yet."
+
+Olsen hesitated, knitting his brows. "Oh!" he exclaimed, "that's
+ridiculous! The thing will cost you nothing, and I'll come up a thousand
+dollars. You ought to see you must accept."
+
+"I don't see," Kit replied as carelessly as he could, and got up. "Since
+you can't wait, I understand the matter's off."
+
+He went away, and glancing back as he crossed the street, saw that
+Olsen's pose was curiously fixed and he seemed to be gazing straight in
+front. Some of the customers now left the cafe and Kit lost sight of him.
+The moon was high and clear, but the black shadows of the trees fell upon
+the walk through the alameda and there were not many people about. Kit
+would sooner not have crossed the alameda, although this was his nearest
+way, but thought he had better do so. Olsen might be watching, and Kit
+did not want the fellow to imagine he was afraid, since it would indicate
+that he knew the importance of his refusal. Yet he was afraid, and it
+cost him something of an effort to plunge into the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE PRESIDENT'S WATCHERS
+
+
+When Kit was half way across the alameda he stopped and looked about.
+Dark trees rose against the sky; he could smell the eucalyptus and their
+thin shadows covered the ground with a quivering, open pattern. There was
+a pool of moonlight, and farther on the solid, fan-shaped reflections of
+palms. Nobody was near him, although he heard voices across the alameda,
+and he stood for a few moments, thinking, while his heart beat.
+
+Since he had refused Olsen's offer, caution was advisable, because Kit
+felt sure the fellow had expected him to agree, and it was obvious that
+he knew enough to make him dangerous. He distrusted Olsen, who was not a
+native American, and probably not a Norwegian, as he pretended. There was
+a mystery about his employers, but Kit suspected that they were Germans,
+and as a rule the latters' commercial intrigues were marked by an
+unscrupulous cunning of which few of their rivals seemed capable. This
+was admitting much, since the foreign adventurers did not claim high
+principles.
+
+On the surface, it was obviously prudent to take the shortest line to the
+presidio, but Kit reflected that Olsen would expect him to do so. It
+might be better to put him off the track by going another way and Kit was
+anxious to know if he had left the cafe. Stepping back into the shadow,
+he made for another path and a few minutes afterwards returned to the
+street. He glanced at the cafe as he walked past and saw that Olsen was
+not there. He thought this ominous, since it indicated that the fellow
+had gone to consult his revolutionary friends and Kit imagined they would
+try to prevent his reaching the presidio. He seldom carried a pistol,
+which was difficult to hide when one wore thin white clothes. On the
+whole, he had found a suspicious bulge in one's pocket rather apt to
+provoke than to save one from attack; but he was sorry he had not a
+pistol now.
+
+Kit went back across the alameda, hoping he had put Olsen's friends off
+the track. If so, he would be safe until he got near the presidio, when
+he must be cautious. He passed two or three groups of people, and now and
+then heard steps behind, but the steps were followed by voices that
+relieved his anxiety. For all that, he was glad to leave the alameda and
+turn up a street.
+
+The street was narrow, hot, and dirty. There was a smell of decaying
+rubbish and the rancid oil used in cooking. One side was in shadow, and
+almost unbroken walls rose from the rough pavement. For the most part,
+the outside windows were narrow slits, since the houses got light from
+the central patio. Here and there an oil-lamp marked a corner, but that
+was all, and Kit kept in the moonlight and looked about keenly when he
+passed a shadowy door. Perspiration trickled down his face and he felt an
+unpleasant nervous tension. Yet nobody came near him and when he
+cautiously glanced round nobody was lurking in the gloom. He began to
+think he had cheated Olsen, but admitted that it was too soon to slacken
+his watchfulness.
+
+At one corner, he saw two figures in shabby white uniform, and hesitated.
+In Spanish-American countries, the government generally maintains a force
+of carefully picked men, entrusted with powers that are seldom given to
+ordinary police. They patrol in couples, carry arms, and are sometimes
+called _guardias civiles_ and sometimes _rurales_. Kit knew he could
+trust the men, but doubted if they could leave their post; besides he did
+not want Olsen to know he thought it needful to ask for protection. Now
+he came to think of it, he had seen the _rurales_ outside the cafe and at
+another corner. Perhaps this was why he had been left alone.
+
+He went on, rather reluctantly, and by and by reached the broad square in
+front of the presidio. The old building was clear in the moonlight; Kit
+could see a sentry on the terrace and a faint glow in the slit in the
+wall that marked Adam's room. It was hardly two-hundred yards off and he
+would be safe before he reached the arch, but a grove of small palms and
+shrubs ran between him and the square. There were rails behind the trees
+and the nearest opening was some distance off. A high blank wall threw a
+dark shadow that stretched across the road by the rails and met the gloom
+of the trees.
+
+Kit looked about, without stopping or turning his head much. There was
+nobody in sight, but he somehow felt that he was not alone. It was a
+disturbing, and apparently an illogical, feeling that he must not
+indulge, and pulling himself together he went on, with his fist clenched.
+He was not far from the gate, and although he listened hard could only
+hear his own steps and voices in a neighboring street. Yet his nerves
+tingled and his muscles got tense. In front, a thick, dark mass that
+looked like a clump of euphorbia or cactus stood beside the path, and
+just beyond it a bright beam of moonlight shone between the drooping
+branches of the palms.
+
+He thought the spot the beam touched was dangerous. As he crossed it his
+figure would be strongly illuminated and he would have his back to the
+dark bush. He wanted to move aside and go round the bush, but this might
+give somebody time to spring out and get between him and the gate. The
+gate was close by and he was strangely anxious to reach it. For all that,
+he was not going to indulge his imagination.
+
+He plunged into the gloom, without deviating from his path, and conquered
+a nervous impulse that urged him to run. When he had nearly passed the
+bush he thought he heard a movement and a thick stalk of the cactus
+shook. Half instinctively, Kit leaped forward and felt something soft
+brush against his shoulder. As he swung round, in the moonlight, with his
+mouth set and his hand drawn back to strike, he saw a blanket on the
+ground. There was nothing else and he breathed hard as he searched the
+gloom. The blanket had not been there before.
+
+Next moment, a dark figure sprang from the shadow and a knife flashed in
+the moonlight; then he heard a heavy report and a puff of smoke blew
+past his head. The figure swerved and, staggering awkwardly, fell with a
+heavy thud. It did not move afterwards, and while Kit gazed at it dully
+a man in white uniform ran past and stooped beside the fellow on the
+ground. Kit vacantly noted that a little smoke curled from the muzzle of
+his pistol.
+
+"One cartridge is enough," he said coolly. "Your worship did not
+escape by much."
+
+Another _rural_ came out of the bushes and when they turned over the body
+Kit saw a dark face and a long, thin knife clenched in a brown hand. He
+understood now that the blanket had been meant to entangle his arm or
+head; half-breed peons often carry a rolled-up blanket of good quality on
+their shoulder.
+
+"It is Gil Ortega," the _rural_ remarked. "A good shot that will save us
+some trouble, comrade!"
+
+"How did you come here when you were wanted?" Kit asked as calmly
+as he could.
+
+The _rural_ smiled. "By the president's order, senor. We were watching
+the cafe."
+
+"But it looks as if you had got in front of me."
+
+"It is so, senor. We thought it best to follow this fellow. He lost you
+when you turned back."
+
+Kit nodded, for he remembered that he had instinctively avoided one or
+two dark lanes that would have given him a shorter line than the streets.
+Ortega and the _rurales_ had taken the shorter way. He thought it curious
+the report had not drawn a crowd, but although he heard voices nobody
+came near and he imagined the citizens were used to pistol shots. Giving
+the _rurales_ some money, he crossed the square to the presidio and going
+to his room lighted a cigarette. He thought a smoke might be soothing,
+for he had got a jar.
+
+After a time, he went to look for Alvarez and found him sitting in front
+of a table in the patio. A soldier stood not far off, but the president
+was alone and the light of a shaded lamp fell upon a bundle of letters
+and documents. Alvarez worked hard and had inherited a rather austere
+simplicity from his Indian ancestors. Kit thought his plain white clothes
+and quiet calm gave him dignity.
+
+"It looks as if my enemies meant to lose no time," he said, in English,
+when Kit told him about his adventure.
+
+"It's their third try in a few weeks," Kit agreed. "Don't you find the
+uncertainty about where they'll strike next rather wearing?"
+
+Alvarez shrugged. "One gets used to these affairs; a custom of the
+country, and there is something to be said for it. If the plot succeeds,
+it is an easy way of turning out a president and changing the government.
+Perhaps it is better to kill a man or two than fight round barricades and
+burn the town."
+
+"In the North, we find it possible to change our government by vote."
+
+"You are cold-blooded people and don't understand the passions of the
+South," Alvarez rejoined with cynical humor. "We have tried your plan,
+but one must be rich to buy the votes. Besides, if one is beaten at the
+polls, there remains the last appeal to the knife. But you will let this
+go. We have something else to talk about."
+
+"That is so," said Kit. "To begin with, I must thank you for sending your
+_rurales_ to look after me."
+
+"It is nothing," Alvarez replied in a deprecatory tone. "You are my guest
+and we try to take care of foreigners, because if they meet with
+accidents their consuls ask embarrassing questions. Besides, watching
+them serves two objects."
+
+"Then, I expect you know I met Olsen at the cafe?" Kit suggested dryly.
+
+Alvarez smiled. "Yes; I know. But I was not suspicious."
+
+"After all, one doesn't generally conspire in a public place. In fact, I
+don't understand why Olsen met me there."
+
+"He may have meant to compromise you; to put doubts in my mind."
+
+"It's possible, now I think of it," Kit assented. "I hope he didn't
+succeed."
+
+"I know my friends, Don Cristoval. But what did the fellow want? I do not
+know all."
+
+"Your spies are pretty smart, but I expect our colloquial English puzzled
+them," Kit remarked, smiling. "However, I was going to tell you--"
+
+He narrated what Olsen had said and Alvarez looked thoughtful.
+
+"Galdar must be nearly ready; he has been quicker than I imagined. What
+are you going to do about the steamer?"
+
+"I'll wait until tomorrow. If my uncle is well enough, he must decide."
+
+"But if he is no better?" Alvarez asked.
+
+Kit gave him a level glance. "Then I will send Mayne orders to run all
+risks and start, whether his engines are repaired or not."
+
+"Ah," said Alvarez with a bow, "Olsen was foolish when he tried to bribe
+you! I suppose this is your answer! Well, it is lucky that a fast
+schooner sails to a port from which a telegram can be sent. When your
+orders are ready I will see that they go."
+
+Next morning Kit found Adam lying half awake after a night of delirium.
+The old man's eyes were heavy, his brain was dull, and the doctor, who
+came in, made Kit a sign not to disturb him. Kit went out and spent some
+time writing a message to Mayne. It was necessary that the captain should
+know what he must do, but Kit was anxious to give no hint about the
+importance of speed that others would understand. He meant to guard
+against his orders being read by spies in Olsen's pay.
+
+When he had sealed the envelope and addressed it as the president had
+told him, he went down to the patio and found a peon talking to a guard.
+
+"This man is the mate of the Catalina and wants to see you," said
+the guard, and when he went off Kit turned to the other, who looked
+like a sailor.
+
+"My wife lives in the town and I have been at home for a day or two,"
+said the man. "I am going back to the schooner now and was told you had a
+letter for the patron."
+
+Kit put his hand in his pocket. Although he had expected the mayor-domo
+would come for the message, there was not much formality at the presidio,
+and the fellow was obviously a sailor. Yet Kit hesitated and as he stood
+with his hand on the envelope thought the other's eyelids flickered. The
+flicker was almost too slight to notice, but it hinted at nervousness and
+Kit dropped the message back.
+
+"Very well," he said. "Wait a few minutes."
+
+He went along the arcade and stopping near the end looked back. The
+sailor had sat down on a bench and was lighting a cigarette. This looked
+as if he did not mind waiting, and Kit wondered whether it was worth
+while to disturb the president, who was occupied. He went on, however,
+and Alvarez signed him to sit down when he entered his room. After a
+minute or two, he put down the document he was reading to his secretary.
+
+"Well," he said, "have you written your message for Captain Mayne?"
+
+"It is here. The _Catalina's_ mate is waiting."
+
+Alvarez turned to the secretary. "My order was that the _patron_
+should come."
+
+"That is so, senor. I sent him word."
+
+"The man told me his wife lived in the town and he was starting back,"
+Kit interposed.
+
+"The _patron_ has a house here," Alvarez replied. "We will see the man.
+But first send an order to the guard to let nobody go out."
+
+He waited for a minute after the secretary went off and then beckoned
+Kit, who followed him downstairs and into the arcade. When they reached
+it Kit stopped and Alvarez turned to him with a meaning smile. There was
+nobody on the bench.
+
+"It looks as if my order was sent too late," Alvarez remarked. "You had
+better tell me exactly what happened?"
+
+Kit complied and Alvarez sent for the guard and asked: "How did you know
+the sailor was the _Catalina's_ mate?"
+
+"He told me he was, senor. Afterwards, when Don Cristoval did not come
+back, he said it was not important and he would not wait."
+
+Alvarez dismissed the man and shrugged as he turned to Kit. "The plotters
+are clever, but they made a mistake. The fellow was too modest; he ought
+to have said he was the _patron_. Well, we must try to find him, although
+I expect we are late. Now give me the message for Captain Mayne. It looks
+as if our antagonists knew its importance."
+
+Kit gave him the envelope and went back to Adam's room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ADAM RESUMES CONTROL
+
+
+Although the shutters on the balcony window were open, no draught entered
+the small, bare room and the heat that soaked through the thick walls was
+nearly intolerable. There was not a sound in the presidio and a drowsy
+quietness brooded over the dazzling town. It was two o'clock in the
+afternoon, and the citizens were resting in their darkened houses until
+the sun got low and work and intrigue began again. Adam and Kit, however,
+had been talking for some time when the former, leaning back in a big
+cane chair, frowned at his nephew. His thin face was wet with sweat, but
+he shivered and his hands shook.
+
+"You can quit arguing; I've got to go," he said. "I don't get much
+better, anyhow, and can't stand for lying off when there's a big job
+to be done."
+
+"I believe I could see the job through," Kit answered quietly.
+
+Adam's dull eyes sparkled. "You might; I guess you're anxious to try your
+powers, but so long as I can get about I'm in command."
+
+"It's doubtful if you can get about," Kit insisted.
+
+"I'm going to try. You'll have a quiet mule ready when it's getting dark,
+and I'll ride out of town; then, if the saddle shakes me, I'll go in a
+hammock. You can cut out your objections. The thing's fixed."
+
+"Very well," said Kit. "We had better make for Corrientes, since the
+point commands the port and the lagoon. Mayne will stop for an hour or
+two, looking for a signal, when he picks up his marks."
+
+"We'll start for the port and take the other track afterwards. There's no
+use in telling the opposition where we're going. I imagine they don't
+know if the _Rio Negro_ has sailed or not."
+
+"For that matter, we don't know," Kit remarked.
+
+"Oh, shucks!" Adam exclaimed. "Mayne understands what we're up against
+and he'd pull out when he got your telegram. If he can't use his damaged
+engine, he'll disconnect and bring her along with the other." He stopped
+Kit with a frown. "If you're going to tell me the _Rio Negro_ can't steam
+across on one cylinder, you can cut it out. I've taught the men I put in
+charge that when a job's needful it has got to be done."
+
+He paused and when Kit said nothing, went on quietly: "Well, I reckon
+Galdar's crowd will expect the boat to make for the port. It's easier to
+land cargo there and there's a better road. With good luck, we'll have
+the goods delivered before they know she's gone to the lagoon. Now you
+can go along and get busy."
+
+Kit went away in a thoughtful mood. He agreed with Adam that secrecy and
+speed were essential, because if the rebels got a hint of their plans
+they might strike before Alvarez could ensure the loyalty of his troops
+by distributing their back pay. Much depended upon which party got in the
+first blow. In fact, if the guns and money reached the town before the
+rebels knew they were landed, Kit thought the president's chance of
+winning was good. All the same, he imagined that Adam, whom the doctor
+had forbidden to get up, would run a dangerous risk.
+
+At dusk a few barefooted soldiers paraded on the terrace, with two mules
+and three or four peons. Since it was impossible to evade the
+watchfulness of Galdar's spies, Adam had resolved to set off openly and
+not to give them a hint that his journey had an important object by
+trying to hide it. He mounted awkwardly, with an obvious effort, and when
+he was in the saddle set his lips for a moment or two. Then he turned to
+Alvarez and smiled.
+
+"I'm not a back-number yet, but it's lucky the opposition don't know how
+hard it was for me to get up."
+
+Alvarez made a sign of understanding. "You must dismount as soon as
+possible. You are very staunch, my friend."
+
+"I've got to make good. If everything is fixed, we'll pull out."
+
+"_Adios, senores_," said Alvarez, taking off his hat. "Much
+depends on you."
+
+Somebody gave an order, there was a rattle of thrown-up rifles, a patter
+of naked feet, and the party moved away. Kit, turning after a few
+moments, looked back. He saw the long, straight building, pierced here
+and there by lights, rise against the orange sky, and the president's
+tall figure, conspicuous in white clothes, in front of the arch. His
+attendants had vanished, he stood motionless, as if brooding, and Kit
+thought he looked pathetic and lonely. He afterwards remembered his
+glance at the old presidio.
+
+They rode down a hot street. The moon had not risen and the place was
+dark except for the feeble gleam of an oil-lamp at a corner. The clatter
+of the mules' feet on the uneven stones echoed along the walls, and here
+and there indistinct figures looked out from shadowy doors. For the most
+part, the watchers let them pass in silence, and although Kit imagined
+news of their departure would travel fast, he was glad they passed none
+of the lighted cafes and open squares. It would be hard to see who was
+riding the mules, and while Galdar's spies would probably find out this
+would need time and time was important.
+
+After leaving the streets, they followed the road to the port for some
+distance, and then turned into a track that wound along a dark hillside
+among clumps of trees. When they entered it, Adam stopped his mule and
+got down awkwardly.
+
+"I've had about as much as I can stand for," he remarked, breathing hard.
+"Looks as if we had got a start, but I reckon the other lot will try to
+track us to the port when the moon gets up."
+
+Then with a sigh of relief he lay down in a hammock the peons had got
+ready, and when two of the latter took up the poles they went on again.
+
+On the second night after leaving the presidio, Kit sat on the coaming of
+a small steam launch that lurched across the long undulations rolling in
+from the Caribbean. It had been blowing fresh, and although the wind had
+dropped the swell ran high. When the launch swung up, a vague, hazy smear
+rather suggested than indicated land astern; the sea ahead was dark, but
+in one place a faint reflection on the sky told that the moon would soon
+rise. Although the beach was some distance off, a dull monotonous rumble,
+pierced now and then by the clank of the launch's engines, hinted at
+breaking surf. The furnace door was open and the red light touched Adam's
+face as he sat, supported by a cushion, in a corner of the cockpit. He
+looked very haggard and Kit thought him the worse for his journey.
+
+"The light's in my eyes, but there was nothing on the skyline a minute or
+two ago," Kit remarked. "It will be awkward if Mayne doesn't get across.
+You seem persuaded he'll come."
+
+"I know he'd start. We can't tell what may have happened afterwards and
+there was more wind than I liked. He'll be here on time, if he's been
+able to keep the old boat off the ground."
+
+"Time is getting short. I expect the rebels have found out we're not at
+the port and Galdar will have the road watched when the news gets to the
+town. It might pay him to risk forcing a conflict if he could seize the
+convoy, and I'll feel happier when the guns and money are off our hands.
+It will be the president's business to look after them then."
+
+"That's so," Adam agreed. "Our part of the job's to land the goods and
+it's unlucky the tides are small. There won't be much water on the
+shoals and although we'll have an extra few inches tomorrow, I don't
+want Mayne to wait."
+
+Kit pondered, for he had taken some soundings when coming out. They
+were probably not correct, because the launch had rolled among the
+white combers that swept the shoals while he used the lead, but the
+average depth was about the steamer's draught in her usual trim. Mayne,
+however, ought to know what depth to expect, and Kit hoped he had
+loaded the vessel to correspond. By and by the mulatto fireman shut the
+furnace door, the puzzling light was cut off, and Kit searched the
+horizon. For some minutes, he saw nothing; and then a trail of red fire
+soared into the sky.
+
+"He's brought her across," said Adam. "Get our rocket off."
+
+The rocket swept up in a wide curve and burst into crimson lights. After
+this there was darkness for a time until an indistinct black object
+appeared against the brightening sky. Then the launch sank back into the
+trough, where the gloom was only broken by the glimmer of the
+phosphorescence that spangled the water. When she swung up on the top of
+the next swell the steamer was plainer and Kit blew the whistle as he
+changed their course.
+
+When the moon rose slowly out of the sea he stopped the clanking engine
+and the launch reeled up and down, some fifty yards off the steamer. The
+_Rio Negro _carried no lights, but the phosphorescence shone upon her wet
+plates as she rolled them out of the water. Her side rose high and black,
+and then sank until her rail was nearly level with the spangled foam.
+Indistinct figures scrambled about her deck, and when Kit sheered the
+launch in, her ladder went down with a rattle. A half-breed on board the
+launch caught it with his boat hook, and Adam stood at the bow, waiting
+for a chance to jump upon the narrow platform that lurched up above him
+and then plunged into the sea. Kit felt anxious. He did not think Adam
+was equal to the effort and dreaded the consequences of the shock if he
+missed and fell.
+
+"Stand by!" he shouted to the seaman on the ladder when the _Rio Negro_
+steadied after a violent roll; and then touched Adam. "Now; before she
+goes back!"
+
+Adam, jumping awkwardly, seized the seaman's hand, and Kit, leaning out,
+pushed him on to the platform as it began to sink. Then he jumped and
+coming down in a foot or two of water helped Adam to the deck. Mayne met
+them at the gangway and took them to his room, where Adam sat down and
+gasped. When Mayne poured out some liquor he clutched the glass with a
+shaking hand. After he drained it he was silent for a moment or two; and
+then asked in a strained voice: "Have you brought the goods?"
+
+"Got them all. We hadn't a nice trip. Don't know how Finlay kept her
+going and I thought I'd lost her on Tortillas reef; but we can talk about
+that afterwards."
+
+Adam made a sign of satisfaction and leaned back feebly. "It's some
+relief to know the goods are here."
+
+"Finlay can drive her seven knots and has plenty steam," Mayne said to
+Kit. "I'm bothered about the water; there won't be too much."
+
+Kit asked the vessel's draught and looked thoughtful when he heard
+what it was.
+
+"I can't guarantee my soundings, but imagine she won't float across and
+an ugly sea is running on the bar."
+
+"She'll certainly hit the bottom and the chances are she hits it hard,"
+Mayne remarked when Kit told him the depth he had got. "I expect, too,
+the mist will drift off from the mangroves with the land-breeze and hide
+our marks." He paused and glanced at Adam, who leaned back in a corner
+with his eyes half shut.
+
+"But I reckon we have got to take her in?"
+
+"Yes," said Adam dully. "Leave me alone; you can fix things with Kit."
+
+Mayne beckoned Kit and they went to the bridge. The moon had risen and
+threw a belt of silver light across the sea, but it was a half moon and
+would not help them much. Ahead, in the distance, gray haze obscured the
+water, and the dull roar that came out of the mist had become distinct.
+Mayne rang his telegraph to reduce the speed.
+
+"So far as I can reckon, it won't be high-water for most two hours, and
+on this coast you can't calculate just how much the tide will rise.
+There's going to be trouble if we find it shoaler than we expect and I
+had plenty trouble coming along. Finlay could hardly drive her four knots
+in last night's breeze and the current put us on Tortillas reef. She
+stopped there twenty minutes, jambed down on her bilge while the sea came
+on board."
+
+Kit noted two boats that had obviously been damaged while the steamer
+hammered on the reef, and the white crust of salt on the funnel; but
+Mayne resumed: "Say, the old man looks shaky; never seen him like that.
+You want to get him home."
+
+"He won't go. However, he's rather worse tonight. I think he was anxious
+about your turning up in time to catch the tide. The journey tried him
+and now a reaction has begun."
+
+"Well, I allow there's not much use in arguing if he means to stay; but
+he needn't have bothered about my getting across. When the orders came, I
+knew I had to bring her or pile her up. What Askew says goes."
+
+They were silent for a time while the _Rio Negro_, with engines throbbing
+slowly, crept towards the coast. The land breeze brought off a steamy
+heat and a sour smell. The long undulations were wrinkled by small waves,
+and a thin low haze that obscured the moon spread across the water. Kit,
+looking up now and then, could see the mastheads swing across the sky.
+There was, however, nothing to be seen ahead but a gray line that moved
+back as the steamer went on.
+
+"It's sure a blamed bad night for our job," Mayne remarked as he gazed
+towards the hidden land. "I'm glad I told your dagos to burn a flare when
+they hit the channel."
+
+Kit said nothing. The launch had vanished, and there was no guiding light
+in the mist. The turmoil of the surf had got louder and rang through the
+dark like the roar of a heavy train. Presently Mayne ordered a sounding
+to be taken and looked at Kit when the leadsman called the depth.
+
+"A foot less than we reckoned, and there won't be much rise. I don't like
+it, Mr. Askew, and if my employer was not your uncle, I'd heave the old
+boat round."
+
+Kit nodded sympathetically. He felt he hated the smothering haze that
+rolled in front and hid the dangers, but they must go on and trust to
+luck. He knew Adam's plans and no arguments would shake his resolve. Half
+an hour later a twinkle broke out some distance ahead and Mayne rang his
+telegraph.
+
+"I'm thankful for that, anyhow," he remarked. "We'll let her go, but I
+have my doubts about what will happen next."
+
+The throb of engines quickened, the gurgle of water got louder at the
+bows, and the _Rio Negro_, lurching sharply, went shorewards with tide
+and swell. The twinkle vanished and reappeared, to starboard now, and
+chains rattled as the quartermaster pulled round the wheel. Then the
+light faded and they were left without a guide in the puzzling haze. Ten
+minutes afterwards there was a heavy shock, and a rush of foam swept the
+rail as the steamer listed down. She lifted and struck again with a jar
+that tried Kit's nerve. A hoarse shout came from the forecastle and men
+ran about the slanted deck as a frothing sea rolled on board. Mayne,
+clutching his telegraph, beckoned Kit.
+
+"Bring Mr. Askew up. He's got to tell me what I am to do."
+
+Kit met Adam clumsily climbing the ladder and when he helped him to
+the bridge Mayne remarked: "She's on the tongue shoal. Don't know if I
+can back her off and steam out to deep water, but, if you consent, I
+want to try."
+
+"I won't consent," said Adam. "We're going in! What's that light to
+starboard?"
+
+"The launch; she's in the channel. I doubt if there's water enough for
+us, if we can get there."
+
+"Then, shove her across the sand or let her go to bits."
+
+Mayne rang the telegraph and touched his cap. "Very well! She's your
+ship, and we have some sound boats left."
+
+For the next ten minutes Kit clung to the bridge. He wanted to help Adam
+into the pilot-house, but the old man waved him off. Clouds of spray
+swept the vessel and made it hard to see her rail where the white combers
+leaped. Now and then one broke on board and poured in a foaming torrent
+across the slanted deck; she trembled horribly as she struck the sand. It
+looked as if she were driving sideways across the shoal, but the flare on
+the launch had gone out and Kit doubted if Mayne knew where he was.
+
+Sometimes the tall, black forecastle swung in a quarter-circle;
+sometimes the stern went round. For the most part, however, she lay with
+her side to the rollers and it was plain that the struggle could not
+last long. If they did not get off in a few minutes, rivets would smash
+and butts open, and one must take one's chances in the boats. Two were
+damaged, but others might be launched, and Kit was relieved to note that
+two or three deck-hands moved about as if engaged in clearing the
+davit-tackles. He sympathized with the men, although he did not think
+Mayne had given them orders.
+
+In the meantime, Adam clung to the rails, swaying when the bridge
+slanted, but looking unmoved, and Kit knew that so long as the _Rio
+Negro's_ engines turned he would go on. It was not for nothing men called
+him the Buccaneer, and now that he was staking his life and fortune on a
+hazardous chance there was something daunting about his grim resolve.
+
+A sea rolled up astern and buried the poop. Kit felt the steamer lift
+and turn, as if on a pivot at the middle of her length. The after-deck
+was full of water, but the bows were high and going round, and he was
+conscious of a curious shiver that ran through the straining hull as she
+shook herself free from the sand. She crawled forward, stopped, and
+moved again with a staggering lurch. The next sea swept her on, but she
+did not strike, and after a few moments Kit knew she had crossed the top
+of the shoal.
+
+Her whistle shrieked above the turmoil of the sea, a light blinked in
+the spray, and she lurched on before the tumbling combers. By and by the
+water got smooth and an indistinct dark mass grew out of the mist.
+Mayne, who was pacing up and down his bridge, stopped near Kit with a
+reckless laugh.
+
+"This is the kind of navigation they break skippers for! If those are the
+mangroves on False Point, I may take her in; if they're not, we'll make a
+hole in the forest."
+
+Kit looked about, but could not see the launch. The dark mass was a thick
+belt of trees, but he did not know, and did not think Mayne knew, where
+they were, and the easy motion indicated that the tide was carrying the
+steamer on. Much to his relief, the indistinct wall of forest seemed to
+bend back, away from the sea. It looked as if they were entering the
+lagoon; and then he heard the telegraph and the rattle of rudder chains.
+
+The screw shook the vessel as it spun hard-astern, and the bows began to
+swing. It was, however, too late; the forecastle would not clear the
+mangroves, and Kit knew the water was deep among their roots. Shouting to
+Adam, he seized the rails and waited for the shock. It came, for there
+was a crash, and a noise of branches breaking. The steamer rolled,
+recoiled, and forged on into the forest.
+
+Some minutes later, Mayne stopped his engines and there was a curious
+quietness as he came up to Adam.
+
+"We are fast in the mud, sir. Although she'll take a list when the tide
+falls, we may be able to work cargo. I'll lay out an anchor in the
+morning and try to heave her off, but I calculate it will be full moon
+before she floats."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE MANGROVE SWAMP
+
+
+Early next morning, Kit went on deck. Although it was hot, everything
+dripped with damp, and sour-smelling mist drifted past the ship. Her
+masts and funnels slanted and Kit could hardly keep his footing on the
+inclined deck. When he looked over the rail, the rows of wet plates ran
+up like a wall above broken mangrove roots and pools of slime. Smashed
+trunks and branches were piled against the bows and dingy foliage
+overhung the vessel's lower side.
+
+Kit walked aft. The screw was uncovered, and shallow, muddy water, dotted
+by floating scum, surrounded the stern, which projected into the lagoon.
+In one place, however, a mud-bank touched the bilge, and three or four
+men, standing on planks, cautiously tried its firmness. They were wet and
+splashed, and one who ventured a few yards from the plank sank to his
+waist. The others pulled him out and then they climbed a rope ladder. Kit
+thought the experiment proved that nothing useful could be done until the
+tide flowed round the ship.
+
+Another gang was moving a kedge-anchor across the deck, while a few more
+coiled heavy ropes beside the winch. Mayne obviously meant to try to
+heave the vessel off, but Kit thought he would not succeed until the moon
+was full. In the meantime, cargo could only be landed when there was
+water enough to float boats up to the ship, and Kit glanced across the
+lagoon. There were no mangroves on the other side, although thick timber
+grew close down to a belt of sand. Below this was mud, across which he
+imagined heavy goods could not be carried. The heat and steamy damp made
+him languid, and he went to Adam's room. Adam had got up and sat,
+half-dressed, on the lower berth with a glass on the floor close by. His
+hands shook and there was no color in his lips.
+
+"It's rather early for a strong cocktail, but I felt I needed bracing,"
+he said. "What do you think about our chance of getting her off?"
+
+"I imagine it's impossible for another week and don't see how we'll get
+the cargo out."
+
+"Don't you?" said Adam grimly. "It has got to be done. If Mayne finds the
+job too big, I'll put it through myself."
+
+"You ought to leave before the malaria knocks you down," Kit rejoined.
+"If I had the power, I'd make you go."
+
+Adam smiled. "You mean well, boy, but you don't understand, and if you
+plot with Mayne to bluff me, I'll surely break you both. Now go and see
+if the president's men have arrived. Then you can tell Mayne to rig his
+derricks and take the hatches off."
+
+Kit went out and after a time three or four figures appeared among the
+trees across the lagoon. They came down to the mud, but when Kit shouted,
+asking if they could launch a canoe, one shrugged and they turned back.
+
+"I reckon the old man means us to get busy with the cargo," Mayne
+remarked.
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I understand he's ready to undertake the job if we find
+it too much for us."
+
+"He's a hustler, sure! So far as I can see, the thing can't be done, but
+if Askew wants it done, I guess we've got to try. We'll carry out the
+kedge and make fast a warp or two when the tide flows. He'll expect it,
+though I don't reckon much on our chance of floating her."
+
+By degrees the muddy water crawled up the plates and the _Rio Negro_ rose
+upright; the haze melted and it got fiercely hot when the sun shone. A
+canoe, manned by half-breed peons, crossed the lagoon, and with heavy
+labor the kedge-anchor was hoisted out and hung between two boats.
+Half-naked men toiled at the oars until the lashings were cut and the
+boats rocked as the anchor sank. Then their crews, dragging large stiff
+warps, forced their way among the mangrove roots and made the ropes fast
+where they could. They came back exhausted, dripping with water and
+daubed by slime, and Mayne went to the bridge.
+
+The sun pierced the narrow awning and there was not a breath of wind. The
+lagoon shone with dazzling brightness and the iron deck threw up an
+intolerable heat. Kit felt the perspiration soak his thin clothes, and
+big drops of moisture trickled down Adam's yellow face as he sat with
+half-shut eyes, in a canvas chair. By and by he took out his watch, and
+Kit noted that he moved it once or twice before he could see the time.
+
+"Hadn't you better get busy?" he asked Mayne.
+
+The telegraph clanged, the engines panted, and the _Rio Negro_ began to
+shake as the screw revolved. There was no movement but the racking throb,
+until Mayne raised his hand and winch and windlass rattled. Puffs of
+steam blew about, the cable rose from the water with a jar, and the warps
+ran slowly across the winch-drums, foul with greasy scum.
+
+"Hold on to it!" Mayne shouted. "Get in the last inch!"
+
+His voice was drowned by the rattle of chain and hiss of steam, but the
+uproar began to die away and the sharp clatter of small engines changed
+to spasmodic jars. Then somebody shouted, there was a crash, and the end
+of a broken warp, flying back, tore up the dazzling water. The windlass
+stopped, and a few moments later a clump of mangroves swayed. Kit heard
+green wood crack, as a rope that had stretched and strained began to
+move. Then Mayne raised his hand.
+
+"Let go; stop her! You're pulling up the trees."
+
+There was a sudden quietness except for the insistent throb of the screw,
+and Mayne turned to Adam.
+
+"If the cable holds, I can smash the windlass, but I can't heave her
+off."
+
+"Very well. You quit and get the cargo out. Better hustle while
+she's upright."
+
+Mayne went down the ladder and when he unlocked the iron door of the
+after wheel-house a gang of men brought out a row of small-boxes. A
+mulatto from the beach, who wore neat white clothes and an expensive hat,
+counted the boxes and then gave Adam a receipt.
+
+"Don Hernando will be glad to get these goods and we will start at once,"
+he said. "Although I have a guard, it will be safe to reach the town
+before the president's enemies know."
+
+"That would be prudent, senor," Adam agreed, and turned to Kit when the
+mulatto went away.
+
+"I have done my part and it's Alvarez's business to see the chests get
+through. Well, we have both taken some chances since he was a
+Customs-clerk and I a _contrabandista_ running the old _Mercedes_, but I
+reckon this is my rashest plunge. Anyhow, if I get my money back or not,
+I've put up the goods. Now you can tell Mayne to break out the guns."
+
+Mayne gave orders, derrick-booms swung from the stumpy masts, pulleys
+rattled, and heavy cases rose from the holds. The boats, however, could
+not get abreast of the forward hatch and the cases had to be moved across
+slippery iron plates to the after derrick that hoisted them overboard. It
+was exhausting work, and the heat was intolerable. The white crew threw
+off their soaked clothes and toiled half-naked in the sun that burned
+their skin, but Adam left the awning and went about in the glare.
+
+At first, the mates grumbled with indignant surprise. Their employer was
+breaking rules; working the cargo was their business and nobody else must
+meddle. Besides, they had not met a shipowner able to superintend the
+job. One who ventured a protest, however, stopped in awkward
+embarrassment when Adam gave him a look, and the others soon admitted
+that few captains knew more about derricks and slings. Nevertheless, Kit
+was anxious as he watched his uncle. He knew Adam would pay for this and
+wondered how long he could keep it up.
+
+At noon, the peons refused another load and when Adam addressed them in
+virulent Castilian, coolly pulled the boats away from the ship. When they
+had rowed a short distance they stopped and one got up.
+
+"More is not possible, senor," he said. "To work in this sun is not
+for flesh and blood. After we have slept for an hour or two, we will
+come back."
+
+Adam felt for his pistol, but hesitated, with his hand at his silk belt,
+and Kit thought he looked very like a Buccaneer.
+
+"It might pay to plug that fellow, and I'd have risked it when I came
+here in the _Mercedes_. Still, I guess Don Hernando has enough trouble."
+
+Mayne, standing behind him, grinned. "I reckon that fixes the thing.
+Don't know I'm sorry the dagos have lit out; my crowd are used up and
+ready to mutiny."
+
+For two hours the tired crew rested while the water sank and the steamer
+resumed her awkward list. Then the boats came back and the men crawled
+languidly about the slanted deck, until Adam went among them with bitter
+words. The sea breeze was blowing outside, but no wind could enter the
+gap in the trees, and foul exhalations from warm mud and slime poisoned
+the stagnant air. Kit's head ached, his eyes hurt, and his joints were
+sore; he felt strangely limp and it cost him an effort to get about.
+
+All the while the winches hammered and pulleys screamed as the cases came
+up and the empty slings went down. The heat got suffocating and the slant
+of masts and deck made matters worse, because the men must hold the
+derricks back with guys while the heavy goods cleared the coamings of the
+hatch. Much judgment was needed to drop them safely in the boats. Men
+gasped and choked, quarreled with each other, and growled at the mates,
+but somehow held on while the tide ebbed and the sun sank nearer the
+mangroves' tops. It dipped when the breathless peons pushed the last boat
+away from the _Rio Negro's_ side, and the noisy machines stopped.
+
+Darkness spread swiftly across the lagoon and a white fog, hot and damp
+as steam, rose from the forest and hung about the ship. Everything was
+very quiet, for the men were too limp to talk, but a murmur came out of
+the distance where the long swell beat upon the shoals. Kit and Mayne sat
+in the chart-room, with a jug of iced liquor on the table in front.
+Sometimes they spoke a few words and sometimes smoked in silence, while
+Adam lay on the settee, saying nothing. At length, he got up and a
+steward helped him to his room. Somehow the others felt it a relief that
+he had gone.
+
+"I can hustle, but your uncle makes me tired," Mayne remarked. "If you
+get what I mean, it's like watching a dead man chase the boys about; you
+feel it's unnatural to see him on his feet. Well, one has to pay for
+fooling with a climate like this, and I'm afraid the bill he'll get will
+break him. Can't you make him quit?"
+
+"I can't; I've tried."
+
+"The curious thing is he knows the cost," Mayne resumed. "Knows what's
+coming to him unless he goes."
+
+"Yes," said Kit in a thoughtful voice, "I believe he does know and
+doesn't mind. This makes it rough on me. I'm powerless to send him off
+and I'm fond of the old man."
+
+Mayne made a sign of agreement. "He's a pretty tough proposition and was
+worse when he was young; but I've risked my life to serve him. The
+Buccaneer holds his friends."
+
+Kit said nothing. He was anxious and depressed and soon went off to bed.
+
+When work began next morning, Adam was on deck and superintended the
+landing of the cargo in spite of Kit's protest. Kit thought the day was
+hotter than the last, and after an hour or two's disturbed sleep in his
+stifling room, found it hard to drag himself about. When the exhausted
+peons stopped at noon, he lay under the awning and kept close to Adam
+when they resumed. He did not like his uncle's fixed frown and thought it
+was caused by the effort he made to keep at work. If not, it was a hint
+of pain he stubbornly tried to overcome. Besides, his step was dragging
+and his movements were awkward.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon, Adam stood near the noisy winch while
+a case was hoisted. The winch-man looked up when the heavy load, hanging
+from the derrick, swung across the slanted deck.
+
+"Hold her while they steady the boom!" Adam shouted and seized the rope
+that slipped round the drum.
+
+The winch-driver was watching the others who struggled with the guy, and
+perhaps forgot it was not a strong man who had come to his help. For a
+moment or two, Adam kept his grip, and then his hands opened and he
+staggered back. Somebody shouted, a pulley rattled, and the case, running
+down, crashed against the steamer's rail. Kit ran forward, but reached
+the spot a moment too late, for Adam lay unconscious on the iron deck.
+
+They picked him up and carried him to the bridge, where it was a little
+cooler than his room, but for some time he did not open his eyes. Then he
+looked about dully and seeing Kit gave him a feeble smile.
+
+"You're in charge now, partner; keep the boys hustling," he said.
+"There's the coffee to load up when you have put the guns ashore. Looks
+as if I had got to leave the job to you."
+
+He turned his head, drew a hard breath, as if it had hurt him to speak,
+and said nothing more. The work, however, went on until it got dark, and
+when the mist rose from the mangroves and a heavy dew began to fall they
+carried Adam to his room. He slept for part of the night while Kit
+watched, but now and then tossed about with delirious mutterings. When
+morning came he did not wake and Kit, looking at his pinched, wet face,
+went on deck with a heavy heart. He had sent for the Spanish doctor, but
+thought it did not matter much if Senor Martin came or not. In another
+day or two he would be alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+ADAM'S LAST REQUEST
+
+
+It was nearly full moon, the night was calm, and the flowing tide rippled
+among the mangrove roots. Clammy vapor drifted about the ship and big
+drops fell from the rigging and splashed upon the deck. A plume of smoke
+went nearly straight up from the funnel, and now and then the clang of
+furnace-slice and shovel rose from the stokehold, for Mayne hoped to
+float the vessel next tide. For the most part, however, the men were
+asleep and it was very quiet in the room under the poop. A lamp tilted at
+a sharp angle gave a feeble light that touched Adam's face. Kit sat on a
+locker opposite, looking anxious and worn.
+
+"You loaded up some of the coffee," Adam remarked in a strained voice.
+
+"Half of it, I think; the rest's on the beach," said Kit. "It's doubtful
+if we'll get the next lot, since Senor Martin understands the fighting
+has begun."
+
+"The lot you have shipped will be something to score against the account;
+it's prime coffee and ought to sell well. I'd like you to get the
+rubber, but Alvarez can't wait long for the goods Mackellar has ready for
+the boat. Another voyage and you can pull out for the old country. I'd
+reckoned on going with you, but that's done with."
+
+Kit said nothing. The doctor had come and gone, for he was needed
+elsewhere and could not help the sick man. One could indulge him and make
+things comfortable for a few days but that was all, he said, and Kit saw
+that Adam knew. By and by the latter resumed:
+
+"I've been thinking about Peter and Ashness. I'd have liked to see the
+old place and the fells again, and when I was half asleep I thought I
+heard the beck splash among the thorns and the pee-wits crying. Well, you
+are going back, and you'll marry that girl. Though it will cost you
+something to see Alvarez through, you ought to be rich enough."
+
+"You mustn't talk too much," said Kit. "Senor Martin told you to rest."
+
+Adam smiled. "It doesn't matter now if I rest or not. My brain's clearer
+and I'll talk while I can. I never told you much about my early life, but
+I'm going to do so, because there's something I want to ask."
+
+"Then, you have only to ask it," Kit replied.
+
+"I know," said Adam, feebly. "You're staunch. Well, you have seen the
+despatch-box in the office, marked _Hattie G._, though I lost the old
+boat long before you came out. She was a coal-eater and didn't pay to
+run, but I kept her going until she hit the reef. My first steamboat--I
+got her when she was going cheap; but she was bought with my wife's
+money, and called after her.
+
+"I met Hattie in Florida about the year you were born. She was
+Vanhuyten's cousin and the finest thing that ever wore a woman's shape.
+Northern grit and Southern fire, for she sprang from New England and good
+Virginia stock; I've seen no woman with her superb confidence. Well, I
+was a _contrabandista_ with some ugly tales against my name, but I fell
+in love with Hattie and married her in a month."
+
+Adam was silent for a few minutes, and while Kit mused, shovels clinked
+in the stokehold and the vessel began to lift. The tilted lamp
+straightened and its light rested on Adam's wasted form. His silk
+pyjamas rather emphasized than hid his gauntness; he looked strangely
+worn and weak, but Kit could picture the strong passion of his
+love-making. There was something fierce and primitive about the old
+Buccaneer, and it was not hard to see how he had, so to speak, swept the
+romantic girl off her feet by the fiery spirit that had burned him out.
+Yet he had never talked about other women, and though he knew the South,
+Kit thought he had cared for none.
+
+"I left her in a few weeks," Adam went on. "Alvarez was putting up for
+president and my savings were at stake. Hattie went home to Virginia
+while I helped Alvarez on the coast. He was hard up against it, though
+he's been president three times since. Well, when things looked blackest,
+I was knocked out in Salinas swamps, by fever and a bullet that touched
+my lungs. They took me to the old Indian mission--we were cut off from
+the ship--and Father Herman put the _rurales_ off my track. I've sent him
+wine and candles, he's at the mission yet; it stands between thick forest
+and swamps like this, and the padre's the only white man who has lived
+there long. Get down the chart and I'll show you the landing place."
+
+Kit did so, feeling that he ought to indulge a sick man's caprice, and
+Adam, after giving him clear directions, was quiet for some minutes. Then
+he began again, with an effort:
+
+"Vanhuyten told Hattie, and I found out afterwards, that she had had
+trouble at home. Her folks had never trusted me and wanted to keep her
+back, but she had rich friends who sent her out, like an American
+princess, on a big steam yacht. She got to the mission when I was at my
+worst, and finding I could not be moved, sent the yacht away. It was some
+days before I knew she had come. There was no doctor to be got. Alvarez
+could not send help, and the government soldiers were hunting for his
+friends, but Father Herman knew something about medicine and Hattie
+helped him better than a trained nurse. I can see her now, going about
+the mud-walled room in her clean, white dress, without a hint of
+weariness in her gentle eyes. That was when she thought I was watching,
+but sometimes at night her head bent and her figure drooped.
+
+"It was blisteringly hot and when the sun went down the poisonous steam
+from the swamps drifted round the spot. Sometimes I begged her not to
+stay, and sometimes I raged, but Hattie could not be moved and my weak
+anger broke before her smiles. She was strong and would not get fever,
+she said; she had come to nurse me, and, if I insisted, would go home
+when I was well."
+
+Adam stopped and asked for a drink, and afterwards Kit hoped he had gone
+to sleep, but he presently roused himself again.
+
+"I have got to finish, partner, because there's a reason you should hear
+it all. By and by Father Herman had to nurse us both, and when I got
+better Hattie died. We buried her by torchlight in the dusty mission
+yard--she was a Catholic--you'll see the marble cross. I've been lonely
+ever since, and that's partly why I sent for you; Peter came next to
+Hattie and you are Peter's son. Now I'm ready to pull out and somehow I
+think Hattie will find me when I'm wandering in the dark. Love like hers
+is strong. But I want you to listen when you have given me another
+drink."
+
+Kit held the glass to Adam's cracked lips. He drank and lay still,
+breathing hard, and Kit heard the ripple of the tide. The _Rio Negro_ was
+getting upright and as the lamp turned in its socket the light moved
+across the wall. After a time, Adam resumed in a clearer voice:
+
+"All I have is yours; Mackellar will prove the will, but you'll see
+Alvarez out, as I meant to do. Another thing; Mayne will get the old boat
+off tomorrow, and when he's loaded up I want you to take me out and land
+me on the creek I marked behind Salinas Point. He can fly the flag
+half-mast; I'll have started on the lone trail then. You'll hire some
+half-breed boys at the _pueblo_ in the swamp, and take me to the mission
+and lay me beside my wife. Hattie was a Catholic and you can tell Father
+Herman that what she believed was good enough for me. Afterwards, you'll
+send him now and then the box of candles he will tell you about. They're
+to burn in the little chapel before Our Lady of Sorrows, where Hattie
+used to pray I might get well. You'll do this for me?"
+
+"I will," Kit answered with forced quietness. "Then I've finished," said
+Adam. "I'm going to sleep now and mayn't talk much again."
+
+He turned his head from the light and presently Kit, hearing him breathe
+quietly, went out on deck.
+
+At high-water next day, the _Rio Negro_ floated off the mud and when she
+swung to her anchor Kit went into Adam's room. Adam was very weak, but
+looked up.
+
+"Get the coffee on board; I'm afraid you won't have time for the next lot
+and the rubber," he said. "Tell Finlay to bank his fires. You'll want
+steam to take me out."
+
+Kit understood, and nodded because he could not speak, and Adam, giving
+him a quiet smile, went to sleep again.
+
+Some hours later, Mayne joined Kit, who had gone on deck for a few
+minutes.
+
+"That's the last of the _hacienda Luisa_ coffee," he said, indicating a
+boat alongside. "The peons tell me the next lot's coming down, but if we
+ship it, we'll miss the tide."
+
+"You can close the hatches. The coffee must wait."
+
+"It's high-grade stuff and brings top price. I sure don't like to leave
+it to spoil."
+
+"We must risk that," Kit said quietly.
+
+"There's another thing; Pedro, the clerk, reckons they're fighting near
+Salinas and the president's not popular in that neighborhood. Looks as if
+you might have some trouble to take the old man to the mission."
+
+"It's possible," said Kit. "I'm going to try. Have everything ready for
+us to get off to-night."
+
+Mayne lifted his hand to his cap. "Very well, sir. We'll start as soon as
+there's water enough."
+
+He went away, but Kit knew what he meant. The captain had done his duty
+by indicating obstacles, but he approved his new master's resolve and
+owned his authority. Kit was persuaded he would have Mayne's loyal help
+and went back to Adam's room. When it was getting dark, Adam moved his
+head as the engines began to throb and the propeller churned noisily in
+the shallow water. It stopped after a few turns and steam blew off.
+
+"Finlay's giving her a trial spin," Adam remarked, in a very faint voice.
+"I see you've got things fixed and I'm ready to start." He stopped and
+shut his eyes for a minute or two, and Kit did not know if he was
+conscious or not. Then he resumed in a strained whisper: "All's ready;
+ring for full-speed. I'm going to meet my wife."
+
+He drew a hard breath, sighed, and did not speak again. An hour
+afterwards, Mayne met Kit coming out of the room, and glancing at his
+face took off his cap.
+
+"I guess it hits you hard and I'll miss him, too," he said. "I'll not get
+another master like the Buccaneer."
+
+He went off to give some orders and Kit sat down, feeling very desolate.
+
+When the tide had risen and flowed past, oily smooth, under the full
+moon, the windlass began to rattle and the cable clanged. The anchor came
+up and when the engines shook the ship Mayne pulled the whistle-line and
+a long blast rolled across the woods. Next moment a rocket soared and
+burst in a shower of colored lights.
+
+"Vanhuyten and Askew's signal! The head of the house is making his last
+trip," the captain remarked.
+
+The echoes sank, the colored lights burned out, and the measured beat of
+engines jarred upon the silence as the _Rio Negro_ went to sea. For a
+time the land breeze blew the steam of the swamps after her, and masts
+and funnels reeled through a muggy haze as she lurched across the
+surf-swept shoals. She floated high and light, her muddy side rising like
+a wall as she steadied between the rolls that dipped her channels in the
+foam. Outside, the swell was regular and the roll long and rhythmical;
+the haze thinned, the air got sweet and cool, and the hearts of the crew
+got lighter as she steamed out to open sea. For all that, men lowered
+their voices and trod quietly when they passed the poop cabin where her
+dead owner lay.
+
+At sunrise, Mayne hoisted the house-flag, and the Stars and Stripes
+drooped languidly half way up the ensign staff, until the glassy calm
+broke and the sea breeze straightened the blue and silver folds. By and
+by he changed the course and mountains rose ahead, although a bank of
+cloud hid the plain and mangrove forest at their feet. In the afternoon,
+he searched the haze with his glasses, and getting a bearing stopped the
+engines near Salinas Point at dusk.
+
+"If the weather's good, I'll wait three days," he said. "Then, if you
+send no word, I'll pull out for Havana and get the engines properly
+fixed. Better take this bag of Spanish money; minted silver goes and you
+may find the dagos shy of the president's notes."
+
+Kit took the money, a boat was swung out, and four sailors carried the
+plain, flag-wrapped coffin down the ladder. They were rough men, but Kit
+imagined he could trust them. Another crew picked up the oars, greasy
+caps were lifted, the _Rio Negro's_ whistle screamed a last salute, and
+the boat stole away. Mayne steamed off to anchor on good holding ground,
+and Kit sat at the tiller, with his eyes fixed on the misty coast.
+
+It was dark when he heard breakers and saw the glimmer of surf. There
+were shoals all round him, but he had been told about a bay where a creek
+flowed through a sheltered channel. He did not know if he could find the
+channel, and if not the boat might be wrecked, but something must be left
+to luck and they pulled on before the curling swell. She struck, and
+stopped until a comber rolled up astern. It broke and half buried her in
+rushing foam, but she lifted, lurched ahead, and did not strike again.
+The men were nearly knee-deep as they baled the water out and one was
+afterwards idle because his oar had gone. In spite of this, they made the
+creek and drifted quietly into the gloom of the mangroves with the
+flowing tide.
+
+After a time, the water got shallow and they pushed her across the mud
+while leaves and rotting branches floated up the creek. No light pierced
+the forest, and the feeble beam of Kit's lantern scarcely touched the
+shadowy trunks that moved past until they came to an opening. Kit thought
+this was the spot he had been told about and turned the boat. She would
+not float to the bank and he and his four men got out and lifted the
+coffin. They sank in treacherous mud, but reached a belt of sand riddled
+by land-crab's holes. All was very quiet except for the ripple of the
+tide and the noise made by the scuttling crabs. The sand, however, was
+dry and warm and they sat down to wait for morning when the boat went
+away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ROAD TO THE MISSION
+
+
+The sun was high when Kit and his tired men reached the village. He was
+wet with sweat and the moisture that had dripped upon him from the leaves
+in the early morning, and the men gasped when they put down their load.
+Two wore greasy engine-room overalls, and two ragged suits of duck; their
+soft hats were stained and battered and they looked like ruffians.
+Although Mayne paid good wages, respectable seamen avoided the _Rio
+Negro_ and her crew were, as a rule, accustomed to fight with knives and
+sandbags on disorderly water-fronts. Now they carried pistols, hidden as
+far as possible, but ready for use.
+
+Small, square mud houses occupied the hole in the forest. Where the
+plaster had not fallen off, their white fronts were dazzling, but they
+were dirty and ruinous and the narrow street was strewn with decaying
+rubbish. Although the _pueblo_ had once prospered under Spanish rule, it
+was now inhabited by languid half-breeds of strangely mixed blood,
+engaged in smuggling and revolutionary plots. They stood about the
+doorways, barefooted and ragged, watching Kit with furtive black eyes.
+
+"I want porters and a guide to the mission," he told the _patron_, who
+lounged against a wall smoking a cigar.
+
+"It is a long way, senor, and the road is bad. Besides, one cannot travel
+when the sun is high."
+
+"The road is, no doubt, safer then than in the dark."
+
+"That is true," agreed the other with a philosophic shrug. "The country
+is disturbed."
+
+"I must start at once," Kit said firmly. "I am willing to pay for
+the risk."
+
+The _patron_ spoke to the others in a harsh dialect, but none of the
+loafing figures moved.
+
+"They say the risk is great," he remarked. "There has been fighting and
+the president's soldiers are in the woods."
+
+"The president's soldiers will not meddle with us," Kit answered,
+incautiously.
+
+For a moment the half-breed's eyes were keen, but his dark face resumed
+its inscrutable look.
+
+"Then the senor is a friend of the president's?"
+
+"If we meet his soldiers, they will let me pass."
+
+"The soldiers are not the worst. There are the _rurales_; men without
+shame, who shoot and ask no questions. However, we will see if I can find
+porters, if the senor will wait until the afternoon."
+
+Kit distrusted the fellow and thought he had an object for putting off
+the start. He had been warned that the _Meztisos_ sympathized with the
+rebels, and imagined that his party's safety depended on its speed. But
+he did not want to look impatient, and, imitating the other's
+carelessness, sat down and lighted a cigarette while he pondered. To
+begin with, he suspected that the _patron_ would prevent his meeting any
+of the president's soldiers who might be about, and it would be prudent
+to finish his business and get back to the ship before Galdar knew he was
+in the woods. His men claimed to be American citizens and Mayne knew
+where he had gone, but the latter's statements might be doubted if the
+party disappeared. It was known that Askew was engaged in a risky trade
+and the captain's story would look more romantic than plausible.
+
+Kit saw he must depend upon his own resources and presently noted that a
+man was leaving the village. The fellow kept behind the group in the
+street as far as he could and moved quickly. There was something stealthy
+about his movements and when he looked back, as if to see if Kit were
+watching, the latter got up.
+
+"Stop that man," he said.
+
+"But he is going to his work, senor," the _patron_ objected.
+
+"In this country, one does not work while the sun is high," said Kit,
+who rather ostentatiously pulled out his pistol. "Call him back!"
+
+The _patron_ shouted and the man returned, but Kit kept his pistol
+in his hand.
+
+"Nobody must leave the _pueblo_ until I start," he said. "I want porters
+and am willing to pay."
+
+"Very well," the patron agreed, shrugging. "Perhaps I can find a few men,
+but they will want the money before they go."
+
+For a time, Kit bargained. The sailors were tired, and few white men are
+capable of much exertion in the tropic swamps. He must have help, and
+doubting if the _Meztisos_ could be trusted, thought it best to offer a
+sum that would excite their greed, but stipulated that half would not be
+paid until they returned. When the _patron_ was satisfied Kit turned to
+the sailors.
+
+"You'll have to hustle, boys," he said. "The sooner we make the mission,
+the sooner we'll get back, and I reckon nobody wants to stop in these
+swamps. There's something beside your wages coming to you."
+
+"That's all right, boss," one replied. "The old man drove hard, but he
+paid well and he was white. You can go ahead; we'll put the job over."
+
+The peons took up the stretcher-poles lashed to the coffin, a relief
+party went behind and they set off. Nobody spoke and the _Meztisos'_ bare
+feet fell silently on the hot sand, although Kit heard the dragging tramp
+of the sailors' muddy boots. In the open space round the village, the sun
+burned their skin and they pushed on as fast as possible for the twilight
+of the woods.
+
+Here and there a bright gleam pierced the gloom, but for the most part
+deep shadow filled the gaps between the trunks. Creepers laced the great
+cottonwoods, tangled vines crawled about their tall, buttressed roots,
+and hung in festoons from the giant branches. Some of the trees were
+rotten and orchids covered their decay with fantastic bloom. The forest
+smelt like a hothouse, but the smell had an unwholesome sourness. Growth
+ran riot; green things shot up, choked each other, and sank in fermenting
+corruption.
+
+Kit did not know if it was a relief to escape from the glare of the
+clearing or not. The sun no longer burned him, but he could hardly
+breathe the humid air, and effort was almost impossible.
+
+All the same, he pushed on, floundering in muddy pools and sinking in
+belts of mire. The road had been made long since, by slave labor, when
+the Spaniards ruled, and had fallen into ruin, like the country, when
+their yoke was broken. Kit could trace the ancient causeway across the
+swamps and wondered when another strong race would put their stamp on the
+land. The descendants of the conquerors had sunk into apathetic sloth;
+the blood of the dark-skinned peoples that ran in their veins had
+quenched the old Castilian fire.
+
+When the light was fading, the porters declared the swamps in front were
+dangerous and put down their load, and after some trouble the white men
+lighted a fire. A heavy dew began to drip from the leaves and the blaze
+was comforting in the gloom that swiftly settled down. Kit had brought a
+piece of tarpaulin and spread it between the roots of a cottonwood. He
+did not mean to go to sleep, but his head ached and he was worn out by
+physical effort and anxious watching. By and by his eyes got heavy and he
+sank down in a corner of the great roots.
+
+The fire had burned low when he looked up and a bright beam that touched
+a neighboring trunk indicated that the moon was high. All was very quiet
+but for the splash of the falling dew; the glade was a little brighter,
+and rousing himself with an effort, he glanced about. He saw the white
+men's figures, stretched in ungainly attitudes on a piece of old canvas.
+They were all there, but he could not see the _Meztisos_. Getting up, he
+walked into the gloom and then stopped with something of a shock. There
+was nobody about.
+
+For a few moments, Kit thought hard. To begin with, he had been rash to
+pay half the porters' wages before they started. The money was a large
+sum for them and they had stolen away; perhaps because they were
+satisfied and afraid of meeting the president's soldiers, or perhaps to
+betray the party to the rebels for another reward. If the latter
+supposition were correct, Kit thought he ran some risk. Galdar's friends
+knew he could not be bribed and that Adam was ill, although it was hardly
+possible they knew he was dead. They would see that Kit had now control
+and since his help was valuable to the president might try to kill him.
+His best plan was to push on.
+
+He wakened the sailors, who grumbled, but picked up the coffin when he
+tersely explained the situation. Wet bushes brushed against them,
+soaking their thin clothes, trailers caught their heads, and the road
+got wetter and rougher until they came to a creek. Kit could not tell
+how deep it was; the forest was very dark and only a faint reflection
+marked the water.
+
+"We must get across, boys," he said, and the others agreed. They were
+hard men, but the dark and silence weighed them down and excited vague
+superstitious fears. It was a gruesome business in which they were
+engaged and they did not like their load.
+
+They plunged in and one called out hoarsely when he stumbled and the
+lurching coffin struck his head. Another gasped, as if he were choking,
+while he struggled to balance the poles. The current rippled round
+their legs; it was hard to pull their feet out of the mud, and when
+there was a splash in the dark they stopped, dripping with sweat that
+was not altogether caused by effort. One swore at the others in a
+breathless voice.
+
+"Shove on, you slobs!" he said. "The old man's getting heavier while
+you stop. I want to dump him and be done with the job. Guess I've
+had enough."
+
+Splashing and stumbling, they went forward and when they struggled up the
+bank Kit wiped his wet face. For a moment or two he had thought the men
+would drop their load and as it jolted, vague and black, on their
+shoulders, the creaking of the poles had jarred his nerves. He was going
+to keep his promise, but he sympathized with the man who had had enough.
+
+After they left the creek, the road got very bad and in places vanished
+in belts of swamp. They sank in mud and stagnant water and no light
+pierced the daunting gloom, but it was not hard to keep the proper line,
+because one could not enter the jungle without a cutlass to clear a path.
+At length, when the men were exhausted, the trees got thinner and the
+moonlight shining through touched the front of a ruined building. The
+rest was indistinct, but the building was large and had evidently
+belonged to a sugar or coffee planter. The sailors stopped and Kit
+studied a gap in the wall.
+
+The gap did not look inviting and there were, no doubt, snakes and
+poisonous spiders inside, but he could go no farther and the broken walls
+offered some protection. Perhaps Kit was moved by an atavistic fear of
+the dark forest, and he owned that he was influenced by the civilized
+man's longing for the shelter of a house. They went in, and after putting
+down the coffin in a room where vines crawled about the ruined wall, the
+sailors entered the next. One frankly stated that they wanted to get away
+from the coffin; Kit could stop and watch it if he liked, but it bothered
+them to have the thing about.
+
+Kit let them go, and sitting down in a corner among the rubbish lighted a
+cigar. A moonbeam rested on the opposite wall and the room was not dark.
+Some light came in through holes, although there was impenetrable gloom
+beyond the door by which the men had gone. He could see the wet leaves of
+the vines, and the black coffin, covered by the flag. But he was not
+afraid of it; the man who lay there had been his friend and claimed the
+fulfilment of his promise.
+
+At the same time, it was soothing to hear the sailors' voices, until they
+got faint and stopped. Afterwards the silence was burdensome, although a
+small creature began to rustle in the wall. Kit did not know if it was a
+snake or a spider, and was too tired to feel disturbed. By and by his
+cigar fell from his mouth. He picked it up, but it fell again and his
+head drooped.
+
+The moonbeam had moved some distance when he opened his eyes and
+straightened his body with a jerk. The room was nearly dark, and when he
+thought about it afterwards, he imagined he was only half awake, for his
+heart beat and he was conscious of an enervating fear. A dark object,
+indistinct but like a man, stood beside the coffin.
+
+With something of an effort, Kit recovered his self-control as the figure
+turned and came towards him. It moved with a curious stealthy gait,
+making no noise, and this was enough for Kit. He had no grounds for
+distrusting the sailors, and they wore heavy boots. Trying not to change
+his position, he felt for his automatic pistol. The butt caught a fold of
+his sash and he was forced to bend his elbow in order to get it out. It
+looked as if he would be too late, and he slipped as the movement
+dislodged the rubbish on which he sat. Then, as he shrank with an
+instinctive quiver from the prick of the knife, the figure swerved and
+leaped back.
+
+Kit threw up the pistol and pulled the trigger. There was a flash that
+dazzled his eyes and a little smoke curled up, but when he leaned forward
+his antagonist had gone. He heard no movement when he sprang to his feet
+and almost imagined he had been dreaming, until the sailors shouted and
+their boots rattled on the broken floor. They ran in and when Kit told
+them what had happened went to the hole in the wall.
+
+The moonlight touched the front of the building and part of the road was
+bright, but the shadow of the forest had crept across the rest. All was
+very quiet; there was no sound in the gloom. Then a flake of plaster fell
+close behind Kit's head and a sharp report rolled across the trees. One
+of the men shot at a venture and two of his companions ran savagely along
+the road, until Kit called them back.
+
+"Come in," he said when they returned. "You're a plain mark in the
+moonlight and can't see the other fellow among the trees."
+
+"Looks as if it was you he wanted," one replied. "Well, I guess we have
+no use for being left without a boss, and since we don't like our
+camping ground, you have got to come with us. We'll draw cuts for who's
+to watch."
+
+Kit went with them. He felt shaken, for the man who had brought down the
+plaster was obviously a good shot. He imagined it was another who had
+intended to stab him; in fact, a number of his enemies might be lurking
+about. He was not, as a rule, vindictive, but the stealthy attack had
+induced a dangerous mood and he was sorry he had missed the man. It was
+hard to see why he had done so, but he had, perhaps, been half asleep.
+Now, however, he resolved to watch until day broke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
+
+
+It was getting light when the man on watch called Kit, who went to the
+gap in the wall. Thin mist drifted about the trees and trailed across the
+road. There was some open ground in front of the building, but behind
+this the forest loomed in a blurred, shadowy mass.
+
+"I reckon I saw something move where the fog's on the road," the
+man remarked.
+
+Kit saw nothing. His eyes were keen, for he had searched the hillsides
+for sheep, but it looked as if they were not as keen as the sailor's, and
+standing in the shadow he watched the indicated spot. After a minute or
+two, a figure came out of the fog and signaled with a lifted hand.
+
+"More of them around!" said the sailor grimly. "There's trouble coming to
+them if they mean to corral us. Jake's at the side window, and he had to
+get out of Mobile because he was too handy with his gun. Not often had to
+pull mine, but I can shoot some."
+
+"Quit talking!" Kit rejoined, and his mouth set firm when the
+figure vanished.
+
+He thought the rebels meant to surround the building. If so, they were
+probably numerous, and the rifle shot some hours before justified the
+supposition. They had first tried to kill him quietly and, finding this
+impossible, had resolved to seize the party. Well, there was good cover
+behind the broken walls, his men were a reckless lot, and he meant to
+fight. He wished the others would begin, for standing, highly-strung, in
+the dew was nervous work.
+
+The light had got clearer when he noted a movement in a festoon of
+trailing vines. The wet leaves shook as if somebody were cautiously
+pulling them back, and Kit stiffened his muscles. It was a comfort to
+feel his hand was steady, and although he had not used a pistol much he
+was a good shot with a gun. He thought he could send a bullet through the
+moving leaves, but wanted his lurking enemy to begin the fight.
+
+A face appeared at an opening and an arm pushed through. The man was
+coming out and Kit felt his nerves tingle. Then, as the fellow's
+body followed his arm, the sailor said quietly, "Don't move, boss.
+I'll fix him."
+
+Next moment, Kit swung round, for the man who stepped out into the road
+wore a white uniform. The sailor leaned against the wall to steady his
+aim, and his tense pose and rigid hand indicated that he was pressing
+the trigger.
+
+"Hold on!" Kit shouted. "Don't shoot!"
+
+The sailor lowered his pistol and Kit, springing out of the shadow,
+waved his hat.
+
+"Come forward. We are friends."
+
+The _rural_ turned and called to somebody, and then joining Kit glanced
+at the sailor's pistol with a dry smile.
+
+"It looks as if I had run some risk. You did not mean to be surprised."
+
+"No," said Kit; "one takes precautions. I came very near being surprised
+last night."
+
+"So the _Galdareros_ are about? We suspected something like this."
+
+"I suppose it was why you meant to search the _hacienda_. But did
+you see us?"
+
+The _rural_ indicated a plume of smoke that curled up from behind the
+ruined wall.
+
+"We saw _that_. When one takes precautions it is prudent to see they are
+complete."
+
+Kit nodded. There was no use in getting angry; his men were rash and
+careless, but, to some extent, this was why he had chosen them. They had,
+no doubt, lighted the fire to cook breakfast.
+
+"Where is your companion?" he asked.
+
+"There are three of us; you will see the others in a few moments. They
+watch the road farther on. It is usual for us to patrol in twos, but of
+late some have not returned. A revolution is a bad time for _rurales;_
+one pays old reckonings then."
+
+Kit smiled. "I imagine it would have been bad for any _Galdarero_ who had
+tried to steal away down the road. But I expect you know me?"
+
+"We have orders about you, senor; you see a servant of yours," the
+_rural_ answered with a bow. "But it might be better if you told us
+your plans."
+
+After giving him a cigarette, Kit sent the sailor to tell the others and
+when the _rurales_ came up offered them a share of the breakfast his men
+had cooked. While they ate he told them what had brought him there and
+where he was going.
+
+"So the American is dead? I have seen him at the presidio," one remarked.
+"Well, senor, it would be prudent to finish your business at Salinas
+to-night. After that, I do not know. There has been fighting and some of
+the president's soldiers have been killed in the swamps."
+
+"I must finish the business," Kit replied. "It does not matter what
+happens afterwards."
+
+The _rural_ nodded. "The American talked like that. Quick and short,
+but what he said went. However, we will go to Salinas with you when you
+are ready."
+
+Kit got up and gave his men an order. "I am ready now."
+
+They set off soon afterwards and reached the mission as the light was
+fading. Two small, mud buildings and a little church stood among some
+ruins in an opening, and a frail old man met the party at the gate. He
+took off his hat when the sailors put down the coffin, and then listened
+to Kit's quiet narrative.
+
+"This poor place is yours; it was a prosperous mission long since," he
+said. "In this country, men no longer build, but plot and destroy--it is
+easier than the other. Now we will put the coffin in the church and then
+I will give you food."
+
+Father Herman drew back an old leather curtain and the smell of incense
+met Kit as he stood at the door while the sailors went forward with their
+load. The church was nearly dark, but Kit saw it had some beauty and
+there were objects that hinted at more prosperous days. At the other end,
+a ruby lamp glimmered and a wax candle burned with a clear flame before a
+statue of the Virgin. Kit knew whence the candle came and that Hattie
+Askew had knelt on the stones, beneath it, praying that her husband might
+get well. Then he looked at Father Herman, with a doubt in his mind.
+
+The other met his glance and smiled. "The greatest of these is charity,"
+he said in Latin, and resumed in fine Castilian: "He was our benefactor,
+a man who kept his word, and with such a wife I think our faith was his.
+It is a gracious sentiment that they should not be parted."
+
+"In a sense," Kit said quietly, "I think they have not been parted yet.
+At the last he said, with confidence, he was going to meet his wife."
+
+"Who knows?" said Father Herman. "There is much that is dark; but one
+felt that his spirit reached out after hers. Well, I knew he would come
+back; I have long expected him."
+
+He went forward and lighted more candles when the sailors put down the
+coffin, and the noise their boots made jarred Kit's nerves as they came
+back. The light spread, touching the bare walls and tawdry decorations
+about the shrines. It was a poor little church, falling into ruin, and
+the beauty its pious builders had given it was vanishing. Yet something
+redeemed it from being commonplace, and Kit felt a strange emotional
+stirring as his eyes rested on the dim ruby lamp and the rude black
+coffin. He thought the light of love could not be quenched and knew the
+tender romance that had burned in the heart of the old Buccaneer. It was
+with something of an effort he turned away, and followed Father Herman
+across the corral.
+
+Two hours later, red torches flared in the dark as they laid Adam in his
+grave, and Kit, worn by anxiety and physical strain, listened dully to
+the solemn Latin office. Then, when the old priest's voice died away, he
+went back to the mission, where he fell asleep and slept twelve hours.
+
+In the morning, he sat beneath a broken arch that had once formed part of
+a cloister. Outside the patch of shadow, the sun beat upon dazzling sand,
+and a few vivid green palm-fronds hung over a ruined wall. Beyond this
+the forest rose, dark and forbidding, against the glaring sky. Although
+the rest had refreshed Kit, he felt as if he had got older in the last
+few days and now the strain had slackened he was lonely. So far, he had
+obeyed orders and when doubtful looked to Adam for a lead, but Adam had
+gone and left him control. All that belonged to his youth had vanished;
+he was a man, with a man's responsibilities, and a man's problems to
+solve. Presently Father Herman came up and sat down opposite. Although he
+looked feeble, his glance was clear and kind.
+
+"This house is yours, senor, and I am your servant," he said. "Yet I
+cannot hope that you will remain long and the times are disturbed. If I
+can help--"
+
+"Since the rebels know I am here, it would not be safe to stay, but I
+cannot reach Salinas Point before the steamer sails," Kit replied. "I
+must get to Havana as soon as possible."
+
+Father Herman thought for a few minutes and then resumed: "A small
+schooner is loading at a beach not far off and I know the _patron_. He
+would take you to Arenas, where the president has supporters and you
+might get a ship. I think he sails to-night, but I will send a message."
+
+Kit thanked him and went on: "You were my uncle's friend, and now I have
+taken his place, you are mine. As you let him send you things the mission
+needed, perhaps you will not refuse me."
+
+"I had not hoped for this," Father Herman answered with a grateful look.
+"The generous gifts meant much to us, for we are very poor."
+
+"Friendship has privileges. Besides, it was my uncle's wish, and will be
+something I can do for his sake."
+
+Father Herman's worn face got very soft and he gave Kit an approving
+glance. "You are his kinsman, senor; one cannot doubt that. Like him, you
+are staunch and do not forget, but in some ways you are different. I will
+take your gifts and pray that yours may be a less stormy life."
+
+"Thank you," Kit said gently and went off to look after his men.
+
+In the afternoon he left the mission, and a week later reached Havana,
+where he found a cablegram waiting. He got a shock when he opened it, and
+stood for a time with the message crumpled in his hand, for it told him
+that Peter Askew was dying at Ashness. Then he sat down on the long,
+arcaded veranda of the hotel, with a poignant sense of loss, for the last
+blow was heavier than the first. It would be too late when he got home;
+Andrew, his English relative, would not have sent the message had there
+been any hope.
+
+After a time, Kit began to pull himself together. He felt dull and half
+stunned, but saw that he must brace up. Although one duty was denied him,
+another was left. He could not bid his father good-by, but he could keep
+his promise to Adam, and there was much to be done. Getting up with a
+resolute movement, he went to the telegraph office.
+
+Although Peter had not hinted that he was ill, Kit felt he ought to have
+gone home before, and now blamed Alvarez for keeping him. He knew this
+was not logical, but he hated the country, with its turmoils and plots.
+It was not worth helping, and in very truth he did not know if by
+supporting the president he were helping it or not. After all, however,
+this was not important; Alvarez needed a last supply of munitions that
+Adam had agreed to send. Kit doubted if they would be paid for, but the
+doubt did not count for much. Adam knew the risk when he agreed and his
+engagements bound his nephew. The goods must be delivered and then Kit
+would let the business go. When he reached the office he wrote a
+cablegram to Andrew at Ashness and another to Mayne, who had left Havana
+before Kit arrived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE LAST CARGO
+
+
+Dusk was falling and Kit urged his tired mule up the winding road. His
+skin was grimed with dust, for he had ridden hard in scorching heat, and
+was anxious and impatient to get on. The _Rio Negro_ was in the lagoon
+and some cargo had been landed, but Kit stopped the work when nobody came
+to take the goods. It looked as if the message he had sent through a
+secret channel had not reached the president, and this was ominous.
+
+He had heard rumors of fighting when he was in Cuba and the United
+States, but the newspapers gave him little information and he had driven
+the _Rio Negro_ across at full speed in order to finish the contract
+before the revolution spread, which was all he wanted. Adam's staunch
+loyalty had cost him his life, but the president had no claim on Kit.
+Besides, his stopping in the country had kept him away from Ashness when
+he was needed there. He smiled as he admitted that he was hardly logical,
+since he was stubbornly pushing on when almost exhausted in order that
+Alvarez might get the goods he required; but after all, this was for
+Adam's sake.
+
+As he rode up the hill the sky got brighter and a flickering illumination
+was reflected on the clouds that hung about the mountains. It looked as
+if the town were lighted up and Kit wondered whether this was to
+celebrate a victory. He struck the mule, but the tired animal came near
+throwing him when it stumbled and he let it choose its pace. The jolt had
+shaken him and he was very tired.
+
+For a time he skirted a belt of trees, and when he came out on the open
+hillside the illumination was ominously bright. Now he was getting
+nearer, the clouds looked different from the mist that rolled down the
+mountains in the evening; they were dark and trailed away from the range.
+Still, he could go no faster and he waited with growing anxiety until he
+reached a narrow tableland. It commanded a wider view and he raised
+himself in the stirrups as he saw that the light was the reflection of a
+large fire.
+
+He sank back and pulling up the mule let the bridle fall on its drooping
+neck. It looked as if a number of houses were burning in the town, which
+indicated that there had been a fight. The trouble was he did not know
+who had won and this was important. If the president were badly beaten,
+he would not need the supplies at the lagoon, although they might be
+useful to the rebels. Kit imagined it would be prudent to turn back, but
+he must find out what had happened and sent the mule forward.
+
+Half an hour afterwards he rode into the town. The small square houses
+were dark and there was nobody in the narrow street, but he heard a
+confused uproar farther on. Although the glare in the sky was fainter, it
+leaped up now and then and a cloud of smoke floated across the roofs. A
+red glow shone down the next street and he saw the pavement was torn up.
+Broken furniture lay among piles of stones, the walls were chipped, and
+when Kit got down he had some trouble to lead the mule across the ruined
+barricade. Although he saw nobody yet, the shouts that came from the
+neighborhood of the presidio were ominous.
+
+Kit remounted and rode slowly up to the edge of the sandy square where
+the palms grew along the rails. The square was occupied by an excited
+crowd, but the presidio had gone. A great pile of smoking rubbish and a
+wall, broken by wide cracks, marked where it had stood. Flames played
+about the ruin and Kit turned his mule. He thought the crowd was waiting
+to search for plunder, and did not expect to find anybody calm enough to
+answer his questions. Besides, he needed food and drink and might learn
+what had happened at the cafe.
+
+The small tables stretched across the street and were all occupied, but
+when Kit had tied the mule to the alameda railings opposite he found a
+chair and ordered an omelette and wine. The waiter looked at him with
+some surprise and Kit wondered whether it was prudent for him to stay.
+
+"You have been burning the presidio," he remarked.
+
+"We have got rid of a tyrant," the waiter replied.
+
+"You may get another worse," said Kit, as coolly as he could. "What
+happened to the president?"
+
+Somebody shouted "_Mozo_" and when the waiter went away Kit rested his
+arms on the table. He was very tired, and it was obvious that he had come
+too late. Since the president was overthrown, he had lost a large sum of
+money and wasted the efforts he had made to carry out Adam's engagements.
+He must get back to the lagoon as soon as possible, but he needed food
+and wanted to find out if Alvarez had escaped. There was, however, some
+risk in asking questions, because the cafe seemed to be occupied by
+triumphant rebels.
+
+Presently the men at the next table got up and their place was taken by
+another group, among which Kit noted Francisca Sarmiento and her
+relations. He thought they looked surprised, but they saluted him
+politely, and soon afterwards the girl, who was nearest, looked round.
+
+"You have courage, senor," she remarked in a meaning tone.
+
+"I do not know if courage is needed," Kit replied, forcing a smile. "It
+looks as if I could no longer meddle with politics."
+
+"Then, since you could not help Alvarez, why did you come?"
+
+"I imagined I could help him, until I saw the presidio was burnt," Kit
+replied. "In fact, I haven't found out what has happened yet."
+
+The girl studied him with some curiosity, but Kit felt that he had
+nothing to fear from her.
+
+"If one did not know that you were incorruptible, one could understand
+your rashness," she said, in a mocking tone. "I suppose your steamer is
+in the lagoon?"
+
+Kit looked round. The cafe was crowded, but the people were talking
+excitedly, and nobody seemed to notice him and the girl. The noise would
+prevent their talk being heard.
+
+"There is no use in denying it, because Galdar's spies have, no doubt,
+seen her. I would be glad if you can tell me what has become of the
+president."
+
+Francisca gave him a keen glance. "You do not know Alvarez is dead?"
+
+"Ah!" said Kit. "I did not know. Was he killed?"
+
+"He died soon after the fighting began. The doctors say it was apoplexy;
+he had been hurrying about in the burning sun."
+
+"I wonder--He was a strong man and used to the sun."
+
+Francisca smiled. "One does not ask questions at a time like this. It is
+prudent to believe what one is told. When the soldiers lost their leader
+they ran away."
+
+Kit was silent for a few minutes. He had had a faint hope that the
+president might rally his supporters and begin the fight again, but the
+hope was gone. He knew all he wanted, and must leave the town as soon as
+he had had some food.
+
+"Alvarez was a friend of mine, and the news you have given me is
+something of a shock," he said. "I think the country will feel its loss,
+but that is not my business, and since there is nothing to keep me here,
+I shall be glad to get away."
+
+"It would be prudent to go soon," Francisca remarked in a low voice.
+
+"I do not see why. I am no longer important enough for your friends to
+meddle with me."
+
+"You are very modest, senor, if you are not rather dull. You have goods
+that would be useful to the new president, who has a rival he did not
+expect. Don Felix Munez has turned traitor, and there are people who
+support him in the coast province."
+
+"Another president!" Kit exclaimed with a soft laugh, and then bowed to
+the girl. "I think you mean well. You have given me a useful hint and you
+have my thanks. I will be rash and tell you that Galdar shall not have
+the goods I brought."
+
+Franciscans eyes got soft and a touch of color crept into her olive skin.
+
+"One does not often meet a man who puts honor before money. _Adios,
+senor!_ I wish you well."
+
+Then she turned to her companions, who presently left the table and soon
+afterwards Kit's omelette was brought. While he ate, Olsen came in and
+sitting down opposite, lighted a cigarette.
+
+"You'll allow that the Buccaneer backed the wrong man," he said. "I
+warned you and reckon your obstinacy has cost you something."
+
+"That is so," Kit agreed. "One must run risks in a business like this,
+but I don't expect you to sympathize."
+
+Olsen smiled. "I don't pretend I'm not satisfied, but I can show you how
+to get some of your money back. I've learned much about you and Askew
+since we had our last talk, and am willing to buy part of the _Rio
+Negro's_ cargo."
+
+"You seem to know she has arrived?"
+
+"Oh, yes; I knew some hours since. I've been looking out for you."
+
+"To whom do you mean to sell the goods?" Kit asked.
+
+"Does that matter?"
+
+"Yes; it's rather important."
+
+"The important thing is you'll get paid," Olsen rejoined.
+
+Kit frowned. He imagined he could demand a high price, and now Alvarez
+was dead, there was perhaps no reason for refusing to bargain; but he did
+not mean to let Galdar have the goods. He thought Adam would not have
+done so, and he held the new president, to some extent, accountable for
+Adam's last illness.
+
+"The cargo is not for sale," he said.
+
+"Oh, shucks!" Olsen exclaimed. "I reckon you want to put up the price."
+
+"No," said Kit, rather grimly, "I don't want to sell."
+
+"Don't be a fool. The man you backed is dead. You carried out your
+contract, and it doesn't matter to him now who gets the truck."
+
+"That's true," Kit replied. "But I won't help his rival."
+
+Olsen looked hard at him and saw he was resolute. "Oh, well! If you're
+determined, there's no use in arguing! You're something of a curiosity; I
+haven't met a man like you before."
+
+He went away and Kit ordered more wine, for he was thirsty after his long
+ride and had borne some strain. He had to wait for the wine, but had
+expected this since the cafe was crowded, and in the meantime he got up
+and looked across the street. Nobody had meddled with the mule, which
+stood quietly by the railings with drooping head. Kit wondered where he
+could get it some food and if he could hire a fresh animal.
+
+Then a waiter brought the wine and when he had drunk some and lighted a
+cigarette Kit, listening to the talk of the men at the next table, got a
+hint that threw some light on Olsen's offer. Alvarez had used the vaults
+under the presidio for a munition store, and when he was dead the
+mayor-domo had blown up the building as the rebels forced their way in.
+Now there was a new president in the field, it was obvious why Galdar
+wanted fresh supplies. This, however, was not important, and Kit drained
+his glass and then tried to rouse himself. He must look after the mule
+and if it was not fit for the journey get another animal.
+
+He felt strangely reluctant to move; the fatigue he had for a time shaken
+off returned with puzzling suddenness and threatened to overpower him.
+His head was very heavy, he could hardly hear the people talk, and every
+now and then his eyes shut. He could not keep them open, but after a few
+minutes he straightened his bent shoulders with a resolute jerk and
+clenched his fist. It was not fatigue that was mastering him; the wine
+was drugged. He had not noted a suspicious taste, but he was thirsty and
+the omelette was strongly flavored with garlic and red pepper.
+
+Holding himself stiffly upright, he tried to think. Olsen had, no
+doubt, ordered the wine to be drugged, and his object was plain. He
+meant to prevent Kit reaching the lagoon until he had removed the cargo
+on the beach and tried to persuade Mayne to land the rest. Well, the
+plot would fail, and with an effort Kit got up and crossed the street.
+He suspected that he was watched, but nobody tried to stop him and he
+mounted the mule.
+
+The animal moved off at a better pace than he had hoped and he tried to
+brace himself. His head ached and his brain was very dull, but somehow he
+stuck to the saddle, and although he could hardly guide the mule the
+animal avoided the people in its way. After a time, the street became
+empty, the noise behind was fainter, and the houses were dark. Nobody
+seemed to follow him and Kit began to hope he might be able to leave the
+town. He did not know what he would do then, and hardly imagined he could
+keep up the effort much longer. Perhaps, when he got away from the houses
+he could tie up the mule in a quiet place and rest.
+
+When he rode down a rough track into open country he rocked in the saddle
+and would have fallen but for the high peak and big stirrups. The
+hillside was blurred; distorted objects that he thought were rocks and
+cactus lurched about in the elusive moonlight, and the sweat ran down his
+face as he fought against the drug. He knew it would conquer him, but he
+was going on as long as possible.
+
+At length the mule stepped into a hole, Kit's foot came out of the
+stirrup and he fell. For a moment or two, the mule dragged him along;
+then he got his other foot loose and for a time knew nothing more.
+
+The moonlight was fading when he opened his eyes and saw that he was
+lying beside a clump of cactus. Indistinct objects moved along the road
+not far off and he heard the click of hoofs on stones. A mule train was
+passing and was, no doubt, going to the lagoon. He could not get up and
+was glad he was in dark shadow. The muleteers had probably been told to
+look out for him and a blow from a heavy stone would prevent his
+interfering with the rebels' plans. The indistinct figures, however, went
+on and Kit relapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+It was daylight when he wakened and saw a man bending over him. Kit was
+cold and wet with dew; his head ached horribly and he did not try to get
+up. His pistol was underneath him and if the fellow meant to kill him he
+could not resist.
+
+"What do you want?" he asked.
+
+The man said he had seen him lying there and imagined he was ill. Then
+he held out his hand and asked if Kit could get up. Kit was surprised
+when he found himself on his feet, although he swayed as he tried to
+keep his balance.
+
+"I suppose you are a liberator?" he said dully.
+
+The other clenched his dark fist. "No, senor! Those dogs, the
+_Galdareros_, are no friends of mine! But you were for the president; it
+was known in the town."
+
+Kit admitted it. The fellow's scornful denial was comforting and after
+some talk, walking with a painful effort, he went with him down the hill
+to a small mud house. A few minutes after he got there he went to sleep,
+but in the meantime the man had promised to help him to reach the lagoon.
+
+He kept his promise, and before it was light next morning Kit dismounted
+on the sandy beach. There was no moon and mist drifted about the trees,
+but the water shone faintly and the tide was nearly full. The steamer
+loomed in the gloom and when Kit shouted there was a rattle of pulley
+blocks and a splash of oars. Ten minutes afterwards Mayne met him at the
+gangway and gave him his hand.
+
+"It's some relief to see you back," he said. "Finlay has his fires banked
+and can get steam to take us out in an hour or two."
+
+Kit went with him to his room and sat down limply. He was covered with
+dust and wet with dew; his face was haggard and his eyes were dull.
+
+"I'll tell you about my adventures later," he said. "What about
+the cargo?"
+
+"Some dagos came along with a mule train and loaded up part of the truck
+on the beach. They had an order that looked as if it had been signed by
+you, and as they were a pretty tough crowd and had their knives loose, I
+let them take the goods. When I studied the order I wasn't sure about the
+hand and brought off all they had left. By and by another gang came
+along, but I refused to send a boat until I'd seen you."
+
+"You were prudent," Kit remarked. "The order was forged. Let me see the
+mate's cargo-lists."
+
+He studied the book Mayne gave him and then pondered. Olsen had, no
+doubt, forged the order and Kit imagined he would have some trouble to
+get payment for the goods. The manufacturers might be persuaded to take
+back the rest of the cargo at something less than its proper price, but
+Kit thought the value of the munitions supplied to Alvarez would be lost.
+The new president would certainly try to disown the debt. Kit, however,
+had known that Adam's staunchness might cost him much, and something
+might, perhaps, be saved. He had had enough of the country, and as soon
+as he could straighten out the tangle in which the revolution had
+involved Adam's business he was going back to Ashness.
+
+"Heave your anchor when you're ready," he said to Mayne. "We'll call at
+Havana and then steam for New Orleans."
+
+At high-water he stood on the bridge, watching the mangroves fade into
+the mist. Ahead, the sun was rising out of a smooth sea, the air was
+fresh, and Kit's heart was lighter. He had done with plots and intrigue
+and was going back to Ashness and the quiet hills. At the same time, he
+felt a tender melancholy as he thought about the little church at Salinas
+and the marble cross in the sandy yard. Then he lifted his head and the
+melancholy vanished as he looked across the sparkling water. The clang of
+engines rose and fell with a measured beat and there was a noisy
+splashing at the bows. Bright streaks of foam eddied about the _Rio
+Negro's_ side, and a long smoke cloud trailed astern as she steamed to
+the North.
+
+
+
+
+PART III--KIT'S RETURN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+KIT'S WELCOME
+
+
+Kit was comfortably tired when he sat down by the beck at the head of the
+dale. He had been at Ashness for a week, and finding much to be done had
+occupied himself with characteristic energy. It was a relief to feel that
+the heat of the tropics had not relaxed his muscles as much as he had
+thought, and that the languidness he had sometimes fought against was
+vanishing before the bracing winds that swept his native hills. The ache
+in his arms had come from using the draining spade and his knees were
+stiff after a long walk through the heather to examine the Herdwick
+sheep. His vigor was coming back and he was conscious of a keen but
+tranquil satisfaction with the quiet dale.
+
+Filling his pipe lazily, he looked about. The sun was near the summit of
+the fells and the long slopes were turning gray in the shadow. The yellow
+light touched the other side of the valley, and the narrow bottom,
+through which shining water ran, was a belt of cool dark-green. A faint
+bleating of sheep came down the hill, and the beck splashed softly among
+the stones.
+
+Kit found the quiet soothing. He had had enough excitement and adventure,
+and had half-consciously recognized that the life he had led in the
+tropics was not for him. On the whole, he thought he had made good. One
+did one's best at the work one found, but intrigue was not his proper
+job. For all that, he did not mean to philosophize and had something to
+think about.
+
+When he sold the _Rio Negro_ and paid his debts he found a larger
+surplus than he had hoped. Moreover, his agents had not yet enforced all
+business claims and might be able to send him a fresh sum. The money he
+brought home would not have made him a rich man in America, but it would
+go a long way in the dale, and the soil and flocks at Ashness could be
+improved by modern methods and carefully spent capital. Kit had begun at
+once and found his task engrossing, but when the day's work was over he
+felt a gentle melancholy and a sense of loneliness. Adam and Peter had
+gone and he had loved them both; he knew he would not meet their like
+again. Yet he had not lost them altogether. They had, so to speak, blazed
+the trail for him, and he must try to follow, fronting obstacles with
+their fearless calm.
+
+Then he took his pipe from his mouth and his heart beat as a figure came
+round a bend of the road. The girl was some distance off and he could
+not see her face, but he knew her and braced himself. He had known the
+meeting must come and much depended on her attitude. Grace was no longer
+a romantic girl, and though he had not forgotten her, she might have
+been persuaded that she had nothing to do with him. Now she must choose
+her line, and he sat still, half prepared for her to pass him with a
+bow. While he waited, his dog got up and ran along the road. Old Bob
+knew Grace, and it looked as if she had spoken to, and perhaps petted,
+him while his master was away.
+
+She stopped, and Kit felt ashamed when he got up, for she gave him her
+hand with a friendly look and he saw she had not changed as much as he
+had thought. The proud calm he approved was perhaps more marked, but he
+imagined the generous rashness he had liked as well still lurked beneath
+the surface. He had met attractive girls in the tropics who knew they
+were beautiful and added by art to their physical charm. Grace, however,
+used hers unconsciously; he thought she was too proud to care if she had
+such charm or not.
+
+"I am glad to see you back," she said and stroked the dog that
+leaped upon her. "Bob and I are friends. He knew me when I came
+round the corner."
+
+"So did I," Kit rejoined quietly.
+
+He thought he noted a touch of color in her face, but she smiled.
+
+"You did not get up. Perhaps you were not sure, like Bob?"
+
+"I think I was sure. But I have been away some time and it was not my
+part to force you to acknowledge me."
+
+"If I didn't want to?" Grace suggested. "Well, I do not forget my
+friends, and now, if you are satisfied, we can let that go." She
+paused and resumed when he went on with her: "The dalesfolk have
+missed you, particularly since your father died. It must have been a
+shock--I felt it, too, because I saw him now and then. We were friends
+in spite of all."
+
+Kit was grateful for her frank sympathy, and felt he could talk to her
+about his father.
+
+"He did not tell me this, but he liked you."
+
+"He was just," Grace replied. "People knew, and trusted him. He had none
+of the rancor that often leads us wrong. When he was firm he did not get
+angry. That kind of attitude is hard, but it makes things easier. But you
+were in America with his brother, were you not?"
+
+"I was in the United States, and afterwards in some of the countries on
+the Caribbean."
+
+"Ah," said Grace with curiosity, "that must have been interesting! One
+understands that is a beautiful and romantic coast, with its memories of
+the great Elizabethan sailors and the pirates."
+
+"It is romantic, and dangerous in parts. You can land at some of the
+towns from modern mail-boats and find smart shops and cafes; others have
+fallen into ruin and lie, half-hidden by the forest, beside
+malaria-haunted lagoons. You steal in through the mist at the top of a
+high tide, much as the old pirates did, and when you land, find hints of
+a vanished civilization and the Spaniards' broken power. But you seem to
+know something about the coast."
+
+Grace smiled. "You look surprised! There is a library at Tarnside,
+although it is not often used, and we have books about the voyages of the
+buccaneers. One book is rather fascinating. But what were you doing in
+the lagoons?"
+
+"Sometimes we loaded dyewoods and rubber; sometimes we lent money to
+ambitious politicians in return for unlawful trading privileges, and now
+and then engaged in business that was something like that of the old
+adventurers."
+
+"After that, you must find the dale very tame," Grace remarked, and
+quietly studied Kit.
+
+She had liked his honesty and resolution before he went abroad, but he
+had gained something she had not noted then. Although he wore rough
+working clothes and had obviously been digging, he had an elusive touch
+of distinction, and there was a hint of command in his quiet look. He had
+seen the world, confronted dangers, and used power, and this had put a
+stamp on him.
+
+"It is hard to imagine you a pirate," she remarked with a twinkle. "You
+don't look the part, and, no doubt, like other occupations, it requires
+some study."
+
+Kit laughed. "One does the best one can! I rather think taking trouble
+and a determination to make good are as useful as specialized training."
+
+"Perhaps that's true. It's curious, in a way, but I expect a good farmer,
+for example, might make a successful buccaneer. One understands, though,
+that the last pirate was hanged a hundred years since."
+
+"There are a few left, although their methods have changed with the
+times. Some day I would like to tell you about my uncle. He was, so to
+speak, a survival, and I think you would appreciate him. But how have
+things been going in the dale?"
+
+Grace's twinkle vanished, her look became serious, and Kit thought he
+noted signs of strain. After all, she had changed since he left Ashness.
+It was not that she looked older, although she was now a rather stately
+woman and not an impulsive girl; he felt that she had known care.
+
+"On the whole," she said, "things have not gone very well. We have had
+wet summers and heavy snow in spring. The flocks are poor and rents have
+come down. Bell has gone; he quarreled with Hayes about some new
+machinery for the mill. All is much the same at Tarnside, though my
+father is not so active. Gerald left Woolwich--perhaps you knew--and is
+in a London bank."
+
+Kit hid his surprise. Gerald was not the stuff of which good bank clerks
+are made, although Osborn's influence with the local manager had, no
+doubt, got him the post. Kit imagined the lad had been forced to leave
+Woolwich, but money must be scarce at Tarnside, since he had gone into
+business. This threw some light on the hint of weariness he had noted
+about Grace. If fresh economy was needful, she and Mrs. Osborn must
+carry the load.
+
+"Hayes is still your agent. I met him yesterday and he gave me a sour
+nod," Kit remarked.
+
+"Yes," said Grace, and added quietly: "I sometimes wish he were not!"
+
+"Well, I never liked the man. All the same, he's a very good agent, from
+the landlord's point of view, and your father's interests ought to be
+safe with him."
+
+"I suppose so," Grace agreed, but her look was doubtful, and they
+reached the Ashness lonning a few minutes later. When Kit stopped she
+gave him her hand. "I hear you are going to make a number of
+improvements, and wish you good luck!"
+
+Kit went up the lonning and sitting down in the porch lighted his pipe.
+Grace had not forgotten; she had given him his real welcome home and he
+thrilled as he thought about her quiet friendliness. Perhaps the meeting
+was awkward for her, but she had struck the right note, with the
+dignified simplicity he had expected. It said something for her pluck
+that she had met him as if the interview at Ashness, when Osborn had
+driven him away, had never taken place. All this was comforting, but Kit
+was vaguely disturbed on her account.
+
+He had noted a hint of anxiety and she had implied that things were not
+going well for the Osborns. He meant to marry Grace; his longing for her
+was keener than he had felt it yet, but it was not altogether selfish.
+She must be removed from surroundings in which she could not thrive.
+Tarnside, with its rash extravagance, pretense, and stern private
+economy, was not the place for her. But he felt he must be patient and
+cautious; there were numerous obstacles in his way.
+
+In the meantime, Grace met Thorn farther along the road and tried to hide
+her annoyance as he advanced. Perhaps it was the contrast between him and
+Kit, whose thin, brown face had a half-ascetic look, for Alan was fat and
+getting coarse. Grace had noted this before, but not so plainly as she
+did now. His manners were urbane and he belonged to her circle; to some
+extent, his code was hers and she had his prejudices and tastes. All the
+same, she did not like him; for one thing, he was a type her father
+approved, a man of local importance and strictly local ideas, and Osborn
+had forced her into rebellion. Alan managed the otter hounds well and
+knew much about farming, but he was satisfied with this. Although he
+belonged to a smart London club, Grace imagined he only went there
+because he thought he ought. Yet he was cunning and patient, and knowing
+why he bore with Osborn, she was sometimes afraid.
+
+"Was that Askew?" he inquired when he turned and went on with her.
+
+Grace said it was and he gave her a careless look.
+
+"I heard he had come back. Might have been better if he had stayed away.
+A fellow like that is rather disturbing."
+
+"I don't think he could do much harm, when you and Hayes are on your
+guard," Grace rejoined.
+
+"That is so," Thorn agreed and she could not tell if he knew she had
+meant to be ironical. "Anyhow, I don't suppose he wants to do much harm;
+I was thinking about his example."
+
+"Is it a dangerous example to improve one's land? I thought you advocated
+scientific farming?"
+
+"So I do. I don't mean that, although I don't know if Askew's farming is
+scientific or not. One can't judge yet. His independence and habit of
+taking his own line might be dangerous."
+
+"Mr. Askew's independence is justified. Ashness is his."
+
+"Yes," said Thorn thoughtfully, "that's the trouble. If he was a farming
+tenant, things would be easier."
+
+Grace laughed. "You are delightfully naive! I'm afraid you'll have to
+leave Mr. Askew alone, but I don't expect he'll do anything alarming. I
+think you know he is a friend of mine."
+
+"I knew he was, before he went abroad. If you have renewed the
+friendship, it means you're satisfied about him and perhaps we needn't be
+disturbed. Your judgment is generally sound."
+
+"Thank you," said Grace. "I have relations who would not agree! But why
+do you dislike people who take their own line?"
+
+"It would be awkward if one's tenants did so; but perhaps my feeling
+springs from envy. The rest of us can't do what we want. You can't,
+for example!"
+
+Grace gave him a keen glance, and then laughed. "On the whole, that is
+true. We have a number of rules at Tarnside, but one now and then gets
+some satisfaction from breaking them."
+
+"Rebellion doesn't pay," Thorn rejoined with a touch of dry humor. "You
+are young and adventurous, but you'll find it prudent, so to speak, to
+accept your environment and submit. Some people call submission duty,
+but that's really cant; they mean it saves them trouble. Anyhow, you
+cannot make your own code; when you're born at a place like Tarnside,
+it's made for you."
+
+"Ah!" said Grace, "I wonder--Well, you know I am sometimes rash."
+
+Then she was careful to talk about something else, for she thought Alan
+had not philosophized without an object and it was not difficult to see
+where his hints led. When they reached the lodge, she firmly sent him
+away, although he looked as if he wanted to come to the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A DANGEROUS TALENT
+
+
+Dinner was nearly over at Tarnside. The meal was served with some
+ceremony, although the bill of fare was frugal except when game could be
+shot and, as a rule, nobody but Osborn talked much. Now he had satisfied
+his appetite he looked about the spacious room. The handsome, molded
+ceiling was dark from neglect and the cornice was stained by damp. The
+light of the setting sun streamed in through the long casement window
+which commanded the shining tarn and the woods that melted into shadow at
+the mouth of the dale. It was a noble view, but it did not hold Osborn's
+eyes, for the quivering sunbeams searched out the faded spots on the
+curtains and the worn patches on the rugs on the polished floor.
+
+"We need a number of new things and I don't know how they're to be
+got," he remarked, and when Mrs. Osborn said nothing knitted his brows.
+He had put away some money for renovations, but it had gone. One could
+not keep money at Tarnside; it vanished and left nothing to show how it
+had been spent.
+
+"I understand young Askew is back at Ashness," he resumed, looking
+hard at Grace.
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "I met him not long since."
+
+Osborn frowned. He knew she had met Kit, but did not know if he liked her
+candor. The girl was independent, but he thought she now understood the
+responsibilities of her rank.
+
+"The fellow is obviously prosperous, since he's spending a large sum on
+draining. I saw a big stack of pipes and a number of men at work. My
+opinion is it's a ridiculous waste of money."
+
+"Perhaps there are worse extravagances," Grace rejoined. "I expect he has
+some hope of getting his money back by growing better crops. Ours goes
+and never returns."
+
+Mrs. Osborn gave her a warning glance. Osborn hated contradiction and
+Grace and he often jarred, but the girl smiled.
+
+"Father and I are not going to quarrel about Mr. Askew's farming; it is
+not worth while," she said and studied Osborn with half-penitent
+sympathy.
+
+The strong light touched his face, forcing up the deep lines and
+wrinkles, and she thought he was getting older fast. His eyes were dull
+and his shoulders were slightly bent. She knew about some of his troubles
+and suspected others, but the stamp of indulgence that had got plainer in
+the last year or two disturbed her.
+
+"The Askews seem fated to give me trouble," he went on. "Now the fellow
+has begun to drain, his neighbors will expect me to do so. In fact, Black
+and Pattinson bothered Hayes about some plans for buying pipes when they
+paid their rent. Besides, the contrast hurts; I don't see why a fellow
+like Askew should be able to waste money on rash experiments when we have
+not enough. However, this leads to another matter; Gerald comes back
+tomorrow, and will no doubt, grumble about his poverty. If he does, you
+must give him nothing. He has his pay and I make him an allowance. I
+won't have his extravagance encouraged."
+
+Grace smiled as Mrs. Osborn got up with a disturbed look. "Mother cannot
+have much to give and I have nothing at all. I'm afraid Gerald's talent
+for begging will be used in vain."
+
+She went out with Mrs. Osborn and when they had gone Osborn, crossing
+the floor to the sideboard, filled his glass to the top. This was his
+regular habit and its futility escaped him, although he knew his wife and
+daughter knew. He felt he did enough if he exercised some self-denial
+when they were about.
+
+In the meantime, Mrs. Osborn sat down on the terrace and looked across
+the untidy lawn.
+
+"We need a new pony mower; Jenkins cannot keep the grass in order with
+the small machine. He was very obstinate about the bedding plants he
+wanted to buy and the borders look thin, but I felt I must be firm," she
+said and added drearily: "I wonder when we shall be forced to get a
+sporting tenant and live in a smaller house."
+
+"Father would not leave Tarnside. I suppose you don't know how things are
+really going?"
+
+"I know they are not going well and suspect they get worse; but he will
+not tell me. One could help if one did know."
+
+"I'm afraid I have disappointed father and given you anxieties you need
+not have had," Grace replied with some bitterness. "After all, however,
+the fault is hardly mine. I wanted to make my own career, but was not
+allowed; to work at a useful occupation, would somehow have humiliated
+our ridiculous pride, and there was, of course, only one hope left for
+you." She paused, and colored as she resumed: "Well, although I am not
+sorry, it looks as if that hope had gone."
+
+"It would have been a relief if you had made a good marriage," Mrs.
+Osborn admitted. "Still, since you met nobody you like--"
+
+"The men I might perhaps have liked were poor. Father would, no doubt,
+think it my natural perversity, or our bad luck; but I don't believe in
+luck. It's an excuse for weak makeshifts and futilities; one can conquer
+bad fortune if one is resolute."
+
+"None of us, except you, has much resolution," Mrs. Osborn remarked and
+sighed. "So far, your firmness has not helped much; I imagine you know
+your father has not given up hope."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, rather harshly. "I do know, and that is why I am often
+impatient. He will not be persuaded the thing's impossible."
+
+"After all, Alan has some advantages."
+
+"He has many drawbacks," Grace rejoined, and then her face softened and
+she gave her mother an appealing look. "I thought you were on my side!"
+
+"I am on your side where you feel strongly. Perhaps I am reserved and you
+do not often give me your confidence."
+
+"I'm sorry. We are seldom quite honest at Tarnside; somehow one can't be
+oneself, but now we must be frank. I don't like Alan Thorn; I never liked
+him. It's impossible."
+
+"Then, my dear, there is no more to be said."
+
+Grace made a sign of disagreement. "There may be much; that is why I am
+disturbed. You and I don't count, mother; we are expected to submit. It
+isn't that I don't like Alan; I shrink from him. He is cunning and knows
+how to wait. Sometimes his patience frightens me."
+
+"But why should his patience frighten you?"
+
+"Oh!" said Grace, "can't you understand? You know father's habits and
+that Gerald is following him. You know our debts are mounting up and this
+can't go on. Some day we may be ruined and then I think Alan will seize
+his chance. Perhaps I'm imaginative--but such things happen."
+
+Mrs. Osborn put her hand on the girl's arm and her touch was unusually
+firm. "You may be alarmed for nothing, my dear. But if the time should
+come when my help is really needed, it will be yours."
+
+Grace kissed her. "I can trust you. I was weak--I'm sometimes a
+coward--but now I'm comforted."
+
+They were silent for a few minutes and then Mrs. Osborn looked up.
+
+"Is it prudent for you to meet Christopher Askew again?"
+
+Grace colored, but met her mother's glance and answered with a thoughtful
+calm; "I see no danger. I liked Kit before he went away, but our
+friendship was really not romantic. When father met us in Redmire Wood, a
+horribly silly impulse made me hide. I blush when I think about it and
+imagine I forgot I had grown up--Gerald and I used to hide when father
+was angry. Anyhow, I made Kit Askew hide and he was first to remember and
+step into the road."
+
+"But this happened long since and he is older."
+
+"Yes," said Grace, "he's different, although one feels that he has
+kept a promise made in his half-developed stage. He has been out in
+the world and done strenuous things, while I stayed at home and played
+at make-believe. He talks like a man who knows his value and there's a
+touch of distinction in his look; a stupid word, but it comes near
+what I mean."
+
+Mrs. Osborn glanced at her sharply, but Grace smiled.
+
+"Don't be disturbed, mother; I am trying to tell you all I think.
+We were friends, but I imagine Kit knows his drawbacks from our
+point of view. Besides, after father quarreled with Peter Askew I
+never sent Kit a message, and he must have thought I acquiesced. In
+a way, I did acquiesce; it was the best thing to be done. You see
+what this implied? If I had loved him, it meant I had no pluck and
+was ashamed to acknowledge a farmer's son. But he knew I did not
+love him and understood that our friendship would not bear the
+strain of father's disapproval. Either way, it hinted that I was
+weak and not worth pursuing. Well, he met me without embarrassment
+and we talked about nothing important. I may meet him now and then,
+but that, I think, is all."
+
+"Very well," said Mrs. Osborn, who looked relieved. "Perhaps it would be
+prudent not to meet him often."
+
+Grace smiled and was silent for a time. She had tried to be frank and
+thought she had stated things correctly--so far as she knew. Then she
+remembered Kit's look when she stopped and spoke, and began to wonder.
+Perhaps she had not told all and the little she had left out was
+important. By and by she got up and went into the house.
+
+Gerald Osborn came home next day and not long afterwards Kit found him
+lying on the gravel beside a tarn on the Ashness moor. Heavy rain had
+fallen, but the clouds had rolled away and the water shone with dazzling
+light. The sky was clear except for a bank of mist floating about the
+round top of a fell, and a swollen beck sparkled among the heather. The
+wind had dropped and it was very hot.
+
+When he heard Kit's steps Gerald looked up. He was a handsome young man,
+with some charm of manner, although it was obvious now and then that he
+had inherited a touch of his father's pride. His glance was keen and
+intelligent, but his mouth and chin were weak. Gerald had talent, but was
+very like Osborn, since he was sometimes rashly obstinate and sometimes
+vacillating.
+
+"Hallo!" he said. "I expect I ought to have asked your leave before I
+came to fish. I hope you don't mind."
+
+"I don't mind. Nobody asks my leave," Kit replied. "Have you had
+much luck?"
+
+Gerald opened his creel and showed him a number of small, dark-colored
+trout. "Pretty good. They rose well until the light got strong. Then I
+thought I'd take a rest. Will you smoke a cigarette?"
+
+Kit sat down and looked across the shining water at the silver bent-grass
+that gleamed among vivid green moss on the side of the hill.
+
+"You must find this a pleasant change from town. Are you staying long?"
+
+"A fortnight; that's all I get. I wish I could stop for good. It's rot to
+spend one's life working in a bank."
+
+"I suppose one must work at something," Kit remarked.
+
+"I don't see why, unless you're forced. The only object for working is
+when you must work to live, and it isn't mine, because I can't live on my
+pay. In fact, the futility of the thing is plain."
+
+Kit laughed. Gerald's humorous candor was part of his charm, but Kit
+thought it deceptive.
+
+"Why did you go to the bank, then?"
+
+"Because my father thought I ought. I expect you know he believes in the
+firm hand. I wanted to stop at Tarnside, which would have cost him less.
+Besides, I could have looked after the estate. It will be mine sometime;
+that is, as much as is left."
+
+"But Hayes transacts the business."
+
+"Just so," said Gerald, rather dryly. "What do you think about Hayes?"
+
+"He's your father's agent and has nothing to do with me. I imagine he's a
+capable manager."
+
+"I sometimes think he's too capable." Gerald rejoined.
+
+Kit let this go. Before he went away he had suspected that Hayes had
+plans his employer would not approve, and he knew Gerald was shrewd. It
+was, however, not his business and he remarked: "You wanted to go to
+Woolwich, didn't you?"
+
+"I did not," Gerald declared. "As a matter of fact, I said so, but my
+objections didn't count. I might have made a good farmer or
+land-steward, but a number of us had been soldiers and that was enough.
+I don't know if it was a logical argument, but I had to go, and on the
+whole it was a relief when they turned me out. Too many regulations for
+my independent taste! Rules are good, perhaps, so long as they're made
+for somebody else."
+
+He was silent for a few minutes and Kit mused. He thought there was some
+bitterness in Gerald's humor; it looked as if Osborn had not been wise
+when he planned his son's career without consulting him. This, however,
+was typical. Osborn was satisfied to give orders and expected others to
+accept his point of view.
+
+"Well," said Gerald, getting up, "I must be off. Rather a bore to walk to
+Tarnside, and the trout will probably rise again if there's wind enough
+to make a ripple, but I forgot to ask for sandwiches."
+
+"If you lunch with me, you could come back afterwards," Kit suggested,
+and they set off down the hill.
+
+When they reached Ashness, Gerald tried to hide his surprise. Kit had
+made some changes in the old house and so far kept to the Spanish rule of
+meals. Lunch was a late breakfast, well served in china and silver that
+were seldom used in Peter Askew's time. The low room had been cleverly
+painted and a casement commanding a view of the dale replaced the
+original narrow windows. Specimens of ancient Indian pottery stood on the
+sideboard, and there were curtains of embroidered silk, feather-flowers,
+and silverwork that Kit had brought from Spanish America. The things gave
+the lonely farmstead an exotic touch, but they implied the command of
+money and cultivated taste.
+
+"You have a beautiful room," Gerald remarked, when the meal was over.
+"Don't know that I'm much of a connoisseur, but some of the things look
+rather fine."
+
+"I'll show them to you presently," Kit replied and gave Gerald a small,
+dark cigar. "I wonder how you'll like the flavor."
+
+"Our club cigars are dear and good, but the best is nothing like this,"
+Gerald declared after a minute or two. "Where did they come from?"
+
+"They were given me in Cuba; I believe the make is not offered for public
+sale. In a general way, Cuban tobacco is not what it was, but there are
+belts of soil that grow a leaf that can't be equaled anywhere else."
+
+"I suppose they keep the crop for presidents and dictators. The quality
+indicates it," Gerald suggested, and Kit smiled.
+
+Gerald tasted his black coffee. "If it's not bad form, where did you get
+this? There's nothing of the kind in Cumberland, and it's better than the
+Turkish they give you in London."
+
+"It came from a Costa Rican _hacienda,_ and was a gift. I'll get no more
+when the bag is done. If you come back in a month, you'll find me living
+in plain north-country style."
+
+"I imagine you made up for that while you were away," said Gerald, who
+rose and went to the side-board. "A curious little jar and obviously old!
+Is this the kind of thing the Aztecs made?"
+
+"I rather think it is Aztec, though I didn't buy it in Mexico. I gave
+about a pound for the jar and found a gold onza inside."
+
+"An _onza?_ Oh, yes, an ounce! The kind of coin some countries mint but
+very seldom use. Something of a bargain!"
+
+"I suppose it was," Kit replied incautiously. "For all that, the onza
+wasn't mine, and in a sense my efforts to find the owner cost me a very
+large sum."
+
+Gerald gave him a keen glance. Askew was not boasting; he had enjoyed
+the command of money.
+
+"Well," he said, "I think I'd have kept the onza, whether it was mine or
+not." He paused and pulled a knife from its sheath. The handle was
+ornamented and the narrow blade glittered in the light, although its
+point was dull. "But what is this? Has it a story?"
+
+"Take care!" said Kit "It may be poisoned; the _Meztisos_ use a stuff
+that will kill you if a very small quantity gets into your blood. The
+fellow who owned that knife came near burying it in my back."
+
+"It looks as if you had had some adventures," Gerald remarked, and
+leaning against the sideboard he lighted a cigarette.
+
+Kit crossed the floor and stood by the open window. The shadow of a cloud
+rested motionless, a patch of cool neutral color, on the gleaming yellow
+side of the hill. A wild-cherry tree hung over a neighboring wall, and
+bees hummed drowsily among the flowers. He was strangely satisfied to be
+at home, and it was hard to realize that not long since he had been
+engaged in a dangerous trade among the fever-haunted swamps.
+
+"Have you any more curiosities?" Gerald asked.
+
+Kit opened a drawer in his big desk, where he kept specimens of
+featherwork. As he took them out he moved some documents and Gerald
+indicated one.
+
+"_Cristoval Askew_? Your name in Castilian, I suppose. You write a
+curious hand."
+
+"A matter of precaution! Anyhow, I didn't sign this order, and that's why
+I kept it. The thing was rather important and we were lucky to find out
+the cheat in time, particularly as I imagined nobody could imitate my
+hand. You'll see my proper signature on the next document."
+
+"It's not a very good counterfeit," said Gerald, who compared the writing
+with the other, "This is a subject I know something about. Penmanship is
+one of my few talents and I keep the customers' signature book at the
+bank. Yours is an uncommon hand, but it could be forged. Let's see! May I
+use this paper?"
+
+Kit nodded and Gerald, knitting his brows, wrote the name three or four
+times and then looked up.
+
+"I think I've got it. Hard to tell which is genuine, if you put them
+side by side?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I'm not sure I could tell which is mine."
+
+Gerald laughed. "One has to study these things; part of my job, you see,
+and banks are cheated oftener than people think. However, I expect you
+want to get to work and I'll go back to the tarn."
+
+He went out and Kit tore up the paper. He thought a talent like Gerald's
+might be dangerous if it were used by an unscrupulous man.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HORSE SHOW
+
+
+It was a calm evening and Osborn sat on the terrace, studying a printed
+notice. Mrs. Osborn poured out coffee at a small table, and Gerald and
+Grace occupied the top of the broad steps to the lawn. The sun was low,
+the air was cool, and except for the soft splash of a beck, a deep
+quietness brooded over the dale.
+
+"It will be a good show," Osborn remarked, reaching for a cup. "I
+insisted on the rather early date, because if we had waited until the hay
+was in, we might have got wet weather. Two or three objected, but I'm
+satisfied I took the proper line. One must be firm with an argumentative
+committee."
+
+Gerald's eyes twinkled as he looked at Grace. Osborn generally was firm
+with people who gave way, and Gerald had heard some grumbling about his
+changing the date for the horse show.
+
+"It's the last time I'll be president," Osborn resumed. "I had meant to
+resign, but Thorn could not take the post, Sir George is away, and a
+well-known local man is needed to give the thing a proper start."
+
+"Rather an expensive honor!" Gerald observed. "The president's expected
+to make up the shortage if the day is wet."
+
+"That was one reason for my fixing the meeting early, when we often get
+it fine," Osborn replied naively. "The expense is a drawback, but the
+committee would not let me drop out."
+
+"Mother and Grace will want new hats and clothes, and I expect the job
+will cost you more than you think. You'll have to give them a lead by
+bidding for the chapel sheep."
+
+"If that meddlesome fellow Drysdale is going to send his sheep to
+the show, the arrangement was made without my knowing," Osborn
+replied angrily.
+
+Mrs. Osborn looked disturbed, but Gerald laughed. He rather enjoyed
+provoking his father when he thought it safe. Drysdale was treasurer for
+a body of Nonconformists, who wanted to build a new chapel and, finding
+the farmers reluctant to give money, had asked for contributions from
+their flocks and herds.
+
+"The idea was that the sale would be an extra attraction," Gerald went
+on. "Still, I admit it's hard for you, because you hate chapels and will
+have to bid. In fact, you'll, no doubt, have to buy the sheep at a
+sentimental price and sell them at their value."
+
+"I believe in liberty of conscience and do not hate chapels," Osborn
+rejoined. "For all that, I own to a natural prejudice against people who
+attend such places, largely because they mix up their religious and
+political creeds. It would be strange if I sympathized with their plans
+for robbing the landlords."
+
+"Anyhow, Drysdale means to bring his flock, and I'm afraid you'll have to
+pay. The situation has some humor."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. Hayes had been talking to him about the estate
+accounts and he had resolved to practise stern economy. Economy was
+needful, unless he gave a fresh mortgage to pay the interest on his other
+debts; and here was an expense he had not bargained for.
+
+"If I'd known about Drysdale, I'd have resigned," he said. "I took the
+post again because there was nobody else."
+
+"They might have tried Askew," Gerald suggested.
+
+"Askew? A fellow of no importance, unknown outside the dale!"
+
+"I imagine he'll be better known soon, and he's rather a good sort. Gave
+me a very good lunch not long since and has obviously spent something on
+the farm. His room is like a museum, and he has a number of valuable
+things. Seems to have had some adventures abroad, and found them
+profitable."
+
+"You mean he tried to impress you by vague boasting?"
+
+"No," said Gerald, "I don't think he did; the fellow's not that kind. In
+fact, he's rather good form, and has somehow got the proper stamp."
+
+Grace looked at her brother, as if she agreed; but Osborn remarked
+ironically, "You imagine yourself a judge?"
+
+"Oh, well," said Gerald, smiling, "I've had the advantage of being
+brought up at Tarnside, and belong to a good London club. Anyhow, Askew's
+much less provincial than some of our exclusive friends."
+
+He strolled off and Osborn went to the library, where he spent some time
+studying his accounts. The calculations he made were disturbing and he
+resented the possibility of his being forced to help Drysdale's fund.
+Nevertheless, the president of the show would be expected to lead the
+bidding and the Osborns did things properly.
+
+A week or two afterwards, Mrs. Osborn opened the show in a field by the
+market-town, which stood in a hollow among the moors. The grass sloped to
+a river that sparkled in the sun and then vanished in the alders' shade.
+Across the stream, old oak and ash trees rolled up the side of the Moot
+Hill, and round the latter gray walls and roofs showed among the leaves.
+A spire and a square, ivy-covered tower rose above the faint blue haze of
+smoke. A few white clouds floated in the sky and their cool shadows
+crept slowly across the field.
+
+The horses were not very numerous, but the show had other attractions
+and was an excuse for a general holiday. The crowd was larger than
+usual, Mrs. Osborn's nervous speech was cheered, and for a time Osborn
+forgot that the office he had taken might cost him something. He was
+carrying out a duty he owed the neighborhood and felt that he could do
+so better than anybody else. He did not admit that he liked to take the
+leading place.
+
+His first annoyance came with the sheep-dog trials. He had not known
+Askew was a competitor and frowned as he saw Grace go up to him when a
+flock of Herdwicks entered the field. The girl ought to have seen that it
+was not the proper thing for his daughter to proclaim her acquaintance
+with the fellow. Then Gerald followed her, and began talking to Askew as
+if he knew him well. Gerald, was of course, irresponsibly eccentric, but
+his folly jarred.
+
+Grace had found it needful to get a new dress and hat, and Kit thrilled
+and tried to hide his delight in her beauty as she advanced. His
+rough-coated dog ran to meet her and she stroked its shaggy head.
+
+"I hope Bob is going to win," she remarked.
+
+"It's doubtful," Kit replied. "He's clever, but they don't give us much
+time and he's getting slow. One or two of his rivals are very good."
+
+"You'll do your best, old Bob," said Grace, and the dog, looking up at
+her with friendly eyes, beat his tail on the ground.
+
+Then Gerald came up, and soon afterwards the judges tied a string to a
+farmer's leg and fastened the other end to a post. This allowed him to
+run a short distance, after which he must direct his dog by voice.
+
+"First trial, Mr. Forsyth's Merry Lad," a steward announced, and the
+crowd gathered round when the judge took out his watch.
+
+Furze bushes had been stuck into the ground to simulate a broken hedge.
+Beyond these was a row of hurdles with an open gate, and then a number
+of obstacles, while a railed pen occupied a corner of the field. Kit
+gave Grace a card showing the way the sheep must be driven round the
+different barriers.
+
+"It's a good test, particularly as we can't follow the dogs and they must
+take each obstacle in its proper turn."
+
+"They are wonderfully clever to understand," said Grace, and stopped when
+the judge shouted, "Time!"
+
+The farmer called his dog, a handsome smooth-haired collie, that set off
+with a bound and drove the sheep at full speed towards the furze. As they
+came up, with fleeces shaking and a patter of little feet, the man ran to
+the length of the string and waved his stick.
+
+"Away back! Gan away back! T'ither slap, ye fule!"
+
+People laughed when the dog in desperate haste stopped the sheep as they
+packed outside a hole, but it drove them to the next gap, through which
+they streamed.
+
+"Forrad! Gan forrad!" cried the farmer. "Head them, Merry Lad!"
+
+The dog turned the sheep and brought them back through another opening,
+after which they raced towards the hurdles, and the collie hesitated as
+if puzzled by its master's shouts. The sheep were near the end of the
+rails, but it was not the end the card indicated. Then the dog seemed to
+understand what was required, and circling round the flock with swift,
+graceful leaps, drove them along the hurdles and round the other end.
+
+There was some applause from the crowd and afterwards good-humored
+banter when the dog ran backwards and forwards at a loss. The animal
+obviously knew the flock must be taken round the remaining obstacles, but
+had only its master's shouts for guide to the order in which they must be
+passed. Sometimes the farmer got angry and sometimes laughed, but except
+for a mistake or two the collie drove the sheep in and out among the
+barriers as the card required and put them in the pen.
+
+Two or three more trials took place, and for the most part, the
+unoccupied dogs strained at their leads and whimpered, but old Bob sat at
+Kit's feet, watching, with his head on one side.
+
+"One can see he's thinking; I believe he wants to remember the right way
+round," Grace remarked, and smiled when a steward beckoned Kit. "It's
+your turn," she said. "I wish you good luck!"
+
+Kit went off with his heart beating and felt half amused by his keenness
+when the steward tied the string to his leg. After his adventures on the
+Caribbean and the stakes he and Adam had played for, it was strange he
+should be eager to win a box of plated forks at a rustic show. Yet, he
+was eager; Grace had wished him luck.
+
+"Number four; Mr. Askew's Old Bob!" the steward announced.
+
+Kit called, and Bob, trotting away deliberately, got the sheep together
+and drove them correctly through the holes. He was doing well, in one
+sense, and Kit knew he would make few mistakes, but time counted and old
+Bob was slow. He had trouble at the hurdles, where the sheep seemed
+resolved to go the wrong way, but he stopped them and took them back to
+the proper end. Kit gave very few orders, although he looked at his watch
+rather anxiously. Bob understood and could be trusted to do his work, the
+trouble was he might not finish it in time. At length, Kit drew a deep
+breath, and put back his watch. The sheep were in the pen and there was a
+minute left.
+
+Kit went back to Grace, and Bob trotted up, panting, with his tongue
+hanging out. He looked at Kit, as if for approval; and then, after
+wagging his tail when his master spoke, held up his paw to Grace.
+
+"Hallo!" said Kit. "I haven't known him to do that before. It's not a
+sheepdog's trick."
+
+"I taught him," Grace replied, with a touch of color. "He has not
+forgotten, and really deserves to be stroked."
+
+She went away, but she gave Kit a smile across the railing, behind which
+she stood with Mrs. Osborn, when the judge called out:
+
+"First prize, Number Four; Mr. Askew's Bob!"
+
+When lunch was served in a big tent Osborn sat at the top of the table,
+but his satisfaction had vanished. For one thing, everybody had applauded
+when Askew won the prize; the fellow was obviously a favorite and this
+annoyed him. Then, Drysdale's sheep were to be sold by auction after
+lunch and the committee had hinted that the president was the proper
+person to buy the flock. Drysdale sat next to Kit at the bottom of the
+table. He was a little, shabbily-dressed man, with a brown face, and a
+twinkling smile.
+
+"Where are the sheep?" Kit asked.
+
+"We'll send t' band for them presently. Are you gan t' bid?"
+
+"I don't know until I've seen them. What about their quality?"
+
+"Weel, it might be better; they're gifts, you ken. There's a young ram
+might suit you; he's true Carlside strain."
+
+"I don't know how you got him then. I can't see Mayson giving away good
+breeding stock."
+
+Drysdale grinned. "Some big stanes fell on t' ram when Mayson was
+Bringing flock doon Barra ghyll. He looks a bit the waur o' it, but you
+can tell the Carlside blood."
+
+"I'll see what I think about the animal," Kit said with a laugh. "Do you
+expect a good sale? The rich people, as a rule, go to church."
+
+"They'll bid aw t' same. When you canna stir their generosity, you can
+try their pride. If you look at it one way, the thing's humorsome. They
+dinna want to help me, but they will."
+
+"It's possible," Kit agreed. "I don't know if the plan's above suspicion,
+but you need the money."
+
+"It will be weel spent. Hooiver, I must be off and see the band dinna get
+ower much to drink."
+
+Drysdale went away and soon afterwards a strange procession headed by the
+band and guarded by children, entered the field. A row of geese, waddling
+solemnly in single file, came first, and then turkeys stalked among their
+broods; a boy led a handsome goat and long-legged calf, and in the rear
+straggled a flock of sheep. When all were driven into pens the sale began
+and the crowd laughed and bantered the men who bid. In the meantime, Kit
+examined the sheep. Some had faults and the ram had obviously suffered
+from its accident. It was clear, though, that it sprang from a famous
+stock, and Kit knew an animal transmits to its offspring inherited
+qualities and not acquired defects. He recognized the stamp of breeding
+and resolved to buy the sheep. The ram was worth much more than he
+imagined the shepherds thought.
+
+He went back to the stand and by and by the auctioneer praised the flock.
+When he stopped, there was silence for a few moments until Osborn nodded.
+
+"A cautious beginning often makes a good ending, but we've a long way to
+go yet," the auctioneer remarked. "Who'll say five pounds more?"
+
+Thorn made a sign, and the auctioneer raised his hammer. "We've got a
+start, but you must keep it up. The opportunity's what folks call
+unique; you'll save money by buying, and help a good cause. Don't
+know which will appeal to you, but you can pay your money, and take
+your choice."
+
+He looked about while the crowd laughed, and after two or three
+flockmasters advanced the price, caught Kit's eye. "Mr. Askew's a judge
+of sheep. We'll call it ten pounds rise!"
+
+Kit nodded, and Osborn glanced at Thorn, who shrugged. The latter had
+helped to start the bidding, which was all he meant to do, and Osborn
+would have tried to draw out after making another offer, had he not seen
+Kit. He did not want the sheep, although he was willing to buy them at
+something above their proper price. Now, however, Askew was his
+antagonist, the fellow must be beaten.
+
+"We must finish the sale before the driving-matches," he said. "Go up
+twenty pounds."
+
+"They'd not sell near it if you sent them to the market," a farmer
+remarked.
+
+"Do you sell pedigree stock to butchers? The ram's worth the money," the
+auctioneer rejoined.
+
+On the whole, Kit agreed, although he saw that others did not. Moreover
+he was willing to run some risk by helping Drysdale, whom he liked, and
+he signed to the auctioneer. The farmers stopped, but Osborn went on. He
+had not liked Peter Askew and liked Kit worse. Father and son had opposed
+him, and now the young upstart was proud of the money he had, no doubt,
+got by doubtful means. He would not let the fellow balk him, and his face
+got red as he answered the auctioneer's inquiring glance. Presently he
+turned with a frown as Hayes touched his arm.
+
+"It's an extravagant price," the agent remarked. "They'll want a check
+and your account is getting very low."
+
+"You'll have to cut down expenses, then," Osborn answered haughtily.
+"This is not a matter about which I need your advice."
+
+Hayes shrugged and Osborn nodded to the auctioneer when Kit made another
+bid. He felt hot and savage and wanted a drink, but could not leave the
+stand. Askew meant to humiliate him and he must hold out. He was the most
+important man in the neighborhood, and must not be beaten by a small
+farmer. For all that, the sum he would have to pay would be a drain.
+
+After the next bid the auctioneer looked at Kit, who smiled and
+shook his head.
+
+"Mr. Osborn takes the lot," the auctioneer remarked. "He has paid a high
+price to help a good object, but I think we all hope the next lambing
+season will give him his money back."
+
+Osborn's savage satisfaction was spoiled by a chilling doubt and he went
+off to look for Hayes.
+
+"Give the fellow a check for the sheep on the estate account," he said.
+
+"How much?" Hayes asked, and looked thoughtful when Osborn told him.
+
+"There are a number of bills to meet and we'll have no money coming in
+until term-day."
+
+"Can't you put off the bills?"
+
+"I think not," Hayes answered, meaningly. "It mightn't be prudent. Our
+credit is not too good."
+
+Osborn was silent for a moment or two. "Very well," he said. "I'll try to
+sell the sheep to somebody who'll give me what they're really worth. Come
+over to-morrow and we'll talk about the new mortgage."
+
+Then he went back, moodily, to join the judges for the driving-match.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE FLOOD
+
+
+On the morning after the show, Osborn walked up and down the terrace,
+waiting moodily for Hayes. It was a rash extravagance to buy the sheep
+and he blamed Kit for this. The fellow had gone on bidding in order to
+force him to pay a high price; besides, the money would help an object
+Osborn did not approve. There were enough chapels in the neighborhood and
+any legislation that interfered with the landlords' privileges got its
+warmest support at such places.
+
+The sum he had spent was not remarkably large and he had cut his loss by
+selling the flock to a farmer at their market price, but this was about
+half what he had given and he had some urgent debts. Although he had
+hoped to hold out until term-day, when the payment of rents would ease
+the strain on his finances, he must have money and did not know where it
+could be got by prudent means.
+
+In the meantime, he looked about gloomily. The weather had changed, a
+moist west wind drove heavy clouds across the sky and the fell-tops
+were hidden by mist. It threatened a wet hay-time and hay was scarce
+in the dale, where they generally cut it late after feeding sheep on
+the meadows. Osborn farmed some of his land and had hoped for a good
+crop, which he needed. The grass in the big meadow by the beck was
+long and getting ripe, but the red sorrel that grew among it had lost
+its bright color. The filling heads rolled in waves before the wind,
+but there was something dull and lifeless in the noise they made, and
+Osborn knew what this meant. Rain was coming and when rain began in the
+dale it did not stop.
+
+His glance rested on the green embankment along the beck. His father had
+made the dyke at a heavy cost but in places the stones and soil had
+gradually washed away. If the dyke broke at one spot, the beck would
+return to its old channel and much damage might be done, particularly if
+the floods rolled across the turnip fields. Osborn had meant to
+strengthen the dyke, but had put it off because of the expense.
+
+A little later Hayes came up the steps. Osborn did not ask him to sit
+down, although there was room on the stone bench, and the agent leaned
+against the terrace wall. His face was inscrutable but he remarked his
+employer's rudeness.
+
+"I have seen Fisher and he is willing to take a mortgage on Ryecote," he
+said. "The interest is higher than I thought, but the money would pay off
+urgent bills and cover the cost of the farmstead repairs."
+
+"How much does Fisher want?" Osborn asked and frowned when he was told.
+"It's unjust; two per cent above the proper interest."
+
+"I can't borrow for less. However, if we use the money judiciously, we
+ought to get something back by higher rents. Lang and Grey, for example,
+would pay a little more for the improvements they require."
+
+Osborn pondered. He was in a suspicious mood and thought Hayes wanted to
+negotiate the mortgage.
+
+"When I have satisfied the other tenants there won't be much left for
+Lang and Grey," he rejoined. "My experience is that the money you sink in
+improvements is gone for good."
+
+"They must be made, for all that; particularly just now when a
+dissatisfied spirit is spreading among the farmers. Askew is showing them
+what can be done by the proper use of capital."
+
+"Askew!" Osborn exclaimed. "Father and son, the Askews have been the
+origin of the worst trouble I've had."
+
+Hayes was willing to indulge Osborn's rancor and derived a rather
+malicious satisfaction from seeing him annoyed. Besides, he did not want
+to dwell upon the mortgage.
+
+"I wonder whether you know Askew has bought Drysdale's sheep?"
+
+"I did not know. I sold the flock to Graham."
+
+"Then Askew must have bought them soon afterwards, unless he sent Graham
+to make the deal with you."
+
+Osborn's face got red. "A shabby trick! Unthinkably shabby, after he
+forced up the price." He paused, and tried to control his anger. "But why
+did he buy that second-class lot?"
+
+"There was a Carlside ram."
+
+"Only fit for mutton; I studied the animal."
+
+"Oh, well! Askew, no doubt, thinks he is a judge. I imagine he bought the
+others in order to get the ram."
+
+"He cheated me," said Osborn, with a savage frown. "The fellow's a
+cunning rogue. I wish he hadn't come back--confound him!" He pulled
+himself up and added: "However, about the mortgage. I suppose I must
+agree to Fisher's terms. See him and arrange the thing as soon as
+possible."
+
+Hayes went away and Osborn lighted a cigar. He had a disturbing feeling
+that he had been rash. The money would not last long and if he had not
+borrowed it, he might have paid the interest on other loans. Buying the
+sheep had really decided him to give the mortgage, since it had made him
+feel keenly the embarrassment of having very little money at command.
+There was another thing; Hayes wanted him to borrow the fresh sum,
+although a prudent agent would try to keep the estate out of debt. He
+could not see Hayes' object and felt suspicious, but while he pondered it
+began to rain and he went into the house.
+
+It rained all day and at dusk the mist had crept down the hills. The long
+grass in the meadow bent before the deluge and slanted from the wind. The
+becks began to roar in the gyhlls, and threads of foam glimmered in the
+mist. A hoarse turmoil rose from the stream that fed the tarn, and an
+angry flood, stained brown by peat, rose steadily up the dyke. There was
+no promise of better weather when Osborn went to bed, and he had known
+rain like that last for a week. In fact, he had known all the hay crop
+and the most part of the young turnips washed down the valley.
+
+The rain was heavier when, early next morning, Kit went out to move some
+sheep from a spot where the rising water might cut them off. He came back
+along the meadow dyke and stopped for a few minutes when he reached its
+weakest place. Reeds and tufts of heather whirled down the brown flood.
+Wide patches of turf and soil had fallen away, uncovering the foundation
+of boulders and gravel, and while Kit looked down a heavy stone rolled
+out of its place and plunged into the stream. Others were ready to go;
+the water was rising ominously fast and would rise for some time after
+the rain stopped. There was, however, nothing to indicate that it would
+stop, and Kit, knowing his native climate, looked about with some
+uneasiness.
+
+A hollow across the meadow to a hedge, behind which were two large turnip
+fields, and he knew this marked a former channel of the beck. It was long
+since the water had flowed that way, but his father had told him that in
+heavy floods it had some times spread across the fields and joined the
+other stream at Allerby. If this happened again, the bottom of the dale
+would be covered and the crops ruined. When he was going away, three or
+four men with picks and spades came up.
+
+"Are you going to mend the dyke?" he asked.
+
+"We're gan to try," said one. "I reckon we'll not can hoad her up if beck
+rises much."
+
+"She'll rise three or four feet," said Kit. "Is nobody else coming?"
+
+"Neabody we ken aboot. Mr. Osborn sent to Allerby first thing, but miller
+wadn't let him have a man."
+
+Kit thought hard. Bell had given up the mill and his successor had a
+dispute with Hayes. To repair the dyke properly would be a long and
+expensive business, since there were a number of weak spots, but a dozen
+men, working hard, might perhaps strengthen the threatened part
+sufficiently to bear the strain. Clearly, if they were to be of use, they
+must be found and set to work at once. In a sense, the risk was Osborn's,
+who would pay for his neglect, but the flood might damage his tenants'
+fields, and even if the damage were confined to Osborn's, Kit hated to
+see crops spoiled.
+
+"You had better begin," he said. "I'll try to get help."
+
+"Mayhappen folks will come for you, though they wadn't for t' maister,"
+one replied. "We'll need aw you can get before lang."
+
+Kit set off as fast as he could walk and, stopping for a minute at
+Ashness, sent his men. Then he went on to Allerby and at first found
+the farmers unwilling to move, but after some argument they went with
+him to the mill.
+
+"We'll hear what miller has to say," one remarked. "He kens maist aboot
+the job, sin' he had t' mend t' lade when Hayes refused. For aw that,
+mending dyke is landlord's business."
+
+"I'll not stir a hand to save Osborn's crops," the miller declared when
+he met them at the door. "His oad rogue o' an agent promised me he'd
+build up brocken lade, but when time came I had to do't mysel'."
+
+Two of the others grumbled about promises Hayes had not kept, and then
+Kit said, "All this is not important. I don't ask you to mend the dyke
+for Osborn's sake but yours. If the beck breaks through and runs down to
+Allerby, it will spoil all the hay and fill the mill-lead with rubbish."
+
+"Then we'll get compensation. Landlord's bound to keep dyke in order."
+
+Kit smiled. "You'll get nothing, unless you go to law and I don't know if
+you'll get much then. Hayes is clever and the dispute would be expensive.
+You'll certainly find it cheaper to mend the dyke."
+
+They pondered this, until the miller made a sign of agreement.
+
+"I'll not can say you're wrang. I'm coming with my two men."
+
+Kit told him to bring a horse and cart and the party set off for the
+threatened bank. The beck had risen while Kit was away and stones and
+soil slipped down into the flood. An angry turmoil indicated that the
+current had rolled the rubbish into a dam.
+
+"We've gotten our job," said the miller as he drove in his spade.
+
+They got to work, but the current that undermined the bank brought down
+the turf and soil with which they tried to fill the holes. It was plain
+that a stronger material was needed and Kit sent some men to a
+roadmaker's quarry at the bottom of the fell while he rearranged some
+harness. When he had finished he fastened an extra horse outside the
+shafts of the carts and two men drove the teams across the field. They
+went off fast, jolting the carts by their clumsy trot, but Kit knew the
+extra horse would be needed when they returned. Soon afterwards, Osborn
+came up the other bank and stopped opposite with the rain running off his
+mackintosh.
+
+"Has anybody given you leave to meddle with the dyke?" he asked.
+
+"No," said Kit. "We'll let it alone, if you like, but there won't be much
+of your hay left when the flood breaks through, and I imagine you could
+be made responsible for other damage."
+
+Osborn hesitated and Kit, seeing his frown, began to wonder whether he
+would send him away. Then he resumed: "Who engaged these men?"
+
+"I don't know that they are engaged. Anyhow, if there's a difficulty
+about their getting paid, I'm accountable."
+
+"Bring them to Tarnside when you have finished," Osborn answered
+and went off.
+
+Kit resumed his work with savage energy. He thought Osborn did not
+deserve to be helped, but this did not matter much. Others would suffer
+unless he finished the job he had undertaken and it almost looked as if
+the flood would beat him. The trench from which they dug the soil they
+needed filled with water, the spades got slippery with rain and mud,
+and the horses sank in the trampled slough. Kit, however, had made his
+plans while he looked for help and had forgotten nothing that he might
+want. Hammers, drills, and a can of powder had been brought, and now
+and then a dull report rolled across the dale and heavy stones crashed
+in the quarry.
+
+When he had stone enough he and one or two others stood on the front of
+the bank with the water washing round their legs while they built up the
+ragged blocks. The pieces were hard to fit and sometimes the rude wall
+broke when the men on top threw down the backing of soil. Kit tore his
+hand on a sharp corner, but persisted while the blood ran down his
+fingers and his wet clothes stuck to his skin. The others supported him
+well and he only stopped for breath and to wipe from his eyes the water
+that trickled off his soaked hat. The loaded cart, ploughing through the
+mire, met the other going back; the men at the quarry kept him supplied,
+and when he had made a foundation the bank began to rise. For all that,
+the beck rose almost as fast, and at noon they had not gained much on the
+flood. Kit was doubtful, but on the whole thought it prudent to let the
+men stop. They had worked hard and could not keep it up without a rest.
+
+When they collected with their dinner cans under a dripping hedge, one
+remarked: "Mayhappen we'd better wait for Osborn to send cold meat and
+ale. I'll mak' a start with bread and cheese."
+
+The others grinned, but Kit got up as he heard a rattle of wheels. "Don't
+begin just yet. Two of you go to the gate."
+
+The men came back with a big jar and a basket, and the others gathered
+round when Kit took off the clean, wet cloth.
+
+"Yon lunch niver came fra Tarnside; it's ower good and liberal," said
+one. "Ashness folk dinna believe in sending a half-empty jar."
+
+When they had eaten and drunk, one or two tried to light their pipes but
+gave it up and they got to work again. Kit's hand hurt; it was long since
+he had undertaken much manual labor, and his muscles felt horribly stiff.
+He knew, however, that the men needed a leader, not a superintendent, and
+he would not urge them to efforts he shirked. And a leader was all they
+needed. They had no liking for Osborn, but they were stubborn and now
+they had begun they meant to finish. Shovels clinked, stones rattled from
+the carts, and the pile of earth and rock rose faster than the flood.
+
+In the meantime the mist got thicker and the rain swept the valley. The
+long grass near the trench was trodden into pulp where the turf was cut,
+the surface of the bank melted, and the men stumbled as they climbed it
+with their loads. The wheelbarrows poured down water as well as sticky
+soil, and Kit's clothes got stiff with mud. Despite this, he held out
+until, in the evening, the strengthened dyke stood high above the stream.
+Then he threw down his spade and stretched his aching arms.
+
+"I think she'll hold the water back and we can do no more," said Kit.
+
+The others gathered up their tools and climbing into the carts drove down
+the dale. When they reached the Tarnside lodge Kit pulled up.
+
+"You have done a good job for Osborn and there's no reason you shouldn't
+get your pay," he said.
+
+Two or three jumped down, without much enthusiasm, and the old gardener
+came out and gave one an envelope.
+
+"For Mr. Askew," he remarked.
+
+"Is that all?" the other asked, and the gardener grinned.
+
+"That's all. What did you expect?"
+
+The man took the envelope to Kit and the rest waited with some curiosity.
+They were very tired and big drops fell on them as the wind shook the
+dripping trees. Kit opened the envelope and his face flushed as he took
+out a note addressed to Hayes.
+
+"Pay C. Askew and the men whose names follow one day's wages, on estate
+account," it ran.
+
+This was all and the sum noted at the bottom represented the lowest
+payment for unskilled labor. Kit handed the note to his companions and
+while some laughed ironically two or three swore.
+
+"Next time beck's in flood Osborn can mend his dyke himsel'," said one.
+"If five minutes' digging wad save Tarnside Hall, I'd sooner lose my hay
+than stir a hand!"
+
+Then they got into the carts, and drove off in the rain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+KIT TELLS A STORY
+
+
+The rain stopped at night, the next day was fine, and in the afternoon
+Kit went up the dale to look at the mended dyke. It had stood better
+than he had thought, the beck was falling, and Osborn's fields were safe
+until another flood came down. Kit did not know if he was pleased or
+not. There was some satisfaction in feeling that he had done a good job,
+but he did not think Osborn deserved the help his neighbors had given.
+Following the dyke until he came to the road, he sat down on the bridge
+and lighted his pipe.
+
+The sun was hot and he was glad of the shade of a big alder whose leaves
+rustled languidly overhead. The bent-grass on the hillside shone a warm
+yellow, wet rocks glittered like silver in the strong light, and the
+higher slopes, where belts of green moss checkered the heather, were
+streaked by lines of snowy foam. All was very quiet, except for the noise
+of running water and the joyous notes of a lark. Kit was not much of a
+philosopher; action was easier to him than abstract thought, but he
+vaguely felt that the serenity of the dale was marred by human passion.
+Man was, no doubt, meant to struggle, but Nature was his proper
+antagonist, and while the fight against floods and snow was bracing, one
+gained nothing by shabby quarrels that sprang from pride and greed.
+
+Kit was human, however, and owned that he had felt savage when he read
+Osborn's note. The fellow had meant to humiliate him, and he got hot
+again as he thought about it. Moreover, Osborn had, so to speak, for his
+sake, insulted the men he had persuaded to help. They had not worked for
+wages, when they fought the swollen beck, and some kindly acknowledgment,
+such as a supper at the hall, would have gone far to gain for Osborn a
+good will that money could not buy. Anyhow, since he offered pay, the sum
+ought to have been a just reward for their toil.
+
+Osborn had been led by personal rancor, and there was no use in Kit's
+pretending he did not resent it. The fellow seemed to think he had a
+right to command, and got savage when people would not obey. Kit felt he
+had done nothing to deserve his hatred, but since Osborn did hate him, he
+must brace himself for a struggle, and he meant to win. Then, as he
+knocked out his pipe, he saw Grace.
+
+For a few moments Kit hesitated. If Grace knew how Osborn had rewarded
+him, the meeting might be awkward, but there was nothing to be gained by
+putting it off. He meant to marry Grace, whether Osborn approved or not,
+and to some extent frankness was needful. He waited until she reached the
+bridge and got up when she stopped. There was some color in her face, but
+she gave him a steady look.
+
+"I have been to see the mended dyke," she said, and he knew that she
+had pluck.
+
+"It's a rough job. There was no time to finish it neatly."
+
+"I'm surprised you were able to finish it at all."
+
+"I mustn't claim all the credit," Kit rejoined, smiling. "There were a
+number of others as well as the Tarnside men."
+
+Grace made an impatient gesture. "Our men could have done nothing useful
+if they had been left alone, and the others wouldn't have helped if you
+had not persuaded them. Why did you?"
+
+"To some extent, my object was selfish. If the flood had broken through,
+it might have done much damage to all the crops, besides your father's."
+
+"It could not have damaged yours."
+
+"Oh, well," said Kit, "I hate to see things spoiled, and am afraid I'm
+meddlesome."
+
+Grace's color rose, but she fixed her eyes on him. "That is not kind; I
+hardly think it's just. I have not accused you of meddling."
+
+"No," said Kit; "I'm sorry! It was a stupid remark. But I expect you know
+what your father thinks."
+
+Grace was silent for a few moments. She did know and would rather not
+have met Kit, but was too proud to turn back. Besides, she felt her
+father was prejudiced, and although it was a family tradition that the
+Osborns stood together, she rebelled and wanted to be just. The situation
+was embarrassing, but there was no use in pretense.
+
+"I think you were generous and imagine my mother agrees," she said. "She
+wanted to send some lunch to the beck, but the rain was very heavy and
+there was nobody to go." Then, remembering something Osborn had said, she
+hesitated. "I understand your helpers were paid."
+
+"Oh, yes," said Kit, not with malice, but because he saw he must be
+frank. "I was not left out."
+
+Grace turned her head. This was worse than she had thought. She was
+angry, and would not let Kit think she approved. Her eyes sparkled as she
+looked up. "Ah," she said, "you deserved something very different! I wish
+you had not told me!"
+
+"I didn't tell you because I was hurt," Kit replied with grave
+quietness. "It looks as if we had got to face things. Your father thinks
+me his enemy. I'm not; I have never tried to injure him, and if the dyke
+was threatened by another flood, I believe I'd mend it. But, whatever
+happens, I mean to do what I think proper, and it's possible we may
+clash again."
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "I am afraid this may happen."
+
+"Well, I value your friendship and don't mean to give it up, but I can't
+pretend, and think you wouldn't be deceived if I tried."
+
+"You mean you would not do what you thought was shabby in order to
+avoid a clash?"
+
+"I mean something like that. Now you know how things are, you must
+choose your line. I can't judge how far your duty to your parents binds
+you; you can."
+
+Grace felt her heart beat and was silent for a moment or two.
+
+"I cannot criticize my father's deeds and agree with people who are
+opposed to him," she said. "All the same, unless he expressly orders it,
+I cannot give up my friends."
+
+Kit tried to hide his satisfaction. "We'll let it go; I understand!"
+
+He expected her to move away, and wondered whether it was tactful for him
+to stop, but to his surprise she smiled and sat down on the bridge.
+
+"Very well. Suppose we talk about something else? The shade is nice, and
+I need not go home yet. You promised to tell me about your adventures and
+your uncle. I think you called him a survival from the old romantic days
+when the pirates haunted the Gulf of Mexico."
+
+Kit pondered as he leaned against the alder trunk. He thought Grace meant
+to banish the strain; anyhow, she was willing to stay and he wanted her
+to do so. It was strangely pleasant to loiter on the bridge with her
+while the shadows trembled on the road and the beck murmured in the
+shade. But if he meant to keep her, he must talk, and although he did
+not want to say much about his adventures he had a story to tell. The
+story was moving, if he could tell it properly.
+
+"I'm not clever at drawing a portrait, but I'd like to try," he said.
+"For one thing, my subject's worth the effort; and then, you see, I was
+fond of Adam. In some ways, he was not romantic; in fact, he was
+remarkably practical. His bold strokes were made deliberately, after
+calculating the cost; but now and then one got a hint of something
+strangely romantic and in a sense extravagant. Yet human nature's
+curious. When he played out a losing game, knowing he would lose, it was
+not from sentimental impulse but a firm persuasion it was worth while."
+He paused, and gave Grace an apologetic glance. "I'm afraid this is
+rather foggy. Perhaps I'd better begin where I met him, at a Florida
+hotel--if I'm not boring you."
+
+Grace said she was not bored and Kit, gaining confidence, narrated how
+they bumped the _Rio Negro_ across the surf-swept shoals, landed the
+guns, and met Alvarez. His own part in their adventures was lightly
+indicated, but the girl's imagination supplied what he left out. She felt
+strangely interested as Kit's portrait of his uncle grew into shape,
+although her thoughts dwelt largely on the artist. Then the
+background--the steamy swamp, old presidio, and dazzling town--had a
+romantic fascination, and when he told her about the journey to the
+mission and the church where the candles that Adam sent burned before the
+Virgin's shrine, her eyes shone.
+
+"Ah," she said, "I am glad you told me! One thinks better of human nature
+after hearing a tale like that. In a way, it's a rebuke. Are such men
+numerous?"
+
+"I have known two. Perhaps it's a coincidence that both were my
+relations. They're commoner than people think."
+
+"You're an optimist, but one likes optimists," Grace remarked with a
+gentle smile. "However, what had the president done to deserve the
+sacrifice your uncle made?"
+
+"I never knew, but suspect it was something against the laws of his
+country. If I told my story properly, you would understand that both were
+buccaneers."
+
+"But they had their code! I like the president and your uncle was very
+fine. One feels moved when one thinks about the shabby little altar and
+the candles love had lighted that never went out--all those years! Adam's
+wife loved him. She went to nurse him, although her friends warned her
+and she knew the risk."
+
+Grace mused for a time and Kit thought her face disturbed. Then she
+looked up quietly.
+
+"One needs courage to know the risk and not to hesitate. But you will
+keep those candles burning?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit, "I promised. Besides, I like to think they're burning.
+It means something."
+
+"It means much," Grace agreed, and after a pause resumed: "You had no
+doubt about taking up your uncle's engagement with the president,
+although you saw what it might cost?"
+
+"Of course not," Kit replied. "There was nothing else to be done."
+
+Grace smiled and got up. "No," she said, "there was nothing else you
+could do. Well, I must go home."
+
+Kit went back with her for some distance. They talked but little on the
+way, but when she left him she gave him her hand and a look that made his
+heart beat.
+
+Soon after Grace reached Tarnside, Osborn crossed the lawn to the
+tea-table where she and Mrs. Osborn sat beneath a spreading copper-beech.
+His face was thoughtful when Mrs. Osborn gave him a cup.
+
+"I met the post as I was driving home," he said. "There's a letter
+from Gerald."
+
+"Has he any news?" Mrs. Osborn asked.
+
+"Nothing important. He's well and says he's kept occupied, which is
+fortunate. In fact, the harder they work him, the better; I'd sooner
+Gerald did not have much time on his hands."
+
+"Then, why did he write?" Grace asked, because Gerald's letters were by
+no means regular.
+
+"I hope he did not want money," Mrs. Osborn remarked.
+
+"No," said Osborn. "That is, he did not want it for himself." He
+hesitated, and then resumed: "He states that if I could raise a moderate
+sum, he knows how we could make a very satisfactory profit in a short
+time. It seems he has got a useful hint."
+
+Grace laughed. "About a racehorse? Gerald is always hopeful, but his
+confidence in his ability to spot the winner is dangerous. It has been so
+often misplaced."
+
+"This has nothing to do with racing," Osborn rejoined angrily. "Gerald
+knows the consequences of indulging his folly again. There's a difference
+between betting and buying shares."
+
+"I don't know if the difference is very marked," said Grace, with a
+curious feeling of annoyance, for there was a note in Osborn's voice that
+jarred. He was, like Gerald, a gambler, greedy for money he had not
+earned, and she thought about the story Kit had told. Its hero had risked
+and lost his life, and Kit had paid in health and fortune, because they
+put honor before gain. For all that, she knew she had said enough when
+she saw Osborn's frown.
+
+"Gerald is young, but he holds a responsible post and has opportunities
+of meeting important stock-brokers and business men," Osborn went on,
+turning to his wife. "He is, of course, optimistic and has been rash, but
+after all he may have found out something useful. He declares the
+venture is absolutely safe."
+
+"But you have no money to invest," Mrs. Osborn insisted anxiously.
+
+"As a matter of fact, I have some. You see, I borrowed a sum not long
+since on Ryecote."
+
+"Oh!" said Mrs. Osborn, with a resigned gesture, and then braced herself.
+"But if you have got the money, it ought not to be used for speculation.
+There is much that needs to be done on the estate."
+
+"That is so; it was my reason for borrowing. All the same, it would be a
+very long time before I got back what I meant to spend on drains and
+steadings. Besides, the repairs and improvements need not be made just
+yet, and I might be able to use the money and earn a good profit first."
+
+"You might lose it all," Mrs. Osborn insisted. "Gerald is rash and
+business men don't tell young bank-clerks important secrets. Then,
+although it was a shock to hear you had mortgaged Ryecote, the money is
+so badly needed that it must not be risked." She paused and resumed with
+some color in her face, "It is hard to own, but perhaps Gerald is not
+altogether to be trusted."
+
+Osborn moved abruptly. His wife had touched the doubt that made him
+hesitate; in fact, this was a matter upon which he wanted her advice. She
+knew her son and had judged right when Osborn had been deceived.
+
+"Well," he said, knitting his brows, "I haven't quite decided. I had
+thought about asking for particulars, but after all Gerald's hint may not
+be worth much and unless one is really well informed speculation is
+dangerous."
+
+He looked round and saw Thorn. The latter had come up without disturbing
+the group and now joined them with a smile.
+
+"I heard your last remark," he said. "My opinion is your views are
+sound. It is very rash to speculate on shares you don't know much about."
+
+Mrs. Osborn felt disturbed, because she wondered how much he had heard,
+but he went on carelessly: "Gerald's too young for one to trust his
+judgment. My advice is, leave the thing alone."
+
+Grace gave him a grateful glance. She did not like Alan Thorn, but he was
+cautious and she saw that Osborn was hesitating. It would not need much
+persuasion to move him one way or the other, and she felt that to let
+Gerald have the money would be a dangerous mistake.
+
+"You really think I had better keep out of it?" Osborn asked.
+
+"Certainly," said Thorn. "Only a few of the big jobbers can form an
+accurate notion how prices ought to go. For people like us speculation is
+a plunge in the dark."
+
+Osborn was silent for a few moments, but Grace saw that he was pulled in
+different ways by caution and greed. Then, to her relief, he made a sign
+of agreement.
+
+"Oh, well! I'll let the thing alone."
+
+Thorn sat down and when Mrs. Osborn had given him some tea they talked
+about other matters. Presently Grace got up and he walked with her
+across the lawn.
+
+"Were you satisfied with the advice I gave your father?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said Grace frankly. "I think he was tempted; I was glad you came."
+
+"After all, a hint that he'd better be prudent did not cost me much. You
+know I'd do more than that to help you."
+
+"You did all that was necessary," Grace replied. "You have my thanks."
+
+Thorn glanced at her keenly, but there was something chilling in her
+calm.
+
+"Well, I'm going to London in a day or two and it might be advisable to
+look Gerald up. I will, if you like."
+
+"Yes," said Grace. "If it doesn't give you much trouble."
+
+She left him and Thorn stood still, frowning. Grace was always like
+that, friendly but elusive. No matter how he tried, he could not break
+down her reserve.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THORN MAKES A PLAN
+
+
+Thorn went up to town and one evening loitered about the hall of his
+club. London rather bored him, but he went there now and then, because he
+felt one ought to keep in touch with things. It was, in a sense, one's
+duty to know what was going on, and the news he picked up helped him to
+look well informed. Thorn had not much imagination, but he was cautious,
+calculating, and generally saw where his advantage lay. His small estate
+was managed well, in general his tenants liked him, and his investments
+were sound. Nevertheless, he was dissatisfied; he had waited long for
+Grace Osborn, and feared that in spite of her father's approval he got no
+nearer her.
+
+Alan Thorn was not romantic but his love for Grace was, to some extent, a
+generous emotion. He knew Osborn's poverty, and it was plain that if he
+married Grace he might have to help him out of his embarrassments. He was
+fond of money and had grounds for imagining that the daughter of a rich
+neighbor would not refuse him; but he wanted Grace and saw he could not
+wait much longer. He was fastidious about his clothes, and their color
+and loose cut prevented people remarking that he was getting fat; his
+dark hair was carefully brushed. He knew, however, that he was getting
+heavier fast and that he would soon be bald.
+
+He had meant to go out, but had no particular object and the streets were
+hot; besides, after the quiet country, he liked the bustle in the hall.
+People were beginning to come in and one could see the crowd stream past
+the glass doors. Sitting down in a corner he began to muse. Although he
+had been in town some time, he had not seen Gerald. He had called at the
+latter's lodgings and found him not at home, while when he went to the
+bank he was told that Gerald had been sent to manage a small branch
+office. Thorn thought it strange that Osborn had said nothing about this
+and wondered whether he knew. Gerald was extravagant and much less frank
+than he looked; he might have had an object for hiding his promotion.
+Thorn understood that Osborn made him some allowance, but it was hard to
+see how the young man was able to belong to his rather expensive club.
+
+After a time, Gerald came in and glanced at two or three men who stood
+about. At first, Thorn imagined he was looking for him, but saw he was
+not. Gerald went into the telephone box close by and shut the door with a
+jerky movement. It jarred and then swung back a few inches as if the
+shock had jolted the spring. Thorn, whose curiosity was excited, listened
+and heard the number Gerald asked for. Then he heard him say:
+
+"Yes--Osborn! Is that Sanderson? Yes--I said _Ermentrudes_. Any chance
+of a recovery? What--none at all? Can't hear--oh, sell at once!
+Margin's gone."
+
+Next moment Gerald obviously saw that the door was open, for he banged it
+noisily and Thorn heard nothing more. He had, however, heard enough to
+give him food for thought and waited until Gerald came out. The young man
+stood still with his mouth firmly set and his eyes fixed on the wall as
+if he saw nobody. His clothes were in the latest fashion, but the look of
+fastidious languidness that generally marked him had gone. Turning
+abruptly, he went up the stairs, and Thorn entered the telephone box and
+opened the directory. When he came out he went up to a man he knew.
+
+"Can you tell me anything about Short and Sanderson, stockbrokers?"
+he asked.
+
+"Not much," said the other. "They're outside brokers. I imagine they're
+trustworthy, but it's better to do business through a member of the
+Exchange. You'll find it a good rule."
+
+"Thank you," said Thorn, who went upstairs to the smoking-room and found
+Gerald sitting in front of a table, with a newspaper that dealt with
+financial matters.
+
+"Hallo!" said Thorn. "I have been expecting you for some days. I suppose
+you got my message?"
+
+Gerald looked up and his smile was strained. "I did, but have been much
+engaged. Sit down and join me in a drink."
+
+"What have you ordered?" Thorn asked, and shrugged when Gerald told him.
+
+"That goes better after dinner. I'd sooner have something cool and
+light."
+
+"Oh, well," said Gerald. "I felt I needed bracing. The fact is, I've had
+a knock--"
+
+He stopped as a waiter came up and said nothing until the man had gone.
+Then he drained his glass and turned to Thorn.
+
+"I'm in a hole. Can you lend me two thousand pounds?"
+
+Thorn hid his surprise. He thought urgent need had forced Gerald to make
+his blunt request; it was not his way to plunge at things like that.
+
+"You asked your father for a smaller sum."
+
+"They told you about my letter? Well, things have changed since; changed
+for the worse."
+
+"They must have changed rather quickly," Thorn remarked, for his
+suspicion was excited and he thought he saw a light. Gerald had been
+embarrassed when he wrote to Osborn, and had not wanted the money to
+invest but to help him to escape the consequences of some extravagance.
+
+"That has nothing to do with it," Gerald rejoined. "Will you let me have
+the money? You can, if you like."
+
+"To begin with, you had better tell me why you want so large a sum."
+
+Gerald hesitated and his eyelids twitched nervously, but he pulled
+himself together and Thorn wondered how far he would stick to the truth.
+He knew Gerald and did not trust him.
+
+"Very well; I bought some shares. There was good ground for expecting
+they'd go up--"
+
+"They went down? When did you buy?"
+
+"Your meaning's plain," said Gerald sullenly. "If you insist, it was
+before I wrote home."
+
+"I suspected something like that. However, you have the shares and they
+may go up again."
+
+"I haven't got the shares. I bought on a margin, and the margin's gone."
+
+"Then, you're rasher than I thought," Thorn rejoined with a searching
+look. "Well, you have lost your money and it's something of a surprise to
+hear you had so much. Anyhow, it was yours, and although the loss is
+serious, I don't understand how you're embarrassed."
+
+"I borrowed," said Gerald, rather hoarsely. "You can wait; the other
+fellow won't. Then, of course, if I renewed the margin, the shares might
+recover and put me straight."
+
+Thorn pondered. Gerald's statement was plausible, but he doubted if he
+had told him all.
+
+"Two thousand pounds is a large sum," he said. "I don't know yet if I can
+lend it you."
+
+Gerald gave him a steady look. His face was haggard and the sweat ran
+down his forehead. It was obvious that he was desperate.
+
+"If you hope to marry my sister, you had better help me out."
+
+"I haven't much ground for thinking your sister will agree," Thorn
+rejoined with some dryness. "Anyhow, it's doubtful if your influence
+would go far with her, if that is what you mean."
+
+"It is not what I mean," Gerald answered in a hoarse voice. "I have given
+you a useful hint. You can spare two thousand pounds, and if you let me
+have the money, you'll be glad you did."
+
+"I must think about it. You can call me up on the telephone at noon
+to-morrow."
+
+Gerald hesitated, and then made an abrupt movement as a man came into the
+room. The latter crossed the floor and Gerald got up.
+
+"Very well," he said, and went off.
+
+Soon after Gerald had gone, the man Thorn had met in the hall came in and
+he asked: "Do you know anything about _Ermentrudes_, Norton? I suppose
+they're mining shares?"
+
+"I wouldn't advise you to invest," the other replied. "The company has
+seldom paid a dividend, but not long since a rumor got about that a new
+shaft had bottomed on rich ore." He paused and shrugged. "Nobody knows
+how such tales are started, but they appeal to optimistic outsiders who
+like to think they've got a secret tip. Anyhow, there was some reckless
+buying by people who expected developments at the shareholders' meeting.
+They were disappointed, and are knocking prices down by their anxiety to
+sell out."
+
+Thorn thanked him and began to think. He wondered where Gerald had
+managed to get two thousand pounds, since he imagined that nobody would
+lend him the sum. He did not know much about banking, but it was possible
+that Gerald had used his employers' money, hoping to replace it before he
+was found out. Then, since two thousand pounds, used for a margin, would
+cover a large number of shares, it looked as if Gerald had lost part of
+the sum by previous speculations. While he pondered, the man whose entry
+had seemed to disturb Gerald came to his table and sat down opposite.
+
+"You obviously know young Osborn," he remarked.
+
+Thorn said nothing for a moment or two. Hallam was not a public
+money-lender, but sometimes negotiated private loans for extravagant
+young men about town. One meets such people now and then at smart London
+clubs, and Thorn imagined the fellow could throw some light on Gerald's
+difficulties.
+
+"We come from the same neighborhood," he replied.
+
+"His father is a large landowner, I believe?"
+
+"He has some land," said Thorn, who began to see his way. He had not yet
+decided to help Gerald, but if he did, his help must be made as valuable
+as possible. "The rents are low and the estate is encumbered," he
+resumed. "On the whole, I don't think you would consider it good
+security."
+
+"Thank you for the hint. Osborn looked as if he had got a jar."
+
+"I think he had. He bought some shares that have gone down sharply, and
+since he's a bank-clerk I expect the loss is a serious thing for him."
+
+Hallam nodded carelessly. "No doubt! Do you know a man called Askew?"
+
+"I know something about him. He owns a farm in the dale and has recently
+spent some money on improvements, although it's doubtful if he'll get
+much return. I can't tell you if he has any more or not, but imagine he's
+not worth your bothering about. Besides, he's not the man I'd expect to
+get into debt."
+
+"Mr. Askew has not been trying to borrow," Hallam answered with a smile.
+"Well, I promised to meet a friend and mustn't stop."
+
+He went away and Thorn sat still, pondering. The other men went out by
+and by and the room was quiet except for the rumble of traffic in the
+street and the rattle of an electric fan. A waiter pulled down a blind
+to shut out a bright sunbeam and Thorn found the shade and softened
+noises from outside helpful to thought.
+
+Gerald had used money belonging to the bank and borrowed from Hallam in
+order to pay it back; although Thorn could not see what had persuaded the
+latter to lend. It was strange, certainly, that Hallam had inquired about
+Askew, but in the meantime he could let this go. Gerald was threatened by
+a danger money could avert, and Thorn could help. If he did help, it
+would give him a claim to Osborn's gratitude, although he could not tell
+how far this would influence Grace. The Osborns cherished the
+old-fashioned traditions of their class, and anything that touched one
+touched all. Grace, however, was modern and rebellious, and Thorn knew
+she did not like him much. He was not afraid to risk his money, but he
+must not waste an opportunity he might not get again, and the opportunity
+could be used in one of two ways.
+
+He could free Gerald from his entanglements and, using no pressure, leave
+her parents' gratitude to work on Grace. This was the proper line and
+would enable him to play a generous part; had he been younger, he would
+not have hesitated, but he saw a risk. He was beginning to look old and
+unless Grace married him soon, must give her up. The other line, although
+not attractive, promised greater security. Before he helped he must state
+his terms and force Osborn to agree. Grace could not struggle, because
+her refusal would involve the family in Gerald's disgrace. Thorn saw the
+plan had drawbacks, but Grace was young and, if he indulged and petted
+her, she would, no doubt, get to like him and forget his hardness. He had
+heard of marriages made like this that turned out happily.
+
+For a time he sat with his brows knitted and his mouth set. He would have
+liked to be generous, but he loved the girl and could not force himself
+to run the risk of losing her. Nevertheless, he honestly tried, and
+afterwards remembered with strange distinctness the soft rattle of the
+electric fan and the dull roll of traffic that throbbed in the quiet room
+while he fought the losing fight. The sunbeam the waiter had shut out
+crept on to another window and shone on the fluted pillars before he got
+up. His face was very hard, for he had chosen his line and knew he must
+take it without doubt or pity.
+
+Going down to the hall, he called up Gerald's branch bank. A clerk who
+was working late replied that Mr. Osborn had gone.
+
+"I know," said Thorn, giving his name. "Make a note to tell him he need
+not call on me to-morrow. I find I am unable to do what he requires."
+
+"Very well," said the clerk. "I'll give him the message in the morning."
+
+Thorn rang the bell and, leaving the box, asked for a railway guide.
+There was nothing to be gained by stopping in London and he looked up the
+best train for the north.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+GERALD'S RETURN
+
+
+Thorn went home and waited, confident that Osborn would presently send
+for him. The estate was heavily mortgaged, Osborn had no rich friends,
+and when the blow fell would look to Thorn for the aid nobody else could
+give. In the meantime, Osborn, enjoying a short relief from financial
+strain, squandered in personal extravagance part of the sum he had
+borrowed, and then set drainers, carpenters, and builders to work. He
+liked spending and now tried to persuade himself that the money he was
+laying out would give him some return. It ought to last until he had
+finished the renovations his tenants demanded, and although difficulties
+might arise afterwards, he would wait until they did. Indeed, his wife
+and daughter found him better humored than he had been for long.
+
+Then, one evening when the hay was harvested and the corn was ripening,
+his satisfaction was rudely banished. Grace had gone to the lodge with a
+message and stopped for a few minutes by the gate. The evening was calm
+and one side of the placid tarn glittered in the light; the other was
+dark, and soft blue shadows covered the fells behind. She heard the
+languid splash of ripples on the stones and the murmur of a beck in a
+distant ghyll. A strange restful tranquillity brooded over the dale.
+
+Grace felt the calm soothing, for her thoughts were not a little
+disturbed. She had met Thorn in the afternoon and noted a puzzling change
+in his manner. So far, she had been able to check his cautious advances,
+but she now remarked a new confidence that seemed to indicate he had some
+power in reserve. She admitted that she might have imagined this, but it
+troubled her.
+
+Afterwards she had met Kit and the comfort the meeting gave her had
+forced her to think. Their friendship had gone far; in fact, it had
+reached a point friendship could not pass. Kit was not yet her lover, but
+she thought he waited for a sign that she would acknowledge him when he
+made his claim. She liked Kit; she had not met a man she liked so much.
+This, however, did not imply that she was willing to marry him. Although
+she now and then rebelled against conventions, she had inherited some of
+Osborn's prejudices, and her mother sprang from old-fashioned land-owning
+stock. Kit belonged to another class; the life he led was different. She
+had been taught to enjoy cultivated idleness, broken by outdoor sports
+and social amusements; but Kit was a worker, farming for money and
+resolved to make his efforts pay. His wife must help and Grace did not
+know if this daunted her or not.
+
+Moreover, if she married Kit, she must quarrel with her parents. She knew
+what Osborn thought about him. Had she been sure she loved Kit, the
+choice would have been easier, but although she blushed as she mused,
+this was too much to own. Yet he loved her, and after all--
+
+She let the matter go and looked up, for there were steps in the shadowy
+road. Then a figure came into the fading light, and she started and ran
+to the gate.
+
+"Gerald!" she exclaimed. "Why have you come home?"
+
+"Somehow you don't feel flattered when people ask you why you came,"
+Gerald rejoined with a forced smile. "It rather indicates surprise than
+satisfaction."
+
+"I am surprised," Grace admitted, trying to hide her vague alarm. "We
+did not expect you. How did you getaway?"
+
+"I took a week's leave. I haven't been very fit."
+
+Grace gave him a sharp glance and thought he looked ill. His face was
+pinched, his eyes were furtive, and his mouth was slack.
+
+"What has been the matter?" she asked.
+
+"Nothing very much," Gerald replied. "Mental strain, I expect. Managing a
+bank is a big job and I'm not used to responsibility."
+
+It looked as if his carelessness cost him an effort and Grace said
+nothing. When they reached the house Gerald resumed: "You'll hear all
+about it later. Is the chief at home?"
+
+Grace nodded. They had seldom called Osborn father, but chief and head of
+the clan, and she thought it significant that Gerald used the name he
+often falteringly employed after boyish escapades. She began to feel that
+there was something wrong.
+
+"He's in the library," she said.
+
+"That's satisfactory, as far as it goes," Gerald remarked, climbing the
+steps. "The sooner I see him, the sooner I'll get through the thing." He
+paused and gave Grace an anxious glance. "You'll stand by me? You
+generally did."
+
+"I suppose so," Grace agreed. "But I don't know your difficulties and
+what you want."
+
+"You will know soon," Gerald rejoined and shrugged his shoulders. "Well,
+it's an awkward business; I've got to brace up."
+
+He left her and went to the library, where Osborn sat at the big oak
+table with some letters and a wine glass in front of him. The spacious
+room was mostly in shadow, but a ray of fading light shone in through the
+tall west window. Gerald avoided the illumination as he advanced, and
+stopped in the gloom opposite Osborn, who straightened his body with a
+jerk and upset the glass.
+
+"Well?" he said harshly. "Why have you left the bank?"
+
+"The wine is running across the table and on to your clothes.
+Shall I ring?"
+
+"No," said Osborn, pushing his chair back noisily. "Let it run! Stand
+still or sit down. Tell me why you came."
+
+"To begin with, I have left the bank for good."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn grimly, "I suspected something like this! You mean they
+turned you out? Well, you are consistent in your habits. You left school
+in similar circumstances, you left Woolwich, and now--"
+
+"I was not turned out, sir. They gave me a week's leave, but I
+can't go back."
+
+Osborn frowned. Things had been going well and he had thought himself
+free from trouble for a time, but it looked as if he would get his worst
+jar. He tried to preserve his calm and said with a touch of weariness:
+
+"Tell me what has happened and keep as near the truth as is
+possible for you."
+
+Gerald told him, standing back in the shadow and not pausing to choose
+his words. It was an ugly story that could not be toned down and he knew
+if he stopped he could not go on again. Although Osborn said nothing, his
+face got red and the veins on his forehead swelled, and Gerald found his
+silence strangely daunting. When the latter stopped, Osborn got up and
+stood, rather shakily, with his hand clenched.
+
+"Get out of my sight, you despicable thief!" he cried. "My control is
+going. If you stand and fidget there, I'll knock you down!"
+
+"There wouldn't be much use in that, although I deserve it," Gerald
+replied. "It's too late for excuses. The situation's dangerous. You have
+got to help me out."
+
+"I can't help," said Osborn in a strained, hoarse voice. "Why didn't you
+leave the country instead of coming home?"
+
+Gerald forced a nervous smile. "The reason ought to be obvious, sir; I
+might be brought back. We must get over the need for me to go. You see,
+the bill must be met. If it's dishonored, everybody who knows us will
+have something to talk about."
+
+"I thought you a fool," said Osborn bitterly. "You are a fool, but you
+have a vein of devilish cunning. You steal and forge; and then expect to
+shuffle off the consequences on to your relatives!"
+
+He pulled himself up, for Gerald's coolness was steadying. "However, I
+must understand. What will happen when the lender finds you cannot pay?"
+
+"The usual course would be for him to go to the endorser," Gerald replied
+and added with some awkwardness: "I mean the man whose name I used. His
+signature's a guarantee and makes him liable. Still, as Hallam's a
+tactful fellow, it's possible he'll first come to you."
+
+"Do you mean he's suspicious?"
+
+"I don't know. He took off an extortionate discount for a very
+short loan."
+
+"How much did he lend you?"
+
+"The bill was for two thousand pounds."
+
+Osborn made a helpless gesture. "I can't pay. The money I borrowed is
+partly spent and the rest must go for wages and material. You can't put
+wages off--"
+
+He stopped and sat down limply. The shock was beginning to tell. He felt
+dull and had no reserve of moral strength to sustain him now his fury had
+gone. Gerald saw this and knew that guidance must come from him. He
+waited, however, and Osborn went on:
+
+"It's ridiculous that we should be ruined for two thousand pounds; but
+there it is! If I try to borrow from my friends, I must tell why I need
+the money. And I don't know who would lend."
+
+"Thorn might," Gerald suggested meaningly. "I asked him and he wouldn't,
+but I don't think his refusal was final."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn, with a start. "Why do you think it was not?"
+
+"I imagine he has another plan; he means to wait until it's obvious we
+must have his help. Then he can ask what he likes."
+
+For a moment, Osborn's anger blazed up again. "I see where you are
+leading, you contemptible cur! You expect your sister to pay for you!"
+
+"It would be a good marriage," said Gerald, awkwardly. "I thought you
+wanted it."
+
+"Stop!" exclaimed Osborn, and rested his elbows on the table, with his
+shoulders bent.
+
+He had wanted Grace to marry Thorn, but his domineering temper did not
+carry him as far as Gerald thought. He had hoped that by and by Grace
+would consent; it was ridiculous to imagine she would long refuse to see
+the advantages that were plain to him, but to force her to pay for her
+brother's fault was another thing. Although Grace was rebellious, he had
+some love for her. In fact, he revolted from the plan and felt he hated
+Thorn for the pressure he could use. He was nearly resigned to letting
+things go and facing the threatened disaster.
+
+For a minute or two, he did not move and Gerald got horribly cramped as
+he stood opposite. The room was getting dark and Osborn's figure was
+indistinct, but his quietness hinted at a struggle, Gerald began to feel
+anxious, because he had not expected his father to hesitate. At length
+Osborn looked up.
+
+"You haven't told me whose name you used."
+
+"Askew's," said Gerald, with a tremor. He knew he could use no stronger
+argument, but felt afraid.
+
+"Askew's!" shouted Osborn, straightening his bent shoulders with a savage
+jerk. "This is more than I can bear. Was there nobody you could rob but
+the man who has plotted against me since he came home from school?" He
+stopped and gasped as if his rage were choking him and it was some
+moments before he went on: "You have given the fellow power to humble us
+and drag our name in the mud. Can't you imagine how he'll exult? Our
+honor in Askew's hands! It's unthinkable!"
+
+"If the bill isn't met, the holder will apply to Askew," Gerald said as
+coolly as he could.
+
+Osborn's muscles relaxed and he sank back into his limp pose. His hand
+shook as he wiped his wet forehead.
+
+"You have said enough. Leave me alone. I must try to think."
+
+Gerald went out and drew a deep breath when he reached the landing. He
+felt shaky and ashamed, but knew he had won. The shutting of the door
+gave Osborn some relief. The anger and disgust Gerald excited had
+confused his brain, but now the lad had gone he saw no light. There was
+but one way of escape, and this a way it was almost unthinkable that he
+should take. The strange thing was he should hate it so much, for he had
+never indulged his children or thought about their happiness. Yet he
+shrank from forcing his daughter to marry Thorn, whom he approved while
+she did not.
+
+He might, perhaps, for the girl's sake, have sacrificed his pride; but
+there was an obstacle before which his courage melted. If Thorn did not
+help, Askew would know his disgrace and Osborn did not expect him to be
+merciful. His rancor against Askew had by degrees become a blind,
+illogical hate that made it impossible for him to see anything Kit did in
+its proper light. Feeling as he did, he imagined Kit would rejoice in the
+opportunity for humbling him.
+
+All the same, knowing the fight was hopeless, he struggled against the
+conviction that he must beg help from Thorn. In many ways, he liked Alan,
+but he was hard and Osborn dreaded his firmness now. Yet he could help
+and there was nobody else. It got dark, but Osborn did not move. A faint
+breeze came up and moaned about the house, and presently a moonbeam stole
+into the room. Osborn sat still, with his head bent and his arms spread
+out across the table. Sometimes he burned with anger against Gerald and
+sometimes he scarcely felt anything at all.
+
+At length, he got up, and with an effort went upstairs. Half an hour
+later, a heavy sleep that came as a reaction after the shock closed his
+eyes and banished his troubles for a time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
+
+
+On the day after Gerald's return Osborn shut himself up in his library.
+If he could raise two thousand pounds, it would save him from agreeing to
+the demand Thorn would, no doubt, make, and although he really knew the
+thing was impossible, he sought desperately for a way of escape. He was
+careless about money, and, for the most part, left his business to his
+agent, but he wanted to find out how he stood before he went to Hayes.
+There was no obvious reason for his doing so, but he had begun to suspect
+that Hayes was not as devoted to his interests as he had thought. His
+wife and Grace distrusted the fellow, and although they knew nothing
+about business, Osborn admitted that the advice they had sometimes given
+him had been sound.
+
+The involved calculations he made gave him fresh ground for disturbance.
+It was plain that he could borrow no more money and the sum he had
+received for the last mortgage had nearly gone. He might perhaps get
+together three or four hundred pounds, at the risk of letting builders
+and drainers go unpaid, but this was not enough. After a time, he put
+away his books in a fit of hopeless anger and drove across to see Hayes
+at the market town.
+
+The interview was short and disappointing. Osborn could not tell Hayes
+why he needed money and found him unusually firm. He proved that the
+estate was heavily overburdened, fresh loans were impossible, and stern
+economy must be used if it was to be saved from bankruptcy. To some
+extent, Osborn had expected this, but had cherished a faint hope that
+Hayes might lend him enough to satisfy Gerald's creditor. He could not
+force himself to ask for a loan outright, and Hayes had been strangely
+dull about his cautious hints. Osborn believed the fellow could have
+helped him, but as he had shown no wish to do so there was nothing to be
+said. He drove home in a downcast mood and sent for Gerald.
+
+"I can't get the money," he said. "You know the man you dealt with. Is
+there any hope of his renewing the bill?"
+
+"I'm afraid there is none, sir," Gerald replied.
+
+"When he made the loan he knew you were a bank-clerk and had no money."
+
+"I expect he did know, but thought you had some."
+
+Osborn sighed. His anger had gone and a dull, hopeless dejection had
+taken its place. He felt as if he and Gerald were accomplices in a
+plot against Grace, and did not resent the lad's insinuation that they
+stood together. The Osborns did stand together, and he hoped Grace
+would see her duty.
+
+"Well," he said, "the payment is not due just yet. I'll wait a little
+and then write to the fellow."
+
+It was a relief to put the thing off, but he found no comfort as the days
+went by, and although he shrank from taking Mrs. Osborn into his
+confidence, his moody humor gave her a hint. Besides, he was not clever
+at keeping a secret and now and then made illuminating remarks. Mrs.
+Osborn, although reserved, was shrewd and she and Grace, without
+consulting each other, speculated about the trouble that obviously
+threatened the house. By degrees, their conjectures got near the truth
+and at length Mrs. Osborn nerved herself to ask her husband a few blunt
+questions. He had not meant to tell her all until he was forced, but was
+taken off his guard and told her much. Afterwards she sent for Grace.
+
+When Grace heard the story her face got very white and she looked at her
+mother with fear in her eyes.
+
+"I suspected something, but this is worse than I thought," she said in a
+low strained voice. "But Alan is an old friend; it is not very much for
+him to do and perhaps he will be generous."
+
+Mrs. Osborn was sitting rather limply on the stone bench on the terrace,
+but she roused herself.
+
+"He is hard and I think will understand what his help is worth. He
+knows there is nobody else. Besides, if we accept this favor, we
+cannot refuse--"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "it's unbearable! I never liked Alan; I feel I hate him
+now." She paused and gave Mrs. Osborn an appealing glance. "But you
+cannot think I ought to agree, mother? There must be another way!"
+
+Mrs. Osborn shook her head. "I cannot see another way, and many girls in
+our class have married men they did not like, though I had hoped for a
+better lot for you. With us, women do not count; the interests of the
+family come first."
+
+"That means the men's interests," Grace broke out. "Father has been
+reckless all his life and now Gerald has dragged our name in the mud. He
+is to be saved from the consequences and I must pay!"
+
+"It is unjust," Mrs. Osborn agreed. "So far as that goes, there is no
+more to be said. But when one thinks of the disgrace--Gerald hiding in
+America, or perhaps in prison!"
+
+Her voice broke. She was silent for a few moments and then resumed: "Your
+father's is the conventional point of view that I was taught to accept
+but which I begin to doubt. I must choose between my daughter and my son;
+the son who carries on the house. If Gerald escapes, his punishment falls
+on you. The choice is almost too hard for flesh and blood."
+
+"I know," said Grace, with quick sympathy. "It is horrible!"
+
+"Well," said Mrs. Osborn, "the line I ought to take is plain--Tarnside
+will be Gerald's; our honor must be saved. But I do not know. If you
+shrink from Alan--"
+
+"If he insists, I shall hate him always. Yet, it looks as if there
+was no use in rebelling. I feel as if I had been caught in a snare
+that tightens when I try to break loose. I understand why a rabbit
+screams and struggles until it chokes when it feels the wire. It's
+like that with me."
+
+Mrs. Osborn bent her head. "My dear! My dear!" Then she looked up
+irresolutely with tears in her eyes. "I cannot see my duty as I thought.
+The convention is that my son should come first, but you are nearer to me
+than Gerald has been for long. I feel numb and dull; I cannot think.
+Perhaps to-morrow I may see--"
+
+Grace got up and kissed her. "Then, we will wait. If no help comes, I
+suppose I must submit."
+
+She went away with a languid step and Mrs. Osborn, sinking back in a
+corner of the bench, looked across the lawn with vacant eyes. In a sense,
+she had shirked her duty and failed her husband, but she had long given
+way to him and was now beginning to rebel.
+
+Grace afterwards looked back with horror on the disturbed evening and
+sleepless night, and the morning brought her no relief. She could not
+resign herself to the sacrifice she thought she would be forced to make,
+and her mother told her that Osborn had sent a note to Thorn and a man
+from London would arrive in the evening. It was plain that Alan must be
+persuaded to help Gerald before the other came.
+
+In the afternoon she walked up the dale, without an object, because it
+was impossible to stop in the house. After a time she heard a dog bark
+and, stopping by an open gate, saw Kit swinging a scythe where an old
+thorn hedge threw its shadow on a field of corn. He was cutting a path
+for the binder and for a minute or two she stood and watched.
+
+Kit had taken off his jacket and his thin blue shirt harmonized with the
+warm yellow of the corn and the color of his sunburnt skin. The thin
+material showed the fine modeling of his figure as his body followed the
+sweep of the gleaming scythe. The forward stoop and recovery were marked
+by a rhythmic grace, and the crackle of the oat-stalks hinted at his
+strength. His face was calm and Grace saw his mind dwelt upon his work.
+He looked honest, clean, and virile, but she turned her head and
+struggled with a poignant sense of loss. She knew now what it would cost
+her to let him go.
+
+Then his dog ran up and Kit, putting down his scythe, came to the gate.
+He gave her a searching glance, but she was calm again and began to talk
+about the harvest. He did not seem to listen, and when she stopped said
+abruptly: "You are standing in the sun. Come into the shade; I'll make
+you a seat."
+
+She went with him, knowing this was imprudent but unable to resist, and
+he threw an oat-stook against the bank and covered it with his coat.
+Grace sat down and he studied her thoughtfully.
+
+"I want you to tell me what's the matter," he said.
+
+"How do you know I have anything to tell?"
+
+"Perhaps it's sympathy, instinct, or something like that. Anyhow, I do
+know, and you may feel better when you have told me. It's now and then a
+relief to talk about one's troubles."
+
+Grace was silent. Her heart beat fast and she longed for his sympathy,
+and his nearness gave her a feeling of support; but she could not tell
+him all her trouble. He waited with a patience that somehow indicated
+understanding, and she looked about. The tall oats rippled before the
+wind and soft shadows trailed across the hillside. When the white clouds
+passed, the dale was filled with light that jarred her hopelessness.
+
+"As you haven't begun yet, I'll make a guess," said Kit. "Things have
+been going wrong at Tarnside since Gerald came home? Well, if you can
+give me a few particulars, it's possible I can help."
+
+His steady glance was comforting and Grace's reserve gave way. It was
+humiliating, and in a sense disloyal, to talk about Gerald, but her pride
+had gone and she was suddenly inspired by a strange confidence. Perhaps
+Kit could help; one could trust him and he was not the man to be daunted
+by obstacles.
+
+"Yes," she said vaguely; "it's Gerald--"
+
+"So I thought," Kit remarked. "Very well. You had better tell me all you
+know, or, anyhow, all you can."
+
+She gave him a quick glance to see what he meant, but his brown face was
+inscrutable, and with an effort, talking fast in order to finish before
+her courage failed, she narrated what she had heard. She could not, of
+course, tell him all, and, indeed, Mrs. Osborn's story left much to be
+explained.
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I begin to see a light, although the thing's not quite
+plain yet. Anyhow, your father needs money and must ask his friends."
+He paused and resumed in a voice he tried to make careless: "Has he
+asked Thorn?"
+
+Grace hesitated and turned her head as she felt the blood creep into her
+face. "Yes; you see, there is nobody else."
+
+"I'm not sure about that. However, it looks as if Thorn had not sent his
+answer yet and there's not much time to lose. You expect the man from
+London to-night?"
+
+Grace said they did and studied Kit while he pondered. His preoccupied
+look indicated that he was working out some plan and did not understand
+how bold she had been. He did not seem at all surprised that she had come
+to him. She had broken the family traditions by giving him her
+confidence, but she felt happier.
+
+"I'd like to see Gerald," he said. "It's important, and I'll be at
+Ashness at four o'clock. If he will not come, you must let me know."
+
+"I'll send him if I can," said Grace, who got up. Then she hesitated and
+looked away across the field. "Perhaps I ought not to have told you, but
+I felt I must, and I'm glad I did."
+
+Kit smiled and after walking to the gate with her went on with his
+mowing. Her story left out much he wanted to know, but he thought he saw
+where it led and would get the rest from Gerald. This might be difficult,
+but he meant to insist.
+
+When Grace reached Tarnside she met Gerald on the lawn and took him to
+the bench under the copper-beech.
+
+"Mr. Askew wants you to go to Ashness at four o'clock," she said.
+
+"Askew wants me!" Gerald exclaimed, with a start, and Grace thought he
+looked afraid. "Why?"
+
+"I don't know. He said it was important."
+
+Gerald looked hard at her. "Well, I suppose it is important. But how does
+he know about the thing?"
+
+"I told him," Grace answered with forced quietness.
+
+"You told him?" Gerald gasped, and then laughed harshly. "I knew you had
+pluck, but didn't expect this! You don't seem to realize what an
+extravagant thing you've done."
+
+"I don't; it doesn't matter. Will you go?"
+
+Gerald pondered for a few moments and then looked up. "You owe me
+nothing, Grace. In fact, you and mother have often had to pay for my
+folly; but I want you to be honest now. I imagine you understand what
+Alan expects if he helps me out?"
+
+"Yes," said Grace in a strange hard voice.
+
+"It would be a good marriage; the kind of marriage you ought to make.
+Alan's rich and can give you the things you like and ought to have. But
+with all that, I imagine you'd sooner let it go?"
+
+"I hate it," Grace said quietly. "I don't like Alan; I never shall
+like him."
+
+"He has some drawbacks," Gerald remarked, and was silent. He had not
+often a generous impulse, but he was moved by his sister's distress and
+thought he saw a plan. The plan was extravagant, and risky for him.
+
+"I wonder whether you'd sooner marry Askew?" he resumed.
+
+Grace moved abruptly and her face got red. She had not expected the
+question and was highly strung. Gerald saw her embarrassment and went on:
+
+"Of course, he's an outsider, from our point of view, but he's a good
+sort. In fact, he's much better than Alan. Besides, there's some ground
+for believing you are pretty good friends."
+
+"Stop!" Grace exclaimed. "This has nothing to do with you. It's
+unthinkable that you should meddle!"
+
+Gerald smiled. "I'm not going to give Askew a hint, if that is what you
+mean. I wanted to find out if you'd shrink from him as you shrink from
+Alan, and I think I know."
+
+"You don't know," Grace declared, and then stopped and blushed as she met
+his steady look. After all, there was no use in pretending; Gerald would
+not be deceived. Still, when he quietly got up she asked with alarm:
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"I'm going to Ashness," Gerald replied. "I've made things hard for you
+and mother, but I won't bring you fresh embarrassment now. In fact, I
+think you can trust me, and, indeed, it's obvious that you must." He
+turned and looked back with a smile. "If Askew's the man I think, the
+chief will shortly get a jar."
+
+Grace wanted to call him back, but somehow could not, and sat still while
+he crossed the lawn. So long as she could see him, he moved carelessly,
+but when he went down the drive behind a clipped hedge his step got slow
+and his face was hard. The thing he meant to do would need some pluck,
+and might be dangerous if he had not judged Askew right.
+
+In the meantime, Kit went back to Ashness and smoked a cigarette while he
+pondered what Grace had told him. He had seen that she did not altogether
+know her brother's offense, but since money was needed, Kit could guess;
+Gerald had been betting or speculating and had used money that was not
+his. Undoubtedly, Kit did not think he had robbed his employers, because,
+if he had done so, he would not have stayed at Tarnside. He had, however,
+robbed somebody, and as Kit remembered his skill with the pen he saw a
+light. Gerald had used somebody else's name, on the back of a bill or
+promissory note, and now the bill must be met.
+
+Presently he heard steps in the passage and looking up as Gerald came in
+indicated a chair. Gerald sat down and for a few moments Kit studied him
+quietly. It was obvious that he felt some strain, but his look was
+resolute and Kit owned that he had more pluck than he had thought. The
+room was very quiet and the shadow of a big ash tree fell across the open
+window. The musical tinkle of a binder working among the corn came
+faintly down the dale.
+
+"Well?" said Gerald, conscious of a sense of relief in Askew's presence.
+"You sent for me."
+
+"I did. Your sister told me something; all she knew, perhaps, but not
+enough. Anyhow, you are in trouble about money and I promised to help."
+
+"For my sake?" Gerald asked.
+
+Kit frowned. "Not altogether, but we'll let that go. If I am to be
+of use, you had better state the trouble plainly. I must know how
+things are."
+
+"I suppose if you find the money I need, it will give you a claim on us,"
+Gerald remarked meaningly.
+
+"Yes," said Kit, with a steady look. "But that won't make any difference.
+I don't mean to urge my claim. I expect this clears the ground?"
+
+"It does; it's some relief. As a matter of fact, nobody can help quite as
+much as you."
+
+"Ah," said Kit, "I think I see! You used _my_ name. What was the sum for
+which you made me responsible?"
+
+Gerald told him and waited anxiously when Kit knitted his brows. The sum
+was not so large as the latter had thought and Osborn's inability to
+raise it indicated that he was seriously embarrassed.
+
+"I understand your father applied to Thorn," said Kit. "Does he know you
+have come to me?"
+
+"He does not; nobody knows but Grace. I'd better state that I did
+come because I thought you'd take a generous line, and I'm doubtful
+about Thorn."
+
+Kit made a sign of understanding. "Thorn hasn't arrived yet?" he said.
+
+"He sent a note he'd come across, but when I left he hadn't arrived. My
+notion is he's waiting until the last moment, with the object of making
+us realize we must have his help."
+
+"It's possible," said Kit, who approved Gerald's handling of the matter.
+The lad was a wastrel, but he had run some risk in order to save his
+sister from being forced to pay for his fault. "We won't bother about
+Thorn's object," he resumed. "Tell me about your difficulties. I don't
+want a half confidence."
+
+Gerald hesitated and then began his tale. He had used the bank's money
+to speculate with and had lost. Plunging again, in the hope of getting
+straight, he had got alarmed when the margin shrank, and had gone to
+Hallam, the money-lender. The latter had insisted on a guarantee for the
+bill and Gerald had used Kit's name. He replaced the bank's money and had
+hoped the shares would go up before the bill fell due, but they had not.
+
+"Well," said Kit quietly, "I expected something like this, and when the
+fellow brings the bill to your father it must be met." He stopped and
+picking up a newspaper studied the steamship advertisements. Then he
+turned to Gerald.
+
+"There's another thing. You can't get a post in England, and for your
+mother's and sister's sakes, had better leave the country. A fast New
+York boat sails from Liverpool to-morrow. You must get off by
+to-night's train."
+
+Gerald looked at him with surprise. "But I'm not going to New York. I've
+no money and don't know what to do when I get there."
+
+"I'll fix that," Kit said dryly. "You are going, anyhow. If you deliver
+the letter I'll give you to some people in Mobile, they'll find you a
+job. The rest will depend upon yourself."
+
+For a few moments Gerald hesitated, and then got up. "Very well!
+Perhaps it's the best chance I'll get, and I'll take it. But I must go
+back and pack."
+
+"I think not," said Kit. "There's not much time. I must see the bank
+manager at his house first of all, and start soon. You'll come with me to
+the town. Sit down and write to your mother; I'll see she gets the note."
+
+Gerald did as he was told and not long afterwards Kit and he drove out of
+the Ashness lonning and took the road to the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+As the sun got lower an apathetic gloom began to replace the anxiety that
+had kept the Osborns highly strung. Mrs. Osborn went dejectedly about the
+house, sometimes moving an ornament and putting away a book, for her
+brain was dull and she felt incapable of the effort to rouse herself for
+her daughter's sake. Thorn had not arrived and if he did not come soon he
+would be too late. On the whole, this was some relief, although it meant
+that there was no escape from the disaster that threatened her home.
+
+Torn by conflicting emotions, she had since morning struggled against
+the binding force of her traditions. In a sense, it was Grace's duty to
+save the family honor, but the duty would cost the girl too much. Yet,
+if Grace failed them, Gerald must suffer, and she doubted if her
+husband could bear the shame that must fall on all. Now, however, she
+was conscious of a numbing resignation that blunted feeling and dulled
+her brain.
+
+In the meantime, Grace stood at the lodge gate, watching the road to
+Ashness while the shadows crept across the dale. Gerald had not come
+back and she had not told her mother where he had gone. The delay was
+worrying, particularly since Kit had sent no message. He had said he
+could help and one could trust him, but he did not come and the
+confidence she had felt was vanishing. If it was not well placed,
+there was no escape for her, and she shrank with horror from meeting
+Thorn's demand.
+
+The shadows got longer, but nothing moved on the road that ran like a
+white riband across the fields until it vanished among the trees at
+Ashness. Presently, however, she heard the throb of a car coming up the
+valley and a cloud of dust rolled up behind a hedge. It was Thorn's car;
+she knew its hum and as she watched the dust get nearer her face went
+white. Then, as the hum became loud and menacing, she clenched her hand
+and ran in nervous panic up the drive. She was breathless when she
+reached the house, but pulled herself together and went to a quiet room
+where she would be alone.
+
+Osborn, sitting in the library, heard the car, and got up with a sense of
+relief and shrinking. He had been afraid that Thorn would fail him, and
+now he almost wished that the fellow had not come. He was not in the mood
+to be logical, and although it was obvious that Thorn alone could save
+him from disaster, knowing what Grace must pay hurt him more than he had
+thought. Yet she must pay; he could find no other plan. Now he was
+acquiescent but not resigned, and his hopelessness gave him calm.
+
+Thorn's face was hot when he came in, and he glanced at Osborn with an
+effort for carelessness when the latter indicated a chair. Osborn looked
+old and broken, but he had a touch of dignity that was new.
+
+"I'm sorry if I'm late," Thorn remarked. "I had to go to Swinset and had
+trouble with the car."
+
+Osborn wondered dully whether this was the real ground for his delay, but
+he said, "Oh, well, it does not matter now you have arrived. I gave you a
+hint about my object in sending for you, but you don't know all yet."
+
+"I imagine I know enough. Gerald's in trouble; he or you must meet the
+bill Hallam will bring. You see, the fellow belongs to my club and I had
+a talk with him when I was in town."
+
+"So you knew what threatened us?" Osborn remarked, rather sharply. "If
+so, it's curious you waited until I sent for you."
+
+Thorn hesitated. He had meant to be tactful, but it looked as if he had
+been rash. Osborn's suspicions were obviously excited.
+
+"The matter is delicate, and I knew you would send for me if you thought
+I could be of use."
+
+"You can be of use. Unless I take up the fellow's bill, Gerald will
+go to jail."
+
+Thorn made a sign of sympathy. He was surprised by Osborn's bluntness,
+which implied that the latter was desperate. "That must be prevented.
+I'll give you a cheque."
+
+He took out his cheque book, and then stopped, and Osborn asked: "Is this
+a free loan, Alan? I mean, is it made without conditions?"
+
+"A gift, if you like. Anyhow, I won't bother you about repayment. We
+can't talk about _conditions_; but I have something to ask."
+
+"Grace?" said Osborn, rather hoarsely.
+
+"Yes," said Thorn, with a hint of embarrassment. "I want Grace. It's an
+awkward situation. I don't want to urge that I deserve my reward, but
+I've waited a long time and thought you approved."
+
+"I did approve. I hoped she'd marry you, but I imagined she could be
+persuaded and would do so willingly. However, it looks as if I was
+mistaken."
+
+Thorn leaned forward, fixing his eyes on Osborn.
+
+"Grace is young, and perhaps I don't make a strong appeal to her
+romantic feelings, but I belong to her rank and her views and tastes
+are mine. That is much. Also, I can indulge and give her all she likes;
+the refinements and comforts to which she is, in a sense, entitled.
+After all, they count for something. I'm trying to be practical, but I
+love her."
+
+"If you really love her, I think you would do well not to urge her just
+now," Osborn remarked quietly.
+
+"Ah," said Thorn, "I can't wait. Waiting has gained me nothing and there
+is a risk. If I were young, I'd use all the patience I could control, but
+I'm getting old and farther away from Grace. In another year or two I
+shall be bald and fat. Perhaps the argument's humorous, but it has a
+cruel force for me."
+
+"There are other girls, brought up as we have brought up Grace. They
+might be flattered--"
+
+Thorn spread out his hands. "You don't understand. I'm not looking for a
+wife! I love her, and if she cannot be persuaded, will never marry
+anybody else." He paused and resumed with some emotion: "I know the
+shabbiness of using this opportunity; but it's the last I'll get. I don't
+want to work on her gratitude, but I see no other plan. I would like to
+be generous--but I can't let her go."
+
+"Yet you seem to realize that she does not like you."
+
+"She will get over that. Her likes and dislikes haven't yet hardened into
+their final mold. She's impulsive and generous; I can win her by patience
+and kindness."
+
+"It is a rash experiment. If you are disappointed, Grace would
+have to pay."
+
+Thorn was silent for a few moments. He had talked with sincere passion,
+but now began to think. Osborn's firmness was something of a surprise;
+Thorn had not expected he would weigh his daughter's feelings against the
+danger that threatened his house. His opposition must be broken down.
+
+"I had hoped for your consent," he said and his face got hard. "To some
+extent, I took it for granted."
+
+Osborn's head sunk forward. He had struggled, but saw that he was beaten.
+To beg would be useless and he could not fight. Pulling himself together
+with an effort, he looked up.
+
+"You mean you knew I could not refuse?"
+
+"Yes," said Thorn, awkwardly, "I suppose I do mean something like that."
+
+Osborn gave him a long, steady look. Thorn's face was set and his mouth
+was firm. There was no hint of yielding and Osborn got up. "Very well; I
+must tell my wife."
+
+He rang a bell and a minute or two afterwards Mrs. Osborn came in. She
+sat down and Osborn stood opposite.
+
+"Alan has done us the honor of asking my consent to his marrying Grace,"
+he said, with ironical formality. "If we approve, he is willing to help
+Gerald." He turned to Thorn. "I think I have stated your terms?"
+
+Thorn colored as he saw that Mrs. Osborn's eyes were fixed on him. "You
+exaggerate. I am willing to do you a service that nobody else can render
+and think I'm justified in counting on your gratitude."
+
+"Very well," said Osborn. "I don't see much difference, except that you
+want to save our pride." He paused and looked at his wife. "You know
+Grace best. Will she consent?"
+
+Something in his manner moved Mrs. Osborn. It was long since he had asked
+what she thought, and she felt encouraged. Besides, now the crisis had
+come, her irresolution had vanished. She had thrown off her reserve and
+meant to defend her daughter.
+
+"No," she said, with a determined note in her quiet voice. "Even if
+she were willing, I should protest. The fault is Gerald's and he
+must suffer."
+
+Osborn felt some surprise, but his humiliation had made him gentle.
+"Gerald cannot suffer alone. His disgrace will reflect upon us all and if
+he has a son it will follow him. We have been reckless and extravagant,
+but we have kept our good name and now, when it is all that is left us,
+it must be protected."
+
+"That was Gerald's duty," Mrs. Osborn rejoined and was silent for a few
+moments. To some extent, her husband's point of view was hers and she
+knew his finest quality was his exaggerated family pride. But she would
+not force her daughter to marry Thorn.
+
+"I will not consent," she resumed. "Grace has long suffered for her
+brother's extravagance, but she shall not pay for his folly now. It is
+unjust; the price is too high!" Then she gave Thorn an appealing glance.
+"Alan, can you not be generous?"
+
+"I'm not brave enough; it might cost me too much," Thorn answered in a
+strained voice. "I cannot let Grace go. She would be happy with me
+after a time."
+
+Mrs. Osborn made a scornful gesture and there was silence. Osborn moved
+irresolutely and it looked as if he were hesitating; then steps echoed
+along the landing and he started as Kit came in. Thorn's face got very
+dark, but Mrs. Osborn looked up with a strange sense of relief.
+
+"I didn't stop to ask if you were at home," Kit remarked. "As you know,
+time is getting short. I understand a man from London will bring you a
+document about a loan."
+
+"That is so," said Osborn, hoarsely. "What are you going to do about the
+document?"
+
+"Take it up," Kit answered, with a look of surprise. "My name's on the
+back." He paused and glanced at Thorn. "Still, this is a matter I'd
+sooner talk about with you alone."
+
+Thorn got up, making an effort for self-control. "Since Mr. Askew has
+arrived I needn't stay." He bowed to Mrs. Osborn. "It looks as if I had
+not understood things. You won't need my help."
+
+He went out with a curious heavy step, and when the door shut, Osborn sat
+down and looked at Kit as if he had got a shock.
+
+"Then, you haven't come to humble me?"
+
+"Certainly not," said Kit. "I should have come before, but had to find my
+bank manager, who had left his office."
+
+"Where is Gerald? What have you done with him?" Mrs. Osborn asked, for
+she began to see a light.
+
+"Gerald's at the station hotel, waiting for the train to Liverpool. He
+sails for New York to-morrow and takes a letter to some friends of mine
+who will give him a good start. He sent a note."
+
+Mrs. Osborn read the note and her eyes shone as she turned them on Kit.
+"It is perhaps the best plan. I would have liked to see him; but I
+thank you."
+
+"What I have done cost me nothing, and I imagine Gerald will have as good
+as chance of making progress as he had at the bank, while the excitement
+he'll probably get will suit him better. But Hallam will be here soon if
+the train is punctual, and before he comes I want to know--"
+
+At this moment they heard a car come up the drive, a servant knocked at
+the door, and Hallam was shown in. He sat down in front of the table
+where Osborn told him, and glanced at Kit.
+
+"This is Mr. Askew," Osborn said. "Mrs. Osborn will stay; she knows your
+business."
+
+Hallam bowed and tried not to look surprised. "Very well. I have brought
+the document about which you wrote. I am sorry I find it impossible to
+renew the loan."
+
+"Let me see the bill," said Kit, who took it from him and afterwards
+nodded. "Yes; that's all right! Cancel the thing and I'll give you a
+cheque."
+
+"You admit your liability, then?" Hallam asked.
+
+"Of course! What did you expect? My name's here. It's not my habit to
+disown my debts."
+
+Hallam did not state what he had expected. He was tactful and was
+satisfied to get his money. Pulling out a fountain pen, he cancelled the
+bill and put Kit's cheque in his pocket.
+
+"That is all, I think, and I can get a train if I start at once," he
+said. "If you should require help to extend your farm or improve your
+stock, I should be glad if you would apply to me."
+
+"I'm afraid your interest is too high," Kit rejoined with a smile, and
+Hallam bowed to the others and went out.
+
+When he had gone, Osborn turned to Kit, who gave Mrs. Osborn the
+cancelled bill.
+
+"I don't understand," he said dully. "Why have you come to my rescue?"
+
+"To some extent, it was for Miss Osborn's sake."
+
+"Ah!" said Osborn. "I suppose you have a demand to make now I am in
+your power?"
+
+"You are not in my power. Mrs. Osborn has the bill, and if you cannot
+repay me, I won't urge the debt. But there is, so to speak, a
+stipulation. You must use no pressure to persuade Miss Osborn to marry
+Mr. Thorn."
+
+"I am not likely to do so," Osborn remarked, dryly. He paused and his
+face got red as he struggled with his deep-rooted dislike for Kit.
+
+"You have taken a very generous line, Mr. Askew," he resumed. "We have
+not been friends, but I must confess it looks as if I had been unjust."
+
+Kit smiled. "Luck made us antagonists. However, I hope the antagonism has
+gone for good, because after all I have something to ask. I must go to
+London on some business to-morrow, but with your leave I will again call
+in a week."
+
+"You will find us at home when you do come," Osborn answered with grave
+politeness, and when Kit got up Mrs. Osborn gave him her hand.
+
+He went out and Osborn, who felt limp now the strain had slackened,
+leaned back heavily in his chair and looked at his wife.
+
+"The fellow is a working farmer, but he struck just the right note. Well,
+he has beaten me, and it's easier to be beaten by him than I thought. But
+he states he's coming back--"
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Osborn. "I think he means to ask for Grace."
+
+Osborn knitted his brows. "I imagined that was done with. It is one thing
+to take his help and another to give him Grace. After all, there is not
+much difference between his plan and Thorn's."
+
+"I expect you will find the difference important," Mrs. Osborn replied
+with a smile. "He has broken down your unjustified prejudice, and if he
+is the man I think, he will leave Grace free to refuse--if she likes."
+
+Then she went out, for the strain had been hard to bear, and Osborn sat
+at the table with his hand tightly closed. He admitted that he had from
+the beginning been wrong about Kit, but his prejudices were not
+altogether banished yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+GRACE'S CHOICE
+
+
+A week after Hallam's visit, Kit, one afternoon, started for Tarnside. He
+had been forced to go to London about some American business, but this
+was a relief, since it gave him an excuse for delay. At his interview
+with Osborn he had left the most important thing unsaid, because it might
+have jarred Mrs. Osborn, whom he thought his friend, had he asked for
+Grace at the moment he had put her father in his debt. In fact, he saw it
+would be tactful if he waited for some time, but he did not mean to do
+so. To some extent, he distrusted Osborn and resolved to make his request
+before the latter's gratitude began to cool. Grace must have full liberty
+to refuse, but he did not owe her father much.
+
+He wondered how she would choose and his step got slower until he stopped
+and, sitting on a broken wall, looked up the valley. The day was calm and
+the sun shone on smooth pasture and yellow corn. The becks had shrunk in
+the shady ghylls and a thin white line was all that marked the fall where
+the main stream leaped down the Force Crag. On the steep slopes the
+heather made purple patches among the bent-grass and Malton moor shone
+red. Kit loved the quiet hills; he had known intrigue and adventure and
+now saw his work waiting in his native dale. The soil called him; his job
+was to extend the plow-land and improve his flocks.
+
+This was important, because he could not tell how far Grace would
+sympathize. Her father liked the leading place; an effort for display
+and such luxury as could be cheaply got were the rule at Tarnside. It was
+possible that Grace had unconsciously accepted a false standard of
+values. Kit might, for her sake, have changed his mode of life, had he
+thought it good for her, but he did not. She must have inherited
+something of Osborn's tastes and to copy the Tarnside customs might
+encourage their development. It was better to remove her from insidious
+influences to fresh surroundings where she would, so to speak, breath a
+bracing air. But this could not be done unless she were willing to go.
+
+Kit knitted his brows as he mused, because there was not much to indicate
+whether he would find Grace willing or not. She liked him well enough,
+but he had not ventured to pose as her lover. He was too proud and
+jealous for her; knowing what Osborn thought, he would not involve her in
+a secret intrigue. Yet she had been kind and he had now and then got a
+hint of an elusive tenderness. Moreover, in her distress, she had come to
+him. She was proud and he thought would not have asked his help unless
+she was willing to give something in return.
+
+After a time he got up with a quick, resolute movement. He would soon
+know if he had set his hopes too high, and would gain nothing by
+indulging his doubts. Crossing a field where the binders were at work, he
+went up the Tarnside drive with a firm step and saw Osborn and Mrs.
+Osborn sitting under the copper-beech. It looked as if they were waiting
+for him, and he braced himself as he advanced. Mrs. Osborn smiled as she
+gave him her hand and Osborn indicated a box of cigarettes.
+
+"Sit down. Mrs. Osborn will give you some tea presently," he said, with
+an effort for hospitable politeness, because he could not yet resign
+himself to the demand his wife expected Kit would make. "You have been
+to town on business," he resumed, feeling that silence would be awkward.
+"I hope you found things satisfactory."
+
+"I did," said Kit, who was glad that Osborn had, no doubt unconsciously,
+given him a lead. He had gone to visit the agents of his American
+bankers, and had learned that Adam's estate had turned out to be worth
+more than he had thought. "It was a relief, because it helps me to get
+over some of the hesitation I felt," he resumed. "I want your permission
+to ask Miss Osborn if she will marry me."
+
+Osborn tried to hide his disturbed feelings and answered with forced
+quietness: "My wife warned me that I might expect something like this,
+but I must own that I find agreement hard. However, after the help you
+have given us, it is plain that I must try to overcome my reluctance."
+
+"That is all I ask in the meantime," said Kit. "I don't expect you to
+influence Miss Osborn. In fact, she must understand that I have no claim
+and feel herself free to refuse."
+
+"You are generous," Mrs. Osborn remarked. "Of course, it is obvious that
+her gratitude must count for much."
+
+"I don't want her gratitude to count," Kit declared, and Osborn gave him
+a puzzled glance.
+
+"There is something else that must be said. Grace has been indulged and
+knows nothing of self-denial. Frugality that you think proper and usual
+would be hardship to her. Can you give your wife the comforts and
+refinements she has had at home?"
+
+Kit noted Mrs. Osborn's faint smile and wondered whether it hinted at
+ironical amusement, but he put a document on the table.
+
+"You are entitled to ask and I have brought a short draught of the
+arrangements I am ready to make if I am fortunate enough to win your
+daughter."
+
+Osborn picked up the paper and gave it to his wife. Then he looked at
+Kit with surprise.
+
+"This alters things; you are almost a rich man! If you wanted, you could
+buy a house like Tarnside."
+
+"No," said Kit firmly; "it alters nothing and leaves me where I was. I'm
+satisfied with Ashness."
+
+"Ah," said Osborn. "You mean you would sooner be a working farmer than a
+country gentleman? The preference is somewhat remarkable!"
+
+"I know where I belong. The important thing is that if Miss Osborn
+marries me, she will be a farmer's wife."
+
+"Exactly," said Osborn. "From my point of view, it's an awkward drawback.
+I doubt if my daughter is suited for the part." He looked at Mrs. Osborn
+and resumed: "But this is a matter Grace must decide about and you
+insisted that no pressure should be used. I imagine you were afraid of my
+influence and do not know if I am afraid of yours or not. If you agree, I
+will send for her."
+
+Kit said he was willing and was silent when Osborn went away. Although he
+imagined Mrs. Osborn was sympathetic, he could not force himself to talk.
+Since he had insisted that persuasion must not be used, he could not
+demand to meet Grace alone and she might find it hard to accept his plans
+without some explanation, which would be awkward to give when her parents
+were there. He could, if he wanted, change his mode of life, but if they
+were to be happy, she must be removed from influences he thought
+dangerous and he must use his energy in useful work. He saw this very
+clearly; but whether Grace would see it was another thing.
+
+He felt some strain while he waited and watched the trembling
+shadows move upon the grass. The rays of light that pierced the dark
+foliage flickered about Mrs. Osborn's dress and when he glanced at
+her he thought her look encouraging, but she did not speak. By and
+by Osborn returned and said Grace was coming, and Kit found the
+suspense hard to bear.
+
+At length she came and his heart beat as he watched her cross the lawn.
+She wore a plain white dress and when she stopped in front of the others
+her face was pale but calm.
+
+"Mr. Askew has asked my permission to marry you and I cannot refuse if
+you agree," Osborn said in a formal tone. "He stipulates that I must not
+persuade you one way or the other, and declares that he does not want to
+work upon your gratitude."
+
+Some color came into Grace's face as she looked at Kit. "Then, you don't
+value my gratitude?"
+
+"I value it very much," Kit replied with forced quietness. "But I feel it
+ought not to count."
+
+He stopped awkwardly, for he noted a sparkle in Grace's eyes and felt
+that he was badly handicapped. She was proud and probably did not
+understand his disinterested attitude. It was a relief when Mrs. Osborn
+interposed:
+
+"Mr. Askew is trying to be just. We have agreed that you are not to be
+influenced."
+
+"Ah," said Grace, "I think I see--"
+
+She waited and Osborn went on: "Since you are to make a free choice, I
+must state things as plainly as I can. Mr. Askew is not poor; he is able
+to give you all we think you ought to have. In fact, there is no very
+obvious reason he should not leave Ashness, but he does not mean to do
+so, and although I cannot follow his argument, imagines that it would be
+better for you both if he carries on his farming. It looks as if he did
+not approve our rule."
+
+Kit frowned, and colored when Grace turned to him. On the whole,
+Osborn had not stated things incorrectly, but the situation was
+embarrassing; Grace would, no doubt, resent the stipulation he felt
+forced to make and expect a more lover-like attitude from the man who
+asked her to be his wife.
+
+"Grace," he said appealingly, "I'm afraid you don't understand. But when
+you must give up so much I durst not hide the drawbacks. Besides, it's
+agreed that I must not urge you."
+
+She studied him for a moment. "I do understand," she said, and then
+turned to Osborn. "I suppose you are trying to guard me, but I am not
+afraid. One gets tired of pretense and secret economy, and forced
+idleness has not much charm. Well, if Mr. Askew, knowing what he knows
+about us, is willing to run the risk--"
+
+"Grace!" said Kit, moving forward, but she stopped him with a
+proud gesture.
+
+"There is a risk. I think we shall both need courage, but if you are
+willing I need not hesitate. I will try to make a good farmer's wife."
+
+She turned and went away, and the blood came into Kit's face as he looked
+at Osborn.
+
+"I have played fair, but it was hard. Now you have heard her answer, I'm
+at liberty to plead my cause."
+
+Osborn said nothing, but his wife gave Kit a friendly smile and he
+went off with a resolute step in pursuit of Grace. He came up with
+her in a shrubbery, but it looked as if she did not hear him, for her
+head was bent.
+
+"Grace," he said, putting his hand on her arm. "I'm embarrassed and, in a
+way, ashamed."
+
+She turned and confronted him with her wonted calm. "I don't see why you
+are ashamed. You were just--I think I mean quite impartial. You wanted me
+to weigh things and would have been resigned if I had found the drawbacks
+too much."
+
+"It wasn't as easy as you think," said Kit grimly. "In fact, I was
+burning with anger and suspense. But, you see, I had promised your
+father--"
+
+"Yes," said Grace; "that was plain. You were firm when you thought I
+might be forced to marry Thorn, and when father agreed not to use his
+influence, I suppose you could not use yours. Well, I'm glad you were
+angry; it was human, and your scrupulous fairness was not flattering."
+She paused and, to Kit's relief, gave him a smile. "After all, it would
+not have hurt to be urged to marry the man I did like."
+
+"You mean me?" said Kit and boldly took her in his arms.
+
+She drew back from him, blushing, after a few moments, but Kit was
+content. There was something fascinatingly elusive about Grace and he
+could wait. They went on quietly down the path until they came to a bench
+in a shady nook. Kit leaned against a tree and Grace sat down.
+
+"Kit," she said, "I didn't know you were rich. It really doesn't matter,
+but I'm glad I fell in love with you when I didn't know."
+
+"Then, you were in love with me?"
+
+She smiled. "Of course! I must have been, when I came to you because I
+was afraid of Thorn. Love gave me confidence; I knew you would help. In
+a way, I did an extravagant thing, because you were not really like a
+lover at all."
+
+"The control I used often hurt," said Kit. "I was afraid I might alarm
+and lose you; it was much to see you now and then." He paused, feeling
+there was something to be said that must be said now. "However, about
+Ashness--"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "I suppose it cost you an effort to be firm and I
+hope it did. You needn't be afraid, though. When my father told me,
+I understood, and it won't hurt to leave Tarnside; I'm anxious to
+get away."
+
+"My dear!" said Kit. "Ashness has some charm and we will try to make it a
+proper home for you."
+
+"It is a home; I sometimes went to see your father--I liked him so much,
+Kit. One feels the old house has sheltered sincere men and women who
+loved each other and something they left haunts the quiet spot. I don't
+want you to alter it much."
+
+"You shall alter it as you like. The only rule at Ashness will be what
+pleases you."
+
+"Now you're very nice! I'm going to be happy because I can be myself. So
+far, I've been forced to be reserved. You don't really know me, Kit."
+
+"Perhaps that's true," Kit remarked. "You're wonderful, because there's
+always some fresh charm to learn. I thought I knew you before I went
+away, but when I came back I saw how foolish I was. I wonder whether you
+knew I loved you then?"
+
+Grace blushed. "I think I knew, and felt cheated."
+
+"Why did you feel cheated?"
+
+"Oh," said Grace, "I liked you! I was young and felt I was entitled to
+love a man who loved me, if I wanted, but couldn't use my right. Then,
+not long since, when you were so grave and just, I felt I had been
+cheated worse."
+
+"I see," said Kit and came nearer the bench. "I was cheated, too. But
+look at me, dear, and I'll try to tell you all I think."
+
+He told her with fire and passion and when he stopped, bending down to
+her, she put her arm round his neck.
+
+"Now you're ridiculously romantic, but you're very charming, Kit," she
+said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OSBORN'S SURRENDER
+
+
+By degrees Osborn accepted his daughter's choice philosophically. Kit was
+not the son-in-law he had wanted, but he was forced to admit that the
+fellow jarred less than he had thought. For one thing, he never reminded
+Osborn of the benefit he had conferred, and the latter noted that his
+country-house neighbors opened their doors to him. They could not, of
+course, altogether ignore the man Grace had promised to marry, but Osborn
+soon had grounds for imagining that they liked Kit for himself. The
+wedding had been fixed and Osborn, although not satisfied, was resigned.
+
+In the meantime, it began to look as if the gloom that had long ruled at
+Tarnside was banished. Mrs. Osborn's reserve was less marked, she smiled,
+and her step was lighter. Grace, too, had changed, and developed. She had
+often been impatient but now was marked by a happy calm. Osborn found her
+gentler and sometimes strangely compliant, although he felt he must make
+no rash demands. The girl indulged him, but she could be firm. Her new
+serenity had a charm. Moreover, Gerald wrote cheerful letters and
+declared that he was making better progress than would have been possible
+for him at home.
+
+Osborn had seldom thought much about the happiness of his family, but he
+felt a dull satisfaction because things were going well with the others.
+It was a set-off against his troubles, which were getting worse. The
+improvements his tenants and Hayes had forced him to make cost more than
+he calculated and he met stubborn resistance when he talked about putting
+up the rents. The money he had got by the last mortgage had gone; he
+could not borrow more, and his creditors demanded payment of his debts.
+He put off the reckoning, however, until, one day when he drove to the
+market town to consult his agent, he got a rude jar.
+
+In the first place, Hayes kept him waiting in a cold room, and he stood
+for a time by the window, looking out drearily at the old-fashioned
+square. The day was bleak and wet, and the high moors that shut in the
+little town loomed, blurred and forbidding, through drifting mist. The
+square was empty, the fronts of the tall old houses were dark with rain,
+and the drops from a clump of bare trees fell in a steady shower on the
+grass behind the iron rails. The gloom reacted upon Osborn's disturbed
+mood, and he frowned when Hayes came in.
+
+"I sent you word that I would call," he said.
+
+"You did," Hayes agreed. "I was occupied when my clerk told me you
+were here."
+
+Osborn looked at him with some surprise. Hayes was very cool and not
+apologetic. "Well," he said, "you know what I want to talk about. I
+suppose you have seen Forsyth and Langdon about the renewal of their
+leases?"
+
+"Yes. Both state they'll go sooner than pay you extra rent."
+
+"Then they must go," Osborn rejoined, trying to hide his disappointment,
+since he had spent some money on the steadings in the hope of raising the
+rent. Now he came to think of it, Hayes had held this out as an
+inducement when he urged the expenditure. "It looks as if your judgment
+wasn't very good, but by comparison with other things the matter's not
+important," he resumed. "You know the sum I'll need between now and the
+end of the term?"
+
+"I do know. In fact, I imagine you will need more than you suspect,"
+Hayes rejoined. "You'll find it impossible to borrow the money on
+satisfactory terms."
+
+Osborn looked hard at him. The fellow's manner was rather abrupt than
+sympathetic; but Hayes went on: "Before we advertise for new tenants,
+there is something I want to suggest. Although the farms are mortgaged, I
+might be able to find a buyer--at a price."
+
+"No," said Osborn firmly. "The buyer would have to undertake the debt and
+the sum he would be willing to pay would not last me long. When it was
+spent I'd have practically nothing left."
+
+"The situation's awkward; but there it is! Of course, if you were able to
+carry on until your rents come in--"
+
+"You know I can't carry on. I came to you, hoping you might suggest a
+workable plan. Who is the buyer?"
+
+"I am," said Hayes.
+
+Osborn's face got red and he struggled for self-control. The fellow
+was his servant, but it looked as if he had cunningly involved him in
+entanglements an honest agent would have avoided. Osborn remembered
+that he had sometimes vaguely suspected Hayes. Now he knew him, it
+was too late.
+
+"I may be forced to sell, but not to you," he said haughtily.
+
+Hayes shrugged. "That must be as you like, but I'm able to give you a
+better price than anybody else. I have an object for buying the farms
+and, if necessary, would pay something near their proper value, without
+taking off much for the debt. Anyhow, you had better look at this
+statement of your liabilities."
+
+Osborn studied the document with a hopeless feeling. Things were worse
+than he had feared and it cost him an effort to pull himself together
+when he looked up.
+
+"Why do you want to buy?" he asked.
+
+"Well, you see, the land between Forsyth's and the dale-head is heavily
+mortgaged, and, taking the two farms with the others, would make a
+compact block that could be economically worked. The new estate would run
+down to Tarnside, and since you may find it needful to sell the house, I
+might make you an offer."
+
+"But the consolidation wouldn't help _you_," Osborn remarked with
+a puzzled look. "It would, perhaps, be an advantage for the mortgage
+holders."
+
+"I hold the mortgages," Hayes said quietly.
+
+Osborn started. "But," he stammered, "I got the money from somebody
+else."
+
+"That is so. I bought the other debts, and supplied the funds when you
+raised new loans."
+
+"You bought the debts with my money!" Osborn exclaimed. "You used your
+post to rob me of my estate!"
+
+"I suppose one must make allowances, but you are unjust. You got the
+proper value for the land you pawned, and squandered the money. The
+consequence was inevitable and it's futile to complain. For that
+matter, it is not altogether unusual for a landlord and his steward to
+change places."
+
+"I trusted you and you cheated me," Osborn resumed with poignant
+bitterness.
+
+"You lived in false security and refused to think. You knew the reckoning
+must come, but were satisfied if you could put it off. Now you must bear
+the consequences, it is not my fault. However, this is not important.
+Will you sell?"
+
+"No," said Osborn hoarsely. "I will not sell to _you_."
+
+Hayes smiled. "You must sell to somebody and will not get as good a
+price."
+
+Osborn got up and went out with a dragging step. The blow had left him
+numb, but as he drove home in the rain he had a hazy notion that Hayes'
+statements were to some extent justified. He had lived in false security;
+seeing how things were going and yet refusing to believe. Somehow, it had
+looked impossible for him to lose Tarnside. The estate was his by the
+sacred right of inheritance; for a hundred years there had been an Osborn
+at the Hall. Yet the estate had gone, and he was to blame. It had, so to
+speak, melted in his careless hands. He felt old and broken when he told
+his wife and daughter about the interview.
+
+Mrs. Osborn did not look as much surprised as he had thought and Grace,
+although sympathetic, was calm. They had known the blow was coming and
+were ready for the shock. After a time, Osborn left them and Grace looked
+at her mother.
+
+"I must tell Kit."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Osborn. "I think he ought to know, though this is not a
+matter in which he can help."
+
+"It looks like that," Grace agreed and then paused with a confident
+smile. "But Kit's rather wonderful; you don't really know him yet. He
+always finds a way when there is something hard to be done."
+
+"Ah," said Mrs. Osborn, "there is comfort in our troubles since they have
+given you a man you can trust."
+
+Grace went to Ashness and found Kit studying some accounts in the room
+she called his museum.
+
+"Put the books away, come to the fire and talk to me," said Grace, and
+stopped him when he moved a chair. "I think I'll take the low stool. It's
+wretchedly cold and I really came to be comforted."
+
+She sat down, leaning against his chair with her head turned so that she
+could look up, and held her hands to the fire. Kit's heart beat, for
+Grace had developed recently; her reserve had gone and a curious, frank
+tenderness had come instead.
+
+"This is very nice," she resumed. "There's something very homelike about
+Ashness. Perhaps I'm romantic, but I sometimes feel as if your father was
+still at the old house. It's kind and quiet--like him. Don't you think
+people can leave an influence, Kit?"
+
+"Yours will last. So far, I haven't had much quietness."
+
+"I'm afraid I've come to bother you again. I hate to bother you, but
+somehow trouble seems to follow me."
+
+"Your troubles are mine," Kit said and stroked her head. "Tell me
+about it."
+
+Grace told him, and although he said nothing, waited calmly. His face was
+thoughtful but the silence was not awkward; she felt that it was marked
+by an intimate confidence.
+
+"Kit," she resumed at length, "I don't know if you can help, or if you
+ought. You must decide, dear. I just wanted to tell you, and I'm
+comforted."
+
+"I can help," Kit answered quietly. "People abroad have paid some debts I
+didn't expect to get and I'm richer than I thought." He paused and mused
+for a moment or two. "It's strange the thing should happen now. When I
+came home I imagined Ashness would occupy all my time, but I soon began
+to feel I hadn't scope enough. You see, I'd been with Adam and he was a
+hustler. Well, it looks as if I had found a new field."
+
+"You mean you might buy Tarnside?"
+
+"Yes. I think the estate might be made to pay. High farming's a risky
+business in our climate and we have been satisfied to spend little and
+get a small return. I think there's a better plan than that; if one uses
+modern methods and can invest the capital. However, I see an obstacle to
+my buying Tarnside."
+
+"Father?" Grace suggested. "Well, I'm afraid he would never be economical
+and he likes to rule. But I didn't mean, Kit, that you should give him
+money to squander."
+
+"I know," said Kit gently, although his face was rather stern. "Adam's
+legacy must not be wasted in extravagance. Then, you see, Tarnside ought
+to have been Gerald's; but he's ruled out--"
+
+Grace looked up. "Yes, Kit. Now you have given him a fresh start, he may
+make a useful man, but Tarnside is not for him." She paused and blushed,
+but her glance was steady as she went on: "It must be ours, if you buy
+it, for us to hold in trust--"
+
+She turned her head and Kit quietly touched her hair. They were silent
+for a few moments and then he said, "If the estate is to be properly
+managed, my part will need much tact and I'm impatient now and then. But,
+we would live at Ashness and your mother would understand my
+difficulties."
+
+"She would help. Father's old, Kit, and might be indulged. You would try
+not to hurt him, and could consult him about things that didn't matter. I
+think he'd be satisfied if you let him imagine he had some control."
+
+Kit smiled. "Very well; we will make the plunge. Tell your father to do
+nothing until Hayes moves. The fellow's cunning and it might be better if
+he didn't know what we mean to do."
+
+He bent down and kissed her and she pressed her face against his hand.
+"Kit, you're wonderful. Things get done when you come on the scene, but
+perhaps you're nicest when they're done for me. After all, I am an Osborn
+and would have hated to let Tarnside go; let's plan what we can do when
+it belongs to us."
+
+For a time they engaged in happy talk, but Kit reopened his account books
+when Grace went home. It looked as if he were about to make a rash
+plunge, because he would not have much money left when he had carried out
+his plans. However, he could guard against the worst risks and on the
+whole imagined the venture ought to pay.
+
+Some weeks later, Osborn sent for him and on reaching Tarnside he was
+shown into the library. Mrs. Osborn was with her husband and there was a
+bundle of papers on the big table.
+
+"I have got the particulars you wanted," Osborn said. "Hayes will arrive
+in half an hour, but that should give us time enough."
+
+Kit nodded. "Yes, I want a few minutes."
+
+When he had studied the documents he looked up. Tarnside would soon be
+his and he glanced about the library with a new curiosity. Although the
+day was dark and rain beat upon the high windows, the light was strong
+enough to show the fine modeling of the old and shabby furniture. It was
+a noble room and with well used money could be given a touch of
+stateliness; but there was something cold and austere about Tarnside,
+while Ashness was homelike and warm. His short survey strengthened Kit's
+half-conscious feeling that he belonged to the farm and not the Hall.
+
+"Two things are obvious," he remarked. "The mortgages must be wiped off;
+and when other debts have been paid, the rents of the land I'm willing to
+redeem ought to keep you going, if they're economically used."
+
+"I doubt it," Osborn rejoined. "So far, the rent of the whole estate have
+failed to do so."
+
+"They will do so now," Kit said rather dryly, "That is, if I'm to free
+the land. But you must decide if you will help or not."
+
+He looked at Mrs. Osborn, who made a sign of agreement "There will be
+enough, Kit. Indeed, in some ways, we shall be better off than we were."
+
+"You have pluck," said Kit, and turned to Osborn, knowing he must be
+firm. "The house and grounds will be yours to use as you like and the
+farmers will bring their complaints and requests first to you. You will
+be the acknowledged landlord and I shall be glad of your advice; but the
+expenditure will be controlled by me."
+
+Osborn did not reply, but Mrs. Osborn said, "It is a generous offer."
+
+Kit waited, conscious of some suspense, for he doubted if Osborn's pride
+was quite humbled yet. He did not want to humble him, but, for the sake
+of Grace and her mother, did not mean to let him wreck his plans. After a
+few moments Osborn looked up.
+
+"It is a hard choice, but you have taken the proper line and I'm
+resigned," he said. "After all, I have had my day, and although luck has
+been against me, cannot claim that I have used it well. Besides, I'm not
+robbing Gerald by agreeing to your plan; Gerald robbed himself and me."
+He paused and went on with some emotion: "Very well, I'm ready to
+abdicate, and thank you for trying to save my feelings by giving me
+nominal control."
+
+There was nothing more of much importance to be said, and with the object
+of banishing the strain, Kit began to talk about improving some of the
+farms. Osborn did not help him much, but he kept it up until Hayes
+arrived. The latter seemed surprised to see Kit and hesitated when Osborn
+indicated a chair.
+
+"Mrs. Osborn will stay, and I brought Mr. Askew to meet you."
+
+"As you like," said Hayes, who looked annoyed, but sat down and took
+out some documents. "You have had formal notice that repayment of these
+loans is due, and it would be an advantage to make arrangements for
+taking up the other mortgages that will soon run out. Some time since, I
+made you an offer that you refused."
+
+"That is so," Osborn agreed. "Your offer is still unacceptable. What are
+you going to do?"
+
+"I must advertise the mortgaged farms for public sale, and when arrears
+of interest, various charges, and smaller loans are deducted, there will
+probably be nothing left. The rest is not my business, but I have managed
+the estate and do not see how you can carry on."
+
+"It is not your business, and Mr. Askew has a plan."
+
+Hayes smiled as he turned to Kit. "You may perhaps resent my advice, but
+I think it's sound; you would be rash to meddle. A small sum would be
+swallowed up and make no difference. You would be poorer and Mr. Osborn
+would not gain."
+
+"That's obvious, if the sum were small," Kit agreed. "But how much do you
+expect to get if you sell the farms?"
+
+He nodded when Hayes told him. "A fair estimate! I think we can take it
+as the proper price. You mean to buy the farms in, but I want them too,
+and if you force a sale, I'll bid higher."
+
+"Can you bid against me?" Hayes asked with something of a sneer.
+
+"I'll answer that afterwards. In the meantime, let me state that I want
+the other farms when the mortgages run out. You can fight me, if you
+like, but I don't think it will pay you, and if we run prices up Mr.
+Osborn will gain. Very well, here's my offer to buy up all his debts."
+
+He gave a document to Hayes, who studied it with surprise. "I presume
+you're serious?" the latter said with an effort. "You are rasher than I
+thought if you can make this offer good."
+
+"I can certainly make it good. You had better apply to the bank manager
+if you have doubts."
+
+For a few moments Hayes studied Kit, who looked quietly resolute. Then he
+said, "You are determined to oppose me if I don't consent?"
+
+"Yes," said Kit. "I mean to buy all the land Mr. Osborn has pawned. If
+you want it, you'll have to pay the price I fix, since it must be a
+public sale. Don't you think it would be prudent to accept my offer?"
+
+Hayes clenched his fist, but with an effort preserved his self-control.
+"I am forced to agree."
+
+"Very well. Take the documents to my lawyers and as soon as they are
+satisfied I'll give you a check."
+
+Hayes nodded silently, and bowing to Mrs. Osborn went out. When he had
+gone, Osborn got up.
+
+"We have not been good friends--Kit," he said with some emotion. "Old
+prejudices are hard to conquer, but mine have broken down at last--you
+have beaten me. Well, I suppose I would not admit that the code I clung
+to had gone for good, but now I'm dropping out, I don't know that I could
+find a better man to step into my place." He paused and gave Kit his
+hand. "After all, Tarnside is not lost to us. Grace will follow me--she
+belongs to the new school, but I think your children will rule the old
+house well."
+
+Then Mrs. Osborn advanced and kissed Kit, who went out with her and found
+Grace waiting in the hall.
+
+"Hayes has gone," Mrs. Osborn remarked. "Kit has forced him to agree, and
+your father is reconciled. We have had much trouble, but I think we shall
+all be happy yet."
+
+Grace looked up and her eyes shone. "Ah," she said, "I knew long since
+that Kit was wonderful! In one way, it wouldn't have mattered if he had
+saved Tarnside or not; but now you and father know what a dear he is!"
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Buccaneer Farmer, by Harold Bindloss
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