f
yourself, as a man. It doesn't much matter what others think of
you. It is what one can honestly think of one's self that
matters."

So they spent the evening together, and the big mountaineer
learned to see still more deeply into the things that had come to
the older man in his years of study and painful experience.

When at last Young Matt arose to say good-night, the shepherd
tried to persuade him to sleep at the ranch. But he said, no, the
folks at home would be looking for him, and he must go. "I'm
mighty glad I come, Dad," he added; "I don't know what I'd do if
it wasn't for you; go plumb hog wild, and make a fool of myself, I
reckon. I don't know what a lot of us would do, either. Seems like
you're a sort of shepherd to the whole neighborhood. I reckon,
though, I'm 'bout the worst in the flock," he finished with a grim
smile.

Mr. Howitt took his hat from the nail. "If you must go, I will
walk a little way with you. I love to be out such nights as this.
I often wish Pete would take me with him."

"He's out somewhere to-night, sure," replied the other, as they
started. "We heard him a singin' last night." Then he stopped and
asked, "Where's your gun, Dad? There's a panther somewhere on this
range."

"I know," returned the shepherd; "I heard it scream last night;
and I meant to go up to the house to-day for a gun. I broke the
hammer of mine yesterday."

"That's bad," said Young Matt. "But come on, I'll leave mine with
you until to-morrow. That fellow would sure make things lively, if
he should come to see you, and catch you without a shootin' iron."

Together the two walked through the timber, until they came to
where the trail that leads to the Matthews place begins to climb
the low spur of the hill back of the house. Here Mr. Howitt
stopped to say good-night, adding, as the young man gave him the
rifle, "I don't like to take this, Grant. What if you should meet
that panther between here and home?"

"Shucks!" returned the other; "you're the one that'll need it.
You've got to take care of them sheep. I'll get home alright."

"Don't forget the other beast, lad. Remember what it is that makes
the man."

CHAPTER XXV.

YOUNG MATT REMEMBERS.

After parting with his friend, Young Matt continued on his way
until he reached the open ground below the point where the path
from the ranch joins the Old Trail. Then he stopped and looked
around.

Before him was the belt of timber, and beyond, the