cy in strange guise, and was the idol of hundreds of
little folk to whom he had brought new health and happiness.

The toilsome upward climb brought its reward at length, and Donald's eye
caught sight of a clearing, and unmistakable signs of near-by
civilization, if a scattering mountain settlement of primitive dwellers
in that feudal country which lies half in West Virginia, half in
Kentucky, may be so designated.

No sooner had he stepped into the partially cleared land, and caught
sight of a small, isolated cabin beyond, so toned by wind and weather
that it seemed almost an integral part of its natural surroundings, than
his own presence was detected, as the sharp and surly barking of an
unseen dog evidenced. Mike made answer to the challenge, and instantly
other, more distant, canine voices joined in the growing clamor.

As man and dog advanced across the clearing, not one, but half a dozen
gaunt curs, summoned to the spot by a warning which meant the approach
of a stranger, much as their clannish masters might have been in other
years, mysteriously appeared from all sides and rushed forward, their
lips drawn back from threatening teeth, their bristling throats rumbling
ominously.

Donald sharply commanded the likewise bristling Mike to keep to heel,
threw his rifle to hip and backed hastily toward the cabin. He had no
wish to employ his weapon, and as retreat was the other alternative, for
his companion's sake, if not his own, indeed, discretion seemed to be,
by all odds, valor's better part.

A noisy and exciting moment brought him to the cabin's door, still face
to the enemy. Fumbling behind him with his left hand, Donald found and
lifted the latch. The door swung suddenly open under his weight, Mike
scurried between his legs, and the combination resulted in his downfall,
precipitate and sprawling.

Simultaneously came a startled exclamation in a treble voice, the
clatter of a fallen kettle and then a quick cry of pain.

In an instant Donald had scrambled ungracefully to his feet and found
himself face to face with a picture that he was destined never to
forget.

Backed by a big stone fireplace, in which the embers were glowing
ruddily, stood a young girl clad in a simple one-piece dress, which left
neck, arms and legs bare. One dusty, but dainty, foot was held between
her hands, while she balanced on the other. A tumbling mass of rich
brown curls, shot with gleaming threads like tiny rays of captive
su