He found a jug of buttermilk placed there the evening before for Hoyle
to carry to the doctor in the morning, and slung it by a strap over his
shoulder. In one of the sheds lay two chickens, ready dressed to be cut
up for the frying-pan, and one of these, with a generous strip of salt
pork from the keg of dry salt where it was kept, he dropped in a sack.
He would not enter the house for corn-bread, even though he knew he was
welcome to all the home afforded, but planned to arrive at some mountain
cabin where friends would give him what he required to complete his
stock of food. His gun would provide him with an occasional meal of
game, and he thus felt himself prepared for as long a period of ambush
as might be necessary.

Before sunrise he was well on his way over the mountain. He did not
attempt to go directly to his old haunt, but turned aside and took the
trail leading along the ridge--the same Thryng and Cassandra had taken
to go to the cabin of Decatur Irwin. Frale had no definite idea of going
there, but took the high ridge instinctively. So long had he been in the
low country that he craved now to reach the heights where he might see
the far blue distances and feel the strong sweet air blowing past him.
It was much the same feeling that had caused him to thrust his head
under the trough of running water the evening before.

As a wild creature loves the freedom of the plains, or an eagle rises
and circles about in the blue ether aimless and untrammelled, so this
man of the hills moved now in his natural environment, living in the
present moment, glad to be above the low levels and out from under all
restraint, seeing but a little way into his future, content to satisfy
present needs and the cravings of his strong, virile body.

Moments of exaltation and aspiration came to him, as they must come to
every one, but they were moments only, and were quickly swept aside and
but vaguely comprehended by him. As a child will weep one minute over
some creature his heedlessness has hurt and the next forget it all in
the pursuit of some new delight, so this child of nature took his way,
swayed by his moods and desires--an elemental force, like a swollen
torrent taking its vengeful way--forgetful of promises--glad of
freedom--angry at being held in restraint, and willing to crush or tear
away any opposing force.

At last, breakfastless and weary after his long climb, his sleepless
night, and the depression following hi