this part of the country?
He's watched me by the day, even while I slept."

"Then what's all this infernal fuss about?"

"Try striking him if you want to find out," explained the Harvester
gently. "You see, Belshazzar and I are accustomed to living here alone
and very quietly. He is excited over the Girl's return, because she is
his friend, and he has not forgotten her. Then this is the first time in
his life he ever heard an irritable voice from a visitor or saw a cane,
and it angers him. He is perfectly safe to guard a baby, if he is gently
treated, but he is a sure throat hold to a stranger who bespeaks him
roughly or attempts to strike. He would be of no use as a guard to
valuable property while I sleep if he were otherwise. Bel, come here!
Lie still."

The dog sank to the floor beside the Harvester, but his sharp eyes
followed the Girl, and the hair arose on his neck at every rasping note
of the old man's voice.

"I wouldn't give such a creature house room for a minute," insisted the
guest.

"Wait until you see him work and become acquainted with him, and you
will change that verdict," prophesied the Harvester.

"I never was known to change an opinion. Never, sir! Never!" cried the
testy voice.

"How unfortunate!" remarked the Harvester suavely.

"Explain yourself! Explain yourself, sir!"

"There never has been, there never will be, a man on this earth," said
the Harvester, "wholly free from mistakes. Are you warm now?" He turned
to the little lady, cutting off a reply with his question.

"Nice and warm and quite sleepy," she said.

"What may I bring you for a light lunch before you go to bed?"

"Oh, could I have a bite of something?"

"If only I am fortunate enough to have anything you will care for. What
about a bowl of hot milk and a slice of toast?"

"Why I think that would be just the thing!"

"Excuse me," said the Harvester rising.

He went to the kitchen and they could hear him moving around.

"I wish the big brute would take his beast along," growled Mr. Alexander
Herron.

"Come, Bel," ordered the Girl. "Let's go to the kitchen."

The dog instantly arose and followed her.

"What can I do to help?" she asked as they reached the door.

"Remain where you won't dazzle my eyes," said the Harvester, "until I
help the gentle lady and the gentle man to bed."

Presently he came with a white cloth, two spoons, and a plate of bread.
He spread the cloth on the table, laid the spoons on it,