asped.

"Of course," said the doctor coolly. "I didn't say it didn't. It's for
convenience in muddy weather."

"Cribs," gasped Sam Tucker.

"Yes, a little," said Gordon. "Keep him away from hitching-posts. You
didn't say you wanted a horse to hitch. He never cribs when he's driven.
Good-day, Sam."

Gordon and James were off again. Gordon was doubled up with merriment,
in which James joined. "I'm glad to get behind old Fanny once more,"
said Gordon. "She's worth two of that other animal! Clemency will be
glad to see her again. She felt badly when I traded her. In fact, I
wouldn't have done it if I had known how much the child cared for the
mare. She used to drive her a lot and pet her. I think it will be
perfectly safe for you to take Clemency out driving when there isn't a
moon. Fanny is pretty fast when she is touched with the whip, and,
though she's gentle, she hasn't much use for strangers. I don't think
she would stand a stranger at her head. I think you may go out to-night,
if you like. Poor Clemency needs the air. We'll use the team this
afternoon, and Fanny will be fresh by evening."

James colored. He remembered how Clemency had avoided him that morning.
"Perchance she won't care to go," he said.

"Of course, she will," said Gordon. "She will go, and I want her to, but
you must always bear in mind what I told you last night, and--" he
hesitated. "Don't do your utmost to make the poor little thing think you
are the moon and sun and stars in case you should change your mind," he
finished.

"I shall never change my mind," James said hotly.

"You will be justified if you do," Gordon said gravely. "Perhaps you
will not. But you are old enough, and ought to have self-command enough
to keep your head, and shield the poor child against possible
contingencies. You have not known each other very long. It is not
possible that she would die of it now, nor you. If you can only keep
your head, and meander along the path of love instead of plunging into
bottomless depths, it will be better for both of you. I know what I am
talking about. I am old enough to be your father. Go slow, for God's
sake, if you care about the girl."

"She is the whole world to me," said James.

"Then, go slow! It will be better for her if you are not the whole world
to her, until you know what a day may bring forth."

"I don't care what a day brings forth."

"You are tempting the gods?" said Gordon. "Elliot, you don't know what
you are