lished like big red apples; his white
hair had the luster of silver; his blue eyes twinkled; his silk
hat glistened; his gold watch guard sparkled; his patent leathers
glistened; and the cane with the big gold head gleamed in the
sunlight.

"That's him, Doc," called the driver. "That's the feller what
wallered Wash Gibbs like I was a tellin' ye. Strongest man in the
hills he is. Dad burn me if I believe he knows how strong he is."

"Doc--Doc--Dad burned--Doc," muttered the stranger. "What would
Sarah and the girls say!" He waddled to the wagon, and reached up
one fat hand with a half dollar to Budd, "Here, driver, here. Get
cigars with that; cigars, mind you, or candy. I stay here. Mind
you don't get anything to drink; nothing to drink, I say."

Budd gathered up the reins and woke the sleepy mules with a
vigorous jerk. "Nary a drink, Doc; nary a drink. Thank you kindly
all the same. Got t' mosey 'long t' th' still now; ought t' o'
been there hour ago. 'f I can do anything fer you, jest le' me
know. I live over on Sow Coon Gap, when I'm 't home. Come over an'
visit with me. Young Matt there'll guide you."

As he watched the wagon down the valley, the stranger mused.
"Doc--Doc--huh. Quite sure that fellow will buy a drink; quite sure."

When the wagon had disappeared, he turned to Mr. Matthews and his
son; "According to that fellow, I am not far from a sheep ranch
kept by a Mr. Howitt. That's it, Mr. Daniel Howitt; fine looking
man, fine; brown eyes; great voice; gentleman, sir, gentleman, if
he is keeping sheep in this wilderness. Blast it all, just like
him, just like him; always keeping somebody's sheep; born to be a
shepherd; born to be. Know him?"

At mention of Mr. Howitt's name, Young Matt had looked at his
father quickly. When the stranger paused, he answered, "Yes, sir.
We know Dad Howitt. Is he a friend of yourn?"

"Dad--Dad Howitt. Doc and Dad. Well, what would Sarah and the
girls say? Friend of mine? Young man Daniel and David, I am David;
Daniel and David lay on the same blanket when they were babies;
played in the same alley; school together same classes; colleged
together; next door neighbors. Know him! Blast it all, where IS
this sheep place?"

Again the two woodsmen exchanged glances. The elder Matthews
spoke, "It ain't so far from here, sir. The ranch belongs to me
and my son. But Mr. Howitt will be out on the hills somewhere with
the sheep now. You'd better go home with us and have supper, an