the rest of the time it's a jumble and some of it
is rather gruesome. She's seen dreadful illness, hunger, and there's a
debt she's wild about. I told you something was back of this. You've got
to find out and set her mind at ease."

"I know all about it," said the Harvester patiently between crooning
sentences to the Girl. "But the crash came before I could convince her
that it was all right and I could fix everything for her easily. If she
only could understand me!"

"Did you find your man?"

"Yes. He will be here this afternoon."

"Quick work!"

"This takes quick work."

"Do you know anything about him?"

"Yes. He is a young fellow, just starting out. He is a fine, straight,
manly man. I don't know how much he knows, but it will be enough to
recognize your ability and standing, and to do what you tell him. I have
perfect confidence in him. I want you to come back at one, and take my
place until I go to meet him."

"I can bring him out."

"I have to see him myself. There are a few words to be said before he
sees the Girl."

"David, what are you up to?"

"Being as honourable as I can. No man gets any too decent, but there is
no law against doing as you would be done by, and being as straight as
you know how. When I've talked to him, I'll know where I am and I'll
have something to say to you."

"David, I'm afraid----"

"Then what do you suppose I am?" said the Harvester. "It's no use, Doc.
Be still and take what comes! The manner in which you meet a crisis
proves you a whining cur or a man. I have got lots of respect for a dog,
as a dog; but I've none for a man as a dog. If you've gathered from the
Girl's delirium that I've made a mistake, I hope you have confidence
enough in me to believe I'll right it, and take my punishment without
whining. Go away, you make her worse. Easy, Girl, the world is all right
and every one is sleeping now, so you should be at rest. With the day
the doctor will come, the good doctor you know and like, Ruth. You
haven't forgotten your doctor, Ruth? The kind doctor who cared for you.
He will make you well, Ruth; well and oh, so happy! Harmon, Harmon,
Doctor Harmon is coming to you, Girl, and then you will be so happy!"

"Why you blame idiot!" cried Doctor Carey in a harsh whisper. "Have you
lost all the sense you ever had? Stop that gibber! She wants to hear
about the birds and Singing Water. Go on with that woods line of talk;
she likes that away the best. This stuff is m