nd.

"Tell us about it!" he cried. "It must have been rare sport. If Bates
only knew it, he ought to count it an honour to have been knocked down
by a Scottish International."

"I didn't knock him down, Sir!" said Cameron, apologetically; "he is
only a little chap; I just gave him a bit of a shake," and Cameron
proceeded to recount the proceedings of the previous morning.

Mr. Denman was hugely delighted.

"Serves the little beast bloody well right!" he cried enthusiastically.
"But what's to do now? They will be afraid to let you into their offices
in this city."

"I think, Sir, I am done with offices; I mean to try the land."

"Farm, eh?" mused Mr. Denman. "Well, so be it! It will probably be safer
for you there--possibly for some others as well."

CHAPTER II

A MAN'S JOB

Cameron slept heavily and long into the day, but as he awoke he was
conscious of a delightful exhilaration possessing him. For the first
time in his life he was a free man, ungoverned and unguided. For four
dreary weeks he had waited in Montreal for answers to his enquiries
concerning positions with farmers, but apparently the Canadian farmers
were not attracted by the qualifications and experience Cameron had
to offer. At length he had accepted the advice of Martin's uncle
in Montreal, who assured him with local pride that, if he desired a
position on a farm, the district of which the little city of London was
the centre was the very garden of Canada. He was glad now to remember
that he had declined a letter of introduction. He was now entirely on
his own. Neither in this city nor in the country round about was there
a soul with whom he had the remotest acquaintance. The ways of life led
out from his feet, all untried, all unknown. Which he should choose
he knew not, but with a thrill of exultation he thanked his stars the
choosing was his own concern. A feeling of adventure was upon him, a new
courage was rising in his heart. The failure that had hitherto dogged
his past essays in life did not dampen his confidence, for they had
been made under other auspices than his own. He had not fitted into his
former positions, but they had not been of his own choosing. He would
now find a place for himself and if he failed again he was prepared to
accept the responsibility. One bit of philosophy he carried with him
from Mr. Denman's farewell interview--"Now, young man, rememer," that
gentleman had said after he had bidden him farewell, "this