.
Jukes had prepared for his use.

CHAPTER VII

MENDING THINGS

Weary though he was, Douglas found it difficult to get to sleep. He
thought over the various events of the day, and was not altogether
dissatisfied with the results. He had made a beginning, anyway, and he
hoped that events would so shape themselves that he might soon be able
to get to the heart of the Church trouble, whatever it might be. He
had not yet spoken to Jake about the matter, thinking it best to wait
for a day or two, or until a favourable opportunity should occur.

Then the music he had heard down by the river kept running through his
mind, and, try as he might, he could not silence the sound. He saw
again that slight, graceful figure standing near the tree, drawing the
bow skilfully across the strings of the violin. Where had she learned
to play in such a manner? he asked himself. He was surprised that
Rixton could produce such a musician. Was she engaged to that young
man? he wondered, and, if so, what was the cause of her strange
behaviour when they met? It was late when he at last fell asleep, and
he dreamed of a herd of wild cattle chasing a beautiful woman through a
big field, while he and Jake were unable to go to her assistance.

When he awoke in the morning the rain was pelting down upon the roof
overhead. The sound filled him with a sense of deep satisfaction and
brought back childhood days when he had listened to the same music in
the little room in his old home. He was glad that it was raining, as
he was feeling sore after yesterday's work, and he longed for a little
rest from the labour of the hay field. Early though it was, Jake was
already astir. He heard him making the fire in the kitchen stove, then
the rattle of milk pails, and the bang of the door as he left for the
barn. Douglas tumbled out of bed, dressed, and in a few minutes was at
the stable.

"What! You here?" Jake asked in surprise, as he paused in the act of
picking up a milking-stool.

"Certainly, and why not?" Douglas replied.

"Oh, I didn't expect ye to be up so early, that's all. All the hired
men I've ever had waited to be called."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"Thought I'd let ye sleep, as ye had a hard day of it yesterday. And,
besides, it's rainin', so we can't do much to-day."

"Rain or no rain, tired or not tired, I am going to do my share while
I'm here," Douglas quietly remarked, as he picked up a pail and a
stool. "I don