is no danger, why do you leave the dog?"

"For company," said the Harvester. "I thought you would prefer an animal
you are not afraid of to a man you are. But let me tell you there is no
necessity for either. I know a woman who goes alone and unafraid through
every foot of woods in this part of the country. She has climbed, crept,
and waded, and she tells me she never saw but two venomous snakes this
side of Michigan. Nothing ever dropped on her or sprang at her. She
feels as secure in the woods as she does at home."

"Isn't she afraid of snakes?"

"She dislikes snakes, but she is not afraid or she would not risk
encountering them daily."

"Do you ever find any?"

"Harmless little ones, often. That is, Bel does. He is always nosing for
them, because he understands that I work in the earth. I think I have
encountered three dangerous ones in my life. I will guarantee you will
not find one in these woods. They are too open and too much cleared."

"Then why leave the dog?"

"I thought," said the Harvester patiently, "that your uncle might have
turned in some of his cattle, or if pigs came here the dog could chase
them away."

She looked at him with utter panic in her face.

"I am far more afraid of a cow than a snake!" she cried. "It is so much
bigger!"

"How did you ever come into these woods alone far enough to find the
ginseng?" asked the Harvester. "Answer me that!"

"I wore Uncle Henry's top boots and carried a rake, and I suffered
tortures," she replied.

"But you hunted until you found what you wanted, and came again to keep
watch on it?"

"I was driven--simply forced. There's no use to discuss it!"

"Well thank the Lord for one thing," said the Harvester. "You didn't
appear half so terrified at the sight of me as you did at the mere
mention of a cow. I have risen inestimably in my own self-respect.
Belshazzar, you may pursue the elusive chipmunk. I am going to guard
this woman myself, and please, kind fates, send a ferocious cow this
way, in order that I may prove my valour."

The Girl's face flushed slightly, and she could not restrain a laugh.
That was all the Harvester hoped for and more. He went beyond the edge
of the rug and sat on the leaves under a tree. She bent over her work
and only bird and insect notes and occasionally Belshazzar's excited
bark broke the silence. The Harvester stretched on the ground, his eyes
feasting on the Girl. Intensely he watched every movement. If a squirrel
ba