The Project Gutenberg EBook of Heart of the Blue Ridge, by Waldron Baily This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: Heart of the Blue Ridge Author: Waldron Baily Release Date: March 30, 2009 [EBook #28454] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HEART OF THE BLUE RIDGE *** Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Heart of the Blue Ridge THE ILLUSTRATIONS SHOWN IN THIS EDITION ARE REPRODUCTIONS OF SCENES FROM THE PHOTO-PLAY OF “HEART OF THE BLUE RIDGE,” WITH CLARA KIMBALL YOUNG AS THE HEROINE, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LEWIS J. SELZNICK, TO WHOM THE PUBLISHERS DESIRE TO EXPRESS THEIR THANKS AND APPRECIATION FOR PERMISSION TO USE THE PICTURES. Clara Kimball Young under the direction of Lewis J. Selznick. PLUTINA. HEART OF THE BLUE RIDGE BY WALDRON BAILY ILLUSTRATED WITH SCENES FROM THE PHOTOPLAY, WITH CLARA KIMBALL YOUNG AS THE HEROINE, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LEWIS J. SELZNICK N EW YO RK GROSSET & DUNLAP P UBLI S HERS Copyright, 1915, by W. J. WATT & COMPANY TO Irving Bacheller WITH THE APPRECIATION OF THE AUTHOR Heart of the Blue Ridge HEART OF THE BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER I WHERE THE TRAIL BENT OVER A KNOLL, ZEKE HALTED, AND PUT DOWN FROM HIS SHOULDER THE HICKORY CUDGEL WITH ITS DANGLING VALISE OF BLACK OILCLOTH—TOTAL OF BAGGAGE WITH WHICH HE WAS FARING FORTH INTO THE WORLD. THEN, HE STRAIGHTENED HIMSELF, and looked back over the way he had come. THERE, TO THE EAST, THE DUSK OF NIGHT STILL LAY SOMBERLY, HARDLY TOUCHED BY THE COMING DAWN. THROUGH THE SHADOWS, THE MOUNTAIN MASSES LOOMED FORMIDABLE AND MYSTERIOUS, VAGUELY OUTLINED AGAINST THE DEEPER GLOOM OF VALLEYS. THE MELANCHOLY OF THE SCENE SEEMED A FIT SETTING FOR THE COTTAGE THAT RESTED INVISIBLE WITHIN THE FOREST, A HALF-MILE DISTANT FROM HIM. IN IMAGINATION, HE SAW THE WITHERED OLD WOMAN, HIS MOTHER, STILL STANDING ON THE THRESHOLD, LOOKING TOWARD HIM, EVEN AS HE LOOKED TOWARD HER, HER HEART WARM WITH LOVE, HER EVERY THOUGHT A PRAYER FOR HIS HAPPINESS. IT WAS BORNE IN ON ZEKE ONCE AGAIN THAT SHE WOULD BE VERY LONELY IN HER DESOLATE HOME, WHERE DEATH HAD SPARED TO HER ONLY this son.... And, now, he was gone from her! A poignant sorrow welled in him. ZEKE THRUST THE EMOTION AWAY, LEST IT UNMAN HIM. HE FACED ABOUT, DREARILY ENOUGH, AND STOOD WITH DOWNCAST, UNSEEING EYES, IN ANXIOUS PONDERING. AND THEN, PRESENTLY, ASSUAGEMENT WAS GRANTED HIM. HE LIFTED HIS GAZE, AND BEHOLD! HERE was another world, all of soft splendors, of throbbing radiance. THE EAGER BEAMS OF THE UNRISEN SUN SHIMMERED ABOVE THE MOUNTAIN RANGES OF THE HORIZON, AND STREAMED TOWARD THE ZENITH IN A PANOPLY OF HARMONIOUS HUES, COLORFUL PROMISE OF THE MAY MORNING’S JOYOUS MOOD. OF A SUDDEN, UNDER THE SOOTHING INFLUENCE, THE WATCHER BECAME LISTENER AS WELL. HIS EARS NOTED WITH DELIGHT THE GLAD SINGING OF THE BIRDS IN THE WOOD AROUND ABOUT. HIS GLANCE CAUGHT THE WHITE GLEAM OF THE TINY BELLED BLOSSOMS THAT CLUSTERED ON A CROOKED SOUR- WOOD BY THE PATH, AND THE PENETRANT PERFUME OF THEM STIRRED TO LIFE A NEW AND SUBTLER EMOTION. A FLAME OF TENDERNESS burned in the clear hazel of his eyes, as he stared out over the trail before him. Under the increasing light his gaze could DISTINGUISH THE LINE OF THE VALLEY A MILE FURTHER ON, IN WHICH THE SIDDON COTTAGE LAY HIDDEN. HIS FIRMLY-SET LIPS RELAXED ABRUPTLY INTO A SMILE OF WISTFUL SOFTNESS. HE SWUNG STICK AND BAG ACROSS HIS SHOULDER ONCE AGAIN, AND SET OFF BRISKLY DOWN THE SLOPE OF THE KNOLL. HIS THOUGHTS WERE NO LONGER GRAY OVER THE MOTHER WHO MOURNED HIS GOING: THEY WERE ROSEATE WITH ANTICIPATIONS OF BEHOLDING THE GIRL HE LOVED. NOW, THE MOOD OF THE MORNING DANCED IN HIS BLOOD. THE PALPITANT DESIRE OF ALL NATURE IN THE SPRING THRILLED THROUGH HIS HEART. HIS MIND WAS FILLED WITH A VISION OF HER GRACIOUS YOUNG LOVELINESS, SO SOON TO BE PRESENT BEFORE HIM AT THEIR MEETING.... THEIR MEETING—THEIR PARTING! AT THOUGHT OF THAT COROLLARY, A COLD DESPAIR CLUTCHED THE LAD, A DESPAIR THAT WAS NOTHING LIKE THE SEDATE SORROW OVER LEAVING HIS MOTHER, A DESPAIR THAT WAS PHYSICAL SICKNESS, WRENCHING, NAUSEATING, BUT PASSED BEYOND THE PHYSICAL TO RACK THE DEEPS OF BEING. FOR THE FIRST TIME, JEALOUSY SURGED HIDEOUS IN HIM, BORN OF THE REALIZATION THAT SHE MUST BE LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WOOING OF other men—she, the utterly desirable! In a fierce impulse of mingled fear and rage, he stopped short, and cried out: “I’ll be damned if they kin steal her! She’s mine. She done told me so, and Plutiny wouldn’t lie!” FROM AN AMBUSH OF LAUREL BUSHES CLOSE BESIDE THE PATH, A TALL, SLENDER FORM STOOD FORTH, THE LISSOME FIGURE OF A GIRL IN THE BUDDING CHARM OF WOMANHOOD. THERE WAS A LITHE, CURVING BEAUTY IN THE LINES THAT THE SCANT HOMESPUN GOWN OUTLINED SO CLEARLY. THE SWIFT MOVEMENT BY WHICH SHE REVEALED HERSELF WAS INSTINCT WITH GRACE. AS SHE RESTED MOTIONLESS, WITH ARMS EXTENDED IN A GESTURE OF APPEAL, THERE WAS A SINGULAR DIGNITY IN THE POSE, A DISTINCTION OF PERSONALITY THAT WAS IN NO WISE MARRED BY BARE FEET AND SHAPELESS GOWN; NOT EVEN BY THE UNCOUTHNESS OF DIALECT, WHEN 1 2 3 4 SHE SPOKE. AND WINSOMENESS OF FORM AND BEARING WAS CROWNED BY THE BEAUTY OF HER FACE, IN WHICH THE INSIPIDITY OF REGULAR FEATURES WAS REDEEMED BY EXQUISITE COLORING OF ROSE AND WHITE, AND BY THE DUSK BRILLIANCE OF THE EYES. THE tender lips were wreathed to playful reproach, as she addressed the lover for whom she thus waited at the dawn: “Zekie—oh, Zekie! Ye hain’t a-cussin’ o’ me, be ye?” THE YOUNG MAN, SURPRISED, STARTED, AND REGARDED THE GIRL IN CONFUSION. THE RED THAT HAD SUFFUSED HIS TANNED CHEEKS DEEPENED TO A BURNING BLUSH OF EMBARRASSMENT, AS HE REALIZED THAT HIS OUTBURST HAD BEEN OVERHEARD BY HER WHO HAD BEEN THE CAUSE OF IT. BUT HIS EYES MET HER QUIZZICAL GLANCE WITH CANDID DIRECTNESS. AFTER A MOMENT, HE SPOKE. ALL THE harshness was gone from his voice; its soft drawl was vibrant with tenderness. “NO, HONEY, I HAIN’T A’CUSSIN’ O’ YOU-ALL. I WAS JEST A-MENTIONIN’ SOME FOLKS. BUT I HAIN’T A-FEARED. NOBODY HAIN’T A- goin’ to steal yer love from me.” “NOBODY—NEVER, ZEKE!” THE GIRL ANSWERED, SIMPLY. THERE WAS AN INFINITE HONESTY, AN UNALTERABLE LOYALTY, IN THE CURT words. As he listened, the flush died from the lover’s face; contentment shone in his expression. “I knowed hit, Honey—I knowed hit all the time. I know when I come back I’ll find ye waitin’.” “YE’LL COME BACK, I RECKON, WITH FOOL IDEES ’BOUT WHAT YER WOMEN-FOLKS OUGHT TO WEAR, LIKE THEM FURRINERS DOWN BELOW.” HER FACE RELAXED INTO A GENIAL SMILE, WHICH BROUGHT A DIMPLE TO SHADOW THE PINK BLOOM OF HER CHEEK. BUT there was a trace of pensiveness; the vague hint of jealousy in the slow tones: “YES, I’LL BE A-WAITIN’ TILL YE COME, ZEKIE. AN’ IF THE WEARIN’ O’ SHOES AN’ STOCKIN’S ’LL MAKE YE ANY HAPPIER, WHY, I guess I kin stand ’em—an’ them ladies’ straighteners, too. Yep, I’d wear ’em, if they did squeeze me fit to bust.” SINCE PLUTINA HAD THUS COME TO MEET HIM, THERE WAS NO NEED THAT HE SHOULD FOLLOW FURTHER THE TRAIL TOWARD THE SIDDON CABIN, WHICH LAY OUT OF HIS COURSE. AT THE GIRL’S SUGGESTION THAT SHE SHOULD ACCOMPANY HIM A LITTLE WAY ON THE FIRST STAGE OF HIS JOURNEY OUT INTO THE WORLD, THE TWO TURNED BACK TOWARD THE BROADER PATH, WHICH LED TO THE SOUTHWEST UNTIL IT MET THE NORTH WILKESBORO’ ROAD. THE TWO WALKED SIDE BY SIDE, ALONG THIS LOVERS’ LANE OF NATURE’S KINDLY DEVISING. THEY WENT SEDATELY, IN ALL SEEMING, FOR THE MOUNTAIN FOLK ARE CHARY IN DEMONSTRATIONS OF AFFECTION. YET, BENEATH THE AUSTERE MASK IMPOSED BY CONVENTION, THEIR HEARTS WERE THRILLING WITH THE RAPTURE EACH FOUND IN THE NEAR PRESENCE OF THE OTHER. THE GLAMOUR OF ROMANCE WAS LIKE A GOLDEN MIST OVER ALL THE SCENE, IRRADIATING EACH LEAF AND FLOWER, SOFTENING THE BIRD- CALLS TO FAIRY FLUTINGS, DRAPING THE NAKEDNESS OF DISTANT RUGGED PEAKS, BEARING GENTLY THE PURLING OF THE LIMPID BROOK ALONG WHICH THE PATH RAN IN DEVIOUS COMPLACENCE. OFTEN, INDEED, THE LOVERS’ WAY LED THEM INTO THE SHALLOWS, THROUGH WHICH THEIR BARE FEET SPLASHED UNCONCERNED. THE OCCASIONAL PRISMATIC FLASH OF A LEAPING TROUT IN THE DEEPER POOLS CAUGHT THEIR EYES. SO, PRESENTLY, THE GIRL WAS MOVED TO SPEAK—WITH VISIBLE EFFORT, VERY SHYLY, FOR THE EXPRESSION OF HER love in words was a thing unfamiliar, difficult. “I SHA’N’T HAVE NOBODY TO MAKE FLIES FER NOW,” SHE SAID DULLY. “I JEST HAIN’T A-GOIN’ ARTER THE TROUT FER FUN NO MORE TILL YE comes back.” ZEKE WOULD HAVE ANSWERED, BUT HE CHECKED THE WORDS AT HIS LIPS, LEST THE TREMBLING OF HIS VOICE MIGHT BETRAY A FEELING DEEMED INCONSISTENT WITH MANLINESS. THEY WENT FORWARD IN SILENCE, A-QUIVER WITH DESIRE EACH OF THE OTHER, YET MUTE WITH THE FORCED REPRESSION OF CUSTOM. NOW, TOO, THE SORROW OF THE PARTING SO CLOSE AT HAND, COLORED THEIR MOOD MORE AND MORE, SO THAT THE GOLDEN GLAMOUR FIRST DIMMED AND THEN CHANGED INTO A SINISTER PALL WHICH OVERHUNG ALL THE LOVELINESS OF THE MORNING. AT A TURN IN THE PATH, WHERE IT TOPPED A RISE, BEFORE DESCENDING A LONG SLOPE TO THE HIGHWAY, ZEKE CAME TO A STANDSTILL. THE GIRL PAUSED OBEDIENTLY BESIDE HIM. HE FUMBLED IN A POCKET AWKWARDLY, AND DREW FORTH A TINY SQUARE OF COFFEE-COLORED STONE, ROUGHLY LINED, WHICH HE HELD OUT TOWARD HIS COMPANION. THE TRACERY OF THE CRYSTAL FORMED A MALTESE CROSS. THE GIRL EXPRESSED NO SURPRISE. SHE ACCEPTED THE TOKEN WITH A GRAVE NOD AS HE DROPPED IT INTO HER PALM, AND SHE REMAINED GAZING DOWN AT IT WITH EYES HIDDEN UNDER THE HEAVY WHITE LIDS AND LONG, curving lashes of shadowy brown. Zeke spoke, very earnestly: “HIT’S FER GOOD LUCK, TINY—FER GOOD LUCK TO HE’P YE WHILE WE’RE APART. MEBBY, HIT ’LL GIT IN HITS WORK BY SOFTENIN’ THE hardness o’ yer gran’pap’s heart agin me.” IN TRUTH, THE CONCENTRATION OF HIS THOUGHT ON THE FRAGMENT OF STONE HAD BEEN ENOUGH OF ITSELF TO GIVE A TALISMAN OCCULT POTENCE. THAT CONCENTRATION OF DESIRE FOR THE GIRL’S WELL-BEING WAS NOT MERELY OF THIS MOMENT. IT HAD BEEN WITH HIM constantly during LONG HOURS OF TEDIOUS CLAMBERING YESTERDAY, WHEN HE FOLLOWED THE CHANNEL OF GARDEN CREEK THROUGH ITS TORTUOUS COURSE AMONG THE RAVINES OF THE BLUE RIDGE, THROUGH THE NARROW DEFILE OF THE DEVIL’S GARDEN, SUNLESS, STREWN WITH RUBBLE OF BOULDERS, WITH A CHAOS OF SHATTERED ROCK MASSES—DÉBRIS, SUPERSTITION SAID, OF CATACLYSM—OF THE CRUCIFIXION, WHEN THE MOUNTAIN CRESTS TORE THEMSELVES ASUNDER, AND CAST THEIR PINNACLES INTO THE ABYSS FOR RAGE AND GRIEF. THE SEARCHER HAD CLIMBED ON AND ON, UNTIL HE REACHED THE NOOK SACRED TO THE CRYSTALS. FOR CONCERNING THESE, ALSO, THE SUPERSTITION HAD ITS SAY, AND TOLD THAT THE LITTLE PIECES OF STONE, WITH THE CROSS MARKED ON EACH, WERE, IN FACT, THE MIRACULOUSLY PRESERVED TEARS SHED BY THE FAIRIES OF THESE FASTNESSES IN THE DREAD HOUR OF THE SAVIOUR’S ANGUISH. THE LOVER HAD SOUGHT LONG FOR A CRYSTAL THAT SHOULD BE PERFECT. NOW THAT IT LAY WITHIN THE GIRL’S HAND, HE WAS CONTENT OF HIS TOIL. SURELY, WHATEVER THE TRUTH CONCERNING ITS ORIGIN, IT WAS A HOLY THING, FOR THE EMBLEM IT BORE. IT WOULD SERVE TO SHIELD HER AGAINST AUGHT EVIL THAT MIGHT THREATEN—EVEN THE GRANDFATHER’S ENMITY AGAINST HIM, WHICH SET A BARRIER BETWEEN THEM AND HAPPINESS. THE CRYSTAL WOULD ABIDE WITH HER IN SIGN OF HIS LOVE’S ENDURANCE, STRONG TO SAVE HER AND TO CHERISH HER 5 6 7 8 9 against any ill. He sighed with relief, when she raised the crystal, and dropped it within her bosom. STILL, AS ALWAYS, FEARFUL OF SHOWING EMOTION TOO OPENLY, ZEKE HASTENED TO INTRODUCE A NEW TOPIC. HE TOOK FROM A POCKET A BOOK OF TWELVE TWO-CENT POSTAGE STAMPS, TO SECURE WHICH HE HAD TRUDGED THE FOUR MILES FROM HIS MOTHER’S CABIN TO THE CHERRY LANE POST-OFFICE. THE BOOK, IN ITS TURN, WAS PROFFERED TO PLUTINA, WHO ACCEPTED IT IN MILD bewilderment. The lover explained: “HONEY,” HE SAID, WITHOUT ANY EMBARRASSMENT OVER THE FACT, “YE KNOWS MY OLE MAMMY HAIN’T EDICATED, AN’ I WANT YE to write for her once a month, arter I write to tell ye whar I’ll be.” THE GIRL NODDED TACIT ACCEPTANCE OF THE TRUST, AND CONSIGNED THE STAMPS TO A RESTING PLACE ALONGSIDE THE CRYSTAL. AND then, after a little, she spoke heavily: “I reckon as how you-all better be a-joggin’, Zeke.” FOR ANSWER, THE LAD CAUGHT THE GIRL IN HIS ARMS, AND GAVE HER A KISS ON EITHER CHEEK—THE HEARTY, NOISY SMACKS OF THE MOUNTAINEER’S COURTING. BUT, IN THE NEXT INSTANT, HE DREW HER CLOSE IN AN EMBRACE THAT CRUSHED THE TWO WARM BODIES TO RAPTURE. HIS LIPS MET HERS, AND CLUNG, TILL THEIR BEINGS MINGLED. AFTERWARD, HE WENT FROM HER VOICELESSLY. VOICELESSLY, she let him go.... There could be no words to comfort the bitterness of such parting. CHAPTER II WHEN HE WAS COME WITHIN VIEW OF JOINES’ MILL AND STORE ON ROARING RIVER, ZEKE HALTED AGAIN FOR A FINAL LOOK BACK TOWARD THE WILD HOME LAND, WHICH HE WAS NOW LEAVING FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE BLACKNESS OF HIS MOOD AFTER PARTING WITH THE GIRL HAD PASSED, THOUGH MELANCHOLY STILL MADE HIM ITS OWN. THE RESILIENCE OF YOUTH WAS TURNING HIS SPIRITS AGAIN TOWARD THE HOPES THAT HAD INSPIRED THIS GOING FORTH FROM HIS OWN FAMILIAR LITTLE WILDERNESS INTO THE VAST AND UNKNOWN WILDERNESS OF THE WORLD BEYOND. AS HE STARED OUT AT THE SCATTERED PEAKS, REARED LIKE CONNING TOWERS OVER THE SPRAWLING MEDLEY OF RIDGE AND VALLEY, A THROB OF FONDNESS SHOOK HIS HEART. IT WAS NOT SPRUNG FROM ESTHETIC APPRECIATION OF THE WILD AND ROMANTIC LANDSCAPE, THOUGH THIS HAD BEEN SUFFICIENT TO JUSTIFY THE STIR OF FEELING. HIS SENSIBILITY WAS AROUSED BY THE DEAR FRIENDLINESS OF ALL THE SCENE, WHERE HOLLOWS AND HEIGHTS HAD BEEN HIS CONSTANT HAUNTS THROUGH ALL THE DAYS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE UNTIL THIS HOUR. OF A SUDDEN, HE REALIZED AS NEVER BEFORE A PROFOUND TENDERNESS FOR THIS COUNTRY OF BEETLING CRAGS AND CRYSTAL RIVERS, OF SERENE SPACES AND BALSAMIC AIRS. HITHERTO, HE HAD ESTEEMED THE NEIGHBORHOOD IN SOME DULL, MATTER-OF-COURSE FASHION, SUCH AS FOLK ORDINARILY GIVE TO THEIR NATIVE TERRITORY. BUT, IN THIS INSTANT OF ILLUMINATION, ON THE EVE OF SEPARATING HIMSELF FROM THE PLACE, LOVE OF IT SURGED WITHIN HIM. THIS WAS HIS HOME, THE DWELLING OF HIS DEAR ONES. HE FELT TOWARD IT A QUICK REVERENCE AS FOR SOMETHING STRANGELY SACRED. HIS EYES WENT TO THE GREAT BULK OF STONE MOUNTAIN, WHICH JUTTED JUST BEFORE HIM TO THE EAST, ITS LEAGUE OF NAKED ROCK LYING LIKE SOME MONSTROUS GUARDIAN OF THE PLACE. SOMEHOW, THE DIGNITY OF THE MASSIVE CURVING CLIFFS SOOTHED HIM, HEARTENED HIM ANEW. THE IMMUTABILITY OF THE HUGE MOUND OF STONE WAS A PROPHECY. THROUGH THE AGES, IT HAD MAINTAINED ITS WARD STEADFASTLY. SO IT WOULD REMAIN. A GUSH OF CONFIDENCE WASHED AWAY THE LAST OF THE WATCHER’S DEPRESSION. HE COULD GO ON HIS WAY UNDISMAYED. THESE THINGS HERE THAT WERE SO DEAR TO HIM WOULD ABIDE HIS RETURN. THE OLD MOTHER AND PLUTINA WOULD REST SECURE AGAINST HIS HOMECOMING. THE TIME, AFTER ALL, WOULD NOT BE LONG. MEANTIME, THERE WAS THE GREAT ADVENTURE. ZEKE whirled, and trudged blithely onward. OPPORTUNITY HAD COME TO ZEKE HIGGINS, AND HE HAD NOT HESITATED TO SEIZE IT. HIS DESIRE FOR A LARGER LIFE THAN THAT OF THE TINY, SCRABBLY MOUNTAIN FARM HAD BEEN EARLY EXCITED; IT HAD PERSISTED; IT HAD INCREASED STEADILY, THOUGH THE POSSIBILITY OF ITS REALIZATION HAD SEEMED REMOTE. STARK POVERTY DEMANDED THAT HE REMAIN TO COAX A SCANT LIVING FROM THE SOIL FOR HIS MOTHER. YET, HIS DETERMINATION WAS FIXED. HE GOT SOME SMATTERING OF EDUCATION, ALONG WITH PLUTINA, FROM A KINDLY QUAKER WHO CAME AMONG THE “BOOMERS” OF THE BLUE RIDGE AS A MISSIONARY SCHOOL-TEACHER. THUS, ZEKE LEARNED SURPRISINGLY MUCH. HIS THIRSTY BRAIN TOOK UP KNOWLEDGE AS A SPONGE TAKES UP WATER. SO GREAT WAS HIS GRATITUDE TO THIS INSTRUCTOR THAT, WHEN THE STRANGER WAS REVEALED AS A REVENUE OFFICER QUESTING ILLICIT STILLS, ZEKE, DESPITE INHERITED PREJUDICE, GUIDED THE HUNTED MAN BY SECRET TRAILS OVER THE MOUNTAINS INTO VIRGINIA, AND THEREBY UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED A LIFE. INDEED, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE OFFICER WAS SO WELL CONTRIVED THAT THE MOUNTAINEERS THEMSELVES FOR A TIME DID NOT SUSPECT THE FACT OF THE ESCAPE. THERE IS A GREAT BASIN IN THE ROCK ON THE NORTH SIDE OF STONE MOUNTAIN. IT HAS BEEN HOLLOWED OUT THROUGH CENTURIES BY THE LITTLE STREAM THAT COMES LEAPING MADLY DOWN THE LEDGES. THE CAULDRON HAS A SINISTER REPUTE. IT IS DEEMED THE SEPULCHRE OF MORE THAN ONE SPY, CAST DOWN INTO THE ABYSS FROM THE MOUNTAIN’S BRIM. IT was generally believed that the false school-teacher was of the number. SOMEHOW, LONG AFTERWARD, REPORT HAD IT THAT THE MAN WAS ALIVE. RUMOR IMPLICATED ZEKE AS HAVING HAD A SHARE IN THE FELLOW’S ESCAPE. OLD DICK SIDDON, PLUTINA’S GRANDFATHER, HEARD. HE HAD HATED THE “REVENUERS” ALWAYS. SINCE THE DEATH OF HIS ONLY SON AT THEIR HANDS, HIS HATRED HAD BECOME A MANIA. HE WAS A STRONG MAN, FIERCE IN ANGER. WHEN HE BADE HIS GRANDCHILD DISMISS HER FAVORED SUITOR, SHE FEIGNED OBEDIENCE. SHE, AND ZEKE AS WELL, KNEW THE FUTILITY OF FIGHTING THE old man’s prejudices. But, with the optimism of youth, the lovers hoped for happiness. A little older, they might at least 10 11 12 13 DEFY THE HOSTILE GUARDIAN. IN THE MEANTIME, ZEKE WAS DETERMINED TO ATTAIN MATERIAL PROSPERITY DURING THE PERIOD OF waiting. THEN, RICHARD SUTTON CAME INTO THE MOUNTAINS OF THE BLUE RIDGE. HE CHANCED ON ZEKE, MADE USE OF THE LAD AS A GUIDE. SOON MUTUAL LIKING AND RESPECT DEVELOPED. SUTTON WAS A MANUFACTURER OF TREE-NAILS—THE WOODEN PINS USED IN SHIPS’ TIMBERS. HERE IN THE RANGES WAS AN ABUNDANCE OF LOCUST TIMBER, THE BEST FOR HIS NEED. AND THERE WAS MUCH TALK OF A BRANCH RAILWAY TO COME. HIS ALERT BUSINESS IMAGINATION SAW THAT A FACTORY LOCATED AT THE SOURCE OF SUPPLY WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS. HE SAW, TOO, THE CAPACITY FOR DEVELOPMENT IN HIS YOUNG FRIEND. ZEKE’S FAMILIARITY WITH THE REGION MIGHT BE VALUABLE—MORE VALUABLE STILL HIS POPULARITY AND THE RESPECT ACCORDED HIM IN THE COMMUNITY. SUTTON SUGGESTED TO THE YOUNG MAN THAT HE SHOULD COME TO NEW YORK PRESENTLY, THERE TO LEARN THE DETAILS OF MANUFACTURE, WITH THE PROSPECT OF RETURN, LATER ON, TO MANAGE THE BUSINESS IN THE MOUNTAINS. NATURALLY, THE PROJECT WAS SPLENDID TO ZEKE’S AMBITION. HIS ONLY FEAR HAD BEEN LEST HIS DEPARTURE BE DELAYED BY LACK OF MONEY, FOR PRIDE WOULD NOT LET HIM CONFESS HIS EXTREMITY TO SUTTON. THERE MUST BE SOME CASH IN HAND FOR HIS MOTHER’S SUPPORT, UNTIL HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEND HER MORE. THEN, AS HE FRETTED, OPPORTUNITY FAVORED HIM ANEW, FOR A SURVEYING PARTY CAME TO RUN A RAILROAD BRANCH NORTH TO STONE MOUNTAIN. HE WAS EMPLOYED AS AX-MAN AND ASSISTANT COOK. HIS WAGES SOLVED THE DIFFICULTY, SO FAR AS HIS mother’s need was concerned. For the rest, he took only a small sum to his own use, since he was minded to work his WAY NORTH ON SHIPBOARD FROM NORFOLK. IT WAS IN ACCORD WITH SUCH HIGH HOPES THAT THIS MAY MORNING FOUND HIM tramping, barefooted, into Joines’ store, with the black oilcloth valise slung from his shoulder. THE HALT HERE WAS A NECESSARY FEATURE IN ZEKE’S ITINERARY. ON A PREVIOUS VISIT TO THE STORE, HE HAD PURCHASED A PAIR OF SERVICEABLE, IF RATHER UNGAINLY, SHOES. SINCE HE WOULD HAVE NO OCCASION FOR THEIR USE AT HOME, HE HAD SAVED HIMSELF THE trouble of carrying them to and fro. “I RECKON I’LL TAKE THEM-THAR SHOES O’ MINE,” HE SAID TO THE GRIZZLED PROPRIETOR, AFTER AN EXCHANGE OF FRIENDLY GREETINGS with the few loungers present. These were well aware of his planned departure, though ignorant of his definite aims. “Ye hain’t a-goin’ to put ’em on yit, be ye?” the storekeeper inquired, solicitously. “NOT TILL I GIT TO NORTH WILKESBORO’,” ZEKE ANSWERED, TO THE OBVIOUS RELIEF OF THE ASSEMBLY, AS HE OPENED THE BAG. While he was busy stowing the shoes, the onlookers commented cynically on the follies of fashion. “An’ I’ve hearn tell,” one concluded, “that durn-nigh everybody done war shoes in the city, all year roun’.” PERHAPS THE YOUNG MAN FELT A PLEASANT GLOW OF SUPERIORITY IN REFLECTING ON THE FACT THAT SUCH FOLLOWING OF CITY FASHION would soon distinguish him. But his innocent vanity was not to be unduly flattered. “CA’LATE TO STAY AWAY TILL YE’VE MADE YER FORTIN, IN COURSE, SONNY?” ONE OF THE OLDER MEN SUGGESTED. HE ENJOYED SOME LOCAL REPUTATION AS A WAG, THE MAINTENANCE OF WHICH SO ABSORBED HIS ENERGIES THAT HIS WIFE, WHO HAD LOST WHATEVER sense of humor she might once have had, toiled both indoors and out. “Why, yes, o’ course,” Zeke replied unsuspectingly. “Better kiss we-uns good-by, sonny,” was the retort. “You-all ’ll be gone quite some time.” THE SALLY WAS WELCOMED WITH TITTERS AND GUFFAWS. ZEKE WAS RED TO THE EARS WITH MORTIFICATION AND ANGER, AS HE SHUT THE VALISE, SHOULDERED IT, AND STRODE TO THE DOOR. BUT EVEN IN THE TIME OF THAT PASSING, HE MASTERED HIS MOOD IN A MEASURE. HE HAD NO WISH TO MAKE HIS FAREWELL TO THESE NEIGHBORS IN BITTERNESS OF SPIRIT. SO, AT THE DOOR, HE TURNED AND GRINNED amiably on the group. “I WANT PLEASANT THINGS TO REMEMBER HYARABOUTS, ALL THET-THAR LONG TIME I GOT TO BE AWAY,” HE SAID, WITH A QUIZZICAL DRAWL; “SO I KAIN’T BE A-KISSIN’ O’ YE NONE. MY STOMICK HAIN’T NONE SO STRONG NOHOW,” HE ADDED, WITH THE COARSENESS that usually flavored the humor of the countryside. THEN, ABRUPTLY, THE SMILE LEFT HIS LIPS; THE LINES OF HIS FACE HARDENED; THE HAZEL EYES BRIGHTENED AND WIDENED A LITTLE. HIS LOW, SLOW VOICE CAME FIRMLY, WITH A NOTE OF TENSE EARNESTNESS. IT WAS AS IF HE SPOKE TO HIMSELF, RATHER THAN TO THE slouching men, who regarded him curiously. “I HAIN’T LEAVIN’ ALL THIS-HYAR ’CAUSE I DON’T LOVE HIT,” HE DECLARED. “I DO LOVE HIT, AN’ I AIM TO COME BACK BY-AN-BYE—I shore do!” FORTHWITH, EMBARRASSED ANEW BY THIS UNMEDITATED OUTBURST, HE HURRIED OFF, AMID AN ASTONISHED SILENCE WHICH WAS broken at last by the storekeeper. “THET-THAR ZEKE HIGGINS,” HE VENTURED, SOMEWHAT INDISTINCTLY THROUGH HIS MATTING OF WHISKERS, “I SWOW IF HE HAIN’T GOT right feelin’s, fer all he’s so durn peart.” And his cronies nodded assent. AS HE PRESSED ONWARD, THE ADVENTURER QUICKLY REGAINED HIS POISE. THE NOVELTY OF THE SITUATION THRILLED HIM AGREEABLY. HIS THOUGHTS WERE CROWDED WITH IMAGININGS OF THE STRANGE THINGS TO COME. AMBITIOUS VISION OF HIMSELF SUCCESSFUL AMONG THE CITY’S THRONGS MADE HIS PULSES BEAT FASTER. HE FELT THAT HE HAD WITHIN HIM THE POWER TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING WORTH WHILE IN THE WORLD. CERTAINLY, HE WOULD NOT FAIL FOR LACK OF STRIVING. BUT NO TRIUMPH ELSEWHERE COULD EVER WEAN HIM FROM HIS LOVE FOR THE BLUE RIDGE—FOR HIS HOME COUNTRY. YES, IT WAS AS HE HAD SAID THERE IN THE STORE: HE WOULD COME BACK. HE WOULD COME BACK TO THE CABIN IN THE “COVE” UNDER THE SHADOWS OF STONE MOUNTAIN—BACK TO THE OLD MOTHER, BACK TO PLUTINA. A WARMTH OF EXQUISITE TENDERNESS VIBRATED THROUGH HIM, AS HIS HOPE LEAPED TO THAT HOMECOMING, TO THE TIME WHEN ONCE AGAIN THE GIRL SHOULD REST CLINGING ON HIS BOSOM. AND A GREAT PEACE LAY UNDER ALL HIS JOY OF ANTICIPATION. HIS LOVE KNEW NO DOUBT. SHE HAD GIVEN HER HEART TO HIM. THROUGH HIS EVERY WANDERING, 14 15 16 17 WHATEVER MIGHT BETIDE, HER LOVE WOULD BE WITH HIM, TO COMFORT HIM IN SORROW, TO CROWN HIM IN HAPPINESS. A BIRD’S SONG RECALLED THE LILT OF HER LAUGHTER. HE SAW AGAIN THE TREMULOUS CURVING OF HER MOUTH, RED AGAINST THE FINE WARM PALLOR OF HER FACE AT PARTING. PASSION WELLED IN HIM. HE HALTED YET ONCE AGAIN, AND STOOD WITH FACE SUFFUSED, GAZING BACK. IT was AS IF HE WERE SWAYED BY A SUDDEN SECRET SENSE THAT WARNED HIM OF HER MISERY IN THIS HOUR OF HIS EXALTATION—HER MISERY WHERE SHE LAY PRONE UNDER THE TANGLE OF LAUREL BY GARDEN CREEK, SOBBING OUT THAT ANGUISH WHICH IS THE PENALTY woman must pay for love. ZEKE’S EYES FASTENED ANEW ON THE ROUNDED BULK OF STONE MOUNTAIN’S CLIFFS. THE IMMUTABILITY OF THEM, AND THE MAJESTY, relieved the tenseness of his mood. He resumed his way serenely.... But Plutina wept on, unassuaged. WHEN HE DREW NEAR TO NORTH WILKESBORO’, WHERE HE PROPOSED TO MAKE A FIRST ESSAY IN RAILWAY JOURNEYING, ZEKE SEATED HIMSELF UNDER THE SHADE OF A GROVE OF PERSIMMON-TREES BY THE WAYSIDE, THERE PAINFULLY TO ENCUMBER HIS FEET WITH THE NEW SHOES. AS HE LACED THESE, HE INDULGED IN SOLILOQUY, AFTER A FASHION BRED OF HIS LONELY LIFE, ON A SUBJECT BORN OF his immediate surroundings. “I HAIN’T NOWAYS SUPERSTITIOUS,” HE MUSED COMPLACENTLY, “BUT THIS GROVE AIN’T NO NICE PLACE, BEIN’ AS IT MUST BE A NIGGER CEMETERY. UNCLE DICK SIDDON SAYS THEY’S ALWAYS NIGGERS BURIED WHAR THEY’S PERSIMMON-TREES, AN’ HE SAYS THE NIGGERS COME FIRST. AN’ UNCLE DICK, HE OUGHT TO KNOW, BEIN’ HE’S EIGHTY-ODD-YEAR OLD. ANYHOW, IT SEEMS REASONABLE, ’CAUSE NIGGERS DO SWALLER THE STUNS WHEN THEY EATS PERSIMMONS, AN’ SO, O’ COURSE, JEST NACHER’LY THE TREES ’LL SPRING UP WHERE THE NIGGERS GIT PLANTED. SO THEY’D BE HA’NTS LIKE’S NOT. BUT I HAIN’T SUPERSTITIOUS—NOT A MITE. MR. SUTTON, HE SAID SUCH things as ha’nts an’ witch-doctors an’ such was all plumb foolishness. Still, my mammy has seen—” HE FELL SILENT, RECALLING OLD WIVES’ TALES OF FEARSOME THINGS SEEN AND HEARD OF NIGHTS. THE SHOES ADJUSTED, HE TOOK FROM THE BLACK BAG A HOLSTER, WHICH SHELTERED A FORMIDABLE-APPEARING COLT’S REVOLVER. HAVING MADE SURE THAT THE WEAPON WAS LOADED AND IN PERFECT ORDER, ZEKE RETURNED IT TO THE HOLSTER, WHICH HE PUT ON SNUGLY UNDER THE LEFT ARM-PIT. THESE final preparations complete, he got up, and hastened into the town. One bit more of his musings he spoke aloud, just before he entered the main street: “NO, I HAIN’T SUPERSTITIOUS. BUT, BY CRICKEY! I’M PLUMB TICKLED I GIV PLUTINY THET FAIRY CROSS. THEY SAY THEM STONES IS shore lucky.” At the railway station, Zeke asked for a ticket to Norfolk. “WANT A RETURN-TRIP TICKET?” THE FRIENDLY STATION-AGENT SUGGESTED. HE SUPPOSED THE YOUNG MOUNTAINEER WAS TAKING A pleasure excursion to the city. But Zeke shook his head defiantly, and spoke with utter forgetfulness of his experience in Joines’ store. “No,” he declared stoutly, “I hain’t a-comin’ back till I’ve made my fortin.” “YOU’LL BE A LONG TIME GONE FROM THIS-HERE STATE O’ WILKES,” THE AGENT VOUCHSAFED DRYLY. HE WOULD HAVE SAID MORE, BUT HIS SHREWD EYES SAW IN THIS YOUNG MAN’S EXPRESSION SOMETHING THAT BADE HIM PAUSE, LESS SCEPTICAL. THE HANDSOME AND WHOLESOME FACE SHOWED A STRENGTH OF ITS OWN IN THE RESOLUTE CURVING NOSE AND THE FIRMLY-SET LIPS AND THE GRAVE, YET KINDLY, EYES, WITH A LIGHT OF PURPOSEFUL INTELLIGENCE GLOWING WITHIN THEIR CLEAR DEEPS. THE TALL FORM, BROAD OF SHOULDER, DEEP OF CHEST, NARROW OF HIP, THOUGH NOT YET COME TO THE FULNESS OF MATURITY, WAS OF THE EVIDENT STRENGTH FITTED TO TOIL HUGELY AT THE BECK OF ITS OWNER’S WILL. THE AGENT, CONSCIOUS OF A PUNY FRAME THAT HAD SERVED HIM ILL IN LIFE’S STRUGGLE, EXPERIENCED A HALF-RESENTMENT AGAINST THIS YOUTH’S PHYSICAL EXCELLENCE. HE WONDERED, IF, AFTER ALL, THE BOAST MIGHT BE justified by the event. “Train in ten minutes,” he said curtly, as he pushed out the ticket. SO, PRESENTLY, ZEKE, FOUND HIMSELF SEATED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE RED PLUSH SEAT OF A RAILWAY CARRIAGE. THE INITIAL STAGE of his journey was ended; the second was begun. CHAPTER III THE RIGHT OF WAY FROM NORTH WILKESBORO’ TO GREENSBORO’ RUNS THROUGH A REGION WHERE EVERY VISTA DELIGHTS THE EYE WITH WILD AND ROMANTIC SCENES. THE RAILS FOLLOW THE COURSE OF THE UPPER REACHES OF THE YADKIN RIVER, WITH SWIFT SUCCESSION OF VICIOUS CURVES AND HEAVY GRADES. THE TWISTINGS OF THE ROAD-BED, SO ADVANTAGEOUS FOR PRESENTING THE VARIED LOVELINESS OF THE WILDS, WERE BY WAY OF BEING A REAL TORTURE TO THE YOUNG ADVENTURER, WHO SAT IN SEEMING STOLIDITY NEAR THE REAR DOOR OF THE SMOKING-CAR, WITH THE BLACK BAG BETWEEN HIS FEET. EVEN EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS FOUND THE LUNGES OF THE TRAIN TRYING TO THEIR NERVES AS IT SHOT AT SPEED AROUND “HAIRPIN” BENDS, OR HURLED ITSELF TO THE FALL OF A STEEPER DESCENT. TO ZEKE, WHO FOR THE FIRST TIME KNEW THE ROAR AND JOLT OF SUCH TRAVEL, THIS TRIP WAS A FEARSOME THING. To sit movelessly there, while the car reeled recklessly on the edge of abysses, was a supreme trial of self-control. The RACKING PERIL FAIRLY SICKENED HIM. A MAD IMPULSE OF FLIGHT SURGED IN HIM. YET, NOT FOR WORLDS WOULD HE HAVE LET ANYONE guess his miserable alarm. 18 19 20 21 22 NEVERTHELESS, ONE THERE WAS WHO APPREHENDED IN SOME MEASURE THE ORDEAL THROUGH WHICH THE MOUNTAINEER WAS PASSING—HAPPILY, A KINDLY OBSERVER. AN ELDERLY MAN, ACROSS THE AISLE FROM ZEKE, REGARDED HIS FELLOW PASSENGER WITH PARTICULAR INTENTNESS. IT SEEMED TO HIM THAT, IN SOME VAGUE WAY, THE CLEAN-CUT FACE WAS FAMILIAR. HIS CURIOSITY THUS AROUSED, HE PERCEIVED THE TENSENESS OF EXPRESSION AND ATTITUDE, AND SHREWDLY SUSPECTED THE TRUTH. IT WAS WITH BENEVOLENT INTENT, RATHER THAN FOR THE GRATIFICATION OF INQUISITIVENESS, THAT HE FINALLY GOT UP AND SEATED HIMSELF IN THE vacant place alongside the younger man. ZEKE’S PERTURBATION CAUSED HIM TO START NERVOUSLY AT THIS ADVENT OF A STRANGER, BUT A SINGLE GLANCE INTO THE WRINKLED, YET HALE, FACE OF THE MAN REASSURED HIM. THE VISITOR’S AMIABLE CHARACTER SHOWED PLAINLY IN HIS DIM BLUE EYES, WHICH TWINKLED MERRILY. MOREOVER, THERE WAS A SURE WITNESS OF WORTH IN THE EMPTY SLEEVE, PINNED TO HIS LEFT BREAST, ON WHICH showed the cross of honor. The humor lurking in the eyes was grotesquely manifested in his first address: “THIS-HYAR RAILROAD HAIN’T NO FITTEN ONE FER BEGINNERS,” HE ANNOUNCED, WITH A CHUCKLE. “HIT’S PLUMB LIKELY TO MAKE A squirrel into a nut.” ZEKE SMILED, SOMEWHAT RUEFULLY. HE UNDERSTOOD THE PLAY ON WORDS SINCE “BOOMER,” THE MOUNTAINEERS’ OWN NAME FOR THE RED SQUIRREL, IS OFTEN APPLIED TO THEMSELVES. BUT THE DISTRACTION AFFORDED BY THE GARRULOUS VETERAN WAS A RELIEF. A NEW SPUR WAS GIVEN TO THEIR MUTUAL INTEREST WHEN, AFTER TELLING HIS NAME, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HIS FATHER HAD BEEN A COMPANY-MATE WITH SETH JONES, THE VETERAN, IN THE TWELFTH NORTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS. THE OLD MAN’S CURIOSITY WAS HIGHLY GRATIFIED BY THIS EXPLANATION OF THE INHERITED LIKENESS THAT HAD PUZZLED HIM, AND HE WAXED REMINISCENT AND CONFIDENTIAL. THE DIVERSION WAS WELCOME TO HIS LISTENER, WHERE DOUBTLESS MANY ANOTHER MIGHT HAVE FOUND THE NARRATIVE OF BY-GONE CAMPAIGNS TEDIOUS IN THIS PROLIX RETELLING. ULTIMATELY, INDEED, THE YOUTH’S SYMPATHIES WERE AROUSED BY JONES’ TALE OF MISFORTUNE IN LOVE, WHEREIN HIS FAILURE TO WRITE THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND HIM HAD CAUSED HER FIRST TO MOURN him as dead, and eventually to marry her second choice. “BUT I’VE JEST GOT SCRUMPTIOUS NEWS,” HE EXCLAIMED, HIS RHEUMY EYES SUDDENLY CLEAR AND SPARKLING. “SEEMS AS HOW FANNY’S A WIDDER. SO, I’M A-GOIN’ TO TRY MY LUCK, AN’ NO SHELLY-SHALLYIN’, NOW I’VE GOT HER LOCATED ARTER A MIGHTY LOT O’ HUNTIN’. YES, SIR, SONNY,” HE CONCLUDED, WITH A GUFFAW, “OLD AS I BE, I’M A-GOIN’ A-COURTIN’. IF I EVER SEE YE AG’IN, I’LL TELL YE HOW IT COMES OUT. I S’POSE I SEEM PLUMB OLD FER SECH FOOLISHNESS TO A BOY LIKE YOU BE, BUT SOME HEARTS KEEP young till they stop. I’m pretty spry fer my age, too, if I do say so as shouldn’t.” ZEKE WAS NOT SO SURPRISED BY THE OLD MAN’S HOPES AS HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN, WERE IT NOT FOR THE EXAMPLE OF PLUTINA’S GRANDFATHER, WHO, SOMEWHAT BEYOND FOUR-SCORE, WAS STILL SCANDALOUSLY LIVELY, TO THE DELECTATION OF LOCAL GOSSIP. BUT, THOUGH AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF JONES AT A JUNCTION, ZEKE REFLECTED HALF-AMUSEDLY ON THE RATHER SERE ROMANCES OF THESE two ancient Romeos, he was far from surmising that, at the last, their amorous paths would cross. THERE WAS STILL FURTHER HARROWING EXPERIENCE FOR ZEKE AFTER REACHING THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY’S TERMINAL ON THE PIER AT PINNER’S POINT, IN VIRGINIA, FOR HERE HE WAS HURRIED ABOARD THE FERRY-BOAT, AND WAS IMMEDIATELY APPALLED BY THE WARNING BLAST OF THE WHISTLE. FEW BEAR THAT STRIDENT DIN UNDISMAYED. THIS ADVENTURER HAD NEVER HEARD THE LIKE—ONLY the lesser warning of locomotives and the siren of a tannery across twenty miles of distance. Now, the infernal belching CLAMOR BROKE IN HIS VERY EARS, STUNNING HIM. HE QUIVERED UNDER THE IMPACT, STRICKEN TO THE SOUL FOR SECONDS OF SHOCK. BUT THE FEW CARELESS EYES THAT CHANCED TO SCAN THE MOUNTAINEER NOTED NO FALTERING IN FACE OR FORM. HE STOOD TO ALL APPEARANCE SERENELY, EASILY POISED, HIS ATTITUDE REPLETE WITH THE GRACE OF PHYSICAL POWER, HIS MOUTH FIRMLY CLOSED, HIS WIDELY-SET EYES UNWAVERING. EVEN THE CUDGEL, AND THE BLACK BAG STILL DANGLING FROM IT, COULD NOT OFFSET A CERTAIN ALOOF dignity that masked distress by stern effort of will. NOTHING FURTHER OCCURRED FOR A LITTLE TO AFFLICT THE TRAVELER’S UNACCUSTOMED NERVES, AND HE SOON FOUND HIMSELF PLEASURABLY ABSORBED IN CONTEMPLATION OF THE NOVEL SURROUNDINGS. THE BOAT WAS NEARING THE NORFOLK LANDING WHEN HIS EYES FELL ON A DOG, HELD IN LEASH BY A YOUNG WOMAN. BOTH THE BEAST AND ITS MISTRESS COMMANDED HIS INSTANT ATTENTION, IN WHICH WONDER WAS THE CHIEF EMOTION. THE DOG ITSELF WAS A BOSTON BULL-TERRIER, WHICH WAS A CANINE SPECIES WHOLLY STRANGE TO THE MOUNTAINEER’S EXPERIENCE, LIMITED AS IT HAD BEEN TO HOUNDS AND MONGRELS OF UNANALYZABLE GENEALOGY. THE BRUTE’S FACE HAD AN UNCANNY LIKENESS TO A SNUB-NOSED, HEAVY-JOWLED “BOOMER” WHOM ZEKE DETESTED, AND HE eyed the creature askance by reason of the resemblance. “HIT’S PLUMB MAN-FACED,” WAS HIS VERDICT. “I SHORE PREFER ’EM JEST PLAIN DAWG.” HIS EYES WENT THEN FROM THE LEASH TO THE GIRL HOLDING IT, AND HE HARDLY RESTRAINED A GASP, IN WHICH ADMIRATION WAS MINGLED WITH AMAZEMENT. THE ORDINARY OBSERVER WOULD HAVE SEEN ONLY A PRETTY GIRL, OF THE FLUFFY BLOND TYPE, SMARTLY TAILORED IN BLUE SERGE, WITH THE SKIRT DECOROUSLY SLIT. BUT ZEKE SAW A VISION FROM ANOTHER WORLD THAN THAT OF THE SLATTERNLY MOUNTAIN WOMEN, WHOSE TOIL LEFT THEM NEITHER OPPORTUNITY NOR AMBITION FOR NICETY IN DRESS, WHICH, INDEED, WAS FINALLY PROHIBITED BY IGNORANCE AS WELL AS POVERTY. THIS GIRL STOOD OUT IN STARTLING RELIEF, MARVELOUS REVELATION FROM THE NEW WORLD HE WAS ENTERING. SLOWLY, WITH CONCENTRATION, THE YOUNG MAN SCRUTINIZED THE VISION, NOTING EVERY DETAIL, FROM THE NATTY TURBAN WITH ITS SWAYING FEATHER WAND TO THE DAINTILY POINTED TIES, ABOVE WHICH WERE TO BE GLIMPSED TRIM SILK-CLAD ANKLES. YET, THE NOVEL CHARM OF HER FAILED UTTERLY TO DISTURB THE LOYALTY OF HIS HEART. HIS HUNGRY SOUL FOUND EXQUISITE SATISFACTION IN THE SPECTACLE OF FEMININE REFINEMENT THUS PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME, BUT HIS DEVOTION TO THE ROUGHLY GARBED MOUNTAIN GIRL WAS IN NO WISE imperiled. On the contrary, his imagination busied itself with an effort to picture Plutina thus splendidly arrayed. “I ’LOW SHE’S PLUMB HANDSOME,” HE MEDITATED. “BUT, SHUCKS! TINY BEATS HER HOLLER. IN THEM DUDS, SHE’D HAVE HER SKUN a mile.... But thet-thar man-faced dawg! I’d shore hate like pizen to be found daid along with thet ornery pup.” AS HE MUSED, NO HINT CAME OUT OF THE FUTURE AS TO THE TIME WHEN, IN VERY TRUTH, HE WOULD BE CLOSE TO DEATH, AND THAT SAME DOG AN ACTOR IN THE DRAMA, ONE TO BE DEEPLY ESTEEMED, NOT CONTEMNED. BUT THAT TIME WAS NOT YET. IN FACT, THE 23 24 25 26 27 immediate future was not destined to remove his prejudice against the bull-terrier. On the contrary! THE FIXITY OF ZEKE’S STARING PENETRATED THE GIRL’S CONSCIOUSNESS. SHE TURNED ABRUPTLY, AND HER BLUE EYES MET HIS IN A COOL GLANCE THAT SEEMED TO PASS THROUGH HIM AND ON, AS IF HE WERE SOMETHING QUITE INVISIBLE, ALTOGETHER BENEATH NOTICE. ZEKE FELT THE REBUKE KEENLY, THOUGH INNOCENT OF INTENTIONAL OFFENSE. THE INSTINCTS OF GENTLEMANLY BLOOD FROM WHICH HE WAS SOMEWHERE DISTANTLY DESCENDED MADE HIM REALIZE HIS FAULT IN MANNERS, THOUGH HE HAD HAD NO GUIDANCE FROM experience. The ready blush burned hot on brow and cheeks; he dropped his gaze confusedly to the dog. EVEN THE BEAST, HE PERCEIVED, REPROBATED HIS CONDUCT. IT WAS STARING UP AT HIM FIERCELY FROM RED EYES, AND THE HACKLES stood erect, though it did not growl. Evidently, it resented undue attention to its mistress. THERE WAS A MOVEMENT FORWARD OF THE PASSENGERS, AS THE FERRY-BOAT DREW INTO ITS SLIP. ZEKE ADVANCED WITH THE OTHERS, FOLLOWING CLOSE BEHIND THE GIRL AND THE DOG, WHICH STRAINED AT THE LEASH IN ORDER STILL TO STARE MENACINGLY AT THE YOUNG MAN. THEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE ACTION BECAME SWIFT AND VIOLENT. THE FERRY-BOAT CRASHED AGAINST THE YIELDING WALLS OF THE SLIP. ZEKE, UNPREPARED FOR THE SHOCK, WAS THROWN FROM HIS BALANCE. ONE OF THE HEAVY NEW SHOES SMASHED DOWN ON A PAW. THE DOG SPRANG AND SNAPPED. THE JAWS MISSED, BECAUSE THE GIRL TUGGED AT THE LEASH IN THE SAME SECOND. ZEKE INSTINCTIVELY KICKED AT THE BRUTE IN SELF-DEFENSE. HIS FOOT TOOK THE ANIMAL FAIRLY IN THE JAW, AND LIFTED IT FROM THE FLOOR, JUST AS THE GIRL TURNED. SHE CRIED OUT IN SHRILL ANGER AT THIS ROUGH STRANGER’S WANTON ATTACK ON HER PET, FOR SO SHE INTERPRETED THE EVENT. SHE MAINTAINED HER HOLD ON THE LEASH BRAVELY, LEST WORSE FOLLOW. BUT HER STRENGTH WAS INSUFFICIENT TO RESTRAIN THE CREATURE OF FIGHTING BREED. IT LUNGED FORWARD WITH SUCH SUDDENNESS THAT BOTH ITS MISTRESS AND ITS ENEMY WERE TAKEN UNAWARES. THE GIRL WAS DRAGGED IN TOW. ZEKE WOULD HAVE LEAPED ASIDE, BUT HE WAS TOO LATE TO ESCAPE THE ENCOUNTER, THOUGH HE MITIGATED IT. THE IRON JAWS CLANGED SHUT, BUT IN THE SLACK OF THE VICTIM’S STURDY JEANS, INSTEAD OF IN THE FLESH. THE MASSIVE MOUTH WAS LOCKED VISE-LIKE. BECAUSE OF THE CLOTH’S STURDINESS, THE DOG SWUNG CLEAR OF THE FLOOR. THE GIRL STILL STROVE FRANTICALLY, THOUGH VAINLY, AT THE LEASH, SHRIEKING COMMANDS WHICH WERE UNHEEDED. ZEKE, CONFUSED, CHAGRINED, ASHAMED, WRATHFUL, SHOOK HIMSELF VIOLENTLY TO BE FREE, WITHOUT AVAIL. THE OTHER PASSENGERS SCURRIED FORTH, with a panic cry of “Mad dog!” ZEKE’S WRATH MOUNTED. HE HAD HAD LITTLE TRAINING IN SELF-RESTRAINT, AND HIS PASSIONS WERE OF THE PRIMITIVE SORT. NOW, abruptly, the lesser emotions were overwhelmed by the might of his rage. He was conscious only of the humiliating fact THAT THIS HIDEOUS MAN-FACED DOG HAD FASTENED ITSELF ON HIM, AND THERE HUNG. ZEKE BENT AND TWISTED, HIS TWO HANDS ON THE CREATURE’S JAWS. THEN HE SET HIMSELF TO WRENCH THEM APART. HIS STRENGTH, GREAT AS IT WAS AVAILED NOTHING AGAINST THAT REMORSELESS GRIP. THE RESISTANCE GOADED HIM TO FURY. HE GAVE OVER THE EFFORT TO PRISE THE TEETH APART, AND PUT ALL HIS MIGHT INTO A FRENZIED PULL. THERE WERE INSTANTS OF RESISTANCE, THEN THE HISSING NOISE OF RENDING CLOTH. A HUGE FRAGMENT OF THE STOUT JEANS WAS TORN OUT BODILY. ZEKE HURLED THE ANIMAL VIOLENTLY FROM HIM. THE LEASH WAS SNAPPED FROM THE GIRL’S HANDS. THE DOG’S BODY SHOT ACROSS THE CABIN, HURTLED AGAINST THE WALL. THE INDOMITABLE BRUTE TUMBLED TO THE FLOOR, AND lay there stunned. But even in defeat, he carried down with him between rigid jaws the blue-jeans banner of victory. WITH A BOUND, THE GIRL CROSSED THE SPACE, AND FELL ON HER KNEES BESIDE THE INERT FORM, CROONING OVER IT PITIFULLY. IN THE SAME MOMENT, THE GUST OF ANGER IN ZEKE ENDED. HE STOOD MOTIONLESS, EXCEPT FOR HIS QUICKENED BREATHING, WITH EYES FAST ON THE GIRL. REMORSE STABBED HIM AS HE REALIZED HER DISTRESS, FOR WHICH HE WAS RESPONSIBLE. HE WENT TOWARD HER HESITATINGLY, FORGETFUL OF BAG AND STICK, WHICH HAD FALLEN AT THE OUTSET OF THE MÊLÉE. HE VENTURED TO ADDRESS HER, stammering confusedly. “I ’LOW HE HAIN’T DAID, NOR NOTHIN’ LIKE THET,” HE SAID; “JEST TAKIN’ A NAP-LIKE.” HIS WRATH GAVE A FINAL FLICKER, AS HE LOOKED DOWN AT THE UGLY FACE CUSHIONED WITHIN THE GIRL’S HANDS. “AN ORNERY CRITTER LIKE THET-THAR PUP OUGHT TO BE KEPT shet-up,” he concluded spitefully. The girl lifted a face in which blue eyes were flaming. “It’s you ought to be shut up, you horrible man!” she cried. “And you will be. I’ll see to that.” “Now, don’t be plumb foolish,” Zeke expostulated. “The varmint hain’t hurt none—not a mite, ma’am.” “Beast!” the girl ejaculated, concisely. Zeke retorted with high indignation. “I JEST NACHER’LY HAIN’T A-GOIN’ TO STAND STILL AN’ SAY ‘THANK YE!’ WHILE I’M BEIN’ ET UP PIECEMEAL BY NO DAWG— specially one with a face like his’n.” He would have said more, but paused with mouth agape, eyes widening, his expression horror-stricken. For, just then, THE BULL-TERRIER SNORTED LOUDLY, AND UNCLOSED ITS RED EYES. THE CLENCHED JAWS, TOO, RELAXED. THUS RELEASED, THE BROAD STRIP OF JEANS FLUTTERED TO THE FLOOR. ITS MOVEMENT CAUGHT ZEKE’S GAZE. HE RECOGNIZED THE CLOTH. THE GHASTLY TRUTH BURST IN HIS BRAIN. IN AN AGONY OF EMBARRASSMENT, HE CLASPED HIS HANDS TO THAT PORTION OF HIS PERSON SO FEARFULLY DESPOILED. Moved by his SUDDEN SILENCE, IMPRESSED PERHAPS BY SOME SUBTLE IMPACT OF THIS NEW AND DREADFUL EMOTION ON HIS PART, THE GIRL LOOKED UP. SHE, TOO, HAD NOTED SUBCONSCIOUSLY THE FALL OF THE CLOTH FROM THE DOG’S JAWS. NOW AS SHE SAW THE YOUNG MAN’S FACE OF FIRE AND OBSERVED HIS PECULIAR POSTURE, SHE UNDERSTOOD. HER OWN CRIMSON CHEEKS RIVALED THOSE OF the afflicted one. She turned and bent low over her reviving pet. Her shoulders were shaking, Zeke was shuddering. 27 28 29 30 31 32 CHAPTER IV THE CONVENTIONS OF DRESS ARE SOMETIMES PESTILENTIAL. IF ANY DOUBT THIS TRUTH LET HIM REMEMBER THE NIGHTMARES WHEREIN HIS NUDITY MADE TORMENT. AND, WHILE REMEMBERING THE ANGUISH SUCH LACK OF CLOTHING HAS OCCASIONED IN DREAMS, LET HIM THINK WITH PITY ON THE SUFFERING OF ZEKE WHOSE PLIGHT WAS REAL. IT WAS IN SOOTH, A PREDICAMENT TO STRAIN THE savoir faire OF THE MOST POLISHED COURTIER. PERHAPS, THE BEHAVIOR OF THE MOUNTAINEER WAS AS DISCREET AS ANY PERMITTED BY THE UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES, AND COULD HARDLY HAVE BEEN IMPROVED ON BY THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON HIMSELF. HE SIMPLY RETAINED AN IMMOBILE POSE, FACING THE GIRL, WITH HIS WHOLE SOUL CONCENTRATED IN DESIRE THAT THE EARTH SHOULD SPLIT ASUNDER TO ENGULF HIM. THE TIDE OF HIS MISERY WAS AT ITS FLOOD, SO THAT IT GREW NO WORSE WHEN SOME DECK-HANDS THRUST THE forward doors open, and a policeman bounded into the cabin, drawn revolver in hand. BUT THE BULL-TERRIER WAS TO ESCAPE THE FATE UNJUSTLY INFLICTED ON SO MANY OF ITS FELLOWS. THE GIRL, CROUCHING OVER THE DOG, barred the policeman’s purpose. “GET AWAY FROM HIM, MISS,” THE OFFICER DIRECTED. “HE AIN’T SAFE, EVEN IF HE’S QUIET. I KNOW MAD DOGS. A BULLET’S THE only medicine.” “CHUB ISN’T MAD IN THE LEAST,” THE GIRL SNAPPED; “THOUGH HE’S BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH TO MAKE HIM CRAZY—AND SO HAVE I. IF YOU’RE SO ANXIOUS TO DO YOUR DUTY, OFFICER,” SHE ADDED, BITTERLY, “WHY DON’T YOU ARREST THAT HORRID, HULKING MAN OVER THERE?” SHE POINTED A NEATLY GLOVED, ACCUSING FINGER AT THE MOTIONLESS ZEKE, WHO WAS STARING FIXEDLY AT THE POINT WHERE he hoped the abyss might yawn. “WHAT’S HE DONE?” THE POLICEMAN INQUIRED GRUFFLY. HE WAS MIFFED OVER THIS LOST OPPORTUNITY. THE SLAYER OF A MAD DOG is always mentioned as a hero in the newspapers. THE GIRL STOOD UP. THE DOG, AT THE END OF THE LEASH, ALSO STOOD UP, AND SHOOK ITSELF. IT HAD, TO ALL SEEMING, RECOVERED FULLY. IT REGARDED ZEKE INTENTLY FROM ITS RED EYES. BUT IT DID NOT GROWL. IT WAS PLAIN THAT THE BULL-TERRIER WAS THINKING DEEPLY, AND THAT ZEKE WAS THE CENTER AROUND WHICH THOUGHT REVOLVED. BUT, IF THE DOG DID NOT GROWL, ITS MISTRESS showed no lessening of hostility. She explained succinctly to the representative of the law: “He assaulted my dog—with his feet and his hands.” “AND MAYBE HE BIT HIM, TOO!” THE POLICEMAN SUGGESTED, WITH HEAVY SARCASM. HE COULD NOT FORGIVE THIS PRETTY GIRL FOR foiling his heroism. THE GIRL DID NOT HEED. HER WHITE BROW WAS WRINKLED IN A FROWN. SHE WAS RECALLING, WITH AN EFFORT, HER SOMEWHAT meager knowledge of legal terms. “I shall charge him with homicidal assault,” she announced firmly. “I HOPE YOU’LL TELL THAT TO THE SARGE,” THE OFFICER CHUCKLED, HIS PIQUE FORGOTTEN IN APPRECIATION OF THE GIRL’S NAÏVE ANNOUNCEMENT. “I’LL TAKE THIS CHAP TO THE STATION-HOUSE. YOU’LL APPEAR AGAINST HIM, MISS?” THE GIRL NODDED EMPHATICALLY. HE TURNED ON ZEKE, FROWNING. “COME ON QUIET, YOUNG FELLER, IF YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOOD FOR YE.” HIS practiced eye studied the young mountaineer’s physique respectfully. ZEKE MADE NO MOVEMENT, NOR ANSWERED NOR LIFTED HIS EYES. THE POLICEMAN ATTRIBUTED THIS DEMEANOR TO RECALCITRANCY. HE PUT THE REVOLVER IN HIS POCKET, DREW HIS CLUB AND TOOK A STEP FORWARD. YET, HE SENSED SOMETHING UNFAMILIAR IN THE SITUATION; THE STIFF POSTURE OF THE ARMS AND HANDS OF THE CULPRIT ATTRACTED HIS ATTENTION. HE FELT VAGUELY THAT SOMETHING OF a painful nature was toward. He stopped short, puzzled, and spoke: “What’s the matter with ye, anyhow?” he demanded fiercely. “Hain’t ye got any tongue?” THEN, AT LAST, ZEKE RAISED HIS EYES. THEY WENT FIRST TO THE FORWARD DOOR, TO MAKE SURE THAT THE GIRL HAD VANISHED. THERE WERE ONLY TWO MILDLY INTERESTED DECK-HANDS IN THE CABIN, BESIDE THE POLICEMAN, THOUGH SOON THE PLACE WOULD BE FILLED with newly arriving passengers. He looked at the officer squarely, with despair in his expression: “HIT AIN’T MY TONGUE—HIT’S MY PANTS!” HE SAID HUSKILY. “HIT’S THE SEAT OF MY PANTS. HIT’S—HIT’S THAR!” HE NODDED toward the strip of jeans left on the floor by the dog. THE POLICEMAN STARED AT THE FRAGMENT OF CLOTH, THEN HIS GAZE RETURNED APPRECIATIVELY TO THE VICTIM’S HANDS. HE THREW HIS HEAD BACK AND BELLOWED WITH LAUGHTER, ECHOED RAUCOUSLY BY THE DECK-HANDS. ZEKE WAITED GRIMLY UNTIL THE MERRIMENT lessened a little. “I HAIN’T A-STIRRIN’ NARY A STEP TO NO JAIL-HOUSE,” WAS HIS MOROSE ANNOUNCEMENT, “UNLESS SOMEBODY GITS ME SOME PANTS with a seat to ’em.” THE POLICEMAN LIKED HIS EASE TOO WELL TO FIGHT NEEDLESSLY, AND HE HAD AN IDEA THAT THE THEWS AND SINEWS OF THE BOOMER MIGHT MAKE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF THEMSELVES. MOREOVER, HE WAS BY WAY OF BEING A KINDLY SOUL, AND HE APPREHENDED IN A measure the young man’s misery. “CAN YOU DIG UP A PAIR OF JUMPERS?” HE ASKED THE DECK-HANDS. “YOU CAN HAVE ’EM BACK BY CALLING AT THE STATION TO- morrow.” IN THIS MANNER, THE DIFFICULTY WAS BRIDGED. CLAD IN THE DINGY AND DIRTY BORROWED GARMENT, THE BURNING SHAME FELL FROM ZEKE, AND HE WAS ONCE AGAIN HIS OWN MAN. NEVERTHELESS, HE AVOIDED LOOKING TOWARD THE PIECE OF TORN CLOTH LYING ON 32 33 34 35 36 THE FLOOR, AS HE WENT OUT WITH THE POLICEMAN. HE ONLY WISHED THAT HE MIGHT WITH EQUAL EASE LEAVE BEHIND ALL MEMORY OF the lamentable episode. ZEKE’S TRACTABILITY INCREASED THE FAVORABLE IMPRESSION ALREADY MADE ON THE OFFICER BY THE MOUNTAINEER’S WHOLESOME FACE AND MODEST, MANLY BEARING. IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THIS WAS NO ORDINARY RAKE-HELLY BOOMER COME TO TOWN. THERE WAS, TOO, THE BLACK BAG TO WITNESS THAT THE PRISONER WAS AN HONEST VOYAGER. ON THE WAY TO THE STATION, THE CONSTABLE LISTENED WITH UNUSUAL PATIENCE TO ZEKE’S CURT ACCOUNT OF THE MISADVENTURE, AND THE NARRATIVE WAS ACCEPTED AS TRUTH— THE MORE READILY BY REASON OF SOME SLIGHT PREJUDICE AGAINST THE DOG, WHICH HAD FAILED AS AN EXPLOITER OF HEROISM. IN CONSEQUENCE, THE POLICEMAN GREW FRIENDLY, AND PROMISED INTERCESSION IN HIS CAPTIVE’S BEHALF. THIS WAS THE MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN, ON ARRIVAL AT THE STATION-HOUSE, IT WAS LEARNED THAT THE GIRL WITH THE DOG HAD NOT APPEARED. NOR WAS THERE SIGN OF HER AFTER A PERIOD OF WAITING. THE SERGEANT AT THE DESK DECIDED THAT THERE COULD BE NO OCCASION TO HOLD the prisoner. But he frowned on the deadly weapon, which the usual search had revealed. “’TWON’T DO FOR YOU TO GO TOTIN’ THAT CANNON PROMISCUOUS,” HE DECLARED. “YOU SHORE DON’T NEED A GUN—YOU SHORE DO need breeches. What’s the answer?... Hock the gun, and buy some pants.” Thus simply did an alert mind solve all difficulties of the situation. SO IN THE END, ZEKE ISSUED SAFELY FROM HIS FIRST BOUT WITH MISCHANCE AND FOUND HIMSELF WELL CONTENT, FOR HIS DRESS NOW WAS MORE LIKE THAT OF THE MEN ABOUT HIM. THE NEW TROUSERS WERE FULL LENGTH, WHICH THE JEANS HAD NOT BEEN, AND THE CREASES DOWN THE LEGS WERE IN THE LATEST STYLE. THE SALESMAN HAD SO STATED, AND ZEKE OBSERVED WITH HUGE SATISFACTION THAT THE STIFFNESS OF THE CREASES SEEMED TO MARK THE QUALITY OF THE VARIOUS SUITS VISIBLE IN THE STREETS. AND HIS OWN CREASES WERE OF THE MOST RIGID! ZEKE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE, FELT THAT WARM THRILL WHICH CHARACTERIZES ANY HUMAN integer, whether high or low, when conscious of being especially well dressed. FOLLOWED AN INTERVAL OF LOITERING. THE SIGHTS OF THE TOWN FORMED AN ENDLESS PANORAMA OF WONDER TO THE LAD’S EAGER VISION. THOUGH HE WAS A YEAR PAST THE AGE OF MAN’S ESTATE, THIS WAS HIS FIRST OPPORTUNITY OF BEHOLDING A TOWN OF ANY SIZE, OF SEEING FACE TO FACE THINGS OF WHICH HE HAD HEARD A LITTLE, HAD READ MORE. HIS FRESH, RECEPTIVE MIND SCANNED EVERY DETAIL WITH FIERCE CONCENTRATION OF INTEREST, AND REGISTERED A MULTITUDE OF VIVID IMPRESSIONS TO BE TENACIOUSLY retained in memory. AND EVER WITH HIM, AS HE ROAMED THE STREETS, WENT A TALL SLENDER GIRL, BAREFOOTED, GARBED IN HOMESPUN, WITH GREAT DARK BROWN EYES THAT LOOKED TENDERLY ON HIM FROM BENEATH THE TUMBLED BRONZE MASSES OF HER HAIR. NO PASSER-BY SAW HER, BUT THE MOUNTAINEER KNEW HER CONSTANT PRESENCE, AND WITH HER HELD VOICELESS COMMUNION CONCERNING ALL THINGS THAT HE BEHELD. HIS HEART EXULTED PROUDLY OVER THE BEWILDERING REVELATIONS OF MANY WOMEN, BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND MARVELOUSLY clad in fine raiment—for this girl that walked with him was more radiantly fair than any other. IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON WHEN, FINALLY, ZEKE AROUSED HIMSELF TO THINK OF THE NECESSITIES OF HIS POSITION. THEN, AFTER A HASTY AND ECONOMICAL MEAL AT A LUNCH COUNTER NEAR THE WATER-FRONT, HE MADE HASTE TO THE PIER, WHERE HIS ATTENTION WAS AT ONCE RIVETED ON AN OLD DOMINION LINER, WHICH WAS JUST BACKING OUT INTO THE RIVER. HE WATCHED THE GREAT BULK, FASCINATED, WHILE IT TURNED, AND MOVED AWAY DOWN THE HARBOR, TO VANISH BEYOND SEWALL’S POINT, ON ITS WAY TOWARD HAMPTON ROADS. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD, HIS ATTENTION WAS ATTRACTED TO A MUCH SMALLER STEAMER, WHICH DREW IN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE WHARF. THERE CHANCED TO BE NO ONE ELSE NEAR, AND, AS THE BOAT SLID INTO THE SLIP, A MAN IN THE BOW hurled a coil of rope toward Zeke, with an aim so accurate that it fell across Zeke’s shoulder. “DON’T DODGE IT, YOU LUBBER!” THE MAN ROARED, IN ANSWER TO THE MOUNTAINEER’S INSTINCTIVE MOVEMENT. “HAUL IT IN, AN’ make fast to the punchin’.” ZEKE OBEYED READILY ENOUGH, HAULED IN THE HAWSER, AND MADE THE LOOP FAST OVER THE PILING. AT THE SAME MOMENT, HE SAW TWO...