, if I ever talked to you of that. On the whole, I don't
think that I ever have. Cultivate your memory, Mr. Mocket. Mine is a
damnably poor one.' And so," ended Tom, "he rode away and left me
staring. I don't know whether his head is turned or not, but he looked
strong enough for anything and all a Cary. If you know what he meant, it
is more than I do. These reports are all straight enough now. Do you
want to look over them?"

"No," said his partner, and stood up, moving back his chair with a
grating sound. "I don't know why--I'm restless to-day." Walking across
the room, he stopped before the map upon the wall, and stood there a
long while in silence.

"How would it do, Tom," he asked at last, in a curiously remote
and dreamy voice,--"how would it do to find two or three great
white-covered waggons, store them with all a childless family would
need, put to them teams sound and strong, procure a horse or two
besides, a slave or two, a faithful dog,--then to take the long
road--west--south--somewhere--anywhere--past the mountains and away,
away"--His voice sank, then gathered strength and went on. "Flood and
forest, low hills and endless plains, stillness and a measure of peace!
Left behind the demon care, full before the eye the red, descending
sun--at night the camp-fire, at dawn the start, and in between mere
sleep without a dream! It is conceivable that, after much travel, in
some hollow or by some spring, after long days and after sleep, one
might stumble on new life." He struck the map with his hand. "Tom,
sometimes I think that I will remove from Virginia to the West."

"You'd be a fool to do that now," answered Tom succinctly. "But you
won't do it. I don't know what has been the matter with you this winter,
but I reckon you still love power. Next year you'll be named for
Governor of Virginia."

He fed the fire again, then, going to the window, looked down the
street. "The wind has fallen."

"I am going," said Rand's voice behind him, "to ride down the
Three-Notched Road. Mrs. Selden sends me word that old Carfax is
annoying her again."

"Can't I go for you?"

"No. I do not mind the ride. Get the papers ready for court to-morrow."

Mocket helped him on with his heavy bottle-green riding-coat. "Lewis,"
spoke the scamp, with a queer note of affection and deprecation, "why
don't you see Dr. Gilmer? You're growing thin, and do you know, you're
haunted-looking! Tell him you cannot sleep, and make him give you