ToMessrs。Harper&BothersandHenryMillsAldenwhosefriendlinessandfairdealingIamgladofthischancetorecordOwenWisterPrefaceIt’sveryplainthatifathing’sthefashion——
Toomuchthefashion——ifthepeopleleapTodoit，ortobeit，inapassionOfhasteandcrowding，likeaherdofsheep，WhythenthatthingbecomesthroughimitationVulgar，excessive，obvious，andcheap。
NogentlemandesirestobepursuingWhateveryTomandDickandHarry’sdoing。
Stranger，doyouwritebooks？Iaskthequestion，BecauseI’mtoldthateverybodywritesThatwhatwithscribbling，eating，anddigestion，Andproperslumber，allourdaysandnightsArewhollyfilled。Itseemsanoddsuggestion——
Butifyoudowrite，stopit，leavethemasses，Readme，andjointhesmallselectedclasses。
TheJimmyjohnBossI
OnedayatNampa，whichisinIdaho，aruddyoldmassivejovialmanstoodbytheSilverCitystage，pattinghisbeardwithhislefthand，andwithhisrighttheshoulderofaboywhostoodbesidehim。HehadcomewiththeboyonthebranchtrainfromBoise，becausehewasacarefulGermanandlikedtosayeverythingtwice——twiceatleastwhenitwasamatterofbusiness。Thiswasamatterofveryparticularbusiness，andtheGermanhadrepeatedhimselffornineteenmiles。Presentlytheeast—boundonthemainlinewouldarrivefromPortland；thentheSilverCitystagewouldtaketheboysouthonhisnewmission，andthemanwouldjourneybythebranchtrainbacktoBoise。FromBoisenoonecouldsaywherehemightnotgo，westoreast。HewasagreatandpervasivecattlemaninOregon，California，andotherplaces。VogelandLex——evento—dayyoumayhearthetworanchpartnersspokenof。SotheveteranVogelwasnowoncemoregoingoverhisnotionsandcommandstohisyouthfuldeputyduringthelastpreciousminutesuntiltheeast—boundshouldarrive。
"Undifonlyyouhafsomedinglikedis，"saidtheoldman，ashetappedhisbeardandpattedtheboy，"itwouldbefivehoondertmoredollarssalaryinyourliddlepants。"
Theboywinkedupathisemployer。Hehadagray，humorouseye；hewasslimandalert，likeasparrow—hawk——thesortofboyhisfatheropenlyrejoicesinandhismotherissecretlyinprayerover。Only，thisboyhadneitherfathernormother。Sincetheageoftwelvehehadlookedoutforhimself，neverquitewithoutbread，sometimesattainingchampagne，gettingalonginhisAmericanwayvariously，onhorseorafoot，acrossregionsofwideplainsandmountains，throughtownswherenotasoulknewhisname。Heclosedoneofhisgrayeyesathisemployer，andbeyondthismadenoremark。
"Vatyoumeanbydatvink，anyhow？"demandedtheelder。
"Say，"saidtheboy，confidentially——"honestnow。Howaboutyouandme？
FivehundreddollarsifIhadyourbeard。You’vegotarecordandI’vegotafuture。Andmybloom’sonmerich，withoutascratch。Howmanydollarsyougifmefordatbloom？"Thesparrow—hawksailedintoafreakishimitationofhismaster。
"Youarealiddlerascal！"criedthemaster，shakingwithentertainment。
"UndifderpeoplesvastohearyousassoldMaxVogelindisstyletheywouldsay，’PooroldMax，helosehisgr—rip。’ButIdon’tloseit。"Hisgreathandclosedsuddenlyontheboy’sshoulder，hisvoicecutcleanandheavyasanaxe，andthennomorejokingabouthim。"Hafyouunderstandthat？"hesaid。
"Yes，sir。"
"Howoldareyou，son？"
"Nineteen，sir。"
"Ohmy，thatisoffleyoungforthejobIgifyou。Someofdosemanyougotobossmightbeyourfather。Undhowmuchdoyouweigh？"
"Aboutahundredandthirty。"
"Toolight，toolight。UndIhafkeepmyeyeonyouinBoise。Youarenotsogootaboyasyoumightbe。"
"Well，sir，Iguessnot。"
"Butyouwasnotsobadaboyasyoumightbe，neider。Youdon’tlieaboutit。Nowitmustbefarewelltoallthatfoolishness。Hafyouunderstand？Yougotosetanexamplewhereoneisneededverybad。Ifthosemenseeyoudrinkaliddle，theydrinkabiglot。Youforbidthem，theylaughatyou。Youmustnotallowonedropofwhiskeyatthewholeplace。Hafyouwellunderstand？"
"Yes，sir。Meandwhiskeyarenotnecessarytoeachother’shappiness。"
"Itisnotyou，itisthem。Howareyoumityourgun？"
Vogeltooktheboy’spistolfromitsholsterandaimedatanemptybottlewhichwasstickinginthethinDeceiversnow。"Canyoudothis？"hesaid，carelessly，andfired。Thesnowstruckthebottle，buttheunharmingbulletwasburiedhalfaninchtotheleft。
Theboytookhispistolwithsolemnity。"No，"hesaid。"GuessIcan’tdothat。"Hefired，andtheglasssplinteredintoshapelessness。"ToldyouI
couldn’tmissascloseasyoudid，"saidhe。
"Youareadarling，"saidMr。Vogel。"Gifmedatlofelyweapon。"
Afortunatestoreofbottleslay，leaned，orstoodaboutinthewhitesnowofNampa，andMr。Vogelbeganatthem。
"MayIaskifanythingisthematter？"inquiredamildvoicefromthestage。
"Stickthatlilyheadin—doors，"shoutedVogel；andthefaceandeye—glasseswithdrewagainintothestage。"Theschool—teacherhewillbebeautifoolvirtuouscompanyforyouatMalheurAgency，"continuedVogel，shootingagain；andpresentlythelargeoldGermandestroyedabottlewithacrashingsmack。"Ah！"saidhe，inunisonwiththesmack。"Ah—ha！
NovonshallsayderoldMaxlosehisgr—rip。Ishootitefrytimenow，butthetrainshewhistle。Ihearher。"
Theboyaffectedtolistenearnestly。
"Bah！ItellyouIheardewhistlecoming。"
"Didyousaytherewasawhistle？"venturedtheoccupantofthestage。
Thesnowshonewhiteonhisglassesashepeeredout。
"Nobodywhistleforyou，"returnedtherobustVogel。"Youlistentome，"
hecontinuedtotheboy。"Youareoffleyoong。ButIwatchyouplentythislongtime。IseeyouworkmitmystockontheOwyheeandtheMalheur；Iseeyoumitmyodermen。Mymentheysayalwaysmoreandmore，’YoongDrakeheisagootone，’undIthinkyouareagootonemineownself。IamthebiggestcattlemanonthePacificslope，undIamalsoanolddevil。Ihavethinkalot，undIlikeyou。"
"I’mobligedtoyou，sir。"
"Shutoop。Ilikeyou，undthereforeImakeyoumynewsooperintendentatmyMalheurAgencyr—ranch，mitabiggersalaryasyoudon’tgetbefore。
Ifyouareasookcess，Ir—raiseyousomemore。"
"Iamsatisfiednow，sir。"
"Bah！Neverdoyoutellanygootbusinessmanyouaresatisfiedmitvathegifyou，foreiderhedon’tbelieveyouorelsehethinkyouareafool。Undeiderwaysyougodowninhisestimation。YoumakethosemenatMalheurAgencybehavethemselvesundIr—raiseyou。OnlyIdovish，Idocertainlyvishyouhadsomebeardonthatyoongchin。"
Theboyglancedathispistol。
"No，no，no，myson，"saidthesharpoldGerman。"Idon’twantgunpowderindisaffair。Youmustactkvietunddecisifundkeepyourliddleshirton。Whatyouaccomplishshootin’？Youkillsomebody，undthen，pop！
somebodykillsyou。Whatgootisallthatnonsensetome？"
"Itwouldannoymesome，too，"retortedtheboy，eyeingthecapitalist。
"Don’tleavemeoutoftheproposition。"
"Broposition！Broposition！NowyougethotmitoldMaxfornothing。"
"Ifyoudidn’tcontemplatetrouble，"pursuedtheboy，"whatwasyourpointjustnowinsamplingmymarksmanship？"Hekickedsomesnowinthedirectionoftheshatteredbottle。"It’sunderstoodnowhiskeycomesonthatranch。Butifnogunpowdergoesalongwithme，either，let’scallthedealoff。Buysomeotherfool。"
"Youhafnotunderstand，myboy。UndyougetveryhotbecauseIhappentomakethatliddlejokeaboutsomebodykillingyou。WasyouthinkingmaybeoldMaxnotcarewhathappentoyou？"
Amomentofsilencepassedbeforetheanswercame："Supposewetalkbusiness？"
"Verywell，verywell。Onlynoticethisthing。Whenoderpeoplestalkooptomelikeyouhafdonemanytimes，itisnottheywhodoesthegettinghot。Itisme——oldMax。UndwhenoldMaxgetshotheslingsthemoutofhisroadanywheres。Somehafbeenverysorrytheygetsoslung。Youinvitemetobuysomeoderfool？Oh，myboy，Iwillbuynooderfoolexceptyou，forthatwasjustlikemewhenIwasyoongMax！"Againtheruddyandgrizzledmagnateputhishandontheshoulderoftheboy，whostoodlookingawayatthebottles，attherailroadtrack，atanythingsavehisemployer。
Theemployerproceeded："Iwasafraidofnobodyundnodinginthosedays。
Youareafraidofnobodyandnoding。Butthosedayswasdifferent。NoPullmansleepers，norailroadatall。WecomeooptheColumbiainthesteamboat，wetravelhoondertsofmilesbyteam，wesleep，weeatnowheresinparticularmitmanyunexpectedinterooptions。TherewasIndians，therewasofflebadwhitemen，undifyouwasnotoffleyourselfyouvanishedquickly。ThereforeinthosedayswasMaxVogelhellundrepeat。"
Themagnatesmiledabroadfondsmileoverthepastwhichhehadkicked，driven，shot，bled，andbattledthroughtopresentpower；andtheboywinkedupathimagainnow。
"Idon’tproposetovanish，myself，"saidhe。
"Ah—ha！youwasnolongermadmitderoldMax！OfcoorseIcarewhathappenstoyou。Iwasaloneintheworldmyselfinthoselofelywickeddays。"
Reserveagainmadeflintytheboy’sface。
"NeiderdidItalkaboutmyfeelings，"continuedMaxVogel，"butInefershowthemtooquick。IfIwasinjuredIwait，andIstriketokill。Weallpaddlesourowndugout，eh？Weasknofavorsfromnobody；wemustwinourspurs！Notso？NowItalkbusinesswithyouwhereyouinterrooptme。
Ifcow—boyswasnotsoofflescarceinthecountry，Iwouldlongagohafbouncethelotofthosedrunkenfellows。Buttheycannotbespared；wemustgetalongso。IcannotsendBrock，heisneededatHarper’s。ThedumbfellowatAlvordLakeistoodumb；heisnotquicklycourageous。
Theywouldplayhighjinksmithim。ThereforeIsendyou。Brockhesaytomeyouhafjoodgement。Iwatch，andIsaytomyselfalso，thisboyhafgootjoodgement。Andwhenyoulookatyourpistolsoquick，ItellyouquickIdon’tsendyoutokillmenwhentheyaresoscarcealready！Myboy，itiseverthemoral，thesay—nodingstrengthwhatgetsthere——mitalwaystheliddlepistolbehind，incase——joostincase。Hafyouunderstand？Iaskyoutoshoot。Iseeyouknowhow，asBrocktoldme。I
recommendyoutoletthemseethataggomplishmentinafriendlyway。
Maybeashooting—matchmitprizes——Ipayforthem——prettysoonafteryoucome。Undjoodgement——undjoodgement。Herecomesthattrain。Hafyouwellunderstand？"
Uponthisthetwoshookhands，lookingsquarefriendshipineachother’seyes。Theeast—bound，longquietanddarkbeneathitsflowingclotsofsmoke，slowedtoahalt。Afewvalisesandlegsdescended，ascended，herdingandhurrying；afewtrunkswerethrownresoundinglyinandoutofthetrain；awoolly，crookedoldmancamewithaboxandabandannabundlefromthesecond—classcar；thetravellersofathousandmileslookedtorpidlyathimthroughthedim，dustywindowsoftheirPullman，andsettledagainforathousandmilesmore。Thentheeast—bound，shootingheavierclotsofsmokelaboriouslyintotheair，drewitsslowlengthoutofNampa，andaway。
"Where’sthatstage？"shrilledthewoollyoldman。"That’swhatI’mafter。"
"Why，hello！"shoutedVogel。"Hello，UnclePasco！Iheardyouwasdead。"
UnclePascoblinkedhissmalleyestoseewhohailedhim。"Oh！"saidhe，inhislight，crustyvoice。"DutchyVogel。No，Iain’tdead。Youguessedwrong。Notdead。Helpmeup，Dutchy。"
AtolerantsmilebroadenedVogel’sface。"ItwastenyearssinceIseeyou，"saidhe，carryingtheoldman’sbox。
"Shouldn’twonder。Maybeit’llbeanothertentillyouseemenext。"Hestoppedbythestagestep，andwheelingnimbly，surveyedhisold—timeacquaintance，notingthegoodhat，theprosperouswatch—chain，thebig，well—blackedboots。"Notseenmefortenyears。Hee—hee！No。Usen’ttohaveacentmorethanme。Twinsinpoverty。That’showDutchyandmestarted。Ifwewasburiedto—morrowthey’dmarkhim’Pecunious’andme’Impecunious。’That’swhat。Twinsinpoverty。"
"Isticktovonbusinessatatime，Uncle，"saidgood—natured，successfulMax。
Aflickerofaberrationlightedintheoldman’seye。"H’m，yes，"saidhe，pondering。"Stucktoonebusiness。Soyoudid。H’m。"Then，suddenlysly，hechirped："ButI’vestruckitrichnow。"Hetappedhisbox。
"Jewelry，"hehalf—whispered。"Minersandcow—boys。"
"Yes，"saidVogel。"Thosepoor，deludedfellows，theybuysuchstuff。"
Andhelaughedattheseedyvisionarywhohadbegunfrontierlifewithhimonthebottomrungandwouldenditthere。"Doyouplaythatconcertinayet，Uncle？"heinquired。
"Yes，yes。Ialwaysplay。It’sinherewithmytooth—brushandsocks。"
UnclePascoheldupthebandanna。"Well，he’sgettingreadytostart。I
guessI’llbeclimbinginside。HolyGertrude！"
Thisshrillcommentwasatsightoftheschool—master，patientwithinthestage。"Whatbusinessareyouin？"demandedUnclePasco。
"Iaminthespellingbusiness，"repliedtheteacher，andsmiled，faintly。
"Hell！"pipedUnclePasco。"Takethis。"
Hehandedinhisbandannatothetraveller，whoreceiveditpolitely。MaxVogelliftedtheboxofcheapjewelry；andbothheandtheboycamebehindtoboosttheoldmanuponthestagestep。Butwithanettledlookheleapeduptoevadethem，totteredhalf—way，andthen，lightasahuskofgrain，gothimselftohisseatandscowledattheschoolmaster。
Afterabriefinspectionofthatpale，spectacledface，"Dutchy，"hecalledoutofthedoor，"thiscountryisnotwhatitwas。"
ButoldMaxVogelwasinattentive。Hewasspeakingtotheboy，DeanDrake，andheldaflaskinhishand。Hereachedtheflasktohisnewsuperintendent。"Drinkhearty，"saidhe。"There，son！Don’tbeshy。Hafyouforgotitisforbiddenfruitafternow？"
"Kidswornoff？"inquiredUnclePascooftheschool—master。
"Iunderstand，"repliedthisperson，"thatMr。Vogelwillnotallowhiscow—boysattheMalheurAgencytohaveanywhiskeybroughtthere。
Personally，Ifeelgratified。"AndMr。Bolles，thenewschool—master，gavehisfaintsmile。
"Oh，"mutteredUnclePasco。"Forbiddentobringwhiskeyontheranch？
H’m。"Hiseyeswanderedtothejewelry—box。"H’m，"saidheagain；andbecomingthoughtful，helaidbackhismoth—eatenslyhead，andspokenofurtherwithMr。Bolles。
DeanDrakeclimbedintothestageandthevehiclestarted。
"Gootluck，gootluck，myson！"shoutedtheheartyMax，andopenedandwavedbothhisbigarmsatthedepartingboy：Hestoodlookingafterthestage。"Ihopehecomeback，"saidhe。"Ithinkhecomeback。IfhecomeIr—raisehimfiftydollarswithoutanybeard。"
II
ThestagehadnottrundledsofaronitsSilverCityroadbutthatawhistlefromNampastationreacheditsthreeoccupants。ThiswasthebranchtrainstartingbacktoBoisewithMaxVogelaboard；andtheboylookedoutatthelocomotivewithasigh。
"Onlyfivedaysoftown，"hemurmured。"Sixmonthsmorewildernessnow。"
"Mylifehasbeentoomuchtown，"saidthenewschool—master。"Iamlookingforwardtoalittlewildernessforachange。"
OldUnclePasco，leaningback，saidnothing；hekepthiseyesshutandhisearsopen。
"ChangeiswhatIdon’tget，"sighedDeanDrake。Inafewmiles，however，beforetheyhadcometotheferryoverSnakeRiver，therecentleave—takingandhisemployer’skindbutdominatingrepressionliftedfromtheboy’sspirit。Hisgrayeyewakenedkeenagain，andhebegantowhistlelightoperatunes，lookingabouthimalertly，likethesparrow—hawkthathewas。"EverseeJeannieWinstonin’Fatinitza’？"heinquiredofMr。Bolles。
Theschool—master，withastartled，thankfulcountenance，statedthathehadnever。
"Oughtto，"saidDrake。
"Youaman？thatcan’tbetrue！
Menhavenevereyeslikeyou。"
That’swhatthegirlsintheharemsinginthesecondact。Gollywhiz！"
Theboygleamedoverthememoryofthatevening。
"Youhaveahardjobbeforeyou，"saidtheschool—master，changingthesubject。
"Yep。Hard。"ThewaryDrakeshookhisheadwarninglyatMr。Bollestokeepoffthatsubject，andheglancedinthedirectionofslumberingUnclePasco。UnclePascowasquiteawareofallthis。"Iwouldn’ttakeanotherlonesomejobsosoon，"pursuedDrake，"butIwantthemoney。I’vebeenworkingelevenmonthsalongtheOwyheeasasortofjuniorboss，andI’dearnedmyvacation。JustgotitstartedhotinPortland，whenbiff！
oldVogeltelegraphsme。Well，I’llbesavinginsteadofsquandering。Butitfeelssogoodtosquander！"
"Ihaveneverhadanythingtosquander，"saidBolles，rathersadly。
"Youdon’tsay！Well，oldman，Ihopeyouwill。Itgivesamanalothe’llnevergetoutofspelling—books。Areyoucold？Here。"Anddespitetheschool—master’sprotest，DeanDraketuckedhisbuffalocoatroundandoverhim。"Someday，whenI’mold，"hewenton，"Imeantoliverespectableundermyowncabinandvine。Wifeandeverything。Butnot，anyway，tillI’mthirty—five。"
Hedroppedintohisoperatunesforawhile；butevidentlyitwasnot"Fatinitza"andhisvanishedholidayoverwhichhewaschieflymeditating，forpresentlyheexclaimed："I’llgivethemashooting—matchinthemorning。Youshoot？"
Bolleshopedhewasgoingtolearninthiscountry，andexhibitedaSmith&Wessonrevolver。
Drakegrievedoverit。"Wrapitupwarm，"saidhe。"I’lllendyouarealonewhenwegettotheMalheurAgency。Butyoucaneat，anyhow。Christmasbeingnextweek，yousee，myprogrammeis，shootallA。M。andeatallP。M。Iwishyoucouldlightonanotionwhatprizestogivemybuccaroos。"
"Buccaroos？"saidBolles。
"Yep。Cow—punchers。Vaqueros。BuccaroosinOregon。BastardSpanishword，yousee，driftedupfromMexico。Vogelwouldnotcaretohavemegive’emmoneyasprizes。"
AtthisUnclePascoopenedaneye。
"Howmanybuccarooswilltherebe？"Bollesinquired。
"AttheMalheurAgency？It’stheheadquartersoffiveofourranches。
Thereoughttobequiteacrowd。Adozen，probably，atthistimeofyear。"
UnclePascoopenedhisothereye。"Here，you！"hesaid，draggingathisboxundertheseat。"Pullit，can’tyou？There。Justwhatyou’reafter。
There’syourprizes。"Querulousandwatchful，likesomeaged，ricketyape，theoldmandrewouthistrinketsinshallowshelves。
"Soonergive’emnothing，"saidDeanDrake。
"What’sthat？What’sthematterwiththem？"
"Guesstheboyshavehadallthebrassringsandglassdiamondstheywant。"
"That’sallyouknow，then。IsoldthatboxcleanemptythroughthePalousecountrylastweek，’ceptthebottomdrawer，andanoutfitonMeacham’shilltookthat。Showsallyouknow。I’mgoingcleanthroughyourcountryafterI’vequitSilverCity。I’llstartinbyBakerCityagain，andI’llstrikeHarney，andmaybeI’llgotoLinkville。Iknowwhatbuccarooswant。I’llgotoFortRinehart，andI’llgototheIslandRanch，andfirstthingyou’llbeseeingyourboyswearingmystuffallovertheirfingersandSundayshirts，andgivingtheirgirlsmystuffrightinHarneyCity。That’swhat。"
"Allright，Uncle。It’safreecountry。"
"Shaw！Guessitis。Iwasinitbeforeyouwas，too。YouwerewetbehindtheearswhenIwasjammin’allaroundhere。Howmanyaretheyupatyourplace，didyousay？"
"Isaidabouttwelve。Ifyou’recomingourway，stopandeatwithus。"
"MaybeIwillandmaybeIwon’t。"UnclePascocrosslyshovedhisboxback。
"Allright，Uncle。It’safreecountry，"repeatedDrake。
Notmuchwassaidafterthis。UnclePascounwrappedhisconcertinafromtheredhandkerchiefandplayednimblyforhisownbenefit。AtSilverCityhedisappeared，and，findinghehadstolennothingfromthem，theydidnotregrethim。DeanDrakehadsomeaffairstoseetoherebeforestartingforHarper’sranch，anditwaspleasanttoBollestofindhowDrakewasesteemedthroughthiscountry。Theschool—masterwastoboardattheMalheurAgency，andhadcomethiswayroundbecausethenewsuperintendentmustsotravel。Theywerescarcelybirdsofafeather，DrakeandBolles，yetsinceoneremoteroofwastocoverthem，thein—doormanwasgladthisboy—hosthadwonsomuchgood—willfromhighandlow。ThattheshrewdoldVogelshouldtrustsomuchinanineteen—year—oldwasproofenoughatleastofhischaracter；butwhenBrock，theforemanfromHarper’s，cameforthematSilverCity，BolleswitnessedtheaffectionthattheroughermanheldforDrake。Brockshooktheboy’shandwiththatseriousquietnessandabsenceofwordswhichshowstheWesternheartisspeaking。AfteralookatBollesandasilentbestowingofthebaggageaboardtheteam，hecrackedhislongwhipandthethreerattledhappilyawaythroughthedipsofanopencountrywhereclearstreamsranbluebeneaththewinterair。TheyfollowedtheJordan（thatIdahoJordan）westtowardsOregonandtheOwyhee，Brockoftenturninginhisdriver’sseatsoastospeakwithDrake。Hehadalong，gradualchapterofconfidencesandevents；throughmilesheunburdenedthesetohisfavorite：
TheCaliforniamarewascoringwellinharness。TheeagleoveratWhitehorseranchhadfoughtthecatmostterrible。Gilberthadgotamule—kickinthestomach，butwaseatinghisthreemeals。Theyhadanewboywhoplayedtheguitar。Heusedmaple—syrupanhismeat，andclaimedhewasfromAlabama。Brockguessedthingswereaboutasusualinmostways。Thenewwellhadcavedinagain。Then，inthemidstofhisgossip，thethinghehadwantedtosayallalongcameout："We’repleasedaboutyourpromotion，"saidhe；and，blushing，shookDrake’shandagain。
Warmthkindledtheboy’sface，andnext，withasuddenseverity，hesaid：
"You’rekeepingbacksomething。"
ThehonestBrocklookedblank，thenlaboredinhismemory。
"HasthesorrelgirlinHarneymarriedyouyet？"saidDrake。
Brockslappedhisleg，andthehorsesjumpedathismirth。Hewasmostlygrave—mannered，butwhenhisboysuperintendentjoked，herejoicedwiththesamepridethathetookinallofDrake’sexcellences。
"Theboysinthiscountrywillbackyouup，"saidhe，nextday；andDrakeinquired："WhatnewsfromtheMalheurAgency？"
"SincethenewChinamanhasbeencookingforthem，"saidBrock，"theyhavebeenpeacefulasamancouldwish。"
"They’llapproveofme，then，"Drakeanswered。"I’mfeeding’emhyasChristmasmuck—a—muck。"
"Andwhatmaythatbe？"askedtheschoolmaster。
"YounokumtuxChinook？"inquiredDrake。"Travelwithmeandyou’lllearnallsortsoflanguages。Itmeansjustabigfeed。Allwhiskeyisbarred，"
headdedtoBrock。
"It’stheonlyway，"saidtheforeman。"They’vegotthosePennsylvaniamenupthere。"
Drakehadnotencounteredthese。
"ThethreebrothersDrinker，"saidBrock。"Full，Half—pastFull，andDrunkarewhattheycallthem。Them’sthenames；they’vebroughtthemfromKlamathandRogueRiver。"
"IshouldnotthinkaChinamanwouldenjoysuchcomrades，"venturedMr。
Bolles。
"Chinamendon’thavecomradesinthiscountry，"saidBrock，briefly。
"Theylikehiscooking。It’salonesomesectionupthere，andaChinamancouldhardlyquitit，notifhewasexpectedtostay。Supposetheykickaboutthewhiskeyrule？"hesuggestedtoDrake。
"Can’thelpwhattheydo。Oh，I’llgiveeachboyhisturninHarneyCitywhenhegetsanxious。It’sthewholeunitedlotIdon’tproposetohavecutuponme。"
AlookofconcernfortheboycameoverthefaceofforemanBrock。
Severaltimesagainbeforetheirpartingdidhethuslookathisfavorite。TheypausedatHarper’sforadaytoattendtosomematters，andwhenDrakewasleavingthisplaceoneofthemensaidtohim："We’llstandbyyou。"ButfromhisblitheappearanceandtalkastheslimboyjourneyedtotheMalheurRiverandHeadquarterranch，nothingseemedtobeonhismind。Oregontwinkledwithsunandfinewhitesnow。Theycrossedthroughaworldofpinesandcrevicedstreamsandexhilaratingsilence。Thelittlewatersfelltinklingthroughiciclesinthelonelinessofthewoods，andsnowshoerabbitsdivedintothebrush。EastOregon，theOwyheeandtheMalheurcountry，theoldtrailsofGeneralCrook，thewillowsbythestreams，theopenswales，thehighwoodswhereonceBuffaloHornandChiefE—eganteandO—itsthemedicine—manprospered，throughthisdomainofwarandmemorieswentBollestheschool—masterwithDeanDrakeandBrock。ThethirdnoonfromHarper’stheycameleisurelydowntotheoldMalheurAgency，whereoncethehostileIndianshaddrawnpicturesonthedoor，andwhereCastleRockfrowneddownunchanged。
"IwishIwasgoingtostayherewithyou，"saidBrocktoDrake。"ByIndianCreekyoucansendwordtomequickerthanwe’vecome。"
"Why，you’reanoldbat！"saidtheboytohisforeman，andclappedhimfarewellontheshoulder。
Brockdroveaway，thoughtful。Hewasnotalargeman。Hisfacewasclean—cut，almostdelicate。Hehadawell—trimmed，yellowmustache，anditwaschieflyinhisblueeyeandleancheek—bonethatthefrontiersmanshowed。HelovedDeanDrakemorethanhewouldevertell，eventohimself。
Theyoungsuperintendentsetatworktoranch—workthisafternoonofBrock’sleaving，andthebuccaroosmadehisacquaintanceonebyoneandstaredathim。Villanydidnotsitoutwardlyupontheirfaces；theywerenotvillains；buttheystaredattheboysenttocontrolthem，andtheyspoketogether，laughing。Draketooktheheadofthetableatsupper，withBollesonhisright。Downthetablesomesilence，somestaring，muchlaughingwenton——therichbrutelaughofthebellyuntroubledbythebrain。Sam，theChinaman，rapidandnoiseless，servedthedishes。
"Whatisit？"saidabuccaroo。
"Canitbite？"saidanother。
"Ifyouguesswhatitis，youcanhaveit，"saidathird。
"It’smeat，"remarkedDrake，incisively，helpinghimself；"andtougherthanitlooks。"
Thebrutelaughrosefromthecrowdandfellintosurprisedsilence；butnorejoindercame，andtheyatetheirsuppersomewhatthoughtfully。TheChinaman’squick，softeyehadglancedatDeanDrakewhentheylaughed。
Heservedhisdinnersolicitously。InhiskitchenthateveningheandBollesunpackedthegoodthings——theolives，thedriedfruits，thecigars——broughtbythenewsuperintendentforChristmas；andfindingBollesharmless，likehisgentleAsiaticself，Samlookedcautiouslyaboutandspoke：
"Younotknowwhytheylaugh，"saidhe。"Theynottalkaboutmymeatthen。Theymeannewboss，MisserDlake。Hevellyyoungboss。"
"Ithink，"saidBolles，"Mr。Drakeunderstoodtheirmeaning，Sam。Ihavenoticedthatattimesheexpresseshimselfpeculiarly。Ialsothinktheyunderstoodhismeaning。"
TheOrientalpondered。"MelikeMisserDlake，"saidhe。Anddrawingquiteclose，heobserved，"Theynotnicemanvellymuch。"
Nextdayandeveryday"MisserDlake"wentgaylyabouthisbusiness，athisdeskoronhishorse，vigilant，nearandfar，withnosignsaveasteadierkeennessinhiseye。FortheChristmasdinnerheprovidedstillfurthersendingtotheGrandeRondecountryforturkeysandotherthings。
HewontheheartofBollesbylendinghimagoodhorse；butthebuccaroos，thoughtheywereboisterousoverthecomingChristmasjoy，didnotseemespeciallygrateful。Drake，however，kepthisworriestohimself。
"Thisthinghappensanywhere，"hesaidonenightintheofficetoBolles，puffingacigar。"I’veseenatroopofcavalrydemoralizeitselfbyasortofcontagionfromtwoorthreemen。"
"Ithinkitwaswickedtosendyouherebyyourself，"blurtedBolles。
"Poppycock！It’sthechanceofmylife，andI’lljamherthroughorbust。"
"Ithinktheyhavedecidedyouaregettingturkeysbecauseyouareafraidofthem，"saidBolles。
"Why，ofcourse！Butd’youfigureI’mthemantoabandonmyChristmasturkeybecausemymotivesforeatingitaremisconstrued？"
DeanDrakesmokedforawhile；thenaknockcameatthedoor。Fivebuccaroosenteredandstoodclose，asisthewaywiththeguiltywhofeeluncertain。
"Wewerethinkingasmaybeyou’dletusgoovertotown，"saidHalf—pastFull，thespokesman。
"When？"
"Oh，anydayalongthisweek。"
"Can’tspareyoutillafterChristmas。"
"Maybeyou’llnotobjecttooneofusgoin’？"
"You’lleachhaveyourturnafterthisweek。"
Aslightpausefollowed。ThenHalf—pastFullsaid："WhatwouldyoudoifIwent，anyway？"
"Can’timagine，"Drakeanswered，easily。"Go，andI’llbeinapositiontoinformyou。"
Thebuccaroodroppedhisstolidbulleyes，butraisedthemagainandgrinned。"Well，I’mnotparticularaboutgoin’thisweek，boss。"
"That’snotmyname，"saidDrake，"butit’swhatIam。"
Theystoodamoment。Thentheyshuffledout。Itwasanorderlyretreat——almost。
DrakewinkedovertoBolles。"Thatwasagraze，"saidhe，andsmokedforawhile。"They’llnotgothistime。Questionis，willtheygonext？"
III
Draketookafreshcigar，andthrewhislegsoverthechairarm。
"Ithinkyousmoketoomuch，"saidBolles，whomthreedayshadmadefamiliarandfriendly。
"Yep。Havetojustnow。That’swhat！asUnclePascowouldsay。Theyareahalf—breedlot，though，"theboycontinued，returningtothebuccaroosandtheirrecentvisit。"Weakeninthefaceofastraightbluff，yousee，unlesstheygetwhiskey—courageous。AndI’vecalled’emdownonthat。"
"Oh！"saidBolles，comprehending。
"Didn’tyouseethatwastheirgame？Buthewillnotgoafterit。"
"Thefleshisalltheyseemtounderstand，"murmuredBolles。
Half—pastFulldidnotgotoHarneyCityforthetabooedwhiskey，nordidanyone。Drakereadhisbuccarooslikethechildrenthattheywere。Afterthelateencounterofgrit，theatmospherewasrelievedofstorm。Thechildren，theprimitive，pagan，dangerouschildren，forgotallaboutwhiskey，andlustedjoyouslyforChristmas。Christmaswascoming！Nowork！Ashooting—match！Abigfeed！CheerfulnessbubbledattheMalheurAgency。Theweatheritselfwasintune。CastleRockseemednolongertofrown，butroseintotheshiningair，amassoffriendlystrength。Exceptwhenararesledgeorhorsemanpassed，Mr。Bolles’sjourneystotheschoolwerealltoshowitwasnotsomepioneercolonyinanew，white，silentworldthatheardonlytheplayfulshoutsandsongsofthebuccaroos。Thesunoverheadandthehard—crushingsnowunderfootfilledeveryonewithacrisp，tinglinghilarity。
BeforethesunfirsttouchedCastleRockonthemorningofthefeasttheywereupandinhighfeatheroveratthebunk—house。TheyracedacrosstoseewhatSamwascooking；theybeggedandjoyfullyswallowedlumpsofhisrawplum—pudding。"MerryChristmas！"theywishedhim，and"MellyClismas！"saidhetothem。Theyplayedleap—frogoverbythestable，theyputsnowdowneachother’sbacks。Theirshoutsrangroundcorners；itwaslikeboysletoutofschool。WhenDrakegatheredthemfortheshooting—match，theycheeredhim；whenhetoldthemtherewerenoprizes，whatdidtheycareforprizes？Whenhebeatthemallthefirstround，theycheeredhimagain。Pityhehadn’tofferedprizes！Hewasn’tagoodbusinessman，afterall！
Theroundsatthetargetproceededthroughtheforenoon，Draketheacclaimedleader；andtheChristmassundrewtomid—sky。Butasitssplendorintheheavensincreased，thehappyshoutingsonearthbegantowane。Thebodywasallthatthebuccaroosknew；well，thefleshcomesprettynaturaltoallofus——andwhohadevertaughtthesemenaboutthespirit？Thefurthertheywerefrombreakfastthenearertheyweretodinner；yetthehappyshootingswaned！Thespiritisastrangething。
Oftenitdwellsdumbinhumanclay，thenunexpectedlyspeaksoutoftheclay’sdarkness。
ItwasnolongeracrowdDrakehadatthetarget。Hebecameawarethatquietnesshadbeengraduallycomingoverthebuccaroos。Helooked，andsawamanwanderingbyhimselfinthelane。Anotherleanedbythestablecorner，withavacantface。Throughthewindowsofthebunk—househecouldseetwoorthreeontheirbeds。Thechildrenweretiredofshouting。Drakewentin—doorsandthrewagreatlogonthefire。Itblazeduphighwithsparks，andhewatchedit，althoughthesunshownbrightonthewindow—sill。Presentlyhenoticedthatamanhadcomeinandtakenachair。ItwasHalf—pastFull，andwithhisbootsstretchedtothewarmth，hesatgazingintothefire。Thedooropenedandanotherbuckarooenteredandsatoffinacorner。Hehadabundleofoldletters，smearedsheetstiedtriteatwistedoldribbon。Whilehislarge，top—toughenedfingerssoftlyloosenedtheribbon，hesatwithhisbacktotheroomandpresentlybegantoreadthelettersover，onebyone。Mostofthemencameinbeforelong，andsilentlyjoinedthewatchersroundthetreatfireplace。Drakethrewanotherlogon，andinashorttimethis，too，brokeintoampleflame。Thesilencewaslong；asliceofshadowhadfallenacrossthewindow—sill，whenayoungmanspoke，addressingthelogs：
"IskinnedacooninSanSaba，Texas，thisdayayear。"
Atthesoundofavoice，someoftheireyesturnedonthespeaker，butturnedbacktothefireagain。Thespirithadspokenfromtheclay，aloud；andtheclaywasuncomfortableathearingit。
Aftersomemoreminutesaneighborwhisperedtoaneighbor，"Playyouagameofcrib。"
Themannodded，stoleovertowheretheboardwas，andbroughtitacrosstheflooroncreakingtip—toe。Theysetitbetweenthem，andnowandthenthecardsmadealightsoundintheroom。
"ItreedthatcoononHoney，"saidtheyoungman，afterawhile——"HoneyCreek，SanSaba。Kindo’drycreek。UsedtoflowintoBigBradywhenitrained。"
Theflamescrackledon，theneighborsstillplayedtheircribbage。Stillwasthedaybright，buttheshrinkingwedgeofsunhadgoneentirelyfromthewindow—sill。Half—pastFullhaddrawnfromhispocketamouthorgan，breathinghalf—tunesuponit；inthemiddleof"SuwaneeRiver"themanwhosatinthecornerlaidtheletterhewasbeginningupontheheaponhiskneesandreadnomore。Thegreatgeniallogslayglowing，burning；
fromthefresheronetheflamesflowedandforked；alongtheemberedsurfaceoftheothersranredandblueshiversofiridescence。Withlegsandarmscrookedandsprawled，thebuccaroosbrooded，staringintotheglowwithseldom—winkingeyes，whiledeepinsidetheclaythespiritspokequietly。ChristmasDaywaspassing，butthesunshonestilltwogoodhourshigh。Outside，overthesnowandpines，itwasonlyinthedeeperfoldsofthehillsthattheblueshadowshadcome；therestoftheworldwasgoldandsilver；andfromfaracrossthatsilenceintothissilencebythefirecameatinklingstirofsound。Sleighbellsitwas，steadilycoming，tooearlyforBollestobebackfromhisschoolfestival。
Thetoy—thrillofthejinglinggrewclearandsweet，aspiritofenchantmentthatdidnotwakethestillness，butcastitintoadeeperdream。Thebellscamenearthedoorandstopped，andthenDrakeopenedit。
"Hello，UnclePasco！"saidhe。"ThoughtyouwereSantaClaus。"
"SantaClaus！H’m。Yes。That’swhat。ToldyoumaybeI’dcome。"
"Soyoudid。Turkeyisduein——let’ssee——ninetyminutes。Here，boys！
someofyoutakeUnclePasco’shorse。"
"No，no，Iwon’t。Youleavemealone。Iain’tstoppin’here。Iain’thungry。Ijustgrubbedattheschool。Sleepin’atMissouriPete’sto—night。Gottomaketherailroadtomorrow。"Theoldmanstoppedhisprecipitatestatements。Hesatinhissledgedeep1ymuffled，blinkingatDrakeandthebuccaroos，whohadstrolledouttolookathim，"Doneabigbusinessthistrip，"saidhe。"ToldyouIwould。Nowifyouwasonlygivin’yourchildrenaChristmas—treelikethatIseenthatfelleryerschoolmarmdoin’justnow——hee—hee！"Fromhisblanketsherevealedthewell—knowncase。"Themthingswouldshineonatree，"concludedUnclePasco。
"Hang’eminthewoods，then，"saidDrake。
"Jewelry，isit？"inquiredtheyoungTexasman。
UnclePascowhippedopenhiscase。"Thereyouare，"saidhe。"Allwhat’sleft。Thatring’llcostyouadollar。"
"I’veadollarsomewheres，"saidtheyoungman，fumbling。
Half—pastFull，ontheothersideofthesleigh，stoodvisiblyfascinatedbythewareshewasgivenaskilfulglimpseofdownamongtheblankets。
HepeeredandheponderedwhileUnclePascogliblyspoketohim。
"Scatteryourtruckoutplain！"thebuccarooexclaimed，suddenly。"I’mnotbuyinginthedark。Comeovertothebunk—houseandscatter。"
"Brasswilllookjustthesameanywhere，"saidDrake。
"Brass！"screamedUncle。"Brassyoureye！"
Butthebuccaroos，plainlygladfordistraction，tookthewoollyoldscoldingmanwiththem。Drakeshoutedthatifgettingcheatedcheeredthem，byallmeanstoinvestheavily，andhereturnedalonetohisfire，whereBollessoonjoinedhim。Theywaited，accordingly，andby—and—bythesleigh—bellsjingledagain。Astheyhadcomeoutofthesilence，sodidtheygointoit，theirlittlesilverytinkledancingawayinthedistance，faintandfainter，then，likeabreath，gone。
UnclePasco’strinketshadaudiblyraisedthemen’sspirits。Theyremainedinthebunkhouse，theirlaughterreachingDrakeandBollesmoreandmore。Sometimestheywouldscuffleandlaughloudly。
"Doyouimagineit’smoreleap—frog？"inquiredtheschool—master。
"Gambling，"saidDrake。"They’llkeepatitnowtilloneofthemwinseverythingtheresthavebought。"
"Havetheybeenlivelyeversincemorning？"
"Hadareactionaboutnoon，"saidDrake。"Regularhome—sickspell。Ifeltsorryfor’em。"
"Theyseemfullofreaction，"saidBolles。"Listentothat！"
Itwasnownearfouro’clock，andSamcamein，announcingdinner。
"Allready，"saidthesmilingChinaman。
"Passthegoodwordtothebunk—house，"saidDrake，"iftheycanhearyou。"
Samwentacross，andtheshoutingstopped。Thenaroseathickvolleyofscreamsandcheers。
"Thatdon’tsoundright，"saidDrake，leapingtohisfeet。InthenextinstanttheChinaman，terrified，returnedthroughtheopendoor。BehindhimlurchedHalf—pastFull，andstumbledintotheroom。Hisbootcaught，andhepitched，butsavedhimselfandstoodswaying，heavilylookingatDrake。Thehaircurleddenseoverhisbullhead，hismustachewasspreadwithhisgrin，thelightofcloddishhumoranddestructionburnedinhisbigeye。Theclayhadburiedthespiritlikeacavingpit。
"Twasfalsejewelryallright！"heroared，atthetopofhisvoice。"A
goodoldjimmyjohnfull，boss。Say，boss，goin’torunourjimmyjohnofftheranch？Tryiton，kid。Comeoverandtryiton！"Thebullbeatonthetable。
DeanDrakehadsatquicklydowninhischair，hisgrayeyeuponthehulkingbuccaroo。Smallanddauntlesshesat，asparrow—hawkcaughtinatrap，andgametotheend——whateverend。
"It’satrifletardytooutlineanypolicyaboutyourdemijohn，"saidhe，seriously。"Youfolkshadbettercomeinandeatbeforeyou’rebeyondappreciating。"
"Ho，we’lleatyourgrub，boss。Sam’scookinggoes。"Thebuccaroolurchedoutandawaytothebunk—house，wherenewbellowingwassetup。
"I’vegottocarvethisturkey，friend，"saidtheboytoBolles。
"I’lldomybesttohelpeatit，"returnedtheschool—master，smiling。
"MisserDlake，"saidpoorSam，"Isollyyou。Ivellysollyyou。"
IV
"Reserveyoursorrow，Sam，"saidDeanDrake。"Giveusyoursoupforastarter。Come，"hesaidtoBolles。"Quick。"
Hewentintothedining—room，promptinhisseatattheheadofthetable，withtheschool—masternexttohim。
"Niceman，UnclePasco，"hecontinued。"Buthistimeisnotnow。Wehavenothingtodoforthepresentbutsitlikeeverydayandactperfectlynatural。"
"Ihaveknownsimplertasks，"saidMr。Bolles，"butI’llbeginbyspreadingthisexcellentlycleannapkin。"
"You’renoschoolmarm！"exclaimedDrake；"youpleaseme。"
"Theworstofabadthing，"saidthemildBolles，"ishavingtimetothinkaboutit，andwehavebeensparedthat。"
"Heretheycome，"saidDrake。
Theydidcome。ButDrake’salertstrategyservedtheendhehadtriedfor。Thedrunkenbuccaroosswarmeddisorderlytothedoorandhalted。
Oncemorethenewsuperintendent’swaystookthemaback。Herewasthedecenttablewithlightsserenelyburning，withunwontedgoodthingsarrangeduponit——theolives，theoranges，thepreserves。Neatasparadedrillwerethemen’splaces，allthecupsandforkssymmetricalalongthewhitecloth。There，waitinghisguestsatthefarend，sattheslimyoungbosstalkingwithhisboarder，Mr。Bolles，thepartsintheirsmoothhairgoingwithalltherestofthispropriety。Eventhedailytindisheswerebanishedinfavorofcrockery。
"BashfulofSam’snapkins，boys？"saidtheboss。"Orisitthebald—headedchina？"
Atthisbiddingtheycameinuncertainly。Theirwhiskeywasashamedinside。Theytooktheirseats，glancingacrossateachotherinatransientsilence，drawingtheirchairsgingerlybeneaththem。Thusceremonyfellunexpecteduponthegathering，andforawhiletheyswallowedinawkwardnesswhattheswift，noiselessSambroughtthem。Heinalongwhiteapronpassedandre—passedwithhisthingsfromhiskitchen，doublyefficientandcivilunderstressofanxietyforhisyoungmaster。Inthepausesofhisservinghewatchedfromthebackground，withafacethatpresentlycaughtthenoticeofoneofthem。
"Smile，youalmond—eyedhighbinder，"saidthebuccaroo。AndtheChinamansmiledhisbest。
"I’veforgotsomething，"saidHalf—pastFull，rising。"Don’tlet’emskipacourseonme。"Half—pastlefttheroom。
"That’swhatIhavebeenhopingfor，"saidDraketoBolles。
Half—pastreturnedpresentlyandcaughtDrake’slookofexpectancy。"Ohno，boss，"saidthebuccaroo，instantly，fromthedoor。"You’reontome，butI’montoyou。"Heslammedthedoorwithostentationanddroppedwithaloudlaughintohisseat。
"FirstsmartthingI’veknownhimdo，"saidDraketoBolles。"Iamdisappointed。"
Twobuccaroosnextlefttheroomtogether。
"Theymaygetlostinthesnow，"saidthehumorousHalf—past。"I’lljustshow’emthetrail。"Oncemoreherosefromthedinnerandwentout。
"Yes，heknewtoomuchtobringitinhere，"saidDraketoBolles。"Heknewnonebuttwoorthreewoulddaredrink，withmelookingon。"
"Don’tyouthinkheisafraidtobringitinthesameroomwithyouatall？"Bollessuggested。
"Andmetemperancethisseason？Now，Bolles，that’sunkind。"
"Oh，dear，thatisnotatallwhat——"
"Iknowwhatyoumeant，Bolles。Iwasonlyjustmakingalittlemerryoverthiscasualty。No，hedon’tmindmetothatextent，exceptwhenhe’ssober。Lookathim！"
Half—pastwasreturningwithhisfriends。Quiteevidentlytheyhadallfoundthetrail。
"UnclePascoisaniceoldman！"pursuedDrake。"Ihaven’tgotmygunon。
Haveyou？"
"Yes，"saidBolles，butwithasheepishswerveoftheeye。
Drakeguessedatonce。"NotBabyBunting？Oh，Lord！andIpromisedtogiveyouanadultweapon！——thekindthey’rewearingnowbywayoffull—dress。"
"Talkin’secrets，boss？"saidHalf—pastFull。
Thewell—meaningSamfilledhiscup，andthisproceedingshiftedthebuccaroo’struculentattention。
"What’sthatmud？"hedemanded。
"Coffee，"saidSam，politely。
Thebuccarooswepthiscuptotheground，andthenextmanhowleddismay。
"Burnyourpoorlegs？"saidHalf—past。Hepouredhisglassoverthevictim。Theywrestled，thecompanypoundedthetable，bettinghoarsely，untilHalf—pastwenttothefloor，andhisplatewithhim。
"Goeasy，"saidDrake。"You’resmashingthecompany’sproperty。"
"Bald—headedchinaforsure，boss！"saidasecondofthebrothersDrinker，anddroppedadish。
"I’llmerelytellyou，"saidDrake，"thatthecompanydon’tpayforthischinatwice。"
"Nottwice？"saidHalf—pastFull，smashingsomemore。"Howaboutthrice？"
"Wantyourmoneynow？"anotherinquired。
Ariotofbanterseizeduponallofthem，andtheybegantolaughanddestroy。
"Howmuchdidthiscost？"saidone，pryingaskewhisthree—tinedfork。
"Howmuchdidyoucostyourself？"saidanothertoDrake。
"What，ourkidboss？Twobits，Iguess。"
"Hyasmarkook。Toodear！"
Theybawledattheirownjokes，loudandominous；threatsoundedbeneaththeirlightestword，thenewcrashesofchinathattheythrewonthefloorstrucksharplythroughtheforebodingdinoftheirmirth。ThespiritthatDrakesincehisarrivalhadkeptunderinthemdaybyday，butnotquelled，rosevisiblyeachfewsucceedingminutes，swellingupwardasthetidedoes。Buoyeduponthewhiskey，itglitteredintheireyesandyelledmutinouslyintheirvoices。
"I’mwaitingallorders，"saidBollestoDrake。
"Ihaven’tany，"saidDrake。"Newones，thatis。We’vesatdowntoseethismealout。Gottokeepsitting。"
Heleanedback，eatingdeliberately，sayingnomoretothebuccaroos；
thustheysawhewouldneverleavetheroomtilltheydid。Ashehadtakenhischairthefirst，sowastheboyboundtoquititthelast。Thegameofpryingfork—tinesstaledonthemonebyone，andtheytooktosongs，mostlyofloveandparting。Withtheredwhiskeyintheireyestheyshoutedplaintivelyofsweethearts，andvows，andlips，andmeetinginthewildwood。Fromthesetheywenttoballadsofthecattle—trailandtheYubaRiver，andsoinevitablyworkedtotheoldcoastsong，madeofthreelanguages，withitsversesrhymedoneachyearsincethefirstbeginning。Traditionlaiditheavyuponeachsingerinhisturntokeepthepota—boilingbymemoryorbynewinvention，andthechantwentforwardwithhypnoticcadencetoatuneoflarkish，rippinggayety。Hewhohadreadoverhisoldstainedlettersinthehomesickafternoonhadwakedfromsuchdreamingandnowsang：
"Oncejes’oncedintheyearo’49，Imetafancythingbythenameo’Keroline；
Inevercouldpersuadeherfortoleavemebe；
Shewentandshetookandshemarriedme。"
Hisneighborwasreadywithanoriginalcontribution：
"Once，onceagainintheyearo’’64，BythecityofWhatcomdownalongtheshore——
Inevercouldpersuadethemfortoleavemebe——
ASiwashsquawwentandtookandmarriedme。"
"Whatwasyoudoin’betweenallthemyears？"calledHalf—pastFull。
"Shutyermouth，"saidthenextsinger：
Once，onceagainintheyearo’71
（’TwasthesuddenestdeedthatIeverdone）——
Inevercouldpersuadethemfortoleavemebe——
Arichbanker’sdaughtershetookandmarriedme。"
"Thisislookingbetter，"saidBollestoDrake。
"Don’tyoubelieveit，"saidtheboy。
Tenoradozenyearswerethussung。
"Inevercouldpersuadethemfortoleavemebe"tempestuouslybroughtdownthechorusandthefists，untilthedrunkardscouldsitnomore，butstooduptosing，trampingthetuneheavilytogether。Then，justastheturncameroundtoDrakehimself，theydashedtheirchairsdownandherdedoutoftheroombehindHalf—pastFull，slammingthedoor。
DrakesatamomentattheheadofhisChristmasdinner，thefallenchairs，thelumpywreck。Bloodchargedhisfacefromhishairtohiscollar。"Let’ssmoke，"saidhe。Theywentfromthedinnerthroughtheroomofthegreatfireplacetohisofficebeyond。
"Haveamildone？"hesaidtotheschoolmaster。
"No，astrongoneto—night，ifyouplease。"AndBollesgavehismildsmile。
"Youdomegoodnowandthen，"saidDrake。
"Dearme，"saidtheteacher，"Ihavefoundittheotherway。"
Alltheroomsfrontedontheroadwithdoors——theold—timeagencydoors，wherethehostileshaddrawntheirpicturesinthedaysbeforepeacehadcometoreignoverthiscountry。Drakelookedout，becausethesinginghadstoppedandtheywereveryquietinthebunk—house。HesawtheChinamanstealfromhiskitchen。
"Samistiredofus，"hesaidtoBolles。
"Tired？"
"Runningaway，Iguess。I’dpreferanewsituationmyself。That’swhereyou’redeficient，Bolles。Onlygotsenseenoughtostaywhereyouhappentobe。Hello。Whatisheupto？"
Samhadgonebesideawindowofthebunkhouseandwaslisteningthere，flatlikeashadow。Suddenlyhecrouched，andwasgoneamongthesheds。
Outofthebunk—houseimmediatelycameaprocession，thebuccaroosstillquiet，acareful，gradualbody。
Drakeclosedhisdoorandsatinthechairagain。"They’reescortingthatjugoverhere，"saidhe。"Anewmove，andabigone。"
HeandBollesheardthementerthenextroom，alwayswithoutmuchnoiseortalk——theloudestsoundwasthejugwhentheysetitonthefloor。
Thentheyseemedtosit，talkinglittle。
"Bolles，"saidDrake，"thesunhasset。IfyouwanttotakeafterSam——"
Butthedoorofthesitting—roomopenedandtheChinamanhimselfcamein。
Heleftthedoora—swingandspokeclearly。"MisserDlake，"saidhe，"slovebloke"（stovebroke）。
Thesuperintendentcameoutofhisoffice，followingSamtothekitchen。
Hegavenolookorwordtothebuccarooswiththeirdemijohn；hemerelyheldhiscigarsidewiseinhisteethandwalkedwithnohurrythroughthesitting—room。Samtookhimthroughtothekitchenandroundtoahindcornerofthestove，pointing。
"MisserDlake，"saidhe，"slovenobloke。Iheartheminside。Theygoingkillyou。"
"That’saboutthewayIwasfiguringit，"musedDeanDrake。
"MisserDlake，"saidtheChinaman，withappealingeyes，"Ivellysollyyou。Theynohurteeme。Mecook。"
"Sam，thereismuchmeatinyourwords。Condensedbeefdon’tclasswithyou。Butreserveyoursorrowsyetawhile。Nowwhat’smypolicy？"hedebated，tappingthestovehereandthereforappearances；somebodymightlookin。"ShallIgobacktomyofficeandgetmyguns？"
"Younotgoin’runnow？"saidtheChinaman，anxiously。
"Ohyes，Sam。ButIlikemyguntravelling。Keepsmekindofwarm。Nowiftheyshouldgetasightofmearming——no，she’sgottostayheretillI
comebackforher。Solong，Sam！Seeyoulater。AndI’llhavetimetothankyouthen。"
Drakewenttothecorralinastrollingmanner。Thereheropedthestrongestofthehorses，andalsotheschool—master’s。Inthemidstofhissaddling，Bollescamedown。
"CanIhelpyouinanyway？"saidBolles。
"You’vedoneit。Savedmeabotheringtouch—and—goplaytogetyououthereandseeminnocent。I’mgoingtodrift。"
"Drift？"
"Therearetimestostayandtimestoleave，Bolles；andthisisacaseofthelatter。Haveyouarealgunonnow？"
PoorBollesbroughtoutguiltilyhis。22Smith&Wesson。"Idon’tseemtothinkofthings，"saidhe。
"Cheerup，"saidDrake。"Howcouldyouthought—readme？HideBabyBunting，though。Nowwe’reoff。Quietly，atthestart。Asifweweremerelyjoggingtopasture。"
Samstoodathiskitchendoor，mutelywishingthemwell。Thehorseswerewalkingwithoutnoise，butHalf—pastFulllookedoutofthewindow。
"We’reby，anyhow，"saidDrake。"Quicknow。Burntheearth。"Thehorsesprangathisspurs。"Dust，yousonofagun！Rattleyourhocks！Brindle！
Vamoose！"Eachshoutedwordwasalashwithhisquirt。"Duck！"hecalledtoBolles。
Bollesducked，andbulletsgroovedthesprayingsnow。Theyroundedacornerandsawthecrowdjumpingintothecorral，andSam’sdooremptyofthatprudentCelestial。
"He’saverywiseChinaman！"shoutedDrake，astheyrushed。
"What？"screamedBolles。
"VerywiseChinaman。He’llbreakthatstovenowtoprovehisinnocence。"
"Whodidyousaywasinnocent？"screamedBolles。
"Oh，Isaidyouwere，"yelledDrake，disgusted；andhegaveoverthiseffortatconversationastheirhorsesrushedalong。
V
Itwasadim，widestretchofwinterintowhichDrakeandBollesgallopedfromthehowlingpursuit。TwilightalreadyveiledthebaseofCastleRock，andastheyforgedheavilyuparidgethroughthecakingsnow，andtheyellscameafterthem，BolleslookedseriouslyatDeanDrake；butthatyouthworeanexpressionofrisingmerriment。Bolleslookedbackattheduskfromwhichtheyellsweresounding，thenforwardtothespreadingskeinofnightwherethetrailwastakinghimandtheboy，andinneitherdirectioncouldhediscerncauseforgayety。
"MayIaskwherewearegoing？"saidhe。
"Away，"Drakeanswered。"Justaway，Bolles。It’sahealthyresort。"
Tenmilesweretravelledbeforeeitherspokeagain。Thedrunkenbuccaroosyelledhotontheirheelsatfirst，holdingmoreobstinatelytothischasethansoberruffianswouldhaveattempted。Tencold，darkmilesacrossthehillsittooktocurethem；butwhentheirshootings，thathadfollowedoverheightswherethepinesgrewanddownthroughtheopenswalesbetween，droppedoff，anddiedfinallyawayamongthewillowsalongthesouthforkoftheMalheur，Drakereinedinhishorsewithajerk。
"Nowisn’tthattoobad！"heexclaimed。
"Itisallverybad，"saidBolles，sorrytoheartheboy’stoneofdisappointment。
"Ididn’tthinkthey’dfoolmeagain，"continuedDrake，jumpingdown。
"Again？"inquiredtheinterestedBolles。
"Why，they’vegonehome！"saidtheboy，indisgust。
"Iwashopingso，"saidtheschool—master。
"Hoping？Why，it’ssad，Bolles。FourmilesfartherandI’dhavehadthemlost。"
"Oh！"saidBolles。
"Iwantedthemtokeepafterus，"complainedDrake。"SoonaswehadagoodleadIcoaxedthem。Coaxedthemalongonpurposebyatrailtheyknew，andfourmilesfromhereI’dhaveswungsouthintothemountainstheydon’tknow。Therethey’dhavebeengoodandfarfromhomeinthesnowwithoutsupper，likeyouandme，Bolles。Butafterallmytroublethey’vegonebacksnugtothatfireside。Well，letusbeascoseyaswecan。"
Hebuiltabrightfire，andhewhistledashekickedthesnowfromhisboots，busyingoverthehorsesandtheblankets。"Takearest，"hesaidtoBolles。"Oneman’senoughtodothework。Bewithyousoontoshareourlittlecottage。"PresentlyBollesheardhimrecitingconfidentiallytohishorse，"TwasthenightafterChristmas，andallinthehouse——onlywearenotallinthehouse！"HeslappedthebellyofhishorseTyee，whogambolledawaytothelimitofhispicket—rope。
"Appreciatingthemoon，Bolles？"saidhe，returningatlengthtothefire。"Whatareyousogazefulabout，father？"
"Thisisallmyowndoing，"lamentedtheschool—master。
"What，themoonis？"
"Ithasjustcomeoverme，"Bollescontinued。"ItwasbeforeyougotinthestageatNampa。Iwastalking。ItoldUnclePascothatIwasgladnowhiskeywastobeallowedontheranch。Itallcomesfrommyfolly！"
"Why，youhungryoldNewEnglandconscience！"criedtheboy，clappinghimontheshoulder。"HowintheworldcouldyouforeseethecrookednessofthathoaryBeelzebub？"
"That’sallverywell，"saidBolles，miserably。"Youwouldneverhavementionedityourselftohim。"
"YouandI，Bolles，aredifferent。Iwasraisedonmiscellaneouswickedness。Alookatmyinsideswouldbeliabletomakeyousayyourprayers。"
Theschool—mastersmiled。"IfIsaidanyprayers，"hereplied，"youwouldbeinthem。"
Drakelookedmoodilyatthefire。"TheLordhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves，"saidhe。"I’veprospered。Foranineteen—year—oldI’vehookedmyclawfairlydeephereandthere。Asforto—day——why，that’sinthegametoo。Itwastheirdeal。Couldtheyhavewonitontheirownplay？Ajokerdroppedintotheirhand。It’smydealnow，andIhavesomejokersmyself。Gotosleep，Bolles。We’vearideaheadofus。"
Theboyrolledhimselfinhisblanketskillfully。Bollesheardhimsayonceortwiceinasortofjudicialconversationwiththeblanket——"andallinthehouse——butwewerenotallinthehouse。Notall。Notafullhouse——"Histonesdrowsedcomfortablyintomurmur，andthentoquietbreathing。Bollesfedthefire，thatchedtheunneededwind—break（forthecalm，drynightwasbreathless），andforalongwhilewatchedthemoonandatuftofthesleepingboy’shair。
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