barn, and she did not kick out her "hind" leg every time the dog
came near, because the dog didn't bite her any more. They were good
friends now. A cow has good sense, and can do a terrible sight of
thinking when it comes to the way things are going on about milking
time. Her teats were not whacked with a big stick on a cold winter day
any more because she did not feel like standing in one position so long,
and peace reigned within her heart.

Nora's touch became more gentle and she squeezed the lacteal fluid from
the bovine with more consideration, all the while humming sweet songs
softly to herself, and the old cow heard and knew. She heard Nora say
"father" when she spoke to old Peter. Only on rare occasions would she
spurt out in the same old way with "Dad," and then be sorry because she
had allowed herself to become agitated to such an extent. Everyone noted
the great change, but none dared to speak, lest they should disturb
her--except Tom, who chided kindly occasionally. They all knew and
understood perfectly, and the knowledge was kept secretly in their own
bosoms.

Jack Wade thought of all these things too, as he sat on his own little
gallery looking wistfully toward the big mountain, with heart bowed in
submission to the will of fate. Since his old cabin was burned there had
come a great change in his own life. His desires had changed, his
purposes seemed different, but he fought it all out courageously.
Murderous design was still lodged in his heart. He longed to commit that
deed, which done and within itself is a power to bring a man's soul to
the deepest depths of degradation and sorrow, to the very brink of hell.
His certain knowledge that the savage Al Thompson was only waiting an
opportunity to drive to the hilt the knife that would pierce his heart,
or from ambush send a bullet from a forty-four Winchester crashing
through his brain, weighed upon his mind. These thoughts did not deter
him nor move him one inch from his original motive, which, if life was
spared him, would be fulfilled to the letter. As Wade sat gazing out
through the bright sunlight the big brown dog, Nora's pet, came gliding
silently through the gateway and paced up before him. He looked around
quickly as the dog; wagging his long, hairy tail, stepped upon the
porch.

"What omen have you brought to me this fine day, Rover?" he said,
speaking to the dog, all the while rubbing his hand over the shaggy
head. "What could have caused yo