e
smallness of his surroundings; the uncouth furnishings of his home;
the lack of grace in his parents and acquaintances; the trifling
incidents that required so many hours of discussion; and in all things
the absence of that sense of humor and appreciation of the lighter
side of life which, from reading, he had learned to recognize.

Try as he might, he could not recollect even the faint flash of a poor
pun coming originally from his parents. Was he to be as they? A
feeling of intense repugnance swept over him at the thought--a
repugnance unaccountable, and of which he felt much ashamed.

Self-suspicion followed. Was it well for him to read the books and
think the thoughts of the past year? He could not escape except by
brutally tearing himself by the roots from his parents' lives. It was
all so hopelessly selfish on his part!

"True," answered the hot spirit of resentment, "but is it not right
that you should think first of Self? Is not individual advancement the
first law of Nature? If there is something better, why should you not
secure it?"

The innate spirit of independence, the intense passion of pride and
equality inborn with the true country-bred, surged warmly through his
body until he fairly tingled.

Why should others have things, think thoughts, enjoy pleasures of
which he was to remain in ignorance? The mood of rebellion was upon
him and he swore he would be as they. Of the best the world contained,
he, Guy Landers, would partake.

With the decision came an exultant consciousness of the graceful play
of his own muscles in rapid action. The self-confidence of the
splendid animal was his. He would work and advance himself. The world
must move, and he would help. He would do things, great things, of
which he and the world would be proud.

Unconsciously he worked faster and faster as thought travelled. The
other wagons dropped behind, the tapping of corn ears on their
sideboards making faint music in the clear air.

The sun rose swiftly, warming and drying the earth. Instead of frost
the dust of weathered husks fell thickly over him. Overflowing with
life and physical power, he worked through the long rows to the end,
then mounted the wagon and looked around. Silently he noted the gain
over the other workers, and a smile lit up the sturdy lines of his
face.

Evening was approaching. The rough lumber wagon, heavily loaded from
the afternoon's work, groaned loudly over the uneven ground. Instead
of