eeing stare, till the old man
called back to him, 'Come on, just to lend a hand up this pitch.' Then he
ran after, and so eagerly bore, that one spoke he broke.

On the level he said, strangely breathless, 'Now I want payment.'

'What! A great hulking fellow can't go two steps out of his way and lift
a hand for one with old age in his bones but he asks payment!'

'Yes,' said Christian, 'and for the love of God, give me the payment I
shall ask.'

'No promise, but what's your asking?'

'Give me berries of the rowan.'

With his sour grin the old fellow muttered, 'Well, well, no wits after
all!' as he plucked some bunches and chucked them across.

'More! more! and oh! quick; I lose time. See, fill up my cap.'

'All you can't have. My brats have been promised their handfuls, and want
you may.'

When all that entreaty could get he had, Christian parted at a run, and
the way he took was home.

Rhoda wondered, seeing him pass the window. Presently, laying aside
resentment, she went out to seek him in the linhay. The door resisted her
hand.

'Christian,' she called, and after his answer, 'Come in. What are you
about? Bring in your work; there is fire still.'

He said 'No' so forcibly, that she went away aggrieved, and a little
curious.

All was very quiet; of Lois she heard and saw nothing, and Christian made
no noise at all. She wondered if he too were engaged in prayer; she
wondered if she ought also to be so devoted.

From the window she saw two figures on the road, and watched them idly.
They neared, and from the opposite approach came two others. All four
were known to her by sight, though hailing from some distance; they were
kin to Philip; two were father and son, two were brothers. At the gate
they stood, and turned in.

Rhoda's heart dropped as she guessed their errand. To her a word from
Christian were enough; but what solemnest oath, what evidence short of
Philip's self, would convince these?

They were knocking, while still her countenance was out of command; and
when they asked for Christian, her wits were so troubled, that she said
lamely, 'It is Christmas Eve; can you want him now?

'Wait then--I will go--wait here, and he will come.'

When she passed out and turned the wall, she knew by the sound of feet
that two had started to go about the contrary way to make against any
escape. At the linhay door she knocked, again getting an impatient
answer.

'Christian, come out, or let me in. You m