"Why shouldn't you be?" she answered. "What do I know of you or your
motives or why you are here?"

"I have had no experience with the atmosphere that breeds such an
attitude in a girl."

"That is a thing for which to thank Heaven. Undoubtedly it is gracious
to you. My life has been different."

"Yet in mortal terror of the woods, and probably equal fear of me, you
are here and asking for work that will keep you here."

"I would go through fire and flood for the money I owe. After that debt
is paid----"

She threw out her hands in a hopeless gesture. The Harvester drew forth
a roll of bills and tossed them into her lap.

"For the love of mercy take what you need and pay it," he said. "Then
get a floor under your feet, and try, I beg of you, try to force
yourself to have confidence in me, until I do something that gives you
the least reason for distrusting me."

She picked up the money and gave it a contemptuous whirl that landed it
at his feet.

"What greater cause of distrust could I have by any possibility than
just that?" she asked.

The Harvester arose hastily, and taking several steps, he stood with
folded arms, his back turned. The Girl sat watching him with wide eyes,
the dull blue plain in their dusky depths. When he did not speak, she
grew restless. At last she slowly arose and circling him looked into his
face. It was convulsed with a struggle in which love and patience fought
for supremacy over honest anger. As he saw her so close, his lips drew
apart, and his breath came deeply, but he did not speak. He merely stood
and looked at her, and looked; and she gazed at him as if fascinated,
but uncomprehending.

"Ruth!"

The call came roaring up the hill. The Girl shivered and became paler.

"Is that your uncle?" asked the Harvester.

She nodded.

"Will you come to-morrow for your drawing materials?"

"Yes."

"Will you try to believe that there is absolutely nothing, either
underfoot or overhead, that will harm you?"

"Yes."

"Will you try to think that I am not a menace to public safety, and that
I would do much to help you, merely because I would be glad to be of
service?"

"Yes."

"Will you try to cultivate the idea that there is nothing in all this
world that would hurt you purposely?"

"Ruth!" came a splitting scream in gruff man-tones, keyed in deep anger.

"That SOUNDS like it!" said the Girl, and catching up her skirts she ran
through the woods, taking a different route tow