,,%ort ,,/ories ,,= ,,engli% ,,c\rses   
,,edit$ ,,) ,,introduction ,,& ,,notes  
,,by ,,rosa ,m4 ,r4 ,,mikels            
,,%ortridge ,,high ,,s*ool1             
,,indianapolis1 ,,ind4      ,,cont5ts   
,,preface ,,introduction ,,requirem5ts  
,,( ,,! ,,%ort ,,/ory ,,h[ ,,?is ,,book 
,,may ,,be ,,us$ ,,! ,,fir/             
,,*ri/mas-,,tree ,h5ry van ,dyke ,a     
,,fr5* ,,t>-,,baby ,joel ,*&l] ,h>ris   
,,sonny',s ,,*ri/59' ,ru? ,mc,enery     
,/u>t ,,*ri/mas ,,night ,,) ,,satan     
,john ,fox1 ,jr4 ,a ,,ne/-,,egg ,james  
,:itcomb ,riley ,,wee ,,willie ,,w9kie  
,rudy>d ,kipl+ ,,! ,,gold ,,bug ,edg>   
,allan ,poe ,,! ,,ransom ,,( ,,r$ ,,*ief
 ,o4 ,h5ry ,,! ,,fre%man ,,full-,,back  
,ralph ,d4 ,pa9e ,,gallegh] ,ri*>d ,h>d+
 ,davis ,,! ,,jump+ ,,frog ,m>k ,twa9   
,,! ,,lady ,,or ,,! ,,tig]8 ,frank ,r4  
,/ockton ,,! ,,outca/s ,,( ,,pok] ,,flat
 ,francis ,bret ,h>te ,,! ,,revolt ,,(  
,,"m ,m>y ,e4 ,wilk9s ,freeman ,,m>se   
,,*an ,?omas ,nelson ,page ,,posson     
,,jone' ,george ,w4 ,cable ,,our        

,,aromatic ,,uncle ,h5ry ,cuyl] ,bunn]  
,,quality ,john ,galswor?y ,,! ,,triumph
 ,,( ,,night ,edi? ,:>ton ,a ,,mess5g]  
,m>y ,raymond ,%ipman ,&rews ,,m>kheim  
,rob]t ,l\is ,/ev5son4     ,,preface    
,:y mu/ we conf9e ! read+ ( our *ildr5  
to ! old] lit]>y classics8 ,?is is ! "q 
ask$ by an ev]- increas+ numb] (        
?\ghtful tea*]s4 ,!y h no wi% to        
displace or to discr$it ! classics4 ,on 
! contr>y1 !y love & rev]e !m4 ,b !y d  
wi% to give _! pupils some?+ additional1
 some?+ t pulses ) pres5t life1 t is    
*>act]i/ic ( to-day4 ,! *ildr51 too1    
wond] t1 ) ! great lit]>y outp\r+ go+ on
 ab\t !m1 !y mu/ always fill _! cups f !
 ci/]ns ( ! pa/4  ,! %ort /ory is       
especially adapt$ to supplem5t our high-
 s*ool read+4 ,x is ( a piece ) our     
v>i$1 hurri$1 effici5t ,am]ican life1   
:]e9 figure ! bus9ess man's lun*1 !     
dictagraph1 ! telegraph1 ! telephone1 ! 
automobile1 & ! railway limit$4 ,x has  
a*iev$ high art1 yet con=ms to ! mod]n  
dem& t our lit]ature--s9ce x mu/ be read

 ) despat*1 if read at all--be compact &
 compell+4 ,moreov]1 ! %ort /ory is ) u 
9 almo/ ov]:elm+ numb]s1 & is probably  
"h to /ay4 ,inde$1 our boys & girls are 
some:at appall$ at ! quantity ( mat]ial 
f :i* !y mu/ select _! read+1 & welcome 
any in/ruction t enables !m to "k ! good
 f ! bad4 ,x is c]ta91 !re=e1 t1 :atev] 
else !y may ?r[ into ! educational      
disc>d :5 !y leave ! high s*ool1 !y w   
keep & use any?+ !y may h le>n$ ab\t ?is
 =m ( lit]ature :i* has become s p[]ful 
a factor 9 our daily life4  ,?is book   
does n attempt to select ! greate/      
/ories ( ! "t4 ,:at tribunal w\ld d>e   
make su* a *oice8 ,nor does x attempt to
 trace ! evolution ( ! %ort /ory or to  
po9t out natural types & diff]5ces4 ,^! 
topics are bett] suit$ to college       
classes4 ,its object is ?reefold3 to    
supply int]e/+ read+ belong+ to !       
/ud5t's own "t1 to help him to see t !re
 is no divorce betwe5 classic & mod]n   
lit]ature1 &1 by (f]+ him mat]ial       
/ructurally good & typical ( ! qualities

 repres5t$1 to assi/ him 9 discrim9at+  
betwe5 ! arti/ic & ! in>ti/ic4 ,! /ories
 h be5 c>efully select$1 because 9 !    
p]iod ( adolesc5ce no?+ read fails to   
leave its m>k2 ,footnote3 ,g ,/anley    
,hall1 ,adolesc5ce1 vol4 ,,ii4 !y h also
 be5 c>efully arrang$ ) a view to ! ne$s
 ( ! adolesc5t boy & girl4 ,/ories ( !  
type lov$ by primitive man1 & !re=e     
easily approa*$ & und]/ood1 h be5 plac$ 
fir/4 ,^? :i* appeal$ 9 p]iods ( high]  
developm5t foll[1 r\ghly 9 ! ord] ( _!  
increas+ difficulty4 ,x is hop$1        
moreov]1 t ?is arrangem5t w help ! /ud5t
 to und]/& & appreciate ! developm5t ( !
 /ory4 ,he beg9s ) ! simple tale (      
adv5ture & ! simple /ory ( "*4 ,z he    
advances he sees ! /ory develop 9 plot1 
9 "* analysis1 & 9 sett+1 until he ends 
) ! psy*ological /udy ( ,m>kheim1       
rem>kable = its complexity ( motives &  
its great spiritual problem4 ,bo? !     
selection & ! arrangem5t h be5 made )   
?is fur!r purpose 9 view-- to keep !    
he>t w>m1 re9=c+ all its good motives1  

pre=m+ *oices1 univ]saliz+ sympa?ies4   
,footnote3 ,ibid4  ,x is a pleasure to  
ackn[l$ge1 9 ?is connection1 !          
sugge/ions & ! criticism ( ,mr4 ,william
 ,n4 ,otto1 ,head ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,engli% 9 ,%ortridge ,high ,s*ool1      
,indianapolis2 & ! c\rtesies ( !        
publi%]s :o h p]mitt$ ! use ( _!        
mat]ial4     ,,introduction  ,i         
,,requirem5ts ,,( ,,! ,,%ort ,,/ory     
,critics h agre$ t ! %ort /ory mu/ con=m
 to c]ta9 conditions4 ,fir/ ( all1 !    
writ] mu/ /rive to make "o & only "o    
impression4 ,8 "t is too limit$1 8 space
 is too conf9$1 8 risk ( divid+ !       
att5tion ( ! read] is too great1 to     
admit ( m ?an ?is "o impression4 ,he    
!re=e selects "s mom5t ( action or "s   
phase ( "* or "s p>ticul> sc5e1 &       
focuses att5tion ^u t4 ,life n          
infrequ5tly gives su* brief1 cle>-cut   
impressions4 ,at ! railway /ation we see
 two "y p hurry to a tra9 z if fe>ful ( 
be+ deta9$1 & we get ! impression (     
romantic adv5ture4 ,we pass on ! /reet  

corn] two m5 talk+1 & f a *ance s5t5ce  
or two we =m a /rong impression ( ! "* (
 "o or bo?4 ,sometimes we travel ?r\gh a
 sc5e s desolate & depress+ or s lovely 
& uplift+ t ! effect is nev] =gott54    
,su* glimpses ( life & sc5e are z vivid 
z ! vignettes reveal$ by ! se>*-light1  
:5 its arm sl[ly explores a m\nta9-side 
or ! %ore ( a lake & br+s objects = a   
brief mom5t into high light4 ,to secure 
?is s+le /rong impression1 ! writ] mu/  
decide :i* ( ! ?ree ess5tials-- plot1   
"*1 or sett+--is to h fir/ place4  ,z   
action appeals /rongly to mo/ p1 & v    
adequately reveals "*1 ! %ort-/ory writ]
 may decide to make plot pre-em95t4 ,he 
accord+ly *ooses 8 incid5ts c>efully4   
,any t d n really aid 9 develop+ ! /ory 
mu/ be ca/ aside1 no matt] h[ int]e/+ or
 attractive !y may be 9 !mselves4 ,?is  
does n mean t an incid5t :i* is deta*$ f
 ! tra9 ( ev5ts may n be us$4 ,b su* an 
incid5t mu/ h prop] relations provid$ = 
x4 ,?us ! writ] may wi% to use incid5ts 
t belong to two sep>ate /ories1 because 

he kn[s t by relat+ !m he c produce a   
s+le effect4 ,%akespe>e does ?is 9      
,macbe?4 ,f9d+ 9 ! lives ( ! hi/oric    
,macbe? & ! hi/oric ,k+ ,duff incid5ts t
 he wi%$ to use1 he comb9$ !m4 ,b he saw
 to x t !y _h ! "r relation1 t !y fitt$ 
into ! *a9 ( cause & effect4 ,! read] w 
insi/1 z ! writ] kn[s1 t ! /ory be      
logical1 t incid5t #a %all be ! cause ( 
incid5t #b1 incid5t #b ( incid5t #c1 & s
 on to ! end4 ,! triangle us$ by        
,freytag to illu/rate ! plot ( a play   
may make ?is cle>4  ,,ac is ! l9e ( ris+
 action along :i* ! /ory climbs1 incid5t
 by incid5t1 to ! po9t ,c2 ,c is ! turn+
 po9t1 ! crisis1 or ! climax2 ,,cb is ! 
l9e ( fall+ action along :i* ! /ory     
desc5ds incid5t by incid5t to its       
logical resolution4 ,no?+ may be left to
 luck or *ance4 ,9 life ! elem5t ( *ance
 does sometimes seem to figure1 b 9 !   
/ory x has no place4 ,if ! end+ is n !  
logical outcome ( ev5ts1 ! read] feels  
*eat$4 ,he does n want ! situation to be
 too obvi\s1 = he likes ! ?rill (       

susp5se4 ,b he wants ! h9ts & =e%ad[+s  
to be s9c]e1 s t he may safely draw 8   
conclusions f !m4 ,?is does n condemn1  
h[ev]1 ! surprise end+1 s admirably us$ 
by ,o4 ,h5ry4 ,! read]1 9 ?is case1     
admits t ! writ] has play$ fair ?r\gh\t1
 & t ! end+ :i* has s surpris$ & tickl$ 
8 fancy is z logical z t he _h =eca/4   
,to aid 9 secur+ ! elem5t ( susp5se1 !  
au?or (t5 makes use ( :at ,c>l ,h4      
,grabo1 9 8 ,! ,art ( ! ,%ort ,/ory1    
calls ! negative or ho/ile incid5t4     
,incid5ts1 z he po9ts out1 are ( two    
k9ds--positive & negative4 ,! fir/ op5ly
 help to untangle ! situation2 ! second 
seem to delay ! /raight5+ out ( ! ?reads
 or ev5 to make ! tangle worse4 ,he     
illu/rates ?is by ! /ory ( ,c9d]ella4 ,!
 appe>ance ( ! fairy & h] use ( ! magic 
w& are positive1 or op5ly helpful       
incid5ts1 9 rescu+ ,c9d]ella f h] lonely
 & neglect$ /ate4 ,b h] =getfulness ( ! 
h\r & h] loss ( ! glass slipp] are      
negative or ho/ile incid5ts4 ,nev]!less1
 we see h[ ^! are really bless+s 9      

disguise1 s9ce !y cause ! pr9ce to seek 
& woo h]4  ,! noveli/ may introduce _m  
*>act]s1 because he has "t & space to   
c>e = !m4 ,n s ! %ort-/ory writ]3 he mu/
 employ only "o ma9 "* & a few support+ 
*>act]s4 ,h[ev]1 :5 ! plot is ! ma9 ?+1 
! *>act]s ne$ n be rem>kable 9 any way4 
,inde$1 z ,br&] ,mat!ws has said1 !     
h]o9e may be a woman1 ! h]o a man1 n any
 woman or any man 9 p>ticul>4 ,?us1 9 ,!
 ,lady or ! ,tig]8 ! au?or leaves !     
pr9cess )\t def9ite traits ( "*1 because
 8 problem is n :at ?is p>ticul> woman  
w\ld d1 b :at ,a woman w\ld d4          
,sometimes1 aft] read+ a /ory ( ?rill+  
plot1 we f9d t we d n readily recall !  
appe>ance or ! names ( ! *>act]s2 we    
recall only :at happ5$ to !m4 ,?is is   
true ( ! wom5 ( ,james ,f5imore ,coop]'s
 /ories4 ,!y h no sub/antiality1 b move 
l veil$ figures ?r\gh ! mo/ excit+      
adv5tures4  ,sett+ may or may n be an   
important factor 9 ! /ory ( incid5t4    
,:at is meant by sett+8 ,x is an        
inclusive t]m4 ,"t1 place1 local        

conditions1 & sometimes descriptions (  
nature & ( p are p>ts ( x4 ,:5 ^! are   
well c>$ =1 we get an effect call$      
atmosph]e4 ,we "k ! effect ! atmosph]e  
has ^u objects4 ,any "o :o has obs]v$   
di/ant m\nta9s kn[s t1 :ile !y rema9    
practically un*ang$1 !y nev] look ! same
 on two successive days4 ,sometimes !y  
/& out h>d & cle>1 sometimes !y are s(t 
& allur+1 sometimes !y look unreal &    
almo/ melt into ! sky beh9d !m4 ,s !    
atmosph]e ( a /ory may envelop p & ev5ts
 & produce a subtle effect ^u ! read]4  
,sometimes ! plot mat]ial is su* z to   
require little sett+4 ,! incid5ts might 
h happ5$ any:]e4 ,we h>dly notice !     
abs5ce ( sett+ 9 our hurry to see :at   
happ5s4 ,?is is true ( _m ( ! /ories we 
enjoy$ :5 we 7 *ildr54 ,= in/ance1 9 ,! 
,?ree ,be>s ! incid5ts took place1 (    
c\rse1 9 ! woods1 b our imag9ation      
really suppli$ ! sett+4 ,mo/ /ories1    
h[ev]1 :atev] _! "*1 use sett+ z        
c>efully & z effectively z possible4 ,"t
 & place are (t5 giv5 ) exactness4 ,?us 

,bret ,h>te says3 ,z ,mr4 ,john         
,oakhur/1 gambl]1 /epp$ into ! ma9 /reet
 ( ,pok] ,flat on ! morn+ ( ! tw5ty-?ird
 ( ,novemb]1 #ahej1 he 0 consci\s ( a   
*ange 9 its moral atmosph]e s9ce !      
prec$+ night4 ,?is def9ite m5tion ( "t &
 place gives an air ( reality ( ! /ory4 
,z to descriptions1 ! writ] sifts !m 91 
= he kn[s t few w bo!r to read :ole     
p>agraphs ( description4 ,he (t5 uses   
local color1 by :i* we mean ! employm5t 
( epi!ts1 phrases1 & o!r expressions t  
imp>t a feel+ = ! place4 ,?is use (     
local color mu/ n be confus$ ) t int5d$ 
to produce :at is call$ an              
impressioni/ic effect4 ,9 ! latt] case !
 writ] subord9ates ev]y?+ to ?is effect 
( sc5e4 ,?is use ( local color is       
discuss$ else:]e4  ,p]haps ! writ] wi%es
 to make "* ! dom9ant elem5t4 ,!n he    
subord9ates plot & sett+ to ?is purpose 
& makes !m contribute to x4 ,9 select+ !
 "* he wi%es to reveal he has wide      
*oice4 ,human nature is ! same1 :]ev] y 
f9d x1 we are fond ( say+4 ,s he may    

*oose a "* t is q common1 "s "o he kn[s2
 &1 hav+ made mu* ( "s "o trait & ignor$
 or subord9at$ o!rs1 br+ him be=e u at  
"s mom5t ( decision or 9 "s /range1     
p]haps ho/ile1 environm5t4 ,or ! au?or  
may take "s "* q out ( ! ord9>y3 !      
village mis]1 ! recluse1 or a p]son ) a 
peculi> m5tal or moral twi/4 ,b1 :atev] 
8 *oice1 x is n en\gh t ! "* be actually
 drawn f real life4 ,inde$1 su* fidelity
 to :at lit]ally exi/s may be a h9d]ance
 to ! writ]4 ,! orig9al "* may h done   
/range ?+s & suff]$ /range ?+s t _c be  
acc\nt$ =4 ,b1 9 ! /ory1 inconsi/5cies  
mu/ be remov$1 & ! conduct ( ! *>act]s  
mu/ be logical4 ,life seems inconsi/5t  
to all ( u at times1 b x is probably    
less s ?an x seems4 ,p puzzle u by _!   
app>5t inconsi/5cies1 :5 to !mselves _! 
actions seem p]fectly logical4 ,b1 z    
,mr4 ,grabo po9ts out1 ,9 life we expect
 inconsi/5cies2 9 a /ory we dep5d ^u _! 
elim9ation4 ,! law ( cause & effect1 :i*
 we f\nd s indisp5sable 9 ! /ory ( plot1
 we f9d ( equal importance 9 ! /ory (   

"*4 ,!re mu/ be no sudd5 & unacc\ntable 
*anges 9 ! behavior or s5tim5ts ( ! p 9 
! /ory4 ,on ! contr>y1 !re mu/ be reason
 9 all !y say & d4  ,ano!r dem& ( ! "*  
/ory is t ! *>act]s be lifelike4 ,9 !   
plot /ory1 or 9 ! impressioni/ic /ory1  
we may accept ! flat figures on !       
canvas2 our int]e/ is else:]e4 ,b 9 ! "*
 /ory we mu/ h real p ^: motives &      
conduct we discuss pro & con ) z mu*    
int]e/ z if we knew !m 9 ! fle%4 ,a "* (
 ?is conv9c+ type is ,hamlet4 ,ab\t him 
controv]sy has always rag$4 ,x is       
impossible to ?9k ( him z o!r ?an a real
 man4 ,:5ev] ! writ] f9ds t ! *>act]s 9 
8 /ory h caus$ ! read] to wax eloqu5t   
ov] _! conduct1 he may re/ easy3 he has 
made 8 p lifelike4  ,sett+ 9 ! "* /ory  
is important1 = x is 9 ?is t ! *ief     
actor moves & has 8 be+4 ,8 environm5t  
is cont9ually caus+ him to speak & act4 
,! incid5ts select$1 ev5 ?\gh "s ( !m   
may seem trivial 9 !mselves1 mu/ reveal 
dep? aft] dep? 9 8 s\l4 ,:atev] ! means 
by :i* ! au?or reveals ! "*--:e!r by    

sett+1 conduct1 analysis1 dialogue1 or  
soliloquy--8 task is a h>d "o4 ,9       
,m>kheim we h practically all ( ^! us$1 
) ! result t ! "* is unmi/akable &      
conv9c+4  ,/ories ( sc5es are nei!r s   
num]\s nor s easy to produce            
successfully z ^? ( plot & "*4 ,b       
sometimes a place s pr(\ndly impresses a
 writ] t its dem&s may n be disreg>d$4  
,rob]t ,l\is ,/ev5son /rongly felt !    
influ5ce ( c]ta9 places4 ,c]ta9 dank    
g>d5s cry al\d = murd]2 c]ta9 old h\ses 
dem& to be haunt$2 c]ta9 coa/s are set  
ap>t = %ipwreck4 ,o!r spots seem to     
abide _! de/9y1 sugge/ive & imp5etrable4
 ,p]haps all ( u h se5 "s place ( :i* we
 h exclaim$3 ,x is l a /ory6 ,:51 !n1   
sc5e is to furni% ! dom9ant int]e/1 plot
 & "* become relatively insignificant & 
%ad[y4 ,! pressure ( ! atmosph]e1 says  
,br&] ,mat!ws1 holds our att5tion4 ,!   
,fall ( ! ,h\se ( ,u%]1 by ,edg> ,allan 
,poe1 is a /ory ( ?is k9d4 ,x is ! sc5e 
t affects u ) dread & horror2 we h no   
peace until we see ! h\se swall[$ up by 

! t>n1 & h fl$ out ( sight ( ! t>n      
itself4 ,! plot is extremely slight1 & !
 ,lady ,madel9e & h] unhappy bro!r h>dly
 m ?an %ad[s4  ,x mu/ n be suppos$ f !  
=ego+ explanation t ! ?ree ess5tials ( !
 %ort /ory are ev] really divorc$4 ,!y  
are happily bl5d$ 9 _m ( our f9e/       
/ories4 ,nev]!less1 analysis ( any "o ( 
^! w %[ t 9 ! m9d ( ! writ] "o purpose 0
 pre-em95t4 ,on ?is po9t ,rob]t ,l\is   
,/ev5son ?us speaks3 ,!re are1 s f> z ,i
 "k1 ?ree ways & ?ree only ( writ+ a    
/ory4 ,y may take a plot & fit *>act]s  
to x1 or y may take a "* & *oose        
incid5ts & situations to develop x1 or1 
la/ly1 y may take a c]ta9 atmosph]e &   
get actions & p]sons to express &       
realize x4 ,:5 to ?is cle> conception ( 
8 limitations & privileges ! au?or adds 
an imag9ation t cle>ly visualizes ev5ts 
& ! v]bal magic by :i* good /yle is     
secur$1 he produces ! %ort /ory t is a  
ma/]piece4     ,,h[ ,,?is ,,book ,,may  
,,be ,,us$  ,?is book may be us$ 9 f\r  
ways4 ,fir/1 x may s]ve z an appetiz]4  

,ev5 ! casual read+ ( good lit]ature has
 a t5d5cy to create a dem& = m4 ,second1
 x may be made ! basis = discussion &   
comp>ison4 ,by us+ ^! /ories1 ! works ( 
recogniz$ au?ors1 z /&>ds1 ! /ud5t may  
det]m9e ! value ( su* /ories z come into
 8 home4 ,?ird1 ^! selections may be    
/udi$ 9 a regul> %ort-/ory c\rse1 su* z 
_m high s*ools h1 to illu/rate !        
requirem5ts & ! types ( ?is =m (        
n>ration4 ,! *apt] on ,! ,requirem5ts ( 
! ,%ort ,/ory w be f\nd useful bo? 9 ?is
 connection & 9 ! comp>ative /udy (     
/ories4 ,f\r?1 ! /ud5t w bett]          
appreciate & und]/& ! %ort /ory if he   
attempts to tell or to write "o4 ,?is   
does n mean t we int5d to tra9 him = !  
lit]>y m>ket4 ,our object is entirely   
diff]5t4 ,no =m ( lit]ature br+s m real 
joy to ! *ild ?an ! /ory4 ,n only does  
he l to he> /ories2 he likes to tell !m4
 ,& :]e ! %ort-/ory c\rse is rightly    
us$1 he likes to write !m4 ,he f9ds t ! 
pleasure ( ex]cis+ creative p[] m ?an   
(fsets ! drudg]y inevitable 9           

composition4 ,a plan t has be5          
satisfactorily c>ri$ out 9 ! classroom  
is "h briefly outl9$4  ,! tea*] reads ) 
! class a /ory 9 :i* plot furni%es ! ma9
 int]e/4 ,?is type is *os5 because x is 
m easily analyz$ by beg9n]s4 ,! class   
discusses ?is1 apply+ ! te/s ( ! %ort   
/ory giv5 else:]e 9 ?is book4 ,!n a     
numb] ( %ort /ories ( diff]5t types are 
read & comp>$4 ,next1 ea* memb] ( !     
class selects f "s rec5t book or magaz9e
 a %ort /ory he enjoys4 ,?is he outl9es 
& reports to ! class4 ,if ?is report is 
n satisfactory1 ! class insi/s t ei!r ! 
au?or or ! report] be exon]at$4 ,! /ory 
is accord+ly read to ! class1 or is read
 & report$ on by ano!r memb]4 ,! class  
is !n usually able to decide :e!r ! /ory
 is faulty or ! fir/ report inadequate4 
,next ! class gives orally incid5ts t   
might or might n be exp&$ into %ort     
/ories4 ,! /ud5ts soon discov] t "s ( ^!
 require ! l5g?y treatm5t ( a novel1 t  
o!rs are good z simple incid5ts b no?+  
m1 & t /ill o!rs might develop into     

satisfactory %ort /ories4 ,! class is n[
 ask$ to develop orig9al plots4 ,s9ce   
plots _c be produc$ on dem&1 b require  
"t = ! m9d to act subconsci\sly1 ! class
 practises1 dur+ ! p]iod ( incubation1 !
 writ+ ( dialogue4 ,= ^! ! tea*] sugge/s
 a li/ ( topics1 al?\gh any /ud5t is    
free to sub/itute "o ( 8 own4 ,among !  
topics t h be5 us$ are3 ,johnny goes ) 8
 "m to *ur* = ! fir/ "t1 ,mrs4 ,h5nessy 
is annoy$ by ! *ick5s ( ,mrs4 ,jones1   
,alb]t applies = a summ] job4 ,sometimes
 ! tea*] relates an incid5t1 & has !    
class reproduce x 9 dialogue4 ,by comp>+
 _! "w ) dialogue by recogniz$ writ]s ! 
y\?ful au?ors soon le>n h[ to punctuate 
& p>agraph conv]sation1 & :]e to place  
necess>y comm5t & explanation4 ,!y also 
discov] t dialogue mu/ ei!r reveal "* or
 advance ! /ory2 & t x mu/ be 9 keep+ ) 
! !me & ma9ta9 ! tone us$ at ! beg9n+4  
,a commonplace dialogue mu/ n sudd5ly   
become romantic 9 tone1 & dialect mu/ n 
lapse into ord9>y ,engli%4              
,,introduction  ,! orig9al plots ! class

 (f]s lat] may h be5 sugge/$ 9 _m ways4 
,newspap] acc\nts1 c\rt reports1        
hi/orical incid5ts1 family              
traditions--all may contribute4         
,sometimes ! /ud5t pr\dly decl>es ( 8   
plot1 ,i made x out ( my own head4 ,^!  
plots are arrang$ 9 outl9e =m to %[ h[  
incid5t #a develop$ incid5t #b1 t       
incid5t #c1 & s on to ! conclusion4 ,!  
class po9ts out ! weak places 9 ^! plots
 & (f]s helpful sugge/ions4 ,?is        
co-op]ation (t5 produces surpris+ly good
 results4 ,a solution t ! tr\bl$        
orig9ator ( ! plot nev] ?\ght ( may come
 almo/ z an inspiration f ! class4      
,criticism ?r\gh\t is l>gely            
con/ructive4 ,aft] ! /ud5t has develop$ 
sev]al plots 9 outl9e1 he usually f9ds  
among !m "o t he wi%es to use = 8 /ory4 
,?is is work$ out 9 "s detail1 submitt$ 
to ! class1 & lat] 9 a revis$ =m to !   
tea*]4 ,! /ory :5 complete is correct$ &
 sometimes rewritt54  ,mo/ ( ! class    
pref] to write /ories ( plot1 b "s insi/
 ^u try+ /ories ( "* or ( sett+4 ,^!    

pupils are %[n ! difficulties 9 _! way1 
b are all[$ to try _! h& if !y insi/4   
,sometimes ! results are good2 m (t5 !  
writ]1 aft] an hone/ ef=t1 admits t he  
_c h&le 8 subject well & sub/itutes a   
/ory ( plot4  ,9 any case ! f9al draft  
is sure to leave mu* to be desir$2 b ev5
 s1 ! ga9 has be5 great4 ,! pupil writ] 
has con/antly be5 measur+ 8 "w by /&>ds 
( recogniz$ excell5ce 9 =m & 9 creative 
p[]2 z a result he has le>n$ to         
appreciate ! %ort /ory f ! art side4    
,moreov]1 he has _h a l>ge fre$om 9 8 "w
 t has reliev$ x ( drudg]y4 ,&1 be/ (   
all1 he has be5 do+ orig9al "w ) pla/ic 
mat]ial2 & to "w ) pla/ic mat]ial is    
always a s\rce ( joy1 :e!r x be ! mud t 
! *ild makes into pies1 ! clay t ! arti/
 m\lds into =ms ( beauty1 or ! facts (  
life t ! creative imag9ation ( ! writ]  
%apes into lit]ature4       ,,! ,,fir/  
,,*ri/mas ,,tree  ,a ,,/ory ,,( ,,!     
,,=e/  ,,by ,,h5ry ,,van ,,dyke  ,?is   
/ory is plac$ fir/ because x is ( ! type
 t fir/ delight$ man4 ,x is ! /ory (    

high adv5ture1 ( a /ruggle ) ! =ces (   
nature1 b>b>\s m51 & hea!n gods4 ,! h]o 
is a hunt] ( demons1 a subdu] ( !       
wild]ness1 a woodman ( ! fai?4 ,he seeks
 h>d%ips & conqu]s !m4 ,! sett+ is !    
illumitable =e/ 9 ! remote pa/4 ,! =e/1 
l ! sea1 makes an irresi/ible appeal to 
! imag9ation4 ,ei!r may be ! sc5e ( !   
m>vell\s & ! ?rill+4 ,q unlike ! e>lie/ 
tales1 ?is /ory is enri*$ ) description 
& exposition2 nev]!less1 x has _!       
simplicity & dignity4 ,x rem9ds u (     
c]ta9 ( ! great ,biblical n>ratives1 su*
 z ! conte/ betwe5 ,elijah & ! prophets 
( ,baal & ! victory ( ,daniel ov] !     
jeal\s presid5ts & pr9ces ( ,d>ius4 ,9  
,! ,fir/ ,*ri/mas ,tree1 z 9 _m o!rs (  
^! /ories1 a ?ird p]son is ! n>rator4 ,b
 ! h]o may tell 8 own adv5tures4 ,i did 
?is4 ,i did t4 ,?us ,i felt at !        
conclusion4 ,in/ances are ,defoe's      
,rob9son ,crusoe & ,/ev5son's ,kidnapp$4
 ,b :e!r 9 ! fir/ or ?ird p]son1 ! /ory 
holds u by ! magic ( adv5ture4     ,,!  
,,fir/ ,,*ri/mas ,,tree  ,footnote3 ,f  

,! ,fir/ ,*ri/mas ,tree1 by ,h5ry ,van  
,dyke4 ,copyright1 #ahig1 by ,*>les     
,scribn]'s ,sons4   ,i  ,,! ,,call ,,(  
,,! ,,woodsman   ,! day be=e ,*ri/mas1 9
 ! ye> ( our ,"l #gbb4  ,broad          
sn[-mead[s gli/5+ :ite along ! banks ( !
 riv] ,moselle2 pallid hill-sides bloom+
 ) my/ic roses :]e ! gl[ ( ! sett+ sun  
/ill l+]$ ^u !m2 an ar* ( cle>e/1 fa9te/
 azure b5d+ ov]head2 9 ! c5tre ( ! a]ial
 l&scape ! massive walls ( ! cloi/] (   
,pfalzel1 gray to ! ea/1 purple to !    
we/2 sil5ce ov] all1--a g5tle1 eag]1    
consci\s /illness1 diffus$ ?r\gh ! air l
 p]fume1 z if e>? & sky 7 hu%+ !mselves 
to he> ! voice ( ! riv] fa9tly murmur+  
d[n ! valley4  ,9 ! cloi/]1 too1 !re 0  
sil5ce at ! sunset h\r4 ,all day long   
!re _h be5 a /range & joyful /ir among !
 nuns4 ,a breeze ( curiosity & excitem5t
 _h swept along ! corridors & ?r\gh e   
quiet cell4  ,! eld] si/]s1--! provo/1 !
 deaconess1 ! /ew>dess1 ! portress ) h] 
huge bun* ( keys j+l+ at h] girdle1-- _h
 be5 hurry+ to & fro1 busi$ ) h\sehold  

c>es4 ,9 ! huge kit*5 !re 0 a bu/le (   
hospitable prep>ation4 ,! little        
b&y-legg$ dogs t kept ! spits turn+ be=e
 ! fires _h be5 trott+ /eadily = _m an  
h\r1 until _! tongues hung out = want ( 
brea?4 ,! big black pots sw++ f ! cranes
 _h bubbl$ & gurgl$ & %ak5 & s5t out    
puffs ( appetiz+ /eam4  ,/4 ,m>?a 0 9 h]
 elem5t4 ,x 0 a field-day = h] virtues4 
,! y\ng] si/]s1 ! pupils ( ! conv5t1 _h 
=sak5 _! ,lat9 books & _!               
embroid]y-frames1 _! manuscripts & _!   
m9iatures1 & flutt]$ ?r\gh ! halls 9    
little flocks l m]ry sn[-birds1 all 9   
black & :ite1 *att]+ & :isp]+ toge!r4   
,?is 0 no day = t$i\s task-"w1 no day = 
gramm> or ari?metic1 no day = pick+ out 
illum9at$ lett]s 9 r$ & gold on /iff    
p>*m5t1 or pati5tly *as+ intricate      
patt]ns ov] ?ick clo? ) ! sl[ ne$le4 ,x 
0 a holiday4 ,a fam\s visitor _h come to
 ! conv5t4  ,x 0 ,w9fri$ ( ,engl&1 ^: "n
 9 ! ,roman tongue 0 ,boniface1 & :om m5
 call$ ! ,apo/le ( ,g]many4 ,a great    
prea*]2 a wond]ful s*ol>2 he _h writt5 a

 ,lat9 gramm> himself1--?9k ( x1--& he  
c\ld h>dly sleep )\t a book "u 8 pill[2 
b1 m ?an all1 a great & d>+ travell]1 a 
v5turesome pilgrim1 a high-prie/ (      
romance4  ,he _h left 8 home & 8 fair   
e/ate 9 ,wessex2 he w\ld n /ay 9 ! ri*  
mona/]y ( ,nutescelle1 ev5 ?\gh !y _h   
*os5 him z ! abbot2 he _h refus$ a      
bi%opric at ! c\rt ( ,k+ ,k>l4 ,no?+    
w\ld cont5t him b to g out into ! wild  
woods & prea* to ! hea!n4  ,up & d[n    
?r\gh ! =e/s ( ,hesse & ,?ur+ia1 & along
 ! bord]s ( ,saxony1 he _h w&]$ = ye>s1 
) a h&ful ( companions1 sleep+ "u !     
trees1 cross+ m\nta9s & m>%es1 n[ "h1 n[
 !re1 nev] satisfi$ ) ease & com=t1     
always 9 love ) h>d%ip & dang]4  ,:at a 
man he 06 ,fair & slight1 b /raight z a 
spe> & /rong z an oak5 /aff4 ,8 face 0  
/ill "y2 ! smoo? sk9 0 bronz$ by w9d &  
sun4 ,8 gray eyes1 cle> & k9d1 fla%$ l  
fire :5 he spoke ( 8 adv5tures1 & ( !   
evil de$s ( ! false prie/s ) :om he     
cont5d$4  ,:at tales he _h told t day6  
,n ( miracles wr\ght by sacr$ relics2 n 

( c\rts & c\ncils & spl5did ca!drals2   
?\gh he knew mu* ( ^! ?+s1 & _h be5 at  
,rome & receiv$ ! ,pope's bless+4 ,b    
to-day he _h spok5 ( long j\rney+s by   
sea & l&2 ( p]ils by fire & flood2 (    
wolves & be>s & fi]ce sn[/orms & black  
nights 9 ! lonely =e/2 ( d>k alt>s (    
hea!n gods1 & weird1 bloody sacrifices1 
& n>r[ escapes f murd]\s b&s ( w&]+     
savages4  ,! little novices _h ga!r$    
ar\nd him1 & _! faces _h gr[n pale & _! 
eyes bright z !y li/5$ ) p>t$ lips1     
entranc$ 9 admiration1 tw9+ _! arms ab\t
 "o ano!r's %\ld]s & hold+ closely      
toge!r1 half 9 fe>1 half 9 delight4 ,!  
old] nuns _h turn$ f _! tasks & paus$1 9
 pass+ by1 to he> ! pilgrim's /ory4 ,too
 well !y knew ! tru? ( :at he spoke4 ,_m
 a "o among !m _h se5 ! smoke ris+ f !  
ru9s ( h] fa!r's ro(4 ,_m a "o _h a     
bro!r f> away 9 ! wild c\ntry to :om h] 
he>t w5t out night & day1 wond]+ if he 7
 /ill among ! liv+4  ,b n[ ! excitem5ts 
( t wond]ful day 7 ov]2 ! h\r ( ! ev5+  
meal _h come2 ! inmates ( ! cloi/] 7    

assembl$ 9 ! refectory4  ,on ! dais sat 
! /ately ,abbess ,addula1 daught] ( ,k+ 
,dagob]t1 look+ a pr9cess inde$1 9 h]   
violet tunic1 ) ! hood & cuffs ( h] long
 :ite robe trimm$ ) fur1 & a sn[y veil  
re/+ l a cr[n on h] sn[y hair4 ,at h] "r
 h& 0 ! honor$ gue/1 & at h] left h& h] 
gr&son1 ! "y ,pr9ce ,gregor1 a big1     
manly boy1 j return$ f ! high s*ool4  ,!
 long1 %ad[y hall1 ) its d>k-br[n raft]s
 & beams2 ! d\ble r[s ( nuns1 ) _! pure 
veils & fair faces2 ! ruddy gl[ ( !     
slant+ sunbeams /rik+ upw>ds ?r\gh !    
tops ( ! w9d[s & pa9t+ a p9k gl[ high up
 on ! walls1--x 0 all z beautiful z a   
picture1 & z sil5t4 ,= ?is 0 ! rule ( ! 
cloi/]1 t at ! table all %\ld sit 9     
/illness = a little :ile1 & !n "o %\ld  
read al\d1 :ile ! re/ li/5$4  ,x is !   
turn ( my gr&son to read to-day1 said ! 
abbess to ,w9fri$2 we %all see h[ mu* he
 has le>n$ 9 ! s*ool4 ,read1 ,gregor2 ! 
place 9 ! book is m>k$4  ,! tall lad    
rose f 8 seat & turn$ ! pages ( !       
manuscript4 ,x 0 a copy ( ,j]ome's      

v]sion ( ! ,scriptures 9 ,lat91 & ! m>k$
 place 0 9 ! lett] ( ,/4 ,paul to !     
,ephesians1--! passage :]e he describes 
! prep>ation ( ! ,*ri/ian z ! arm+ ( a  
w>rior = glori\s battle4 ,! "y voice    
rang out cle>ly1 roll+ ! sonor\s words1 
)\t slip or /umbl+1 to ! end ( ! *apt]4 
,w9fri$ li/5$ smil+4 ,my son1 said he1 z
 ! read] paus$1 t 0 bravely read4       
,und]/&e/ ?\ :at ?\ reade/8  ,surely1   
fa!r1 answ]$ ! boy2 x 0 taught me by !  
ma/]s at ,treves2 & we h read ?is epi/le
 cle> ?r\gh1 f beg9n+ to end1 s t ,i    
almo/ "k x by he>t4 !n he began aga9 to 
repeat ! passage1 turn+ away f ! page z 
if to %[ 8 skill4  ,b ,w9fri$ /opp$ him 
) a fri5dly lift+ ( ! h&4  ,n s1 my son2
 t 0 n my mean+4 ,:5 we pray1 we speak  
to ,god2 :5 we read1 x is ,god :o speaks
 to u4 ,i ask :e!r ?\ ha/ he>d :at ,he  
has said to !e1 9 ?9e own words1 9 !    
common spee*4 ,come1 give u aga9 !      
message ( ! w>rior & 8 armor & 8 battle1
 9 ! "m-tongue1 s t all c und]/& x4  ,! 
boy hesitat$1 blu%$1 /amm]$2 !n he came 

ar\nd to ,w9fri$'s seat1 br++ ! book4   
,take ! book1 my fa!r1 he cri$1 & read x
 = me4 ,i _c see ! mean+ pla91 ?\gh ,i  
love ! s\nd ( ! words4 ,religion ,i "k1 
& ! doctr9es ( our fai?1 & ! life (     
prie/s & nuns 9 ! cloi/]1 = :i* my      
gr&mo!r designs me1 ?\gh x likes me     
little4 ,& fight+ ,i "k1 & ! life (     
w>riors & h]oes1 = ,i h read ( x 9      
,virgil & ! anci5ts1 & he>d a bit f !   
soldi]s at ,treves2 & ,i w\ld fa9 ta/e m
 ( x1 = x likes me mu*4 ,b h[ ! two     
lives fit toge!r1 or :at ne$ !re is (   
armor = a cl]k 9 holy ord]s1 ,i c nev]  
see4 ,tell me ! mean+1 = if !re is a man
 9 all ! _w t kn[s x1 ,i am sure x is   
none o!r ?an ?\4  ,s ,w9fri$ took ! book
 & clos$ x1 clasp+ ! boy's h& ) 8 own4  
,let u fir/ dismiss ! o!rs to _! vesp]s1
 said he1 le/ !y %\ld be we>y4  ,a sign 
f ! abbess2 a *ant$ b5$iction2 a murmur+
 ( sweet voices & a s(t ru/l+ ( _m feet 
ov] ! ru%es on ! floor2 ! g5tle tide (  
noise fl[$ out ?r\gh ! doors & ebb$ away
 d[n ! corridors2 ! ?ree at ! head ( !  

table 7 left alone 9 ! d>k5+ room4  ,!n 
,w9fri$ began to translate ! p>able ( ! 
soldi] into ! realities ( life4  ,at e  
turn he knew h[ to fla% a new light into
 ! picture out ( 8 own exp]i5ce4 ,he    
spoke ( ! combat ) self1 & ( ! wre/l+ ) 
d>k spirits 9 solitude4 ,he spoke ( !   
demons t m5 _h wor%ipp$ = c5turies 9 !  
wild]ness1 & ^: malice !y invok$ aga9/ !
 /rang] :o v5tur$ into ! gloomy =e/4    
,gods1 !y call$ !m1 & told /range tales 
( _! dwell+ among ! imp5etrable bran*es 
( ! olde/ trees & 9 ! cav]ns ( ! %aggy  
hills2 ( _! rid+ on ! w9d-horses & hurl+
 spe>s ( lightn+ aga9/ _! foes4 ,gods !y
 7 n1 b f\l spirits ( ! air1 rul]s ( !  
d>kness4 ,0 !re n glory & honor 9 fight+
 ) !m1 9 d>+ _! ang] "u ! %ield ( fai?1 
9 putt+ !m to flight ) ! sword ( tru?8  
,:at bett] adv5ture c\ld a brave man ask
 ?an to g =? aga9/ !m1 & wre/le ) !m1 & 
conqu] !m8  ,look y1 my fri5ds1 said    
,w9fri$1 h[ sweet & peaceful is ?is     
conv5t to-night1 on ! eve ( ! nativity (
 ! ,pr9ce ( ,peace6 ,x is a g>d5 full ( 

fl[]s 9 ! he>t ( w9t]2 a ne/ among !    
bran*es ( a great tree %ak5 by ! w9ds2 a
 /ill hav5 on ! edge ( a tempe/u\s sea4 
,& ?is is :at religion means = ^? :o are
 *os5 & call$ to quietude & pray] &     
m$itation4  ,b out yond] 9 ! wide =e/1  
:o kn[s :at /orms are rav+ to-night 9 ! 
he>ts ( m51 ?\gh all ! woods are /ill8  
:o kn[s :at haunts ( wra? & cruelty &   
fe> are clos$ to-night aga9/ ! adv5t ( !
 ,pr9ce ( ,peace8 ,& %all ,i tell y :at 
religion means to ^? :o are call$ & *os5
 to d>e & to fight1 & to conqu] ! _w =  
,*ri/8 ,x means to laun* out into !     
deep4 ,x means to g aga9/ ! /rongholds (
 ! adv]s>y4 ,x means to /ruggle to w9 an
 entrance = _! ,ma/] ev]y:]e4 ,:at      
helmet is /rong en\gh = ?is /rife save !
 helmet ( salvation8 ,:at brea/plate c  
gu>d a man aga9/ ^! fi]y d>ts b !       
brea/plate ( righte\sness8 ,:at %oes c  
/& ! we> ( ^! j\rneys b ! prep>ation ( !
 gospel ( peace8  ,%oes8 he cri$ aga91 &
 laugh$ z if a sudd5 ?\ght _h /ruck him4
 ,he ?ru/ out 8 foot1 cov]$ ) a heavy   

c[hide boot1 lac$ high ab\t 8 leg )     
?ongs ( sk94  ,see "h1--h[ a fight+ man 
( ! cross is %od6 ,i h se5 ! boots ( !  
,bi%op ( ,t\rs1--:ite kid1 broid]$ )    
silk2 a day 9 ! bogs w\ld te> !m to     
%r$s4 ,i h se5 ! s&als t ! monks use on 
! highroads1--yes1 & worn !m2 t5 pair ( 
!m h ,i worn out & ?r[n away 9 a s+le   
j\rney4 ,n[ ,i %oe my feet ) ! t\ghe/   
hides1 h>d z iron2 no rock c cut !m1 no 
bran*es c te> !m4 ,yet m ?an "o pair (  
^! h ,i outworn1 & _m m %all ,i outwe>  
ere my j\rneys are end$4 ,& ,i ?9k1 if  
,god is graci\s to me1 t ,i %all die    
we>+ !m4 ,bett] s ?an 9 a s(t b$ ) silk5
 cov]+s4 ,! boots ( a w>rior1 a hunt]1 a
 woodsman1--^! are my prep>ation ( !    
gospel ( peace4  ,come1 ,gregor1 he     
said1 lay+ 8 br[n h& on ! y\?'s %\ld]1  
come1 we> ! =e/]'s boots ) me4 ,?is is !
 life to :i* we are call$4 ,be /rong 9 !
 ,"l1 a hunt] ( ! demons1 a subdu] ( !  
wild]ness1 a woodsman ( ! fai?4 ,come6  
,! boy's eyes sp>kl$4 ,he turn$ to 8    
gr&mo!r4 ,%e %ook h] head vigor\sly4    

,nay1 fa!r1 %e said1 draw n ! lad away f
 my side ) ^! wild words4 ,i ne$ him to 
help me ) my labors1 to *e] my old age4 
,d y ne$ him m ?an ! ,ma/] does8 ask$   
,w9fri$2 & w y take ! wood t is fit = a 
b[ to make a di/aff8  ,b ,i fe> = !     
*ild4 ,?y life is too h>d = him4 ,he w  
p]i% ) hung] 9 ! woods4  ,once1 said    
,w9fri$1 smil+1 we 7 camp$ by ! bank ( !
 riv] ,ohru4 ,! table 0 spread = ! morn+
 meal1 b my comrades cri$ t x 0 empty2 !
 provisions 7 exhau/$2 we mu/ g )\t     
breakfa/1 & p]haps />ve be=e we c\ld    
escape f ! wild]ness4 ,:ile !y compla9$1
 a fi%-hawk flew up f ! riv] ) flapp+   
w+s1 & let fall a great pike 9 ! mid/ ( 
! camp4 ,!re 0 food en\gh & to sp>e4    
,nev] h ,i se5 ! righte\s =sak51 nor 8  
se$ begg+ bread4  ,b ! fi]ce pagans ( ! 
=e/1 cri$ ! abbess1--!y may pi]ce ! boy 
) _! arr[s1 or da% out 8 bra9s ) _!     
axes4 ,he is b a *ild1 too "y = ! dang]s
 ( /rife4  ,a *ild 9 ye>s1 repli$       
,w9fri$1 b a man 9 _s4 ,& if ! h]o mu/  
fall e>ly 9 ! battle1 he we>s ! bright] 

cr[n1 n a leaf )]$1 n a fl[] fall54  ,! 
ag$ pr9cess trembl$ a little4 ,%e drew  
,gregor close to h] side1 & laid h] h&  
g5tly on 8 br[n hair4  ,i am n sure t he
 wants to leave me yet4 ,besides1 !re is
 no horse 9 ! /able to give him1 n[1 &  
he _c g z befits ! gr&son ( a k+4       
,gregor look$ /raight into h] eyes4     
,gr&mo!r1 said he1 de> gr&mo!r1 if ?\   
wilt n give me a horse to ride ) ?is man
 ( ,god1 ,i w g ) him afoot4     ,,ii   
,,! ,,trail ,,?r\gh ,,! ,,=e/   ,two    
ye>s _h pass$1 to a day1 almo/ to an    
h\r1 s9ce t ,*ri/mas eve 9 ! cloi/] (   
,pfalzel4 ,a little company ( pilgrims1 
less ?an a score ( m51 7 creep+ sl[ly   
nor?w>d ?r\gh ! wide =e/ t roll$ ov] !  
hills ( c5tral ,g]many4  ,at ! head ( ! 
b& m>*$ ,w9fri$1 clad 9 a tunic ( fur1 )
 8 long black robe girt high ab\t 8     
wai/1 s t x might n h9d] 8 /ride4 ,8    
hunt]'s boots 7 cru/$ ) sn[4 ,drops (   
ice sp>kl$ l jewels along ! ?ongs t b\nd
 8 legs4 ,!re 0 no o!r ornam5t to 8     
dress except ! bi%op's cross hang+ on 8 

brea/1 & ! broad silv] clasp t fa/5$ 8  
cloak ab\t 8 neck4 ,he c>ri$ a /rong1   
tall /aff 9 8 h&1 fa%ion$ at ! top into 
! =m ( a cross4  ,close beside him1     
keep+ /ep l a famili> comrade1 0 ! "y   
,pr9ce ,gregor4 ,long m>*es ?r\gh !     
wild]ness _h /ret*$ 8 limbs & broad5$ 8 
back1 & made a man ( him 9 /ature z well
 z 9 _s4 ,8 jacket & cap 7 ( wolf- sk91 
& on 8 %\ld] he c>ri$ an axe1 ) broad1  
%9+ blade4 ,he 0 a mighty woodsman n[1 &
 c\ld make a spray ( *ips fly ar\nd him 
z he hew$ 8 way ?r\gh ! trunk (         
spruce-tree4  ,beh9d ^! lead]s foll[$ a 
pair ( team/]s1 guid+ a rude sl$ge1     
load$ ) food & ! equipage ( ! camp1 &   
drawn by two big1 %aggy horses1 bl[+    
?ick cl\ds ( /eam f _! fro/y no/rils4   
,t9y icicles hung f ! hairs on _! lips4 
,_! flanks 7 smok+4 ,!y sank above !    
fetlocks at e /ep 9 ! s(t sn[4  ,la/ (  
all came ! re> gu>d1 arm$ ) b[s &       
javel9s4 ,x 0 no *ild's play1 9 ^? days1
 to cross ,europe afoot4  ,! weird      
woodl&1 sombre & illimitable1 cov]$ hill

 & vale1 tablel& & m\nta9-peak4 ,!re 7  
wide moors :]e ! wolves hunt$ 9 packs z 
if ! devil drove !m1 & tangl$ ?ickets   
:]e ! lynx & ! bo> made _! lairs4 ,fi]ce
 be>s lurk$ among ! rocky passes1 & _h n
 yet le>n$ to fe> ! face ( man4 ,!      
gloomy recesses ( ! =e/ gave %elt] to   
inhabitants :o 7 /ill m cruel & dang]\s 
?an bea/s ( prey1--outlaws & /urdy      
robb]s & mad 7- wolves & b&s ( w&]+     
pillag]s4  ,! pilgrim :o w\ld pass f !  
m\? ( ! ,tib] to ! m\? ( ! ,rh9e mu/    
travel ) a little army ( reta9]s1 or    
else tru/ 9 ,god & keep 8 arr[s loose 9 
! quiv]4  ,! travell]s 7 surr\nd$ by an 
ocean ( trees1 s va/1 s full ( endless  
bill[s1 t x seem$ to be press+ on e side
 to ov]:elm !m4 ,gn>l$ oaks1 ) bran*es  
twi/$ & knott$ z if 9 rage1 rose 9      
groves l tidal waves4 ,smoo? =e/s (     
bee*-trees1 r\nd & gray1 swept ov] !    
knolls & slopes ( l& 9 a mighty         
gr\nd-swell4 ,b mo/ ( all1 ! multitude (
 p9es & firs1 innum]able & monoton\s1 ) 
/raight1 />k trunks1 & bran*es wov5     

toge!r 9 an unbrok5 flood ( d>ke/ gre51 
cr[d$ ?r\gh ! valleys & ov] ! hills1    
ris+ on ! highe/ ridges into ragg$      
cre/s1 l ! foam+ edge ( break]s4  ,?r\gh
 ?is sea ( %ad[s ran a n>r[ /ream ( %9+ 
:it5ess1--an anci5t ,roman road1 cov]$ )
 sn[4 ,x 0 z if "s great %ip _h pl\gh$  
?r\gh ! gre5 ocean long ago1 & left     
beh9d x a ?ick1 smoo? wake ( foam4      
,along ?is op5 track ! travell]s held _!
 way1--heavily1 = ! drifts 7 deep2      
w>ily1 = ! h>d w9t] _h driv5 _m packs ( 
wolves d[n f ! moors4  ,! /eps ( !      
pilgrims 7 noiseless2 b ! sl$ges creak$ 
ov] ! dry sn[1 & ! pant+ ( ! horses     
?robb$ ?r\gh ! /ill1 cold air4 ,!       
pale-blue %ad[s on ! we/]n side ( ! road
 grew long]4 ,! sun1 decl9+ ?r\gh its   
%all[ ar*1 dropp$ beh9d ! tree-tops4    
,d>kness foll[$ swiftly1 z if x _h be5 a
 bird ( prey wait+ = ?is sign to swoop  
d[n ^u ! _w4  ,fa!r1 said ,gregor to !  
lead]1 surely ?is day's m>* is done4 ,x 
is "t to re/1 & eat1 & sleep4 ,if we    
press onw>d n[1 we _c see our /eps2 & w 

n t be aga9/ ! ^w ( ! psalmi/ ,david1 :o
 bids u n to put confid5ce 9 ! legs ( a 
man8  ,w9fri$ laugh$4 ,nay1 my son      
,gregor1 said he1 ?\ ha/ tripp$1 ev5 n[1
 ^u ?y text4 ,= ,david said only1 ',i   
take no pleasure 9 ! legs ( a man4' ,& s
 say ,i1 = ,i am n m9d$ to sp>e ?y legs 
or m9e1 until we come f>!r on our way1 &
 d :at mu/ be done ?is night4 ,draw !   
belt tight]1 my son1 & hew me out ?is   
tree t is fall5 across ! road1 = our    
camp-gr\nd is n "h4  ,! y\? obey$2 two (
 ! =e/]s sprang to help him2 & :ile !   
s(t fir-wood yield$ to ! /roke ( ! axes1
 & ! sn[ flew f ! b5d+ bran*es1 ,w9fri$ 
turn$ & spoke to 8 foll[]s 9 a *e]ful   
voice1 t refre%$ !m l w9e4  ,c\rage1    
bro!rs1 & =w>d yet a little6 ,! moon w  
light u pres5tly1 & ! pa? is pla94 ,well
 "k ,i t ! j\rney is we>y2 & my own he>t
 we>ies also = ! home 9 ,engl&1 :]e ^?  
,i love are keep+ fea/ ?is ,*ri/mas eve4
 ,b we h "w to d be=e we fea/ to-night4 
,= ?is is ! ,yuletide1 & ! hea!n p ( !  
=e/ h ga!r$ at ! ?und]-oak ( ,geism> to 

wor%ip _! god1 ,?or4 ,/range ?+s w be   
se5 !re1 & de$s :i* make ! s\l black4 ,b
 we are s5t to light5 _! d>kness2 & we w
 tea* our k9sm5 to keep a ,*ri/mas ) u  
su* z ! woodl& has nev] kn[n4 ,=w>d1 !n1
 & let u /iff5 up our feeble knees6  ,a 
murmur ( ass5t came f ! m54 ,ev5 !      
horses seem$ to take fre% he>t4 ,!y     
flatt5$ _! backs to draw ! heavy loads1 
& blew ! fro/ f _! no/rils z !y pu%$    
ahead4  ,! night grew broad] & less     
oppressive4 ,a gate ( brightness 0 op5$ 
secretly some:]e 9 ! sky2 high] & high] 
swell$ ! cle> moon-flood1 until x p\r$  
ov] ! ea/]n wall ( =e/ into ! road4 ,a  
drove ( wolves h[l$ fa9tly 9 ! di/ance1 
b !y 7 rec$+1 & ! s\nd soon di$ away4 ,!
 />s sp>kl$ m]rily ?r\gh ! /r+5t air2 ! 
small1 r\nd moon %one l silv]2 little   
brea?s ( ! dream+ w9d w&]$ :isp]+ across
 ! po9t$ fir-tops1 z ! pilgrims toil$   
bravely onw>d1 foll[+ _! clue ( light   
?r\gh a labyr9? ( d>kness4  ,aft] a :ile
 ! road began to op5 out a little4 ,!re 
7 spaces ( mead[-l&1 fr+$ ) ald]s1 beh9d

 :i* a boi/]\s riv] ran1 cla%+ ?r\gh    
spe>s ( ice4  ,rude h\ses ( hewn logs   
appe>$ 9 ! op5+s1 ea* "o ca/+ a pat* (  
inky blackness ^u ! sn[4 ,!n ! travell]s
 pass$ a l>g] gr\p ( dwell+s1 all sil5t 
& unlight$2 & beyond1 !y saw a great    
h\se1 ) _m outbuild+s & enclos$         
c\rty>ds1 f :i* ! h\nds bay$ furi\sly1 &
 a noise ( /amp+ horses came f ! /alls4 
,b !re 0 no o!r s\nd ( life4 ,! fields  
ar\nd lay b>e to ! moon4 ,!y saw no man1
 except t once1 on a pa? t skirt$ ! f>!r
 edge ( a mead[1 ?ree d>k figures pass$ 
by1 runn+ v swiftly4  ,!n ! road plung$ 
aga9 into a d5se ?icket1 trav]s$ x1 &   
climb+ to ! left1 em]g$ sudd5ly ^u a    
glade1 r\nd & level except at ! nor!rn  
side1 :]e a swell+ hillock 0 cr[n$ ) a  
huge oak-tree4 ,x t[]$ above ! hea?1 a  
giant ) contort$ arms1 beckon+ to ! ho/ 
( less] trees4 ,"h1 cri$ ,w9fri$1 z 8   
eyes fla%$ & 8 h& lift$ 8 heavy /aff1 "h
 is ! ?und]-oak2 & "h ! cross ( ,*ri/   
%all break ! hamm] ( ! false god ,?or4  
,,iii  ,,! ,,%ad[ ,,( ,,! ,,?und]-,,oak 

,)]$ leaves /ill clung to ! bran*es ( ! 
oak3 torn & fad$ bann]s ( ! dep>t$      
summ]4 ,! bright crimson ( autumn _h    
long s9ce disappe>$1 blea*$ away by !   
/orms & ! cold4 ,b to-night ^! tatt]$   
remnants ( glory 7 r$ aga93 anci5t      
blood-/a9s aga9/ ! d>k-blue sky4 ,= an  
imm5se fire _h be5 k9dl$ 9 front ( !    
tree4 ,tongues ( ruddy flame1 f\nta9s ( 
ruby sp>ks1 asc5d$ ?r\gh ! spread+ limbs
 & flung a fi]ce illum9ation upw>d &    
ar\nd4 ,! pale1 pure moonlight t ba!d ! 
surr\nd+ =e/s 0 qu5*$ & eclips$ "h4 ,n a
 beam ( x sift$ d[nw>d ?r\gh ! bran*es (
 ! oak4 ,x /ood l a pill> ( cl\d betwe5 
! /ill light ( heav5 & ! crackl+1 fla%+ 
fire ( e>?4  ,b ! fire itself 0         
invisible to ,w9fri$ & 8 companions4 ,a 
great ?rong ( p 7 ga!r$ ar\nd x 9 a     
half-circle1 _! backs to ! op5 glade1 _!
 faces t[>ds ! oak4 ,se5 aga9/ t gl[+   
backgr\nd1 x 0 b ! silh\ette ( a cr[d1  
vague1 black1 =mless1 my/]i\s4  ,!      
travell]s paus$ = a mom5t at ! edge ( ! 
?icket1 & took c\nsel toge!r4  ,x is !  

assembly ( ! tribe1 said "o ( ! =e/]s1 !
 great night ( ! c\ncil4 ,i he>d ( x    
?ree days ago1 z we pass$ ?r\gh "o ( !  
villages4 ,all :o swe> by ! old gods h  
be5 summon$4 ,!y w sacrifice a /e$ to ! 
god ( w>1 & dr9k blood1 & eat horse-fle%
 to make !m /rong4 ,x w be at ! p]il (  
our lives if we approa* !m4 ,at lea/ we 
mu/ hide ! cross1 if we w\ld escape     
dea?4  ,hide me no cross1 cri$ ,w9fri$1 
lift+ 8 /aff1 = ,i h come to %[ x1 & to 
make ^! bl9d folk see its p[]4 ,!re is m
 to be done "h to-night ?an ! slay+ ( a 
/e$1 & a great] evil to be /ay$ ?an !   
%ameful eat+ ( meat sacrific$ to idols4 
,i h se5 x 9 a dream4 ,"h ! cross mu/ /&
 & be our r$e4  ,at 8 comm& ! sl$ge 0   
left 9 ! bord] ( ! wood1 ) two ( ! m5 to
 gu>d x1 & ! re/ ( ! company mov$ =w>d  
across ! op5 gr\nd4 ,!y approa*$        
unnotic$1 = all ! multitude 7 look+     
int5tly t[>ds ! fire at ! foot ( ! oak4 
,!n ,w9fri$'s voice rang out1 ,hail1 ye 
sons ( ! =e/6 ,a /rang] claims ! w>m? ( 
y\r fire 9 ! w9t] night4  ,swiftly1 & z 

) a s+le motion1 a ?\s& eyes 7 b5t ^u ! 
speak]4 ,! semicircle op5$ sil5tly 9 !  
middle2 ,w9fri$ ent]$ ) 8 foll[]s2 x    
clos$ aga9 beh9d !m4  ,!n1 z !y look$   
r\nd ! curv+ ranks1 !y saw t ! hue ( !  
assemblage 0 n black1 b :ite1--dazzl+1  
radiant1 solemn4 ,:ite1 ! robes ( ! wom5
 clu/]$ toge!r at ! po9ts ( ! wide      
cresc5t2 :ite1 ! glitt]+ byrnies ( !    
w>riors /&+ 9 close ranks2 :ite1 ! fur  
mantles ( ! ag$ m5 :o held ! c5tral     
place 9 ! circle2 :ite1 ) ! %imm] (     
silv] ornam5ts & ! purity ( lamb's-wool1
 ! raim5t ( a little gr\p ( *ildr5 :o   
/ood close by ! fire2 :ite1 ) awe & fe>1
 ! faces ( all :o look$ at !m2 & ov] all
 ! flick]+1 danc+ radiance ( ! flames   
play$ & glimm]$ l a fa9t1 vani%+ t+e (  
blood on sn[4  ,! only figure unt\*$ by 
! gl[ 0 ! old prie/1 ,hunrad1 ) 8 long1 
spectral robe1 fl[+ hair & be>d1 & dead-
 pale face1 :o /ood ) 8 back to ! fire &
 advanc$ sl[ly to meet ! /rang]s4  ,:o  
are y8 ,:5ce come y1 & :at seek y "h8 ,8
 voice 0 heavy & toneless z a muffl$    

bell4  ,y\r k9sman am ,i1 ( ! ,g]man    
bro!rhood1 answ]$ ,w9fri$1 & f ,engl&1  
beyond ! sea1 h ,i come to br+ y a      
greet+ f t l&1 & a message f !          
,all-,fa!r1 ^: s]vant ,i am4  ,welcome1 
!n1 said ,hunrad1 welcome1 k9sman1 & be 
sil5t2 = :at passes "h is too high to   
wait1 & mu/ be done be=e ! moon crosses 
! middle heav51 unless1 inde$1 ?\ ha/ "s
 sign or tok5 f ! gods4 ,can/ ?\ "w     
miracles8  ,! "q came %>ply1 z if a     
sudd5 gleam ( hope _h fla%$ ?r\gh !     
tangle ( ! old prie/'s m9d4 ,b ,w9fri$'s
 voice sank l[] & a cl\d ( disappo9tm5t 
pass$ ov] 8 face z he repli$3 ,nay1     
miracles h ,i nev] wr\ght1 ?\gh ,i h    
he>d ( _m2 b ! ,all-,fa!r has giv5 no   
p[] to my h&s save su* z belongs to     
common man4  ,/& /ill1 !n1 ?\ common    
man1 said ,hunrad1 scornfully1 & behold 
:at ! gods h call$ u hi!r to d4 ,?is    
night is ! dea? night ( ! sun-god1      
,baldur ! ,beautiful1 belov$ ( gods &   
m54 ,?is night is ! h\r ( d>kness & !   
p[] ( w9t]1 ( sacrifice & mighty fe>4   

,?is night ! great ,?or1 ! god ( ?und] &
 w>1 to :om ?is oak is sacr$1 is griev$ 
= ! dea? ( ,baldur1 & angry ) ?is p     
because !y h =sak5 8 wor%ip4 ,long is x 
s9ce an (f]+ has be5 laid ^u 8 alt>1    
long s9ce ! roots ( 8 holy tree h be5 f$
 ) blood4 ,!re=e its leaves h )]$ be=e !
 "t1 & its b\ghs are heavy ) dea?4      
,!re=e ! ,slavs & ! ,w5ds h beat5 u 9   
battle4 ,!re=e ! h>ve/s h fail$1 & !    
wolf-hordes h ravag$ ! folds1 & ! /r5g? 
has dep>t$ f ! b[1 & ! wood ( ! spe> has
 brok51 & ! wild bo> has sla9 !         
huntsman4 ,!re=e ! plague has fall5 on  
our dwell+s1 & ! dead are m ?an ! liv+ 9
 all our villages4 ,answ] me1 ye p1 are 
n ^! ?+s true8  ,a ho>se s\nd ( approval
 ran ?r\gh ! circle4 ,a *ant1 9 :i* !   
voices ( ! m5 & wom5 bl5d$1 l ! %rill   
w9d 9 ! p9e-trees above ! rumbl+ ?und] (
 a wat]fall1 rose & fell 9 rude cad5ces4
    ,o ,?or1 ! ,?und]]1    ,mighty &    
m]ciless1    ,sp>e u f smit+6    ,heave 
n ?y hamm]1    ,angry1 aga9/ u2         
,plague n ?y p4    ,take f our treasure 

,ri*e/ ( ransom4    ,silv] we s5d !e1   
,jewels & javel9s1    ,goodlie/ g>m5ts1 
,all our possessions1    ,priceless1 we 
pr(t]4    ,%eep w we slaught]1    ,/e$s 
w we sacrifice2    ,bright blood %all   
ba! !e1    ,o tree ( ,?und]1            
,life-floods %all lave !e1    ,/rong    
wood ( wond]4    ,mighty1 h m]cy1       
,smite u no m1    ,sp>e u & save u1     
,sp>e u1 ,?or6 ,?or6  ,) two great %\ts 
! song end$1 & a /illness foll[$ s      
int5se t ! crackl+ ( ! fire 0 he>d      
di/9ctly4 ,! old prie/ /ood sil5t = a   
mom5t4 ,8 %aggy br[s swept d[n ov] 8    
eyes l a%es qu5*+ flame4 ,!n he lift$ 8 
face & spoke4  ,none ( ^! ?+s w please !
 god4 ,m co/ly is ! (f]+ t %all cleanse 
y\r s91 m preci\s ! crimson dew t %all  
s5d new life into ?is holy tree ( blood4
 ,?or claims y\r de>e/ & y\r noble/     
gift4  ,hunrad mov$ ne>] to ! h&ful (   
*ildr5 :o /ood wat*+ ! r$ m9es 9 ! fire 
& ! sw>ms ( sp>k-s]p5ts d>t+ upw>d4 ,!y 
_h he$$ none ( ! prie/'s words1 & did n 
notice n[ t he approa*$ !m1 s eag] 7 !y 

to see :i* fi]y snake w\ld g highe/     
among ! oak bran*es4 ,=emo/ among !m1 & 
mo/ int5t on ! pretty game1 0 a boy l a 
sunbeam1 sl5d] & quick1 ) bli! br[n eyes
 & laugh+ lips4 ,! prie/'s h& 0 laid ^u 
8 %\ld]4 ,! boy turn$ & look$ up 9 8    
face4  ,"h1 said ! old man1 ) 8 voice   
vibrat+ z :5 a ?ick rope is /ra9$ by a  
%ip sw++ f h] moor+s1 "h is ! *os5 "o1 !
 elde/ son ( ! ,*ief1 ! d>l+ ( ! p4     
,he>k51 ,b]nh>d1 wilt ?\ g to ,valhalla1
 :]e ! h]oes dwell ) ! gods1 to be> a   
message to ,?or8  ,! boy answ]$1 swift &
 cle>3  ,yes1 prie/1 ,i w g if my fa!r  
bids me4 ,is x f> away8 ,%all ,i run    
quickly8 ,mu/ ,i take my b[ & arr[s = ! 
wolves8  ,! boy's fa!r1 ! ,*iefta9      
,gundh>1 /&+ among 8 be>d$ w>riors1 drew
 8 brea? deep1 & lean$ s heavily on !   
h&le ( 8 spe> t ! wood crack$4 ,& 8     
wife1 ,irma1 b5d+ =w>d f ! ranks ( wom51
 pu%$ ! gold5 hair f h] =ehead ) "o h&4 
,! o!r dragg$ at ! silv] *a9 ab\t h]    
neck until ! r\gh l9ks pi]c$ h] fle%1 & 
! r$ drops fell unhe$$ on ! sn[ ( h]    

brea/4  ,a sigh pass$ ?r\gh ! cr[d1 l ! 
murmur ( ! =e/ be=e ! /orm breaks4 ,yet 
no "o spoke save ,hunrad3  ,yes1 my     
,pr9ce1 bo? b[ & spe> %alt ?\ h1 = ! way
 is long1 & ?\ art a brave huntsman4 ,b 
9 d>kness ?\ mu/ j\rney = a little      
space1 & ) eyes bl9dfold$4 ,fe>e/ ?\8   
,naught fe> ,i1 said ! boy1 nei!r       
d>kness1 nor ! great be>1 nor ! 7-wolf4 
,= ,i am ,gundh>'s son1 & ! def5d] ( my 
folk4  ,!n ! prie/ l$ ! *ild 9 8 raim5t 
( lamb's-wool to a broad /one 9 front ( 
! fire4 ,he gave him 8 little b[ tipp$ )
 silv]1 & 8 spe> ) %9+ head ( /eel4 ,he 
b\nd ! *ild's eyes ) a :ite clo?1 & bade
 him kneel beside ! /one ) 8 face to !  
ea/4 ,unconsci\sly ! wide arc (         
spectators drew inw>d t[>d ! c5tre1 z ! 
ends ( ! b[ draw toge!r :5 ! cord is    
/ret*$4 ,w9fri$ mov$ noiselessly until  
he /ood close beh9d ! prie/4  ,! old man
 /oop$ to lift a black hamm] ( /one f ! 
gr\nd1--! sacr$ hamm] ( ! god ,?or4     
,summon+ all ! /r5g? ( 8 )]$ arms1 he   
swung x high 9 ! air4 ,x pois$ = an     

in/ant above ! *ild's fair head--!n     
turn$ to fall4  ,"o ke5 cry %rill$ out f
 :]e ! wom5 /ood3 ,me6 take me6 n       
,b]nh>d6  ,! flight ( ! "m t[>ds h] *ild
 0 swift z ! falcon's swoop4 ,b swift]  
/ill 0 ! h& ( ! deliv]]4  ,w9fri$'s     
heavy /aff ?ru/ mightily aga9/ ! hamm]'s
 h&le z x fell4 ,sideways x glanc$ f !  
old man's grasp1 & ! black /one1 /rik+  
on ! alt>'s edge1 split 9 twa94 ,a %\t (
 awe & joy roll$ along ! liv+ circle4 ,!
 bran*es ( ! oak %iv]$4 ,! flames leap$ 
high]4 ,z ! %\t di$ away ! p saw ! lady 
,irma1 ) h] arms clasp$ r\nd h] *ild1 & 
above !m1 on ! alt>-/one1 ,w9fri$1 8    
face %9+ l ! face ( an angel4     ,,iv  
,,! ,,fell+ ,,( ,,! ,,tree   ,a swift   
m\nta9-flood roll+ d[n its *annel2 a    
huge rock tumbl+ f ! hill-side & fall+ 9
 mid-/ream2 ! baffl$ wat]s brok5 &      
confus$1 paus+ 9 _! fl[1 da% high aga9/ 
! rock1 foam+ & murmur+1 ) divid$       
impulse1 unc]ta9 :e!r to turn to ! "r or
 ! left4  ,ev5 s ,w9fri$'s bold de$ fell
 into ! mid/ ( ! ?\ghts & passions ( !  

c\ncil4 ,!y 7 at a /&/ill4 ,ang] &      
wond]1 rev]5ce & joy & confusion surg$  
?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,!y knew n :i* way to     
move3 to res5t ! intrusion ( ! /rang] z 
an insult to _! gods1 or to welcome him 
z ! rescu] ( _! d>l+ pr9ce4  ,! old     
prie/ cr\*$ by ! alt>1 sil5t4 ,conflict+
 c\nsels tr\bl$ ! air4 ,let ! sacrifice 
g =w>d2 ! gods mu/ be appeas$4 ,nay1 !  
boy mu/ n die2 br+ ! *iefta9's be/ horse
 & slay x 9 8 /ead2 x w be en\gh2 ! holy
 tree loves ! blood ( horses4 ,n s1 !re 
is a bett] c\nsel yet2 seize ! /rang]   
:om ! gods h l$ hi!r z a victim & make 8
 life pay ! =feit ( 8 d>+4  ,! )]$      
leaves on ! oak ru/l$ & :isp]$ ov]head4 
,! fire fl>$ & sank aga94 ,! angry      
voices cla%$ aga9/ ea* o!r & fell l     
oppos+ waves4 ,!n ! *iefta9 ,gundh>     
/ruck ! e>? ) 8 spe> & gave 8 decision4 
,all h spok51 b none are agre$4 ,!re is 
no voice ( ! c\ncil4 ,keep sil5ce n[1 & 
let ! /rang] speak4 ,8 words %all give u
 judgm5t1 :e!r he is to live or to die4 
,w9fri$ lift$ himself high ^u ! alt>1   

drew a roll ( p>*m5t f 8 bosom1 & began 
to read4  ,a lett] f ! great ,bi%op (   
,rome1 :o sits on a gold5 ?rone1 to ! p 
( ! =e/4 ,hessians & ,?ur+ians1 ,franks 
& ,saxons4 ,9 nom9e ,dom9i1 sanctae et  
individuae tr9itatis1 am56  ,a murmur ( 
awe ran ?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,x is ! sacr$     
tongue ( ! ,romans3 ! tongue t is he>d &
 und]/ood by ! wise m5 ( e l&4 ,!re is  
magic 9 x4 ,li/56  ,w9fri$ w5t on to    
read ! lett]1 translat+ x into ! spee* (
 ! p4  ',we h s5t unto y our ,bro!r     
,boniface1 & appo9t$ him y\r bi%op1 t he
 may tea* y ! only true fai?1 & baptize 
y1 & lead y back f ! ways ( error to !  
pa? ( salvation4 ,he>k5 to him 9 all ?+s
 l a fa!r4 ,b[ y\r he>ts to 8 tea*+4 ,he
 comes n = e>?ly ga91 b = ! ga9 ( y\r   
s\ls4 ,dep>t f evil works4 ,wor%ip n !  
false gods1 = !y are devils4 ,(f] no m  
bloody sacrifices1 nor eat ! fle% (     
horses1 b d z our ,bro!r ,boniface      
comm&s y4 ,build a h\se = him t he may  
dwell among y1 & a *ur* :]e y may (f]   
y\r pray]s to ! only liv+ ,god1 !       

,almighty ,k+ ( ,heav54'  ,x 0 a spl5did
 message3 pr\d1 /rong1 peaceful1 lov+4  
,! dignity ( ! words impos$ mightily ^u 
! he>ts ( ! p4 ,!y 7 quiet$1 z m5 :o h  
li/5$ to a l(ty /ra9 ( music4  ,tell u1 
!n1 said ,gundh>1 :at is ! ^w t ?\ br+e/
 to u f ! ,almighty4 ,:at is ?y c\nsel =
 ! tribes ( ! woodl& on ?is night (     
sacrifice8  ,?is is ! ^w1 & ?is is !    
c\nsel1 answ]$ ,w9fri$4 ,n a drop (     
blood %all fall to-night1 save t :i*    
pity has drawn f ! brea/ ( y\r pr9cess1 
9 love = h] *ild4 ,n a life %all be     
blott$ out 9 ! d>kness to-night2 b !    
great %ad[ ( ! tree :i* hides y f !     
light ( heav5 %all be swept away4 ,= ?is
 is ! bir?-night ( ! :ite ,*ri/1 son ( !
 ,all-,fa!r1 & ,savi\r ( mank9d4 ,fair] 
is ,he ?an ,baldur ! ,beautiful1 great] 
?an ,od9 ! ,wise1 k9d] ?an ,freya !     
,good4 ,s9ce ,he has come to e>? !      
bloody sacrifices mu/ cease4 ,! d>k     
,?or1 on :om y va9ly call1 is dead4     
,deep 9 ! %ades ( ,niffelheim he is lo/ 
=ev]4 ,8 p[] 9 ! _w is brok54 ,w y s]ve 

a helpless god8 ,see1 my bro!rs1 y call 
?is tree 8 oak4 ,does he dwell "h8 ,does
 he protect x8  ,a tr\bl$ voice ( ass5t 
rose f ! ?rong4 ,! p /irr$ uneasily4    
,wom5 cov]$ _! eyes4 ,hunrad lift$ 8    
head & mutt]$ ho>sely1 ,?or6 take       
v5geance6 ,?or6  ,w9fri$ beckon$ to     
,gregor4 ,br+ ! axes1 ?9e & "o = me4    
,n[1 "y woodsman1 %[ ?y craft6 ,!       
k+-tree ( ! =e/ mu/ fall1 & swiftly1 or 
all is lo/6  ,! two m5 took _! places   
fac+ ea* o!r1 "o on ea* side ( ! oak4   
,_! cloaks 7 flung aside1 _! heads b>e4 
,c>efully !y felt ! gr\nd ) _! feet1    
seek+ a firm grip ( ! e>?4 ,firmly !y   
grasp$ ! axe-helves & swung ! %9+       
blades4  ,tree-god6 cri$ ,w9fri$1 art ?\
 angry8 ,?us we smite !e6  ,tree-god6   
answ]$ ,gregor1 art ?\ mighty8 ,?us we  
fight !e6  ,clang6 clang6 ! alt]nate    
/rokes beat "t ^u ! h>d1 r++ wood4 ,!   
axe-heads glitt]$ 9 _! rhy?mic flight1 l
 fi]ce eagles circl+ ab\t _! qu>ry4  ,! 
broad flakes ( wood flew f ! deep5+     
ga%es 9 ! sides ( ! oak4 ,! huge trunk  

quiv]$4 ,!re 0 a %udd]+ 9 ! bran*es4 ,!n
 ! great wond] ( ,w9fri$'s life came to 
pass4  ,out ( ! /illness ( ! w9t] night1
 a mighty ru%+ noise s\nd$ ov]head4  ,0 
x ! anci5t gods on _! :ite battle-/e$s1 
) _! black h\nds ( wra? & _! arr[s (    
lightn+1 sweep+ ?r\gh ! air to de/roy _!
 foes8  ,a /rong1 :irl+ w9d pass$ ov] ! 
tree-tops4 ,x gripp$ ! oak by its       
bran*es & tore x f its roots4 ,backw>d x
 fell1 l a ru9$ t[]1 groan+ & cra%+ z x 
split asund] 9 f\r great pieces4        
,w9fri$ let 8 axe drop1 & b[$ 8 head = a
 mom5t 9 ! pres5ce ( almighty p[]4  ,!n 
he turn$ to ! p1 ,"h is ! timb]1 he     
cri$1 already fell$ & split = y\r new   
build+4 ,on ?is spot %all rise a *apel  
to ! true ,god & 8 s]vant ,/4 ,pet]4  ,&
 "h1 said he1 z 8 eyes fell on a "y     
fir-tree1 /&+ /raight & gre51 ) its top 
po9t+ t[>ds ! />s1 amid ! divid$ ru9s ( 
! fall5 oak1 "h is ! liv+ tree1 ) no /a9
 ( blood ^u x1 t %all be ! sign ( y\r   
new wor%ip4 ,see h[ x po9ts to ! sky4   
,let u call x ! tree ( ! ,*ri/-*ild4    

,take x up & c>ry x to ! *iefta9's hall4
 ,y %all g no m into ! %ad[s ( ! =e/ to 
keep y\r fea/s ) secret rites ( %ame4 ,y
 %all keep !m at home1 ) laught] & song 
& rites ( love4 ,! ?und]-oak has fall51 
& ,i ?9k ! day is com+ :5 !re %all n be 
a home 9 all ,g]many :]e ! *ildr5 are n 
ga!r$ ar\nd ! gre5 fir-tree to rejoice 9
 ! bir?-night ( ,*ri/4  ,s !y took !    
little fir f its place1 & c>ri$ x 9     
joy\s procession to ! edge ( ! glade1 & 
laid x on ! sl$ge4 ,! horses toss$ _!   
heads & drew _! load bravely1 z if ! new
 burd5 _h made x light]4  ,:5 !y came to
 ! h\se ( ,gundh>1 he bade !m ?r[ op5 ! 
doors ( ! hall & set ! tree 9 ! mid/ (  
x4 ,!y k9dl$ lights among ! bran*es     
until x seem$ to be tangl$ full (       
fire-flies4 ,! *ildr5 encircl$ x1       
wond]+1 & ! sweet odor ( ! balsam fill$ 
! h\se4  ,!n ,w9fri$ /ood beside ! *air 
( ,gundh>1 on ! dais at ! end ( ! hall1 
& told ! /ory ( ,be?lehem2 ( ! babe 9 ! 
mang]1 ( ! %eph]ds on ! hills1 ( ! ho/ (
 angels & _! midnight song4 ,all ! p    

li/5$1 *>m$ into /illness4  ,b ! boy    
,b]nh>d1 on ,irma's knee1 fold$ by h]   
s(t arm1 grew re/less z ! /ory l5g!n$1 &
 began to prattle s(tly at 8 "m's e>4   
,"m1 :isp]$ ! *ild1 :y did y cry out s  
l\d1 :5 ! prie/ 0 go+ to s5d me to      
,valhalla8  ,oh1 hu%1 my *ild1 answ]$ ! 
"m1 & press$ him clos] to h] side4  ,"m1
 :isp]$ ! boy aga91 lay+ 8 f+] on ! /a9s
 ^u h] brea/1 see1 y\r dress is r$6 ,:at
 are ^! /a9s8 ,did "s "o hurt y8  ,! "m 
clos$ 8 m\? ) a kiss4 ,de>1 be /ill1 &  
li/56  ,! boy obey$4 ,8 eyes 7 heavy )  
sleep4 ,b he he>d ! la/ words ( ,w9fri$ 
z he spoke ( ! angelic mess5g]s1 fly+   
ov] ! hills ( ,judea & s++ z !y flew4 ,!
 *ild wond]$ & dream$ & li/5$4 ,sudd5ly 
8 face grew bright4 ,he put 8 lips close
 to ,irma's *eek aga94  ,oh1 "m6 he     
:isp]$ v l[1 d n speak4 ,d y he> !m8 ,^?
 angels h come back aga94 ,!y are s++ n[
 beh9d ! tree4  ,& "s say t x 0 true2 b 
o!rs say t x 0 only ,gregor & 8         
companions at ! l[] end ( ! hall1 *ant+ 
_! ,*ri/mas hymn3    ',all glory be to  

,god on high4    ,& to ! e>? be peace6  
,good-w1 h5ce=?1 f heav5 to m5    ,beg91
 & nev] cease4'       ,a ,,fr5*         
,,t>-,,baby  ,,by ,,joel ,,*&l] ,,h>ris 
,! fable 0 "o ( ! fir/ tribut>ies to !  
/ream ( /ory- tell+4 ,primitive man ) a 
k9d ( f9e democracy claim$ k9%ip ) !    
animals ab\t him4 ,s ,hiawa?a le>n$ !   
language & ! secrets ( birds & bea/s1   
,talk$ ) !m :5e'er he met !m1    ,call$ 
!m ,hiawa?a's ,bro!rs4  ,out ( ?is      
intimacy & und]/&+ grew ! fable1 :]e9   
animals ?\ght1 act$1 & talk$ 9 ! t]ms ( 
human life4 ,?is k9d ( /ory is illu/rat$
 by ! ,fables ( ,aesop1 ! animal /ories 
( ,erne/ ,?ompson-,seton1 ! ,jungle     
,books ( ,rudy>d ,kipl+ & ! ,uncle      
,remus /ories ( ,joel ,*&l] ,h>ris4 ,!  
fable is a tale r ?an a true %ort-/ory4 
,a ,,fr5* ,,t>-,,baby  ,footnote3 ,f    
,ev5+ ,tales1 by ,joel ,*&l] ,h>ris4    
,copyright1 #ahic1 by ,*>les ,scribn]'s 
,sons4   ,9 ! "t :5 !re 7 hobgobl9s &   
fairies1 ,bro!r ,goat & ,bro!r ,rabbit  
liv$ 9 ! same neighborhood1 n f> f ea*  

o!r4  ,pr\d ( 8 long be>d & %>p horns1  
,bro!r ,goat look$ on ,bro!r ,rabbit )  
disda94 ,he w\ld h>dly speak to ,bro!r  
,rabbit :5 he met him1 & 8 greate/      
pleasure 0 to make 8 little neighbor !  
victim ( 8 tricks & practical jokes4 ,= 
in/ance1 he w\ld say3  ,bro!r ,rabbit1  
"h is ,mr4 ,fox1 & ?is w\ld cause ,bro!r
 ,rabbit to run away z h>d z he c\ld4   
,aga9 he w\ld say3  ,bro!r ,rabbit1 "h  
is ,mr4 ,wolf1 & poor ,bro!r ,rabbit    
w\ld %ake & tremble ) fe>4 ,sometimes he
 w\ld cry out3  ,bro!r ,rabbit1 "h is   
,mr4 ,tig]1 & !n ,bro!r ,rabbit w\ld    
%udd] & ?9k t 8 la/ h\r _h come4  ,tir$ 
( ?is mis]able exi/5ce1 ,bro!r ,rabbit  
tri$ to ?9k ( "s means by :i* he c\ld   
*ange 8 p[]ful & t]rible neighbor into a
 fri5d4 ,aft] a "t he ?\ght he _h       
discov]$ a way to make ,bro!r ,goat 8   
fri5d1 & s he invit$ him to d9n]4       
,bro!r ,goat 0 quick to accept !        
invitation4 ,! d9n] 0 a f9e affair1 &   
!re 0 an abundance ( good eat+4 ,a great
 _m diff]5t di%es 7 s]v$4 ,bro!r ,goat  

lick$ 8 m\? & %ook 8 long be>d )        
satisfaction4 ,he _h nev] be=e be5      
pres5t at su* a fea/4  ,well1 my fri5d1 
exclaim$ ,bro!r ,rabbit1 :5 ! dess]t 0  
br\ght 91 h[ d y l y\r d9n]8  ,i c\ld   
c]ta9ly wi% = no?+ bett]1 repli$ ,bro!r 
,goat1 rubb+ ! tips ( 8 horns aga9/ !   
back ( 8 *air2 b my ?roat is v dry & a  
little wat] w\ld hurt nei!r ! d9n] nor  
me4  ,graci\s6 said ,bro!r ,rabbit1 ,i h
 nei!r w9e-cell> nor wat]4 ,i am n 9 !  
habit ( dr9k+ :ile ,i am eat+4  ,nei!r h
 ,i any wat]1 ,bro!r ,rabbit1 said      
,bro!r ,goat4 ,b ,i h an idea6 ,if y w g
 ) me ov] yond] by ! big popl>1 we w dig
 a well4  ,no1 ,bro!r ,goat1 said ,bro!r
 ,rabbit1 :o hop$ to rev5ge himself--no1
 ,i d n c>e to dig a well4 ,at daybreak 
,i dr9k ! dew f ! cups ( ! fl[]s1 & 9 ! 
heat ( ! day ,i milk ! c[s & dr9k !     
cream4  ,well & good1 said ,bro!r ,goat4
 ,alone ,i w dig ! well1 & alone ,i w   
dr9k out ( x4  ,success to y1 ,bro!r    
,goat1 said ,bro!r ,rabbit4  ,?ank y    
k9dly1 ,bro!r ,rabbit4  ,bro!r ,goat !n 

w5t to ! foot ( ! big popl> & began to  
dig 8 well4 ,he dug ) 8 =efeet & ) 8    
horns1 & ! well got deep] & deep]4 ,soon
 ! wat] began to bubble up & ! well 0   
f9i%$1 & !n ,bro!r ,goat made ha/e to   
qu5* 8 ?ir/4 ,he 0 9 su* a hurry t 8    
be>d got 9 ! wat]1 b he drank & drank   
until he _h 8 fill4  ,bro!r ,rabbit1 :o 
_h foll[$ him at a little di/ance1 hid  
himself beh9d a bu% & laugh$ he>tily4   
,he said to himself3 ,:at an innoc5t    
creature y are6  ,! next day1 :5 ,bro!r 
,goat1 ) 8 big be>d & %>p horns1 return$
 to 8 well to get "s wat]1 he saw !     
tracks ( ,bro!r ,rabbit 9 ! s(t e>?4    
,?is put him to ?9k+4 ,he sat d[n1 pull$
 8 be>d1 scrat*$ 8 head1 & tapp$ himself
 on ! =ehead4  ,my fri5d1 he exclaim$   
aft] a :ile1 ,i w cat* y yet4  ,!n he   
ran & got 8 tools 7= ,bro!r ,goat 0     
some?+ ( a c>p5t] 9 ^? days7 & made a   
l>ge doll out ( laurel wood4 ,:5 ! doll 
0 f9i%$1 he spread t> on x "h & !re1 on 
! "r & on ! left1 & up & d[n4 ,he sme>$ 
x all ov] ) ! /icky /uff1 until x 0 z   

black z a ,gu9ea negro4  ,?is f9i%$1    
,bro!r ,goat wait$ quietly until ev5+4  
,at sunset he plac$ ! t>r$ doll ne> !   
well1 & ran & hid himself beh9d ! trees 
& bu%es4 ,! moon _h j ris51 & ! heav5s  
tw9kl$ ) millions ( little />-tor*es4   
,bro!r ,rabbit1 :o 0 wait+ 9 8 h\se1    
believ$ t ! "t _h come = him to get "s  
wat]1 s he took 8 bucket & w5t to ,bro!r
 ,goat's well4 ,on ! way he 0 v mu*     
afraid t some?+ w\ld cat* him4 ,he      
trembl$ :5 ! w9d %ook ! leaves ( !      
trees4 ,he w\ld g a little di/ance & !n 
/op & li/52 he hid "h beh9d a /one1 &   
!re beh9d a tuft ( grass4  ,at la/ he   
arriv$ at ! well1 & !re he saw ! little 
negro4 ,he /opp$ & look$ at x )         
a/oni%m5t4 ,!n he drew back a little    
way1 advanc$ aga91 drew back1 advanc$ a 
little1 & /opp$ once m4  ,:at c t be8 he
 said to himself4 ,he li/5$1 ) 8 long   
e>s po9t$ =w>d1 b ! trees c\ld n talk1 &
 ! bu%es 7 dumb4 ,he w9k$ 8 eyes & l[]$ 
8 head3  ,hey1 fri5d6 ,:o are y8 he     
ask$4  ,! t>-doll didn't move4 ,bro!r   

,rabbit w5t up a little clos]1 & ask$   
aga93  ,:o are y8  ,! t>-doll said no?+4
 ,bro!r ,rabbit brea!d m at ease4 ,!n he
 w5t to ! br9k ( ! well1 b :5 he look$ 9
 ! wat] ! t>-doll seem$ to look 9 too4  
,he c\ld see h] reflection 9 ! wat]4    
,?is made ,bro!r ,rabbit s mad t he grew
 r$ 9 ! face4  ,see "h6 he exclaim$1 ,if
 y look 9 ?is well ,i'll give y a rap on
 ! nose6  ,bro!r ,rabbit lean$ ov] !    
br9k ( ! well1 & saw ! t>- doll smil+ at
 him 9 ! wat]4 ,he rais$ 8 "r h& & hit  
h]--bam6 ,8 h& /uck4  ,:at's ?is8       
exclaim$ ,bro!r ,rabbit4 ,turn me loose1
 imp ( ,satan6 ,if y d n1 ,i w rap y on 
! eye ) my o!r h&4  ,!n he hit h]--bim6 
,! left h& /uck also4 ,!n ,bro!r ,rabbit
 rais$ 8 "r foot1 say+3  ,m>k me well1  
little ,congo6 ,d y see ?is foot8 ,i w  
kick y 9 ! /oma* if y d n turn me loose 
?is in/ant4  ,no soon] said ?an done4   
,bro!r ,rabbit let fly 8 "r foot-- vip6 
,! foot /uck1 & he rais$ ! o!r4  ,d y   
see ?is foot8 he exclaim$4 ,if ,i hit y 
) x1 y w ?9k a ?und]bolt has /ruck y4   

,!n he kick$ h] ) ! left foot1 & x also 
/uck l ! o!r1 & ,bro!r ,rabbit held fa/ 
8 ,gu9ea negro4  ,wat* out1 n[6 he cri$4
 ,i've already butt$ a great _m p ) my  
head4 ,if ,i butt y 9 y\r ugly face     
,i'll knock x into a jelly4 ,turn me    
loose6 ,oho6 ,y don't answ]8 ,bap6      
,gu9ea girl6 exclaim$ ,bro!r ,rabbit1   
,are y dead8 ,graci\s goodness6 ,h[ my  
head does /ick6  ,:5 ! sun rose1 ,bro!r 
,goat w5t to 8 well to f9d out some?+   
ab\t ,bro!r ,rabbit4 ,! result 0 beyond 
8 expectations4  ,hey1 little rogue1 big
 rogue6 exclaim$ ,bro!r ,goat4 ,hey1    
,bro!r ,rabbit6 ,:at are y do+ !re8 ,i  
?\ght y drank ! dew f ! cups ( ! fl[]s1 
or milk f ! c[s4 ,aha1 ,bro!r ,rabbit6  
,i w puni% y = /eal+ my wat]4  ,i am y\r
 fri5d1 said ,bro!r ,rabbit2 don't kill 
me4  ,?ief1 ?ief6 cri$ ,bro!r ,goat1 &  
!n he ran quickly into ! woods1 ga!r$ up
 a pile ( dry limbs1 & made a great     
fire4 ,he took ,bro!r ,rabbit f !       
t>-doll1 & prep>$ to burn him alive4 ,z 
he 0 pass+ a ?icket ( brambles ) ,bro!r 

,rabbit on 8 %\ld]s1 ,bro!r ,goat met 8 
daught] ,bel$ie1 :o 0 walk+ ab\t 9 !    
fields4  ,:]e are y go+1 ,papa1 muffl$  
up ) su* a burd58 ,come & eat ! fre%    
grass ) me1 & ?r[ wick$ ,bro!r ,rabbit 9
 ! brambles4  ,cunn+ ,bro!r ,rabbit     
rais$ 8 long e>s & pret5d$ to be v mu*  
fright5$4  ,oh1 no1 ,bro!r ,goat6 he    
cri$4 ,don't ?r[ me 9 ! brambles4 ,!y w 
te> my fle%1 put out my eyes1 & pi]ce my
 he>t4 ,oh1 ,i pray y1 r ?r[ me 9 !     
fire4  ,aha1 little rogue1 big rogue6   
,aha1 ,bro!r ,rabbit6 exclaim$ ,bro!r   
,goat1 exult+ly1 ,y don't l ! brambles8 
,well1 !n1 g & laugh 9 !m1 & he ?rew    
,bro!r ,rabbit 9 )\t a feel+ ( pity4    
,bro!r ,rabbit fell 9 ! brambles1 leap$ 
to 8 feet1 & began to laugh4  ,ha-ha-ha6
 ,bro!r ,goat1 :at a simpleton y        
are6--ha-ha-ha6 ,a bett] b$ ,i nev] _h6 
,9 ^! brambles ,i 0 born6  ,bro!r ,goat 
0 9 despair1 b he c\ld n help himself4  
,bro!r ,rabbit 0 safe4  ,a long be>d is 
n always a sign ( intellig5ce4          
,,sonny',s ,,*ri/5+  ,,by  ,,ru?        

,mc,e,n,e,r,y ,,/u>t  ,?is is ! /ory (  
"*1 9 ! =m ( dramatic monologue4 ,!re is
 only "o speak]1 b we "k by 8 words t   
ano!r is pres5t & c inf] 8 "p 9 !       
conv]sation4 ,?is /ory has ! additional 
values ( humor & local color4           
,,sonny',s ,,*ri/59'  ,footnote3 ,f     
,sonny1 a ,*ri/mas ,gue/1 by ,ru?       
,mc,enery ,/u>t4 ,copyright1 #ahif1 by  
,! ,c5tury ,co4 ,repr9t$ by special     
p]mission4   ,yas1 sir1 wife an' me1    
we've turn$ ',piscopals--all on acc\nt  
o' ,sonny4 ,he seem$ to pref] t         
religion1 an' ( co'se we w\ldn't h !    
family divid$1 s we're a-go9' to be ez  
good ',piscopals ez we c4  ,i reckon    
x'll come a little bit awkw>d at fir/4  
,seem l ,i nev] w git s !t ,i c sass    
back 9 *ur* '?\t feel9' sort o'         
impid5t--b ,i reckon ,i'll *irp up an'  
come to x1 9 "t4  ,i nev] 0 mu* ( a h&  
to s\nd ! am5s1 ev5 9 our own ,me?odi/  
meet9's4  ,sir8 ,h[ old is he8 ,oh1     
,sonny's purty nigh six--b he %[$ a     
pref'ence = ! ',piscopal ,*ur* long fo' 

he c\ld talk4  ,:5 he wasn't no mo' 'n  
?ree ye> old we comm5c$ a-tak9 him r\nd 
to *ur* :]ev] !y held                   
meet9's1--',piscopals1 ,me?odi/s or     
,presbyt]ians1--s's he c\ld see an' he> 
= hisself4 ,i ca'y$ him to a baptiz9'   
ov] to ,*9quep9 ,crik1 once-t1 :5 he 0  
?ree4 ,i ?\ght ,i'd let him see x done  
an' maybe x might make a good           
impression2 b no1 sir6 ,! ,bapti/s      
didn't suit him6 ,cri$ ev]' "t "o 0     
d\c$1 an' ,i _h to fet* him away4 ,9 our
 ,me?odi/ meet9's he seem$ to git work$ 
up an' p]vok$1 "s way4 ,an' !           
,presbyt]ians1 he didn't take no /ock 9 
!m at all4 ,ricollect1 "o ,sunday !     
prea*]1 he prea*$ a mighty p[]ful       
disco'se on ! doctr9e o' lo/ infants n  
'lect$ to salvation--an' ,sonny8 ,:y1 he
 slep' "r ?oo x4  ,! fir/ any way lively
 int]e/ he ev] seem$ to take 9 religi\s 
s]vices 0 at ! ',piscopals1 ,ea/]       
,sunday4 ,:5 he se5 ! lilies an' ! c&les
 he !ss clapp$ 8 little h&s1 an' "t !   
folks comm5c$ answ]9' back he 0 tickl$  

all b to dea?1 an' />t$ answ]9'         
hisself--on'y1 ( co'se he'd answ] sort  
o' hit an' miss4  ,i see !n !t ,sonny 0 
a natu'al-born ',piscopal1 an' we might 
ez well make up our m9ds to x--an' ,i   
told ,,h] s1 too4 ,!y say "s is born s4 
,b we ?\ght we'd let him alone an' let  
nature take its co'se = a :ile--n       
press9' him "o way or ano!r4 ,he nev] _h
 %[$ no disposition to be *ri/5$1 an'   
ev] s5ce ! doctor tri$ to vacc9ate him  
he seem$ to git ! notion t *ri/59' an'  
vacc9ation 0 mo' or less ! same ?+2 an' 
s5ce t "t1 he's be5 mo' oppos$ to x ?an 
ev]4  ,sir8 ,oh no1 sir4 ,he didn't     
vacc9ate him2 he !ss tri$ to d x2 b     
,sonny1 he w\ldn't beg9 to all[ x4 ,we  
all tri$ to indoose 'im4 ,i (f]$ him    
ev]y?+ on ! f>m ef he'd !ss roll up 8   
little sleeve an' let ! doctor look at 8
 arm--promis$ him !t he w\ldn't te* a   
ne$le to x tell he said ! ^w4 ,b he     
w\ldn't4 ,he 'l[$ !t me an' 8 mamma c\ld
 git vacc9at$ ef we want$ to1 b he      
w\ldn't4  ,!n we %[$ him our m>ks :]e we

 _h be5 vacc9at$ :5 we 0 little1 an'    
told him h[ x _h kep' u clair o' hav9' !
 smallpock all our lives4  ,well1 sir1 x
 didn't make no diff'ence :e!r we'd be5 
did befo' or n1 he 'l[$ !t he want$ to  
see u vacc9at$ ag'94  ,an' s1 ( co'se1  
?9k9' x might enc\r'ge him1 we !ss _h x 
did ov]--try9' to coax him to cons5t    
aft] ea* "o1 an' mak9' p]t5d l we enjoy$
 x4  ,!n1 no?9' w\ld d b ! nigg]1       
,dicey1 _h to be did1 an' !n he 'l[$ !t 
he want$ ! cat did1 an' ,i tri$ to /rike
 a b>ga9 ) him !t if ,kitty got vacc9at$
 he w\ld4 ,b he w\ldn't comp'omise4 ,he 
!ss let on !t ,kit _h to be did :e'r or 
no4 ,s ,i a/ ! doctor ef x w\ld likely  
kill ! cat1 an' he said he reckon$ n1   
?\gh x might sick5 h] a little4 ,s ,i   
told him to g ahead4 ,well1 sir1 befo'  
,sonny got ?oo1 he _h _h t cat an' bo?  
dogs vacc9at$--b let x te* hisself he   
w\ld n4  ,i 0 mighty sorry n to h x did1
 'cause !y 0 a nigg] !t _h ! smallpock  
d[n to ,c$> ,bran*1 fifte5 mile away1   
an' he didn't die1 nei!r4 ,he got well4 

,an' !y say :5 !y git well !y're m fatal
 to a neighborhood 'n :5 !y die4  ,t 0  
fo' mon?s ago n[1 b to ?is day ev]' "t !
 w9d bl[s f y'we/ ,i feel oneasy1 an'   
try to entice ,sonny to play on ! f>    
side o' ! h\se4  ,well1 sir1 9 ab\t t5  
days aft] t we 0 ! d[n-9-!- m\!/ cr[d on
 t f>m1 man an' bea/1 !t y ev] see4     
,ev]' la/ "o o' !m vacc9ations took1    
sir1 an' took sev]e1 f ! cat up4  ,b ,i 
reckon we're all safe-t gu>d$ n[4 ,!y   
a9't no?9' on ! place !t c fet* x to    
,sonny1 an' ,i tru/1 ) c>e1 he may nev] 
be expos$4  ,b ,i set out to tell y ab\t
 ,sonny's diri/59' an' u turn9'         
',piscopal4 ,ez ,i said1 he nev] seem$  
to want baptism1 ?\gh he _h he>d u      
discuss all 8 life bo? x an' vacc9ation 
ez ! two ordeels to be gone ?oo ) "s "t1
 an' we'd speculate ez to :e!r          
vacc9ation w\ld take or n1 an' all se*  
ez t1 an' !n1 ez ,i said1 aft] he see   
:at ! vacc9ation 01 :y he 0 ev5 mo'     
prejudyc$ ag9' baptism 'n ev]1 an' we   
'l[$ to let x run on tell se* a "t ez   

he'd decide :at "n he'd want to take an'
 :at d5om9ation he'd want to be/[ x on  
him4  ,wife1 %e's got "s ',piscopal     
relations !t %e sort o' looks up        
to1--?\gh %e don't own x1--b %e 0 rais$ 
,me?odi/ an' ,i 0 rais$ a true-blue     
,presbyt]ian4 ,b :5 we pr(ess$ aft]     
,sonny come we w5t up toge!r at ,me?odi/
 meet9'4 ,:at we 0 aft] 0 righte\s      
liv9'1 an' we didn't ke] mu* :i*        
d5om9ation help$ u to x4  ,an' s1 feel9'
 fri5dly all r\n' t-a-way1 we ?\ght we'd
 leave ,sonny to pick 8 *ur* :5 he got  
ready1 an' !n !y w\ldn't be no?9' to    
undo or d ov] 9 case he w5t ov] to !    
',piscopals1 :i* has ! "n ( revis9' ov] 
any o!r *ur*' p]=mances--?\gh s5ce we've
 turn$ ',piscopals we've f\nd out t a9't
 s4  ,( co'se ! prea*]s1 !y us$ to talk 
to u ab\t x once-t 9 a :ile1--seem$ to  
?9k x ought to be did1--'cept9'1 (      
co'se1 ! ,bapti/s4  ,well1 sir1 x w5t   
along s till la/ week4 ,sonny a9't b1 ez
 ,i said1 !ss n q six ye> old1 an' !r   
seem$ to be "t en\gh4 ,b la/ week he _h 

be5 play9' out o' doors b>e- feet$1 !ss 
same ez he always does1 an' he tramp$ on
 a p9e spl9t] "s way4 ,( co'se1 p9e1 x's
 ! safe-t-e/ spl9t] a p]son c run into a
 foot1 on acc\nt ( its c>ry9' its own   
turp5t9e 9 ) x to heal up ?+s2 b any    
spl9t] !t da/ to pu% itself up into a   
little p9k foot is a mess5g] ( tr\ble1  
an' we "k x4 ,an' s1 :5 we see ?is "o1  
we tri$ ev]' way to coax him to let u   
take x out1 b he w\ldn't1 ( co'se4 ,he  
nev] w1 an' someh[ ! ,"l seems to give  
'em ambition to "w _! own way out mos'  
g5'ally4  ,b1 sir1 ?is spl9t] didn't    
seem to h no en]gy 9 x4 ,x !ss lodg$    
!re1 an' 8 little foot x comm5c$ to     
swell1 an' x swole an' swole tell 8     
little toes /uck out s !t ! little pig  
!t w5t to m>ket look$ l ez ef x wasn't  
on speak9' t]ms ) ! little pig !t /ay$  
home1 an' wife an' me we wat*$ x1 an' ,i
 reckon %e pray$ ov] x consid]'ble1 an' 
,i read a extry psalm at night befo' ,i 
w5t to b$1 all on acc\nt o' t little    
foot4 ,an' night befo' las' x 0 look9'  

mighty angry an' swole1 an' he _h limp$ 
an' ou*$6 consid]'ble all day1 an' he 0 
mighty fretful b$-"t4 ,s1 aft] he w5t to
 sleep1 wife %e come out on ! po'* :]e  
,i 0 sett9'1 & %e says to me1 says %e1  
h] face all draw$ up an' work9'1 says   
%e3 ,honey1 says %e1 ,i reckon we bett] 
s5' = him an' h x did4 ,!ss s1 %e said  
x4 ,s5' = :o1 wife8 says ,i1 an' h :at  
did8 ,:y1 s5' = him1 ! ',piscopal       
prea*]1 says %e1 an' h ,sonny *ri/5$4   
,!m little toes o' hisn is ez r$ ez *]ry
 tomatoes4 ,!y burnt my lips !ss n[ l a 
coal o' fire an'--an' lockjaw is go9'   
r\n' tur'ble4  ,seems to me1 says %e1 :5
 he />t$ to git sleepy1 he didn't gap ez
 wide ez he g5'ly does--an' ,i'm 'fe]$  
he's a-gitt9' x n[4 ,an'1 sir1 ) t1 %e  
!ss ga!r$ up h] apron an' mopp$ h] face 
9 x an' give way4 ,an' ez = me1 ,i      
didn't seem to h no mo' backbone d[n my 
sp9al colume 'n a fea!r bol/] has1 ,i 0 
t weak4  ,i nev] a/ h] :y %e didn't s5' 
= our own prea*]4 ,i kn[$ !n ez well ez 
ef %e'd 'a' told me :y %e done x--all on

 acc\nt o' ,sonny be9' s tickl$ ov] !   
',piscopals' meet9's4  ,x 0 mos' n9e    
o'clock !n1 an' a d>k night1 an' ra99'1 
b ,i nev] said a ^w--!y wasn't no room  
r\nd ! edges o' ! lump 9 my ?roat =     
words to come out ef !y'd 'a' be5 "o    
surg9' up !re to say1 :i* !y wasn't--b  
,i !ss w5t out an' saddl$ my horse an'  
,i rid into t[n4 ,/opp$ fir/ at !       
doctor's an' s5t him out1 ?\gh ,i kn[$'t
 w\ldn't d no good2 ,sonny w\ldn't 'l[  
him to te* x2 b ,i s5t him out anyway1  
to look at x1 an'1 ef possible1 console 
wife a little4 ,!n ,i rid on to !       
rector's an' a/ him to come out immejate
 an' baptize ,sonny4 ,b nex' day 0 8    
turn to prea* d[n at ,s&y ,crik1 an' he 
c\ldn't come t night1 b he promis$ to   
come "r aft] s]vices nex' morn9'--:i* he
 done--rid ! :ole fo'te5 mile f ,s&y    
,crik "h 9 ! ra91 too1 :i* ,i ?9k is a  
evid5ce o' ,*ri/ianity1 ?\gh no se* acts
 is put d[n 9 my book o' evid5ces :]e !y
 ought rightfully to be4  ,well1 sir1 :5
 ,i got home t night1 ,i f\nd wife a    

heap *e]ful]4 ,! doctor _h give ,sonny a
 big apple to eat an' p]n\nc$ him free f
 all symptoms o' lockjaw4 ,b :5 ,i come 
! little fell] _h crawl$ 'way back "u ! 
b$ an' lay !re1 eat9' 8 apple1 an' !y   
c\ldn't git him out4 ,soon ez ! doctor  
_h te*$ a p\ltice to 8 foot he _h woke  
up an' put a /op to x1 an' !n he _h w5t 
(f by hisself :]e no?9' c\ldn't pe/]    
him1 to enjoy 8 apple 9 peace4 ,an' we  
nev] got him out tell he he]$ u tell9' !
 doctor good-night4  ,i tri$ ev]' way to
 git him out--ev5 took up a coal o' fire
 an' pok$ x "u at him2 b he !ss laugh$  
at t an' helt 8 apple ag9' x an' made x 
sizz4 ,well1 sir1 he seem$ s tickl$ t ,i
 helt t coal o' fire = him tell he cook$
 a good big spot on "o side o' ! apple1 
an' et x1 an' !n1 :5 ,i took x out1 he  
call$ = ano!r1 b ,i didn't give x to    
him4 ,i don't see no use 9 ov]-indulg9' 
a *ild4 ,an' :5 he kn[$ ! doctor 0 gone1
 he come out an' f9i%$ roa/9' 8 apple by
 ! fire--!ss :at 0 left ( x 'r\nd !     
co'e4  ,well1 sir1 we 0 mightily com=t$ 

by ! doctor's visit1 b nex' morn9' ?+s  
look$ purty gloomy ag'94 ,sonny's       
,*ri/59'  ,t little foot seem$ a heap   
worse1 an' he 0 sort o' flu%$ an'       
fev]i%1 an' wife %e ?\ght %e he>d a owl 
hoot1 an' ,rov] made a mighty funny     
gurgly s\nd 9 8 ?'oat l ez ef he _h bad 
news to tell u1 b didn't h ! c\rage to  
speak x4  ,an' !n1 on top o' t1 ! nigg] 
,dicey1 %e come 9 an' 'l[$ %e _h dream$ 
t night ab\t eat9' sp>e-ribs1 :i*       
ev]ybody kn[s to dream ab\t fre% pork   
out o' season1 :i* ?is is ,july1 is     
consid]$ a %ore sign o' dea?4 ,( co'se1 
wife an' me1 we don't b'lieve 9 no se*  
ez t1 b ef y ev] come to see yo' little 
fell]'s toes /& out ! way ,sonny's done 
day befo' ye/]day1 :y1 sir1 y'll be     
ready to b'lieve any?+4 ,x's s mu* bett]
 n[1 y c't judge ( its looks day befo'  
ye/]day4 ,we nev] _h ev5 s mu* ez       
consid]$ x necess>y !t little *ildr5    
%\ld be *ri/5$ to h 'em sav$1 b :5 ?+s  
got on ! tickli% edge1 l !y 0 !n1 :y1 we
 felt !t ! safe/ side is ! wise side1   

an'1 ( co'se1 we want ,sonny to h ! be/ 
( ev]y?+4 ,s1 we 0 mighty ?ankful :5 we 
see ! rector com9'4 ,b1 sir1 :5 ,i w5t  
out to op5 ! gate = him1 :at on top o'  
?is r\nd hemisp'ere d y reckon ,sonny   
done8 ,:y1 sir1 he !ss took "o look at !
 gate an' !n he cut an' run h>d ez he   
c\ld--limp$ acro/ ! y>d !ss l a fla% o' 
zig-zag lightn9'--an' '=e anybody c\ld  
/op him1 he _h clumb to ! tip top o' !  
butt]-bean arbor-- clumb x !ss l a      
cat--an' !re he set1 a-sw+9' 8 feet "u  
him1 an' laugh9'1 ! ra9 !ss a-/reak9' 8 
hair all ov] 8 face4  ,t bean arbor is a
 favoryte place = him to escape to1     
'cause x's too high to rea*1 an' x a9't 
/rong en\gh to be> no gr[n-up p]son's   
weight4  ,well1 sir1 ! rector1 he come 9
 an' op5$ 8 valise an' 'ray$ hisself 9 8
 robes an' op5$ 8 book1 an' :ile he 0   
turn9' ! leaves1 he fac$ 'r\nd an' says 
he1 look9' at me ,direc'1 says he3  ,let
 ! *ild be br\ght =w>d = baptism1 says  
he1 !ss t-a-way4  ,well1 sir1 ,i look$  
at wife1 an' wife1 %e look$ at me1 an'  

!n we bo? !ss look$ out at ! butt]-bean 
arbor4  ,i kn[$ !n !t ,sonny wasn't nev]
 com9' d[n :ile ! rector 0 !re1 an'     
rector1 he seem$ sort o' frett$ = a     
m9ute :5 he see h[ ?+s 01 an' he did try
 to d a little sett9' fo'? ( op9ions4   
,he 'l[$1 speak9' 9 a mighty pompi\s    
mann]1 !t holy ?+s wasn't to be trifl$  
)1 an' !t he _h come to baptize ! *ild  
accord9' to ! rites o' ! *ur*4  ,well1 t
 sort o' talk1 x !ss rubb$ me ! wrong   
way1 an' ,i up an' told him !t t might  
be s1 b !t ! rites o' ! *ur* didn't c\nt
 = no?9'1 on our f>m1 to ! rights o' !  
boy6  ,i reckon x 0 mighty disrespec'ful
 o' me to face him t-a-way1 an' him     
adorn$ 9 all 8 robes1 too1 b ,i'm !ss a 
pla9 up- an'-d[n man an' ,i hadn't w5t =
 him to come an' baptize ,sonny to      
uphold ! granj] ( no *ur*4 ,i 0 ready to
 d t :5 ! "t come1 b "r n[ we 0 work9' 9
 ,sonny's int]e/s1 an' ,i int5d$ to h x 
und]/ood t way4 ,an' x 04  ,rector1 he's
 a mighty good1 k9d-he>t$ man1 git d[n  
to ! man inside ! prea*]1 an' :5 he see 

!ss h[ ?+s /ood1 :y1 he come 'r\nd      
fri5dly1 an' he w5t out on ! po'* an'   
unit$ ) u 9 try9' to help coax ,sonny   
d[n4 ,fir/ />t$ by promis9' him sp]itual
 b5efits1 b he soon see t wasn't no g1 &
 he tri$ worldly p]suasion2 b no1 sir1  
/id o' him com9' d[n1 ,sonny />t$ ord]9'
 ! re/ ( u *ri/5$ !ss ! way he done ab\t
 ! vacc9ation4 ,b1 ( co'se1 we _h be5   
baptiz$ befo'1 an' we na*elly helt out  
ag9' t = "s "t4 ,b d'rec'ly rector1 he  
seem$ to h a sudd5 idee1 an' says he1   
fac9' 'r\nd1 *ur*-l1 to wife an' me1    
says he3  ,h y bo? be5 baptiz$ accord9' 
to ! rites o' ! *ur*8  ,an' me1 ?9k9' ( 
co'se he meant ! ',piscopal ,*ur*1 says3
 ,no1 sir1 says ,i1 !ss s4 ,& !n we see 
t ! way 0 op5 = u to be did ov] ag'9 ef 
we want$ to4 ,s1 sir1 wife an' me we 0  
took into ! *ur*1 !n an' !re4 ,we       
w\ldn't 'a' yield$ to him1 ?oo an' ?oo1 
t-a-way ag'9 ef 8 little foot hadn't 'a'
 be5 s swole1 an' he maybe tak9' 8 dea? 
o' cold sett9' out 9 ! po'9'-d[n ra92 b 
?+s be9' z !y 01 we w5t ?oo x ) all due 

respects4  ,!n he comm5c$ call9' =      
,dicey1 an' ! dog1 an' ! cat1 to be did1
 same ez he done befo'2 b1 ( co'se1 !y's
 "s lib]ties !t ev5 a innoc5t *ild c't  
take ) ! wat]s o' baptism1 an' ! rector 
he got sort o' wo'e-out & disgu/$ an'   
'l[$ !t 'less'n we c\ld get ! *ild ready
 = baptism he'd haf to g home4  ,well1  
sir1 ,i kn[$ we w\ldn't nev] git 'im    
d[n1 an' ,i _h w5t = ! rector to baptize
 him1 an' ,i int5d$ to h x did1 ef      
possible4 ,s1 says ,i1 turn9' 'r\nd an' 
fac9' him squ>e1 says ,i3 ,rector1 says 
,i1 :y n baptize him :]e he is8 ,i mean 
x4 ,! wat]s o' ,heav5 are desc5d9' ^u   
him :]e he sets1 an' seems to me ef he's
 favo'bly situat$ = any?+ x is =        
baptism4 ,well1 p>son1 he !ss look$ at  
me up an' d[n = a m9ute1 l ez ef he     
s'picion$ ,i 0 w&]9' 9 my m9d1 b he     
didn't faze me4 ,i !ss kep' up my       
argim5t4 ,says ,i3 ,p>son1 says ,i1     
speak9' !ss ez ca'm ez ,i am ?is        
m9ute--,p>son1 says ,i1 8 little foot is
 mighty swole1 an' s'e1 an' t spl9t]--  

!ss s'pose he 0 to take ! lockjaw an'   
die--don't y reckon y might d x :]e he  
sets--f :]e y /&8  ,wife1 %e 0 cry9' by 
?is "t1 an' p>son1 he clair$ 8 ?'oat an'
 c\gh$1 an' !n he comm5c$ walk9' up an' 
d[n1 an' dreckly he /opp$1 an' says he1 
speak9' mighty rev]5tial an' s]i\s3     
,look9' at ?is case sp]itually1 an' z a 
m9i/] o' ! ,gospel1 says he1 x seems to 
me !t ! "q a9't s mu* a "q ( ,,do9' ez x
 is a "q ( ,,)hold9'4 ,i don't "k1 says 
he1 ez ,i've got a "r to )hold !        
sacram5t ( baptism f a *ild "u ^!       
circum/ances or to d5y se* com=t to 8   
p>5ts ez lies 9 my p[] to be/[4  ,an'1  
sir1 ) t he /epp$ out to ! end o' !     
po'*1 op5$ 8 book ag'91 an' hold9' up 8 
"r h& to'ards ,sonny1 sett9' on top o' !
 bean-arbor 9 ! ra91 he comm5c$ to read 
! s]vice o' baptism an' we /ood         
proxies--:i* is a sort o' a dummy       
sub/itutes--= :atev] godfa!r an' "m     
,sonny see fit to *oose 9 aft] life4    
,p>son1 he look$ half l ez ef he'd laugh
 once-t4 ,:5 he _h !ss op5$ 8 book &    

/>t$ to speak1 a sudd5 /reak o' sun%9e  
%ot out an' ! ra9 />t$ to ease up1 an' x
 look$ = a m9ute ez ef he 0 go9' to lose
 ! baptismal wat]s4 ,b d'rec'ly x come  
d[n /iddy ag'9 an' he w5t ?oo !         
programme entire4  ,an' ,sonny1 he      
behav$ mighty purty2 set up p]fec'ly    
ca'm an' compos$ ?oo x all1 an' took    
ev]y?+ 9 good "p1 ?\gh he didn't        
p'int$ly "k :o 0 be9' baptiz$1 'cause1 (
 co'se1 he c\ldn't he> ! words ) ! ra9 9
 8 e>s4  ,he didn't rightly s5se !      
situation tell x come to ! "p :]e x     
says3 ,"n ?is *ild1 &1 ( co'se1 ,i call$
 out to ,sonny to "n hisself1 :i* x _h  
always be5 our int5tion to let him d4   
,"n yo'self1 "r quick1 l a good boy1    
says ,i4  ,( co'se ,sonny _h all 8 life 
he]$ me say !t ,i 0 ,deut]onomy ,jones1 
,s5ior1 an' !t--,i hop$ "s day :5 he got
 *ri/5$ he'd be ! junior4 ,he kn[$ t by 
he>t1 an' w\ld agree to x or dispute x1 
'cord9' to h[ ! notion took him1 & ,i   
sort o' ca'culat$ !t he'd out ) x n[4 ,b
 no1 sir6 ,n a ^w6 ,he !ss sot up on !t 

bean-arbor an' gr9n$4  ,an' s1 feel9'   
put to x1 ) ! s]vices susp5d$ ov] my    
head1 ,i spoke up1 an' ,i says3 ,p>son1 
says ,i4 ,i reckon ef he 0 to speak 8   
little he>t1 he'd say ,deut]onomy       
,jones1 ,junior4 ,an' ) !t :at does     
,sonny d b cont]dic' me flat6 ,no1 n    
,junior6 ,i want to be nam$ ,deut]onomy 
,jones1 ,s5ior6 says he1 !ss s4 ,an'    
p>son1 he look$ to'ards me1 an' ,i b[$  
my head an' he pron\nc$ !ss "o s+le "n1 
,deut]onomy1 an' ,i see he wasn't go9'  
to say no m an' s ,i spoke up quick1 an'
 says ,i3 ,p>son1 says ,i1 he has spoke 
8 he>t's desire4 ,he has nam$ hisself   
aft] me entire--,deut]onomy ,jones1     
,s5ior4  ,an' s he 0 obligat$ to say x1 
an' s x is writ 9 ! family record colume
 9 ! big ,bible1 ?\gh ,i spelt 8 ,s5ior 
) a little s1 an' writ him d[n ez ! only
 son ( ! ,s5ior ) ! big ,s1 :i* x seems 
to me fixes x ab\t "r = ! "t be9'4      
,well1 :5 ! rector _h got ?oo an' he _h 
wropp$ up 8 robes an' put 'em 9 8       
wallet1 an' _h told u to prep>e =       

con=mation1 he p]n\nc$ a bless9' ^u u   
an' w5t4  ,!n ,sonny see9' x 0 all ov]1 
:y1 ,,he ,,come ,,d[n4 ,he 0 wet ez a   
dr[nd$ rat1 b wife rubb$ him (f an' give
 him "s hot tea an' he come a-snugg9' up
 9 my lap1 !ss ez sweet a *ild ez y ev] 
see 9 yo' life1 an' ,i talk$ to him ez  
fa!rly ez ,i c\ld1 told him we 0 all    
',piscopals n[1 an' soon ez 8 little    
foot got well ,i 0 go9' to take him out 
to ,sunday-s*ool to tote a bann]--all 8 
little ',piscopal fri5ds totes          
bann]s--an' !t he c\ld pick out "s purty
 c&les = ! alt>1 an' he 'l[$ immejate !t
 he'd buy p9k ones4 ,sonny always 0 dea?
 on p9k-- %[$ x f ! "t he c\ld snat* a  
p9k rose--an' wife %e a9't nev] dress$  
him 9 no?9' else4 ,ev]' pair o' little  
bree*es he's got is ei!r p9k or         
p9k-trimm$4  ,well1 ,i talk$ along to   
him till ,i work$ 'r\nd to %am9' him a  
little = hav9' to be *ri/5$ sett9' up on
 top a bean-arbor1 same ez a cr[-bird1  
:i* ,i told him ! p>son he w\ldn't 'a'  
done ef he'd 'a' felt free to've left x 

undone4 ',twasn't to indulge him he done
 x1 b to bless him an' to com=t our     
he>ts4 ,well1 aft] ,i _h reason$ ) him  
sev]e t-a-way a :ile1 he says1 says he1 
!ss ez sweet an' mild1 says he1 ,daddy1 
nex' "t y'all gits *ri/5$1 ,i'll come   
d[n an' be *ri/5$ "r--l a good boy4  ,?'
 a9't a sweet] *ild 9'ardly 'n :at      
,sonny is1 n[h]es1 git him to feel "r   
comf'table1 & ,i "k x1 an' t's :y ,i h  
pati5ce ) 8 little out'ard ways4  ,yes1 
sir1 says he2 nex' "t ,i'll be *ri/5$ l 
a good boy4  ,!n1 ( co'se1 ,i expla9$ to
 him !t x c\ldn't nev] be did no mo'1   
'cause x _h be5 did1 an' did ',piscopal1
 :i* is secure4 ,an' !n :at y reckon !  
little fell] said8  ,says he1 ,yes1     
daddy1 b ,s',,pos',,9' ,,m9e ,,don',t   
,,take4 ,h[ 'b\t t8  ,an' ,i didn't try 
to expla9 no fur!r4 ,:at 0 ! use8 ,wife1
 %e _h draw$ a /ool close-t up to my    
knee1 an' set !re sort9' out ! little   
yall] r+s ez !y'd dry out on 8 head1 an'
 :5 he said t ,i !ss look$ at h] an' we 
bo? look$ at him1 an' says ,i1 ,wife1   

says ,i1 ef !y's any?+ 9 heav5ly looks  
an' behavior1 ,i b'lieve t *ri/59' is   
/>t$ to take on him a'ready4  ,an' ,i   
b'lieve x _h4       ,,*ri/mas ,,night   
,,) ,,satan  ,,by ,,john ,,fox1 ,,jr4   
,all t is lit]ature seeks to communicate
 p[]4 ,footnote3 ,de ,qu9cey1 ,lett]s to
 a ,"y ,man4 ,"h ! p[] communicat$ is t 
( sympa?iz+ ) ,god's less] *ildr54 ,!   
humanit>ian /ory is a long /ep 9 advance
 ( ! fable4 ,x recognizes ! true        
relations ( ! animal _w to man1 & insi/s
 t x be dealt ) righte\sly &            
sympa!tically4     ,,*ri/mas ,,night ,,)
 ,,satan  ,footnote3 ,f ,*ri/mas ,eve on
 ,lonesome1 by ,john ,fox1 ,jr4         
,copyright1 #aijd1 by ,*>les ,scribn]'s 
,sons4   ,no night 0 ?is 9 ,hades )     
solemn-ey$ ,dante1 = ,satan 0 only a    
woolly little black dog1 & surely no dog
 0 ev] m absurdly misnam$4 ,:5 ,uncle   
,c>ey fir/ he>d t "n1 he ask$ gravely3  
,:y1 ,d9nie1 :]e 9 h---1 ,uncle ,c>ey   
gulp$ slightly1 did y get him8 ,& ,d9nie
 laugh$ m]rily1 = %e saw ! fun ( ! "q1 &

 %ook h] black curls4 ,he didn't come   
f'um ,,t ,,place4  ,di/9ctly ,satan _h n
 come f t place4 ,on ! contr>y1 he might
 by a miracle h dropp$ /raight f "s     
,happy ,hunt+- ,gr\nd1 = all ! signs he 
gave ( hav+ t\*$ pit* 9 ?is or ano!r    
sph]e4 ,no?+ human 0 ev] born t 0 g5tl]1
 m]ri]1 m tru/+ or m lovable ?an ,satan4
 ,t 0 :y ,uncle ,c>ey said aga9 gravely 
t he c\ld h>dly tell ,satan & 8 little  
mi/ress ap>t4 ,he r>ely saw !m ap>t1 & z
 bo? _h black tangl$ hair & bright black
 eyes2 z "o awoke e morn+ ) a happy     
smile & ! o!r ) a jolly b>k2 z !y play$ 
all day l w9d-%ak5 %ad[s & ea* won e    
he>t at fir/ sight--! lik5ess 0 really r
 curi\s4 ,i h always believ$ t ,satan   
made ! _s ( ,d9nie's h\se1 or?odox &    
sev]e ?\gh x 01 almo/ k9dly t[>d 8 great
 namesake4 ,i "k ,i h nev] be5 able1    
s9ce ,i knew little ,satan1 to ?9k old  
,satan z bad z ,i once pa9t$ him1 ?\gh  
,i am sure ! little dog _h _m pretty    
tricks t ! old boy d\btless has nev] us$
 9 ord] to amuse 8 fri5ds4  ,%ut ! door1

 ,saty1 please1 ,d9nie w\ld say1        
precisely z %e w\ld say x to ,uncle     
,billy1 ! butl]1 & /raightway ,satan    
w\ld laun* himself at x--bang6 ,he nev] 
w\ld le>n to close x s(tly1 = ,satan    
lik$ t--bang6  ,if y kept toss+ a co9 or
 m>ble 9 ! air1 ,satan w\ld keep cat*+ x
 & putt+ x back 9 y\r h& = ano!r ?r[1   
till y got tir$4 ,!n he w\ld drop x on a
 piece ( rag c>pet1 snat* ! c>pet ) 8   
tee?1 ?r[ ! co9 across ! room1 & ru% = x
 l mad1 until he got tir$4 ,if y put a  
p5ny on 8 nose1 he w\ld wait until y    
c\nt$1 "o--two-- ,,?ree6 ,!n he w\ld    
toss x up himself & cat* x4 ,?us1       
p]haps1 ,satan grew to love ,mammon "r  
well1 b = ano!r & bett] reason ?an t he 
lik$ simply to ?r[ x ar\nd--z %all n[ be
 made pla94  ,a rubb] ball ) a hole 9 x 
0 8 favorite play?+1 & he w\ld take x 9 
8 m\? & ru% ar\nd ! h\se l a *ild1      
squeez+ x to make x :i/le4 ,:5 he got a 
new ball1 he w\ld hide 8 old "o away    
until ! new "o 0 ! worse worn ( ! two1 &
 !n he w\ld br+ out ! old "o aga94 ,if  

,d9nie gave him a nickel or a dime1 :5  
!y w5t d[n-t[n1 ,satan w\ld ru% into a  
/ore1 re> up on ! c\nt] :]e ! rubb]     
balls 7 kept1 drop ! co91 & get a ball =
 himself4 ,?us1 ,satan le>n$ f9ance4 ,he
 began to ho>d 8 p5nies1 & "o day ,uncle
 ,c>ey f\nd a pile ( sev5te5 "u a corn] 
( ! c>pet4 ,usually he c>ri$ to ,d9nie  
all co9s t he f\nd 9 ! /reet1 b he %[$  
"o day t he 0 go+ into ! ball- bus9ess =
 himself4  ,uncle ,c>ey _h giv5 ,d9nie a
 nickel = "s c&y1 &1 z usual1 ,satan    
trott$ d[n ! /reet beh9d h]4 ,z usual1  
,satan /opp$ be=e ! knick-knack %op4    
,tum on1 ,saty1 said ,d9nie4 ,satan re>$
 aga9/ ! door z he always did1 & ,d9nie 
said aga93  ,tum on1 ,saty4 ,z usual1   
,satan dropp$ to 8 haun*es1 b :at 0     
unusual1 he fail$ to b>k4 ,n[ ,d9nie _h 
got a new ball = ,satan only t morn+1 s 
,d9nie /amp$ h] foot4  ,i tell y to tum 
on1 ,saty4 ,satan nev] mov$4 ,he look$  
at ,d9nie z mu* z to say3  ,i h nev]    
disobey$ y be=e1 little mi/ress1 b ?is  
"t ,i h an excell5t reason = :at mu/    

seem to y v bad mann]s-- & be+ a        
g5tleman )al1 ,satan rose on 8 haun*es &
 begg$4  ,y're des a pig1 ,saty1 said   
,d9nie1 b ) a sigh = ! c&y t 0 n to be1 
,d9nie op5$ ! door1 & ,satan1 to h]     
wond]1 ru%$ to ! c\nt]1 put 8 =epaws on 
x1 & dropp$ f 8 m\? a dime4 ,satan _h   
f\nd t co9 on ! /reet4 ,he didn't b>k = 
*ange1 nor beg = two balls1 b he _h got 
x 9 8 woolly little head1 someh[1 t 9 t 
/ore a co9 meant a ball1 ?\gh nev] be=e 
nor aft]w>d did he try to get a ball = a
 p5ny4  ,satan slept 9 ,uncle ,c>ey's   
room1 = ( all p1 aft] ,d9nie1 ,satan    
lov$ ,uncle ,c>ey be/4 ,e day at noon he
 w\ld g to an up/airs w9d[ & wat* ! c>s 
come ar\nd ! corn]1 until a v tall1     
squ>e-%\ld]$ "y man swung to ! gr\nd1 & 
d[n ,satan w\ld scamp]--yelp+--to meet  
him at ! gate4 ,if ,uncle ,c>ey1 aft]   
supp] & :5 ,d9nie 0 9 b$1 />t$ out ( !  
h\se1 /ill 9 8 bus9ess clo!s1 ,satan    
w\ld leap out be=e him1 kn[+ t he too   
might be all[$ to g2 b if ,uncle ,c>ey  
_h put on black clo!s t %[$ a big1      

dazzl+ %irt-front1 & pick$ up 8 high    
hat1 ,satan w\ld sit p]fectly /ill &    
look disconsolate2 = z !re 7 no p>ties  
or !atres = ,d9nie1 s !re 7 none = him4 
,b no matt] h[ late x 0 :5 ,uncle ,c>ey 
came home1 he always saw ,satan's little
 black nose aga9/ ! w9d[-pane & he>d 8  
b>k ( welcome4  ,aft] intellig5ce1      
,satan's *ief trait 0 lovabl5ess--nobody
 ev] knew him to fight1 to snap at any?+
 or to get angry2 aft] lovabl5ess1 x 0  
polit5ess4 ,if he want$ some?+ to eat1  
if he want$ ,d9nie to g to b$1 if he    
want$ to get out ( ! door1 he w\ld      
beg--beg prettily on 8 haun*es1 8 little
 r$ tongue out & 8 funny little paws    
hang+ loosely4 ,inde$1 x 0 j because    
,satan 0 s little less ?an human1 ,i    
suppose1 t old ,satan began to be afraid
 he might h a s\l4 ,s ! wick$ old       
namesake ) ! ,ho(s & ,horns laid a trap 
= little ,satan1 &1 z he is apt to d1 he
 began lay+ x e>ly-- long1 inde$1 be=e  
,*ri/mas4  ,:5 ,d9nie />t$ to k9d]g>t5 t
 autumn1 ,satan f\nd t !re 0 "o place   

:]e he c\ld nev] g4 ,l ! lamb1 he c\ld n
 g to s*ool2 s :ile ,d9nie 0 away1      
,satan began to make fri5ds4 ,he w\ld   
b>k1 ,h[dy-d8 to e dog t pass$ 8 gate4  
,_m /opp$ to rub noses ) him ?r\gh !    
f5ce-- ev5 ,hugo ! ma/iff1 & ne>ly all1 
inde$1 except "o /range- look+ dog t    
appe>$ e morn+ at precisely n9e o'clock 
& took 8 /& on ! corn]4 ,!re he w\ld lie
 pati5tly until a fun]al came along1 &  
!n ,satan w\ld see him take 8 place at !
 head ( ! procession2 & ?us he w\ld m>* 
out to ! cemet]y & back aga94 ,nobody   
knew :]e he came f nor :]e he w5t1 &    
,uncle ,c>ey call$ him ! fun]al dog &   
said he 0 d\btless look+ = 8 dead ma/]4 
,satan ev5 made fri5ds ) a scrawny      
little yell[ dog t foll[$ an old drunk>d
 ar\nd--a dog t1 :5 8 ma/] fell 9 !     
gutt]1 w\ld g & cat* a policeman by !   
coat-tail1 lead ! (fic] to 8 helpless   
ma/]1 & sp5d ! night ) him 9 jail4  ,by 
& by ,satan began to slip out ( ! h\se  
at night1 & ,uncle ,billy said he       
reckon$ ,satan _h j9$ de club2 & late "o

 night1 :5 he _h n come 91 ,uncle ,billy
 told ,uncle ,c>ey t x 0 p[]ful slipp]y 
& he reckon$ !y'd bett] s5d de k]ridge  
aft] him--an innoc5t rem>k t made ,uncle
 ,c>ey s5d a boot aft] ! old butl]1 :o  
fl$ *uckl+ d[n ! /airs1 & left ,uncle   
,c>ey *uckl+ 9 8 room4  ,satan _h j9$ de
 club--! big club--& no dog 0 too l[ly 9
 ,satan's eyes = admission2 = no prie/  
ev] prea*$ ! bro!rhood ( man bett] ?an  
,satan liv$ x--bo? ) man & dog4 ,& ?us  
he liv$ x t ,*ri/mas night--to 8 sorr[4 
,*ri/mas ,eve _h be5 gloomy--! gloomie/ 
( ,satan's life4 ,uncle ,c>ey _h gone to
 a neighbor+ t[n at noon4 ,satan _h     
foll[$ him d[n to ! /ation1 & :5 ! tra9 
/>t$1 ,uncle ,c>ey _h ord]$ him to g    
home4 ,satan took 8 "t ab\t go+ home1 n 
kn[+ x 0 ,*ri/mas ,eve4 ,he f\nd /range 
?+s happ5+ to dogs t day4 ,! tru? 01 t  
policem5 7 %oot+ all dogs f\nd t 7 )\t a
 coll> & a lic5se1 & e n[ & !n a bang & 
a h[l some:]e w\ld /op ,satan 9 8       
tracks4 ,at a little yell[ h\se on !    
edge ( t[n he saw half a doz5 /range    

dogs 9 a k5nel1 & e n[ & !n a negro w\ld
 lead a new "o up to ! h\se & deliv] him
 to a big man at ! door1 :o1 9 return1  
w\ld drop some?+ into ! negro's h&4     
,:ile ,satan wait$1 ! old drunk>d came  
along ) 8 little dog at 8 heels1 paus$  
be=e ! door1 look$ a mom5t at 8 fai?ful 
foll[]1 & w5t sl[ly on4 ,satan little   
knew ! old drunk>d's temptation1 = 9 t  
yell[ h\se k9d-he>t$ p _h (f]$ fifte5   
c5ts = ea* dog br\ght to !m1 )\t a      
lic5se1 t !y might m]cifully put x to   
dea?1 & fifte5 c5ts 0 ! precise price = 
a dr9k ( good :iskey4 ,j !n !re 0 ano!r 
bang & ano!r h[l some:]e1 & ,satan      
trott$ home to meet a calamity4 ,d9nie 0
 gone4 ,h] "m _h tak5 h] out 9 ! c\ntry 
to ,gr&mo!r ,dean's to sp5d ,*ri/mas1 z 
0 ! family cu/om1 & ,mrs4 ,dean w\ld n  
wait any long] = ,satan2 s %e told      
,uncle ,billy to br+ him out aft] supp]4
  ,a9't y '%am$ o' yo'self--suh--8 said 
! old butl]1 keep+ me f ket*9' ,*ri/mas 
gifts dis day8  ,uncle ,billy 0         
indignant1 = ! negroes beg9 at f\r      

o'clock 9 ! aft]noon ( ,*ri/mas ,eve to 
slip ar\nd corn]s & jump f hid+-places  
to %\t ,*ri/mas ,gif'--,*ri/mas ,gif'2 &
 ! "o :o %\ts fir/ gets a gift4 ,no     
wond] x 0 gloomy = ,satan--,uncle ,c>ey1
 ,d9nie1 & all gone1 & n a s\l b ,uncle 
,billy 9 ! big h\se4 ,e few m9utes he   
w\ld trot on 8 little black legs up/airs
 & d[n/airs1 look+ = 8 mi/ress4 ,z dusk 
came on1 he w\ld e n[ & !n h[l          
pla9tively4 ,aft] begg+ 8 supp]1 & :ile 
,uncle ,billy 0 hit*+ up a horse 9 !    
/able1 ,satan w5t out 9 ! y>d & lay ) 8 
nose betwe5 ! close panels ( ! f5ce--q  
he>t-brok54 ,:5 he saw 8 old fri5d1     
,hugo ! ma/iff1 trott+ into ! gaslight1 
he began to b>k 8 delight frantically4  
,! big ma/iff /opp$ & nos$ 8 sympa?y    
?r\gh ! f5ce = a mom5t & walk$ sl[ly on1
 ,satan frisk+ & b>k+ along inside4 ,at 
! gate ,hugo /opp$1 & rais+ "o huge paw1
 playfully /ruck x4 ,! gate flew op51 & 
) a happy yelp ,satan leap$ into !      
/reet4 ,! noble ma/iff hesitat$ z ?\gh  
?is 7 n q regul>4 ,he did n belong to ! 

club1 & he didn't "k t ,satan _h ev] be5
 away f home aft] d>k 9 8 life4 ,= a    
mom5t he seem$ to wait = ,d9nie to call 
him back z %e always did1 b ?is "t !re 0
 no s\nd1 & ,hugo walk$ maje/ically on1 
) absurd little ,satan runn+ 9 a circle 
ab\t him4 ,on ! way !y met ! fun]al dog1
 :o glanc$ inquir+ly at ,satan1 %i$ f ! 
ma/iff1 & trott$ on4 ,on ! next block ! 
old drunk>d's yell[ cur ran across !    
/reet1 & aft] int]*ang+ ! complim5ts ( !
 season1 ran back aft] 8 /agg]+ ma/]4 ,z
 !y approa*$ ! railroad track a /range  
dog jo9$ !m1 to :om ,hugo paid no       
att5tion4 ,at ! cross+ ano!r new        
acqua9tance b\nd$ t[>d !m4 ,?is "o--a   
half-bre$ %eph]d --0 q fri5dly1 & he    
receiv$ ,satan's advances ) affable     
condesc5sion4 ,!n ano!r came & ano!r1 & 
little ,satan's head got q confus$4 ,!y 
7 a que]-look+ lot ( curs & half-bre$s f
 ! negro settlem5t at ! edge ( ! woods1 
& ?\gh ,satan _h little exp]i5ce1 8     
in/9cts told him t all 0 n z x %\ld be1 
& _h he be5 human he w\ld h wond]$ v mu*

 h[ !y _h escap$ ! c>nage t day4        
,uneasy1 he look$ ar\nd = ,hugo2 b ,hugo
 _h disappe>$4 ,once or twice ,hugo _h  
look$ ar\nd = ,satan1 & ,satan pay+ no  
att5tion1 ! ma/iff trott$ on home 9     
disgu/4 ,j !n a p[]ful yell[ cur sprang 
out ( ! d>kness ov] ! railroad track1 & 
,satan sprang to meet him1 & s ne>ly _h 
! life sc>$ out ( him by ! sn>l & fla%+ 
fangs ( ! new-com] t he h>dly _h ! /r5g?
 to %r9k back beh9d 8 new fri5d1 !      
half-bre$ %eph]d4  ,a /range ?+ !n      
happ5$4 ,! o!r dogs became sudd5ly      
quiet1 & e eye 0 on ! yell[ cur4 ,he    
sniff$ ! air once or twice1 gave two or 
?ree peculi> l[ gr[ls1 & all ^? dogs    
except ,satan lo/ ! civilization (      
c5turies & w5t back sudd5ly to ! "t :5  
!y 7 wolves & 7 look+ = a lead]4 ,! cur 
0 ,lobo = t little pack1 & aft] a %ort  
p>ley1 he lift$ 8 nose high & />t$ away 
)\t look+ back1 :ile ! o!r dogs sil5tly 
trott$ aft] him4 ,) a my/ifi$ yelp1     
,satan ran aft] !m4 ,! cur did n take ! 
turnpike1 b jump$ ! f5ce into a field1  

mak+ 8 way by ! re> ( h\ses1 f :i* n[ & 
!n ano!r dog w\ld sl9k out & sil5tly jo9
 ! b&4 ,e "o ( !m ,satan nos$ mo/       
fri5dlily1 & to 8 great joy ! fun]al    
dog1 on ! edge ( t[n1 leap$ into _!     
mid/4 ,t5 m9utes lat] ! cur /opp$ 9 !   
mid/ ( "s woods1 z ?\gh he w\ld inspect 
8 foll[]s4 ,pla9ly1 he disapprov$ (     
,satan1 & ,satan kept out ( 8 way4 ,!n  
he sprang into ! turnpike & ! b& trott$ 
d[n x1 "u fly+ black cl\ds & %ift+ b&s (
 brilliant moonlight4 ,once1 a buggy    
swept pa/ !m4 ,a famili> odor /ruck     
,satan's nose1 & he /opp$ = a mom5t to  
smell ! horse's tracks2 & "r he 01 too1 
= out at h] gr&mo!r's ,d9nie refus$ to  
be com=t$1 & 9 t buggy 0 ,uncle ,billy  
go+ back to t[n aft] him4  ,sn[ 0 fall+4
 ,x 0 a great l>k = ,satan4 ,once or    
twice1 z he trott$ along1 he _h to b>k 8
 joy al\d1 & ea* "t ! big cur gave him  
su* a fi]ce gr[l t he fe>$ !reaft] to   
op5 8 jaws4 ,b he 0 happy = all t1 to be
 runn+ out into ! night ) su* a lot (   
funny fri5ds & n to "k or c>e :]e he 0  

go+4 ,he got pretty tir$ pres5tly1 = ov]
 hill & d[n hill !y w5t1 at t unceas+   
trot1 trot1 trot6 ,satan's tongue began 
to hang out4 ,once he /opp$ to re/1 b ! 
lonel9ess fright5$ him & he ran on aft] 
!m ) 8 he>t almo/ bur/+4 ,he 0 ab\t to  
lie "r d[n & die1 :5 ! cur /opp$1 sniff$
 ! air once or twice1 & ) ^? same l[    
gr[ls1 l$ ! m>aud]s ?r\gh a rail f5ce   
into ! woods1 & lay quietly d[n4 ,h[    
,satan lov$ t s(t1 ?ick grass1 all sn[y 
t x 06 ,x 0 almo/ z good z 8 own b$ at  
home4 ,& !re !y lay--h[ long1 ,satan    
nev] knew1 = he w5t to sleep & dream$ t 
he 0 aft] a rat 9 ! b>n at home2 & he   
yelp$ 9 8 sleep1 :i* made ! cur lift 8  
big yell[ head & %[ 8 fangs4 ,! mov+ ( !
 half-bre$ %eph]d & ! fun]al dog wak$   
him at la/1 & ,satan got up4 ,half      
cr\*+1 ! cur 0 lead+ ! way t[>d ! d>k1  
/ill woods on top ( ! hill1 ov] :i* !   
,/> ( ,be?lehem 0 l[ly s9k+1 & "u :i*   
lay a flock ( ! g5tle creatures t seem$ 
to h be5 almo/ sacr$ to ! ,"l ( t ,/>4  
,!y 7 9 sore ne$ ( a wat*ful %eph]d n[4 

,satan 0 /iff & *ill$1 b he 0 re/$ & _h 
_h 8 sleep1 & he 0 j z ready = fun z he 
always 04 ,he didn't und]/& t sneak+4   
,:y !y didn't all jump & race & b>k z he
 want$ to1 he c\ldn't see2 b he 0 too   
polite to d o!rwise ?an z !y did1 & s he
 sneak$ aft] !m2 & "o w\ld h ?\ght he   
knew1 z well z ! re/1 ! helli% mission  
on :i* !y 7 b5t4  ,out ( ! woods !y w5t1
 across a little bran*1 & !re ! big cur 
lay flat aga9 9 ! grass4 ,a fa9t bleat  
came f ! hill-side beyond1 :]e ,satan   
c\ld see ano!r woods--& !n ano!r bleat1 
& ano!r4 ,& ! cur began to creep aga91 l
 a snake 9 ! grass2 & ! o!rs crept too1 
& little ,satan crept1 ?\gh x 0 all a   
sad my/]y to him4 ,aga9 ! cur lay /ill1 
b only long en\gh = ,satan to see       
curi\s1 fat1 :ite %apes above him--& !n1
 ) a blood-curdl+ gr[l1 ! big brute da%$
 =w>d4 ,oh1 !re 0 fun 9 !m aft] all6    
,satan b>k$ joyfully4 ,^? 7 "s new      
playmates--^? fat1 :ite1 hairy ?+s up   
!re2 & ,satan 0 amaz$ :51 ) fright5$    
snorts1 !y fl$ 9 e direction4 ,b ?is 0 a

 new game1 p]haps1 ( :i* he knew no?+1 &
 z did ! re/1 s did ,satan4 ,he pick$   
out "o ( ! :ite ?+s & fl$ b>k+ aft] x4  
,x 0 a little fell[ t he 0 aft]1 b      
little z he 01 ,satan might nev] h      
caught up1 _h n ! %eep got tangl$ 9 "s  
bru%4 ,satan danc$ ab\t him 9 mad glee1 
giv+ him a playful nip at 8 wool & spr++
 back to give him ano!r nip1 & !n away  
aga94 ,pla9ly1 he 0 n go+ to bite back1 
& :5 ! %eep /ruggl$ itself tir$ & sank  
d[n 9 a heap1 ,satan came close & lick$ 
him1 & z he 0 v w>m & woolly1 he lay d[n
 & snuggl$ up aga9/ him = a :ile1 li/5+ 
to ! turmoil t 0 go+ on ar\nd him4 ,& z 
he li/5$1 he got fright5$4  ,if ?is 0 a 
new game x 0 c]ta9ly a v peculi> "o--!  
wild ru%1 ! bleats ( t]ror1 gasps (     
agony1 & ! fi5di% gr[ls ( attack & !    
s\nds ( rav5\s gluttony4 ,) e hair      
bri/l+1 ,satan rose & sprang f !        
woods--& /opp$ ) a fi]ce t+l+ ( ! n]ves 
t br\ght him horror & fasc9ation4 ,"o ( 
! :ite %apes lay /ill be=e him4 ,!re 0 a
 great /eam+ r$ splot* on ! sn[1 & a    

/range odor 9 ! air t made him dizzy2 b 
only = a mom5t4 ,ano!r :ite %ape ru%$   
by4 ,a tawny /reak foll[$1 & !n1 9 a    
pat* ( moonlight1 ,satan saw ! yell[ cur
 ) 8 tee? fa/5$ 9 ! ?roat ( 8 moan+     
playmate4 ,l lightn+ ,satan sprang at ! 
cur1 :o toss$ him t5 feet away & w5t    
back to 8 awful "w4 ,aga9 ,satan leap$1 
b j !n a %\t rose beh9d him1 & ! cur    
leap$ too z ?\gh a bolt ( lightn+ _h    
cra%$ ov] him1 &1 no long] notic+ ,satan
 or %eep1 began to quiv] ) fright & sl9k
 away4 ,ano!r %\t rose f ano!r          
direction--ano!r f ano!r4  ,drive 'em   
into ! b>n-y>d6 0 ! cry4  ,n[ & !n !re 0
 a fe>ful bang & a h[l ( dea?-agony1 z  
"s dog tri$ to break ?r\gh ! encircl+   
m51 :o yell$ & curs$ z !y clos$ 9 on !  
trembl+ brutes t slunk toge!r & crept   
on2 = x is said1 e %eep-kill+ dog kn[s 8
 fate if caught1 & w make little ef=t to
 escape4 ,) !m w5t ,satan1 ?r\gh !      
b>n-y>d gate1 :]e !y huddl$ 9 a corn]--a
 %am$ & t]rifi$ gr\p4 ,a tall ov]se]    
/ood at ! gate4  ,t5 ( 'em6 he said     

grimly4  ,he _h be5 on ! look\t = j su* 
a trag$y1 = !re _h rec5tly be5 a        
%eep-kill+ raid on sev]al f>ms 9 t      
neighborhood1 & = sev]al nights he _h _h
 a lant]n hung out on ! edge ( ! woods  
to sc>e ! dogs away2 b a drunk5 f>m-h&  
_h neglect$ 8 duty t ,*ri/mas ,eve4     
,yassuh1 an' dey's jus' seb5te5 dead    
%eep out d>1 said a negro4  ,look at !  
little "o1 said a tall boy :o look$ l ! 
ov]se]2 & ,satan knew t he spoke ( him4 
,g back to ! h\se1 son1 said ! ov]se]1 &
 tell y\r "m to give y a ,*ri/mas pres5t
 ,i got = y ye/]day4 ,) a glad :oop !   
boy da%$ away1 & 9 a mom5t da%$ back ) a
 br&-new 4#cb ,w9*e/] 9 8 h&4  ,! d>k   
h\r be=e dawn 0 j break+ on ,*ri/mas    
,day4 ,x 0 ! h\r :5 ,satan usually ru%$ 
up/airs to see if 8 little mi/ress 0    
asleep4 ,if he 7 only at home n[1 & if  
he only _h kn[n h[ 8 little mi/ress 0   
weep+ = him amid h] play?+s & 8--two new
 balls & a brass-/udd$ coll> ) a silv]  
plate on :i* 0 8 "n1 ,satan ,dean2 & if 
,d9nie c\ld h se5 him n[1 h] he>t w\ld h

 brok52 = ! tall boy rais$ 8 gun4 ,!re 0
 a let ( smoke1 a %>p1 clean crack1 & ! 
fun]al dog />t$ on ! "r way at la/ t[>d 
8 dead ma/]4 ,ano!r crack1 & ! yell[ cur
 leap$ f ! gr\nd & fell kick+4 ,ano!r   
crack & ano!r1 & ) ea* crack a dog      
tumbl$1 until little ,satan sat on 8    
haun*es amid ! wri?+ pack1 alone4 ,8 "t 
0 n[ come4 ,z ! rifle 0 rais$1 he he>d  
up at ! big h\se ! cries ( *ildr52 !    
popp+ ( fire-crack]s2 toot+ ( horns &   
:i/les & l\d %\ts ( ,*ri/mas ,gif'1     
',*ri/mas ,gif'6 ,8 little he>t beat    
furi\sly4 ,p]haps he knew j :at he 0    
do+2 p]haps x 0 ! accid5t ( habit2 mo/  
likely ,satan simply want$ to g home--b 
:5 t gun rose1 ,satan rose too1 on 8    
haun*es1 8 tongue out1 8 black eyes     
/eady & 8 funny little paws hang+       
loosely--& begg$6 ,! boy l[]$ ! gun4    
,d[n1 sir6 ,satan dropp$ ob$i5tly1 b :5 
! gun 0 lift$ aga91 ,satan rose aga91 & 
aga9 he begg$4  ,d[n1 ,i tell y6 ,?is "t
 ,satan w\ld n d[n1 b sat begg+ = 8     
life4 ,! boy turn$4  ,papa1 ,i c't %oot 

t dog4 ,p]haps ,satan _h rea*$ ! /]n old
 ov]se]'s he>t4 ,p]haps he rememb]$     
sudd5ly t x 0 ,*ri/mas4 ,at any rate1 he
 said gruffly3  ,well1 let him g4  ,come
 "h1 sir6 ,satan b\nd$ t[>d ! tall boy1 
frisk+ & tru/ful & begg$ aga94  ,g home1
 sir6  ,satan ne$$ no second comm&4 ,)\t
 a s\nd he fl$ out ! b>n-y>d1 &1 z he   
swept "u ! front gate1 a little girl ran
 out ( ! front door ( ! big h\se & da%$ 
d[n ! /eps1 %riek+3  ,saty6 ,saty6 ,oh1 
,saty6 ,b ,satan nev] he>d4 ,on he fl$1 
across ! crisp fields1 leap$ ! f5ce &   
/ruck ! road1 lickety- split6 = home1   
:ile ,d9nie dropp$ sobb+ 9 ! sn[4  ,hit*
 up a horse1 quick1 said ,uncle ,c>ey1  
ru%+ aft] ,d9nie & tak+ h] up 9 8 arms4 
,t5 m9utes lat]1 ,uncle ,c>ey & ,d9nie1 
bo? w>mly bundl$ up1 7 aft] fly+ ,satan4
 ,!y nev] caught him until !y rea*$ !   
hill on ! outskirts ( t[n1 :]e 0 ! k5nel
 ( ! k9d-he>t$ p :o 7 giv+ pa9less dea? 
to ,satan's f\r-foot$ k9d1 & :]e !y saw 
him /op & turn f ! road4 ,!re 0 div9e   
provid5ce 9 ,satan's flight = "o little 

dog t ,*ri/mas morn+2 = ,uncle ,c>ey saw
 ! old drunk>d /agg]+ d[n ! road )\t 8  
little companion1 & a mom5t lat]1 bo? he
 & ,d9nie saw ,satan nos+ a little yell[
 cur betwe5 ! pal+s4 ,uncle ,c>ey knew !
 little cur1 & ,:ile ,d9nie 0 %riek+ =  
,satan1 he 0 say+ "u 8 brea?3  ,well1 ,i
 swe>6--,i swe>6--,i swe>6 ,& :ile ! big
 man :o came to ! door 0 putt+ ,satan   
into ,d9nie's arms1 he said %>ply3  ,:o 
br\ght t yell[ dog "h8 ,! man po9t$ to !
 old drunk>d's figure turn+ a corn] at !
 foot ( ! hill4  ,i ?\ght s2 ,i ?\ght s4
 ,he sold him to y =--= a dr9k ( :iskey4
  ,! man :i/l$4  ,br+ him out4 ,i'll pay
 8 lic5se4  ,s back w5t ,satan & !      
little cur to ,gr&mo!r ,dean's--& ,d9nie
 cri$ :5 ,uncle ,c>ey told h] :y he 0   
tak+ ! little cur along4 ,) h] own h&s  
%e put ,satan's old coll> on ! little   
brute1 took him to ! kit*51 & f$ him    
fir/ ( all4 ,!n %e w5t into !           
breakfa/-room4  ,uncle ,billy1 %e said  
sev]ely1 didn't ,i tell y n to let ,saty
 out8  ,yes1 ,miss ,d9nie1 said ! old   

butl]4  ,didn't ,i tell y ,i 0 go9' to  
:oop y if y let ,saty out8  ,yes1 ,miss 
,d9nie4  ,miss ,d9nie pull$ =? f h]     
,*ri/mas treasures a toy rid+-:ip & !   
old d>ky's eyes began to roll 9 mock    
t]ror4  ,i'm sorry1 ,uncle ,billy1 b ,i 
des got to :oop y a little4  ,let ,uncle
 ,billy (f1 ,d9nie1 said ,uncle ,c>ey1  
?is is ,*ri/mas4  ,all wite1 said       
,d9nie1 & %e turn$ to ,satan4  ,9 8 %9+ 
new coll> & innoc5t z a *]ub1 ,satan sat
 on ! he>? begg+ = 8 breakfa/4       ,a 
,,ne/-,,egg  ,,by ,,james ,,:itcomb     
,,riley  ,?is is ! simple "* sket* 9 :i*
 !re is romance treat$ ) a f9e res]ve4  
,x employs ! local color s *>act]i/ic ( 
,mr4 ,riley's poems ( ,indiana4     ,a  
,,ne/-,,egg  ,footnote3 ,f ,volume ,,vi 
( ! ,biographical ,edition ( ! ,complete
 ,works ( ,james ,:itcomb ,riley1       
copyright1 #aiac4 ,us$ by special       
p]mission ( ! publi%]s1 ! ,bobbs-,m]rill
 ,company4   ,b a few miles f ! city "h1
 & on ! slop+ banks ( ! /ream not$ m =  
its pl5itude ( *ubs & %9]s ?an ! gami]  

two-& f\r-p\nd bass = :i*1 9 season1 s  
_m cr$ul\s angl]s flock & lie 9 wait1   
/&s a c\ntry resid5ce1 s conv5i5t to !  
/ream1 & s invit+ 9 its pleasant ext]ior
 & com=table surr\nd+s--b>n1 dairy1 &   
spr+-h\se--t ! we>y1 sunburnt1 &        
di%e>t5$ fi%]man1 out f ! du/y t[n = a  
day ( recreation1 is (t5 wont to seek   
its hospitality4 ,! h\se 9 /yle (       
ar*itecture is some?+ ( a dep>ture f !  
typical f>mh\se1 be+ design$ & fa%ion$ )
 no reg>d to symmetry or proportion1 b  
r1 z is sugge/$1 built to con=m to !    
matt]-(-fact & mo/ s5sible ideas ( its  
own]1 :o1 if x pleas$ him1 w\ld h small 
w9d[s :]e l>ge ones ought to be1 & vice 
v]sa1 :e!r !y balanc$ prop]ly to ! eye  
or n4 ,& *imneys--he w\ld h z _m z he   
want$1 & no two alike1 9 ei!r height or 
size4 ,& if he want$ ! front ( ! h\se   
turn$ f all possible view1 z ?\gh aba%$ 
at any *ance ( public scrut9y1 :y1 t 0 8
 affair & n ! public's2 &1 ) l          
p]v]s5ess1 if he *ose to ?ru/ 8 kit*5 "u
 ! public's v nose1 :at %\ld ! g5]ally  

fagg$-out1 half-fami%$ repres5tative ( t
 dignifi$ public d b reel 9 8 dead m9n[1
 %\ld] 8 fi%+-rod1 clamb] ov] ! back    
f5ce ( ! old f>mh\se & inquire )91 or   
jog back to ! city1 inw>dly ana!matiz+ t
 v p>ticul> locality or ! :ole rural    
di/rict 9 g5]al4 ,t is j ! way t f>mh\se
 look$ to ! writ] ( ?is sket* "o week   
ago--s individual x seem$--s lib]al1 &  
yet s indep5d5t4 ,x wasn't ev5          
wea!r-bo>d$1 b1 in/ead1 0 cov]$ smoo?ly 
) "s cem5t1 z ?\gh ! pla/]]s _h come    
:ile ! folks 7 visit+1 & s1 unable to   
get at ! int]ior1 _h j pla/]$ ! outside4
  ,i am m ?an glad t ,i 0 hungry en\gh1 
& we>y en\gh1 & wise en\gh to take !    
h\se at its fir/ sugge/ion2 =1 putt+    
away my fi%+-tackle = ! morn+1 at lea/1 
,i w5t up ! slop+ bank1 cross$ ! du/y   
road1 & confid5tly clamb]$ ov] ! f5ce4  
,n ev5 a gr[l+ dog to intimate t ,i 0   
trespass+4 ,all 0                       
op5--graci\s-look+--pa/oral4 ,! sw>d    
b5ea? my feet 0 velvet-l 9 ela/icity1 & 
! sc>ce visible pa? ,i foll[$ ?r\gh x l$

 promptly to ! op5 kit*5 door4 ,f )9 ,i 
he>d a woman s++ "s old ballad 9 an     
und]tone1 :ile at ! ?re%old a trim1     
:ite-spurr$ roo/] /ood pois$ on "o foot1
 curv+ 8 glossy neck & cock+ 8 wattl$   
head z ?\gh to cat* ! mean+ ( ! words4  
,i paus$4 ,x 0 a sc5e ,i felt re/ra9$ f 
break+ 9 ^u1 nor w\ld ,i1 b = ! s\nd ( a
 /rong male voice com+ ar\nd ! corn] ( !
 h\se3  ,sir4 ,h[dy6  ,turn+1 ,i saw a  
r\gh-look+ b k9dly featur$ man ( sixty- 
five1 ! evid5t own] ( ! place4  ,i      
return$ 8 salutation ) "s confusion &   
mu* def]5ce4 ,i mu/ really beg y\r p>don
 = ?is intrusion1 ,i began1 b ,i h be5  
tir+ myself out fi%+1 & y\r home "h     
look$ s pleasant--& ,i felt s ?ir/y--&--
  ,want a dr9k1 ,i reckon1 said ! old   
man1 turn+ abruptly t[>d ! kit*5 door1  
!n paus+ z sudd5ly1 ) a backw>d motion (
 8 ?umb--je/ foll] ! pa? "h d[n to !    
little brick--t's ! spr+--& y'll f9d 'at
 y've come to ! "r place f]             
dr9k9'-wort]6 ,hold on a m9ute tel ,i   
git y a tumbl]--!re're no?9' d[n !re b a

 t94  ,!n don't tr\ble y\rself any      
fur!r1 ,i said1 he>tily1 = ,i'd r dr9k f
 a t9 cup ?an a goblet ( pure gold4  ,& 
s'd ,i1 said ! old man1 reflectively1   
turn+ me*anically1 & foll[+ me d[n !    
pa?4 ',dru!r dr9k out ( a t9--er je/ a  
fruit-c ) ! top knock$ (f--er--er--er a 
g\rd1 he add$ 9 a ze/ful1 rem9isc5t tone
 ( voice1 t s height5$ my impati5t ?ir/ 
t ,i rea*$ ! spr+-h\se fairly 9 a run4  
,well-sir6 exclaim$ my ho/1 9 evid5t    
delight1 z ,i /ood dipp+ my nose 9 !    
second cupful ( ! cool1 revivify+       
liquid1 & pe]+ 9 a congratulatory k9d ( 
way at ! blurr$ & rubicund reflection ( 
my features 9 ! bottom ( ! cup1         
,well-sir1 blame-don6 ef x don't d a    
fell] good to see y enjoy9' ( x ?ataway6
 ,b don't y dr9k too mu* o' !           
wort]6--'cause !re're "s sweet milk ov] 
!re 9 "o o' !m crocks1 maybe2 & ef y'll 
je/1 k9do' ke]ful-l1 lift (f ! l$ ( t   
?ird "o1 say1 ov] !re to y] left1 & dip 
y out a t9ful er two o' t1 w'y1 x'll d y
 good to dr9k x1 & x'll d me good to see

 y at x--,b hold up6--hold up6 he call$1
 abruptly1 z1 n[ise loa?1 ,i b5t above !
 vessel designat$4 ,hold y] hosses f] a 
second6 ,"h's ,m>?y2 let h] git x f] ye4
  ,if ,i 0 at fir/ surpris$ & confus$1  
meet+ ! ma/] ( ! h\se1 ,i 0 :olly />tl$ 
& *agr9$ 9 my pres5t position be=e its  
mi/ress4 ,b z ,i arose1 & /amm]$1 9 my  
confusion1 "s incoh]5t apology1 ,i 0    
aga9 reassur$ & put at great] ease by ! 
compreh5sive & =giv+ smile ! woman gave 
me1 z ,i yield$ h] my place1 &1 ) lift$ 
hat1 await$ h] fur!r k9dness4  ,i came j
 9 "t1 sir1 %e said1 half laugh+ly1 z ) 
/rong1 b>e arms %e rea*$ across ! gurgl+
 tr\gh & replac$ ! lid t ,i _h p>tially 
remov$4--,i came j 9 "t1 ,i see1 to     
prev5t fa!r f hav+ y dip into !         
'morn+'s-milk1' :i*1 ( c\rse1 has       
sc>cely a veil ( cream ov] ! face ( x z 
yet4 ,b m51 z y are d\btless will+ to   
admit1 %e w5t on jocul>ly1 don't "k ab\t
 ^! ?+s4 ,y mu/ p>don fa!r1 z mu* = 8   
well-mean+ ignorance ( su* matt]s1 z =  
?is cup ( cream1 :i* ,i am sure y w     

bett] reli%4  ,%e arose1 /ill smil+1 )  
h] eyes turn$ frankly on my own4 ,& ,i  
mu/ be excus$ :5 ,i confess t z ,i b[$  
my ?anks1 tak+ ! pr(f]$ cup & lift+ x to
 my lips1 ,i />$ ) an uncommon int]e/ & 
pleasure at ! donor's face4  ,%e 0 a    
woman ( c]ta9ly n less ?an =ty ye>s (   
age4 ,b ! figure1 & ! r\nd$ grace &     
fulness ( x1 toge!r ) ! features & !    
eyes1 complet$ z f9e a specim5 (        
physical & m5tal heal? z ev] x has be5  
my =tune to meet2 !re 0 some?+ s full ( 
purpose & resolve--some?+ s :olesome1   
too1 ab\t ! "*--some?+ s womanly--,i    
might almo/ say manly1 & w\ld1 b = !    
petty prejudice maybe occasion$ by !    
trivial fact ( a locket hav+ dropp$ f h]
 bosom z %e knelt2 & t tr9ket /ill      
dangles 9 my memory ev5 z x !n dangl$ & 
dropp$ back to its concealm5t 9 h] brea/
 z %e arose4 ,b h] face1 by no means    
h&some 9 ! common mean+1 0 m>k$ ) a     
bread? & /r5g? ( outl9e & expression t  
approa*$ ! h]oic--a face t once se5 is  
=ev] fix$ 9 memory--a p]sonage once met 

"o mu/ "k m (4 ,& s x 01 t an h\r lat]1 
z ,i /roll$ ) ! old man ab\t 8 f>m1     
look+1 to all int5ts1 ) ! pr(\nde/      
int]e/ at 8 ,devon%ires1 ,%or?orns1     
,j]seys1 & ! l1 ,i lur$ f him some?+ (  
an outl9e ( 8 daught]'s hi/ory4  ,!re're
 no bett] girl 'n ,m>?y6 he said1       
me*anically answ]+ "s +5i\s allusion to 
h] wor?4 ,& yit1 he w5t on reflectively1
 /oop+ f 8 seat 9 ! b>n door & ) 8 op5  
jack-knife pick+ up a little *ip ) !    
po9t ( ! blade--& yit--y w\ldn't believe
 x--b ,m>?y 0 ! olde/ o' ?ree daught]s1 
& h$--,i may say--h$ m advantages o'    
m>ry9'--& yit1 z ,i 0 je/ go9' to say1  
%e's ! v "o 'at didn't m>ry4 ,h$ e      
advantage--,m>?y did4 ,w'y1 we ev5 h$ h]
 educat$--h] "m 0 a-liv9' !n--& we 0    
well en\gh fix$ to af=d ! educat9' ( h]1
 "m allus cont5d$--& we 0--besides1 x 0 
,m>?y's notion1 too1 & y "k h[ wom5 is  
?ataway :5 !y git _! head set4 ,s we s5t
 ,m>?y d[n to ,indianop'lus1 & got h]   
books & putt h] 9 s*ool !re1 & paid f]  
h] keep9' & ev]'?+2 & %e je/--well1 y   

may say1 liv$ !re /iddy f] bett]'n f\r  
ye>4 #j' c\rse %e'd git back ev]'       
once-an-a-:ile1 b h] visits 0 allus1    
"s-way-ano!r1 onsatisfactory-l1 'cause1 
y see1 ,m>?y 0 allus my favorite1 & ,i'd
 allus laugh$ & told h] 'at ! o!r girls 
c\ld git m>ri$ if !y want$1 b ,,%e 0    
go9' to be ! 'ne/-egg' ( our family1 &  
'slong z ,i liv$ ,i want$ h] at home )  
me4 ,& %e'd laugh & cont5d 'at %e'd z   
lif be an old maid z n1 & nev] expect$  
to m>ry1 n] didn't want to4 ,b %e _h me 
sce>t onc't1 ?\gh6 ,come out f ! city "o
 "t1 dur9' ! army1 ) a pe>t- look9' "y  
fell] 9 blue clo!s & gilt /raps on 8    
%\ld]s4 ,"y lieut5ant he 0--"n o'       
,morris4 ,0 lay9' 9 camp !re 9 ! city   
som]s4 ,i disrememb] :i* camp x 0 n[    
adzackly--b anyway1 x 'pe>$ l he _h     
pl5ty o' "t to g & come1 f] f t "t on he
 kep' on a-com9'--ev]' "t ,m>?y 'ud come
 home1 he'd come1 too2 & ,i got to      
notic9' 'at ,m>?y come home a good 'eal 
m 'n %e us$ to a=e ,morris fir/ br\ght  
h]4 ,& blame ef ! ?+ didn't git to      

worry9' me6 ,& onc't ,i spoke to "m ab\t
 x1 & told h] ef ,i ?\ght ! fell] want$ 
to m>ry ,m>?y ,i'd je/ /op 8 com9' "r !n
 & !re4 ,b "m %e sorto' smil$ & said    
somep9' 'b\t m5 a-nev] see9' ?r\gh      
no?9'2 & :5 ,i a/ h] :at %e meant1 w'y1 
%e ups & tells me 'at ,morris didn't ke]
 no?9' f] ,m>?y1 n] ,m>?y f] ,morris1 & 
!n w5t on to tell me t ,morris 0 k9do'  
aidg9' up to'rds ,annie--%e 0 next to   
,m>?y1 y "k1 9 p9t ( ye>s & exp]i5ce1 b 
ev]'body allus said 'at ,annie 0 !      
purtie/ "o o' ! :ole ?ree ( 'em4 ,& s :5
 "m told me 'at ! signs p9t$ to'rds     
,annie1 w'y1 ( c\rse1 ,i h$n't no       
p>ticul> objections to t1 'cause ,morris
 0 ( good fambly en\gh x turn$ out1 &1 9
 fact1 0 z /irr9' a "y fell] z ev] ,i'd 
want f] a son-9-law1 & s ,i h$ no?9' m  
to say--n] !y wasn't no occasion to say 
no?9'1 'cause "r along ab\t !n ,i beg9  
to notice 'at ,m>?y quit com9' home s   
mu*1 & ,morris kep' a- com9' m4 ,tel    
f9ally1 "o "t he 0 out "h all by        
hisself1 'long ab\t dusk1 come out "h   

:]e ,i 0 fe$9'1 & a/ me1 all at onc't1 &
 9 a /raight-='ard way1 ef he c\ldn't   
m>ry ,annie2 &1 "s-way-ano!r1 blame ef x
 didn't make me z happy z him :5 ,i told
 him yes6 ,y see t ?+ prov$1 p9e-blank1 
'at he wasn't a-fi%9' r\nd f] ,m>?y4    
,well-sir1 z luck w\ld hev x1 ,m>?y got 
home ab\t a half-h\r lat]1 & ,i'll give 
y my ^w ,i 0 nev] s glad to see ! girl 9
 my life6 ,x 0 fooli% 9 me1 ,i reckon1 b
 :5 ,i see h] driv9' up ! lane-- x 0    
purt' nigh d>k !n1 b ,i c\ld see h]     
?r\gh ! op5 w9d] f :]e ,i 0 sett9' at ! 
supp]-table1 & s ,i je/ quietly excus$  
myself1 p'lite-l1 z a fell] w1 y "k1 :5 
!y's comp'ny r\nd1 & ,i slipp$ (f & met 
h] je/ z %e 0 ab\t to git out to op5 !  
b>n gate4 ',hold up1 ,m>?y1' says ,i2   
'set "r :]e y air2 ,i'll op5 ! gate f]  
y1 & ,i'll d any?+ else f] y 9 ! _w 'at 
y want me to6'  ',w'y1 :at's pleas$ ,,y 
s8' %e says1 laugh9'1 z %e druv ?r\gh   
sl[-l & a-tickl9' my nose ) ! crack] ( !
 buggy-:ip4--',:at's pleas$ ,,y8'       
',guess1' says ,i1 j]k9' ! gate to1 &   

turn9' to lift h] out4  ',! new peann]'s
 come8' says %e1 eag]-l4  ',y] new      
peann]'s come1' says ,i2 'b t's n x4'   
',/rawb]ries f] supp]8' says %e4        
',/rawb]ries f] supp]1' says ,i2 'b t   
a9't x4'  ,je/ !n ,morris's hoss :9ni$ 9
 ! b>n1 & %e glanc$ up quick & smil9' & 
says1 ',somebody come to see somebody8' 
',y're a-gitt9' w>m1' says ,i4          
',somebody come to see ,,me8' %e says1  
anxi\s-l4  ',no1' says ,i1 '& ,i'm glad 
( x--f] ?is "o 'at's come wants to git  
m>ri$1 & o' c\rse ,i w\ldn't h>b] 9 my  
h\se no "y fell] 'at 0 a-lay9' r\nd f] a
 *ance to /eal away ! ,ne/-egg1' says   
,i1 laugh9'4  ,m>?y _h riz up 9 ! buggy 
by ?is "t1 b z ,i helt up my h&s to h]1 
%e sorto' draw$ back a m9ute1 & says1   
all s]i\s-l & k9do' :isp]9'3  ',is x    
,,annie8'  ,i nodd$4 ',yes1' says ,i1 '&
 :at's m1 ,i've give my cons5t1 & "m's  
give h]n--! ?+'s all settl$4 ,come1 jump
 out & run 9 & be happy ) ! re/ ( u6' & 
,i helt out my h&s ag'91 b %e didn't    
'pe> to take no he$4 ,%e 0 k9do' pale1  

too1 ,i ?\ght1 & swall]$ a "t er two l z
 ef %e c\ldn't speak pla94  ',:o is !   
man8' %e a/4  ',:o--:o's ! man8' ,i     
says1 a-gitt9' k9do' out o' pati5ce ) ! 
girl4--',w'y1 y "k :o x is1 o'          
c\rse4--,x's ,morris1' says ,i4 ',come1 
jump d[n6 ,don't y see ,i'm wait9' f]   
ye8'  ',!n take me1' %e says2 &         
blame-don6 ef ! girl didn't keel "r ov] 
9 my arms--z limb] z a rag6 ,clean fa9t$
 away6 ,hone/6 ,je/ ! excitem5t1 ,i     
reckon1 o' break9' x to h] s            
sudd5t-l--'cause %e lik$ ,annie1 ,i've  
sometimes ?\ght1 bett]'n ev5 %e did h]  
own "m4 ,didn't g half s h>d ) h] :5 h] 
o!r si/] m>ri$4 ,yes-sir6 said ! old    
man1 by way ( sweep+ conclusion1 z he   
rose to 8 feet--,m>?y's ! on'y "o ( 'em 
'at nev] m>ri$--bo? ! o!rs is           
gone--,morris w5t all ?r\gh ! army & got
 back safe & s\nd--'s liv9' 9 ,idyho1 & 
do9' fu/-rate4 ,s5ds me a lett] ev]' n[ 
& !n4 ,got ?ree little *unks o'         
gr&*ildr5 out !re1 & ,i' nev] laid eyes 
on "o ( 'em4 ,y see1 ,i'm a-gitt9' to be

 q a middle-ag$ man--9 fact a v         
middle-ag$ man1 y might say4 ,s5ce "m   
di$1 :i* has be'n--lem-me-see--"m's be'n
 dead som]s 9 ! neighborhood o' t5      
ye>4--,s5ce "m di$ ,i've be'n a-gitt9' m
 & m o' ,,m>?y',s notion--t is1--y      
c\ldn't ev] hire ,,me to m>ry nobody6 & 
!m has allus be'n & /ill is !           
',ne/-egg's' views6 ,li/56 ,t's h]      
a-call9' f] u n[4 ,y mu/ sorto' ov]look 
! fre$om1 b ,i told ,m>?y y'd promis$ to
 take d9n] ) u to-day1 & x 'ud nev] d to
 disapp9t h] n[4 ,come on4 ,&1 ah6 x    
w\ld h made ! s\l ( y ei!r raptur\sly   
glad or madly envi\s to see h[ meekly ,i
 cons5t$4  ,i am always ?9k+ t ,i nev]  
ta/$ c(fee till t day2 ,i am always ?9k+
 ( ! crisp & /eam+ rolls1 or$ ov] ) !   
molt5 gold t h9t$ ( ! clov]-fields1 & ! 
bees t _h n yet p]mitt$ ! honey ( !     
bloom & ! :ite blood ( ! /alk to be     
divorc$2 ,i am always ?9k+ t ! "y & t5d]
 pullet we happy ?ree discuss$ 0 a ne> &
 de> relative ( ! gay patrician roo/] t 
,i fir/ caught pe]+ s inquisitively 9 at

 ! kit*5 door2 & ,i am always-- always  
?9k+ ( ,! ,ne/-egg4       ,,wee ,,willie
 ,,w9kie  ,,by ,,rudy>d ,,kipl+  ,z !   
sub-title1 ,an ,(fic] & a ,g5tleman1    
indicates1 ?is is a /ory ( "*4 ,mr4     
,kipl+1 l ,rob]t ,l\is ,/ev5son1 ,james 
,:itcomb ,riley1 & ,eug5e ,field1 has   
c>ri$ into 8 maturity an imp]i%able y\? 
( _s :i* makes him an int]pret] (       
*ildr54 ,"h he has %[n :at our          
,anglo-,saxon ideals--honor1 ob$i5ce1 & 
rev]5ce = woman--mean to a little *ild4 
,,wee ,,willie ,,w9kie  ,,an ,,(fic] ,,&
 ,a ,,g5tleman4  ,footnote3 ,f ,"u !    
,deod>s1 by ,rudy>d ,kipl+4 ,copyright1 
#ahii1 by ,rudy>d ,kipl+4 ,repr9t$ by   
special p]mission ( ,d\bl$ay1 ,page &   
,company4   ,8 full "n 0 ,p]cival       
,william ,williams1 b he pick$ up ! o!r 
"n 9 a nurs]y-book1 & t 0 ! end ( !     
*ri/5$ titles4 ,8 "m's ayah call$ him   
,willie-,baba1 b z he nev] paid ! fa9te/
 att5tion to any?+ t ! ayah said1 h]    
wisdom did n help matt]s4  ,8 fa!r 0 !  
,colonel ( ! #aie?1 & z soon z ,wee     

,willie ,w9kie 0 old en\gh to und]/& :at
 ,milit>y ,discipl9e meant1 ,colonel    
,williams put him "u x4 ,!re 0 no o!r   
way ( manag+ ! *ild4 ,:5 he 0 good = a  
week1 he drew good- conduct pay2 & :5 he
 0 bad1 he 0 depriv$ ( 8 good- conduct  
/ripe4 ,g5]ally he 0 bad1 = ,india (f]s 
_m *ances ( go+ wrong to little         
six-ye>-olds4  ,*ildr5 res5t famili>ity 
f /rang]s1 & ,wee ,willie ,w9kie 0 a v  
p>ticul> *ild4 ,once he accept$ an      
acqua9tance1 he 0 graci\sly pleas$ to   
?aw4 ,he accept$ ,br&is1 a subalt]n ( ! 
#aie?1 on sight4 ,br&is 0 hav+ tea at ! 
,colonel's1 & ,wee ,willie ,w9kie ent]$ 
/rong 9 ! possession ( a good- conduct  
badge won = n *as+ ! h5s r\nd ! comp\nd4
 ,he reg>d$ ,br&is ) gravity = at lea/  
t5 m9utes1 & !n deliv]$ himself ( 8     
op9ion4  ,i l y1 said he sl[ly1 gett+ (f
 8 *air & com+ ov] to ,br&is4 ,i l y4 ,i
 %all call y ,coppy1 because ( y\r hair4
 ,d y ,,m9d be+ call$ ,coppy8 ,x is     
because ( ye hair1 y "k4  ,"h 0 "o ( !  
mo/ emb>rass+ ( ,wee ,willie ,w9kie's   

peculi>ities4 ,he w\ld look at a /rang] 
= "s "t1 & !n1 )\t w>n+1 or explanation1
 w\ld give him a "n4 ,& ! "n /uck4 ,no  
regim5tal p5alties c\ld break ,wee      
,willie ,w9kie ( ?is habit4 ,he lo/ 8   
good-conduct badge = *ri/5+ !           
,commission]'s wife ,pobs2 b no?+ t !   
,colonel c\ld d made ! ,/ation =ego !   
nickname1 & ,mrs4 ,coll5 rema9$ ,pobs   
till ! end ( h] /ay4 ,s ,br&is 0 *ri/5$ 
,coppy1 & rose1 !re=e1 9 ! e/imation ( !
 regim5t4  ,if ,wee ,willie ,w9kie took 
an int]e/ 9 any "o1 ! =tunate man 0     
envi$ alike by ! mess & ! rank & file4  
,& 9 _! envy lay no suspicion (         
self-int]e/4 ,! ,colonel's son 0 idoliz$
 on 8 own m]its entirely4 ,yet ,wee     
,willie ,w9kie 0 n lovely4 ,8 face 0    
p]man5tly freckl$1 z 8 legs 7 p]man5tly 
scrat*$1 & 9 spite ( 8 "m's almo/ te>ful
 remon/rances he _h insi/$ ^u hav+ 8    
long yell[ locks cut %ort 9 ! milit>y   
fa%ion4 ,i want my hair l ,s]geant      
,tummil's1 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 &1 
8 fa!r abett+1 ! sacrifice 0 accompli%$4

  ,?ree weeks aft] ! be/[al ( 8 y\?ful  
affections on ,lieut5ant                
,br&is--h5ce=w>d to be call$ ,coppy = ! 
sake ( brevity--,wee ,willie ,w9kie 0   
de/9$ to behold /range ?+s & f> beyond 8
 compreh5sion4  ,coppy return$ 8 lik+ ) 
int]e/4 ,coppy _h let him we> = five    
raptur\s m9utes 8 own big sword--j z    
tall z ,wee ,willie ,w9kie4 ,coppy _h   
promis$ him a t]ri] puppy1 & ,coppy _h  
p]mitt$ him to witness ! miracul\s      
op]ation ( %av+4 ,nay1 m--,coppy _h said
 t ev5 he1 ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 w\ld    
rise 9 "t to ! own]%ip ( a box ( %9y    
knives1 a silv] soap-box1 & a silv]-h&l$
 sputt]-bru%1 z ,wee ,willie ,w9kie     
call$ x4 ,decid$ly1 !re 0 no "o except 8
 own fa!r1 :o c\ld give or take away    
good-conduct badges at pleasure1 half s 
wise1 /rong1 & valiant z ,coppy ) !     
,afghan & ,egyptian m$als on 8 brea/4   
,:y1 !n1 %\ld ,coppy be guilty ( !      
unmanly weakness ( kiss+--vehem5tly     
kiss+-- a big girl1 ,miss ,all>dyce to  
wit8 ,9 ! c\rse ( a morn+ ride ,wee     

,willie ,w9kie _h se5 ,coppy s do+1 &1 l
 ! g5tleman he 01 _h promptly :eel$ r\nd
 & cant]$ back to 8 groom1 le/ ! groom  
%\ld also see4  ,"u ord9>y circum/ances 
he w\ld h spok5 to 8 fa!r1 b he felt    
in/9ctively t ?is 0 a matt] on :i*      
,coppy ought fir/ to be consult$4       
,coppy1 %\t$ ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 re9+  
up outside t subalt]n's bungal[ e>ly "o 
morn+--,i want to see y1 ,coppy6  ,come 
91 "y 'un1 return$ ,coppy1 :o 0 at e>ly 
breakfa/ 9 ! mid/ ( 8 dogs4 ,:at mis*ief
 h y be5 gett+ into n[8  ,wee ,willie   
,w9kie _h done no?+ notori\sly bad =    
?ree days1 & s /ood on a p9nacle (      
virtue4  ,i',,ve be5 do+ no?+ bad1 said 
he1 curl+ himself into a long *air ) a  
/udi\s affectation ( ! ,colonel's       
languor aft] a hot p>ade4 ,he buri$ 8   
freckl$ nose 9 a tea-cup &1 ) eyes />+  
r\ndly ov] ! rim1 ask$3 ,i say1 ,coppy1 
is x pwop] to kiss big girls8  ,by      
,jove6 ,y're beg9n+ e>ly4 ,:o d y want  
to kiss8  ,no "o4 ,my muvv]'s always    
kiss+ me if ,i don't /op h]4 ,if x isn't

 pwop]1 h[ 0 y kiss+ ,major ,all>dyce's 
big girl la/ morn+1 by ve canal8        
,coppy's br[ wr9kl$4 ,he & ,miss        
,all>dyce _h ) great craft manag$ to    
keep _! engagem5t secret = a =tnight4   
,!re 7 urg5t & imp]ative reasons :y     
,major ,all>dyce %\ld n "k h[ matt]s    
/ood = at lea/ ano!r mon?1 & ?is small  
m>plot _h discov]$ a great deal too mu*4
  ,i saw y1 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie    
calmly4 ,b ve sais didn't see4 ,i said1 
',hut jao6'  ,oh1 y _h t mu* s5se1 y "y 
,rip1 groan$ poor ,coppy1 half amus$ &  
half angry4 ,& h[ _m p may y h told ab\t
 x8  ,only me myself4 ,y didn't tell :5 
,i twi$ to wide ve buffalo v5 my pony 0 
lame2 & ,i f\ght y w\ldn't l4  ,w9kie1  
said ,coppy en?usia/ically1 %ak+ ! small
 h&1 y're ! be/ ( good fell[s4 ,look "h1
 y c't und]/& all ^! ?+s4 ,"o ( ^!      
days--hang x1 h[ c ,i make y see        
x6--,i'm go+ to m>ry ,miss ,all>dyce1 & 
!n %e'll be ,mrs4 ,coppy1 z y say4 ,if  
y\r "y m9d is s sc&aliz$ at ! idea (    
kiss+ big girls1 g & tell y\r fa!r4     

,:at w happ58 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 
:o firmly believ$ t 8 fa!r 0 omnipot5t4 
,i %all get into tr\ble1 said ,coppy1   
play+ 8 trump c>d ) an appeal+ look at !
 hold] ( ! ace4  ,v5 ,i won't1 said ,wee
 ,willie ,w9kie briefly4 ,b my fav] says
 x's un-man-ly to be always kiss+1 & ,i 
didn't f9k ,,y',d d vat1 ,coppy4  ,i'm n
 always kiss+1 old *ap4 ,x's only n[ &  
!n1 & :5 y're bigg] y'll d x too4 ,y\r  
fa!r meant x's n good = little boys4    
,ah6 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 n[ fully 
enlight5$4 ,x's l ve sputt]-bru%8       
,exactly1 said ,coppy gravely4  ,b ,i   
don't f9k ,i'll ev] want to kiss big    
girls1 nor no "o1 'cept my muvv]4 ,& ,i 
,,mu/ d vat1 y "k4  ,!re 0 a long pause1
 brok5 by ,wee ,willie ,w9kie4  ,are y  
fond ( vis big girl1 ,coppy8  ,awfully6 
said ,coppy4  ,fond] van y are ( ,bell  
or ve ,but*a--or me8  ,x's 9 a diff]5t  
way1 said ,coppy4 ,y see1 "o ( ^! days  
,miss ,all]dyce w belong to me1 b y'll  
gr[ up & comm& ! ,regim5t &--all sorts (
 ?+s4 ,x's q diff]5t1 y see4  ,v well1  

said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 ris+4 ,if y're
 fond ( ve big girl1 ,i won't tell any  
"o4 ,i mu/ g n[4  ,coppy rose & escort$ 
8 small gue/ to ! door1 add+-- ,y're !  
be/ ( little fell[s1 ,w9kie4 ,i tell y  
:at4 ,9 ?irty days f n[ y c tell if y   
l--tell any "o y l4  ,?us ! secret ( !  
,br&is-,all>dyce engagem5t 0 dep5d5t on 
a little *ild's ^w4 ,coppy1 :o knew ,wee
 ,willie ,w9kie's idea ( tru?1 0 at     
ease1 = he felt t he w\ld n break       
promises4 ,wee ,willie ,w9kie betray$ a 
special & unusual int]e/ 9 ,miss        
,all>dyce1 &1 sl[ly revolv+ r\nd t      
emb>rass$ "y lady1 0 us$ to reg>d h]    
gravely ) unw9k+ eye4 ,he 0 try+ to     
discov] :y ,coppy %\ld h kiss$ h]4 ,%e 0
 n half s nice z 8 own "m4 ,on ! o!r h&1
 %e 0 ,coppy's prop]ty1 & w\ld 9 "t     
belong to him4 ,!re=e x behoov$ him to  
treat h] ) z mu* respect z ,coppy's big 
sword or %9y pi/ol4  ,! idea t he %>$ a 
great secret 9 common ) ,coppy kept ,wee
 ,willie ,w9kie unusually virtu\s = ?ree
 weeks4 ,!n ! ,old ,adam broke out1 & he

 made :at he call$ a camp-fire at !     
bottom ( ! g>d54 ,h[ c\ld be h =ese5 t !
 fly+ sp>ks w\ld h light$ ! ,colonel's  
little hay-rick & consum$ a week's /ore 
= ! horses8 ,sudd5 & swift 0 !          
puni%m5t--deprivation ( ! good-conduct  
badge &1 mo/ sorr[ful ( all1 two days'  
conf9em5t to b>racks--! h\se &          
v]&a--c\pl$ ) ! )drawal ( ! light ( 8   
fa!r's c\nt5ance4  ,he took ! s5t5ce l !
 man he /rove to be1 drew himself up ) a
 quiv]+ "u-lip1 salut$1 &1 once cle> ( !
 room1 ran to weep bitt]ly 9 8          
nurs]y--call$ by him my qu>t]s4 ,coppy  
came 9 ! aft]noon & attempt$ to console 
! culprit4  ,i'm "u awwe/1 said ,wee    
,willie ,w9kie m\rnfully1 & ,i didn't   
ought to speak to y4  ,v e>ly ! next    
morn+ he climb$ on to ! ro( ( ! h\se--t 
0 n =bidd5--& beheld ,miss ,all>dyce go+
 = a ride4  ,:]e are y go+8 cri$ ,wee   
,willie ,w9kie4  ,across ! riv]1 %e     
answ]$1 & trott$ =w>d4  ,n[ ! cantonm5t 
9 :i* ! #aie? lay 0 b\nd$ on ! nor? by a
 riv]--dry 9 ! w9t]4 ,f 8 e>lie/ ye>s1  

,wee ,willie ,w9kie _h be5 =bidd5 to g  
across ! riv]1 & _h not$ t ev5 ,coppy--!
 almo/ almighty ,coppy--_h nev] set foot
 beyond x4 ,wee ,willie ,w9kie _h once  
be5 read to1 out ( a big blue book1 !   
hi/ory ( ! ,pr9cess f9d ! ,gobl9s--a mo/
 wond]ful tale ( a l& :]e ! ,gobl9s 7   
always w>r+ ) ! *ildr5 ( m5 until !y 7  
defeat$ by "o ,curdie4 ,ev] s9ce t date 
x seem$ to him t ! b>e black & purple   
hills across ! riv] 7 inhabit$ by       
,gobl9s1 &1 9 tru?1 e "o _h said t !re  
liv$ ! ,bad ,m54 ,ev5 9 8 own h\se ! l[]
 halves ( ! w9d[s 7 cov]$ ) gre5 pap] on
 acc\nt ( ! ,bad ,m5 :o might1 if all[$ 
cle> view1 fire into peaceful           
draw+-rooms & com=table b$rooms4        
,c]ta9ly1 beyond ! riv]1 :i* 0 ! end (  
all ! ,e>?1 liv$ ! ,bad ,m54 ,& "h 0    
,major ,all>dyce's big girl1 ,coppy's   
prop]ty1 prep>+ to v5ture into _!       
bord]s6 ,:at w\ld ,coppy say if any?+   
happ5$ to h]8 ,if ! ,gobl9s ran (f ) h] 
z !y did ) ,curdie's ,pr9cess8 ,%e mu/  
at all haz>ds be turn$ back4  ,! h\se 0 

/ill4 ,wee ,willie ,w9kie reflect$ = a  
mom5t on ! v t]rible wra? ( 8 fa!r1 &   
!n--broke 8 arre/6 ,x 0 a crime         
unspeakable4 ,! l[ sun ?rew 8 %ad[1 v   
l>ge & v black1 on ! trim g>d5-pa?s1 z  
he w5t d[n to ! /ables & ord]$ 8 pony4  
,x seem$ to him 9 ! hu% ( ! dawn t all !
 big _w _h be5 bidd5 to /& /ill & look  
at ,wee ,willie ,w9kie guilty ( mut9y4  
,! dr[sy sais gave him 8 m\nt1 &1 s9ce !
 "o great s9 made all o!rs              
insignificant1 ,wee ,willie ,w9kie said 
t he 0 go+ to ride ov] to ,coppy ,sahib1
 & w5t out at a foot-pace1 /epp+ on !   
s(t m\ld ( ! fl[]-bord]s4  ,! deva/at+  
track ( ! pony's feet 0 ! la/ misde$ t  
cut him (f f all sympa?y ( ,humanity4   
,he turn$ into ! road1 lean$ =w>d1 &    
rode z fa/ z ! pony c\ld put foot to !  
gr\nd 9 ! direction ( ! riv]4  ,b !     
livelie/ ( twelve-two ponies c d little 
aga9/ ! long cant] ( a ,wal]4 ,miss     
,all>dyce 0 f> ahead1 _h pass$ ?r\gh !  
crops1 beyond ! ,police-po/s1 :5 all !  
gu>ds 7 asleep1 & h] m\nt 0 scatt]+ !   

pebbles ( ! riv]-b$ z ,wee ,willie      
,w9kie left ! cantonm5t & ,briti% ,india
 beh9d him4 ,b[$ =w>d & /ill flogg+1    
,wee ,willie ,w9kie %ot into ,afghan    
t]ritory1 & c\ld j see ,miss ,all>dyce a
 black speck flick]+ across ! /ony pla94
 ,! reason ( h] w&]+ 0 simple en\gh4    
,coppy1 9 a tone ( too-ha/ily-assum$    
au?ority1 _h told h] ov] night t %e mu/ 
n ride out by ! riv]4 ,& %e _h gone to  
prove h] own _s & tea* ,coppy a lesson4 
,almo/ at ! foot ( ! inhospitable hills1
 ,wee ,willie ,w9kie saw ! ,wal] blund] 
& come d[n heavily4 ,miss ,all>dyce     
/ruggl$ cle>1 b h] ankle _h be5 sev]ely 
twi/$1 & %e c\ld n /&4 ,hav+ fully %[n  
h] _s1 %e wept1 & 0 surpris$ by !       
app>ition ( a :ite1 wide-ey$ *ild 9     
khaki1 on a ne>ly sp5t pony4  ,are y    
badly1 badly hurt$8 %\t$ ,wee ,willie   
,w9kie1 z soon z he 0 )9 range4 ,y      
didn't ought to be "h4  ,i don't "k1    
said ,miss ,all>dyce ruefully1 ignor+ ! 
repro(4 ,good graci\s1 *ild1 :at are ,,y
 do+ "h8  ,y said y 0 go+ acwoss ve     

wiv]1 pant$ ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 ?r[+   
himself (f 8 pony4 ,& nobody--n ev5     
,coppy--mu/ g acwoss ve wiv]1 & ,i came 
aft] y ev] s h>d1 b y w\ldn't /op1 & n[ 
y've hurt$ y\rself1 & ,coppy w be angwy 
wiv me1 &--,i've bwok5 my awwe/6 ,i've  
bwok5 my awwe/6  ,! future ,colonel ( ! 
#aie? sat d[n & sobb$4 ,9 spite ( ! pa9 
9 h] ankle1 ! girl 0 mov$4  ,h y ridd5  
all ! way f cantonm5ts1 little man8 ,:at
 =8  ,y belong$ to ,coppy4 ,coppy told  
me s6 wail$ ,wee ,willie ,w9kie         
disconsolately4 ,i saw him kiss+ y1 & he
 said he 0 fond] ( y van ,bell or ve    
,but*a or me4 ,& s ,i came4 ,y mu/ get  
up & come back4 ,y didn't ought to be   
"h4 ,vis is a bad place1 & ,i've bwok5  
my awwe/4  ,i c't move1 ,w9kie1 said    
,miss ,all>dyce1 ) a groan4 ,i've hurt  
my foot4 ,:at %all ,i d8  ,%e %[$ a     
read9ess to weep anew1 :i* /eadi$ ,wee  
,willie ,w9kie1 :o _h be5 br\ght up to  
believe t te>s 7 ! dep? ( unmanl9ess4   
,/ill1 :5 "o is z great a s9n] z ,wee   
,willie ,w9kie1 ev5 a man may be p]mitt$

 to break d[n4  ,w9kie1 said ,miss      
,all>dyce1 :5 y've re/$ a little1 ride  
back & tell !m to s5d out some?+ to c>ry
 me back 94 ,x hurts fe>fully4  ,! *ild 
sat /ill = a little "t1 & ,miss         
,all>dyce clos$ h] eyes2 ! pa9 0 ne>ly  
mak+ h] fa9t4 ,%e 0 r\s$ by ,wee ,willie
 ,w9kie ty+ up ! re9s on 8 pony's neck &
 sett+ x free ) a vici\s cut ( 8 :ip t  
made x :ick]4 ,! little animal head$    
t[>ds ! cantonm5ts4  ,oh1 ,w9kie6 ,:at  
are y do+8  ,hu%6 said ,wee ,willie     
,w9kie4 ,v]e's a man com+--"o ( ve ,bad 
,m54 ,i mu/ /ay wiv y4 ,my fav] says a  
man mu/ ,,always look aft] a girl4 ,jack
 w g home1 & v5 vey'll come & look = u4 
,vat's :y ,i let him g4  ,n "o man1 b   
two or ?ree1 _h appe>$ f beh9d ! rocks (
 ! hills1 & ! he>t ( ,wee ,willie ,w9kie
 sank )9 him1 = j 9 ?is mann] 7 !       
,gobl9s wont to /eal out & vex ,curdie's
 s\l4 ,?us _h !y play$ 9 ,curdie's g>d5 
7he _h se5 ! picture71 & ?us _h !y      
fright5$ ! ,pr9cess's nurse4 ,he he>d !m
 talk+ to ea* o!r1 & recogniz$ ) joy !  

ba/>d ,pu%to t he _h pick$ up f "o ( 8  
fa!r's grooms lately dismiss$4 ,p :o    
spoke t tongue c\ld n be ! ,bad ,m54 ,!y
 7 only natives1 aft] all4  ,!y came up 
to ! b\ld]s on :i* ,miss ,all>dyce's    
horse _h blund]$4  ,!n rose f ! rock    
,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 *ild ( ! ,dom9ant  
,race1 ag$ six & ?ree-qu>t]s1 & said    
briefly & emphatically1 ,jao6 ,! pony _h
 cross$ ! riv]-b$4  ,! man laugh$1 &    
laught] f natives 0 ! "o ?+ ,wee ,willie
 ,w9kie c\ld n tol]ate4 ,he ask$ !m :at 
!y want$ & :y !y did n dep>t4 ,o!r m5 ) 
mo/ evil faces & crook$-/ock$ guns crept
 out ( ! %ad[s ( ! hills1 till1 soon1   
,wee ,willie ,w9kie 0 face to face ) an 
audi5ce "s tw5ty /rong4 ,miss ,all>dyce 
scream$4  ,:o are y8 said "o ( ! m54  ,i
 am ! ,colonel ,sahib's son1 & my ord]  
is t y g at once4 ,y black m5 are       
fright5+ ! ,miss ,sahib4 ,"o ( y mu/ run
 into cantonm5ts & take ! news t ! ,miss
 ,sahib has hurt h]self1 & t !          
,colonel's son is "h ) h]4  ,put our    
feet into ! trap8 0 ! laugh+ reply4 ,he>

 ?is boy's spee*6  ,say t ,i s5t y--,i1 
! ,colonel's son4 ,!y w give y money4   
,:at is ! use ( ?is talk8 ,take up !    
*ild & ! girl1 & we c at lea/ ask = !   
ransom4 ,ours are ! villages on !       
heights1 said a voice 9 ! backgr\nd4    
,^! ,,7 ! ,bad ,m5--worse ?an ,gobl9s--&
 x ne$$ all ,wee ,willie ,w9kie's tra9+ 
to prev5t him f bur/+ into te>s4 ,b he  
felt t to cry be=e a native1 except+    
only 8 "m's ayah1 w\ld be an infamy     
great] ?an any mut9y4 ,moreov]1 he1 z   
future ,colonel ( ! #aie?1 _h t grim    
regim5t at 8 back4  ,are y go+ to c>ry u
 away8 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 v      
blan*$ & uncom=table4  ,yes1 my little  
,sahib ,bahadur1 said ! talle/ ( ! m51 &
 eat y aft]w>ds4  ,t is *ild's talk1    
said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie4 ,m5 d n eat   
m54  ,a yell ( laught] int]rupt$ him1 b 
he w5t on firmly--,& if y d c>ry u away1
 ,i tell y t all my regim5t w come up 9 
a day & kill y all )\t leav+ "o4 ,:o w  
take my message to ! ,colonel ,sahib8   
,spee* 9 any v]nacul>--& ,wee ,willie   

,w9kie _h a colloquial acqua9tance )    
?ree--0 easy to ! boy :o c\ld n yet     
manage 8 r's & ?'s aright4  ,ano!r man  
jo9$ ! conf]5ce1 cry+1 ,o fooli% m56    
,:at ?is babe says is true4 ,he is !    
he>t's he>t ( ^? :ite troops4 ,= ! sake 
( peace let !m g bo?1 = if he be tak51 !
 regim5t w break loose & gut ! valley4  
,,our villages are 9 ! valley1 & we %all
 n escape4 ,t regim5t are devils4 ,!y   
broke ,khoda ,y>'s brea/bone ) kicks :5 
he tri$ to take ! rifles2 & if we t\*   
?is *ild !y w fire & rape & plund] = a  
mon? till no?+ rema9s4 ,bett] to s5d a  
man back to take ! message & get a      
rew>d4 ,i say t ?is *ild is _! ,god1 & t
 !y w sp>e none ( u1 nor our wom51 if we
 h>m him4  ,x 0 ,d9 ,mahomm$1 ! dismiss$
 groom ( ! ,colonel1 :o made ! div]sion1
 & an angry & heat$ discussion foll[$4  
,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 /&+ ov] ,miss      
,all>dyce1 wait$ ! up%ot4 ,surely 8     
wegim5t1 8 own wegim5t1 w\ld n des]t him
 if !y knew ( 8 extremity4  ,! rid]less 
pony br\ght ! news to ! #aie?1 ?\gh !re 

_h be5 con/]nation 9 ! ,colonel's       
h\sehold = an h\r be=e4 ,! little bea/  
came 9 ?r\gh ! p>ade-gr\nd 9 front ( !  
ma9 b>racks1 :]e ! m5 7 settl+ d[n to   
play ,spoil-five till ! aft]noon4       
,devl91 ! ,color-,s]geant ( ,e ,company1
 glanc$ at ! empty saddle & tumbl$ ?r\gh
 ! b>rack-rooms1 kick+ up ea* ,room     
,corporal z he pass$4 ,up1 ye begg>s6   
,!re's some?+ happ5$ to ! ,colonel's    
son1 he %\t$4  ,he c\ldn't fall (f6     
,s'help me1 'e ,,c\ldn',t fall (f1      
blubb]$ a drumm]-boy4 ,g an' hunt acro/ 
! riv]4 ,he's ov] !re if he's any:]e1   
an' maybe ^? ,pa?ans h got 'im4 ,= !    
love o' ,gawd don't look = 'im 9 !      
nullahs6 ,let's g ov] ! riv]4  ,!re's   
s5se 9 ,mott yet1 said ,devl94 ,e       
,company1 d\ble out to ! riv]--%>p6  ,s 
,e ,company1 9 its %irt-sleeves ma9ly1  
d\bl$ = ! de> life1 & 9 ! re> toil$ !   
p]spir+ ,s]geant1 adjur+ x to d\ble yet 
fa/]4 ,! cantonm5t 0 alive ) ! m5 ( !   
#aie? hunt+ = ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 & !  
,colonel f9ally ov]took ,e ,company1 f> 

too exhau/$ to swe>1 /ruggl+ 9 ! pebbles
 ( ! riv]-b$4  ,up ! hill "u :i* ,wee   
,willie ,w9kie's ,bad ,m5 7 discuss+ !  
wisdom ( c>ry+ (f ! *ild & ! girl1 a    
look-out fir$ two %ots4  ,:at h ,i said8
 %\t$ ,d9 ,mahomm$4 ,!re is ! w>n+6 ,!  
pulton are out already & are com+ across
 ! pla96 ,get away6 ,let u n be se5 ) ! 
boy6  ,! m5 wait$ = an in/ant1 & !n1 z  
ano!r %ot 0 fir$1 )drew into ! hills1   
sil5tly z !y _h appe>$4  ,! wegim5t is  
com+1 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie          
confid5tly to ,miss ,all>dyce1 & x's all
 wight4 ,don't cwy6  ,he ne$$ ! advice  
himself1 = t5 m9utes lat]1 :5 8 fa!r    
came up1 he 0 weep+ bitt]ly ) 8 head 9  
,miss ,all>dyce's lap4  ,& ! m5 ( !     
#aie? c>ri$ him home ) %\ts & rejoic+s2 
& ,coppy1 :o _h ridd5 a horse into a    
la!r1 met him1 &1 to 8 int5se disgu/1   
kiss$ him op5ly 9 ! pres5ce ( ! m54  ,b 
!re 0 balm = 8 dignity4 ,8 fa!r assur$  
him t n only w\ld ! break+ ( arre/ be   
condon$1 b t ! good-conduct badge w\ld  
be re/or$ z soon z 8 "m c\ld sew x on 8 

bl\se-sleeve4 ,miss ,all>dyce _h told ! 
,colonel a /ory t made him pr\d ( 8 son4
  ,%e belong$ to y1 ,coppy1 said ,wee   
,willie ,w9kie1 indicat+ ,miss ,all>dyce
 ) a grimy =e-f+]4 ,i ,,knew %e didn't  
ought to g acwoss ve wiv]1 & ,i knew ve 
wegim5t w\ld come to me if ,i s5t ,jack 
home4  ,y're a h]o1 ,w9kie1 said        
,coppy--a pukka h]o6  ,i don't "k :at   
vat means1 said ,wee ,willie ,w9kie1 b y
 mu/n't call me ,w9kie any no m4 ,i'm   
,p]cival ,w'am ,w'ams4  ,& 9 ?is mann]  
did ,wee ,willie ,w9kie ent] into 8     
manhood4       ,,! ,,gold ,,bug  ,,by   
,,edg> ,,allan ,,poe  ,poe 0 ! fir/     
,am]ican %ort-/ory writ]4 ,o!rs _h      
writt5 /ories t 7 %ort1 b he 0 ! fir/ to
 recognize ! %ort-/ory z hav+ a =m & an 
aim all its own4 ,moreov]1 he 0 will+ to
 admit ! public to 8 laboratory & to    
expla9 8 process1 = he disc\nt$         
inspiration & emphasiz$ craftsman%ip4 ,9
 ,! ,philosophy ( ,composition he       
decl>es t e plot mu/ be elaborat$ to its
 d5\em5t be=e any?+ is attempt$ ) ! p54 

,x is only ) ! d5\em5t con/antly 9 view 
t we c give a plot its indisp5sable air 
( consequ5ce1 or causation1 by mak+ !   
incid5ts & especially ! tone1 at all    
po9ts1 t5d to ! developm5t ( ! int5tion4
 ,he also tells u t he pref]s beg9n+ )  
an effect4 ,hav+ *os51 9 ! fir/ place1  
an effect t is bo? novel & vivid1 he    
decides :e!r x c be be/ wr\ght by       
incid5t or tone1 & aft]w>d looks ab\t = 
su* comb9ations ( ev5ts1 or tone1 z %all
 be/ aid 444 9 ! con/ruction ( ! effect4
  ,9 view ( su* explanations1 x is      
int]e/+ to /udy ,! ,gold ,bug & to see  
h[ well ! plot has be5 work$ out & !    
tone e/abli%$4 ,x is d\btful :e!r 9 ?is 
/ory ! plot meant to ! writ] :at x means
 to ! read]4 ,! latt] likes ! adv5ture )
 its +5i\sly fitt$ p>ts1 ea* s necess>y 
to ! :ole4 ,b aft] ! gold has be5       
f\nd--& t is ! po9t ( greate/ int]e/--! 
/ory goes on & on to expla9 !           
cryptogram4 ,?is1 no d\bt1 0 to ,poe !  
mo/ int]e/+ ?+ ab\t ! /ory1 ! trac+ ( ! 
/eps by :i* ! scrap ( p>*m5t 0 deciph]$ 

& reason$ ^u & made to yield up its     
secret4 ,z to ! "t & place1 ! /range    
conduct & "* ( ,legr&1 ! fe>s &         
sup]/itions ( ,jupit]1 & ! puzzl$       
solicitude ( ! n>rator--all ^! aid      
mat]ially 9 e/abli%+ & ma9ta9+ ! tone4  
,,! ,,gold ,,bug  ,footnote3 ,f ,!      
,works ( ,edg> ,allan ,poe1 publi%$ by  
,*>les ,scribn]'s ,sons4       ,:at ho' 
:at ho' ?is fell[ is danc+ mad6      ,he
 ha? be5 bitt5 by ! ,t>antula4          
--,all 9 ! ,wrong4   ,_m ye>s ago1 ,i   
contract$ an intimacy ) a ,mr4 ,william 
,legr&4 ,he 0 ( an anci5t ,hugu5ot      
family1 & _h once be5 weal?y2 b a s]ies 
( mis=tunes _h r$uc$ him to want4 ,to   
avoid ! mortification consequ5t ^u 8    
disa/]s1 he left ,new ,orleans1 ! city (
 8 =efa!rs1 & took up 8 resid5ce at     
,sullivan's ,isl&1 ne> ,*>le/on1 ,s\?   
,c>ol9a4  ,?is isl& is a v s+ul> "o4 ,x 
consi/s ( little else ?an ! sea s&1 & is
 ab\t ?ree miles long4 ,its bread? at no
 po9t exce$s a qu>t] ( a mile4 ,x is    
sep>at$ f ! ma9l& by a sc>cely          

p]ceptible creek1 ooz+ its way ?r\gh a  
wild]ness ( re$s & slime1 a favorite    
resort ( ! m>%-h54 ,! vegetation1 z     
might be suppos$1 is scant1 or at lea/  
dw>fi%4 ,no trees ( any magnitude are to
 be se54 ,ne> ! we/]n extremity1 :]e ,=t
 ,m\ltrie /&s1 & :]e are "s mis]able    
frame build+s1 t5ant$ dur+ summ] by !   
fugitives f ,*>le/on du/ & fev]1 may be 
f\nd1 inde$1 ! bri/ly palmetto2 b ! :ole
 isl&1 ) ! exception ( ?is we/]n po9t1 &
 a l9e ( h>d :ite bea* on ! seacoa/1 is 
cov]$ ) a d5se und]gr[? ( ! sweet       
myrtle1 s mu* priz$ by ! horticulturi/s 
( ,engl&4 ,! %rub "h (t5 atta9s ! height
 ( fifte5 or tw5ty feet1 & =ms an almo/ 
imp5etrable coppice1 burd5+ ! air ) its 
fragrance4  ,9 ! utmo/ recesses ( ?is   
coppice1 n f> f ! ea/]n or m remote end 
( ! isl&1 ,legr& _h built himself a     
small hut1 :i* he occupi$ :5 ,i fir/1 by
 m]e accid5t1 made 8 acqua9tance4 ,?is  
soon rip5$ into fri5d%ip--= !re 0 mu* 9 
! recluse to excite int]e/ & e/eem4 ,i  
f\nd him well educat$1 ) unusual p[]s ( 

m9d1 b infect$ ) misan?ropy1 & subject  
to p]v]se moods ( alt]nate en?usiasm &  
melan*oly4 ,he _h ) him _m books1 b     
r>ely employ$ !m4 ,8 *ief amusem5ts 7   
gunn+ & fi%+1 or saunt]+ along ! bea* & 
?r\gh ! myrtles1 9 que/ ( %ells or      
entomological specim5s2--8 collection ( 
! latt] might h be5 envi$ by a          
,swamm]damm4 ,9 ^! excursions he 0      
usually accompani$ by an old negro1     
call$ ,jupit]1 :o _h be5 manumitt$ be=e 
! rev]ses ( ! family1 b :o c\ld be      
induc$1 nei!r by ?reats nor by promises1
 to ab&on :at he consid]$ 8 "r (        
att5dance ^u ! foot/eps ( 8 "y ,massa   
,w4 ,x is n improbable t ! relatives (  
,legr&1 conceiv+ him to be some:at      
unsettl$ 9 intellect1 _h contriv$ to    
in/il ?is ob/9acy into ,jupit]1 ) a view
 to ! sup]vision & gu>dian%ip ( ! w&]]4 
,! w9t]s 9 ! latitude ( ,sullivan's     
,isl& are seldom v sev]e1 & 9 ! fall ( !
 ye> x is a r>e ev5t inde$ :5 a fire is 
consid]$ necess>y4 ,ab\t ! middle (     
,octob]1 #ah--1 !re occurr$1 h[ev]1 a   

day ( rem>kable *ill9ess4 ,j be=e sunset
 ,i scrambl$ my way ?r\gh ! ev]gre5s to 
! hut ( my fri5d1 :om ,i _h n visit$ =  
sev]al weeks--my resid5ce be+ at t "t 9 
,*>le/on1 a di/ance ( n9e miles f !     
isl&1 :ile ! facilities ( passage & re- 
passage 7 v f> beh9d ^? ( ! pres5t day4 
,^u rea*+ ! hut ,i rapp$1 z 0 my cu/om1 
&1 gett+ no reply1 s\ght = ! key :]e ,i 
knew x 0 secret$1 unlock$ ! door & w5t  
94 ,a f9e fire 0 blaz+ ^u ! he>?1 ,x 0 a
 novelty1 & by no means an ungrateful   
"o4 ,i ?rew (f an ov]coat1 took an      
arm*air by ! crackl+ logs1 & await$     
pati5tly ! arrival ( my ho/s4  ,soon    
aft] d>k !y arriv$1 & gave me a mo/     
cordial welcome4 ,jupit]1 gr9n+ f e> to 
e>1 bu/l$ ab\t to prep>e "s m>%-h5s =   
supp]4 ,legr& 0 9 "o ( 8 fits--h[ else  
%all ,i t]m !m8--( en?usiasm4 ,he _h    
f\nd an unkn[n bivalve1 =m+ a new g5us1 
&1 m ?an ?is1 he _h hunt$ d[n & secur$1 
) ,jupit]'s assi/ance1 a sc>aboeus :i*  
he believ$ to be totally new1 b 9       
respect to :i* he wi%$ to h my op9ion on

 ! morr[4  ,& :y n to-night8 ,i ask$1   
rubb+ my h&s ov] ! blaze1 & wi%+ ! :ole 
tribe ( sc>aboei at ! devil4  ,ah1 if ,i
 _h only kn[n y 7 "h6 said ,legr&1 b x's
 s long s9ce ,i saw y2 & h[ c\ld ,i     
=esee t y w\ld pay me a visit ?is v     
night ( all o!rs8 ,z ,i 0 com+ home ,i  
met ,lieut5ant ,g----1 f ! =t1 &1 v     
fooli%ly1 ,i l5t him ! bug2 s x w be    
impossible = y to see x until ! morn+4  
,/ay "h to-night1 & ,i w s5d ,jup d[n = 
x at sunrise4 ,x is ! lovelie/ ?+ 9     
creation6  ,:at8--sunrise8  ,nons5se6   
no6--! bug4 ,x is ( a brilliant gold    
color--ab\t ! size ( a l>ge             
hickory-nut--) two jet black spots ne>  
"o extremity ( ! back1 ano!r1 some:at   
long]1 at ! o!r4 ,! ant5nae are--  ,dey 
a9t ,,no t9 9 him1 ,massa ,w1 ,i keep   
a-tell9' on y1 "h int]rupt$ ,jupit]2 de 
bug is a goole-bug1 solid1 eb]y bit (   
him1 inside & all1 sep him w+--neb] feel
 half s hebby a bug 9 my life4  ,well1  
suppose x is1 ,jup1 repli$ ,legr&1      
some:at m e>ne/ly1 x seem$ to me1 ?an ! 

case dem&$1 is t any reason = y\r lett+ 
! birds burn8 ,! color--"h he turn$ to  
me--is really almo/ en\gh to w>rant     
,jupit]'s idea4 ,y nev] saw a m         
brilliant metallic lu/re ?an ! scales   
emit-- b ( ?is y _c judge till to-morr[4
 ,9 ! mean "t ,i c give y "s idea ( !   
%ape4 ,say+ ?is1 he seat$ himself at a  
small table1 on :i* 7 a p5 & ink1 b no  
pap]4 ,he look$ = "s 9 a draw]1 b f\nd  
none4  ,nev] m9d1 said he at l5g?1 ?is w
 answ]2 & he drew f 8 wai/coat pocket a 
scrap ( :at ,i took to be v dirty       
foolscap1 & made ^u x a r\gh draw+ ) !  
p54 ,:ile he did ?is1 ,i reta9$ my seat 
by ! fire1 = ,i 0 /ill *illy4 ,:5 !     
design 0 complete1 he h&$ x to me )\t   
ris+4 ,z ,i receiv$ x1 a l[ gr[l 0 he>d1
 succe$$ by a scrat*+ at ! door4 ,jupit]
 op5$ x1 & a l>ge ,newf\ndl&1 belong+ to
 ,legr&1 ru%$ 91 leap$ ^u my %\ld]s1 &  
load$ me ) c>esses2 = ,i _h %[n him mu* 
att5tion dur+ previ\s visits4 ,:5 8     
gambols 7 ov]1 ,i look$ at ! pap]1 &1 to
 speak ! tru?1 f\nd myself n a little   

puzzl$ at :at my fri5d _h depict$4      
,well6 ,i said1 aft] contemplat+ x = "s 
m9utes1 ?is is a /range sc>abaeus1 ,i   
mu/ confess2 new to me3 nev] saw any?+ l
 x be=e--unless x 0 a skull1 or a       
dea?'s-head1 :i* x m ne>ly resembles ?an
 any?+ else t has come "u ,,my          
obs]vation4  ,a dea?'s-head6 e*o$       
,legr&--,oh--yes--well1 x has some?+ ( t
 appe>ance ^u pap]1 no d\bt4 ,! two upp]
 black spots look l eyes1 eh8 & ! long] 
"o at ! bottom l a m\? --& !n ! %ape ( !
 :ole is oval4  ,p]haps s1 said ,i2 b1  
,legr&1 ,i fe> y are no arti/4 ,i mu/   
wait until ,i see ! beetle itself1 if ,i
 am to =m any idea ( its p]sonal        
appe>ance4  ,well1 ,i don't "k1 said he1
 a little nettl$1 ,i draw               
tol]ably--,,%\ld d x at lea/--h _h good 
ma/]s1 & flatt] myself t ,i am n q a    
blockhead4  ,b1 my de> fell[1 y are jok+
 !n1 said ,i1 ?is is a v passable       
,,skull1--inde$1 ,i may say t x is a v  
,,excell5t skull1 accord+ to ! vulg>    
notions ab\t su* specim5s (             

physiology--& y\r sc>abaeus mu/ be !    
que]e/ sc>abaeus 9 ! _w if x resembles  
x4 ,:y1 we may get up a v ?rill+ bit (  
sup]/ition ^u ?is h9t4 ,i presume y w   
call ! bug sc>abaeus caput hom9is1 or   
some?+ ( t k9d--!re are _m simil> titles
 9 ! ,natural ,hi/ories4 ,b :]e are !   
ant5nae y spoke (8  ,! ant5nae6 said    
,legr&1 :o seem$ to be gett+            
unacc\ntably w>m ^u ! subject2 ,i am    
sure y mu/ see ! ant5nae4 ,i made !m z  
di/9ct z !y are 9 ! orig9al insect1 & ,i
 presume t is suffici5t4  ,well1 well1  
,i said1 p]haps y h--/ill ,i don't see  
!m2 & ,i h&$ him ! pap] )\t additional  
rem>k1 n wi%+ to ruffle 8 temp]2 b ,i 0 
mu* surpris$ at ! turn affairs _h tak52 
8 ill humor puzzl$ me--&1 z = ! draw+ ( 
! beetle1 !re 7 positively ,,no ant5nae 
visible1 & ! :ole ,,did be> a v close   
resemblance to ! ord9>y cuts ( a        
dea?'s-head4  ,he receiv$ ! pap] v      
peevi%ly1 & 0 ab\t to crumple x1        
app>5tly to ?r[ x 9 ! fire1 :5 a casual 
glance at ! design seem$ sudd5ly to     

rivet 8 att5tion4 ,9 an in/ant 8 face   
grew viol5tly r$--9 ano!r z excessively 
pale4 ,= "s m9utes he cont9u$ to        
scrut9ize ! draw+ m9utely :]e he sat4   
,at l5g? he arose1 took a c&le f !      
table1 & proce$$ to seat himself ^u a   
sea-*e/ 9 ! f>!/ corn] ( ! room4 ,"h    
aga9 he made an anxi\s exam9ation ( !   
pap]2 turn+ x 9 all directions4 ,he said
 no?+1 h[ev]1 & 8 conduct greatly       
a/oni%$ me2 yet ,i ?\ght x prud5t n to  
exac]bate ! gr[+ mood9ess ( 8 temp] by  
any comm5t4 ,pres5tly he took f 8 coat  
pocket a wallet1 plac$ ! pap] c>efully 9
 x1 & deposit$ bo? 9 a writ+-desk1 :i*  
he lock$4 ,he n[ grew m compos$ 9 8     
demeanor2 b 8 orig9al air ( en?usiasm _h
 q disappe>$4 ,yet he seem$ n s mu*     
sulky z ab/ract$4 ,z ! ev5+ wore away he
 became m & m absorb$ 9 rev]y1 f :i* no 
sallies ( m9e c\ld ar\se him4 ,x _h be5 
my int5tion to pass ! night at ! hut1 z 
,i _h frequ5tly done be=e1 b1 see+ my   
ho/ 9 ?is mood1 ,i deem$ x prop] to take
 leave4 ,he did n press me to rema91 b1 

z ,i dep>t$1 he %ook my h& ) ev5 m ?an 8
 usual cordiality4  ,x 0 ab\t a mon?    
aft] ?is 7& dur+ ! int]val ,i _h se5    
no?+ ( ,legr&7 :5 ,i receiv$ a visit1 at
 ,*>le/on1 f 8 man1 ,jupit]4 ,i _h nev] 
se5 ! good old negro look s dispirit$1 &
 ,i fe>$ t "s s]i\s disa/] _h befall5 my
 fri5d4  ,well1 ,jup1 said ,i1 :at is ! 
matt] n[8--h[ is y\r ma/]8  ,:y1 to     
speak de tro(1 massa1 him n s b]ry well 
z m\ght be4  ,n well6 ,i am truly sorry 
to he> x4 ,:at does he compla9 (8  ,d>6 
dat's x6--him neb] pla9 ( not9--b him   
b]ry sick = all dat4  ,,v sick1         
,jupit]6--:y didn't y say s at once8 ,is
 he conf9$ to b$8  ,no1 dat he a9t6--he 
a9t f9d n[h>--dat's j :> de %oe p9*--my 
m9d is got to be b]ry hebby b\t poor    
,massa ,w4  ,jupit]1 ,i %\ld l to und]/&
 :at x is y are talk+ ab\t4 ,y say y\r  
ma/] is sick4 ,hasn't he told y :at ails
 him8  ,:y1 massa1 ta9t worf :ile = to  
git mad b\t de matt]--,massa ,w say n(f9
 at all a9t de matt] wid him--b d5 :at  
make him g ab\t look+ dis "h way1 wid he

 head d[n & he soldi]s up1 & z :ite z a 
gose8 ,& d5 he keep a syphon all de     
"t----  ,keeps a :at1 ,jupit]8  ,keeps a
 syphon wid de figgurs on de slate--de  
que]e/ figgurs ,i ebb] did see4 ,ise    
gitt9 to be ske]$1 ,i tell y4 ,hab = to 
keep mighty tight eye pon him noov]s4   
,todd] day he gib me slip =e de sun up &
 0 gone de :ole ob de bless$ day4 ,i _h 
a big /ick ready cut = to gib him d----d
 good beat+ :5 he did come--b ,ise si* a
 fool dat ,i hadn't de he>t art] all--he
 look s b]ry poorly4  ,eh8--:at8--ah    
yes6--^u ! :ole ,i ?9k y _h bett] n be  
too sev]e ) ! poor fell[--don't flog    
him1 ,jupit]--he c't v well /& x--b c y 
=m no idea ( :at has occasion$ ?is      
illness1 or r ?is *ange ( conduct8 ,has 
any?+ unpleasant happ5$ s9ce ,i saw y8  
,no1 massa1 dey a9t b9 n(f9 onpleasant  
,,s9ce d5--'twas ,,=e d5 ,i'm           
fe>$--'twas de b]ry day y 0 d>e4  ,h[8  
:at d y mean8  ,:y1 massa1 ,i mean de   
bug--d>e n[4  ,! :at8  ,de bug--,i'm    
b]ry s>ta9 dat ,massa ,w b9 bit some:]e 

b\t de head by dat goole-bug4  ,& :at   
cause h y1 ,jupit]1 = su* a supposition8
  ,claws enuff1 massa1 & m\ff too4 ,i   
nebb] did see si* a d----d bug--he kick 
& he bite eb]y t+ :at cum ne> him4      
,massa ,w cot* him fuss1 b _h = to let  
him g g9 mighty quick1 ,i tell y--d5 0  
de "t he mu/ ha got de bite4 ,i didn't l
 de look ob de bug m\ff1 myself1 no h[1 
s ,i w\ldn't take hold ob him wid my    
f+]1 b ,i cot* him wid a piece ob pap]  
dat ,i f\nd4 ,i rap him up 9 de pap] &  
/uff piece ob x 9 he m\ff--dat 0 de way4
  ,& y ?9k1 !n1 t y\r ma/] 0 really     
bitt5 by ! beetle1 & t ! bite made him  
sick8  ,i don't t9k n(f9 ab\t x--,i nose
 x4 ,:at make him dream b\t de goole s  
mu*1 if ta9t cause he bit by de         
goole-bug8 ,ise he]d b\t dem goole-bugs 
=e dis4  ,b h[ d y "k he dreams ab\t    
gold8  ,h[ ,i "k8 :y cause he talk ab\t 
x 9 he sleep--dat's h[ ,i nose4  ,well1 
,jup1 p]haps y are "r2 b to :at =tunate 
circum/ance am ,i to attribute ! honor (
 a visit f y to- day8  ,:at de matt]1   

massa8  ,did y br+ any message f ,mr4   
,legr&8  ,no1 massa1 ,i br+ dis "h      
pissel2 & "h ,jupit] h&$ me a note :i*  
ran ?us3  ,,my ,,de>----1 ,:y h ,i n se5
 y = s long a "t8 ,i hope y h n be5 s   
fooli% z to take (f5ce at any little    
brusqu]ie ( m9e2 b no1 t is improbable4 
,s9ce ,i saw y ,i h _h great cause =    
anxiety4 ,i h some?+ to tell y1 yet     
sc>cely "k h[ to tell x1 or :e!r ,i %\ld
 tell x at all4  ,i h n be5 q well = "s 
days pa/1 & poor old ,jup annoys me1    
almo/ beyond endurance1 by 8 well-meant 
att5tions4 ,w\ld y believe x8--he _h    
prep>$ a huge /ick1 ! o!r day1 ) :i* to 
*a/ise me = giv+ him ! slip1 & sp5d+ !  
day1 solus1 among ! hills on ! ma9l&4 ,i
 v]ily believe t my ill looks alone sav$
 me a flogg+4  ,i h made no addition to 
my cab9et s9ce we met4  ,if y c1 9 any  
way1 make x conv5i5t1 come ov] )        
,jupit]4 ,,d come4 ,i wi% to see y      
,,to-,,night1 ^u bus9ess ( importance4  
,i assure y t x is ( ! ,,highe/         
importance4                  ,ev] y\rs1 

,,william ,,legr&4  ,!re 0 some?+ 9 !   
tone ( ?is note :i* gave me great       
uneas9ess4 ,its :ole /yle diff]$        
mat]ially f t ( ,legr&4 ,:at c\ld he be 
dream+ (8 ,:at new crot*et possess$ 8   
excitable bra96 ,:at bus9ess ( ! highe/ 
importance c\ld ,,he possibly h to      
transact8 ,jupit]'s acc\nt ( him bod$ no
 good4 ,i dread$ le/ ! cont9u$ pressure 
( mis=tune _h1 at l5g?1 fairly unsettl$ 
! reason ( my fri5d4 ,)\t a mom5t's     
hesitation1 !re=e1 ,i prep>$ to         
accompany ! negro4  ,^u rea*+ ! :>f1 ,i 
notic$ a scy! & ?ree spades1 all        
app>5tly new1 ly+ 9 ! bottom ( ! boat 9 
:i* we 7 to emb>k4  ,:at is ! mean+ (   
all ?is1 ,jup8 ,i inquir$4  ,him syfe1  
massa1 & spade4  ,v true2 b :at are !y  
do+ "h8  ,him de syfe & de spade :at    
,massa ,w sis pon my buy+ = him 9 de    
t[n1 & de debbil's own lot ( money ,i _h
 to gib = 'em4  ,b :at1 9 ! "n ( all t  
is my/]i\s1 is y\r ',massa ,w' go+ to d 
) scy!s & spades8  ,dat's m dan ,i "k1 &
 debbil take me if ,i don't blieve 't is

 m dan he "k1 too4 ,b x's all cum ob de 
bug4  ,f9d+ t no satisfaction 0 to be   
obta9$ ( ,jupit]1 ^: :ole intellect     
seem$ to be absorb$ by de bug1 ,i n[    
/epp$ into ! boat & made sail4 ,) a fair
 & /rong breeze we soon ran into !      
little cove to ! nor?w>d ( ,=t ,m\ltrie1
 & a walk ( "s two miles br\ght u to !  
hut4 ,x 0 ab\t ?ree 9 ! aft]noon :5 we  
arriv$4 ,legr& _h be5 await+ u 9 eag]   
expectation4 ,he grasp$ my h& ) a n]v\s 
,,empressem5t1 :i* al>m$ me & /r5g!n$ ! 
suspicions already ent]ta9$4 ,8         
c\nt5ance 0 pale ev5 to gha/l9ess1 & 8  
deep-set eyes gl>$ ) unnatural lu/re4   
,aft] "s inquiries respect+ 8 heal?1 ,i 
ask$ him1 n kn[+ :at bett] to say1 if he
 _h yet obta9$ ! sc>abaeus f ,lieut5ant 
,g--4  ,oh1 yes1 he repli$1 color+      
viol5tly1 ,i got x f him ! next morn+4  
,no?+ %\ld tempt me to "p ) t sc>abaeus4
 ,d y "k t ,jupit] is q "r ab\t x6  ,9  
:at way8 ,i ask$1 ) a sad =ebod+ at     
he>t4  ,9 suppos+ x to be a bug ( ,,real
 ,,gold4 ,he said ?is ) an air ( pr(\nd 

s]i\sness1 & ,i felt inexpressibly      
%ock$4  ,?is bug is to make my =tune1 he
 cont9u$1 ) a triumphant smile1 to      
re9/ate me 9 my family possessions4 ,is 
x any wond]1 !n1 t ,i prize x8 ,s9ce    
,=tune has ?\ght fit to be/[ x ^u me1 ,i
 h only to use x prop]ly & ,i %all      
arrive at ! gold ( :i* x is ! index4    
,jupit]1 br+ me t sc>abaeus6  ,:at6 de  
bug1 massa8 ,i'd rudd] n g f] trubble   
dat bug--y mus git him = y\r own self4  
,h]eupon ,legr& arose1 ) a grave &      
/ately air1 & br\ght me ! beetle f a    
glass case 9 :i* x 0 enclos$4 ,x 0 a    
beautiful sc>abaeus1 &1 at t "t1 unkn[n 
to naturali/s--( c\rse a great prize 9 a
 sci5tific po9t ( view4 ,!re 7 two r\nd1
 black spots ne> "o extremity ( ! back1 
& a long "o ne> ! o!r4 ,! scales 7      
exce$+ly h>d & glossy1 ) all ! appe>ance
 ( burni%$ gold4 ,! weight ( ! insect 0 
v rem>kable1 &1 tak+ all ?+s into       
consid]ation1 ,i c\ld h>dly blame       
,jupit] = 8 op9ion respect+ x2 b :at to 
make ( ,legr&'s agreem5t ) t op9ion1 ,i 

c\ld n1 = ! life ( me1 tell4  ,i s5t =  
y1 said he1 9 a gr&iloqu5t tone1 :5 ,i  
_h complet$ my exam9ation ( ! beetle1 ,i
 s5t = y1 t ,i might h y\r c\nsel &     
assi/ance 9 fur!r+ ! views ( ,fate & ( !
 bug----  ,my de> ,legr&1 ,i cri$1      
int]rupt+ him1 y are c]ta9ly unwell1 &  
_h bett] use "s little precautions4 ,y  
%all g to b$1 & ,i w rema9 ) y a few    
days1 until y get ov] ?is4 ,y are fev]i%
 &----  ,feel my pulse1 said he4  ,i    
felt x1 &1 to say ! tru?1 f\nd n !      
slighte/ indication ( fev]4  ,b y may be
 ill1 & yet h no fev]4 ,all[ me ?is once
 to prescribe = y4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 g to
 b$4 ,9 ! next----  ,y are mi/ak51 he   
int]pos$1 ,i am z well z ,i c expect to 
be "u ! excitem5t :i* ,i suff]4 ,if y   
really wi% me well1 y w relieve ?is     
excitem5t4  ,& h[ is ?is to be done8  ,v
 easily4 ,jupit] & myself are go+ ^u an 
exp$ition into ! hills1 ^u ! ma9l&1 & 9 
?is exp$ition1 we %all ne$ ! aid ( "s   
p]son 9 :om we c confide4 ,y are ! only 
"o we c tru/4 ,:e!r we succe$ or fail1 !

 excitem5t :i* y n[ p]ceive 9 me w be   
equally allay$4  ,i am anxi\s to oblige 
y 9 any way1 ,i repli$2 b d y mean to   
say t ?is inf]nal beetle has any        
connection ) y\r exp$ition into ! hills8
  ,x has4  ,!n1 ,legr&1 ,i c become a   
p>ty to no su* absurd proce$+4  ,i am   
sorry--v sorry--= we %all h to try x by 
ourselves4  ,try x by y\rselves6 ,! man 
is surely mad6--b /ay--h[ long d y      
propose to be abs5t8  ,probably all     
night4 ,we %all />t imm$iately1 & be    
back1 at all ev5ts1 by sunrise4  ,& w y 
promise me1 ^u y\r honor1 t :5 ?is freak
 ( y\rs is ov]1 & ! bug bus9ess 7good   
,god67 settl$ to y\r satisfaction1 y w  
!n return home & foll[ my advice        
implicitly1 z t ( y\r physician8  ,yes2 
,i promise2 & n[ let u be (f1 = we h no 
"t to lose4  ,) a heavy he>t ,i         
accompani$ my fri5d4 ,we />t$ ab\t f\r  
o'clock--,legr&1 ,jupit]1 ! dog1 &      
myself4 ,jupit] _h ) him ! scy! &       
spades--! :ole ( :i* he insi/$ ^u c>ry+1
 m ?r\gh fe>1 x seem$ to me1 ( tru/+    

ei!r ( ! implem5ts )9 rea* ( 8 ma/]1 ?an
 f any excess ( indu/ry or complaisance4
 ,8 demeanor 0 dogg$ 9 ! extreme1 & dat 
d----d bug 7 ! sole words :i* escap$ 8  
lips dur+ ! j\rney4 ,= my own "p1 ,i _h 
*>ge ( a c\ple ( d>k lant]ns1 :ile      
,legr& cont5t$ himself ) ! sc>abaeus1   
:i* he c>ri$ atta*$ to ! end ( a bit (  
:ip- cord2 twirl+ x to & fro1 ) ! air ( 
a conjur]1 z he w5t4 ,:5 ,i obs]v$ ?is  
la/1 pla9 evid5ce ( my fri5d's ab]ration
 ( m9d1 ,i c\ld sc>cely refra9 f te>s4  
,i ?\ght x be/1 h[ev]1 to humor 8 fancy1
 at lea/ = ! pres5t1 or until ,i c\ld   
adopt "s m en]getic measures ) a *ance (
 success4 ,9 ! mean "t ,i endeavor$1 b  
all 9 va91 to s\nd him 9 reg>d to !     
object ( ! exp$ition4 ,hav+ succe$$ 9   
induc+ me to accompany him1 he seem$    
unwill+ to hold conv]sation ^u any topic
 ( m9or importance1 & to all my que/ions
 v\*saf$ no o!r reply ?an we %all see6  
,we cross$ ! creek at ! head ( ! isl& by
 means ( a skiff1 &1 asc5d+ ! high      
gr\nds on ! %ore ( ! ma9l&1 proce$$ 9 a 

nor?we/]ly direction1 ?r\gh a tract (   
c\ntry excessively wild & desolate1 :]e 
no trace ( a human foot/ep 0 to be se54 
,legr& l$ ! way ) decision2 paus+ only =
 an in/ant1 "h & !re1 to consult :at    
appe>$ to be c]ta9 l&m>ks ( 8 own       
contrivance ^u a =m] occasion4  ,9 ?is  
mann] we j\rney$ = ab\t two h\rs1 & !   
sun 0 j sett+ :5 we ent]$ a region      
inf9itely m dre>y ?an any yet se54 ,x 0 
a species ( tablel&1 ne> ! summit ( an  
almo/ inaccessible hill1 d5sely wood$ f 
base to p9nacle1 & int]sp]s$ ) huge     
crags t appe>$ to lie loosely ^u ! soil1
 & 9 _m cases 7 prev5t$ f precipitat+   
!mselves into ! valleys bel[ m]ely by ! 
support ( ! trees aga9/ :i* !y recl9$4  
,deep rav9es1 9 v>i\s directions1 gave  
an air ( /ill /]n] solemnity to ! sc5e4 
,! natural plat=m to :i* we _h clamb]$ 0
 ?ickly ov]gr[n ) brambles1 ?r\gh :i* we
 soon discov]$ t x w\ld h be5 impossible
 to =ce our way b = ! scy!2 & ,jupit]1  
by direction ( 8 ma/]1 proce$$ to cle> =
 u a pa? to ! foot ( an enorm\sly tall  

tulip-tree1 :i* /ood1 ) "s eight or t5  
oaks1 ^u ! level1 & f> surpass$ !m all1 
& all o!r trees :i* ,i _h !n ev] se51 9 
! beauty ( its foliage & =m1 9 ! wide   
spread ( its bran*es1 & 9 ! g5]al maje/y
 ( its appe>ance4 ,:5 we rea*$ ?is tree1
 ,legr& turn$ to ,jupit]1 & ask$ him if 
he ?\ght he c\ld climb x4 ,! old man    
seem$ a little /agg]$ by ! "q1 & = "s   
mom5ts made no reply4 ,at l5g? he       
approa*$ ! huge trunk1 walk$ sl[ly ar\nd
 x1 & exam9$ x ) m9ute att5tion4 ,:5 he 
_h complet$ 8 scrut9y1 he m]ely said3   
,yes1 massa1 ,jup climb any tree he ebb]
 see 9 he life4  ,!n up ) y z soon z    
possible1 = x w soon be too d>k to see  
:at we are ab\t4  ,h[ f> mus g up1      
massa8 inquir$ ,jupit]4  ,get up ! ma9  
trunk fir/1 & !n ,i w tell y :i* way to 
g--& "h--/op6 take ?is beetle ) y4  ,de 
bug1 ,massa ,w6--de goole-bug6 cri$ !   
negro1 draw+ back 9 dismay--:at = mus   
tote de bug way up de tree8--d----n if  
,i d6  ,if y are afraid1 ,jup1 a great  
big negro l y1 to take hold ( a h>mless 

little dead beetle1 :y1 y c c>ry x up by
 ?is /r+--b1 if y d n take x up ) y 9 "s
 way1 ,i %all be "u ! necessity ( break+
 y\r head ) ?is %ovel4  ,:at de matt]   
n[1 massa8 said ,jup1 evid5tly %am$ into
 compliance2 always want fur to raise   
fuss wid old nigg]4 ,0 only funn9 anyh[4
 ,,me fe]$ de bug6 :at ,i ke] = de bug8 
,"h he took cauti\sly hold ( ! extreme  
end ( ! /r+1 &1 ma9ta9+ ! insect z f> f 
8 p]son z circum/ances w\ld p]mit1      
prep>$ to asc5d ! tree4  ,9 y\?1 !      
tulip-tree1 or ,liriod5dron ,tulipif]a1 
! mo/ magnific5t ( ,am]ican =e/]s1 has a
 trunk peculi>ly smoo?1 & (t5 rises to a
 great height )\t lat]al bran*es2 b1 9  
its rip] age1 ! b>k becomes gn>l$ &     
unev51 :ile _m %ort limbs make _!       
appe>ance on ! /em4 ,?us ! difficulty ( 
asc5sion1 9 ! pres5t case1 lay m 9      
semblance ?an 9 reality4 ,embrac+ ! huge
 cyl9d]1 z closely z possible1 ) 8 arms 
& knees1 seiz+ ) 8 h&s "s projections1 &
 re/+ 8 nak$ toes ^u o!rs1 ,jupit]1 aft]
 "o or two n>r[ escapes f fall+1 at l5g?

 wriggl$ himself into ! fir/ great =k1 &
 seem$ to consid] ! :ole bus9ess z      
virtually accompli%$4 ,! ,,risk ( !     
a*ievem5t 01 9 fact1 n[ ov]1 al?\gh !   
climb] 0 "s sixty or sev5ty feet f !    
gr\nd4  ,:i* way mus g n[1 ,massa ,w8 he
 ask$4  ,keep up ! l>ge/ bran*1--! "o on
 ?is side1 said ,legr&4 ,! negro obey$  
him promptly1 & app>5tly ) b little     
tr\ble1 asc5d+ high] & high]1 until no  
glimpse ( 8 squat figure c\ld be obta9$ 
?r\gh ! d5se foliage :i* envelop$ x4    
,pres5tly 8 voice 0 he>d 9 a sort (     
halloo4  ,h[ mu* fudd] is got = g8  ,h[ 
high up are y8 ask$ ,legr&4  ,ebb] s    
fur1 repli$ ! negro2 c see de sky fru de
 top ob de tree4  ,nev] m9d ! sky1 b    
att5d to :at ,i say4 ,look d[n ! trunk &
 c\nt ! limbs bel[ y on ?is side4 ,h[ _m
 limbs h y pass$8  ,"o1 two1 tree1 f\r1 
fibe--,i done pass fibe big limb1 massa1
 pon dis side4  ,!n g "o limb high]4  ,9
 a few m9utes ! voice 0 he>d aga91      
ann\nc+ t ! sev5? limb 0 atta9$4  ,n[1  
,jup1 cri$ ,legr&1 evid5tly mu* excit$1 

,i want y to "w y\r way out ^u t limb z 
f> z y c4 ,if y see any?+ /range1 let me
 "k4  ,by ?is "t :at little d\bt ,i     
might h ent]ta9$ ( my poor fri5d's      
insanity 0 put f9ally at re/4 ,i _h no  
alt]native b to conclude him /rick5 )   
lunacy1 & ,i became s]i\sly anxi\s ab\t 
gett+ him home4 ,:ile ,i 0 pond]+ ^u :at
 0 be/ to be done1 ,jupit]'s voice 0    
aga9 he>d4  ,mos fe]d = to v5tur pon dis
 limb b]ry f>--'tis dead limb putty mu* 
all de way4  ,did y say x 0 a ,,dead    
limb1 ,jupit]8 cri$ ,legr& 9 a quav]+   
voice4  ,yes1 massa1 him dead z de      
door-nail--done up = s>ta9--done dep>t$ 
dis "h life4 ,:at 9 ! "n ( heav5 %all ,i
 d8 ask$ ,legr&1 seem+ly 9 ! greate/    
di/ress4  ,d6 said ,i1 glad ( an        
opportunity to int]pose a ^w1 :y come   
home & g to b$4 ,come n[6--t's a f9e    
fell[4 ,x's gett+ late1 &1 besides1 y   
rememb] y\r promise4  ,jupit]1 cri$ he1 
)\t he$+ me 9 ! lea/1 d y he> me8  ,yes1
 ,massa ,w1 he> y ebb] s pla94  ,try !  
wood well1 !n1 ) y\r knife1 & see if y  

?9k x ,,v rott54  ,him rott51 massa1    
sure nuff1 repli$ ! negro 9 a few       
mom5ts1 b n s b]ry rott5 z m\ght be4    
,m\ght v5tur out leetle way pon de limb 
by myself1 dat's true4  ,by             
y\rself6--:at d y mean8  ,:y1 ,i mean de
 bug4 ',tis ,,b]ry hebby bug4 ,spose ,i 
drop him d[n fuss1 & d5 de limb won't   
break wid j de weight ob "o nigg]4  ,y  
inf]nal sc\ndrel6 cri$ ,legr&1 app>5tly 
mu* reliev$1 :at d y mean by tell+ me   
su* nons5se z t8 ,z sure z y let t      
beetle fall1 ,i'll break y\r neck4 ,look
 "h1 ,jupit]6 d y he> me8  ,yes1 massa1 
ne$n't hollo at poor nigg] dat /yle4    
,well6 n[ li/56--if y w v5ture out on ! 
limb z f> z y ?9k safe1 & n let g !     
beetle1 ,i'll make y a pres5t ( a silv] 
doll> z soon z y get d[n4  ,i'm gw9e1   
,massa ,w--de$ ,i is1 repli$ ! negro v  
promptly--mos out to ! e5d n[4  ,,out   
,,to ,,! ,,end6 "h fairly scream$       
,legr&1 d y say y are out to ! end ( t  
limb8  ,soon be to de e5d1              
massa1--o-o-o-o-oh6 ,"l-gol-a-m>cy6 :at 

,,is dis "h pon de tree8  ,well6 cri$   
,legr&1 highly delight$1 :at is x8  ,:y 
ta9t n(f9 b a skull--somebody b9 lef him
 head up de tree1 & de cr[s done gobble 
eb]y bit ob de meat (f4  ,a skull1 y    
say6--v well6--h[ is x fa/5$ to !       
limb8-- :at holds x on8  ,sure nuff1    
massa2 mus look4 ,:y1 dis b]ry cur\s    
s>cum/anee1 pon my ^w--d>e's a great big
 nail 9 de skull1 :at fa/5s ob x on to  
de tree4  ,well n[1 ,jupit]1 d exactly z
 ,i tell y--d y he>8  ,yes1 massa4  ,pay
 att5tion1 !n6--f9d ! left eye ( !      
skull4  ,hum6 hoo6 dat's good6 :y1 d>   
a9t no eye lef at all4  ,curse y\r      
/upidity6 d y "k y\r "r h& f y\r left8  
,yes1 ,i nose dat--nose all b\t         
dat--'tis my lef h& :at ,i *ops de wood 
wid4  ,to be sure6 y are left-h&$2 & y\r
 left eye is on ! same side z y\r left  
h&4 ,n[1 ,i suppose1 y c f9d ! left eye 
( ! skull1 or ! place :]e ! left eye has
 be54 ,h y f\nd x8  ,"h 0 a long pause4 
,at l5g? ! negro ask$1  ,is de lef eye (
 de skull pon de same side z de lef h& (

 de skull1 too8--cause de skull a9t got 
n a bit ob a h& at all-- nebb] m9d6 ,i  
got de lef eye n[--"h de lef eye6 :at   
mu/ d wid x8  ,let ! beetle drop ?r\gh  
x1 z f> z ! /r+ w rea*-- b be c>eful & n
 let g y\r hold ( ! /r+4  ,all dat done1
 ,massa ,w2 mighty easy t+ = to put de  
bug fru de hole--look = him d> bel[6    
,dur+ ?is colloquy no portion (         
,jupit]'s p]son c\ld be se52 b ! beetle1
 :i* he _h suff]$ to desc5d1 0 n[       
visible at ! end ( ! /r+1 & gli/5$1 l a 
globe ( burni%$ gold1 9 ! la/ rays ( !  
sett+ sun1 "s ( :i* /ill fa9tly illum9$ 
! em95ce ^u :i* we /ood4 ,! sc>abaeus   
hung q cle> ( any bran*es1 &1 if all[$  
to fall1 w\ld h fall5 at our feet4      
,legr& imm$iately took ! scy!1 & cle>$ )
 x a circul> space1 ?ree or f\r y>ds 9  
diamet]1 j b5ea? ! insect1 &1 hav+      
accompli%$ ?is1 ord]$ ,jupit] to let g !
 /r+ & come d[n f ! tree4  ,driv+ a peg1
 ) great nicety1 into ! gr\nd1 at !     
precise spot :]e ! beetle fell1 my fri5d
 n[ produc$ f 8 pocket a tape-measure4  

,fa/5+ "o end ( ?is at t po9t ( ! trunk 
( ! tree :i* 0 ne>e/ ! peg1 he unroll$ x
 till x rea*$ ! peg1 & !nce f>!r unroll$
 x1 9 ! direction already e/abli%$ by ! 
two po9ts ( ! tree & ! peg1 = ! di/ance 
( fifty feet--,jupit] cle>+ away !      
brambles ) ! scy!4 ,at ! spot ?us atta9$
 a second peg 0 driv51 & ab\t ?is1 z a  
c5tre1 a rude circle1 ab\t f\r feet 9   
diamet]1 describ$4 ,tak+ n[ a spade     
himself1 & giv+ "o to ,jupit] & "o to   
me1 ,legr& begg$ u to set ab\t digg+ z  
quickly z possible4  ,to speak ! tru?1  
,i _h no especial reli% = su* amusem5t  
at any "t1 &1 at t p>ticul> mom5t1 w\ld 
mo/ will+ly h decl9$ x2 = ! night 0 com+
 on1 & ,i felt mu* fatigu$ ) ! ex]cise  
already tak52 b ,i saw no mode ( escape1
 & 0 fe>ful ( di/urb+ my poor fri5d's   
equanimity by a refusal4 ,c\ld ,i h     
dep5d$1 inde$1 ^u ,jupit]'s aid1 ,i w\ld
 h _h no hesitation 9 attempt+ to get ! 
lunatic home by =ce2 b ,i 0 too well    
assur$ ( ! old negro's disposition to   
hope t he w\ld assi/ me1 "u any         

circum/ances1 9 a p]sonal conte/ ) 8    
ma/]4 ,i made no d\bt t ! latt] _h be5  
infect$ ) "s ( ! innum]able ,s\!rn      
sup]/itions ab\t money buri$1 & t 8     
fantasy _h receiv$ confirmation by !    
f9d+ ( ! sc>abaeus1 or1 p]haps1 by      
,jupit]'s ob/9acy 9 ma9ta9+ x to be a   
bug ( real gold4 ,a m9d dispos$ to      
lunacy w\ld readily be l$ away by su*   
sugge/ions1 especially if *im+ 9 )      
favorite preconceiv$ ideas2 & !n ,i     
call$ to m9d ! poor fell['s spee* ab\t !
 beetle's be+ ! index ( 8 =tune4 ,^u !  
:ole1 ,i 0 sadly vex$ & puzzl$1 b at    
l5g? ,i conclud$ to make a virtue (     
necessity--to dig ) a good w1 & ?us !   
soon] to conv9ce ! vision>y1 by ocul>   
demon/ration1 ( ! fallacy ( ! op9ions he
 ent]ta9$4  ,! lant]ns hav+ be5 lit1 we 
all fell to "w ) a zeal wor?y a m       
rational cause2 &1 z ! gl>e fell ^u our 
p]sons & implem5ts1 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ 
h[ picturesque a gr\p we compos$1 & h[  
/range & suspici\s our labors mu/ h     
appe>$ to any int]lop] :o1 by *ance1    

might h /umbl$ ^u our :]eab\ts4  ,we dug
 v /eadily = two h\rs4 ,little 0 said2 &
 our *ief emb>rassm5t lay 9 ! yelp+s ( !
 dog1 :o took exce$+ int]e/ 9 our       
proce$+s4 ,he1 at l5g?1 became s        
ob/rep]\s t we grew fe>ful ( 8 giv+ !   
al>m to "s /raggl]s 9 ! vic9ity2 or1 r1 
?is 0 ! appreh5sion ( ,legr&2 = myself1 
,i %\ld h rejoic$ at any int]ruption :i*
 might h enabl$ me to get ! w&]] home4  
,! noise 01 at l5g?1 v effectually      
sil5c$ by ,jupit]1 :o1 gett+ out ( !    
hole ) a dogg$ air ( delib]ation1 ti$ ! 
brute's m\? up ) "o ( 8 susp5d]s1 & !n  
return$1 ) a grave *uckle1 to 8 task4   
,:5 ! "t m5tion$ _h expir$1 we _h rea*$ 
a dep? ( five feet1 & yet no signs ( any
 treasure became manife/4 ,a g5]al pause
 ensu$1 & ,i began to hope t ! f>ce 0 at
 an end4 ,legr&1 h[ev]1 al?\gh evid5tly 
mu* disconc]t$1 wip$ 8 br[ ?\ghtfully & 
recomm5c$4 ,we _h excavat$ ! entire     
circle ( f\r feet diamet]1 & n[ we      
slightly enl>g$ ! limit1 & w5t to ! f>!r
 dep? ( two feet4 ,/ill no?+ appe>$4 ,! 

gold-seek]1 :om ,i s9c]ely piti$1 at    
l5g? clamb]$ f ! pit1 ) ! bitt]e/       
disappo9tm5t impr9t$ ^u e feature1 &    
proce$$1 sl[ly & reluctantly1 to put on 
8 coat1 :i* he _h ?r[n (f at ! beg9n+ ( 
8 labor4 ,9 ! mean "t ,i made no rem>k4 
,jupit]1 at a signal f 8 ma/]1 began to 
ga!r up 8 tools4 ,?is done1 & ! dog hav+
 be5 unmuzzl$1 we turn$ 9 pr(\nd sil5ce 
t[>ds home4  ,we _h tak51 p]haps1 a doz5
 /eps 9 ?is direction1 :51 ) a l\d oa?1 
,legr& /rode up to ,jupit]1 & seiz$ him 
by ! coll>4 ,! a/oni%$ negro op5$ 8 eyes
 & m\? to ! fulle/ ext5t1 let fall !    
spades1 & fell ^u 8 knees4  ,y sc\ndrel1
 said ,legr&1 hiss+ out ! syllables f   
betwe5 8 cl5*$ tee?--y inf]nal black    
villa96--speak1 ,i tell y6--answ] me ?is
 in/ant1 )\t prev>ication6--:i*-- :i* is
 y\r left eye8  ,oh1 my golly1 ,massa   
,w6 a9t dis "h my lef eye = s>ta98 ro>$ 
! t]rifi$ ,jupit]1 plac+ 8 h& ^u 8 "r   
organ ( vision1 & hold+ x !re ) a       
desp]ate p]t9acity1 z if 9 imm$iate     
dread ( 8 ma/]'s attempt at a g\ge4  ,i 

?\ght s6--,i knew x6 hurrah6 vocif]at$  
,legr&1 lett+ ! negro g1 & execut+ a    
s]ies ( curvets & c>acoles1 mu* to !    
a/oni%m5t ( 8 valet1 :o1 aris+ f 8      
knees1 look$ mutely f 8 ma/] to myself1 
& !n f myself to 8 ma/]4 ,come6 we mu/ g
 back1 said ! latt]1 ! game's n up yet2 
& he aga9 l$ ! way to ! tulip- tree4    
,jupit]1 said he1 :5 we rea*$ its foot1 
come "h6 0 ! skull nail$ to ! limb ) !  
face outw>d1 or ) ! face to ! limb8  ,de
 face 0 out1 massa1 s dat de cr[s c\ld  
get at de eyes good1 wid\t any tr\ble4  
,well1 !n1 0 x ?is eye or t ?r\gh :i* y 
dropp$ ! beetle6--"h ,legr& t\*$ ea* (  
,jupit]'s eyes4  ',twas dis eye1        
massa--de lef eye--jis z y tell me1 & "h
 x 0 8 "r eye t ! negro indicat$4  ,t w 
d--we mu/ try x aga94  ,"h my fri5d1    
ab\t ^: madness ,i n[ saw1 or fanci$ t  
,i saw1 c]ta9 indications ( me?od1      
remov$ ! peg :i* m>k$ ! spot :]e !      
beetle fell1 to a spot ab\t ?ree in*es  
to ! we/w>d ( its =m] position4 ,tak+1  
n[1 ! tape-measure f ! ne>e/ po9t ( !   

trunk to ! peg1 z be=e1 & cont9u+ !     
ext5sion 9 a /raight l9e to ! di/ance ( 
fifty feet1 a spot 0 indicat$1 remov$1  
by sev]al y>ds1 f ! po9t at :i* we _h   
be5 digg+4  ,ar\nd ! new position a     
circle1 some:at l>g] ?an 9 ! =m]        
in/ance1 0 n[ describ$1 & we aga9 set to
 "w ) ! spades4 ,i 0 dreadfully we>y1 b1
 sc>cely und]/&+ :at _h occasion$ !     
*ange 9 my ?\ghts1 ,i felt no long] any 
great av]sion f ! labor impos$4 ,i _h   
become mo/ unacc\ntably int]e/$--nay1   
ev5 excit$4 ,p]haps !re 0 some?+1 amid  
all ! extravagant demeanor ( ,legr&--"s 
air ( =e?\ght1 or ( delib]ation--:i*    
impress$ me4 ,i dug eag]ly1 & n[ & !n   
caught myself actually look+1 ) some?+ t
 v mu* resembl$ expectation1 = ! fanci$ 
treasure1 ! vision ( :i* _h dem5t$ my   
un=tunate companion4 ,at a p]iod :5 su* 
vag>ies ( ?\ght mo/ fully possess$ me1 &
 :5 we _h be5 at "w p]haps an h\r & a   
half1 we 7 aga9 int]rupt$ by ! viol5t   
h[l+s ( ! dog4 ,8 uneas9ess1 9 ! fir/   
in/ance1 _h be5 evid5tly b ! result (   

playfulness or caprice1 b he n[ assum$ a
 bitt] & s]i\s tone4 ,^u ,jupit]'s aga9 
attempt+ to muzzle him1 he made furi\s  
resi/ance1 &1 leap+ into ! hole1 tore up
 ! m\ld frantically ) 8 claws4 ,9 a few 
seconds he _h uncov]$ a mass ( human    
bones1 =m+ two complete skeletons1      
int]m+l$ ) sev]al buttons ( metal1 & :at
 appe>$ to be ! du/ ( decay$ wooll54 ,"o
 or two /rokes ( a spade upturn$ ! blade
 ( a l>ge ,spani% knife1 &1 z we dug    
f>!r1 ?ree or f\r loose pieces ( gold & 
silv] co9 came to light4  ,at sight ( ^!
 ! joy ( ,jupit] c\ld sc>cely be        
re/ra9$1 b ! c\nt5ance ( 8 ma/] wore an 
air ( extreme disappo9tm5t4 ,he urg$ u1 
h[ev]1 to cont9ue our ex]tions1 & !     
words 7 h>dly utt]$ :5 ,i /umbl$ & fell 
=w>d1 hav+ caught ! toe ( my boot 9 a   
l>ge r+ ( iron t lay half buri$ 9 !     
loose e>?4  ,we n[ work$ 9 e>ne/1 & nev]
 did ,i pass t5 m9utes ( m int5se       
excitem5t4 ,dur+ ?is int]val we _h      
fairly une>!d an oblong *e/ ( wood1 :i*1
 f its p]fect pres]vation & wond]ful    

h>dness1 _h pla9ly be5 subject$ to "s   
m9]aliz+ process--p]haps t ( ! bi*loride
 ( m]cury4 ,?is box 0 ?ree feet & a half
 long1 ?ree feet broad1 & two & a half  
feet deep4 ,x 0 firmly secur$ by b&s (  
wr\ght iron1 rivet$1 & =m+ a k9d (      
trellis-"w ov] ! :ole4 ,on ea* side ( ! 
*e/1 ne> ! top1 7 ?ree r+s ( iron --six 
9 all--by means ( :i* a firm hold c\ld  
be obta9$ by six p]sons4 ,our utmo/     
unit$ endeavors s]v$ only to di/urb !   
c(f] v slightly 9 its b$4 ,we at once   
saw ! impossibility ( remov+ s great a  
weight4 ,luckily1 ! sole fa/5+s ( ! lid 
consi/$ ( two slid+ bolts4 ,^! we drew  
back--trembl+ & pant+ ) anxiety4 ,9 an  
in/ant1 a treasure ( incalculable value 
lay gleam+ be=e u4 ,z ! rays ( ! lant]ns
 fell )9 ! pit1 !re fla%$ upw>ds1 f a   
confus$ heap ( gold & ( jewels1 a gl[ & 
a gl>e t absolutely dazzl$ our eyes4  ,i
 %all n pret5d to describe ! feel+s )   
:i* ,i gaz$4 ,amazem5t 01 ( c\rse1      
pr$om9ant4 ,legr& appe>$ exhau/$ )      
excitem5t1 & spoke v few words4         

,jupit]'s c\nt5ance wore1 = "s m9utes1 z
 deadly a pallor z x is possible1 9 !   
nature ( ?+s1 = any negro's visage to   
assume4 ,he seem$ /upefi$--?und]/rick54 
,pres5tly he fell ^u 8 knees 9 ! pit1 &1
 bury+ 8 nak$ arms up to ! elb[s 9 gold1
 let !m !re rema91 z if enjoy+ ! luxury 
( a ba?4 ,at l5g?1 ) a deep sigh1 he    
exclaim$1 z if 9 a soliloquy3  ,& dis   
all cum ob de goole-bug6 de putty       
goole-bug6 de poor little goole-bug1 :at
 ,i boos$ 9 dat sabage k9d ob /yle6 ,a9t
 y %am$ ob y\rself1 nigg]8--answ] me    
dat6  ,x became necess>y1 at la/1 t ,i  
%\ld ar\se bo? ma/] & valet to !        
exp$i5cy ( remov+ ! treasure4 ,x 0 gr[+ 
late1 & x behoov$ u to make ex]tion1 t  
we might get ev]y?+ h\s$ be=e daylight4 
,x 0 difficult to say :at %\ld be done1 
& mu* "t 0 sp5t 9 delib]ation--s confus$
 7 ! ideas ( all4 ,we f9ally light5$ !  
box by remov+ two-?irds ( its cont5ts1  
:5 we 7 enabl$1 ) "s tr\ble1 to raise x 
f ! hole4 ,! articles tak5 out 7        
deposit$ among ! brambles1 & ! dog left 

to gu>d !m1 ) /rict ord]s f ,jupit]     
nei!r1 ^u any pret5ce1 to /ir f ! spot1 
nor to op5 8 m\? until our return4 ,we  
!n hurri$ly made = home ) ! *e/2 rea*+ !
 hut 9 safety1 b aft] excessive toil1 at
 "o o'clock 9 ! morn+4 ,worn out z we 71
 x 0 n 9 human nature to d m j n[4 ,we  
re/$ until two1 & _h supp]2 />t+ = !    
hills imm$iately aft]w>ds1 arm$ ) ?ree  
/\t sacks1 :i* by good luck 7 ^u !      
premises4 ,a little be=e f\r we arriv$  
at ! pit1 divid$ ! rema9d] ( ! booty1 z 
equally z might be1 among u1 &1 leav+ ! 
holes unfill$1 aga9 set out = ! hut1 at 
:i*1 = ! second "t1 we deposit$ our     
gold5 burd5s1 j z ! fir/ /reaks ( ! dawn
 gleam$ f ov] ! tree-tops 9 ! ,ea/4  ,we
 7 n[ ?or\ghly brok5 d[n2 b ! int5se    
excitem5t ( ! "t d5i$ u repose4 ,aft] an
 unquiet slumb] ( "s ?ree or f\r h\rs'  
duration1 we arose1 z if by pre-conc]t1 
to make exam9ation ( our treasure4  ,!  
*e/ _h be5 full to ! brim1 & we sp5t !  
:ole day1 & ! great] "p ( ! next night1 
9 a scrut9y ( its cont5ts4 ,!re _h be5  

no?+ l ord] or arrangem5t4 ,ev]y?+ _h   
be5 heap$ 9 promiscu\sly4 ,hav+ assort$ 
all ) c>e1 we f\nd ourselves possess$ ( 
ev5 va/] weal? ?an we _h at fir/        
suppos$4 ,9 co9 !re 0 r m ?an f\r hundr$
 & fifty ?\s& doll>s3 e/imat+ ! value ( 
! pieces1 z accurately z we c\ld1 by !  
tables ( ! p]iod4 ,!re 0 n a p>ticle (  
silv]4 ,all 0 gold ( antique date & (   
great v>iety3 ,fr5*1 ,spani%1 & ,g]man  
money1 ) a few ,engli% gu9eas1 & "s     
c\nt]s1 ( :i* we _h nev] se5 specim5s   
be=e4 ,!re 7 sev]al v l>ge & heavy co9s1
 s worn t we c\ld make no?+ ( _!        
inscriptions4 ,!re 0 no ,am]ican money4 
,! value ( ! jewels we f\nd m difficulty
 9 e/imat+4 ,!re 7 diamonds--"s ( !m    
exce$+ly l>ge & f9e--a hundr$ & t5 9    
all1 & n "o ( !m small2 eighte5 rubies (
 rem>kable brilliancy2 ?ree hundr$ & t5 
em]alds1 all v beautiful2 & tw5ty-"o    
sapphires1 ) an opal4 ,^! /ones _h all  
be5 brok5 f _! sett+s & ?r[n loose 9 !  
*e/4 ,! sett+s !mselves1 :i* we pick$   
out f among ! o!r gold1 appe>$ to h be5 

beat5 up ) hamm]s1 z if to prev5t       
id5tification4 ,besides all ?is1 !re 0 a
 va/ quantity ( solid gold ornam5ts3    
ne>ly two hundr$ massive f+] & e> r+s2  
ri* *a9s--?irty ( ^!1 if ,i rememb]2    
eighty-?ree v l>ge & heavy crucifixes2  
five gold c5s]s ( great value2 a        
prodigi\s gold5 pun*-b[l1 ornam5t$ )    
ri*ly *as$ v9e-leaves & ,bac*analian    
figures2 ) two sword h&les exquisitely  
emboss$1 & _m o!r small] articles :i* ,i
 _c recollect4 ,! weight ( ^! valuables 
exce$$ ?ree hundr$ & fifty p\nds        
avoirdupois2 & 9 ?is e/imate ,i h n     
includ$ "o hundr$ & n9ety-sev5 sup]b    
gold wat*es2 ?ree ( ! numb] be+ wor? ea*
 five hundr$ doll>s1 if "o4 ,_m ( !m 7 v
 old1 & z "t-keep]s valueless1 ! works  
hav+ suff]$ m or less f corrosion2 b all
 7 ri*ly jewell$ & 9 cases ( great wor?4
 ,we e/imat$ ! entire cont5ts ( ! *e/1 t
 night1 at a million & a half ( doll>s2 
&1 ^u ! subsequ5t disposal ( ! tr9kets &
 jewels 7a few be+ reta9$ = our own     
use71 x 0 f\nd t we _h greatly und]valu$

 ! treasure4  ,:51 at l5g?1 we _h       
conclud$ our exam9ation1 & ! int5se     
excitem5t ( ! "t _h 9 "s measure        
subsid$1 ,legr&1 :o saw t ,i 0 dy+ )    
impati5ce = a solution ( ?is mo/        
extraord9>y riddle1 ent]$ into a full   
detail ( all ! circum/ances connect$ )  
x4  ,y rememb]1 said he1 ! night :5 ,i  
h&$ y ! r\gh sket* ,i _h made ( !       
sc>aboeus4 ,y recollect also1 t ,i      
became q vex$ at y = insi/+ t my draw+  
resembl$ a dea?'s-head4 ,:5 y fir/ made 
?is ass]tion ,i ?\ght y 7 je/+2 b       
aft]w>ds ,i call$ to m9d ! peculi> spots
 on ! back ( ! insect1 & admitt$ to     
myself t y\r rem>k _h "s little         
f\ndation 9 fact4 ,/ill1 ! sne] at my   
graphic p[]s irritat$ me--= ,i am       
consid]$ a good arti/--&1 !re=e1 :5 y   
h&$ me ! scrap ( p>*m5t1 ,i 0 ab\t to   
crumple x up & ?r[ x angrily into !     
fire4  ,! scrap ( pap]1 y mean1 said ,i4
  ,no3 x _h mu* ( ! appe>ance ( pap]1 & 
at fir/ ,i suppos$ x to be su*1 b :5 ,i 
came to draw ^u x1 ,i discov]$ x1 at    

once1 to be a piece ( v ?9 p>*m5t4 ,x 0 
q dirty1 y rememb]4 ,well1 z ,i 0 9 ! v 
act ( crumpl+ x up1 my glance fell ^u ! 
sket* at :i* y _h be5 look+1 & y may    
imag9e my a/oni%m5t :5 ,i p]ceiv$1 9    
fact1 ! figure ( a dea?'s-head j :]e1 x 
seem$ to me1 ,i _h made ! draw+ ( !     
beetle4 ,= a mom5t ,i 0 too mu* amaz$ to
 ?9k ) accuracy4 ,i knew t my design 0 v
 diff]5t 9 detail f ?is--al?\gh !re 0 a 
c]ta9 simil>ity 9 g5]al outl9e4         
,pres5tly ,i took a c&le &1 seat+ myself
 at ! o!r end ( ! room1 proce$$ to      
scrut9ize ! p>*m5t m closely4 ,^u turn+ 
x ov]1 ,i saw my own sket* ^u ! rev]se1 
j z ,i _h made x4 ,my fir/ idea1 n[1 0  
m]e surprise at ! really rem>kable      
simil>ity ( outl9e--at ! s+ul> co9cid5ce
 involv$ 9 ! fact t1 unkn[n to me1 !re  
%\ld h be5 a skull ^u ! o!r side ( !    
p>*m5t1 imm$iately b5ea? my figure ( !  
sc>abaeus1 & t ?is skull1 n only 9      
outl9e1 b 9 size1 %\ld s closely        
resemble my draw+4 ,i say ! s+ul>ity (  
?is co9cid5ce absolutely /upefi$ me = a 

"t4 ,?is is ! usual effect ( su*        
co9cid5ces4 ,! m9d /ruggles to e/abli% a
 connection--a sequ5ce ( cause &        
effect--&1 be+ unable to d s1 suff]s a  
species ( tempor>y p>alysis4 ,b1 :5 ,i  
recov]$ f ?is /upor1 !re dawn$ ^u me    
gradually a conviction :i* />tl$ me ev5 
f> m ?an ! co9cid5ce4 ,i began di/9ctly1
 positively1 to rememb] t !re _h be5 no 
draw+ on ! p>*m5t :5 ,i made my sket* ( 
! sc>abaeus4 ,i became p]fectly c]ta9 ( 
?is2 = ,i recollect$ turn+ up fir/ "o   
side & !n ! o!r1 9 se>* ( ! cleane/     
spot4 ,_h ! skull be5 !n !re1 ( c\rse ,i
 c\ld n h fail$ to notice x4 ,"h 0 inde$
 a my/]y :i* ,i felt x impossible to    
expla92 b1 ev5 at t e>ly mom5t1 !re     
seem$ to glimm]1 fa9tly1 )9 ! mo/ remote
 & secret *amb]s ( my intellect1 a      
gl[worm-l conception ( t tru? :i* la/   
night's adv5ture br\ght to s magnific5t 
a demon/ration4 ,i arose at once1 &1    
putt+ ! p>*m5t securely away1 dismiss$  
all f>!r reflection until ,i %\ld be    
alone4  ,:5 y _h gone1 & :5 ,jupit] 0   

fa/ asleep1 ,i betook myself to a m     
me?odical inve/igation ( ! affair4 ,9 ! 
fir/ place ,i consid]$ ! mann] 9 :i* !  
p>*m5t _h come into my possession4 ,!   
spot :]e we discov]$ ! sc>abaeus 0 on ! 
coa/ ( ! ma9l&1 ab\t a mile ea/w>d ( !  
isl&1 & b a %ort di/ance above high-wat]
 m>k4 ,^u my tak+ hold ( x1 x gave me a 
%>p bite1 :i* caus$ me to let x drop4   
,jupit]1 ) 8 accu/om$ caution1 be=e     
seiz+ ! insect1 :i* _h fl[n t[>ds him1  
look$ ab\t him = a leaf1 or some?+ ( t  
nature1 by :i* to take hold ( x4 ,x 0 at
 ?is mom5t t 8 eyes1 & m9e also1 fell ^u
 ! scrap ( p>*m5t1 :i* ,i !n suppos$ to 
be pap]1 ,x 0 ly+ half buri$ 9 ! s&1 a  
corn] /ick+ up4 ,ne> ! spot :]e we f\nd 
x1 ,i obs]v$ ! remnants ( ! hull ( :at  
appe>$ to h be5 a %ip's long boat4 ,!   
wreck seem$ to h be5 !re = a v great    
:ile2 = ! resemblance to boat timb]s    
c\ld sc>cely be trac$4  ,well1 ,jupit]  
pick$ up ! p>*m5t1 wrapp$ ! beetle 9 x1 
& gave x to me4 ,soon aft]w>ds we turn$ 
to g home1 & on ! way met ,lieut5ant    

,g----4 ,i %[$ him ! insect1 & he begg$ 
me to let him take x to ! =t4 ,on my    
cons5t+1 he ?ru/ x =?) into 8 wai/coat  
pocket1 )\t ! p>*m5t 9 :i* x _h be5     
wrapp$1 & :i* ,i _h cont9u$ to hold 9 my
 h& dur+ 8 inspection4 ,p]haps he dread$
 my *ang+ my m9d1 & ?\ght x be/ to make 
sure ( ! prize at once--y "k h[         
en?usia/ic he is on all subjects        
connect$ ) ,natural ,hi/ory4 ,at ! same 
"t1 )\t be+ consci\s ( x1 ,i mu/ h      
deposit$ ! p>*m5t 9 my own pocket4  ,y  
rememb] t :5 ,i w5t to ! table1 = !     
purpose ( mak+ a sket* ( ! beetle1 ,i   
f\nd no pap] :]e x 0 usually kept4 ,i   
look$ 9 ! draw]1 & f\nd none !re4 ,i    
se>*$ my pockets1 hop+ to f9d an old    
lett]1 & !n my h& fell ^u ! p>*m5t4 ,i  
?us detail ! precise mode 9 :i* x came  
into my possession2 = ! circum/ances    
impress$ me ) peculi> =ce4  ,no d\bt y w
 ?9k me fanciful--b ,i _h already       
e/abli%$ a k9d ( ,,connection4 ,i _h put
 toge!r two l9ks ( a great *a94 ,!re 0 a
 boat ly+ on a seacoa/1 & n f> f ! boat 

0 a p>*m5t--,,n ,a ,,pap]--) a skull    
depict$ on x4 ,y w1 ( c\rse1 ask ':]e is
 ! connection8' ,i reply t ! skull1 or  
dea?'s-head1 is ! well-kn[n emblem ( !  
pirate4 ,! flag ( ! dea?'s-head is hoi/$
 9 all engagem5ts4  ,i h said t ! scrap 
0 p>*m5t1 & n pap]4 ,p>*m5t is          
durable--almo/ imp]i%able4 ,matt]s (    
little mom5t are r>ely consign$ to      
p>*m5t2 s9ce1 = ! m]e ord9>y purposes ( 
draw+ or writ+1 x is n ne>ly s well     
adapt$ z pap]4 ,?is reflection sugge/$  
"s mean+--"s relevancy--9 ! dea?'s-head4
 ,i did n fail to obs]ve1 also1 ! ,,=m (
 ! p>*m5t4 ,al?\gh "o ( its corn]s _h   
be51 by "s accid5t1 de/roy$1 x c\ld be  
se5 t ! orig9al =m 0 oblong4 ,x 0 j su* 
a slip1 inde$1 z might h be5 *os5 = a   
memor&um--= a record ( some?+ to be long
 rememb]$ & c>efully pres]v$4  ,b1 ,i   
int]pos$1 y say t ! skull 0 ,,n ^u !    
p>*m5t :5 y made ! draw+ ( ! beetle4 ,h[
 !n d y trace any connection betwe5 !   
boat & ! skull--s9ce ?is latt]1 accord+ 
to y\r own admission1 mu/ h be5 design$ 

7,god only kn[s h[ or by :om7 at "s     
p]iod subsequ5t to y\r sket*+ !         
sc>abaeus8  ,ah1 h]eupon turns ! :ole   
my/]y2 al?\gh ! secret1 at ?is po9t1 ,i 
_h comp>atively little difficulty 9     
solv+4 ,my /eps 7 sure1 & c\ld af=d b a 
s+le result4 ,i reason$1 = example1 ?us3
 ,:5 ,i drew ! sc>abaeus1 !re 0 no skull
 app>5t on ! p>*m5t4 ,:5 ,i _h complet$ 
! draw+ ,i gave x to y1 & obs]v$ y      
n>r[ly until y return$ x4 ,,y1 !re=e1   
did n design ! skull1 & no "o else 0    
pres5t to d x4 ,!n x 0 n done by human  
ag5cy4 ,& nev]!less x 0 done4  ,at ?is  
/age ( my reflections ,i endeavor$ to   
rememb]1 & ,,did rememb]1 ) entire      
di/9ctness1 e incid5t :i* occurr$ ab\t !
 p]iod 9 "q4 ,! wea!r 0 *illy 7,o r>e & 
happy accid5t671 & a fire 0 blaz+ on !  
he>?4 ,i 0 heat$ ) ex]cise & sat ne> !  
table4 ,y1 h[ev] _h drawn a *air close  
to ! *imney4 ,j z ,i plac$ ! p>*m5t 9   
y\r h&1 & z y 7 9 ! act ( inspect+ x1   
,wolf1 ! ,newf\ndl&1 ent]$1 & leap$ ^u  
y\r %\ld]s4 ,) y\r left h& y c>ess$ him 

& kept him (f1 :ile y\r "r1 hold+ !     
p>*m5t1 0 p]mitt$ to fall li/lessly     
betwe5 y\r knees1 & 9 close proximity to
 ! fire4 ,at "o mom5t ,i ?\ght ! blaze  
_h caught x1 & 0 ab\t to caution y1 b1  
be=e ,i c\ld speak1 y _h )drawn x1 & 7  
engag$ 9 its exam9ation4 ,:5 ,i consid]$
 all ^! p>ticul>s1 ,i d\bt$ n = a mom5t 
t ,,heat _h be5 ! ag5t 9 br++ to light1 
on ! p>*m5t1 ! skull :i* ,i saw design$ 
on x4 ,y are well aw>e t *emical        
prep>ations exi/1 & h exi/$ "t out (    
m9d1 by means ( :i* x is possible to    
write on ei!r pap] or vellum1 s t !     
*>act]s %all become visible only :5     
subject$ to ! action ( fire4 ,zaffre1   
dige/$ 9 aqua regia1 & dilut$ ) f\r     
times its weight ( wat]1 is sometimes   
employ$2 a gre5 t9t results4 ,! regulus 
( cobalt1 dissolv$ 9 _s ( nitre1 gives a
 r$4 ,^! colors disappe> at long] or    
%ort] int]vals aft] ! mat]ial writt5 ^u 
cools1 b aga9 become app>5t ^u !        
reapplication ( heat4  ,i n[ scrut9iz$ !
 dea?'s-head ) c>e4 ,its out] edges-- ! 

edges ( ! draw+ ne>e/ ! edge ( !        
vellum--7 f> m ,,di/9ct ?an ! o!rs4 ,x 0
 cle> t ! action ( ! caloric _h be5     
imp]fect or unequal4 ,i imm$iately k9dl$
 a fire1 & subject$ e portion ( ! p>*m5t
 to a gl[+ heat4 ,at fir/1 ! only effect
 0 ! /r5g!n+ ( ! fa9t l9es 9 ! skull2 b1
 on p]sev]+ 9 ! exp]im5t1 !re became    
visible at ! corn] ( ! slip1 diagonally 
opposite to ! spot 9 :i* ! dea?'s-head 0
 del9eat$1 ! figure ( :at ,i at fir/    
suppos$ to be a goat4 ,a clos] scrut9y1 
h[ev]1 satisfi$ me t x 0 int5d$ = a kid4
  ,ha6 ha6 said ,i1 to be sure ,i h no  
"r to laugh at y--a million & a half (  
money is too s]i\s a matt] = mir?--b y  
are n ab\t to e/abli% a ?ird l9k 9 y\r  
*a93 y w n f9d any especial connection  
betwe5 y\r pirates & a goat2 pirates1 y 
"k1 h no?+ to d ) goats2 !y app]ta9 to !
 f>m+ int]e/4  ,b ,i h j said t ! figure
 0 ,,n t ( a goat4  ,well1 a kid1       
!n--pretty mu* ! same ?+4  ,pretty mu*1 
b n altoge!r1 said ,legr&4 ,y may h he>d
 ( "o ,,capta9 ,kidd4 ,i at once look$  

on ! figure ( ! animal z a k9d ( punn+  
or hi]oglyphical signature4 ,i say      
signature2 because its position on !    
vellum sugge/$ ?is idea4 ,! dea?'s-head 
at ! corn] diagonally opposite _h1 9 !  
same mann]1 ! air ( a /amp1 or seal4 ,b 
,i 0 sorely put out by ! abs5ce ( all   
else--( ! body to my imag9$ in/rum5t --(
 ! text = my context4  ,i presume y     
expect$ to f9d a lett] betwe5 ! /amp & !
 signature4  ,some?+ ( t k9d4 ,! fact   
is1 ,i felt irresi/ibly impress$ ) a    
pres5tim5t ( "s va/ good =tune imp5d+4  
,i c sc>cely say :y4 ,p]haps1 aft] all1 
x 0 r a desire ?an an actual belief2--b 
d y "k t ,jupit]'s silly words1 ab\t !  
bug be+ ( solid gold1 _h a rem>kable    
effect on my fancy8 ,& !n ! s]ies (     
accid5ts & co9cid5ces-- ^! 7 s ,,v      
extraord9>y4 ,d y obs]ve h[ m]e an      
accid5t x 0 t ^! ev5ts %\ld h occurr$ on
 ! ,,sole day ( all ! ye> 9 :i* x has   
be51 or may be1 suffici5tly cool = fire1
 & t )\t ! fire1 or )\t ! int]v5tion ( !
 dog at ! precise mom5t 9 :i* he appe>$1

 ,i %\ld nev] h become aw>e ( !         
dea?'s-head1 & s nev] ! possessor ( !   
treasure6  ,b proce$--,i am all         
impati5ce4  ,well2 y h he>d1 ( c\rse1 ! 
_m /ories curr5t--! ?\s& vague rumors   
afloat ab\t money buri$1 some:]e on !   
,atlantic coa/1 by ,kidd & 8 associates4
 ,^! rumors mu/ h _h "s f\ndation 9     
fact4 ,& t ! rumors h exi/$ s long & s  
cont9u\sly1 c\ld h result$1 x appe>$ to 
me1 only f ! circum/ance ( ! buri$      
treasure /ill ,,rema9+ entomb$4 ,_h     
,kidd conceal$ 8 plund] = a "t1 &       
aft]w>ds reclaim$ x1 ! rumors w\ld      
sc>cely h rea*$ u 9 _! pres5t unv>y+ =m4
 ,y w obs]ve t ! /ories told are all    
ab\t money-seek]s1 n ab\t money-f9d]s4  
,_h ! pirate recov]$ 8 money1 !re !     
affair w\ld h dropp$4 ,x seem$ to me t  
"s accid5t--say ! loss ( a memor&um     
indicat+ its locality--_h depriv$ him ( 
! means ( recov]+ x1 & t ?is accid5t _h 
become kn[n to 8 foll[]s1 :o o!rwise    
might nev] h he>d t treasure _h be5     
conceal$ at all1 &1 :o1 busy+ !mselves 9

 va91 because unguid$1 attempts to rega9
 x1 _h giv5 fir/ bir?1 & !n univ]sal    
curr5cy1 to ! reports :i* are n[ s      
common4 ,h y ev] he>d ( any important   
treasure be+ une>!d along ! coa/8       
,nev]4  ,b t ,kidd's accumulations 7    
imm5se is well kn[n4 ,i took x = grant$1
 !re=e1 t ! e>? /ill held !m2 & y w     
sc>cely be surpris$ :5 ,i tell y t ,i   
felt a hope1 ne>ly am\nt+ to c]ta9ty1 t 
! p>*m5t s /rangely f\nd involv$ a lo/  
record ( ! place ( deposit4  ,b h[ did y
 proce$8  ,i held ! vellum aga9 to !    
fire1 aft] increas+ ! heat1 b no?+      
appe>$4 ,i n[ ?\ght x possible t ! coat+
 ( dirt might h some?+ to d ) ! failure2
 s ,i c>efully r9s$ ! p>*m5t by p\r+ w>m
 wat] ov] x1 &1 hav+ done ?is1 ,i plac$ 
x 9 a t9 pan1 ) ! skull d[nw>ds1 & put !
 pan ^u a furnace ( light$ *>coal4 ,9 a 
few m9utes1 ! pan hav+ become ?or\ghly  
heat$1 ,i remov$ ! slip1 &1 to my       
inexpressible joy1 f\nd x spott$1 9     
sev]al places1 ) :at appe>$ to be       
figures arrang$ 9 l9es4 ,aga9 ,i plac$ x

 9 ! pan1 & suff]$ x to rema9 ano!r     
m9ute4 ,^u tak+ x (f1 ! :ole 0 j z y see
 x n[4  ,"h ,legr&1 hav+ reheat$ !      
p>*m5t1 submitt$ x to my inspection4 ,! 
foll[+ *>act]s 7 rudely trac$1 9 a r$   
t9t1 betwe5 ! dea?'s-head & !           
goat3--9999999999999999#ec 99#cje77 #f99
 #dhbf7 #d47 #d;,j72#hjf992dh;f#hl,ieo77
 #he22  #h9923 99#h;f#hc7hh7e99;f2#df71-
                                        
#hh99i;e9982',s799t72#dhe72e99;f#b399t72
#dief                                   
99#b7e99-d7h;,h#h992doe#ibhe727;ef#h7d;,
,jj2l 7,j#i2dhjha2h3h;,jl2#dh f#he2d7   
#dhet#ebhhoe99#hl7#i2dh27hh2d7;,j       
#acd1dh7d32afa23ahh9999999999  ,b1 said 
,i1 return+ him ! slip1 ,i am z mu* 9 ! 
d>k z ev]4 ,7 all ! jewels ( ,golconda  
await+ me on my solution ( ?is enigma1  
,i am q sure t ,i %\ld be unable to e>n 
!m4  ,& yet1 said ,legr&1 ! solution is 
by no means s difficult z y might be l$ 
to imag9e f ! fir/ ha/y inspection ( !  
*>act]s4 ,^! *>act]s1 z any "o might    
readily guess1 =m a ciph]--t is to say1 

!y1 convey a mean+2 b !n1 f :at is kn[n 
( ,kidd1 ,i c\ld n suppose him capable (
 con/ruct+ any ( ! m ab/ruse            
cryptographs4 ,i made up my m9d1 at     
once1 t ?is 0 ( a simple species--su*1  
h[ev]1 z w\ld appe>1 to ! crude         
intellect ( ! sailor1 absolutely        
insoluble )\t ! key4  ,& y really solv$ 
x8  ,readily2 ,i h solv$ o!rs ( an      
ab/rus5ess t5 ?\s& times great]4        
,circum/ances1 & a c]ta9 bias ( m9d1 h  
l$ me to take int]e/ 9 su* riddles1 & x 
may well be d\bt$ :e!r human +5uity c   
con/ruct an enigma ( ! k9d :i* human    
+5uity may n1 by prop] application1     
resolve4 ,9 fact1 hav+ once e/abli%$    
connect$ & legible *>act]s1 ,i sc>cely  
gave a ?\ght to ! m]e difficulty (      
develop+ _! import4  ,9 ! pres5t        
case--inde$ 9 all cases ( secret        
writ+--! fir/ "q reg>ds ! ,,language ( !
 ciph]2 = ! pr9ciples ( solution1 s f>1 
especially1 z ! m simple ciph]s are     
conc]n$1 dep5d on1 & are v>i$ by1 !     
g5ius ( ! p>ticul> idiom4  ,9 g5]al1 !re

 is no alt]native b exp]im5t 7direct$ by
 probabilities7 ( e tongue kn[n to him  
:o attempts ! solution1 until ! true "o 
be atta9$4 ,b1 ) ! ciph] n[ be=e u1 all 
difficulty is remov$ by ! signature4 ,! 
pun ^u ! ^w ',kidd' is appreciable 9 no 
o!r language ?an ! ,engli%4 ,b = ?is    
consid]ation ,i %\ld h begun my attempts
 ) ! ,spani% & ,fr5*1 z ! tongues 9 :i* 
a secret ( ?is k9d w\ld mo/ naturally h 
be5 writt5 by a pirate ( ! ,spani% ma94 
,z x 01 ,i assum$ ! cryptograph to be   
,engli%4  ,y obs]ve !re are no divisions
 betwe5 ! words4 ,_h !re be5 divisions1 
! task w\ld h be5 comp>atively easy4 ,9 
su* case ,i %\ld h comm5c$ ) a collation
 & analysis ( ! %ort] words1 &1 _h a ^w 
( a s+le lett] occurr$1 z is mo/ likely 
7'a' or ',i'1 = example71 ,i %\ld h     
consid]$ ! solution z assur$4 ,b1 !re   
be+ no division1 my fir/ /ep 0 to       
asc]ta9 ! pr$om9ant lett]s1 z well z !  
lea/ frequ5t4 ,c\nt+ all1 ,i con/ruct$ a
 table1 ?us3  ,( ! "* #h !re are #cc 2  
#bf  #d   #ai  t7  #af  99   #ac  #e    

#ab  #f   #aa  tl   #h  #j    #f  #ib   
#e  3#c   #d  1    #c  ,,if   #b  --  #a
  ,n[1 9 ,engli%1 ! lett] :i* mo/       
frequ5tly occurs is 'e'4 ,aft]w>ds !    
succession runs ?us3 a o i d h n r s t n
 y c f g l m w b k p q x z4 ',e'        
pr$om9ates1 h[ev]1 s rem>kably t an     
individual s5t5ce ( any l5g? is r>ely   
se51 9 :i* x is n ! prevail+ "*4  ,"h1  
!n1 we h1 9 ! v beg9n+1 ! gr\ndwork =   
some?+ m ?an a m]e guess4 ,! g5]al use  
:i* may be made ( ! table is obvi\s--b1 
9 ?is p>ticul> ciph]1 we %all only v    
p>tially require its aid4 ,z our        
pr$om9ant "* is #h1 we w comm5ce by     
assum+ x z ! 'e' ( ! natural alphabet4  
,to v]ify ! supposition1 let u obs]ve if
 ! #h be se5 (t5 9 c\ples--= 'e' is     
d\bl$ ) great frequ5cy 9 ,engli%--9 su* 
words1 = example1 z 'meet1' 'fleet1'    
'spe$1' 'se51' 'be51' 'agree' & 'see'4  
,9 ! pres5t in/ance we see x d\bl$ no   
less ?an five times1 al?\gh !           
cryptograph is brief4  ,let u assume #h1
 !n1 z 'e'4 ,n[1 ( all ,,words 9 !      

language1 '!' is mo/ usual2 let u see1  
!re=e1 :e!r !re are n repetitions ( any 
?ree *>act]s1 9 ! same ord] (           
collocation1 ! la/ ( !m be+ #h4 ,if we  
discov] repetitions ( su* lett]s1 s     
arrang$1 !y w mo/ probably repres5t ! ^w
 '!4' ,on inspection1 we f9d no less ?an
 sev5 su* arrangem5ts1 ! *>act]s be+3   
2#dh4 ,we may1 !re=e1 assume t !        
semicolon repres5ts 't'1 t #d repres5ts 
'h'1 & t #h repres5ts 'e'--! la/ be+ n[ 
well confirm$4 ,?us a great /ep has be5 
tak54  ,b1 hav+ e/abli%$ a s+le ^w1 we  
are enabl$ to e/abli% a va/ly important 
po9t2 t is to say1 sev]al comm5cem5ts & 
t]m9ations ( o!r words4 ,let u ref]1 =  
example1 to ! la/ in/ance b "o1 9 :i* ! 
comb9ation 2#dh occurs--n f> f ! end ( !
 ciph]4 ,we "k t ! semicolon imm$iately 
ensu+ is ! comm5cem5t ( a ^w1 &1 ( ! six
 *>act]s succe$+ ?is '!1' we are        
cognizant ( no less ?an five4 ,let u set
 ^! *>act]s d[n1 ?us1 by ! lett]s we "k 
!m to repres5t1 leav+ a space = !       
unkn[n--       t ee?4  ,"h we are       

enabl$1 at once1 to disc>d ! '?1' z =m+ 
no portion ( ! ^w comm5c+ ) ! fir/ 't'2 
s9ce1 by exp]im5t ( ! entire alphabet = 
a lett] adapt$ to ! vacancy1 we p]ceive 
t no ^w c be =m$ ( :i* ?is '?' c be a   
"p4 ,we are ?us n>r[$ into       t ee1  
&1 go+ ?r\gh ! alphabet1 if necess>y1 z 
be=e1 we arrive at ! ^w 'tree' z ! sole 
possible read+4 ,we ?us ga9 ano!r lett]1
 'r'1 repres5t$ by 71 ) ! words '! tree'
 9 juxtaposition4  ,look+ beyond ^!     
words1 = a %ort di/ance1 we aga9 see !  
comb9ation 2#d,s1 & employ x by way (   
,,t]m9ation to :at imm$iately prec$es4  
,we h ?us ?is arrangem5t3       ! tree  
2#d799t8#cd9999 !1  or1 sub/itut+ !     
natural lett]s1 :]e kn[n1 x reads ?us3  
! tree ?r99998#c;h !4  ,n[1 if1 9 place 
( ! unkn[n *>act]s1 we leave blank      
spaces1 or sub/itute dots1 we read ?us3 
! tree ?r 4 4 4 h !4  :5 ! ^w ',,?r\gh' 
makes itself evid5t at once4 ,b ?is     
discov]y gives u ?ree new lett]s1 o1 u1 
& g1 repres5t$ by        8 & #c4  ,look+
 n[1 n>r[ly1 ?r\gh ! ciph] = comb9ations

 ( kn[n *>act]s1 we f9d1 n v f> f !     
beg9n+1 ?is arrangem5t1       #hc7hh1 or
 egree1  :i*1 pla9ly1 is ! conclusion ( 
! ^w 'degree1' & gives u ano!r lett]1 d1
 repres5t$ by t4  ,f\r lett]s beyond !  
^w 'degree1' we p]ceive ! comb9ation    
2#df72hh99  ,translat+ ! kn[n *>act]s1 &
 repres5t+ ! unkn[n by dots1 z be=e1 we 
read ?us3       ? 4 rtee 4 1  an        
arrangem5t imm$iately sugge/ive ( ! ^w  
'?irte51' & aga9 furni%+ u ) two new    
*>act]s1 i & n1 repres5t$ by #f & 994   
,ref]r+1 n[1 to ! beg9n+ ( !            
cryptograph1 we f9d ! comb9ation1       
#ec9999994  ,translat+1 z be=e1 we obta9
       good1  :i* assures u t ! fir/    
lett] is ,a1 & t ! fir/ two words are   
',a good4'  ,to avoid confusion1 x is n[
 "t t we arrange our key1 z f> z        
discov]$1 9 a tabul> =m4 ,x w /& ?us3   
7,m code-,prf7  #e repres5ts a  t  d  #h
  e  #c  g  #d  h  #f  i  99  n  ,i  o  
7  r  2  t  ,we h1 !re=e1 no less ?an t5
 ( ! mo/ important lett]s repres5t$1 & x
 w be unnecess>y to proce$ ) ! details (

 ! solution4 ,i h said en\gh to conv9ce 
y t ciph]s ( ?is nature are readily     
soluble1 & to give y "s insight into !  
rationale ( _! developm5t4 ,b be assur$ 
t ! specim5 be=e u app]ta9s to ! v      
simple/ species ( cryptograph4 ,x n[    
only rema9s to give y ! full translation
 ( ! *>act]s ^u ! p>*m5t1 z unriddl$4   
,"h x is3  ',a good glass 9 ! ,bi%op's  
ho/el 9 ! devil's seat tw5ty- "o degrees
 & ?irte5 m9utes nor?-ea/ & by nor? ma9 
bran* sev5? limb ea/ side %oot f ! left 
eye ( ! dea?'s-head a bee-l9e f ! tree  
?r\gh ! %ot fifty feet out4'  ,b1 said  
,i1 ! enigma seems /ill 9 z bad a       
condition z ev]4 ,h[ is x possible to   
extort a mean+ f all ?is j>gon ab\t     
'devil's seats1' 'dea?'s-heads' &       
',bi%op's hotels'8  ,i confess1 repli$  
,legr&1 t ! matt] /ill we>s a s]i\s     
aspect1 :5 reg>d$ ) a casual glance4 ,my
 fir/ endeavor 0 to divide ! s5t5ce into
 ! natural division int5d$ by !         
cryptographi/4  ,y mean1 to punctuate x8
  ,some?+ ( t k9d4  ,b h[ 0 x possible  

to effect ?is8  ,i reflect$ t x _h be5 a
 ,,po9t ) ! writ] to run 8 words toge!r 
)\t division1 s z to increase !         
difficulty ( solution4 ,n[1 a n         
ov]-acute man1 9 pursu+ su* an object1  
w\ld be ne>ly c]ta9 to ov]do ! matt]4   
,:51 9 ! c\rse ( 8 composition1 he      
arriv$ at a break 9 8 subject :i* w\ld  
naturally require a pause1 or a po9t1 he
 w\ld be exce$+ly apt to run 8 *>act]s1 
at ?is place1 m ?an usually close       
toge!r4 ,if y w obs]ve ! ,,ms41 9 !     
pres5t in/ance1 y w easily detect five  
su* cases ( unusual cr[d+4 ,act+ on ?is 
h9t1 ,i made ! division ?us3  ',a good  
glass 9 ! ,bi%op's ho/el 9 ! ,devil's   
seat--tw5ty- "o degrees & ?irte5        
m9utes--nor?-ea/ & by nor?--ma9 bran*   
sev5? limb ea/ side--%oot f ! left eye (
 ! dea?'s-head--a bee-l9e f ! tree ?r\gh
 ! %ot fifty feet out4'  ,ev5 ?is       
division1 said ,i1 leaves me /ill 9 !   
d>k4  ,x left me also 9 ! d>k1 repli$   
,legr&1 = a few days2 dur+ :i* ,i made  
dilig5t inquiry1 9 ! neighborhood (     

,sullivan's ,isl&1 = any build+ :i* w5t 
by ! "n ( ! ',bi%op's ,hotel'2 =1 (     
c\rse1 ,i dropp$ ! obsolete ^w 'ho/el4' 
,ga9+ no in=mation on ! subject1 ,i 0 on
 ! po9t ( ext5d+ my sph]e ( se>*1 &     
proce$+ 9 a m sy/ematic mann]1 :5 "o    
morn+ x ent]$ into my head1 q sudd5ly1 t
 ?is ',bi%op's ,ho/el' might h "s       
ref]5ce to an old family1 ( ! "n (      
,bessop1 :i*1 "t out ( m9d1 _h held     
possession ( an anci5t manor-h\se1 ab\t 
f\r miles to ! nor?w>d ( ! isl&4 ,i     
accord+ly w5t ov] to ! plantation1 &    
re9/itut$ my inquiries among ! old]     
negroes ( ! place4 ,at l5g? "o ( ! mo/  
ag$ ( ! wom5 said t %e _h he>d ( su* a  
place z ,bessop's ,ca/le1 & ?\ght t %e  
c\ld guide me to x1 b t x 0 n a ca/le1  
nor a tav]n1 b a high rock4  ,i (f]$ to 
pay h] well = h] tr\ble1 &1 aft] "s     
demur1 %e cons5t$ to accompany me to !  
spot4 ,we f\nd x )\t mu* difficulty1 :51
 dismiss+ h]1 ,i proce$$ to exam9e !    
place4 ,! 'ca/le' consi/$ ( an irregul> 
assemblage ( cliffs & rocks--"o ( !     

latt] be+ q rem>kable = its height z    
well z = its insulat$ & artificial      
appe>ance4 ,i clamb]$ to its apex1 & !n 
felt mu* at a loss z to :at %\ld be next
 done4  ,:ile ,i 0 busi$ 9 reflection1  
my eyes fell on a n>r[ l$ge 9 ! ea/]n   
face ( ! rock1 p]haps a y>d bel[ !      
summit ^u :i* ,i /ood4 ,?is l$ge        
project$ ab\t eighte5 in*es1 & 0 n m ?an
 a foot wide1 :ile a ni*e 9 ! cliff j   
above x gave x a rude resemblance to "o 
( ! holl[-back$ *airs us$ by our        
ance/ors4 ,i made no d\bt t "h 0 !      
'devil's seat' allud$ to 9 ! ,,ms41 & n[
 ,i seem$ to grasp ! full secret ( !    
riddle4  ,! 'good glass1' ,i knew1 c\ld 
h ref]5ce to no?+ b a telescope2 = ! ^w 
'glass' is r>ely employ$ 9 any o!r s5se 
by seam54 ,n[ "h1 ,i at once saw1 0 a   
telescope to be us$1 & a def9ite po9t ( 
view1 ,,admitt+ ,,no ,,v>iation1 f :i*  
to use x4 ,nor did ,i hesitate to       
believe t ! phrases1 'tw5ty-"o degrees &
 ?irte5 m9utes1' & 'nor?-ea/ & by nor?1'
 7 int5d$ z directions = ! levell+ ( !  

glass4 ,greatly excit$ by ^! discov]ies1
 ,i hurri$ home1 procur$ a telescope1 & 
return$ to ! rock4  ,i let myself d[n ! 
l$ge1 & f\nd t x 0 impossible to reta9 a
 seat on x unless 9 "o p>ticul>         
position4 ,?is fact confirm$ my         
preconceiv$ idea4 ,i proce$$ to use !   
glass4 ,( c\rse1 ! 'tw5ty-"o degrees &  
?irte5 m9utes' c\ld allude to no?+ b    
elevation above ! visible horizon1 s9ce 
! horizontal direction 0 cle>ly indicat$
 by ! words1 'nor?- ea/ & by nor?4' ,?is
 latt] direction ,i at once e/abli%$ by 
means ( a pocket-compass2 !n1 po9t+ !   
glass z ne>ly at an angle ( tw5ty-"o    
degrees ( elevation z ,i c\ld d x by    
guess1 ,i mov$ x cauti\sly up or d[n1   
until my att5tion 0 arre/$ by a circul> 
rift or op5+ 9 ! foliage ( a l>ge tree t
 ov]topp$ its fell[s 9 ! di/ance4 ,9 !  
c5tre ( ?is rift ,i p]ceiv$ a :ite spot1
 b c\ld n1 at fir/1 di/+ui% :at x 04    
,adju/+ ! focus ( ! telescope1 ,i aga9  
look$1 & n[ made x out to be a human    
skull4  ,on ?is discov]y ,i 0 s sangu9e 

z to consid] ! enigma solv$2 = ! phrase 
'ma9 bran*1 sev5? limb1 ea/ side1' c\ld 
ref] only to ! position ( ! skull on !  
tree1 :ile '%oot f ! left eye ( !       
dea?'s-head' admitt$1 also1 ( b "o      
int]pretation1 9 reg>d to a se>* = buri$
 treasure4 ,i p]ceiv$ t ! design 0 to   
drop a bullet f ! left eye ( ! skull1 & 
t a bee-l9e1 or1 9 o!r words1 a /raight 
l9e1 drawn f ! ne>e/ po9t ( ! trunk     
?r\gh '! %ot' 7or ! spot :]e ! bullet   
fell71 & !nce ext5d$ to a di/ance (     
fifty feet1 w\ld indicate a def9ite     
po9t--& b5ea? ?is po9t ,i ?\ght x at    
lea/ ,,possible t a deposit ( value lay 
conceal$4  ,all ?is1 ,i said1 is        
exce$+ly cle>1 &1 al?\gh +5i\s1 /ill    
simple & explicit4 ,:5 y left ! ,bi%op's
 ,hotel1 :at !n8  ,:y1 hav+ c>efully    
tak5 ! be>+s ( ! tree1 ,i turn$         
homew>ds4 ,! in/ant t ,i left '! devil's
 seat1' h[ev]1 ! circul> rift vani%$2   
nor c\ld ,i get a glimpse ( x aft]w>ds1 
turn z ,i w\ld4 ,:at seems to me ! *ief 
+5uity 9 ?is :ole bus9ess1 is ! fact 7= 

repeat$ exp]im5t has conv9c$ me x ,,is a
 fact7 t ! circul> op5+ 9 "q is visible 
f no o!r atta9able po9t ( view ?an t    
af=d$ by ! n>r[ l$ge on ! face ( ! rock4
  ,9 ?is exp$ition to ! ',bi%op's       
,hotel' ,i _h be5 att5d$ by ,jupit]1 :o 
_h no d\bt obs]v$1 = "s weeks pa/1 !    
ab/raction ( my demeanor1 & took        
especial c>e n to leave me alone4 ,b on 
! next day1 gett+ up v e>ly1 ,i contriv$
 to give him ! slip1 & w5t into ! hills 
9 se>* ( ! tree4 ,aft] mu* toil ,i f\nd 
x4 ,:5 ,i came home at night my valet   
propos$ to give me a flogg+4 ,) ! re/ ( 
! adv5ture ,i believe y are z well      
acqua9t$ z myself4  ,i suppose1 said ,i1
 y miss$ ! spot1 9 ! fir/ attempt at    
digg+1 ?r\gh ,jupit]'s /upidity 9 lett+ 
! bug fall ?r\gh ! "r in/ead ( ?r\gh !  
left eye ( ! skull4  ,precisely4 ,?is   
mi/ake made a diff]5ce ( ab\t two in*es 
& a half 9 ! '%ot'--t is to say1 9 !    
position ( ! peg ne>e/ ! tree2 & _h !   
treasure be5 ,,b5ea? ! '%ot1' ! error   
w\ld h be5 ( little mom5t2 b '! %ot1'   

toge!r ) ! ne>e/ po9t ( ! tree1 7 m]ely 
two po9ts = ! e/abli%m5t ( a l9e (      
direction2 ( c\rse ! error1 h[ev]       
trivial 9 ! beg9n+1 increas$ z we       
proce$$ ) ! l9e1 &1 by ! "t we _h gone  
fifty feet1 ?rew u q (f ! sc5t4 ,b = my 
deep-seat$ convictions t treasure 0 "h  
some:]e actually buri$1 we might h _h   
all our labor va94  ,i presume ! fancy (
 ,,! ,,skull--( lett+ fall a bullet     
?r\gh ! skull's eye--0 sugge/$ to ,kidd 
by ! piratical flag4 ,no d\bt he felt a 
k9d ( poetical consi/5cy 9 recov]+ 8    
money ?r\gh ?is om9\s insignium4        
,p]haps s2 /ill1 ,i _c help ?9k+ t      
common-s5se _h q z mu* to d ) ! matt] z 
poetical consi/5cy4 ,to be visible f !  
,devil's seat1 x 0 necess>y t ! object1 
if small1 %\ld be ,,:ite2 & !re is no?+ 
l y\r human skull = reta9+ & ev5        
increas+ its :it5ess "u exposure to all 
vicissitudes ( wea!r4  ,b y\r           
gr&iloqu5ce1 & y\r conduct 9 sw++ !     
beetle --h[ excessively odd6 ,i 0 sure y
 7 mad4 ,& :y did y insi/ on lett+ fall 

! bug1 in/ead ( a bullet1 f ! skull8    
,:y1 to be frank1 ,i felt some:at annoy$
 by y\r evid5t suspicions t\*+ my       
sanity1 & s resolv$ to puni% y quietly1 
9 my own way1 by a little bit ( sob]    
my/ification4 ,= ?is reason ,i swung !  
beetle1 & = ?is reason ,i let x fall f !
 tree4 ,an obs]vation ( y\rs ab\t its   
great weight sugge/$ ! latt] idea4      
,yes1 ,i p]ceive2 & n[ !re is only "o   
po9t :i* puzzles me4 ,:at are we to make
 ( ! skeletons f\nd 9 ! hole8  ,t is a  
"q ,i am no m able to answ] ?an y\rself4
 ,!re seems1 h[ev]1 only "o plausible   
way ( acc\nt+ = !m--& yet x is dreadful 
to believe 9 su* atrocity z my sugge/ion
 w\ld imply4 ,x is cle> t ,kidd--if     
,kidd inde$ secret$ ?is treasure1 :i* ,i
 d\bt n--x is cle> t he mu/ h _h        
assi/ance 9 ! labor4 ,b1 ! wor/ ( ?is   
labor conclud$1 he may h ?\ght x exp$i5t
 to remove all p>ticipants 9 8 secret4  
,p]haps a c\ple ( bl[s ) a mattock 7    
suffici5t1 :ile 8 coadjutors 7 busy 9 ! 
pit2 p]haps x requir$ a doz5--:o %all   

tell8       ,,! ,,ransom ,,( ,,r$ ,,*ief
  ,,by  ,o4 ,,h5ry  ,?is is a plot-/ory 
( ! k9d 9 :i* ! ,am]ican public         
delights4 ,! read] enjoys ! humor due to
 situation1 hyp]bole1 satire1 & a/\nd+  
v]bal lib]ties to :i* ! writ] is giv52 b
 he enjoys ev5 m ! %>p surprise t awaits
 him 9 ! plot4 ,he has prep>$ himself = 
a c]ta9 conclusion & f9ds himself       
entirely 9 ! wrong4 ,nev]!less1 he      
admits t ! end+ is n illogical nor out (
 h>mony ) ! g5]al tone4 ,bill & ,sam    
subscribe !mselves ,two ,desp]ate ,m51 b
 !y are s *>act]iz$ z to prep>e u = _!  
surr5d] ( ! boy on ! fa!r's own t]ms4   
,x is int]e/+ to "k t ,o4 ,h5ry himself 
put slight value ^u local color4 ,p say 
t ,i "k ,new ,york well6 he says4 ,b    
*ange ,tw5ty-?ird ,/reet to ,ma9 ,/reet1
 rub out ! ,flatiron ,build+ & put 9 !  
,t[n ,hall4 ,!n ! /ory w fit j z truly  
else:]e4 ,at lea/1 ,i hope t is ! case )
 :at ,i write4 ,s long z y\r /ory is    
true to life1 ! m]e *ange ( local color 
w set x 9 ! ,ea/1 ,we/1 ,s\?1 or ,nor?4 

,! *>act]s 9 ',! ,arabian ,nights' p>ade
 up & d[n ,broadway at midday1 or ,ma9  
,/reet 9 ,dallas1 ,texas4     ,,!       
,,ransom ,,( ,,r$ ,,*ief  ,footnote3 ,f 
,:irligigs1 by ,o4 ,h5ry4 ,copyright1   
#aiaj1 by ,d\bl$ay1 ,page  ,company4    
,repr9t$ by special p]mission (         
,d\bl$ay1 ,page  ,company4   ,x look$ l 
a good ?+3 b wait till ,i tell y4 ,we 7 
d[n ,s\?1 ,9 ,alabama--,bill ,driscoll &
 myself--:5 ?is kidnapp+ idea /ruck u4  
,x 01 z ,bill aft]w>d express$ x1 dur+ a
 mom5t ( tempor>y m5tal app>ition2 b we 
didn't f9d t out till lat]4  ,!re 0 a   
t[n d[n !re1 z flat z a flannel-cake1 & 
call$ ,summit1 ( c\rse4 ,x conta9$      
inhabitants ( z undelet]i\s an          
self-satisfi$ a class ( peasantry z ev] 
clu/]$ ar\nd a ,maypole4  ,bill & me _h 
a jo9t capital ( ab\t six hundr$ doll>s1
 & we ne$$ j two ?\s& doll>s m to pull  
(f a fraudul5t t[n-lot s*eme 9 ,we/]n   
,ill9ois )4 ,we talk$ x ov] on ! front  
/eps ( ! hotel4 ,philoprog5itiv5ess1    
says we1 is /rong 9 semi-rural          

communities2 !re=e1 & = o!r reasons1 a  
kidnapp+ project ought to d bett] !re   
?an 9 ! radius ( newspap]s t s5d        
report]s out 9 pla9 clo!s to /ir up talk
 ab\t su* ?+s4 ,we knew t ,summit       
c\ldn't get aft] u ) any?+ /rong] ?an   
con/ables &1 maybe1 "s lackadaisical    
blood-h\nds & a diatribe or two 9 !     
,weekly ,f>m]s' ,budget4 ,s1 x look$    
good4  ,we select$ = our victim ! only  
*ild ( a prom95t citiz5 nam$ ,eb5ez]    
,dorset4 ,! fa!r 0 respectable & tight1 
a mortgage fanci] & a /]n1 upright      
collection-plate pass] & =eclos]4 ,! kid
 0 a boy ( t51 ) bas-relief freckles1 & 
hair ! color ( ! cov] ( ! magaz9e y buy 
at ! news-/& :5 y want to cat* a tra94  
,bill & me figur$ t ,eb5ez] w\ld melt   
d[n = a ransom ( two ?\s& doll>s to a   
c5t4 ,b wait till ,i tell y4  ,ab\t two 
miles f ,summit 0 a little m\nta91 cov]$
 ) a d5se c$> brake4 ,on ! re> elevation
 ( ?is m\nta9 0 a cave4 ,!re we /or$    
provisions4  ,"o ev5+ aft] sund[n1 we   
drove 9 a buggy pa/ old ,dorset's h\se4 

,! kid 0 9 ! /reet1 ?r[+ rocks at a     
kitt5 on ! opposite f5ce4  ,hey1 little 
boy6 says ,bill1 w\ld y l to h a bag (  
c&y & a nice ride8  ,! boy cat*es ,bill 
neatly 9 ! eye ) a piece ( brick4  ,t w 
co/ ! old man an extra five hundr$      
doll>s1 says ,bill1 climb+ ov] ! :eel4  
,t boy put up a fight l a welt]-weight  
c9namon be>2 b1 at la/1 we got him d[n 9
 ! bottom ( ! buggy & drove away4 ,we   
took him up to ! cave1 & ,i hit*$ !     
horse 9 ! c$> brake4 ,aft] d>k ,i drove 
! buggy to ! little village1 ?ree miles 
away1 :]e we _h hir$ x1 & walk$ back to 
! m\nta94  ,bill 0 pa/+ c\rt-pla/] ov] !
 scrat*es & bruises on 8 features4 ,!re 
0 a fire burn+ beh9d ! big rock at !    
entrance ( ! cave1 & ! boy 0 wat*+ a pot
 ( boil+ c(fee1 ) two buzz>d tail-fea!rs
 /uck 9 8 r$ hair4 ,he po9ts a /ick at  
me :5 ,i come up1 & says3  ,ha6 curs$   
paleface1 d y d>e to ent] ! camp ( ,r$  
,*ief1 ! t]ror ( ! pla9s8  ,he's all "r 
n[1 says ,bill1 roll+ up 8 tr\s]s &     
exam9+ "s bruises on 8 %9s4 ,we're play+

 ,indian4 ,we're mak+ ,buffalo ,bill's  
%[ look l magic-lant]n views ( ,pale/9e 
9 ! t[n hall4 ,i'm ,old ,hank1 !        
,trapp]1 ,r$ ,*ief's captive1 & ,i'm to 
be scalp$ at daybreak4 ,by ,g]onimo6 t  
kid c kick h>d4  ,yes1 sir1 t boy seem$ 
to be hav+ ! "t ( 8 life4 ,! fun ( camp+
 out 9 a cave _h made him =get t he 0 a 
captive himself4 ,he imm$iately *ri/5$  
me ,snake-eye1 ! ,spy1 & ann\nc$ t1 :5 8
 braves return$ f ! w>pa?1 ,i 0 to be   
broil$ at ! /ake at ! ris+ ( ! sun4  ,!n
 we _h supp]2 & he fill$ 8 m\? full (   
bacon & bread & gravy1 & began to talk4 
,he made a dur+-d9n] spee* some?+ l ?is3
  ,i l ?is f9e4 ,i nev] camp$ out be=e2 
b ,i _h a pet 'possum once1 & ,i 0 n9e  
la/ bir?day4 ,i hate to g to s*ool4     
,rats ate up sixte5 ( ,jimmy ,talbot's  
aunt's speckl$ h5's eggs4 ,are !re any  
real ,indians 9 ^! woods8 ,i want "s m  
gravy4 ,does ! trees mov+ make ! w9d    
bl[8 ,we _h five puppies4 ,:at makes y\r
 nose s r$1 ,hank8 ,my fa!r has lots (  
money4 ,are ! />s hot8 ,i :ipp$ ,ed     

,walk] twice1 ,saturday4 ,i don't l     
girls4 ,y dass5t cat* toads unless ) a  
/r+4 ,d ox5 make any noise8 ,:y are     
oranges r\nd8 ,h y got b$s to sleep on 9
 ?is cave8 ,amos ,murray has got six    
toes4 ,a p>rot c talk1 b a monkey or a  
fi% c't4 ,h[ _m does x take to make     
twelve8  ,e few m9utes he w\ld rememb] t
 he 0 a pesky r$sk91 & pick up 8 /ick   
rifle & tiptoe to ! m\? ( ! cave to     
rubb] = ! sc\ts ( ! hat$ paleface4 ,n[ &
 !n he w\ld let out a w>-:oop t made    
,old ,hank ! ,trapp]1 %iv]4 ,t boy _h   
,bill t]roriz$ f ! />t4  ,r$ ,*ief1 says
 ,i to ! kid1 w\ld y l to g home8  ,aw1 
:at =8 says he4 ,i don't h any fun at   
home4 ,i hate to g to s*ool4 ,i l to    
camp out4 ,y won't take me back home    
aga91 ,snake-eye1 w y8  ,n "r away1 says
 ,i4 ,we'll /ay "h 9 ! cave a :ile4     
,all "r6 says he4 ,t'll be f9e4 ,i nev] 
_h su* fun 9 all my life4  ,we w5t to b$
 ab\t elev5 o'clock4 ,we spread d[n "s  
wide blankets & quilts & put ,r$ ,*ief  
betwe5 u4 ,we w]5't afraid he'd run     

away4 ,he kept u awake = ?ree h\rs1     
jump+ up & rea*+ = 8 rifle & scree*+3   
,hi/6 p>d1 9 m9e & ,bill's e>s1 z !     
fanci$ crackle ( a twig or ! ru/le ( a  
leaf reveal$ to 8 "y imag9ation ! /eal?y
 approa* ( ! outlaw b&4 ,at la/1 ,i fell
 into a tr\bl$ sleep1 & dream$ t ,i _h  
be5 kidnapp$ & *a9$ to a tree by a      
f]oci\s pirate ) r$ hair4  ,j at        
daybreak1 ,i 0 awak5$ by a s]ies ( awful
 screams f ,bill4 ,!y w]5't yells1 or   
h[ls1 or %\ts1 or :oops1 or yawps1 su* z
 y'd expect f a manly set ( vocal       
organs--!y 7 simply indec5t1 t]rify+1   
humiliat+ screams1 su* z wom5 emit :5 !y
 see gho/s or cat]pill>s4 ,x's an awful 
?+ to he> a /rong1 desp]ate1 fat man    
scream incont95tly 9 a cave at daybreak4
  ,i jump$ up to see :at ! matt] 04 ,r$ 
,*ief 0 sitt+ on ,bill's *e/1 ) "o h&   
tw9$ 9 ,bill's hair4 ,9 ! o!r he _h !   
%>p case-knife we us$ = slic+ bacon2 &  
he 0 indu/ri\sly & reali/ically try+ to 
take ,bill's scalp1 accord+ to ! s5t5ce 
t _h be5 pron\nc$ ^u him ! ev5+ be=e4   

,i got ! knife away f ! kid & made him  
lie d[n aga94 ,b1 f t mom5t1 ,bill's _s 
0 brok54 ,he laid d[n on 8 side ( ! b$1 
b he nev] clos$ an eye aga9 9 sleep z   
long z t boy 0 ) u4 ,i doz$ (f = a :ile1
 b along t[>d sun-up ,i rememb]$ t ,r$  
,*ief _h said ,i 0 to be burn$ at ! /ake
 at ! ris+ ( ! sun4 ,i wasn't n]v\s or  
afraid2 b ,i sat up & lit my pipe &     
lean$ aga9/ a rock4  ,:at y gett+ up s  
soon =1 ,sam8 ask$ ,bill4  ,me8 says ,i4
 ,oh1 ,i got a k9d ( a pa9 9 my %\ld]4  
,i ?\ght sitt+ up w\ld re/ x4  ,y're a  
li>6 says ,bill4 ,y're afraid4 ,y 0 to  
be burn$ at sunrise1 & y 0 afraid he'd d
 x4 ,& he w\ld1 too1 if he c\ld f9d a   
mat*4 ,a9't x awful1 ,sam8 ,d y ?9k     
anybody w pay out money to get a little 
imp l t back home8  ,sure1 said ,i4 ,a  
r[dy kid l t is j ! k9d t p>5ts dote on4
 ,n[1 y & ! ,*ief get up & cook         
breakfa/1 :ile ,i g up on ! top ( ?is   
m\nta9 & reconnoitre4  ,i w5t up on !   
peak ( ! little m\nta9 & ran my eye ov] 
! contigu\s vic9ity4 ,ov] t[>d ,summit  

,i expect$ to see ! /urdy yeomanry ( !  
village arm$ ) scy!s & pit*=ks beat+ !  
c\ntry-side = ! da/>dly kidnapp]s4 ,b   
:at ,i saw 0 a peaceful l&scape dott$ ) 
"o man pl\gh+ ) a dun mule4 ,nobody 0   
dragg+ ! creek2 no c\ri]s da%$ hi!r &   
yon1 br++ tid+s ( no news to ! di/ract$ 
p>5ts4 ,!re 0 a sylvan attitude (       
somnol5t sleep9ess p]vad+ t section ( ! 
ext]nal outw>d surface ( ,alabama t lay 
expos$ to my view4 ,p]haps1 says ,i to  
myself1 x has n yet be5 discov]$ t !    
wolves h borne away ! t5d] lambk9 f !   
fold4 ,heav5 help ! wolves6 says ,i1 &  
,i w5t d[n ! m\nta9 to breakfa/4  ,:5 ,i
 got to ! cave ,i f\nd ,bill back$ up   
aga9/ ! side ( x1 brea?+ h>d1 & ! boy   
?reat5+ to sma% him ) a rock half z big 
z a cocoanut4  ,he put a r$-hot boil$   
potato d[n my back1 expla9$ ,bill1 & !n 
ma%$ x ) 8 foot2 & ,i box$ 8 e>s4 ,h y  
got a gun ab\t y1 ,sam8  ,i took ! rock 
away f ! boy & k9d ( pat*$ up ! argum5t4
 ,i'll fix y1 says ! kid to ,bill4 ,no  
man ev] yet /ruck ! ,r$ ,*ief b :at he  

got paid = x4 ,y bett] bew>e6  ,aft]    
breakfa/ ! kid takes a piece ( lea!r )  
/r+s wrapp$ ar\nd x out ( 8 pocket &    
goes outside ! cave unw9d+ x4  ,:at's he
 up to n[8 says ,bill1 anxi\sly4 ,y     
don't ?9k he'll run away1 d y1 ,sam8    
,no fe> ( x1 says ,i4 ,he don't seem to 
be mu* ( a home body4 ,b we've got to   
fix up "s plan ab\t ! ransom4 ,!re don't
 seem to be mu* excitem5t ar\nd ,summit 
on acc\nt ( 8 disappe>ance2 b maybe !y  
hav5't realiz$ yet t he's gone4 ,8 folks
 may ?9k he's sp5d+ ! night ) ,aunt     
,jane or "o ( ! neighbors4 ,anyh[1 he'll
 be miss$ to-day4 ,to-night we mu/ get a
 message to 8 fa!r dem&+ ! two ?\s&     
doll>s = 8 return4  ,j !n we he>d a k9d 
( w>-:oop1 su* z ,david might h emitt$  
:5 he knock$ out ! *ampion ,golia?4 ,x 0
 a sl+ t ,r$ ,*ief _h pull$ out ( 8     
pocket1 & he 0 :irl+ x ar\nd 8 head4  ,i
 dodg$1 & he>d a heavy ?ud & a k9d ( a  
sigh f ,bill1 l a horse gives out :5 y  
take 8 saddle (f4 ,a nigg]head rock !   
size ( an egg _h caught ,bill j beh9d 8 

left e>4 ,he loos5$ himself all ov] &   
fell 9 ! fire across ! fry+ pan ( hot   
wat] = wa%+ ! di%es4 ,i dragg$ him out &
 p\r$ cold wat] on 8 head = half an h\r4
  ,by & by1 ,bill sits up & feels beh9d 
8 e> & says3 ,sam1 d y "k :o my favorite
 ,biblical "* is8  ,take x easy1 says   
,i4 ,y'll come to y\r s5ses pres5tly4   
,k+ ,h]od1 says he4 ,y won't g away &   
leave me "h alone1 w y1 ,sam8  ,i w5t   
out & caught t boy & %ook him until 8   
freckles rattl$4  ,if y don't behave1   
says ,i1 ,i'll take y /raight home4 ,n[1
 are y go+ to be good1 or n8  ,i 0 only 
funn+1 says he sull5ly4 ,i didn't mean  
to hurt ,old ,hank4 ,b :at did he hit me
 =8 ,i'll behave1 ,snake-eye1 if y won't
 s5d me home1 & if y'll let me play !   
,black ,sc\t to- day4  ,i don't "k !    
game1 says ,i4 ,t's = y & ,mr4 ,bill to 
decide4 ,he's y\r playmate = ! day4 ,i'm
 go+ away = a :ile1 on bus9ess4 ,n[1 y  
come 9 & make fri5ds ) him & say y are  
sorry = hurt+ him1 or home y g1 at once4
  ,i made him & ,bill %ake h&s1 & !n ,i 

took ,bill aside & told him ,i 0 go+ to 
,popl> ,cove1 a little village ?ree     
miles f ! cave1 & f9d out :at ,i c\ld   
ab\t h[ ! kidnapp+ _h be5 reg>d$ 9      
,summit4 ,also1 ,i ?\ght x be/ to s5d a 
p]emptory lett] to old man ,dorset t    
day1 dem&+ ! ransom & dictat+ h[ x %\ld 
be paid4  ,y "k1 ,sam1 says ,bill1 ,i've
 /ood by y )\t batt+ an eye 9 e>?quakes1
 fire1 & flood--9 pok] games1 dynamite  
outrages1 police raids1 tra9 robb]ies1 &
 cyclones4 ,i nev] lo/ my n]ve yet till 
we kidnapp$ t two-legg$ skyrocket ( a   
kid4 ,he's got me go+4 ,y won't leave me
 long ) him1 w y1 ,sam8  ,i'll be back  
"s "t ?is aft]noon1 says ,i4 ,y mu/ keep
 ! boy amus$ & quiet till ,i return4 ,& 
n[ we'll write ! lett] to old ,dorset4  
,bill & ,i got pap] & p5cil & work$ on !
 lett] :ile ,r$ ,*ief1 ) a blanket      
wrapp$ ar\nd him1 /rutt$ up & d[n1 gu>d+
 ! m\? ( ! cave4 ,bill begg$ me te>fully
 to make ! ransom fifte5 hundr$ doll>s  
in/ead ( two ?\s&4 ,i a9't attempt+1    
says he1 to decry ! celebrat$ moral     

aspect ( p>5tal affection1 b we're deal+
 ) humans1 & x a9't human = anybody to  
give up two ?\s& doll>s = t =ty- p\nd   
*unk ( freckl$ wildcat4 ,i'm will+ to   
take a *ance at fifte5 hundr$ doll>s4 ,y
 c *>ge ! diff]5ce up to me4  ,s1 to    
relieve ,bill1 ,i acc$$1 & we           
collaborat$ a lett] t ran ?is way3      
,eb5ez] ,dorset1 ,esq43  ,we h y\r boy  
conceal$ 9 a place f> f ,summit4 ,x is  
useless = y or ! mo/ skilful detectives 
to attempt to f9d him4 ,absolutely1 !   
only t]ms on :i* y c h him re/or$ to y  
are ^!3 ,we dem& fifte5 hundr$ doll>s 9 
l>ge bills = 8 return2 ! money to be    
left at midnight to-night at ! same spot
 & 9 ! same box z y\r reply--z h]e9aft] 
describ$4 ,if y agree to ^! t]ms1 s5d   
y\r answ] 9 writ+ by a solit>y mess5g]  
to-night at half-pa/ eight o'clock4     
,aft] cross+ ,owl ,creek1 on ! road to  
,popl> ,cove1 !re are ?ree l>ge trees   
ab\t a hundr$ y>ds ap>t1 close to ! f5ce
 ( ! :eat field on ! "r-h& side4 ,at !  
bottom ( ! f5ce-po/1 opposite ! ?ird    

tree1 w be f\nd a small pa/e-bo>d box4  
,! mess5g] w place ! answ] 9 ?is box &  
return imm$iately to ,summit4  ,if y    
attempt any trea*]y or fail to comply ) 
our dem& z /at$1 y w nev] see y\r boy   
aga94  ,if y pay ! money z dem&$1 he w  
be return$ to y safe & well )9 ?ree     
h\rs4 ,^! t]ms are f9al1 & if y d n     
acc$e to !m no fur!r communication w be 
attempt$4                     ,,two     
,,desp]ate ,,m5  ,i address$ ?is lett]  
to ,dorset1 & put x 9 my pocket4 ,z ,i 0
 ab\t to />t1 ! kid comes up to me &    
says3  ,aw1 ,snake-eye1 y said ,i c\ld  
play ! ,black ,sc\t :ile y 0 gone4      
,play x1 ( c\rse1 says ,i4 ,mr4 ,bill w 
play ) y4 ,:at k9d ( a game is x8  ,i'm 
! ,black ,sc\t1 says ,r$ ,*ief1 & ,i h  
to ride to ! /ockade to w>n ! settl]s t 
! ,indians are com+4 ,i'm tir$ ( play+  
,indian myself4 ,i want to be ! ,black  
,sc\t4  ,all "r1 says ,i4 ,x s\nds      
h>mless to me4 ,i guess ,mr4 ,bill w    
help y foil ! pesky savages4  ,:at am ,i
 to d8 asks ,bill1 look+ at ! kid       

suspici\sly4  ,y are ! hoss1 says ,black
 ,sc\t4 ,get d[n on y\r h&s & knees4 ,h[
 c ,i ride to ! /ockade )\t a hoss8     
,y'd bett] keep him int]e/$1 said ,i1   
till we get ! s*eme go+4 ,loos5 up4     
,bill gets d[n on 8 all f\rs1 & a look  
comes 9 8 eye l a rabbit's :5 y cat* x 9
 a trap4  ,h[ f> is x to ! /ockade1 kid8
 he asks1 9 a husky mann] ( voice4      
,n9ety miles1 says ! ,black ,sc\t4 ,& y 
h to hump y\rself to get !re on "t4     
,:oa1 n[6  ,! ,black ,sc\t jumps on     
,bill's back & digs 8 heels 9 8 side4   
,= ,heav5's sake1 says ,bill1 hurry     
back1 ,sam1 z soon z y c4 ,i wi% we     
hadn't made ! ransom m ?an a ?\s&4 ,say1
 y quit kick+ me or ,i'll get up & w>m y
 good4  ,i walk$ ov] to ,popl> ,cove &  
sat ar\nd ! po/-(fice & /ore1 talk+ ) ! 
*awbacons t came 9 to trade4 ,"o :isk]&o
 says t he he>s ,summit is all upset on 
acc\nt ( ,eld] ,eb5ez] ,dorset's boy    
hav+ be5 lo/ or /ol54 ,t 0 all ,i want$ 
to "k4 ,i b\ght "s smok+ tobacco1 ref]r$
 casually to ! price ( black-ey$ peas1  

po/$ my lett] surreptiti\sly1 & came    
away4 ,! po/ma/] said ! mail- c>ri] w\ld
 come by 9 an h\r to take ! mail on to  
,summit4  ,:5 ,i got back to ! cave     
,bill & ! boy 7 n to be f\nd4 ,i explor$
 ! vic9ity ( ! cave1 & risk$ a yodel or 
two1 b !re 0 no response4  ,s ,i light$ 
my pipe & sat d[n on a mossy bank to    
await developm5ts4  ,9 ab\t half an h\r 
,i he>d ! bu%es ru/le1 & ,bill wabbl$   
out into ! little glade 9 front ( !     
cave4 ,beh9d him 0 ! kid1 /epp+ s(tly l 
a sc\t1 ) a broad gr9 on 8 face4 ,bill  
/opp$1 took (f 8 hat1 & wip$ 8 face ) a 
r$ h&k]*ief4 ,! kid /opp$ ab\t eight    
feet beh9d him4  ,sam1 says ,bill1 ,i   
suppose y'll ?9k ,i'm a r5egade1 b ,i   
c\ldn't help x4 ,i'm a gr[n p]son )     
mascul9e proclivities & habits (        
self-def5ce1 b !re is a "t :5 all sy/ems
 ( egotism & pr$om9ance fail4 ,! boy is 
gone4 ,i h s5t him home4 ,all is (f4    
,!re 0 m>tyrs 9 old times1 goes on      
,bill1 t suff]$ dea? r ?an give up !    
p>ticul> graft !y enjoy$4 ,none ( 'em   

ev] 0 subjugat$ to su* sup]natural      
tortures z ,i h be54 ,i tri$ to be      
fai?ful to our articles ( depr$ation2 b 
!re came a limit4  ,:at's ! tr\ble1     
,bill8 ,i asks him4  ,i 0 rode1 says    
,bill1 ! n9ety miles to ! /ockade1 n    
b>r+ an in*4 ,!n1 :5 ! settl]s 0 rescu$1
 ,i 0 giv5 oats4 ,s& a9't a palatable   
sub/itute4 ,& !n1 = an h\r ,i _h to try 
to expla9 to him :y !re 0 no?9' 9 holes1
 h[ a road c run bo? ways1 & :at makes !
 grass gre54 ,i tell y1 ,sam1 a human c 
only /& s mu*4 ,i takes him by ! neck ( 
8 clo!s & drags him d[n ! m\nta94 ,on ! 
way he kicks my legs black-&-blue f !   
knees d[n2 & ,i've got to h two or ?ree 
bites on my ?umb & h& caut]iz$4  ,b he's
 gone--cont9ues ,bill--gone home4 ,i %[$
 him ! road to ,summit & kick$ him ab\t 
eight feet ne>] !re at "o kick4 ,i'm    
sorry we lose ! ransom2 b x 0 ei!r t or 
,bill ,driscoll to ! madh\se4  ,bill is 
puff+ & bl[+1 b !re is a look (         
ineffable peace & gr[+ cont5t on 8      
rose-p9k features4  ,bill1 says ,i1 !re 

isn't any he>t disease 9 y\r family1 is 
!re8  ,no1 says ,bill1 no?+ *ronic      
except mal>ia & accid5ts4 ,:y8  ,!n y   
might turn ar\nd1 says ,i1 & h a look   
beh9d y4  ,bill turns & sees ! boy1 &   
loses 8 complexion & sits d[n plump on !
 gr\nd & beg9s to pluck aimlessly at    
grass & little /icks4 ,= an h\r ,i 0    
afraid = 8 m9d4 ,& !n ,i told him t my  
s*eme 0 to put ! :ole job ?r\gh         
imm$iately & t we w\ld get ! ransom & be
 (f ) x by midnight if old ,dorset fell 
9 ) our proposition4 ,s ,bill brac$ up  
en\gh to give ! kid a weak sort ( a     
smile & a promise to play ! ,russian 9 a
 ,japanese w> ) him z soon z he felt a  
little bett]4  ,i _h a s*eme = collect+ 
t ransom )\t dang] ( be+ caught by      
c\nt]plots t ought to comm5d itself to  
pr(essional kidnapp]s4 ,! tree "u :i* ! 
answ] 0 to be left--& ! money lat] on--0
 close to ! road f5ce ) big1 b>e fields 
on all sides4 ,if a gang ( con/ables    
%\ld be wat*+ = any "o to come = ! note1
 !y c\ld see him a long way (f cross+ ! 

fields or 9 ! road4 ,b no1 sirree6 ,at  
half-pa/ eight ,i 0 up 9 t tree z well  
hidd5 z a tree toad1 wait+ = ! mess5g]  
to arrive4  ,exactly on "t1 a half-gr[n 
boy rides up ! road on a bicycle1       
locates ! pa/ebo>d box at ! foot ( !    
f5ce-po/1 slips a fold$ piece ( pap]    
into x1 & p$als away aga9 back t[>d     
,summit4  ,i wait$ an h\r & !n conclud$ 
! ?+ 0 squ>e4 ,i slid d[n ! tree1 got ! 
note1 slipp$ along ! f5ce till ,i /ruck 
! woods1 & 0 back at ! cave 9 ano!r half
 an h\r4 ,i op5$ ! note1 got ne> !      
lant]n1 & read x to ,bill4 ,x 0 writt5 )
 a p5 9 a crabb$ h&1 & ! sum & sub/ance 
( x 0 ?is3  ,two ,desp]ate ,m54         
,g5tlem53 ,i receiv$ y\r lett] to-day by
 po/1 9 reg>d to ! ransom y ask = !     
return ( my son4 ,i ?9k y are a little  
high 9 y\r dem&s1 & ,i h]eby make y a   
c\nt]- proposition1 :i* ,i am incl9$ to 
believe y w accept4 ,y br+ ,johnny home 
& pay me two hundr$ & fifty doll>s 9    
ca%1 & ,i agree to take him (f y\r h&s4 
,y _h bett] come at night1 = ! neighbors

 believe he is lo/1 & ,i c\ldn't be     
responsible = :at !y w\ld d to anybody  
!y saw br++ him back4          ,v       
respectfully1                           
,,eb5ez] ,,dorset4  ,great pirates (    
,p5zance6 says ,i2 ( all ! impud5t----  
,b ,i glanc$ at ,bill1 & hesitat$4 ,he  
_h ! mo/ appeal+ look 9 8 eyes ,i ev]   
saw on ! face ( a dumb or a talk+ brute4
  ,sam1 says he1 :at's two hundr$ &     
fifty doll>s1 aft] all8 ,we've got !    
money4 ,"o m night ( ?is kid w s5d me to
 a b$ 9 ,b$lam4 ,besides be+ a ?or\gh   
g5tleman1 ,i ?9k ,mr4 ,dorset is a      
sp5d?rift = mak+ u su* a lib]al (f]4 ,y 
a9't go+ to let ! *ance g1 are y8  ,tell
 y ! tru?1 ,bill1 says ,i1 ?is little he
 ewe lamb has some:at got on my n]ves   
too4 ,we'll take him home1 pay ! ransom1
 & make our get-away4  ,we took him home
 t night4 ,we got him to g by tell+ him 
t 8 fa!r _h b\ght a silv]-m\nt$ rifle & 
a pair ( moccas9s = him1 & we 7 go+ to  
hunt be>s ! next day4  ,x 0 j twelve o  
'clock :5 we knock$ at ,eb5ez]'s front  

door4 ,j at ! mom5t :5 ,i %\ld h be5    
ab/ract+ ! fifte5 hundr$ doll>s f ! box 
"u ! tree1 accord+ to ! orig9al         
proposition1 ,bill 0 c\nt+ out two      
hundr$ & fifty doll>s into ,dorset's h&4
  ,:5 ! kid f\nd out we 7 go+ to leave  
him at home he />t$ up a h[l l a        
calliope & fa/5$ himself z tight z a    
lee* to ,bill's leg4 ,8 fa!r peel$ him  
away gradually1 l a por\s pla/]4  ,h[   
long c y hold him8 asks ,bill4  ,i'm n z
 /rong z ,i us$ to be1 says old ,dorset1
 b ,i ?9k ,i c promise y t5 m9utes4     
,en\gh1 says ,bill4 ,9 t5 m9utes ,i %all
 cross ! ,c5tral1 ,s\!rn1 & ,middle     
,we/]n ,/ates1 & be legg+ x tripp+ly = !
 ,canadian bord]4  ,&1 z d>k z x 01 & z 
fat z ,bill 01 & z good a runn] z ,i am1
 he 0 a good mile & a half out ( ,summit
 be=e ,i c\ld cat* up ) him4       ,,!  
,,fre%man ,,full-,,back  ,,by  ,,ralph  
,d4 ,,pa9e  ,! *ief int]e/ 9 ,! ,fre%man
 ,full-,back is t ( "*4 ,! action has   
real dramatic quality & is /ag$ ) !     
local color ( a college conte/4 ,b !    

great value ( ! action is e?ical1 = x   
%[s t "o may wre/ victory f defeat & t x
 is a %ameful ?+ to be a c[>d & a       
quitt]4     ,,! ,,fre%man ,,full-,,back 
,footnote3 ,f ,college ,ye>s1 by ,ralph 
,d4 ,pa9e4 ,copyright1 #aiji1 by ,*>les 
,scribn]'s ,sons4   ,! boyi% night city 
editor glanc$ along ! copy-read]s' table
 & petulantly exclaim$3  ,isn't t spread
 head ready yet1 ,mr4 ,seeley8 ,x goes  
on ! front page & we are hold+ op5 = x4 
,:ew1 b y are sl[4 ,y ought to be hold+ 
d[n a job on a qu>t]ly review4  ,a      
portly man ( middle age dropp$ 8 p5cil &
 turn$ heavily 9 8 *air to face ! s\rce 
( ?is public humiliation4 ,an angry flu%
 ov]spread 8 face & he *ew$ at a grayi% 
mu/a*e z if fight+ d[n rebellion4 ,8    
comrades at ! long table _h look$ up f  
_! "w & 7 eye+ ! olde/ copy-read] )     
sympa!tic uneas9ess :ile !y hop$ t he   
w\ld be able to hold himself 9 h&4 ,!   
night city editor felt ! t5sion ( ?is   
brief tableau & await$ ! ?reat5$        
outbreak ) a n]v\s smile4 ,b ,seeley    

j]k$ 8 gre5 eye%ade s l[ t 8 face 0     
p>tly 9 eclipse1 & :eel$ r\nd to resume 
8 task ) a cat* ( ! brea? & a tone (    
surr5d] 9 8 reply4  ,! head w be ready 9
 five m9utes1 sir4 ,! la/ pages ( ! /ory
 are j com+ 94  ,a mu* y\ng] man1 at !  
f>!r end ( ! table1 :isp]$ to 8         
neighbor3  ,t's *eap & na/y1 to call d[n
 old man ,seeley z if he 7 a cub        
report]4 ,he may h lo/ 8 grip1 b he     
des]ves dec5t treatm5t = :at he has be54
 ,manag+ editor ( ?is v %eet1 ,london   
correspond5t be=e t1 & ! crack man ( !  
/aff :5 mo/ ( ! re/ ( u 7 9 %ort        
bree*es4 ,& n[ ,h5ry ,h>d+ ,seeley isn't
 any too sure ( keep+ 8 job on !        
copy-desk4  ,t's :at ! ,new ,york       
newspap] game c d to y if y /ick at x   
too long1 murmur$ ! o!r4 ,back to ! f>m 
= m9e4  ,x 0 long aft] midnight :5 ^!   
two put on _! coats & bade ! city       
editor's desk a p]functory ,good-night4 
,!y left ,h5ry ,h>d+ ,seeley /ill slump$
 9 8 *air1 writ+ ) dogg$ indu/ry4  ,he's
 dead tir$1 y c see t1 comm5t$ "o ( !   

pair z !y head$ = ,broadway1 b1 z usual1
 he is gr9d+ out /uff = ! ,sunday %eet  
aft] h\rs4 ,he mu/ ne$ ! extra co9      
mighty bad4 ,i came back = my ov]coat at
 f\r ! o!r morn+1 aft] ! pok] game1 & he
 0 /ill pegg+ away j l t4  ,o!r belat$  
editors & report]s ( ! ,*ronicle /aff   
drift$ t[>d ! elevator1 until !         
gray-hair$ copy-read] 0 left alone 9 !  
city room z if m>oon$4 ,writ+ z /eadily 
z if he 7 a ma*9e w>rant$ to turn out s 
_m words an h\r1 ,seeley urg$ 8 p5cil   
until ! la/ page 0 f9i%$4 ,!n he read & 
correct$ ! /ory1 slipp$ x ?r\gh a slit 9
 a door m>k$ ,sunday ,editor1 & trudg$  
out1 :ile ! t[] clock 0 /rik+ ?ree4     
,in/ead ( seek+ ! *op-h\se1 :]e9 !      
vivaci\s & tireless y\? ( ! /aff 7 wont 
to l+] ov] supp]1 he turn$ into a side  
/reet & betook himself to a small cafe z
 yet unfrequ5t$ by ! night-owls (       
j\rnalism4 ,seeley 0 a beat5 man1 & he  
pref]r$ to nurse 8 w\nds 9 a morbid     
isolation4 ,8 gait & aspect 7 ^? ( "o :o
 0 /olidly /ruggl+ on ! def5sive1 z if  

ho/ile circum/ances _h driv5 him into a 
corn] :]e he 0 mak+ 8 la/ /&4  ,?r\gh ! 
ye>s ( 8 indomitable y\? z a report] (  
r>e ability & res\rcefulness1 he _h nev]
 sp>$ himself4 ,burn+ ! c&le at bo?     
ends1 ) a vitality :i* _h seem$         
inexhau/ible1 he _h won /ep aft] /ep (  
promotion until1 at =ty1 he 0 made      
manag+ editor ( t huge & h>d-driv5      
organization1 ! ,new ,york ,*ronicle4 ,=
 five ye>s ( rack+ responsibility1 ,h5ry
 ,h>d+ ,seeley _h be5 able to ma9ta9 !  
pace dem&$ ( 8 position4  ,!n came an   
error ( judgm5t--a midnight decision    
dem&$ ( a fagg$ m9d--& 8 #j4,k4 0       
scrawl$ ^u ! fir/ %eet ( a /ory (       
embezzlem5t 9 ,wall ,/reet4 ,by an      
incr$ible blund] ! "n ( ! fugitive ca%i]
 0 c\pl$ ) t ( ! wrong bank4            
,publication ( ! ,*ronicle /ory />t$ a  
t]rific run on ?is innoc5t in/itution1  
:i* won its libel suit aga9/ ! newspap] 
9 ! am\nt ( "o hundr$ ?\s& doll>s4  ,!  
manag+ editor1 two report]s1 & !        
copy-read] :o _h h&l$ ! fatal           

manuscript1 7 swept out ( ! build+ by "o
 cyclonic ord] f ! own] !re(4 ,h5ry     
,seeley accept$ 8 indirect              
responsibility = ! disa/] 9 grim1 manly 
fa%ion1 & /raightway s\ght ano!r b]?    
befitt+ 8 j\rnali/ic /ation4 ,b 8 "o    
co/ly slip 0 m ?an a n9e-days' sc&al    
along ,p>k ,r[1 & o!r canny proprietors 
7 afraid t he might hit !m 9 ! v vital  
regions ( _! pockets4 ,worse ?an ?is1 8 
confid5ce 9 himself _h suff]$ mortal    
damage4 ,! we> & te> ( 8 e>li] ye>s _h  
left him ) little res]ve p[]1 & he w5t  
to pieces 9 ! face ( adv]se =tune4      
,work$ out at =ty-five1 0 ! v]dict ( 8  
fri5ds1 & !y began to pity him4  ,! w to
 succe$ _h be5 brok51 b ,seeley might h 
ralli$ _h n 8 wife di$ dur+ ! ebb-tide (
 8 affairs4 ,%e _h walk$ h& 9 h& ) him  
s9ce 8 e>ly tw5ties1 h] fai? 9 him _h   
be5 8 ma9/ay1 & 8 happ9ess 9 h] complete
 & beautiful4 ,b]eft ( h] :5 he /ood mo/
 9 ne$ ( h]1 he seem$ to h no m fight 9 
him1 &1 drift+ f "o newspap] (fice to   
ano!r1 he f9ally eddi$ into 8 old %op z 

a drudg+ copy-read] & an object (       
sympa?y to a y\ng] g5]ation4  ,!re 0 "o 
son1 /rong1 bright1 eag]1 & by d9t (    
driv+ 8 et]nally we>i$ bra9 ov]time1 !  
fa!r _h be5 able to s5d him to ,yale1 8 
own alma mat]4 ,m or less pi\s deception
 _h l$ "y ,erne/ ,seeley to believe t 8 
fa!r _h rega9$ mu* ( 8 old-"t pre/ige ) 
! ,*ronicle & t he _h a h& 9 guid+ its  
editorial de/9ies4 ,! lad 0 a ,fre%man1 
trem5d\sly absorb$ 9 ! activities ( !   
autumn t]m1 & 8 fa!r 0 cont5t t he %\ld 
be s h$g$ ab\t by ! int]e/s ( ! campus  
_w z to h small "t or ?\ght = ! grizzl$1
 taciturn toil] 9 ,new ,york4  ,?is 0 ! 
k9d ( man t trudg$ heavily into ! little
 ,g]man cafe ( an e>ly morn+ aft] 8 long
 night's slav]y at ! copy-desk4 ,8 m9d1 
embitt]$ & s5sitive to slights l a raw  
n]ve1 0 brood+ ov] ! op5 taunt ( ! night
 city editor1 :o _h be5 an (fice boy "u 
him 9 ! ye>s gone by4 ,f =ce ( habit he 
seat$ himself at a table 9 ! re> ( !    
room1 %unn+ ! *ance ( hav+ to face an   
acqua9tance4 ,unfold+ a copy ( ! city   

edition1 :i* _h be5 laid on 8 desk damp 
f ! press-room1 ,seeley scann$ ! front  
page ) sc[l+ uneas9ess1 z if fe>+ to f9d
 "s blund] ( 8 own h&iwork4 ,!n he turn$
 to ! sport+ page & began to read !     
football news4  ,8 son ,erne/ _h be5    
play+ z a sub/itute ) ! univ]sity elev51
 an a*ievem5t :i* /irr$ ! fa!r's pride  
)\t mov+ 8 en?usiasm4 ,& ! boy1 *ill$ by
 8 fa!r's indiff]5ce1 _h said little    
ab\t x dur+ 8 infrequ5t visits to ,new  
,york4 ,b n[ ! eld] ,seeley sat erect1 &
 8 /olid c\nt5ance 0 almo/ animat$ z he 
read1 "u a ,new ,hav5 date l9e3  ,!     
,yale confid5ce ( w9n+ ! game )         
,pr9ceton to-morr[ has be5 %att]$1 &    
gloom en%r\ds ! camp ( ! ,elis to-      
night4 ,coll9s1 ! great full-back1 :o   
has be5 ! key-/one ( ,yale's (f5sive    
game1 0 tak5 to ! infirm>y late ?is     
aft]noon4 ,he compla9$ ( feel+ ill aft] 
! signal practice ye/]day2 fev] develop$
 ov]night1 & ! consult+ physicians      
decid$ t he mu/ be op]at$ on =          
app5dicitis )\t delay4 ,8 place 9 !     

,pr9ceton game w be fill$ by ,erne/     
,seeley1 ! ,fre%man1 :o has be5 play+ a 
ph5om5al game 9 ! back-field1 b :o is s 
lack+ 9 exp]i5ce t ! coa*es are all at  
sea to-night4 ,! loss ( ,coll9s has     
swung ! bett+ ar\nd to ev5 money in/ead 
( #e to #c on ,yale4  ,! eld] ,seeley   
wip$ 8 glasses z if n sure t he _h read 
aright4  ,erne/ _h seem$ to him no m ?an
 a /urdy infant & "h he 01 on ! eve ( a 
*ampion%ip football battle1 pick$ to    
fight = ! old blue4 ,! fa!r's c>e] at   
,yale _h be5 a mo/ honorable "o4 ,he1   
too1 _h play$ on ! elev5 & _h help$ to  
w9 two desp]ate conte/s aga9/ ,pr9ceton4
 ,b all ?is belong$ to a "p ( 8 life :i*
 0 dead & done =4 ,he _h n a*iev$ 9 aft]
 ye>s :at ,yale expect$ ( him1 & 8      
record !re 0 ) 8 buri$ memories4  ,supp]
 0 =gott5 :ile ,h5ry ,seeley wond]$ :e!r
 he really want$ to g to ,new ,hav5 to  
see 8 boy play4 ,_m ( 8 old fri5ds &    
classmates w\ld be !re & he did n wi% to
 meet !m4  ,& x /ung him to ! quick z he
 reflect$3  ,i %\ld be v happy to see   

him w91 b--b to see him :ipp$6 ,i       
c\ldn't brace & com=t him4 ,& suppos+ x 
breaks 8 he>t to be :ipp$ z x has brok5 
m9e8 ,no1 ,i won't let myself ?9k t4    
,i'm a poor ,yale man & a worse fa!r1 b 
,i c\ldn't /& go+ up !re to-day4  ,ev5 m
 humiliat+ 0 ! ?\ght t he w\ld %r9k f   
ask+ leave ( ! city editor4 ,saturday 0 
n 8 day (f1 & he s greatly hat$ to ask  
favors at ! (fice1 t ! possibility ( be+
 rebuff$ 0 m ?an he 0 will+ to face4    
,into 8 unhappy m$itations broke a      
boi/]\s hail3  ,diog5es ,seeley1 z ,i   
live4 ,:y1 y old rascal1 ,i ?\ght y 7   
dead or some?+4 ,glad ,i didn't get     
fooli% & g to b$4 ,"h1 wait]1 get busy4 
,seeley 0 />tl$1 & he look$ mu* m       
di/ress$ ?an rejoic$ z he lumb]$ f 8    
table to grasp ! out/ret*$ h& ( a       
classmate4 ,! op]a-hat ( ?is ,mr4 ,ri*>d
 ,gidd+s 0 cock$ at a raki% angle1 8    
blue eye tw9kl$ good *e] & y\?ful       
hil>ity1 & 8 aspect 0 utt]ly c>e-free4  
,h[ are y1 ,dick8 said ,seeley1 ) an    
unusual smile :i* s+ul>ly bright5$ 8    

face4 ,y don't look a day old] ?an :5 ,i
 la/ saw y4 ,/ill cutt+ c\pons = a liv+8
  ,oh1 money is ! lea/ ( my worries1    
gayly rattl$ ,mr4 ,gidd+s4 ,be5 do+ !   
heavy society act to-night1 & on my way 
home f\nd ,i ne$$ "s sau]kraut & be] to 
tone up my jad$ sy/em4 ,by ,jove1 ,h>ry1
 y're z gray z a badg]4 ,?is newspap]   
game mu/ be bad = ! n]ves4 ,lots (      
fell[s h ask$ me ab\t y4 ,nev] see y at 
! ,univ]sity ,club1 nobody sees y       
any:]e4 ,rem>kable h[ a man c lose      
himself "r "h 9 ,new ,york4 ,/ill runn+ 
! ,*ronicle1 ,i suppose4  ,i'm /ill 9 ! 
old %op1 ,dick1 repli$ ,seeley1 glad to 
be rid ( ?is awkw>d "q4 ,b ,i "w ne>ly  
all night & sleep mo/ ( ! day1 & am l a 
cog 9 a big ma*9e t nev] /ops gr9d+4    
,%\ldn't d x4 ,we>s a man out1 & ,mr4   
,gidd+s sagely nodd$ 8 head4 ,c\rse y   
are go+ up to ! game to-day4 ,come along
 ) me4 ,special c> ) a big bun* ( y\r   
old pals inside4 ,!y'll be tickl$ to    
dea? to f9d ,i've dug y out ( y\r hole4 
,hello6 ,is t ?is morn+'s pap]8 ,let me 

look at ! sport+ page4 ,great team at   
,new ,hav51 !y tell me4 ,:at's ! late/  
odds8 ,i put up a ?\s& at five to ?ree  
la/ week & am look+ = "s m easy money4  
,! al]t eye ( ! volatile ,ri*>d ,gidd+s 
swept d[n ! ,new ,hav5 dispat* l        
lightn+4  ,) a griev\s outcry he smote !
 table & %\t$3  ,coll9s out ( ! game8   
,great ,scott1 ,h>ry1 t's awful news4 ,&
 a gre5 ,fre%man go+ to fill 8 %oes at !
 la/ m9ute4 ,i feel l weep+1 hone/ ,i d4
 ,:o ! deuce is ?is ,seeley8 ,any k9 (  
y\rs8 ,i suppose n or y w\ld h bell[$ x 
at me be=e ?is4  ,he is my only boy1    
,dick1 & ! fa!r held up 8 head ) a %ad[ 
( 8 old mann]4 ,i didn't "k he _h ! gho/
 ( a %[ to make ! team until ,i saw ?is 
dispat*4  ,!n1 ( c\rse1 y are com+ up ) 
me1 ro>$ ,mr4 ,gidd+s4 ,i hope he's a   
*ip ( ! old block4 ,if he has y\r s& !y 
c't /op him4 ,jump+ ,jupit]1 !y c\ldn't 
h /opp$ y ) an axe :5 y 7 play+ gu>d 9  
our "t1 ,h>ry4 ,i feel bett] already to 
"k t x is y\r kid go+ 9 at full-back    
to-day4  ,no1 ,i'm n go+ up1 ,dick1 said

 ,seeley sl[ly4 ,= "o ?+1 x is too %ort 
notice = me to break away f ! (fice1 &  
,i--,i hav5't ! n]ve to wat* ! boy g    
into ! game4 ,i'm n feel+ v fit4  ,/uff 
& nons5se1 y ne$ a bra9 cure1 vocif]at$ 
,ri*>d ,gidd+s4 ,y1 an old ,yale gu>d1 )
 a pup on ! team1 & he a ,fre%man at t6 
,?r[ out y\r *e/1 man2 tell ! (fice to g
 to ! devil--:]e all newspap]s belong--&
 meet me at ! /ation at t5 o'clock %>p4 
,y talk & look l ! olde/ liv+ grad ) "o 
foot 9 ! grave4  ,seeley flu%$ & bit 8  
lip4 ,8 dull$ realization ( :at ,yale _h
 be5 to him 0 quick5$ by ?is torm5t+    
comrade ( ! brave days ( old1 b he c\ld 
n be %ak5 f 8 attitude ( morbid         
self-effacem5t4  ,no1 ,dick1 x's no use1
 he return$ ) a tremul\s smile4 ,y c't  
budge me4 ,b give my love to ! cr[d &   
tell !m to *e] = t y\ng/] ( m9e until   
!y're blue 9 ! face4  ,mr4 ,ri*>d       
,gidd+s ey$ him quizzically1 & surmis$ t
 some?+ or o!r 0 gravely wrong ) 8      
grizzl$ classmate4 ,b ,seeley (f]$ no m 
explanations & ! vivaci\s intrud] fell  

to 8 task ( demoli%+ sau]kraut ) great  
gu/o1 aft] :i* he nimbly vani%$ into a  
cruis+ hansom ) a s5se ( hav+ be5       
rebuff$4  ,seeley wat*$ him dep>t at    
great spe$ & !n plodd$ t[>d 8 up-t[n    
lodg+s4 ,8 sleep 0 di/ress$ ) unhappy   
dreams1 & dur+ a wakeful int]val he he>d
 a knock at 8 sitt+-room door4  ,an     
(fice boy f ! ,*ronicle editorial rooms 
gave him a note & wait$ = an answ]4     
,seeley recogniz$ ! h&writ+ ( ! manag+  
editor & 0 worri$1 = he 0 always expect+
 ! wor/ to happ54 ,he sigh$ ) reliev$   
surprise z he read3  ,,my ,,de> ,,mr4   
,,seeley3  ,please g to ,new ,hav5 z    
soon z possible & d a c\ple ( columns ( 
descriptive introduction ( !            
,yale-,pr9ceton game4 ,! sport+ dep>tm5t
 w cov] ! te*nical /ory1 b a big        
/eamboat collision has j happ5$ 9 ,nor? 
,riv]1 two or ?ree hundr$ dr[n$ & s on1 
& ,i ne$ e man 9 ! %op4 ,z an old ,yale 
play] ,i am sure ,i c dep5d on y = a    
good /ory1 & ,i "k y us$ to d ?is k9d ( 
/uff 9 f9e /yle4  ,seeley fi%$ 8 wat* f 

"u a pill[4 ,x 0 aft] t5 o'clock & !    
game w\ld beg9 at two4 ,:ile he hurri$  
into 8 clo!s he 0 consci\s ( a di/9ct   
?rill ( excit$ int]e/ ak9 to 8 old-"t   
joy 9 ! day's "w4 ,c\ld he d ?is k9d (  
/uff 9 f9e /yle8 ,:y1 be=e 8 bra9 _h    
begun to be always tir$1 :5 he 0 ! />   
report] ( ! ,*ronicle1 8 football       
introductions _h be5 classics 9 ,p>k    
,r[4 ,if !re 0 a sp>k ( ! old fire left 
9 him he w\ld try to /rike x out1 & = ! 
mom5t he =got ! burd5 ( in]tia :i* _h s 
long cru%$ him4  ,b ,i don't want to run
 into ,dick ,gidd+s & 8 cr[d1 he mutt]$ 
z he s\ght 8 hat & ov]coat4 ,& ,i'll be 
up 9 ! press-box away f ! mob ( old     
grads4 ,p]haps my luck has turn$4  ,:5  
,h5ry ,seeley rea*$ ! ,yale field !     
elev5 _h gone to ! dress+-rooms 9 !     
tra9+ h\se1 & he hov]$ on ! edge ( !    
flood+ cr[ds1 fairly ye>n+ = a glimpse (
 ! ,fre%man full-back & a f>ewell grasp 
( 8 h&4 ,! habitual dread le/ ! son f9d 
cause to be a%am$ ( 8 fa!r _h be5 %ov$  
into ! backgr\nd by a /rong]1 m natural 

emotion4 ,b he well knew t he ought n to
 invade ! tra9+ qu>t]s 9 ^! la/ crucial 
mom5ts4 ,erne/ mu/ n be di/raught by a  
fea!r's weight ( any o!r int]e/ ?an !   
task 9 h&4 ,! coa*es w\ld be deliv]+ _! 
f9al words ( in/ruction & ! old ,yale   
gu>d c\ld picture to himself ! t5se     
absorption ( ! sc5e4 ,l "o com+ out ( a 
dream1 ! pa/ 0 return+ to him 9 vivid1  
he>t-/irr+ glimpses4 ,reluctantly he    
s\ght 8 place 9 ! press-box high above !
 va/ amphi!atre4  ,! prelim9>y spectacle
 0 mov+ly famili>3 ! rippl+ banks (     
color :i* rose on all sides to frame !  
long c>pet ( *alk$ turf2 ! clamor\s     
outbur/s ( *e]+ :5 an eddy ( ,yale or   
,pr9ceton und]graduates swirl$ & toss$  
at comm& ( ! danc+ d]vi% ( a lead] at ! 
edge ( ! field bel[2 ! bright1 buoyant  
aspect ( ! multitude z view$ en masse4  
,seeley lean$ aga9/ ! rail+ ( 8 l(ty p]*
 & gaz$ at ?is pageant until a sport+   
editor1 long 9 h>ness1 nudg$ 8 elb[ &   
said3  ,hello6 ,i hav5't se5 y at a game
 9 a doz5 ye>s4 ,do+ ! /ory or j work+ !

 press-badge graft8 ,t namesake ( y\rs w
 be meat = ! ,tig]s1 ,i'm afraid4 ,glad 
he doesn't belong to y1 ar5't y8        
,seeley />$ at him l a man 9 a trance & 
repli$ evasively3  ,he may be good      
en\gh4 ,x all dep5ds on 8 s& & n]ve4    
,yes1 ,i am do+ ! /ory = a *ange4 ,h y !
 f9al l9e-up8  ,pr9ceton is play+ all h]
 regul> m51 said ! sport+ editor1 giv+  
,seeley 8 note-book4 ,! only ,yale *ange
 is at full-back--& t's a cata/rophe4   
,seeley copi$ ! li/s = ref]5ce & 8 p5cil
 0 n /eady :5 he came to ,full-back1    
,erne/ ,t4 ,seeley4 ,b he pull$ 8 ?\ghts
 away f ! elev5 & began to jot d[n notes
 ( ! pass+ incid5ts :i* might s]ve to   
weave into ! fabric ( 8 description4 ,! 
unwont$ /imulus ar\s$ 8 tal5t z if x 7 n
 dead b dormant4 ,! sc5e appeal$ to him 
) almo/ z mu* fre%ness & color z if he 7
 obs]v+ x = ! fir/ "t4  ,a ro> ( *e]+   
rose f a f> corn] ( ! field & ran       
swiftly along ! ,yale side ( !          
amphi!atre1 :i* blossom$ 9 toss+ blue4  
,! ,yale elev5 scamp]$ into view l colts

 at pa/ure1 ! sub/itutes ve]+ t[>d !    
b5*es beh9d ! side-l9e4 ,)\t m ado !    
team scatt]$ 9 =mation = signal         
practice1 pay+ no he$ to ! tumult :i*   
rag$ ar\nd & above !m4 ,agile1          
clean-limb$1 spl5did 9 _! discipl9$ "y  
manhood1 ! d>k blue ( _! /ock+s & ! :ite
 ,y gleam+ on _! sweat]s fairly trumpet$
 _! significance to ,h5ry ,seeley4 ,&   
pois$ beh9d ! ru%-l9e1 we>+ 8 h>d- won  
univ]sity blue1 0 ! li! figure ( !      
,fre%man full- back1 ,erne/ ,seeley4  ,!
 y\ng/]1 ^: fate x 0 to be call$ a =lorn
 hope1 look$ fragile beside 8 comrades (
 ! elev54 ,al?\gh tall & wiry he 0 l a  
greyh\nd 9 a company ( ma/iffs4 ,8 fa!r1
 look+ d[n at him f s great a height t  
he c\ld n read 8 face1 mutt]$ to himself
 :ile he dug 8 nails into 8 palms3  ,he 
is too light = ?is day's "w4 ,b he      
c>ries himself l a ?or\ghbr$4  ,! boy & 
8 fell[s seem$ s+ul>ly remote f ! %\t+  
?\s&s mass$ s ne> !m4 ,!y _h become !   
sole arbit]s ( _! fate1 & _! impressive 
isolation /ruck ,h5ry ,seeley anew z !  

mo/ dramatic feature ( ?is magnific5t   
picture4 ,he mu/ sit idly by & wat* 8   
only son battle ?r\gh ! mo/ mom5t\s h\r 
( 8 "y life1 z if he 7 gaz+ d[n f ano!r 
planet4  ,! /accato *e]s ( ,pr9ceton    
rocket$ along ! o!r side ( ! field1 & ! 
elev5 f ,old ,nassau ran briskly ov] !  
turf & :eel$ into l9e = a la/ rehe>sal (
 _! ma*9e- l tactics4 ,h5ry ,seeley 0   
f9d+ x h>d to brea!1 j z x _h happ5$ 9  
o!r days :5 he 0 wait+ = ! kick- (f &   
fac+ a /ra9+ ,pr9ceton l9e4 ,! m9utes 7 
l h\rs :ile ! (ficials consult$ ) !     
capta9s 9 ! c5tre ( ! field4 ,!n ! two  
elev5s rang$ !mselves across ! br[n     
turf1 !re 0 brea?less sil5ce1 & a       
,pr9ceton toe lift$ ! ball f> d[n t[>d !
 ,yale goal4 ,x 0 ! "y full-back :o     
wait$ to receive ! op5+ kick1 :ile 8    
comrades ?und]$ t[>d him to =m a fly+   
scre5 ( int]f]5ce4 ,b ! twi/+ ball b\nd$
 f 8 too eag] arms1 & ano!r ,yale back  
fell on x 9 "t to save x f ! clut*es ( a
 meteoric ,pr9ceton end4  ,n]v\s4       
,hasn't /eadi$ d[n yet1 exclaim$ a      

report] beh9d ,h5ry ,seeley4 ,b he c't  
af=d to give ,pr9ceton any m *ances l t4
 ,h] ends are fa/] ?an *a9 lightn+4  ,! 
fa!r groan$ & wip$ ! sweat f 8 eyes4 ,if
 ! team 7 afraid ( ?is untri$ full-back1
 su* a beg9n+ w\ld n give !m confid5ce4 
,!n ! two l9es lock$ & heav$ 9 ! fir/   
scrimmage1 & a /ocky ,yale half-back 0  
pull$ d[n 9 8 tracks4 ,aga9 ! headlong  
,pr9ceton def5ce held firm & ! ,yale    
capta9 gasp$1 ,second d[n & ?ree y>ds to
 ga94 ,! ,yale int]f]]s sp$ to circle "o
 end ( ! l9e1 b !y 7 spill$ ?is way & t 
& ! runn] w5t d[n a y>d %ort ( ! ne$$   
di/ance4  ,! ,yale full-back dropp$ back
 to punt4 ,f> & true ! ball so>$ into ! 
,pr9ceton field1 & ! li! ,fre%man _h    
some:at r$eem$ himself4 ,b n[1 = _! own 
"p1 ! sons ( ,old ,nassau f\nd !mselves 
unable to make decisive ga9s aga9/ !    
,yale def5ce4 ,greek met ,greek 9 ^!    
e>ly cla%es1 & bo? teams 7 =c$ to punt  
aga9 & aga94 ,trick-plays 7 spoil$ by   
al]t end-ru%]s = ! blue or ! orange &   
black1 fi]cely laun*$ assaults at c5tre 

7 torn asund]1 & ! long] ! conte/ rag$  
up & d[n ! field ! m cle>ly x 0 p]ceiv$ 
t ^! anci5t rivals 7 r>ely well mat*$ 9 
po9t ( /r5g? & /rategy4  ,! ,yale coa*es
 7 dismay$ at ?is turn ( ev5ts4 ,!y _h  
hop$ to see ! ball c>ri$ t[>d !         
,pr9ceton goal by means ( %rewdly devis$
 teamwork1 in/ead ( :i* ! burd5 ( ! game
 0 %ift$ to "o man1 ! weake/ l9k 9 !    
*a91 ! ,fre%man at full-back4 ,he 0     
punt+ ) spl5did di/ance1 gett+ ! ball   
away :5 x seem$ z if he mu/ be ov]:elm$ 
by ! hurtl+ ,tig]s4 ,once or twice1     
h[ev]1 a hesitant n]v\sness almo/ wr\ght
 quick disa/]1 & ! ,yale p>tisans wat*$ 
him ) torm5t+ appreh5sion4  ,! fir/ half
 ( ! game 0 f\ght into ! la/ few m9utes 
( play & nei!r elev5 _h be5 able to     
score4 ,!n luck & skill comb9$ to =ce ! 
/ruggle f> d[n into ,yale t]ritory4     
,only t5 y>ds m ( trampl$ turf to ga9 & 
,pr9ceton w\ld cross ! la/ :ite l9e4 ,! 
indomitable _s :i* _h plac$ ^u !        
escut*eon ( ,yale football ! figure ( a 
bulldog rampant1 ralli$ to meet ?is     

crisis1 & ! h>d-press$ l9e held /aun* & 
won possession ( ! ball on d[ns4 ,back  
to ! v %ad[ ( 8 own goal-po/s ! ,yale   
full-back ran to punt ! ball out ( !    
dang] zone4 ,x %ot fairly into 8 grasp f
 a faultless pass1 b 8 f+]s juggl$ !    
slipp]y lea!r z if x 7 bewit*$4 ,= a    
frantic1 awful in/ant he fumbl$ ) ! ball
 & wildly div$ aft] x z x c>om$ (f to "o
 side1 b\nd$ crazily1 & roll$ beyond 8  
rea*4  ,! ,pr9ceton qu>t]-back _h d>t$  
?r\gh ! l9e l a bullet4 ,)\t slack5+    
spe$ or ve]+ f 8 c\rse1 he scoop$ up !  
ball z he fl$ t[>d ! ,yale goal-l9e4 ,x 
0 done & ov] )9 a tw9kl+1 & :ile ! ,yale
 team /amp$$ helplessly 9 8 wake !      
deva/at+ h]o 0 circl+ beh9d ! goal-po/s 
:]e he flopp$ to e>?1 ! preci\s ball    
app>5tly emb$d$ 9 8 /oma*4 ,x 0 a       
,pr9ceton t\*d[n fairly won1 b made     
possible by ! tragic blund] ( "o ,yale  
man4 ,:ile t5 ?\s& ,pr9ceton ?roats 7   
b>k+ _! jubilation1 z _m m loyal fri5ds 
( ,yale sat sad-ey$ & sull5 & gl[]$ _!  
unspeakable displeasure at ! slim figure

 ( ! full-back z he limp$ into l9e to   
face ! try = goal4  ,! goal 0 n scor$1  
h[ev]1 & ! fateful tally /ood five to   
no?+ :5 ! fir/ half end$1 ) ! blue      
bann]s droop+ disconsolate4  ,h5ry      
,seeley pull$ 8 sl\* hat ov] 8 eyes &   
sat ) hun*$ %\ld]s />+ at ! ,yale team z
 x left ! field = ! int]mission4 ,he _h 
=gott5 ab\t 8 /ory ( ! game4 ,! old     
spectre ( failure obsess$ him4 ,x 0     
already haunt+ ! pa?way ( 8 boy4 ,0 he  
also to be beat5 by "o colossal blund]8 
,h5ry ,seeley felt t ,erne/'s :ole c>e] 
hung ^u 8 behavior 9 ! second half4 ,h[ 
w\ld ! lad take 8 m$ic9e8 ,w\ld x break 
8 he>t or r\se him to fight m valiantly8
 ,z if ! fa!r _h be5 ?9k+ al\d1 ! sport+
 editor at 8 side obs]v$3  ,he may w9 ! 
game yet4 ,i l ! looks ( t boy4 ,b he   
did make a hide\s mess ( x1 didn't he8  
,i hope he hasn't got a /reak ( yell[ 9 
him4  ,h5ry ,seeley turn$ on 8 neighbor 
) a savage sc[l & c\ld n hold back !    
quiv]+ retort3  ,he belongs to me1 ,i   
want y to und]/&1 & we'll say no?+ ab\t 

yell[ /reaks until he has a *ance to    
make good next half4  ,:ew-w-w1 :y did y
 hold x out on me1 old man8 gasp$ !     
sport+ editor4 ,no wond] y kick$ me     
black & blue )\t kn[+ x4 ,i hope he is a
 *ip ( ! old block4 ,i saw y play "h 9  
y\r la/ game4  ,seeley grunt$ some?+ &  
resum$ />+ at ! field4 ,he 0 ?9k+ ( !   
pres5t mom5t 9 ! tra9+ qu>t]s1 ( !      
muddy1 we>y play]s sprawl$ ar\nd ! head 
coa*1 ( 8 wise1 bitt]1 /++ rebukes &    
admonitions4 ,p]haps he w\ld take ,erne/
 out ( ! game4 ,b ,seeley 0 confid5t t !
 coa*es w\ld give ! boy a *ance to r$eem
 himself if !y believ$ 8 he>t 0 9 ! "r  
place4 ,pres5tly ! two teams trott$ on !
 field1 n z nimbly z at _! fir/         
appe>ance1 b ) dogg$ resolution 9 _!    
demeanor4 ,h5ry ,seeley saw 8 son glance
 up at ! *e]+ sections1 z if wond]+ :e!r
 _! welcome 0 meant to include him4 ,"o 
*e]1 at lea/1 0 int5d$ to greet him1 =  
,h5ry ,seeley /ood on 8 *air1 wav$ 8    
hat1 & ?und]$3  ',rah1 'rah1 'rah1 =    
,yale1 my boy4 ,eat 'em alive z y\r     

daddy us$ to d4  ,! m5 f ,pr9ceton _h no
 int5tion ( be+ dev\r$ 9 ?is summ>y     
fa%ion4 ,!y resum$ _! tireless1 :irlw9d 
attack l giants refre%$1 & s h>ri$ _!   
,yale foem5 t !y 7 =c$ to _! utmo/ to   
w>d (f ano!r t\*d[n4 ,?is incessant     
batt]+ dull$ ! edges ( _! (f5sive       
tactics1 & !y seem$ unable to set 9     
motion a consi/5t s]ies ( advances4 ,b !
 joy ( ,pr9ceton 0 temp]$ by ! k t ?is1 
h] de>e/ enemy1 0 n beat5 until ! la/   
play _h be5 signall$4  ,& someh[ ! ,yale
 ma*9e ( muscle1 bra9s1 & p[] began to  
f9d itself :5 ! aft]noon %ad[s 7 slant+ 
a?w>t ! ar5a4 ,) ! ball on ,pr9ceton's  
=ty-y>d l9e ! *os5 sons ( ,eli began a  
h]oic advance d[n ! field4 ,x 0 z if "s 
miss+ cog _h be5 suppli$4 ,/raight      
old-fa%ion$ football x 01 elev5 m9ds &  
bodies work+ z "o & animat$ by a        
desp]ate resolve1 :i* c>ri$ ! ,yale team
 along = d[n aft] d[n into ! he>t (     
,pr9ceton's gr\nd4  ,p]haps because he 0
 fre%] ?an ! o!r backs1 p]haps because !
 capta9 knew 8 man1 ! ball 0 giv5 to !  

,yale full-back = "o swift & batt]+     
assault aft] ano!r4 ,8 slim figure pelt$
 at ! ru%-l9e1 0 ov]:elm$ 9 an avalan*e 
( /rip$ arms & legs1 b someh[ twi/$1    
wriggl$1 dragg$ itself ahead z if !re 0 
no /opp+ him4 ,! multitude compreh5d$ t 
?is despis$ & disgrac$ ,fre%man 0 work+ 
out 8 own salvation along ) t ( 8       
comrades4 ,once1 :5 ! scrimmage 0       
untangl$1 he 0 dragg$ f b5ea? a heap (  
play]s1 unable to rega9 8 feet4 ,he lay 
on ! grass a huddl$ heap1 blood sme>+ 8 
=ehead4 ,a surgeon & ! tra9] d\s$ &     
b&ag$ him1 & pres5tly he /agg]$ to 8    
feet & hobbl$ to 8 /ation1 rubb+ 8 h&s  
across 8 eyes z if daz$4  ,:51 at l5g?1 
! /ubbornly retreat+ ,pr9ceton l9e _h   
be5 driv5 deep d[n into _! end ( !      
field1 !y1 too1 %[$ t !y c\ld hold fa/ 9
 ! la/ extremity4 ,! ,yale attack       
crumpl$ aga9/ !m z if x _h /ruck a /one 
wall4 ,"y ,seeley seem$ to be s crippl$ 
& exhau/$ t he _h be5 giv5 a respite f !
 int]lock$1 hamm]+ onslaught1 b at !    
?ird d[n ! pant+ qu>t]-back croak$ out 8

 signal4 ,8 comrades manag$ to rip a    
semblance ( an op5+ = him1 he plung$    
?r\gh1 popp$ cle> ( ! l9e1 fell to 8    
knees1 recov]$ 8 foot+ by a miracle (   
agility1 & lung$ onw>d1 to be br\ght d[n
 )9 five y>ds ( ! covet$ goal-po/s4  ,he
 _h won ! "r to make ! la/ mom5t\s *>ge4
 ,sway+ 9 8 tracks1 ! full-back await$ !
 summons4 ,!n he div$ 9 beh9d !         
int]f]5ce = a circuit ( ! "r end4 ,two  
,pr9ceton m5 broke ?r\gh z if !y _h be5 
%ot out ( mort>s1 b ! ,yale full-back _h
 turn$ & 0 pl\gh+ /raight ahead4 ,pull$ 
d[n1 dragg+ ! tackl] :o clung to 8 wai/1
 he fl\nd]$ to e>? ) mo/ ( ! ,pr9ceton  
team pil$ above him4 ,b ! ball lay      
beyond ! fateful *alk-l9e1 ! ,yale      
t\*d[n 0 won1 & ! game 0 ti$4  ,! capta9
 clapp$ ,seeley on ! %\ld]1 nodd$ at !  
ball1 & ! full-back limp$ on to ! field 
to kick ! goal or lose a victory4 ,!re 7
 no m signs ( n]v\sness 9 8 be>+4 ,)    
grave delib]ation he /ood wait+ = ! ball
 to be plac$ 9 front ( ! goal-po/s4 ,!  
sun _h dropp$ beh9d ! l(ty gr&-/&s4 ,!  

field lay 9 a k9d ( w9try twilight4     
,?irty ?\s& m5 & wom5 gaz$ 9 t5se/      
sil5ce at ! mud- /a9$1 batt]$ y\? :o _h 
become ! cr[n+ issue ( ?is poignant     
mom5t4 ,up 9 ! press-box a ?ick-set1    
grayi% man dug 8 fi/s 9 8 eyes & c\ld n 
be> to look at ! lonely1 reliant figure 
d[n yond] on ! quiet field4 ,! fa!r f\nd
 c\rage to take 8 h&s f 8 face only :5 a
 mighty ro> ( joy boom$ along ! ,yale   
side ( ! amphi!atre1 & he saw ! ball    
drop 9 a long arc beh9d ! goal-po/s4 ,! 
kick _h won ! game = ,yale4  ,once cle> 
( ! cr[ds1 ,h5ry ,seeley hurri$ t[>d !  
tra9+ qu>t]s4 ,8 head 0 up1 8 %\ld]s    
squ>$1 & he walk$ ) ! free /ride ( an   
a?lete4 ,mr4 ,ri*>d ,gidd+s danc$ madly 
across to him3  ,afraid to see him play 
7 y1 y silly old fool8 ,he is a *ip ( ! 
old block4 ,he didn't "k :5 he 0 lick$4 
,w[1 w[1 w[1 blood w tell6 ,come along )
 u1 ,h>ry4  ,i mu/ %ake h&s ) ! y\ng/]1 
,dick4 ,glad ,i *ang$ my m9d & came to  
see him d x4  ,all "r1 see y at ,mory's 
to-night4 ,tell ! boy we're all pr\d (  

him4  ,seeley resum$ 8 c\rse1 say+ ov] &
 ov] aga91 z if he lov$ ! s\nd ( !      
words1 *ip ( ! old block1 blood w tell4 
,?is v]dict 0 l ! r++ call ( bugles4 ,x 
made him feel "y1 hopeful1 resolute1 t  
life 7 wor? hav+ = ! sake ( its /rife4  
,"o ?+ at lea/ 0 c]ta94 ,8 son c\ld take
 8 puni%m5t & wre/ victory f disa/]1 &  
he des]v$ some?+ bett] ?an a c[>d & a   
quitt] = a fa!r4  ,! full-back 0 sitt+  
on a b5* :5 ! eld] ,seeley ent]$ !      
cr[d$1 /eam+ room ( ! tra9+ h\se4 ,!    
surgeon _h remov$ ! muddy1 blood-/a9$   
b&age f ar\nd 8 t\sl$ head & 0 cleans+  
an ugly1 ragg$ ga%4 ,! boy sc[l$ & w9c$ 
b made no compla9t1 al?\gh 8 bruis$ face
 0 v pale4  ,mu/ h made y feel pretty   
foggy1 said ! surgeon4 ,i %all h to put 
9 a few /it*es4 ,x 0 a deuce ( a ?ump4  
,i c\ldn't see v well & my legs w5t que]
 = a few m9utes1 b ,i'm all "r n[1      
?anks1 repli$ ! full-back1 & !n1 glanc+ 
up1 he espi$ 8 fa!r /&+ ne> ! door4 ,!  
"y h]o ( ! game beckon$ him ) a grimy   
fi/4 ,h5ry ,seeley w5t ov] to him1 took 

! fi/ 9 8 two h&s1 & !n patt$ ! boy's   
*eek ) awkw>d & unaccu/om$ t5d]ness4    
,sit /ill1 ,erne/4 ,i won't int]f]e ) ! 
doctor's job4 ,i j want$ to let y "k t  
,i saw y\r bully "w4 ,x made me ?9k (--x
 made me ?9k (--  ,h5ry ,seeley's voice 
broke curi\sly & 8 lip quiv]$4 ,he _h n 
meant to %[ any emotion4  ,8 son repli$ 
) a smile ( affectionate admiration3 ,x 
made y ?9k ( y\r own teams1 didn't x8 ,&
 ,i 0 ?9k+ ( y 9 t la/ half4 ,x help$ my
 n]ve a :ole lot to rememb] t my dad    
nev] knew :5 he 0 lick$4 ,:y1 ev5 !     
coa*es told me t betwe5 ! halves4 ,x put
 m g+] into me ?an any?+ else4 ,we've   
got to keep up ! family record betwe5 u4
  ,! fa!r look$ beyond ! boy z if he 7  
?9k+ ( a bigg]1 /]n] game ?an football4 
,!re 0 ! light ( a resurrect$           
det]m9ation 9 8 eyes1 & a vibrant       
e>ne/ness 9 8 voice z he said3  ,i'm n  
worry+ ab\t y\r keep+ ! family record   
bright1 ,erne/4 ,&1 h[ev] ?+s may g )   
me1 y w be able to hang fa/ to ! doctr9e
 :i* help$ y to-day1 t y\r fa!r1 too1   

doesn't "k :5 he is :ipp$4              
,,gallegh]  ,a ,,newspap] ,,/ory  ,,by  
,,ri*>d ,,h>d+ ,,davis  ,?is is an      
illu/ration ( a popul> type ( !         
%ort-/ory4 ,! movem5t f beg9n+ to end is
 swift & urg5t2 some?+ important is     
happ5+ all ! "t4 ,description is r$uc$  
to ! m9imum1 & :]e x is us$ does n imp$e
 ! action4 ,! local color ( a great     
newspap] (fice 9 a l>ge city contributes
 to ! impression ( ord]ly activity &    
ha/e4 ,gallegh]1 moreov]1 is ! k9d ( "* 
t enli/s sympa?y by 8 y\?1 8 d>+1 & 8   
res\rcefulness4     ,,gallegh]          
,footnote3 ,f ,gallegh] & ,o!r ,/ories1 
by ,ri*>d ,h>d+ ,davis4 ,copyright1     
#ahia1 by ,*>les ,scribn]'s ,sons4   ,we
 _h _h s _m (fice-boys be=e ,gallegh]   
came among u t !y _h begun to lose !    
*>act]i/ics ( individuals1 & became m]g$
 9 a composite photograph ( small boys1 
to :om we appli$ ! g5]ic title ( ,"h1 y2
 or ,y1 boy4  ,we _h _h sleepy boys1 &  
lazy boys1 & bright1 sm>t boys1 :o      
became s famili> on s %ort an           

acqua9tance t we 7 =c$ to "p ) !m to    
save our own self-respect4  ,!y g5]ally 
graduat$ into di/rict-mess5g] boys1 &   
occasionally return$ to u 9 blue coats )
 nickel-plat$ buttons1 & patroniz$ u4   
,b ,gallegh] 0 some?+ diff]5t f any?+ we
 _h exp]i5c$ be=e4 ,gallegh] 0 %ort &   
broad 9 build1 ) a solid1 muscul>       
broadness1 & n a fat & dumpy %ortness4  
,he wore p]petually on 8 face a happy & 
kn[+ smile1 z if y & ! _w 9 g5]al 7 n   
impress+ him z s]i\sly z y ?\ght y 71 & 
8 eyes1 :i* 7 v black & v bright1 snapp$
 intellig5tly at y l ^? ( a little      
black- &-tan t]ri]4  ,all ,gallegh] knew
 _h be5 le>nt on ! /reets2 n a v good   
s*ool 9 itself1 b "o t turns out v kn[+ 
s*ol>s4 ,& ,gallagh] _h att5d$ bo? morn+
 & ev5+ sessions4 ,he c\ld n tell y :o !
 ,pilgrim ,fa!rs 71 nor c\ld he "n !    
?irte5 orig9al ,/ates1 b he knew all !  
(fic]s ( ! tw5ty-second police di/rict  
by "n1 & he c\ld di/+ui% ! clang ( a    
fire-eng9e's gong f t ( a patrol-wagon  
or an ambulance fully two blocks di/ant4

 ,x 0 ,gallegh] :o rang ! al>m :5 !     
,woolwi* ,mills caught fire1 :ile !     
(fic] on ! beat 0 asleep1 & x 0         
,gallegh] :o l$ ! ,black ,diamonds aga9/
 ! ,:>f ,rats1 :5 !y us$ to /one ea* o!r
 to _! he>ts' cont5t on ! coal-:>ves (  
,ri*mond4  ,i am afraid1 n[ t ,i see ^! 
facts writt5 d[n1 t ,gallegh] 0 n a     
reputable "*2 b he 0 s v "y & s v old = 
8 ye>s t we all lik$ him v mu*          
nev]!less4 ,he liv$ 9 ! extreme nor!rn  
"p ( ,philadelphia1 :]e ! cotton-&      
wooll5-mills run d[n to ! riv]1 & h[ he 
ev] got home aft] leav+ ! ,press build+ 
at two 9 ! morn+1 0 "o ( ! my/]ies ( !  
(fice4 ,sometimes he caught a night c>1 
& sometimes he walk$ all ! way1 arriv+  
at ! little h\se1 :]e 8 "m & himself    
liv$ alone1 at f\r 9 ! morn+4           
,occasionally he 0 giv5 a ride on an    
e>ly milk-c>t1 or on "o ( ! newspap]    
deliv]y wagons1 ) its high piles ( pap]s
 /ill damp & /icky f ! press4 ,he knew  
sev]al driv]s ( night hawks--^? cabs t  
pr[l ! /reets at night look+ = belat$   

pass5g]s-- & :5 x 0 a v cold morn+ he   
w\ld n g home at all1 b w\ld crawl into 
"o ( ^! cabs & sleep1 curl$ ^u !        
cu%ions1 until daylight4  ,besides be+  
quick & *e]ful1 ,gallegh] possess$ a p[]
 ( amus+ ! ,press's "y m5 to a degree   
seldom atta9$ by ! ord9>y mortal4 ,8    
clog-danc+ on ! city editor's desk1 :5 t
 g5tleman 0 up/airs fight+ = two m      
columns ( space1 0 always a s\rce (     
innoc5t joy to u1 & 8 imitations ( !    
com$ians ( ! v>iety halls delight$ ev5 !
 dramatic critic1 f :om ! com$ians      
!mselves fail$ to =ce a smile4  ,b      
,gallegh]'s *ief *>act]i/ic 0 8 love = t
 elem5t ( news g5]ically class$ z crime4
  ,n t he ev] did any?+ crim9al himself4
 ,on ! contr>y1 8 0 r ! "w ( ! crim9al  
speciali/1 & 8 morbid int]e/ 9 ! do+s ( 
all que] *>act]s1 8 k ( _! me?ods1 _!   
pres5t :]eab\ts1 & _! pa/ de$s (        
transgression (t5 r5d]$ him a valuable  
ally to our police report]1 ^: daily    
feuilletons 7 ! only portion ( ! pap]   
,gallegh] deign$ to read4  ,9 ,gallegh] 

! detective elem5t 0 abnormally         
develop$4 ,he _h %[n ?is on sev]al      
occasions1 & to excell5t purpose4  ,once
 ! pap] _h s5t him into a ,home =       
,de/itute ,orphans :i* 0 believ$ to be  
griev\sly mismanag$1 & ,gallegh]1 :ile  
play+ ! "p ( a de/itute orphan1 kept 8  
eyes op5 to :at 0 go+ on ar\nd him s    
fai?fully t ! /ory he told ( ! treatm5t 
met$ out to ! real orphans 0 suffici5t  
to rescue ! unhappy little wret*es f !  
individual :o _h !m 9 *>ge1 & to h !    
individual himself s5t to jail4         
,gallegh]'s k ( ! aliases1 t]ms (       
imprisonm5t1 & v>i\s misdo+s ( ! lead+  
crim9als 9 ,philadelphia 0 almo/ z      
?or\gh z t ( ! *ief ( police himself1 & 
he c\ld tell to an h\r :5 ,dut*y ,mack 0
 to be let out ( prison1 & c\ld id5tify 
at a glance ,dick ,ox=d1 confid5ce man1 
z ,g5tleman ,dan1 petty ?ief4  ,!re 71  
at ?is "t1 only two pieces ( news 9 any 
( ! pap]s4 ,! lea/ important ( ! two 0 !
 big fight betwe5 ! ,*ampion ( ! ,unit$ 
,/ates & ! ,w\ld-be ,*ampion1 arrang$ to

 take place ne> ,philadelphia2 ! second 
0 ! ,burrbank murd]1 :i* 0 fill+ space 9
 newspap]s all ov] ! _w1 f ,new ,york to
 ,bombay4  ,ri*>d ,f4 ,burrbank 0 "o ( !
 mo/ prom95t ( ,new ,york's railroad    
lawy]s2 he 0 also1 z a matt] ( c\rse1 an
 own] ( mu* railroad /ock1 & a v weal?y 
man4 ,he _h be5 spok5 ( z a political   
possibility = _m high (fices1 &1 z !    
c\nsel = a great railroad1 0 kn[n ev5   
fur!r ?an ! great railroad itself _h    
/ret*$ its sy/em4  ,at six o 'clock "o  
morn+ he 0 f\nd by 8 butl] ly+ at ! foot
 ( ! hall /airs ) two pi/ol w\nds above 
8 he>t4 ,he 0 q dead4 ,8 safe1 to :i*   
only he & 8 secret>y _h ! keys1 0 f\nd  
op51 & #bjj1jjj 9 bonds1 /ocks1 & money1
 :i* _h be5 plac$ !re only ! night be=e1
 0 f\nd miss+4 ,! secret>y 0 miss+ also4
 ,8 "n 0 ,/eph5 ,s4 ,hade1 & 8 "n & 8   
description _h be5 telegraph$ & cabl$ to
 all p>ts ( ! _w4 ,!re 0 en\gh          
circum/antial evid5ce to %[1 beyond any 
"q or possibility ( mi/ake1 t he 0 !    
murd]]4  ,x made an enorm\s am\nt (     

talk1 & unhappy individuals 7 be+ arre/$
 all ov] ! c\ntry1 & s5t on to ,new     
,york = id5tification4 ,?ree _h be5     
arre/$ at ,liv]pool1 & "o man j z he l&$
 at ,sydney1 ,au/ralia4 ,b s f> ! murd]]
 _h escap$4  ,we 7 all talk+ ab\t x "o  
night1 z ev]ybody else 0 all ov] !      
c\ntry1 9 ! local room1 & ! city editor 
said x 0 wor? a =tune to any "o :o *anc$
 to run across ,hade & succe$$ 9 h&+ him
 ov] to ! police4 ,"s ( u ?\ght ,hade _h
 tak5 passage f "s "o ( ! small]        
seaports1 & o!rs 7 ( ! op9ion t he _h   
buri$ himself 9 "s *eap lodg+-h\se 9    
,new ,york1 or 9 "o ( ! small] t[ns 9   
,new ,j]sey4  ,i %\ldn't be surpris$ to 
meet him out walk+1 "r "h 9             
,philadelphia1 said "o ( ! /aff4 ,he'll 
be disguis$1 ( c\rse1 b y c\ld always   
tell him by ! abs5ce ( ! trigg] f+] on 8
 "r h&4 ,x's miss+1 y "k2 %ot (f :5 he 0
 a boy4  ,y want to look = a man dress$ 
l a t\gh1 said ! city editor2 = z ?is   
fell[ is to all appe>ances a g5tleman1  
he w try to look z little l a g5tleman z

 possible4  ,no1 he won't1 said         
,gallegh]1 ) t calm imp]t95ce t made him
 de> to u4 ,he'll dress j l a g5tleman4 
,t\ghs don't we> gloves1 & y see he's   
got to we> 'em4 ,! fir/ ?+ he ?\ght (   
aft] do+ = ,burrbank 0 ( t gone f+]1 &  
h[ he 0 to hide x4 ,he /uff$ ! f+] ( t  
glove ) cotton s's to make x look l a   
:ole f+]1 & ! fir/ "t he takes (f t     
glove !y've got him--see1 & he kn[s x4  
,s :at y\se want to d is to look = a man
 ) gloves on4 ,i've be5 a-do+ x = two   
weeks n[1 & ,i c tell y x's h>d "w1 =   
ev]ybody we>s gloves ?is k9d ( wea!r4 ,b
 if y look long en\gh y'll f9d him4 ,&  
:5 y ?9k x's him1 g up to him & hold out
 y\r h& 9 a fri5dly way1 l a bunco-/e]]1
 & %ake 8 h&2 & if y feel t 8 =ef+] a9't
 real fle%1 b j wadd$ cotton1 !n grip to
 x ) y\r "r & grab 8 ?roat ) y\r left1 &
 holl] = help4  ,!re 0 an appreciative  
pause4  ,i see1 g5tlem51 said ! city    
editor1 drily1 t ,gallegh]'s reason+ has
 impress$ y2 & ,i also see t be=e ! week
 is out all ( my "y m5 w be "u bonds =  

assault+ innoc5t p$e/rians ^: only (f5ce
 is t !y we> gloves 9 mid-w9t]4         
4      4      4      4      4      4    
4  ,x 0 ab\t a week aft] ?is t          
,detective ,hefflef+]1 ( ,inspector     
,byrnes's /aff1 came ov] to             
,philadelphia aft] a burgl>1 ( ^:       
:]eab\ts he _h be5 mis9=m$ by telegraph4
 ,he br\ght ! w>rant1 requisition1 & o!r
 necess>y pap]s ) him1 b ! burgl> _h    
fl[n4 ,"o ( our report]s _h work$ on a  
,new ,york pap]1 & knew ,hefflef+]1 & ! 
detective came to ! (fice to see if he  
c\ld help him 9 8 s f> unsuccessful     
se>*4  ,he gave ,gallegh] 8 c>d1 & aft] 
,gallegh] _h read x1 & _h discov]$ :o ! 
visitor 01 he became s demoraliz$ t he 0
 absolutely useless4  ,"o ( ,byrnes's m5
 0 a mu* m awe-inspir+ individual to    
,gallegh] ?an a memb] ( ! ,cab9et4 ,he  
accord+ly seiz$ 8 hat & ov]coat1 & leav+
 8 duties to be look$ aft] by o!rs1     
ha/5$ out aft] ! object ( 8 admiration1 
:o f\nd 8 sugge/ions & k ( ! city s     
valuable1 & 8 company s ent]ta9+1 t !y  

became v intimate1 & sp5t ! re/ ( ! day 
toge!r4  ,9 ! mean:ile ! manag+ editor  
_h in/ruct$ 8 subord9ates to in=m       
,gallegh]1 :5 he condesc5d$ to return1 t
 8 s]vices 7 no long] ne$$4 ,gallegh] _h
 play$ truant once too (t54 ,unconsci\s 
( ?is1 he rema9$ ) 8 new fri5d until    
late ! same ev5+1 & />t$ ! next aft]noon
 t[>d ! ,press (fice4  ,z ,i h said1    
,gallegh] liv$ 9 ! mo/ di/ant "p ( !    
city1 n _m m9utes' walk f ! ,k5s+ton    
railroad /ation1 :]e tra9s ran into !   
suburbs & on to ,new ,york4  ,x 0 9     
front ( ?is /ation t a smoo?ly-%av51    
well- dress$ man bru%$ pa/ ,gallegh] &  
hurri$ up ! /eps to ! ticket (fice4  ,he
 held a walk+-/ick 9 8 "r h&1 &         
,gallegh]1 :o n[ pati5tly scrut9iz$ !   
h&s ( e "o :o wore gloves1 saw t :ile   
?ree f+]s ( ! man's h& 7 clos$ ar\nd !  
cane1 ! f\r? /ood out 9 almo/ a /raight 
l9e ) 8 palm4  ,gallegh] /opp$ ) a gasp 
& ) a trembl+ all ov] 8 little body1 & 8
 bra9 ask$ ) a ?rob if x c\ld be        
possible4 ,b possibilities &            

probabilities 7 to be discov]$ lat]4 ,n[
 0 ! "t = action4  ,he 0 aft] ! man 9 a 
mom5t1 hang+ at 8 heels & 8 eyes moi/ ) 
excitem5t4  ,he he>d ! man ask = a      
ticket to ,torresdale1 a little /ation j
 outside ( ,philadelphia1 & :5 he 0 out 
( he>+1 b n out ( sight1 pur*as$ "o = ! 
same place4  ,! /rang] w5t into !       
smok+-c>1 & seat$ himself at "o end t[>d
 ! door4 ,gallegh] took 8 place at !    
opposite end4  ,he 0 trembl+ all ov]1 & 
suff]$ f a slight feel+ ( nausea4 ,he   
guess$ x came f fright1 n ( any bodily  
h>m t might come to him1 b at !         
probability ( failure 9 8 adv5ture & (  
its mo/ mom5t\s possibilities4  ,!      
/rang] pull$ 8 coat coll> up ar\nd 8    
e>s1 hid+ ! l[] portion ( 8 face1 b n   
conceal+ ! resemblance 9 8 tr\bl$ eyes &
 close-%ut lips to ! lik5esses ( !      
murd]] ,hade4  ,!y rea*$ ,torresdale 9  
half an h\r1 & ! /rang]1 alight+        
quickly1 /ruck (f at a rapid pace d[n ! 
c\ntry road lead+ to ! /ation4          
,gallegh] gave him a hundr$ y>ds' />t1 &

 !n foll[$ sl[ly aft]4 ,! road ran      
betwe5 fields & pa/ a few frame- h\ses  
set f> f ! road 9 kit*5 g>d5s4  ,once or
 twice ! man look$ back ov] 8 %\ld]1 b  
he saw only a dre>y l5g? ( road ) a     
small boy spla%+ ?r\gh ! slu% 9 ! mid/ (
 x & /opp+ e n[ & aga9 to ?r[ sn[balls  
at belat$ sp>r[s4  ,aft] a t5 m9utes'   
walk ! /rang] turn$ into a side road :i*
 l$ to only "o place1 ! ,eagle ,inn1 an 
old roadside ho/elry kn[n n[ z !        
headqu>t]s = po?unt]s f ! ,philadelphia 
game m>ket & ! battle-gr\nd ( _m a cock-
 fight4  ,gallegh] knew ! place well4   
,he & 8 "y companions _h (t5 /opp$ !re  
:5 out *e/nutt+ on holidays 9 ! autumn4 
,! son ( ! man :o kept x _h (t5         
accompani$ !m on _! excursions1 & ?\gh !
 boys ( ! city /reets consid]$ him a    
dumb l\t1 !y respect$ him some:at ow+ to
 8 inside k ( dog-& cock-fights4  ,!    
/rang] ent]$ ! inn at a side door1 &    
,gallegh]1 rea*+ x a few m9utes lat]1   
let him g = ! "t be+1 & set ab\t f9d+ 8 
occasional playmate1 "y ,keppl]4        

,keppl]'s (fspr+ 0 f\nd 9 ! wood-%$4    
',ta9't h>d to guess :at br+s y out "h1 
said ! tav]n- keep]'s son1 ) a gr92 x's 
! fight4  ,:at fight8 ask$ ,gallegh]1   
ungu>d$ly4  ,:at fight8 ,:y1 ,,! fight1 
return$ 8 companion1 ) ! sl[ contempt ( 
sup]ior k4 ,x's to come (f "h to- night4
 ,y knew t z well z me2 anyway y\r      
sport9' editor kn[s x4 ,he got ! tip la/
 night1 b t won't help y any4 ,y ne$n't 
?9k !re's any *ance ( y\r gett+ a peep  
at x4 ,:y1 tickets is two hundr$ & fifty
 apiece6  ,:ew6 :i/l$ ,gallegh]1 :]e's x
 to be8  ,9 ! b>n1 :isp]$ ,keppl]4 ,i   
help$ 'em fix ! ropes ?is morn+1 ,i did4
  ,go%1 b y're 9 luck1 exclaim$         
,gallegh]1 ) flatt]+ envy4 ,c\ldn't ,i  
je/ get a peep at x8  ,maybe1 said !    
gratifi$ ,keppl]4 ,!re's a w9d] ) a     
wood5 %utt] at ! back ( ! b>n4 ,y c get 
9 by x1 if y h "s "o to boo/ y up to !  
sill4  ,sa-a-y1 drawl$ ,gallegh]1 z if  
some?+ _h b j t mom5t rem9d$ him4 ,:o's 
t g5t :o come d[n ! road j a bit ahead (
 me--him ) ! cape-coat6 ,has he got     

any?+ to d ) ! fight8  ,him8 repeat$    
,keppl] 9 tones ( s9c]e disgu/4 ,no--oh1
 he a9't no sport4 ,he's que]1 ,dad     
?9ks4 ,he come "h "o day la/ week ab\t  
t5 9 ! morn+1 said 8 doctor told him to 
g out 'en ! c\ntry = 8 heal?4 ,he's /uck
 up & citifi$1 & we>s gloves1 & takes 8 
meals private 9 8 room1 & all t sort (  
truck4 ,!y 0 say+ 9 ! saloon la/ night t
 !y ?\ght he 0 hid+ f some?+1 & ,dad1 j 
to try him1 asks him la/ night if he 0  
com+ to see ! fight4 ,he look$ sort (   
sc>$1 & said he didn't want to see no   
fight4 ,& !n ,dad says1 ',i guess y mean
 y don't want no fight]s to see y4' ,dad
 didn't mean no h>m by x1 j pass$ x z a 
joke2 b ,mr4 ,c>leton1 z he calls       
himself1 got :ite z a gho/ an' says1    
',i'll g to ! fight will+ en\gh1' &     
beg9s to laugh & joke4 ,& ?is morn+ he  
w5t "r into ! b>-room1 :]e all ! sports 
7 sett+1 & said he 0 go+ 9 to t[n to see
 "s fri5ds2 & z he />ts (f he laughs an'
 says1 ',?is don't look z if ,i 0 afraid
 ( see+ p1 does x8' b ,dad says x 0 j   

bluff t made him d x1 & ,dad ?9ks t if  
he hadn't said :at he did1 ?is ,mr4     
,c>leton w\ldn't h left 8 room at all4  
,gallegh] _h got all he want$1 & mu* m  
?an he _h hop$ =--s mu* m t 8 walk back 
to ! /ation 0 9 ! nature ( a triumphal  
m>*4  ,he _h tw5ty m9utes to wait = !   
next tra91 & x seem$ an h\r4 ,:ile wait+
 he s5t a telegram to ,hefflef+] at 8   
hotel4 ,x read3 ,y\r man is ne> !       
,torresdale /ation1 on ,p5nsylvania     
,railroad2 take cab1 & meet me at       
/ation4 ,wait until ,i come4 ,,gallegh]4
  ,) ! exception ( "o at midnight1 no   
o!r tra9 /opp$ at ,torresdale t ev5+1   
h5ce ! direction to take a cab4  ,! tra9
 to ! city seem$ to ,gallegh] to drag   
itself by in*es4 ,x /opp$ & back$ at    
purposeless int]vals1 wait$ = an express
 to prec$e x1 & dalli$ at /ations1 & :51
 at la/1 x rea*$ ! t]m9us1 ,gallegh] 0  
out be=e x _h /opp$ & 0 9 ! cab & (f on 
8 way to ! home ( ! sport+ editor4  ,!  
sport+ editor 0 at d9n] & came out 9 !  
hall to see him1 ) 8 napk9 9 8 h&4      

,gallegh] expla9$ brea?lessly t he _h   
locat$ ! murd]] = :om ! police ( two    
cont95ts 7 look+1 & t he believ$1 9 ord]
 to quiet ! suspicions ( ! p ) :om he 0 
hid+1 t he w\ld be pres5t at ! fight t  
night4  ,! sport+ editor l$ ,gallegh]   
into 8 libr>y & %ut ! door4 ,n[1 he     
said1 g ov] all t aga94  ,gallegh] w5t  
ov] x aga9 9 detail1 & add$ h[ he _h s5t
 = ,hefflef+] to make ! arre/ 9 ord] t x
 might be kept f ! k ( ! local police & 
f ! ,philadelphia report]s4  ,:at ,i    
want ,hefflef+] to d is to arre/ ,hade )
 ! w>rant he has = ! burgl>1 expla9$    
,gallegh]2 & to take him on to ,new     
,york on ! owl tra9 t passes ,torresdale
 at "o4 ,x don't get to ,j]sey ,city    
until f\r o'clock1 "o h\r aft] ! morn+  
pap]s g to press4 ,( c\rse1 we mu/ fix  
,hefflef+] s's he'll keep quiet & n tell
 :o 8 prison] really is4  ,! sport+     
editor rea*$ 8 h& out to pat ,gallegh]  
on ! head1 b *ang$ 8 m9d & %ook h&s )   
him in/ead4  ,my boy1 he said1 y are an 
infant ph5om5on4 ,if ,i c pull ! re/ (  

?is ?+ (f to-night1 x w mean ! #e1jjj   
rew>d & fame galore = y & ! pap]4 ,n[1  
,i'm go+ to write a note to ! manag+    
editor1 & y c take x ar\nd to him & tell
 him :at y've done & :at ,i am go+ to d1
 & he'll take y back on ! pap] & raise  
y\r sal>y4 ,p]haps y didn't "k y've be5 
dis*>g$8  ,d y ?9k y a9't a-go+ to take 
me ) y8 dem&$ ,gallegh]4  ,:y1 c]ta9ly  
n4 ,:y %\ld ,i8 ,x all lies ) !         
detective & myself n[4 ,y've done y\r   
%>e1 & done x well4 ,if ! man's caught1 
! rew>d's y\rs4 ,b y'd only be 9 ! way  
n[4 ,y'd bett] g to ! (fice & make y\r  
peace ) ! *ief4  ,if ! pap] c get along 
)\t me1 ,i c get along )\t ! old pap]1  
said ,gallegh]1 hotly4 ,& if ,i a9't    
a-go+ ) y1 y a9't nei!r1 = ,i "k :]e    
,hefflef+] is to be1 & y don't1 & ,i    
won't tell y4  ,oh1 v well1 v well1     
repli$ ! sport+ editor1 weakly          
capitulat+4 ,i'll s5d ! note by a       
mess5g]2 only m9d1 if y lose y\r place1 
don't blame me4  ,gallegh] wond]$ h[ ?is
 man c\ld value a week's sal>y aga9/ !  

excitem5t ( see+ a not$ crim9al run d[n1
 & ( gett+ ! news to ! pap]1 & to t "o  
pap] alone4  ,f t mom5t ! sport+ editor 
sank 9 ,gallegh]'s e/imation4  ,mr4     
,dwy] sat d[n at 8 desk & scribbl$ (f ! 
foll[+ note3  ,i h receiv$ reliable     
in=mation t ,hade1 ! ,burrbank murd]]1 w
 be pres5t at ! fight to-night4 ,we h   
arrang$ x s t he w be arre/$ quietly & 9
 su* a mann] t ! fact may be kept f all 
o!r pap]s4 ,i ne$ n po9t out to y t ?is 
w be ! mo/ important piece ( news 9 !   
c\ntry to-morr[4                  ,y\rs1
 etc41                      ,,mi*ael ,e4
 ,,dwy]4  ,! sport+ editor /epp$ into ! 
wait+ cab1 :ile ,gallegh] :isp]$ !      
directions to ! driv]4 ,he 0 told to g  
fir/ to a di/rict-mess5g] (fice1 & f !re
 up to ! ,ridge ,av5ue ,road1 out ,broad
 ,/reet1 & on to ! old ,eagle ,inn1 ne> 
,torresdale4  ,x 0 a mis]able night4 ,! 
ra9 & sn[ 7 fall+ toge!r1 & freez+ z !y 
fell4 ,! sport+ editor got out to s5d 8 
message to ! ,press (fice1 & !n light+ a
 cig>1 & turn+ up ! coll> ( 8           

great-coat1 curl$ up 9 ! corn] ( ! cab4 
,wake me :5 we get !re1 ,gallegh]1 he   
said4 ,he knew he _h a long ride1 & mu* 
rapid "w be=e him1 & he 0 prep>+ = !    
/ra94  ,to ,gallegh] ! idea ( go+ to    
sleep seem$ almo/ crim9al4 ,f ! d>k     
corn] ( ! cab 8 eyes %one ) excitem5t1 &
 ) ! awful joy ( anticipation4 ,he      
glanc$ e n[ & !n to :]e ! sport+        
editor's cig> %one 9 ! d>kness1 & wat*$ 
x z x gradually burnt m dimly & w5t out4
 ,! lights 9 ! %op w9d[s ?rew a broad   
gl>e across ! ice on ! pavem5ts1 & !    
lights f ! lamp-po/s toss$ ! di/ort$    
%ad[ ( ! cab1 & ! horse1 & ! motionless 
driv]1 sometimes be=e & sometimes beh9d 
!m4  ,aft] half an h\r ,gallegh] slipp$ 
d[n to ! bottom ( ! cab & dragg$ out a  
lap-robe1 9 :i* he wrapp$ himself4 ,x 0 
gr[+ cold]1 & ! damp1 ke5 w9d swept 9   
?r\gh ! cracks until ! w9d[-frames &    
woodwork 7 cold to ! t\*4  ,an h\r      
pass$1 & ! cab 0 /ill mov+ m sl[ly ov] !
 r\gh surface ( p>tly pav$ /reets1 & by 
s+le r[s ( new h\ses /&+ at diff]5t     

angles to ea* o!r 9 fields cov]$ )      
a%-heaps & brick-kilns4 ,"h & !re !     
gaudy lights ( a drug-/ore1 & ! =]unn] (
 suburban civilization1 %one f ! end ( a
 new block ( h\ses1 & ! rubb] cape ( an 
occasional policeman %[$ 9 ! light ( !  
lamp-po/ t he hugg$ = com=t4  ,!n ev5 ! 
h\ses disappe>$1 & ! cab dragg$ its way 
betwe5 truck f>ms1 ) desolate-look+1    
glass-cov]$ b$s1 & pools ( wat]1        
half-cak$ ) ice1 & b>e trees1 &         
int]m9able f5ces4  ,once or twice ! cab 
/opp$ altoge!r1 & ,gallegh] c\ld he> !  
driv] swe>+ to himself1 or at ! horse1  
or ! roads4 ,at la/ !y drew up be=e !   
/ation at ,torresdale4 ,x 0 q des]t$1 & 
only a s+le light cut a swa? 9 ! d>kness
 & %[$ a portion ( ! plat=m1 ! ties1 & !
 rails gli/5+ 9 ! ra94 ,!y walk$ twice  
pa/ ! light be=e a figure /epp$ out ( ! 
%ad[ & greet$ !m cauti\sly4  ,i am ,mr4 
,dwy]1 ( ! ,press1 said ! sport+ editor1
 briskly4 ,y've he>d ( me1 p]haps4      
,well1 !re %\ldn't be any difficulty 9  
our mak+ a deal1 %\ld !re8 ,?is boy "h  

has f\nd ,hade1 & we h reason to believe
 he w be among ! spectators at ! fight  
to-night4 ,we want y to arre/ him       
quietly1 & z secretly z possible4 ,y c d
 x ) y\r pap]s & y\r badge easily en\gh4
 ,we want y to pret5d t y believe he is 
?is burgl> y came ov] aft]4 ,if y w d   
?is1 & take him away )\t any "o s mu* z 
suspect+ :o he really is1 & on ! tra9 t 
passes "h at #a4bj = ,new ,york1 we w   
give y #ejj out ( ! #e1jjj rew>d4 ,if1  
h[ev]1 "o o!r pap]1 ei!r 9 ,new ,york or
 ,philadelphia1 or any:]e else1 kn[s ( !
 arre/1 y won't get a c5t4 ,n[1 :at d y 
say8  ,! detective _h a great deal to   
say4 ,he wasn't at all sure ! man       
,gallegh] suspect$ 0 ,hade2 he fe>$ he  
might get himself into tr\ble by mak+ a 
false arre/1 & if x %\ld be ! man1 he 0 
afraid ! local police w\ld int]f]e4     
,we've no "t to argue or debate ?is     
matt]1 said ,dwy]1 w>mly4 ,we agree to  
po9t ,hade out to y 9 ! cr[d4 ,aft] !   
fight is ov] y arre/ him z we h direct$1
 & y get ! money & ! cr$it ( ! arre/4   

,if y don't l ?is1 ,i w arre/ ! man     
myself1 & h him driv5 to t[n1 ) a pi/ol 
= a w>rant4  ,hefflef+] consid]$ 9      
sil5ce & !n agre$ unconditionally4 ,z y 
say1 ,mr4 ,dwy]1 he return$4 ,i've he>d 
( y = a ?or\ghbr$ sport4 ,i "k y'll d   
:at y say y'll d2 & z = me ,i'll d :at y
 say & j z y say1 & x's a v pretty piece
 ( "w z x /&s4  ,!y all /epp$ back into 
! cab1 & !n x 0 t !y 7 met by a fre%    
difficulty1 h[ to get ! detective into !
 b>n :]e ! fight 0 to take place1 =     
nei!r ( ! two m5 _h #bej to pay = 8     
admittance4  ,b ?is 0 ov]come :5        
,gallegh] rememb]$ ! w9d[ ( :i* "y      
,keppl] _h told him4  ,9 ! ev5t (       
,hade's los+ c\rage & n d>+ to %[       
himself 9 ! cr[d ar\nd ! r+1 x 0 agre$ t
 ,dwy] %\ld come to ! b>n & w>n         
,hefflef+]2 b if he %\ld come1 ,dwy] 0  
m]ely to keep ne> him & to signify by a 
pre>rang$ ge/ure :i* "o ( ! cr[d he 04  
,!y drew up be=e a great black %ad[ ( a 
h\se1 d>k1 =bidd+1 & app>5tly des]t$4 ,b
 at ! s\nd ( ! :eels on ! gravel ! door 

op5$1 lett+ out a /ream ( w>m1 *e]ful   
light1 & a man's voice said1 ,put out ^?
 lights4 ,don't y\se "k no bett] ?an t8 
,?is 0 ,keppl]1 & he welcom$ ,mr4 ,dwy] 
) effusive c\rtesy4  ,! two m5 %[$ 9 !  
/ream ( light1 & ! door clos$ on !m1    
leav+ ! h\se z x 0 at fir/1 black &     
sil5t1 save = ! dripp+ ( ! ra9 & sn[ f !
 eaves4  ,! detective & ,gallegh] put   
out ! cab's lamps & l$ ! horse t[>d a   
long1 l[ %$ 9 ! re> ( ! y>d1 :i* !y n[  
notic$ 0 almo/ fill$ ) teams ( _m       
diff]5t makes1 f ! ,hobson's *oice ( a  
liv]y /able to ! br\gham ( ! man ab\t   
t[n4  ,no1 said ,gallegh]1 z ! cabman   
/opp$ to hit* ! horse beside ! o!rs1 we 
want x ne>e/ t l[] gate4 ,:5 we newspap]
 m5 leave ?is place we'll leave x 9 a   
hurry1 & ! man :o is ne>e/ t[n is likely
 to get !re fir/4 ,y won't be a-foll[+ (
 no he>se :5 y make y\r return trip4    
,gallegh] ti$ ! horse to ! v gate-po/   
itself1 leav+ ! gate op5 & all[+ a cle> 
road & a fly+ />t = ! prospective race  
to ,newspap] ,r[4  ,! driv] disappe>$ "u

 ! %elt] ( ! por*1 & ,gallegh] & !      
detective mov$ (f cauti\sly to ! re> ( !
 b>n4 ,?is mu/ be ! w9d[1 said          
,hefflef+]1 po9t+ to a broad wood5 %utt]
 "s feet f ! gr\nd4  ,j y give me a boo/
 once1 & ,i'll get t op5 9 a jiffy1 said
 ,gallegh]4  ,! detective plac$ 8 h&s on
 8 knees1 & ,gallegh] /ood ^u 8 %\ld]s1 
& ) ! blade ( 8 knife lift$ ! wood5     
button t fa/5$ ! w9d[ on ! inside1 &    
pull$ ! %utt] op54  ,!n he put "o leg   
inside ov] ! sill1 & lean+ d[n help$ to 
draw 8 fell[-conspirator up to a level )
 ! w9d[4 ,i feel j l ,i 0 burgl>iz+ a   
h\se1 *uckl$ ,gallegh]1 z he dropp$     
noiselessly to ! floor bel[ & refa/5$ ! 
%utt]4 ,! b>n 0 a l>ge "o1 ) a r[ (     
/alls on ei!r side 9 :i* horses & c[s 7 
doz+4 ,!re 0 a haym[ ov] ea* r[ ( /alls1
 & at "o end ( ! b>n a numb] ( f5ce-    
rails _h be5 ?r[n across f "o m[ to !   
o!r4 ,^! rails 7 cov]$ ) hay4  ,9 !     
middle ( ! floor 0 ! r+4 ,x 0 n really a
 r+1 b a squ>e1 ) wood5 po/s at its f\r 
corn]s ?r\gh :i* ran a heavy rope4 ,!   

space inclos$ by ! rope 0 cov]$ )       
sawdu/4  ,gallegh] c\ld n resi/ /epp+   
into ! r+1 & aft] /amp+ ! sawdu/ once or
 twice1 z if to assure himself t he 0   
really !re1 began danc+ ar\nd x1 &      
indulg+ 9 su* a rem>kable s]ies ( fi/ic 
manoeuvres ) an imag9>y adv]s>y t !     
unimag9ative detective precipitately    
back$ into a corn] ( ! b>n4  ,n[1 !n1   
said ,gallegh]1 hav+ app>5tly vanqui%$ 8
 foe1 y come ) me4 ,8 companion foll[$  
quickly z ,gallegh] climb$ to "o ( !    
haym[s1 & crawl+ c>efully out on !      
f5ce-rail1 /ret*$ himself at full l5g?1 
face d[nw>d4 ,9 ?is position1 by mov+ ! 
/raw a little1 he c\ld look d[n1 )\t be+
 himself se51 ^u ! heads ( :omsoev] /ood
 bel[4 ,?is is bett]'n a private box1   
a9't x8 said ,gallegh]4  ,! boy f !     
newspap] (fice & ! detective lay !re 9  
sil5ce1 bit+ at /raws & toss+ anxi\sly  
on _! com=table b$4  ,x seem$ fully two 
h\rs be=e !y came4 ,gallegh] _h li/5$   
)\t brea?+1 & ) e muscle on a /ra91 at  
lea/ a doz5 times1 :5 "s movem5t 9 ! y>d

 _h l$ him to believe t !y 7 at ! door4 
,& he _h num]\s d\bts & fe>s4 ,sometimes
 x 0 t ! police _h le>nt ( ! fight1 & _h
 raid$ ,keppl]'s 9 8 abs5ce1 & aga9 x 0 
t ! fight _h be5 po/pon$1 or1 wor/ (    
all1 t x w\ld be put (f until s late t  
,mr4 ,dwy] c\ld n get back 9 "t = ! la/ 
edition ( ! pap]4 ,_! com+1 :5 at la/ !y
 came1 0 h]ald$ by an advance-gu>d ( two
 sport+ m51 :o /ation$ !mselves at ei!r 
side ( ! big door4  ,hurry up1 n[1 g5ts1
 "o ( ! m5 said ) a %iv]1 don't keep ?is
 door op5 no long]'n is ne$ful4  ,x 0 n 
a v l>ge cr[d1 b x 0 wond]fully well    
select$4 ,x ran1 9 ! majority ( its     
compon5t p>ts1 to heavy :ite coats )    
pe>l buttons4 ,! :ite coats 7 %\ld]$ by 
long blue coats ) a/rakhan fur trimm+s1 
! we>]s ( :i* pres]v$ a cliqu5ess n     
rem>kable :5 "o consid]s t !y believ$ e 
"o else pres5t to be ei!r a crook or a  
prize- fight]4  ,!re 7 well-f$1         
well-groom$ clubm5 & brok]s 9 ! cr[d1 a 
politician or two1 a popul> com$ian ) 8 
manag]1 amateur box]s f ! a?letic clubs1

 & quiet1 close-m\!d sport+ m5 f e city 
9 ! c\ntry4 ,_! names if pr9t$ 9 ! pap]s
 w\ld h be5 z famili> z ! types ( !     
pap]s !mselves4  ,& among ^! m51 ^: only
 ?\ght 0 ( ! brutal sport to come1 0    
,hade1 ) ,dwy] /&+ at ease at 8 %\ld]1--
 ,hade1 :ite1 & visibly 9 deep anxiety1 
hid+ 8 pale face b5ea? a clo?           
travell+-cap1 & ) 8 *9 muffl$ 9 a wooll5
 sc>f4 ,he _h d>$ to come because he    
fe>$ 8 dang] f ! already suspici\s      
,keppl] 0 less ?an if he /ay$ away4 ,& s
 he 0 !re1 hov]+ re/lessly on ! bord] ( 
! cr[d1 feel+ 8 dang] & sick ) fe>4  ,:5
 ,hefflef+] fir/ saw him he />t$ up on 8
 h&s & elb[s & made a movem5t =w>d z if 
he w\ld leap d[n !n & !re & c>ry (f 8   
prison] s+le-h&$4  ,lie d[n1 gr[l$      
,gallegh]2 an (fic] ( any sort w\ldn't  
live ?ree m9utes 9 t cr[d4  ,! detective
 drew back sl[ly & buri$ himself aga9 9 
! /raw1 b nev] once ?r\gh ! long fight  
:i* foll[$ did 8 eyes leave ! p]son ( ! 
murd]]4 ,! newspap] m5 took _! places 9 
! =emo/ r[ close ar\nd ! r+1 & kept     

look+ at _! wat*es & begg+ ! ma/] (     
c]emonies to %ake x up1 d4  ,!re 0 a    
great deal ( bett+1 & all ( ! m5 h&l$ ! 
great roll ( bills !y wag]$ ) a flippant
 recklessness :i* c\ld only be acc\nt$ =
 9 ,gallegh]'s m9d by tempor>y m5tal    
d]angem5t4 ,"s "o pull$ a box out into !
 r+ & ! ma/] ( c]emonies m\nt$ x1 &     
po9t$ out 9 =cible language t z !y 7    
almo/ all already "u bonds to keep !    
peace1 x behoov$ all to curb _!         
excitem5t & to ma9ta9 a sev]e sil5ce1   
unless !y want$ to br+ ! police ^u !m & 
h !mselves s5t d[n = a ye> or two4  ,!n 
two v disreputable-look+ p]sons toss$ _!
 respective pr9cipals' high hats into ! 
r+1 & ! cr[d1 recogniz+ 9 ?is relic ( ! 
days :5 brave knights ?rew d[n _!       
gauntlets 9 ! li/s z only a sign t !    
fight 0 ab\t to beg91 *e]$ tumultu\sly4 
,?is 0 foll[$ by a sudd5 surg+ =w>d1 & a
 mutt] ( admiration mu* m flatt]+ ?an ! 
*e]s _h be51 :5 ! pr9cipals foll[$ _!   
hats1 & slipp+ out ( _! great- coats1   
/ood =? 9 all ! physical beauty ( !     

p]fect brute4  ,_! p9k sk9 0 z s(t &    
heal?y-look+ z a baby's1 & gl[$ 9 !     
lights ( ! lant]ns l t9t$ ivory1 &      
und]nea? ?is silk5 cov]+ ! great biceps 
& muscles mov$ 9 & out & look$ l ! coils
 ( a snake ar\nd ! bran* ( a tree4      
,g5tleman & blackgu>d %\ld]$ ea* o!r = a
 ne>] view2 ! coa*m51 ^: metal buttons 7
 unpleasantly sugge/ive ( police1 put _!
 h&s1 9 ! excitem5t ( ! mom5t1 on !     
%\ld]s ( _! ma/]s2 ! p]spiration /ood   
out 9 great drops on ! =eheads ( !      
back]s1 & ! newspap] m5 bit some:at     
n]v\sly at ! ends ( _! p5cils4  ,& 9 !  
/alls ! c[s mun*$ cont5t$ly at _! cuds &
 gaz$ ) g5tle curiosity at _! two       
fell[-brutes1 :o /ood wait+ ! signal to 
fall ^u1 & kill ea* o!r if ne$ be1 = !  
delectation ( _! bro!rs4  ,take y\r     
places1 comm&$ ! ma/] ( c]emonies4  ,9 !
 mom5t 9 :i* ! two m5 fac$ ea* o!r !    
cr[d became s /ill t1 save = ! beat+ ( !
 ra9 ^u ! %+l$ ro( & ! /amp+ ( a horse 9
 "o ( ! /alls1 ! place 0 z sil5t z a    
*ur*4  ,"t6 %\t$ ! ma/] ( c]emonies4  ,!

 two m5 sprang into a po/ure ( def5ce1  
:i* 0 lo/ z quickly z x 0 tak51 "o great
 arm %ot out l a pi/on-rod2 !re 0 ! s\nd
 ( b>e fi/s beat+ on nak$ fle%2 !re 0 an
 exultant indrawn gasp ( savage pleasure
 & relief f ! cr[d1 & ! great fight _h  
begun4  ,h[ ! =tunes ( w> rose & fell1 &
 *ang$ & re*ang$ t night1 is an old /ory
 to ^? :o li/5 to su* /ories2 & ^? :o d 
n w be glad to be sp>$ ! tell+ ( x4 ,x  
01 !y say1 "o ( ! bitt]e/ fights betwe5 
two m5 t ?is c\ntry has ev] kn[n4  ,b   
all t is ( int]e/ "h is t aft] an h\r ( 
?is desp]ate brutal bus9ess ! *ampion   
ceas$ to be ! favorite2 ! man :om he _h 
taunt$ & bulli$1 & = :om ! public _h b  
little sympa?y1 0 prov+ himself a likely
 w9n]1 & "u 8 cruel bl[s1 z %>p & clean 
z ^? f a cutlass1 8 oppon5t 0 rapidly   
giv+ way4  ,! m5 ab\t ! ropes 7 pa/ all 
control n[2 !y dr[n$ ,keppl]'s petitions
 = sil5ce ) oa?s & 9 in>ticulate %\ts ( 
ang]1 z if ! bl[s _h fall5 ^u !m1 & 9   
mad rejoic+s4 ,!y swept f "o end ( ! r+ 
to ! o!r1 ) e muscle leap+ 9 unison ) ^?

 ( ! man !y favor$1 & :5 a ,new ,york   
correspond5t mutt]$ ov] 8 %\ld] t ?is   
w\ld be ! bigge/ sport+ surprise s9ce ! 
,he5an- ,say]s fight1 ,mr4 ,dwy] nodd$ 8
 head sympa!tically 9 ass5t4  ,9 !      
excitem5t & tumult x is d\btful if any  
he>d ! ?ree quickly repeat$ bl[s t fell 
heavily f ! outside ^u ! big doors ( !  
b>n4 ,if !y did1 x 0 already too late to
 m5d matt]s1 = ! door fell1 torn f its  
h+es1 & z x fell a capta9 ( police      
sprang into ! light f out ( ! /orm1 ) 8 
lieut5ants & _! m5 cr[d+ close at 8     
%\ld]4  ,9 ! panic & /amp$e t foll[$1   
sev]al ( ! m5 /ood z helplessly         
immovable z ?\gh !y _h se5 a gho/2 o!rs 
made a mad ru% into ! arms ( ! (fic]s & 
7 beat5 back aga9/ ! ropes ( ! r+2 o!rs 
div$ headlong into ! /alls1 among !     
horses & cattle1 & /ill o!rs %ov$ !     
rolls ( money !y held into ! h&s ( !    
police & begg$ l *ildr5 to be all[$ to  
escape4  ,! in/ant ! door fell & ! raid 
0 decl>$ ,hefflef+] slipp$ ov] ! cross  
rails on :i* he _h be5 ly+1 hung = an   

in/ant by 8 h&s1 & !n dropp$ into !     
c5tre ( ! fight+ mob on ! floor4 ,he 0  
out ( x 9 an in/ant ) ! agility ( a     
pickpocket1 0 across ! room & at ,hade's
 ?roat l a dog4 ,! murd]]1 = ! mom5t1 0 
! calm] man ( ! two4  ,"h1 he pant$1 h&s
 (f1 n[4 ,!re's no ne$ = all ?is        
viol5ce4 ,!re's no great h>m 9 look+ at 
a fight1 is !re8 ,!re's a hundr$-doll>  
bill 9 my "r h&2 take x & let me slip   
out ( ?is4 ,no "o is look+4 ,"h4  ,b !  
detective only held him ! clos]4  ,i    
want y = burgl>y1 he :isp]$ "u 8 brea?4 
,y've got to come ) me n[1 & quick4 ,!  
less fuss y make1 ! bett] = bo? ( u4 ,if
 y don't "k :o ,i am1 y c feel my badge 
"u my coat !re4 ,i've got ! au?ority4   
,x's all regul>1 & :5 we're out ( ?is   
d---d r[ ,i'll %[ y ! pap]s4  ,he took  
"o h& f ,hade's ?roat & pull$ a pair (  
h&cuffs f 8 pocket4  ,x's a mi/ake4 ,?is
 is an outrage1 gasp$ ! murd]]1 :ite &  
trembl+1 b dreadfully alive & desp]ate =
 8 lib]ty4 ,let me g1 ,i tell y6 ,take  
y\r h&s (f ( me6 ,d ,i look l a burgl>1 

y fool8  ,i "k :o y look l1 :isp]$ !    
detective1 ) 8 face close to ! face ( 8 
prison]4 ,n[1 w y g easy z a burgl>1 or 
%all ,i tell ^! m5 :o y are & :at ,i ,,d
 want y =8 ,%all ,i call out y\r real "n
 or n8 ,%all ,i tell !m8 ,quick1 speak  
up2 %all ,i8  ,!re 0 some?+ s           
exultant--some?+ s unnecess>ily savage 9
 ! (fic]'s face t ! man he held saw t ! 
detective knew him = :at he really 01 & 
! h&s t _h held 8 ?roat slipp$ d[n ar\nd
 8 %\ld]s1 or he w\ld h fall54 ,! man's 
eyes op5$ & clos$ aga91 & he sway$      
weakly backw>d & =w>d1 & *ok$ z if 8    
?roat 7 dry & burn+4 ,ev5 to su* a h>d5$
 connoisseur 9 crime z ,gallegh]1 :o    
/ood closely by1 dr9k+ x 91 !re 0 some?+
 s abject 9 ! man's t]ror t he reg>d$   
him ) :at 0 almo/ a t\* ( pity4  ,=     
,god's sake1 ,hade begg$1 let me g4     
,come ) me to my room & ,i'll give y    
half ! money4 ,i'll divide ) y fairly4  
,we c bo? get away4 ,!re's a =tune = bo?
 ( u !re4 ,we bo? c get away4 ,y'll be  
ri* = life4 ,d y und]/&--= life6  ,b !  

detective1 to 8 cr$it1 only %ut 8 lips !
 tight]4  ,t's en\gh1 he :isp]$1 9      
return4 ,t's m ?an ,i expect$4 ,y've    
s5t5c$ y\rself already4 ,come6  ,two    
(fic]s 9 uni=m b>r$ _! exit at ! door1 b
 ,hefflef+] smil$ easily & %[$ 8 badge4 
,"o ( ,byrnes's m51 he said1 9          
explanation2 came ov] expressly to take 
?is *ap4 ,he's a burgl>2 ',arlie' ,lane1
 alias ,c>leton4 ,i've %[n ! pap]s to ! 
capta94 ,x's all regul>4 ,i'm j go+ to  
get 8 traps at ! hotel & walk him ov] to
 ! /ation4 ,i guess we'll pu% "r on to  
,new ,york tonight4  ,! (fic]s nodd$ &  
smil$ _! admiration = ! repres5tative ( 
:at is1 p]haps1 ! be/ detective =ce 9 ! 
_w1 & let him pass4  ,!n ,hefflef+]     
turn$ & spoke to ,gallegh]1 :o /ill /ood
 z wat*ful z a dog at 8 side4 ,i'm go+  
to 8 room to get ! bonds & /uff1 he     
:isp]$2 !n ,i'll m>* him to ! /ation &  
take t tra94 ,i've done my %>e2 don't   
=get y\rs6  ,oh1 y'll get y\r money "r  
en\gh1 said ,gallegh]4 ,&1 sa-ay1 he    
add$1 ) ! appreciative nod ( an exp]t1 d

 y "k1 y did x r well4  ,mr4 ,dwy] _h   
be5 writ+ :ile ! raid 0 settl+ d[n1 z he
 _h be5 writ+ :ile wait+ = ! fight to   
beg94 ,n[ he walk$ ov] to :]e ! o!r     
correspond5ts /ood 9 angry conclave4  ,!
 newspap] m5 _h in=m$ ! (fic]s :o hemm$ 
!m 9 t !y repres5t$ ! pr9cipal pap]s ( !
 c\ntry1 & 7 expo/ulat+ vigor\sly ) !   
capta91 :o _h plann$ ! raid1 & :o decl>$
 !y 7 "u arre/4  ,don't be an ass1      
,scott1 said ,mr4 ,dwy]1 :o 0 too excit$
 to be polite or politic4 ,y "k our be+ 
"h isn't a matt] ( *oice4 ,we came "h on
 bus9ess1 z y did1 & y've no "r to hold 
u4  ,if we don't get our /uff on ! wire 
at once1 prote/$ a ,new ,york man1 we'll
 be too late = tomorr['s pap]1 &--      
,capta9 ,scott said he did n c>e a      
pr(anely small am\nt = to-morr['s pap]1 
& t all he knew 0 t to ! /ation- h\se ! 
newspap] m5 w\ld g4 ,!re !y w\ld h a    
he>+1 & if ! magi/rate *ose to let !m   
(f1 t 0 ! magi/rate's bus9ess1 b t 8    
duty 0 to take !m into cu/ody4  ,b !n x 
w be too late1 don't y und]/&8 %\t$ ,mr4

 ,dwy]4 ,y've got to let u g ,,n[1 at   
once4  ,i c't d x1 ,mr4 ,dwy]1 said !   
capta91 & t's all !re is to x4 ,:y1     
hav5't ,i j s5t ! presid5t ( ! ,junior  
,republican ,club to ! patrol-wagon1 !  
man t put ?is coat on me1 & d y ?9k ,i c
 let y fell[s g aft] t8 ,y 7 all put "u 
bonds to keep ! peace n ?ree days ago1 &
 "h y're at x--fight+ l badg]s4 ,x's    
wor? my place to let "o ( y (f4  ,:at   
,mr4 ,dwy] said next 0 s uncomplim5t>y  
to ! gallant ,capta9 ,scott t t         
ov]wr\ght individual seiz$ ! sport+     
editor by ! %\ld]1 & %ov$ him into ! h&s
 ( two ( 8 m54  ,?is 0 m ?an ! di/+ui%$ 
,mr4 ,dwy] c\ld brook1 & he excit$ly    
rais$ 8 h& 9 resi/ance4 ,b be=e he _h "t
 to d any?+ fooli% 8 wri/ 0 gripp$ by "o
 /rong1 little h&1 & he 0 consci\s t    
ano!r 0 pick+ ! pocket ( 8 great-coat4  
,he slapp$ 8 h&s to 8 sides1 & look+    
d[n1 saw ,gallegh] /&+ close beh9d him &
 hold+ him by ! wri/4 ,mr4 ,dwy] _h     
=gott5 ! boy's exi/5ce1 & w\ld h spok5  
%>ply if some?+ 9 ,gallegh]'s innoc5t   

eyes _h n /opp$ him4  ,gallegh]'s h& 0  
/ill 9 t pocket1 9 :i* ,mr4 ,dwy] _h    
%ov$ 8 note-book fill$ ) :at he _h      
writt5 ( ,gallegh]'s "w & ,hade's f9al  
capture1 & ) a runn+ descriptive acc\nt 
( ! fight4 ,) 8 eyes fix$ on ,mr4 ,dwy]1
 ,gallegh] drew x out1 & ) a quick      
movem5t %ov$ x inside 8 wai/coat4 ,mr4  
,dwy] gave a nod ( compreh5sion4 ,!n    
glanc+ at 8 two gu>dsm51 & f9d+ t !y 7  
/ill int]e/$ 9 ! wordy battle ( !       
correspond5ts ) _! *ief1 & _h se5 no?+1 
he /oop$ & :isp]$ to ,gallegh]3 ,! =ms  
are lock$ at tw5ty m9utes to ?ree4 ,if y
 don't get !re by t "t x w be ( no use1 
b if y're on "t y'll beat ! t[n--& !    
c\ntry too4  ,gallegh]'s eyes fla%$     
significantly1 & nodd+ 8 head to %[ he  
und]/ood1 />t$ boldly on a run t[>d !   
door4 ,b ! (fic]s :o gu>d$ x br\ght him 
to an abrupt halt1 &1 mu* to ,mr4       
,dwy]'s a/oni%m5t1 drew f him :at 0     
app>5tly a torr5t ( te>s4  ,let me g to 
me fa!r4 ,i want me fa!r1 ! boy %riek$1 
hy/]ically4 ,!y've 're/$ fa!r4 ,oh1     

daddy1 daddy4 ,!y're a-go9' to take y to
 prison4  ,:o is y\r fa!r1 sonny8 ask$  
"o ( ! gu>dians ( ! gate4  ,keppl]'s me 
fa!r1 sobb$ ,gallegh]4 ,!y're a-go9' to 
lock him up1 & ,i'll nev] see him no m4 
,oh1 yes1 y w1 said ! (fic]1            
good-natur$ly2 he's !re 9 t fir/        
patrol-wagon4 ,y c run ov] & say        
good-night to him1 & !n y'd bett] get to
 b$4 ,?is a9't no place = kids ( y\r    
age4  ,?ank y1 sir1 sniff$ ,gallegh]1   
te>fully1 z ! two (fic]s rais$ _! clubs1
 & let him pass out into ! d>kness4  ,! 
y>d outside 0 9 a tumult1 horses 7      
/amp+1 & plung+1 & back+ ! c>riages into
 "o ano!r2 lights 7 fla%+ f e w9d[ ( :at
 _h be5 app>5tly an un9habit$ h\se1 & ! 
voices ( ! prison]s 7 /ill rais$ 9 angry
 expo/ulation4  ,?ree police            
patrol-wagons 7 mov+ ab\t ! y>d1 fill$ )
 unwill+ pass5g]s1 :o sat or /ood1 pack$
 toge!r l %eep1 & ) no protection f !   
sleet & ra94  ,gallegh] /ole (f into a  
d>k corn]1 & wat*$ ! sc5e until 8       
eyesight became famili> ) ! position ( !

 l&4  ,!n ) 8 eyes fix$ fe>fully on !   
sw++ light ( a lant]n ) :i* an (fic] 0  
se>*+ among ! c>riages1 he grop$ 8 way  
betwe5 horses' ho(s & beh9d ! :eels (   
c>riages to ! cab :i* he _h himself     
plac$ at ! fur!rmo/ gate4 ,x 0 /ill !re1
 & ! horse1 z he _h left x1 ) its head  
turn$ t[>d ! city4 ,gallegh] op5$ ! big 
gate noiselessly1 & work$ n]v\sly at !  
hit*+ /rap4 ,! knot 0 cov]$ ) a ?9 coat+
 ( ice1 & x 0 sev]al m9utes be=e he c\ld
 loos5 x4 ,b 8 tee? f9ally pull$ x ap>t1
 & ) ! re9s 9 8 h&s he sprang ^u ! :eel4
 ,& z he /ood s1 a %ock ( fe> ran d[n 8 
back l an electric curr5t1 8 brea? left 
him1 & he /ood immovable1 gaz+ ) wide   
eyes into ! d>kness4  ,! (fic] ) !      
lant]n _h sudd5ly loom$ up f beh9d a    
c>riage n fifty feet di/ant1 & 0 /&+    
p]fectly /ill1 ) 8 lant]n held ov] 8    
head1 pe]+ s directly t[>d ,gallegh] t !
 boy felt t he mu/ see him4 ,gallegh]   
/ood ) "o foot on ! hub ( ! :eel & ) !  
o!r on ! box wait+ to spr+4 ,x seem$ a  
m9ute be=e ei!r ( !m mov$1 & !n ! (fic] 

took a /ep =w>d1 & dem&$ /]nly1 ,:o is  
t8 ,:at are y do+ !re8  ,!re 0 no "t =  
p>ley !n4 ,gallegh] felt t he _h be5    
tak5 9 ! act1 & t 8 only *ance lay 9 op5
 flight4 ,he leap$ up on ! box1 pull+   
out ! :ip z he did s1 & ) a quick sweep 
la%$ ! horse across ! head & back4 ,!   
animal sprang =w>d ) a snort1 n>r[ly    
cle>+ ! gate- po/1 & plung$ (f into !   
d>kness4  ,/op6 cri$ ! (fic]4  ,s _m (  
,gallegh]'s acqua9tances among !        
'long%orem5 & mill h&s _h be5 *all5g$ 9 
s mu* ! same mann] t ,gallegh] knew :at 
w\ld probably foll[ if ! *all5ge 0      
disreg>d$4 ,s he slipp$ f 8 seat to !   
footbo>d bel[1 & duck$ 8 head4  ,! ?ree 
reports ( a pi/ol1 :i* rang out briskly 
f beh9d him1 prov$ t 8 e>ly tra9+ _h    
giv5 him a valuable fund ( useful       
miscellane\s k4  ,don't y be sc>$1 he   
said1 reassur+ly1 to ! horse2 he's fir+ 
9 ! air4  ,! pi/ol-%ots 7 answ]$ by !   
impati5t clangor ( a patrol-wagon's     
gong1 & glanc+ ov] 8 %\ld] ,gallegh] saw
 its r$ & gre5 lant]ns toss+ f side to  

side & look+ 9 ! d>kness l ! side-lights
 ( a ya*t plung+ =w>d 9 a /orm4  ,i     
hadn't b>ga9$ to race y aga9/ no        
patrol-wagons1 said ,gallegh] to 8      
animal2 b if !y want a race1 we'll give 
!m a t\gh tussle = x1 won't we8         
,philadelphia1 ly+ f\r miles to ! s\?1  
s5t up a fa9t yell[ gl[ to ! sky4 ,x    
seem$ v f> away1 & ,gallegh]'s          
braggadocio grew cold )9 him at !       
lonel9ess ( 8 adv5ture & ! ?\ght ( !    
long ride be=e him4  ,x 0 /ill bitt]ly  
cold4  ,! ra9 & sleet beat ?r\gh 8      
clo!s1 & /ruck 8 sk9 ) a %>p *ill+ t\* t
 set him trembl+4  ,ev5 ! ?\ght ( !     
ov]weight$ patrol-wagon probably /ick+ 9
 ! mud "s safe di/ance 9 ! re>1 fail$ to
 *e] him1 & ! excitem5t t _h s f> made  
him call\s to ! cold di$ out & left him 
weak] & n]v\s4  ,b 8 horse 0 *ill$ ) !  
long /&+1 & n[ leap$ eag]ly =w>d1 only  
too will+ to w>m ! half-froz5 blood 9   
its ve9s4  ,y're a good bea/1 said      
,gallegh]1 pla9tively4 ,y've got m n]ve 
?an me4 ,don't y g back on me n[4 ,mr4  

,dwy] says we've got to beat ! t[n4     
,gallegh] _h no idea :at "t x 0 z he    
rode ?r\gh ! night1 b he knew he w\ld be
 able to f9d out f a big clock ov] a    
manufactory at a po9t ne>ly ?ree-qu>t]s 
( ! di/ance f ,keppl]'s to ! goal4  ,he 
0 /ill 9 ! op5 c\ntry & driv+           
recklessly1 = he knew ! be/ "p ( 8 ride 
mu/ be made outside ! city limits4  ,he 
rac$ betwe5 desolate-look+ corn-fields )
 b>e /alks & pat*es ( muddy e>? ris+    
above ! ?9 cov]+ ( sn[1 truck f>ms &    
brick-y>ds fell beh9d him on ei!r side4 
,x 0 v lonely "w1 & once or twice ! dogs
 ran yelp+ to ! gates & b>k$ aft] him4  
,"p ( 8 way lay p>allel ) ! railroad    
tracks1 & he drove = "s "t beside long  
l9es ( freight & coal c>s z !y /ood re/+
 = ! night4 ,! fanta/ic ,que5 ,anne     
suburban /ations 7 d>k & des]t$1 b 9 "o 
or two ( ! block-t[]s he c\ld see !     
op]ators writ+ at _! desks1 & ! sight 9 
"s way com=t$ him4  ,once he ?\ght (    
/opp+ to get out ! blanket 9 :i* he _h  
wrapp$ himself on ! fir/ trip1 b he fe>$

 to sp>e ! "t1 & drove on ) 8 tee?      
*att]+ & 8 %\ld]s %ak+ ) ! cold4  ,he   
welcom$ ! fir/ solit>y r[ ( d>k5$ h\ses 
) a fa9t *e] ( recognition4 ,! scatt]$  
lamp-po/s light5$ 8 spirits1 & ev5 !    
badly pav$ /reets rang "u ! beats ( 8   
horse's feet l music4 ,great mills &    
manufactories1 ) only a night-wat*man's 
light 9 ! l[e/ ( _! _m /ories1 began to 
take ! place ( ! gloomy f>mh\ses & gaunt
 trees t _h />tl$ him ) _! grotesque    
%apes4 ,he _h be5 driv+ ne>ly an h\r1 he
 calculat$1 & 9 t "t ! ra9 _h *ang$ to a
 wet sn[1 t fell heavily & clung to     
:atev] x t\*$4 ,he pass$ block aft]     
block ( trim workm5's h\ses1 z /ill &   
sil5t z ! sleep]s )9 !m1 & at la/ he    
turn$ ! horse's head into ,broad ,/reet1
 ! city's great ?or\ghf>e1 t /ret*es f  
its "o end to ! o!r & cuts x ev5ly 9    
two4  ,he 0 driv+ noiselessly ov] ! sn[ 
& slu% 9 ! /reet1 ) 8 ?\ghts b5t only on
 ! clockface he wi%$ s mu* to see1 :5 a 
ho>se voice *all5g$ him f ! sidewalk4   
,hey1 y1 /op !re1 hold up6 said ! voice4

  ,gallegh] turn$ 8 head1 & ?\gh he saw 
t ! voice came f "u a policeman's       
helmet1 8 only answ] 0 to hit 8 horse   
%>ply ov] ! head ) 8 :ip & to urge x    
into a gallop4  ,?is1 on 8 "p1 0 foll[$ 
by a %>p1 %rill :i/le f ! policeman4    
,ano!r :i/le answ]$ x f a /reet-corn] "o
 block ahead ( him4 ,:oa1 said          
,gallegh]1 pull+ on ! re9s4 ,!re's "o   
too _m ( !m1 he add$1 9 apologetic      
explanation4 ,! horse /opp$1 & /ood1    
brea?+ heavily1 ) great cl\ds ( /eam    
ris+ f its flanks4  ,:y 9 hell didn't y 
/op :5 ,i told y to8 dem&$ ! voice1 n[  
close at ! cab's side4  ,i didn't he> y1
 return$ ,gallegh]1 sweetly4 ,b ,i he>d 
y :i/le1 & ,i he>d y\r p>tn] :i/le1 & ,i
 ?\ght maybe x 0 me y want$ to speak to1
 s ,i j /opp$4  ,y he>d me well en\gh4  
,:y ar5't y\r lights lit8 dem&$ ! voice4
  ,%\ld ,i h 'em lit8 ask$ ,gallegh]1   
b5d+ ov] & reg>d+ !m ) sudd5 int]e/4  ,y
 "k y %\ld1 & if y don't1 y've no "r to 
be driv+ t cab4 ,i don't believe y're ! 
regul> driv]1 anyway4 ,:]e'd y get x8   

,x a9't my cab1 ( c\rse1 said ,gallegh]1
 ) an easy laugh4 ,x's ,luke            
,mc,govern's4 ,he left x outside        
,cron9's :ile he w5t 9 to get a dr9k1 & 
he took too mu*1 & me fa!r told me to   
drive x r\nd to ! /able = him4 ,i'm     
,cron9's son4 ,mc,govern a9't 9 no      
condition to drive4 ,y c see y\rself h[ 
he's be5 misus+ ! horse4 ,he puts x up  
at ,ba*man's liv]y /able1 & ,i 0 j go+  
ar\nd !re n[4  ,gallegh]'s k ( ! local  
celebrities ( ! di/rict confus$ ! zeal\s
 (fic] ( ! peace4 ,he survey$ ! boy ) a 
/eady />e t w\ld h di/ress$ a less      
skilful li>1 b ,gallegh] only %rugg$ 8  
%\ld]s slightly1 z if f ! cold1 & wait$ 
) app>5t indiff]5ce to :at ! (fic] w\ld 
say next4  ,9 reality 8 he>t 0 beat+    
heavily aga9/ 8 side1 & he felt t if he 
0 kept on a /ra9 mu* long] he w\ld give 
way & break d[n4 ,a second sn[-cov]$ =m 
em]g$ sudd5ly f ! %ad[ ( ! h\ses4  ,:at 
is x1 ,re$]8 x ask$4  ,oh1 no?+ mu*1    
repli$ ! fir/ (fic]4 ,?is kid hadn't any
 lamps lit1 s ,i call$ to him to /op &  

he didn't d x1 s ,i :i/l$ to y4 ,x's all
 "r1 ?\gh4 ,he's j tak+ x r\nd to       
,ba*man's4 ,g ahead1 he add$1 sulkily4  
,get up6 *irp$ ,gallegh]4 ,good-night1  
he add$1 ov] 8 %\ld]4  ,gallegh] gave an
 hy/]ical little gasp ( relief z he     
trott$ away f ! two policem51 & p\r$    
bitt] mal$ictions on _! heads = two     
m$dl+ fools z he w5t4  ,!y might z well 
kill a man z sc>e him to dea?1 he said1 
) an attempt to get back to 8 cu/om>y   
flippancy4 ,b ! ef=t 0 some:at pitiful1 
& he felt guiltily consci\s t a salt1   
w>m te> 0 creep+ sl[ly d[n 8 face1 & t a
 lump t w\ld n keep d[n 0 ris+ 9 8      
?roat4  ',ta9't no fair ?+ = ! :ole     
police =ce to keep worry+ at a little   
boy l me1 he said1 9 %ame-fac$ apology4 
,i'm n do+ no?+ wrong1 & ,i'm half froze
 to dea?1 & yet !y keep a-nagg+ at me4  
,x 0 s cold t :5 ! boy /amp$ 8 feet     
aga9/ ! footbo>d to keep !m w>m1 %>p    
pa9s %ot up ?r\gh 8 body1 & :5 he beat 8
 arms ab\t 8 %\ld]s1 z he _h se5 real   
cabm5 d1 ! blood 9 8 f+]-tips t+l$ s    

acutely t he cri$ al\d ) ! pa94  ,he _h 
(t5 be5 up t late be=e1 b he _h nev]    
felt s sleepy4 ,x 0 z if "s "o 0 press+ 
a sponge heavy ) *lor(orm ne> 8 face1 & 
he c\ld n fight (f ! dr[s9ess t lay hold
 ( him4  ,he saw1 dimly hang+ above 8   
head1 a r\nd disc ( light t seem$ l a   
great moon1 & :i* he f9ally guess$ to be
 ! clock-face = :i* he _h be5 on !      
look\t4 ,he _h pass$ x be=e he realiz$  
?is2 b ! fact /irr$ him into wakefulness
 aga91 & :5 8 cab's :eels slipp$ ar\nd !
 ,city ,hall corn]1 he rememb]$ to look 
up at ! o!r big clock-face t keeps awake
 ov] ! railroad /ation & measures out ! 
night4  ,he gave a gasp ( con/]nation :5
 he saw t x 0 half-pa/ two1 & t !re 0 b 
t5 m9utes left to him4 ,?is1 & ! _m     
electric lights & ! sight ( ! famili>   
pile ( build+s1 />tl$ him into a        
semi-consci\sness ( :]e he 0 & h[ great 
0 ! necessity = ha/e4  ,he rose 9 8 seat
 & call$ on ! horse1 & urg$ x into a    
reckless gallop ov] ! slipp]y asphalt4  
,he consid]$ no?+ else b spe$1 & look+  

nei!r to ! left nor "r da%$ (f d[n      
,broad ,/reet into ,*e/nut1 :]e 8 c\rse 
lay /raight away to ! (fice1 n[ only    
sev5 blocks di/ant4  ,gallegh] nev] knew
 h[ x began1 b he 0 sudd5ly assault$ by 
%\ts on ei!r side1 8 horse 0 ?r[n back  
on its haun*es1 & he f\nd two m5 9      
cabm5's liv]y hang+ at its head1 & patt+
 its sides1 & call+ x by "n4 ,& ! o!r   
cabm5 :o h _! /& at ! corn] 7 sw>m+ ab\t
 ! c>riage1 all ( !m talk+ & swe>+ at   
once1 & ge/iculat+ wildly ) _! :ips4    
,!y said !y knew ! cab 0 ,mc,govern's & 
!y want$ to "k :]e he 01 & :y he wasn't 
on x2 !y want$ to "k :]e ,gallegh] _h   
/ol5 x1 & :y he _h be5 su* a fool z to  
drive x into ! arms ( its own]'s fri5ds2
 !y said t x 0 ab\t "t t a cab-driv]    
c\ld get (f 8 box to take a dr9k )\t    
hav+ 8 cab run away )1 & "s ( !m call$  
l\dly = a policeman to take ! "y ?ief 9 
*>ge4  ,gallegh] felt z if he _h be5    
sudd5ly dragg$ into consci\sness out ( a
 bad dream1 & /ood = a second l a       
half-awak5$ somnambuli/4  ,!y _h /opp$ !

 cab "u an electric light1 & its gl>e   
%one coldly d[n ^u ! trampl$ sn[ & !    
faces ( ! m5 ar\nd him4  ,gallegh] b5t  
=w>d1 & la%$ savagely at ! horse ) 8    
:ip4  ,let me g1 he %\t$1 z he tugg$    
impot5tly at ! re9s4 ,let me g1 ,i tell 
y4 ,i hav5't /ole no cab1 & y've got no 
"r to /op me4 ,i only want to take x to 
! ,press (fice1 he begg$4 ,!y'll s5d x  
back to y all "r4 ,!y'll pay y = ! trip4
 ,i'm n runn+ away ) x4 ,! driv]'s got !
 coll>--he's 're/$--& ,i'm only a-go+ to
 ! ,press (fice4 ,d y he> me8 he cri$1 8
 voice ris+ & break+ 9 a %riek ( passion
 & disappo9tm5t4 ,i tell y to let g ^?  
re9s4 ,let me g1 or ,i'll kill y4 ,d y  
he> me8 ,i'll kill y4 ,& lean+ =w>d1 !  
boy /ruck savagely ) 8 long :ip at !    
faces ( ! m5 ab\t ! horse's head4  ,"s  
"o 9 ! cr[d rea*$ up & caught him by !  
ankles1 & ) a quick j]k pull$ him (f !  
box1 & ?rew him on to ! /reet4 ,b he 0  
up on 8 knees 9 a mom5t1 & caught at !  
man's h&4  ,don't let !m /op me1 mi/]1  
he cri$1 please let me g4 ,i didn't /eal

 ! cab1 sir4 ,s'help me1 ,i didn't4 ,i'm
 tell+ y ! tru?4 ,take me to ! ,press   
(fice1 & !y'll prove x to y4 ,!y'll pay 
y any?+ y ask 'em4 ,x's only su* a      
little ways n[1 & ,i've come s f>1 sir4 
,please don't let !m /op me1 he sobb$1  
clasp+ ! man ab\t ! knees4 ,= ,heav5's  
sake1 mi/]1 let me g6         4      4  
4      4      4      4      4  ,! manag+
 editor ( ! ,press took up ! india-rubb]
 speak+-tube at 8 side1 & answ]$1 ,n yet
 to an inquiry ! night editor _h already
 put to him five times )9 ! la/ tw5ty   
m9utes4  ,!n he snapp$ ! metal top ( !  
tube impati5tly1 & w5t up/airs4 ,z he   
pass$ ! door ( ! local room1 he notic$ t
 ! report]s _h n gone home1 b 7 sitt+   
ab\t on ! tables & *airs1 wait+4 ,!y    
look$ up inquir+ly z he pass$1 & ! city 
editor ask$1 ,any news yet8 & ! manag+  
editor %ook 8 head4  ,! compositors 7   
/&+ idle 9 ! compos+-room1 & _! =eman 0 
talk+ ) ! night editor4  ,well8 said t  
g5tleman1 t5tatively4  ,well1 return$ ! 
manag+ editor1 ,i don't ?9k we c wait2 d

 y8  ,x's a half-h\r aft] "t n[1 said ! 
night editor1 & we'll miss ! suburban   
tra9s if we hold ! pap] back any long]4 
,we c't af=d to wait = a purely         
hypo!tical /ory4 ,! *ances are all aga9/
 ! fight's hav+ tak5 place or ?is       
,hade's hav+ be5 arre/$4  ,b if we're   
beat5 on x-- sugge/$ ! *ief4 ,b ,i don't
 ?9k t is possible4 ,if !re 7 any /ory  
to pr9t1 ,dwy] w\ld h _h x "h be=e n[4  
,! manag+ editor look$ /eadily d[n at ! 
floor4  ,v well1 he said1 sl[ly1 we     
won't wait any long]4 ,g ahead1 he add$1
 turn+ to ! =eman ) a sigh ( reluctance4
 ,! =eman :irl$ himself ab\t1 & began to
 give 8 ord]s2 b ! two editors /ill     
look$ at ea* o!r d\btfully4  ,z !y /ood 
s1 !re came a sudd5 %\t & ! s\nd ( p    
runn+ to & fro 9 ! reportorial rooms    
bel[4 ,!re 0 ! tramp ( _m foot/eps on ! 
/airs1 & above ! confusion !y he>d !    
voice ( ! city editor tell+ "s "o to run
 to ,madd5's & get "s br&y1 quick4  ,no 
"o 9 ! compos+-room said any?+2 b ^?    
compositors :o _h />t$ to g home began  

slipp+ (f _! ov]coats1 & e "o /ood ) 8  
eyes fix$ on ! door4  ,x 0 kick$ op5 f !
 outside1 & 9 ! doorway /ood a cab-driv]
 & ! city editor1 support+ betwe5 !m a  
pitiful little figure ( a boy1 wet &    
mis]able1 & ) ! sn[ melt+ on 8 clo!s &  
runn+ 9 little pools to ! floor4 ,:y1   
x's ,gallegh]1 said ! night editor1 9 a 
tone ( ! ke5e/ disappo9tm5t4  ,gallegh] 
%ook himself free f 8 support]s1 & took 
an un/eady /ep =w>d1 8 f+]s fumbl+      
/iffly ) ! buttons ( 8 wai/coat4  ,mr4  
,dwy]1 sir1 he began fa9tly1 ) 8 eyes   
fix$ fe>fully on ! manag+ editor1 he got
 arre/$--& ,i c\ldn't get "h no soon]1  
'cause !y kept a-/opp+ me1 & !y took me 
cab f "u me--b-- he pull$ ! note-book f 
8 brea/ & held x out ) its cov]s damp & 
limp f ! ra91 b we got ,hade1 & "h's    
,mr4 ,dwy]'s copy4  ,& !n he ask$1 ) a  
que] note 9 8 voice1 p>tly ( dread &    
p>tly ( hope1 ,am ,i 9 "t1 sir8  ,!     
manag+ editor took ! book1 & toss$ x to 
! =eman1 :o ripp$ out its leaves & dealt
 !m out to 8 m5 z rapidly z a gambl]    

deals out c>ds4  ,!n ! manag+ editor    
/oop$ & pick$ ,gallegh] up 9 8 arms1 &1 
sitt+ d[n1 began to unlace 8 wet & muddy
 %oes4  ,gallegh] made a fa9t ef=t to   
resi/ ?is degradation ( ! manag]ial     
dignity2 b 8 prote/ 0 a v feeble "o1 & 8
 head fell back heavily on ! manag+     
editor's %\ld]4  ,to ,gallegh] !        
inc&esc5t lights began to :irl ab\t 9   
circles1 & to burn 9 diff]5t colors2 !  
faces ( ! report]s kneel+ be=e him &    
*af+ 8 h&s & feet grew dim & unfamili>1 
& ! ro> & rumble ( ! great presses 9 !  
basem5t s\nd$ f> away1 l ! murmur ( !   
sea4  ,& !n ! place & ! circum/ances ( x
 came back to him aga9 %>ply & ) sudd5  
vividness4  ,gallegh] look$ up1 ) a fa9t
 smile1 into ! manag+ editor's face4 ,y 
won't turn me (f = runn+ away1 w y8 he  
:isp]$4  ,! manag+ editor did n answ]   
imm$iately4 ,8 head 0 b5t1 & he 0 ?9k+1 
= "s reason or o!r1 ( a little boy ( 8  
own1 at home 9 b$4 ,!n he said1 quietly1
 ,n ?is "t1 ,gallegh]4  ,gallegh]'s head
 sank back com=tably on ! old] man's    

%\ld]1 & he smil$ compreh5sively at !   
faces ( ! "y m5 cr[d$ ar\nd him4 ,y     
hadn't ought to1 he said1 ) a t\* ( 8   
old impud5ce1 'cause--,i beat ! t[n4    
,,! ,,jump+ ,,frog  ,,by  ,,m>k ,,twa9  
,?is is a /ory typical ( ,am]ican humor4
 ,z ,william ,lyon ,phelps says1 ,!     
ess5tially ,am]ican qualities (         
common-s5se1 en]gy1 good-humor1 &       
,phili/9ism fairly %riek f 8 ,m>k       
,twa9's pages4 ,essays on ,mod]n        
,noveli/s4     ,,! ,,notori\s ,,jump+   
,,frog ,,( ,,calav]as ,footnote3        
,pron\nc$ ,cal- e-va ras4 ,,c\nty       
,footnote3 ,f ,! ,jump+ ,frog & ,o!r    
,sket*es1 by ,m>k ,twa94 ,copyright1    
#aijc1 by ,h>p]  ,bros4   ,9 compliance 
) ! reque/ ( a fri5d ( m9e1 :o wrote me 
f ! ,ea/1 ,i call$ on good-natur$1      
g>rul\s old ,simon ,:eel]1 & inquir$    
aft] my fri5d's fri5d1 ,leonidas ,w4    
,smiley1 z reque/$ to d1 & ,i h]eunto   
app5d ! result4 ,i h a lurk+ suspicion t
 ,,leonidas ,w4 ,smiley is a my?2 t my  
fri5d nev] knew su* a p]sonage2 & t he  

only conjectur$ t if ,i ask$ old ,:eel] 
ab\t him1 x w\ld rem9d him ( 8 infam\s  
,,jim ,smiley1 & he w\ld g to "w & bore 
me to dea? ) "s exasp]at+ rem9isc5ce (  
him z long & z t$i\s z x %\ld be useless
 to me4 ,if t 0 ! design1 x succe$$4  ,i
 f\nd ,simon ,:eel] doz+ com=tably by ! 
b>-room /ove ( ! dilapidat$ tav]n 9 !   
decay+ m9+ camp ( ,angel's1 & ,i notic$ 
t he 0 fat & bald-head$1 & _h an        
expression ( w9n+ g5tl5ess & simplicity 
^u 8 tranquil c\nt5ance4 ,he r\s$ up1 & 
gave me good-day4 ,i told him a fri5d ( 
m9e _h commission$ me to make "s        
inquiries ab\t a *]i%$ companion ( 8    
boyhood nam$ ,,leonidas ,w4             
,smiley--,,rev4 ,,leonidas ,w4 ,smiley1 
a "y m9i/] ( ! ,gospel1 :o he _h he>d 0 
at "o "t a resid5t ( ,angel's ,camp4 ,i 
add$ t if ,mr4 ,:eel] c\ld tell me any?+
 ab\t ?is ,rev4 ,leonidas ,w4 ,smiley1  
,i w\ld feel "u _m obligations to him4  
,simon ,:eel] back$ me into a corn] &   
blockad$ me !re ) 8 *air1 & !n sat d[n &
 reel$ (f ! monoton\s n>rative :i*      

foll[s ?is p>agraph4 ,he nev] smil$1 he 
nev] fr[n$1 he nev] *ang$ 8 voice f !   
g5tle-fl[+ key to :i* he tun$ 8 initial 
s5t5ce1 he nev] betray$ ! slighte/      
suspicion ( en?usiasm2 b all ?r\gh !    
int]m9able n>rative !re ran a ve9 (     
impressive e>ne/ness & s9c]ity1 :i* %[$ 
me pla9ly t1 s f> f 8 imag9+ t !re 0    
any?+ ridicul\s or funny ab\t 8 /ory1 he
 reg>d$ x z a really important matt]1 & 
admir$ its two h]oes z m5 ( transc5d5t  
g5ius 9 f9esse4 ,i let him g on 9 8 own 
way1 & nev] int]rupt$ him once4  ,rev4  
,leonidas ,w4 ,h'm1 ,rev]5d ,le--well1  
!re 0 a fell] "h once by ! "n ( ,,jim   
,smiley1 9 ! w9t] ( '#di--or maybe x 0 !
 spr+ ( '#ej--;,i don't recollect       
exactly1 someh[1 ?\gh :at makes me ?9k x
 0 "o or ! o!r is because ,i rememb] !  
big flume w>n't f9i%$ :5 he fir/ come to
 ! camp2 b anyway1 he 0 ! curiose/ man  
ab\t always bett+ on any?+ t turn$ up y 
ev] see1 if he c\ld get anybody to bet  
on ! o!r side2 & if he c\ldn't he'd     
*ange sides4 ,any way t suit$ ! o!r man 

w\ld suit ,,him--any way j s's he got a 
bet1 ,,he 0 satisfi$4 ,b /ill he 0      
lucky1 uncommon lucky2 he 'mo/ always   
come out w9n]4 ,he 0 always ready & lay+
 = a *ance2 !re c\ldn't be no solit'ry  
?+ m5tion$ b t fell]'d (f] to bet on x1 
& take any side y please1 z ,i 0 j tell+
 y4 ,if !re 0 a horse-race1 y'd f9d him 
flu% or y'd f9d him bu/$ at ! end ( x2  
if !re 0 a dogfight1 he'd bet on x2 if  
!re 0 a cat-fight1 he'd bet on x2 if !re
 0 a *ick5-fight1 he'd bet on x2 :y1 if 
!re 0 two birds sett+ on a f5ce1 he w\ld
 bet y :i* "o w\ld fly fir/2 or if !re 0
 a camp-meet+1 he w\ld be !re reg'l> to 
bet on ,p>son ,walk]1 :i* he judg$ to be
 ! be/ exhort] ab\t "h1 & s he 01 too1 &
 a good man4 ,if he ev5 see a           
/raddle-bug />t to g any:]es1 he w\ld   
bet y h[ long x w\ld take him to get    
to--to :]ev] he 0 go+ to1 & if y took   
him up1 he w\ld foll] t /raddle-bug to  
,mexico b :at he w\ld f9d out :]e he 0  
b\nd = & h[ long he 0 on ! road4 ,lots (
 ! boys "h has se5 t ,smiley1 & c tell y

 ab\t him4 ,:y1 x nev] made no diff]5ce 
to ,,him--he'd bet on ,,any ?+--!       
dangde/ fell]4 ,p>son ,walk]'s wife laid
 v sick once1 = a good :ile1 & x seem$ z
 if !y w>n't go+ to save h]2 b "o morn+ 
he come 91 & ,smiley up & ask$ him h[ %e
 01 & he said %e 0 consid'able          
bett]--?ank ! ,"l = 8 inf'nite m]cy--&  
com+ on s sm>t t ) ! bless+ ( ,prov'd5ce
 %e'd get well yet2 & ,smiley1 be=e he  
?\ght1 says3 ',well1 ,i'll resk         
two-&-a-half %e don't anyway4'  ,?i%-y] 
,smiley _h a m>e--! boys call$ h] !     
fifte5- m9ute nag1 b t 0 only 9 fun1 y  
"k1 because1 ( c\rse1 %e 0 fa/] ?an t--&
 he us$ to w9 money on t horse1 = all %e
 0 s sl[ & always _h ! a/hma1 or !      
di/emp]1 or ! consumption1 or some?+ ( t
 k9d4 ,!y us$ to give h] two or ?ree    
hundr$ y>ds />t1 & !n pass h] "u way2 b 
always at ! fag end ( ! race %e'd get   
excit$ & desp]ate l1 & come cavort+ &   
/raddl+ up1 & scatt]+ h] legs ar\nd     
limb]1 sometimes 9 ! air1 & sometimes   
out to "o side among ! f5ces1 & kick+ up

 m-o-r-e du/ & rais+ m-o-r-e racket ) h]
 c\gh+ & sneez+ & bl[+ h] nose--&       
,,always fet* up at ! /& j ab\t a neck  
ahead1 z ne> z y c\ld ciph] x d[n4  ,&  
he _h a little small bull-pup1 t to look
 at him y'd ?9k he w>n't wor? a c5t b to
 set ar\nd & look orn]y & lay = a *ance 
to /eal some?+4 ,b z soon z money 0 up  
on him he 0 a diff]5t dog2 8 "u-jaw'd   
beg9 to /ick out l ! fo'ca/le ( a       
/eamboat1 & 8 tee? w\ld uncov] & %9e l !
 furnaces4 ,& a dog might tackle him &  
bully-rag him1 & bite him & ?r[ him ov] 
8 %\ld] two or ?ree times1 & ,&rew      
,jackson--:i* 0 ! "n ( ! pup--,&rew     
,jackson w\ld nev] let on b :at ,,he 0  
satisfi$1 & hadn't expect$ no?+ else--& 
! bets be+ d\bl$ & d\bl$ on ! o!r side  
all ! "t1 till ! money 0 all up2 & !n   
all ( a sudd5 he w\ld grab t o!r dog je/
 by ! j'int ( 8 h9d leg & freeze to x--n
 *aw1 y und]/&1 b only j grip & hang on 
till !y ?r[$ up ! sponge1 if x 0 a ye>4 
,smiley always come out w9n] on t pup1  
till he h>ness$ a dog once t didn't h no

 h9d legs1 because !y'd be5 saw$ (f 9 a 
circul> saw1 & :5 ! ?+ _h gone along f> 
en\gh1 & ! money 0 all up1 & he come to 
make a snat* = 8 pet holt1 he see 9 a   
m9ute h[ he'd be5 impos$ on1 & h[ ! o!r 
dog _h him 9 ! door1 s to speak1 & he   
'pe>$ surpris$1 & !n he look$ sort]     
disc\rag$-l & didn't try no m to w9 !   
fight1 & s he got %uck$ out bad4 ,he    
give ,smiley a look1 z mu* z to say 8   
he>t 0 broke1 & x 0 ,,8 fault1 = putt+  
up a dog t hadn't no h9d legs = him to  
take holt (1 :i* 0 8 ma9 dep5d5ce 9 a   
fight1 & !n he limp$ (f a piece & laid  
d[n & di$4 ,x 0 a good pup1 0 t ,&rew   
,jackson1 & w\ld h made a "n = hisself  
if he'd liv$1 = ! /uff 0 9 him & he _h  
g5ius --,i "k x1 because he hadn't no   
opportunities to speak (1 & x don't /&  
to reason t a dog c\ld make su* a fight 
z he c\ld "u !m circum/ances if he      
hadn't no tal5t4 ,x always makes me feel
 sorry :5 ,i ?9k ( t la/ fight ( 8'n1 & 
! way x turn$ out4  ,well1 ?i%-y]       
,smiley _h rat-t>ri]s1 & *ick5 cocks1 & 

tomcats1 & all !m k9d ( ?+s1 till y     
c\ldn't re/1 & y c\ldn't fet* no?+ = him
 to bet on b he'd mat* y4 ,he ket*$ a   
frog "o day1 & took him home1 & said he 
cal'lat$ to educate him2 & s he nev]    
done no?+ = ?ree mon?s b set 9 8 back   
y>d & le>n t frog to jump4 ,& y bet y he
 ,,did le>n him1 too4 ,he'd give him a  
little pun* beh9d1 & ! next m9ute y'd   
see t frog :irl+ 9 ! air l a            
d\ghnut--see him turn "o summ]set1 or   
maybe a c\ple1 if he got a good />t1 &  
come d[n flat-foot$ & all "r1 l a cat4  
,he got him up s 9 ! matt] ( ket*+      
flies1 & kep' him 9 practice s con/ant1 
t he'd nail a fly e "t z fur z he c\ld  
see him4 ,smiley said all a frog want$ 0
 education1 & he c\ld d 'mo/ any?+--& ,i
 believe him4 ,:y1 ,i've se5 him set    
,dan'l ,web/] d[n "h on ?is             
floor--,dan'l ,web/] 0 ! "n ( ! frog--& 
s+ out1 ',flies1 ,dan'l1 flies6' &      
quick]'n y c\ld w9k he'd spr+ /raight up
 & snake a fly (f'n ! c\nt] !re1 & flop 
d[n on ! floor ag'9 z solid z a gob (   

mud1 & fall to scrat*+ ! side ( 8 head )
 8 h9d foot z indiff]5t z if he hadn't  
no idea he'd be5 do9' any m'n any frog  
might d4 ,y nev] see a frog s mode/ &   
/raight='ard z he 01 = all he 0 s gift$4
 ,& :5 x come to fair & squ>e jump+ on a
 dead level1 he c\ld get ov] m gr\nd at 
"o /raddle ?an any animal ( 8 bre$ y ev]
 see4 ,jump+ on a dead level 0 8 /rong  
suit1 y und]/&2 & :5 x come to t1       
,smiley w\ld ante up money on him z long
 z he _h a r$4 ,smiley 0 mon/r\s pr\d ( 
8 frog1 & well he might be1 = fell]s t  
_h travell$ & be5 ev]y:]es all said he  
laid ov] any frog t ev] ,,!y see4       
,well1 ,smiley kep' ! bea/ 9 a little   
lattice box1 & he us$ to fet* him       
d[n-t[n sometimes & lay = a bet4 ,"o day
 a fell]--a /rang] 9 ! camp1 he 0--come 
acro/ him ) 8 box1 & says3  ',:at might 
x be t y've got 9 ! box8'  ,& ,smiley   
says1 sort] indiff]5t-l3 ',x might be a 
p>rot1 or x might be a can>y1 maybe1 b x
 a9't--x's only j a frog4'  ,& ! fell]  
took x1 & look$ at x c>eful1 & turn$ x  

r\nd ?is way & t1 & says3 ',h'm--s 'tis4
 ,well1 :at's ,,he good =8'  ',well1'   
,smiley says1 easy & c>eless1 'he's good
 en\gh = ,,"o ?+1 ,i %\ld judge--he c   
outjump any frog 9 ,calav]as c\nty4'  ,!
 fell] took ! box aga91 & took ano!r    
long1 p>ticul> look1 & give x back to   
,smiley1 & says1 v delib]ate1 ',well1'  
he says1 ',i don't see no p'ints ab\t t 
frog t's any bett]'n any o!r frog4'     
',maybe y don't1' ,smiley says4 ',maybe 
y und]/& frogs & maybe y don't und]/&   
'em2 maybe y've _h exp]i5ce1 & maybe y  
a9't only a amature1 z x 74 ,anyways1   
,i've got ,,my op9ion1 & ,i'll resk =ty 
doll>s t he c outjump any frog 9        
,calav]as c\nty4'  ,& ! fell] /udi$ a   
m9ute1 & !n says1 k9d] sad l1 ',well1   
,i'm only a /rang] "h1 & ,i a9't got no 
frog2 b if ,i _h a frog1 ,i'd bet y4'   
,& !n ,smiley says1 ',t's all "r--t's   
all "r--if y'll hold my box a m9ute1    
,i'll g & get y a frog4' ,& s ! fell]   
took ! box1 & put up 8 =ty doll>s along 
) ,smiley's1 & set d[n to wait4  ,s he  

set !re a good :ile ?9k+ & ?9k+ to      
hisself1 & !n he got ! frog out & priz$ 
8 m\? op5 & took a teaspoon & fill$ him 
full ( quail %ot--fill$ him pretty ne>  
up to 8 *9--& set him on ! floor4       
,smiley he w5t to ! swamp & slopp$ ar\nd
 9 ! mud = a long "t1 & f9ally he ket*$ 
a frog1 & fet*$ him 91 & give him to ?is
 fell]1 & says3  ',n[1 if y're ready1   
set him alongside ( ,dan'l1 ) 8 =epaws j
 ev5 ) ,dan'l's1 & ,i'll give ! ^w4' ,!n
 he says1 ',"o--two--?ree--,,git6' & him
 & ! fell] t\*$ up ! frogs f beh9d1 & ! 
new frog hopp$ (f lively1 b ,dan'l give 
a heave1 & hy/$ up 8 %\ld]s--s--l a     
,fr5*man1 b x w>n't no use--he c\ldn't  
budge2 he 0 plant$ z solid z a *ur*1 &  
he c\ldn't no m /ir ?an if he 0 an*or$  
out4 ,smiley 0 a good deal surpris$1 &  
he 0 disgu/$ too1 b he didn't h no idea 
:at ! matt] 01 ( c\rse4  ,! fell] took !
 money & />t$ away2 & :5 he 0 go+ out at
 ! door1 he sort] j]k$ 8 ?umb ov] 8     
%\ld]--s --at ,dan'l1 & says aga91 v    
delib]ate1 ',well1' he says1 ',i don't  

see no p'ints ab\t t frog t's any       
bett]'n any o!r frog4'  ,smiley he /ood 
scrat*+ 8 head & look+ d[n at ,dan'l a  
long "t1 & at la/ he says1 ',i d wond]  
:at 9 ! nation t frog ?r['d (f =--,i    
wond] if !re a9't some?+ ! matt] )      
him--he 'pe>s to look mighty baggy1     
someh[1' ,& he ket*$ ,dan'l by ! nap ( !
 neck1 & heft$ him1 & says1 ',:y1 blame 
my cats if he don't weigh five p\nd6' & 
turn$ him upside d[n & he bel*$ out a   
d\ble h&ful ( %ot4 ,& !n he see h[ x 01 
& he 0 ! madde/ man--he set ! frog d[n &
 took out aft] t fell]1 b he nev] ket*$ 
him4 ,&--  ,"h ,simon ,:eel] he>d 8 "n  
call$ f ! front y>d1 & got up to see :at
 0 want$4 ,& turn+ to me z he mov$ away1
 he said3 ,j set :]e y are1 /rang]1 &   
re/ easy--,i a9't go+ to be gone a      
second4  ,b1 by y\r leave1 ,i did n ?9k 
t a cont9uation ( ! hi/ory ( ! ent]pris+
 vagabond ,,jim ,smiley w\ld be likely  
to af=d me mu* in=mation conc]n+ ! ,rev4
 ,,leonidas ,w4 ,smiley1 & s ,i />t$    
away4  ,at ! door ,i met ! sociable     

,:eel] return+1 & he button- hol$ me &  
re-comm5c$3  ,well1 ?i%-y] ,smiley _h a 
yell] "o-ey$ c[ t didn't h no tail1 only
 j a %ort /ump l a bannann]1 &--        
,h[ev]1 lack+ bo? "t & incl9ation1 ,i   
did n wait to he> ab\t ! afflict$ c[1 b 
took my leave4       ,,! ,,lady ,,or ,,!
 ,,tig]  ,,by  ,,frank ,r4 ,,/ockton    
,?is is an illu/ration ( ! symmetrical  
plot4 ,x *all5ges ! con/ructive         
imag9ation ( ! read] to se>* ! /ory = ! 
evid5ce t w lead to a logical           
conclusion4     ,,! ,,lady ,,or ,,!     
,,tig]  ,footnote3 ,f ,! ,lady or !     
,tig]8 by ,frank ,r4 ,/ockton4          
,copyright1 #ahhf1 by ,*>les ,scribn]'s 
,sons4 ,copyright1 #aiad1 by ,m>ie      
,l\ise & ,frances ,a4 ,/ockton4   ,9 ! v
 old5 "t1 !re liv$ a semi-b>b>ic k+1 ^: 
ideas1 ?\gh some:at poli%$ & %>p5$ by ! 
progressiv5ess ( di/ant ,lat9 neighbors1
 7 /ill l>ge1 florid1 & untrammell$1 z  
became ! half ( him :i* 0 b>b>ic4 ,he 0 
a man ( exub]ant fancy1 &1 )al1 ( an    
au?ority s irresi/ible t1 at 8 w1 he    

turn$ 8 v>i$ fancies into facts4 ,he 0  
greatly giv5 to self-commun+1 & :5 he & 
himself agre$ ^u any?+1 ! ?+ 0 done4 ,:5
 e memb] ( 8 dome/ic & political sy/ems 
mov$ smoo?ly 9 its appo9t$ c\rse1 8     
nature 0 bl& & g5ial2 b :5ev] !re 0 a   
little hit*1 & "s ( 8 orbs got out ( _! 
orbits1 he 0 bl&] & m g5ial /ill1 = no?+
 pleas$ him s mu* z to make ! crook$    
/raight1 & cru% d[n unev5 places4       
,among ! borr[$ notions by :i* 8 b>b>ism
 _h become semifi$ 0 t ( ! public ar5a1 
9 :i*1 by exhibitions ( manly & bea/ly  
valor1 ! m9ds ( 8 subjects 7 ref9$ &    
cultur$4  ,b ev5 "h ! exub]ant & b>b>ic 
fancy ass]t$ itself4 ,! ar5a ( ! k+ 0   
built1 n to give ! p an opportunity (   
he>+ ! rhapsodies ( dy+ gladiators1 nor 
to enable !m to view ! inevitable       
conclusion ( a conflict betwe5 religi\s 
op9ions & hungry jaws1 b = purposes f>  
bett] adapt$ to wid5 & develop ! m5tal  
en]gies ( ! p4 ,?is va/ amphi!atre1 )   
its encircl+ gall]ies1 its my/]i\s      
vaults1 & its unse5 passages1 0 an ag5t 

( poetic ju/ice1 9 :i* crime 0 puni%$1  
or virtue rew>d$1 by ! decrees ( an     
imp>tial & incorruptible *ance4  ,:5 a  
subject 0 accus$ ( a crime ( suffici5t  
importance to int]e/ ! k+1 public notice
 0 giv5 t on an appo9t$ day ! fate ( !  
accus$ p]son w\ld be decid$ 9 ! k+'s    
ar5a--a /ructure :i* well des]v$ its "n2
 =1 al?\gh its =m & plan 7 borr[$ f af>1
 its purpose emanat$ solely f ! bra9 (  
?is man1 :o1 e b>leycorn a k+1 knew no  
tradition to :i* he ow$ m allegiance ?an
 pleas$ 8 fancy1 & :o +raft$ on e adopt$
 =m ( human ?\ght & action ! ri* gr[? ( 
8 b>b>ic idealism4  ,:5 all ! p _h      
assembl$ 9 ! gall]ies1 & ! k+1 surr\nd$ 
by 8 c\rt1 sat high up on 8 ?rone (     
royal /ate on "o side ( ! ar5a1 he gave 
a signal1 a door b5ea? him op5$1 & !    
accus$ subject /epp$ out into !         
amphi!atre4 ,directly opposite him1 on !
 o!r side ( ! enclos$ space1 7 two      
doors1 exactly alike & side by side4 ,x 
0 ! duty & ! privilege ( ! p]son on     
trial to walk directly to ^! doors & op5

 "o ( !m4 ,he c\ld op5 ei!r door he     
pleas$4 ,he 0 subject to no guidance or 
influ5ce b t ( ! a=em5tion$ imp>tial &  
incorruptible *ance4 ,if he op5$ ! "o1  
!re came out ( x a hungry tig]1 ! fi]ce/
 & mo/ cruel t c\ld be procur$1 :i*     
imm$iately sprang ^u him1 & tore him to 
pieces1 z a puni%m5t = 8 guilt4 ,! mom5t
 t ! case ( ! crim9al 0 ?us decid$1     
doleful iron bells 7 clang$1 great wails
 w5t up f ! hir$ m\rn]s po/$ on ! out]  
rim ( ! ar5a1 & ! va/ audi5ce1 ) b[$    
heads & d[nca/ he>ts1 w5d$ sl[ly _!     
homew>d way1 m\rn+ greatly t "o s "y &  
fair1 or s old & respect$1 %\ld h m]it$ 
s dire a fate4  ,b if ! accus$ p]son    
op5$ ! o!r door1 !re came =? f x a lady1
 ! mo/ suitable to 8 ye>s & /ation t 8  
,maje/y c\ld select among 8 fair        
subjects2 & to ?is lady he 0 imm$iately 
m>ri$1 z a rew>d ( 8 innoc5ce4 ,x matt]$
 n t he might already possess a wife &  
family1 or t 8 affections might be      
engag$ ^u an object ( 8 own selection4  
,! k+ all[$ no su* subord9ate           

arrangem5ts to int]f]e ) 8 great s*eme (
 retribution & rew>d4 ,! ex]cises1 z 9 !
 o!r in/ance1 took place imm$iately1 & 9
 ! ar5a4 ,ano!r door op5$ b5ea? ! k+1 & 
a prie/1 foll[$ by a b& ( *ori/]s1 &    
danc+ maid5s bl[+ joy\s airs on gold5   
horns & tread+ an epi?alamic measure1   
advanc$ to :]e ! pair /ood side by side1
 & ! w$d+ 0 promptly & *e]ily solemniz$4
 ,!n ! gay brass bells rang =? _! m]ry  
peals1 ! p %\t$ glad hurrahs1 & !       
innoc5t man1 prec$$ by *ildr5 /rew+     
fl[]s on 8 pa?1 l$ 8 bride to 8 home4   
,?is 0 ! k+'s semi-b>b>ic me?od (       
adm9i/]+ ju/ice4 ,its p]fect fairness is
 obvi\s4 ,! crim9al c\ld n "k out ( :i* 
door w\ld come ! lady4 ,he op5$ ei!r he 
pleas$1 )\t hav+ ! slighte/ idea :e!r1 9
 ! next in/ant1 he 0 to be dev\r$ or    
m>ri$4 ,on "s occasions ! tig] came out 
( "o door1 & on "s out ( ! o!r4 ,!      
decisions ( ?is tribunal 7 n only       
fair--!y 7 positively det]m9ate4 ,!     
accus$ p]son 0 in/antly puni%$ if he    
f\nd himself guilty1 & if innoc5t he 0  

rew>d$ on ! spot1 :e!r he lik$ x or n4  
,!re 0 no escape f ! judgm5ts ( ! k+'s  
ar5a4  ,! in/itution 0 a v popul> "o4   
,:5 ! p ga!r$ toge!r on "o ( ! great    
trial days1 !y nev] knew :e!r !y 7 to   
witness a bloody slaught] or a hil>i\s  
w$d+4 ,?is elem5t ( unc]ta9ty l5t an    
int]e/ to ! occasion :i* x c\ld n       
o!rwise h atta9$4 ,?us ! masses 7       
ent]ta9$ & pleas$1 & ! ?9k+ "p ( !      
community c\ld br+ no *>ge ( unfairness 
aga9/ ?is plan2 = did n ! accus$ p]son h
 ! :ole matt] 9 8 own h&s8  ,?is        
semi-b>b>ic k+ _h a daught] z bloom+ z 8
 mo/ florid fancies1 & ) a s\l z f]v5t &
 imp]i\s z 8 own4 ,z is usual 9 su*     
cases1 %e 0 ! apple ( 8 eye1 & 0 lov$ by
 him above all humanity4 ,among 8       
c\rti]s 0 a "y man ( t f95ess ( blood & 
l[ness ( /ation common to ! conv5tional 
h]oes ( romance :o love royal maid5s4   
,?is royal maid5 0 well satisfi$ ) h]   
lov]1 = he 0 h&some & brave to a degree 
unsurpass$ 9 all ?is k+dom1 & %e lov$   
him ) an ardor t _h en\gh ( b>b>ism 9 x 

to make x exce$+ly w>m & /rong4 ,?is    
love affair mov$ on happily = _m mon?s1 
until1 "o day1 ! k+ happ5$ to discov]   
its exi/5ce4 ,he did n hesitate nor wav]
 9 reg>d to 8 duty 9 ! premises4 ,! y\? 
0 imm$iately ca/ into prison1 & a day 0 
appo9t$ = 8 trial 9 ! k+'s ar5a4 ,?is1 (
 c\rse1 0 an especially important       
occasion1 & 8 ,maje/y1 z well z all ! p1
 0 greatly int]e/$ 9 ! work+s &         
developm5t ( ?is trial4 ,nev] be=e _h   
su* a case occurr$--nev] be=e _h a      
subject d>$ to love ! daught] ( a k+4 ,9
 aft] ye>s su* ?+s became commonplace   
en\gh1 b !n !y 71 9 no slight degree1   
novel & />tl+4  ,! tig] cages ( ! k+dom 
7 se>*$ = ! mo/ savage & rel5tless      
bea/s1 f :i* ! fi]ce/ mon/] might be    
select$ = ! ar5a1 & ! ranks ( maid5 y\? 
& beauty ?r\gh\t ! l& 7 c>efully survey$
 by compet5t judges1 9 ord] t ! "y man  
might h a fitt+ bride 9 case fate did n 
det]m9e = him a diff]5t de/9y4 ,( c\rse1
 ev]ybody knew t ! de$ ) :i* ! accus$ 0 
*>g$ _h be5 done4 ,he _h lov$ ! pr9cess1

 & nei!r he1 %e1 nor any "o else ?\ght (
 d5y+ ! fact4 ,b ! k+ w\ld n ?9k ( all[+
 any fact ( ?is k9d to int]f]e ) !      
work+s ( ! tribunal1 9 :i* he took su*  
great delight & satisfaction4 ,no matt] 
h[ ! affair turn$ out1 ! y\? w\ld be    
dispos$ (1 & ! k+ w\ld take an ae/hetic 
pleasure 9 wat*+ ! c\rse ( ev5ts :i*    
w\ld det]m9e :e!r or n ! "y man _h done 
wrong 9 all[+ himself to love ! pr9cess4
  ,! appo9t$ day arriv$4 ,f f> & ne> ! p
 ga!r$1 & ?rong$ ! great gall]ies ( !   
ar5a1 :ile cr[ds1 unable to ga9         
admittance1 mass$ !mselves aga9/ its    
outside walls4 ,! k+ & 8 c\rt 7 9 _!    
places1 opposite ! tw9 doors--^? fateful
 portals1 s t]rible 9 _! simil>ity6     
,all 0 ready4 ,! signal 0 giv54 ,a door 
b5ea? ! royal p>ty op5$1 & ! lov] ( !   
pr9cess walk$ into ! ar5a4 ,tall1       
beautiful1 fair1 8 appe>ance 0 greet$ ) 
a l[ hum ( admiration & anxiety4 ,half !
 audi5ce _h n kn[n s gr& a y\? _h liv$  
among !m4 ,no wond] ! pr9cess lov$ him6 
,:at a t]rible ?+ = him to be !re6  ,z !

 y\? advanc$ into ! ar5a1 he turn$1 z ! 
cu/om 01 to b[ to ! k+4 ,b he did n ?9k 
at all ( t royal p]sonage2 8 eyes 7 fix$
 ^u ! pr9cess1 :o sat to ! "r ( h] fa!r4
 ,_h x n be5 = ! moiety ( b>b>ism 9 h]  
nature1 x is probable t lady w\ld n h   
be5 !re4 ,b h] int5se & f]vid s\l w\ld n
 all[ h] to be abs5t on an occasion 9   
:i* %e 0 s t]ribly int]e/$4 ,f ! mom5t t
 ! decree _h gone =? t h] lov] %\ld     
decide 8 fate 9 ! k+'s ar5a1 %e _h ?\ght
 ( no?+1 night or day1 b ?is great ev5t 
& ! v>i\s subjects connect$ ) x4        
,possess$ ( m p[]1 influ5ce1 & =ce ( "* 
?an any "o :o _h ev] be=e be5 int]e/$ 9 
su* a case1 %e _h done :at no o!r p]son 
_h done--%e _h possess$ h]self ( !      
secret ( ! doors4 ,%e knew 9 :i* ( ! two
 rooms beh9d ^? doors /ood ! cage ( !   
tig]1 ) its op5 front & 9 :i* wait$ !   
lady4 ,?r\gh ^! ?ick doors1 heavily     
curta9$ ) sk9s on ! inside1 x 0         
impossible t any noise or sugge/ion %\ld
 come f )9 to ! p]son :o %\ld approa* to
 raise ! lat* ( "o ( !m4 ,b gold1 & !   

p[] ( a woman's w1 _h br\ght ! secret to
 ! pr9cess4  ,n only did %e "k 9 :i*    
room /ood ! lady1 ready to em]ge1 all   
blu%+ & radiant1 %\ld h] door be op5$1 b
 %e knew :o ! lady 04 ,x 0 "o ( ! faire/
 & lovelie/ ( ! damsels ( ! c\rt :o _h  
be5 select$ z ! rew>d ( ! accus$ y\?1   
%\ld he be prov$ innoc5t ( ! crime (    
aspir+ to "o s f> above him2 & ! pr9cess
 hat$ h]4 ,(t5 _h %e se51 or imag9$ t %e
 _h se51 ?is fair creature ?r[+ glances 
( admiration ^u ! p]son ( h] lov]1 &    
sometimes %e ?\ght ^! glances 7 p]ceiv$ 
& ev5 return$4 ,n[ & !n %e _h se5 !m    
talk+ toge!r4 ,x 0 b = a mom5t or two1 b
 mu* c be said 9 a brief space4 ,x may h
 be5 on mo/ unimportant topics1 b h[    
c\ld %e "k t8 ,! girl 0 lovely1 b %e _h 
d>$ to raise h] eyes to ! lov$ "o ( !   
pr9cess1 &1 ) all ! int5sity ( ! savage 
blood transmitt$ to h] ?r\gh long l9es (
 :olly b>b>ic ance/ors1 %e hat$ ! woman 
:o blu%$ & trembl$ beh9d t sil5t door4  
,:5 h] lov] turn$ & look$ at h]1 & 8 eye
 met h]s z %e sat !re pal] & :it] ?an   

any "o 9 ! va/ ocean ( anxi\s faces ab\t
 h]1 he saw1 by t p[] ( quick p]ception 
:i* is giv5 to ^? ^: s\ls are "o1 t %e  
knew beh9d :i* door cr\*$ ! tig]1 &     
beh9d :i* /ood ! lady4 ,he _h expect$ h]
 to "k x4 ,he und]/ood h] nature1 & 8   
s\l 0 assur$ t %e w\ld nev] re/ until %e
 _h made pla9 to h]self ?is ?+1 hidd5 to
 all o!r look]s-on1 ev5 to ! k+4 ,! only
 hope = ! y\? 9 :i* !re 0 any elem5t (  
c]ta9ty 0 bas$ ^u ! success ( ! pr9cess 
9 discov]+ ?is my/]y1 & ! mom5t he look$
 ^u h]1 he saw %e _h succe$$4  ,!n x 0 t
 8 quick & anxi\s glance ask$ ! "q1     
,:i*8 ,x 0 z pla9 to h] z if he %\t$ x f
 :]e he /ood4 ,!re 0 n an in/ant to be  
lo/4 ,! "q 0 ask$ 9 a fla%2 x mu/ be    
answ]$ 9 ano!r4  ,h] "r arm lay on !    
cu%ion$ p>apet be=e h]4 ,%e rais$ h] h&1
 & made a slight1 quick movem5t t[>d !  
"r4 ,no "o b h] lov] saw h]4 ,e eye b 8 
0 fix$ on ! man 9 ! ar5a4  ,he turn$1 & 
) a firm & rapid /ep he walk$ across !  
empty space4 ,e he>t /opp$ beat+1 e     
brea? 0 held1 e eye 0 fix$ immovably ^u 

t man4 ,)\t ! slighte/ hesitation1 he   
w5t to ! door on ! "r1 & op5$ x4  ,n[1 !
 po9t ( ! /ory is ?is3 ,did ! tig] come 
out ( t door1 or did ! lady8  ,! m we   
reflect ^u ?is "q1 ! h>d] x is to answ]4
 ,x involves a /udy ( ! human he>t :i*  
leads u ?r\gh devi\s mazes ( passion1   
out ( :i* x is difficult to f9d our way4
 ,?9k ( x1 fair read]1 n z if ! decision
 ( ! "q dep5d$ ^u y\rself1 b ^u t       
hot-blood$1 semi-b>b>ic pr9cess1 h] s\l 
at a :ite heat b5ea? ! comb9$ fires (   
despair & jeal\sy4 ,%e _h lo/ him1 b :o 
%\ld h him8  ,h[ (t51 9 h] wak+ h\rs & 9
 h] dreams1 _h %e />t$ 9 wild horror &  
cov]$ h] face ) h] h&s z %e ?\ght ( h]  
lov] op5+ ! door on ! o!r side ( :i*    
wait$ ! cruel fangs ( ! tig]6  ,b h[ mu*
 (t5] _h %e se5 him at ! o!r door6 ,h[ 9
 h] griev\s rev]ies _h %e gna%$ h] tee? 
& torn h] hair :5 %e saw 8 />t (        
raptur\s delight z he op5$ ! door ( !   
lady6 ,h[ h] s\l _h burn$ 9 agony :5 %e 
_h se5 him ru% to meet t woman1 ) h]    
flu%+ *eek & sp>kl+ eye ( triumph2 :5 %e

 _h se5 him lead h] =?1 8 :ole frame    
k9dl$ ) ! joy ( recov]$ life2 :5 %e _h  
he>d ! glad %\ts f ! multitude1 & ! wild
 r++ ( ! happy bells2 :5 %e _h se5 !    
prie/1 ) 8 joy\s foll[]s1 advance to !  
c\ple1 & make !m man & wife be=e h] v   
eyes2 & :5 %e _h se5 !m walk away toge!r
 ^u _! pa? ( fl[]s1 foll[$ by ! trem5d\s
 %\ts ( ! hil>i\s multitude1 9 :i* h] "o
 despair+ %riek 0 lo/ & dr[n$6  ,w\ld x 
n be bett] = him to die at once1 & g to 
wait = h] 9 ! bless$ regions (          
semi-b>b>ic futurity8  ,& yet1 t awful  
tig]1 ^? %rieks1 t blood6  ,h] decision 
_h be5 indicat$ 9 an in/ant1 b x _h be5 
made aft] days & nights ( angui%$       
delib]ation4 ,%e _h kn[n %e w\ld be     
ask$1 %e _h decid$ :at %e w\ld answ]1 &1
 )\t ! slighte/ hesitation1 %e _h mov$  
h] h& to ! "r4  ,! "q ( h] decision is  
"o n to be lightly consid]$1 & x is n = 
me to presume to set up myself z ! "o   
p]son able to answ] x4 ,s ,i leave x )  
all ( y3 ,:i* came out ( ! op5$ door--! 
lady or ! tig]8       ,,! ,,outca/s ,,( 

,,pok] ,,flat  ,,by  ,,francis ,,bret   
,,h>te  ,?is is (t5 call$ a /ory ( local
 color4 ,& x is4 ,x is ri* 9 !          
*>act]i/ics ( ,cali=nia 9 ! gold-seek+  
days4 ,x is also classifi$ z a /ory (   
sett+4 ,& x is4 ,! sett+ is a det]m9+   
factor 9 ! conduct ( ^! outca/s4 ,!y are
 m5 & wom5 z inevitably drawn to ! m9+  
camp z ! ill- fat$ %ip 9 ,! ,arabian    
,nights 0 attract$ to ! lode-/one       
m\nta91 & ) z mu* c]ta9ty ( %ipwreck4   
,^! ! blizz>d ( ! we/ ga!rs into its    
embrace1 & compels !m to reveal _! bett]
 selves4 ,b x is m ?an a /ory ( local   
color & ( sett+4 ,x is also an          
illu/ration ( ! arti/ic bl5d+ ( plot1   
"*1 & sett+1 & ( ! magical p[] ( y\? to 
see life at ! "t truly en\gh1 b to      
trans=m x lat] into some?+ f9e & noble4 
,,! ,,outca/s ,,( ,,pok] ,,flat         
,footnote3 ,f ,! ,luck ( ,ro>+ ,camp1 by
 ,francis ,bret ,h>te4 ,copyright1      
#aijf1 by ,h\ghton ,miffl9 ,company4    
,repr9t$ by special arrangem5t )        
,h\ghton ,miffl9 ,company1 ! au?oriz$   

publi%]s ( ,bret ,h>te's works4   ,z    
,mr4 ,john ,oakhur/1 gambl]1 /epp$ into 
! ma9 /reet ( ,pok] ,flat on ! morn+ ( !
 tw5ty-?ird ( ,novemb]1 #ahej1 he 0     
consci\s ( a *ange 9 its moral atmosph]e
 s9ce ! prec$+ night4 ,two or ?ree m51  
conv]s+ e>ne/ly toge!r1 ceas$ z he      
approa*$1 & ex*ang$ significant glances4
 ,!re 0 a ,sabba? lull 9 ! air1 :i*1 9 a
 settlem5t unus$ to ,sabba? influ5ces1  
look$ om9\s4  ,mr4 ,oakhur/'s calm1     
h&some face betray$ small conc]n ( ^!   
indications4 ,:e!r he 0 consci\s ( any  
pr$ispos+ cause1 0 ano!r "q4 ,i reckon  
!y're aft] somebody1 he reflect$2 likely
 x's me4 ,he return$ to 8 pocket !      
h&k]*ief ) :i* he _h be5 :ipp+ away ! r$
 du/ ( ,pok] ,flat f 8 neat boots1 &    
quietly dis*>g$ 8 m9d ( any fur!r       
conjecture4  ,9 po9t ( fact1 ,pok] ,flat
 0 aft] somebody4 ,x _h lately suff]$ ! 
loss ( sev]al ?\s& doll>s1 two valuable 
horses1 & a prom95t citiz54 ,x 0        
exp]i5c+ a spasm ( virtu\s reaction1 q z
 lawless & ungov]nable z any ( ! acts t 

_h provok$ x4 ,a secret committee _h    
det]m9$ to rid ! t[n ( all improp]      
p]sons4 ,?is 0 done p]man5tly 9 reg>d ( 
two m5 :o 7 !n hang+ f ! b\ghs ( a      
sycamore 9 ! gul*1 & tempor>ily 9 !     
bani%m5t ( c]ta9 o!r objectionable      
*>act]s4 ,i regret to say t "s ( ^! 7   
ladies4 ,x is b due to ! sex1 h[ev]1 to 
/ate t _! impropriety 0 pr(essional1 & x
 0 only 9 su* easily e/abli%$ /&>ds (   
evil t ,pok] ,flat v5tur$ to sit 9      
judgm5t4  ,mr4 ,oakhur/ 0 "r 9 suppos+ t
 he 0 includ$ 9 ?is category4 ,a few ( !
 committee _h urg$ hang+ him z a        
possible example1 & a sure me?od (      
reimburs+ !mselves f 8 pockets ( ! sums 
he _h won f !m4 ,x's ag9 ju/ice1 said   
,jim ,:eel]1 to let ?is y] "y man f     
,ro>+ ,camp--an entire /rang]--c>ry away
 our money4 ,b a crude s5tim5t ( equity 
resid+ 9 ! brea/s ( ^? :o _h be5 =tunate
 en\gh to w9 f ,mr4 ,oakhur/ ov]rul$ ?is
 n>r[] local prejudice4  ,mr4 ,oakhur/  
receiv$ 8 s5t5ce ) philosophic calmness1
 none ! less coolly t he 0 aw>e ( !     

hesitation ( 8 judges4 ,he 0 too mu* ( a
 gambl] n to accept ,fate4 ,) him life 0
 at be/ an unc]ta9 game1 & he recogniz$ 
! usual p]c5tage 9 favor ( ! deal]4  ,a 
body ( arm$ m5 accompani$ ! deport$     
wick$ness ( ,pok] ,flat to ! outskirts (
 ! settlem5t4 ,besides ,mr4 ,oakhur/1 :o
 0 kn[n to be a coolly desp]ate man1 & =
 ^: intimidation ! arm$ escort 0 int5d$1
 ! expatriat$ p>ty consi/$ ( a "y woman 
famili>ly kn[n z ,! ,du*ess2 ano!r1 :o  
_h ga9$ ! infelicit\s title ( ,"m       
,%ipton2 & ,uncle ,billy1 a suspect$    
sluice-robb] & confirm$ drunk>d4 ,!     
cavalcade provok$ no comm5ts f !        
spectators1 nor 0 any ^w utt]$ by !     
escort4 ,only1 :5 ! gul* :i* m>k$ !     
utt]mo/ limit ( ,pok] ,flat 0 rea*$1 !  
lead] spoke briefly & to ! po9t4 ,!     
exiles 7 =bidd5 to return at ! p]il ( _!
 lives4  ,z ! escort disappe>$1 _!      
p5t-up feel+s f\nd v5t 9 a few hy/]ical 
te>s f ,! ,du*ess1 "s bad language f ,"m
 ,%ipton1 & a ,p>?ian volley (          
expletives f ,uncle ,billy4 ,!          

philosophic ,oakhur/ alone rema9$ sil5t4
 ,he li/5$ calmly to ,"m ,%ipton's      
desire to cut somebody's he>t out1 to ! 
repeat$ /atem5ts ( ,! ,du*ess t %e w\ld 
die 9 ! road1 & to ! al>m+ oa?s t seem$ 
to be bump$ out ( ,uncle ,billy z he    
rode =w>d4 ,) ! easy good-humor         
*>act]i/ic ( 8 class1 he insi/$ ^u      
ex*ang+ 8 own rid+-horse1 ,five ,spot1 =
 ! sorry mule :i* ! ,du*ess rode4 ,b ev5
 ?is act did n draw ! p>ty into any     
clos] sympa?y4 ,! "y woman readju/$ h]  
some:at draggl$ plumes ) a feeble1 fad$ 
coquetry2 ,"m ,%ipton ey$ ! possessor ( 
,five ,spot ) malevol5ce1 & ,uncle      
,billy includ$ ! :ole p>ty 9 "o sweep+  
ana!ma4  ,! road to ,s&y ,b>--a camp t1 
n hav+ z yet exp]i5c$ ! reg5]at+        
influ5ces ( ,pok] ,flat1 consequ5tly    
seem$ to (f] "s invitation to !         
emigrants--lay ov] a /eep m\nta9 range4 
,x 0 di/ant a day's sev]e j\rney4 ,9 t  
advanc$ season1 ! p>ty soon pass$ out ( 
! moi/1 temp]ate regions ( ! foot-hills 
into ! dry1 cold1 brac+ air ( ! ,si]ras4

 ,! trail 0 n>r[ & difficult4 ,at noon !
 ,du*ess1 roll+ out ( h] saddle ^u !    
gr\nd1 decl>$ h] int5tion ( go+ no f>!r1
 & ! p>ty halt$4  ,! spot 0 s+ul>ly wild
 & impressive4 ,a wood$ amphi!atre1     
surr\nd$ on ?ree sides by precipit\s    
cliffs ( nak$ granite1 slop$ g5tly t[>d 
! cre/ ( ano!r precipice t ov]look$ !   
valley4 ,x 0 und\bt$ly ! mo/ suitable   
spot = a camp1 _h camp+ be5 advisable4  
,b ,mr4 ,oakhur/ knew t sc>cely half !  
j\rney to ,s&y ,b> 0 accompli%$1 & !    
p>ty 7 n equipp$ or provision$ = delay4 
,?is fact he po9t$ out to 8 companions  
curtly1 ) a philosophic comm5t>y on !   
folly ( ?r[+ up _! h& be=e ! game 0     
play$ out4 ,b !y 7 furni%$ ) liquor1 :i*
 9 ?is em]g5cy /ood !m 9 place ( food1  
fuel1 re/1 & presci5ce4 ,9 spite ( 8    
remon/rances1 x 0 n long be=e !y 7 m or 
less "u its influ5ce4 ,uncle ,billy     
pass$ rapidly f a bellicose /ate into "o
 ( /upor1 ! ,du*ess became maudl91 & ,"m
 ,%ipton snor$4 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ alone     
rema9$ erect1 lean+ aga9/ a rock1 calmly

 survey+ !m4  ,mr4 ,oakhur/ did n dr9k4 
,x int]f]$ ) a pr(ession :i* requir$    
coolness1 impassiv5ess1 & pres5ce ( m9d1
 &1 9 8 own language1 he c\ldn't af=d x4
 ,z he gaz$ at 8 recumb5t fell[-exiles1 
! lonel9ess begott5 ( 8 p>iah- trade1 8 
habits ( life1 8 v vices1 = ! fir/ "t   
s]i\sly oppress$ him4 ,he be/irr$       
himself 9 du/+ 8 black clo!s1 wa%+ 8 h&s
 & face1 & o!r acts *>act]i/ic ( 8      
/udi\sly neat habits1 & = a mom5t =got 8
 annoyance4 ,! ?\ght ( des]t+ 8 weak] & 
m pitiable companions nev] p]haps       
occurr$ to him4 ,yet he c\ld n help     
feel+ ! want ( t excitem5t :i*1 s+ul>ly 
en\gh1 0 mo/ conducive to t calm        
equanimity = :i* he 0 notori\s4 ,he     
look$ at ! gloomy walls t rose a ?\s&   
feet %e] above ! circl+ p9es ar\nd him2 
at ! sky1 om9\sly cl\d$2 at ! valley    
bel[1 already deep5+ into %ad[4 ,&1 do+ 
s1 sudd5ly he he>d 8 own "n call$4  ,a  
horseman sl[ly asc5d$ ! trail4 ,9 !     
fre%1 op5 face ( ! new-com] ,mr4        
,oakhur/ recogniz$ ,tom ,simson1 o!rwise

 kn[n z ,! ,innoc5t ( ,s&y ,b>4 ,he _h  
met him "s mon?s be=e ov] a little game1
 & _h1 ) p]fect equanimity1 won ! entire
 =tune--am\nt+ to "s =ty doll>s--( t    
guileless y\?4 ,aft] ! game 0 f9i%$1    
,mr4 ,oakhur/ drew ! y\?ful speculator  
beh9d ! door & ?us address$ him3 ,tommy1
 y're a good little man1 b y c't gamble 
wor? a c5t4 ,don't try x ov] aga94 ,he  
!n h&$ him 8 money back1 pu%$ him g5tly 
f ! room1 & s made a devot$ slave ( ,tom
 ,simson4  ,!re 0 a remembrance ( ?is 9 
8 boyi% & en?usia/ic greet+ ( ,mr4      
,oakhur/4 ,he _h />t$1 he said1 to g to 
,pok] ,flat to seek 8 =tune4 ,alone8    
,no1 n exactly alone2 9 fact --a        
giggle--he _h run away ) ,p9ey ,woods4  
,didn't ,mr4 ,oakhur/ rememb] ,p9ey8 ,%e
 t us$ to wait on ! table at !          
,temp]ance ,h\se8 ,!y _h be5 engag$ a   
long "t1 b old ,jake ,woods _h object$1 
& s !y _h run away1 & 7 go+ to ,pok]    
,flat to be m>ri$1 & "h !y 74 ,& !y 7   
tir$ out1 & h[ lucky x 0 !y _h f\nd a   
place to camp & company4 ,all ?is !     

,innoc5t deliv]$ rapidly1 :ile ,p9ey--a 
/\t1 comely damsel ( fifte5--em]g$ f    
beh9d ! p9e- tree1 :]e %e _h be5 blu%+  
unse51 & rode to ! side ( h] lov]4  ,mr4
 ,oakhur/ seldom tr\bl$ himself )       
s5tim5t1 /ill less ) propriety2 b he _h 
a vague idea t ! situation 0 n          
felicit\s4 ,he reta9$1 h[ev]1 8 pres5ce 
( m9d suffici5tly to kick ,uncle ,billy1
 :o 0 ab\t to say some?+1 & ,uncle      
,billy 0 sob] en\gh to recognize 9 ,mr4 
,oakhur/'s kick a sup]ior p[] t w\ld n  
be> trifl+4 ,he !n endeavor$ to dissuade
 ,tom ,simson f delay+ fur!r1 b 9 va94  
,he ev5 po9t$ out ! fact t !re 0 no     
provision1 nor means ( mak+ a camp4 ,b1 
unluckily1 ,! ,innoc5t met ?is objection
 by assur+ ! p>ty t he 0 provid$ ) an   
extra mule load$ ) provisions1 & by !   
discov]y ( a rude attempt at a log-h\se 
ne> ! trail4 ,p9ey c /ay ) ,mrs4        
,oakhur/1 said ! ,innoc5t1 po9t+ to !   
,du*ess1 & ,i c %ift = myself4  ,no?+ b 
,mr4 ,oakhur/'s admoni%+ foot sav$      
,uncle ,billy f bur/+ into a ro> (      

laught]4 ,z x 01 he felt compell$ to    
retire up ! canon until he c\ld recov] 8
 gravity4 ,!re he confid$ ! joke to !   
tall p9e-trees1 ) _m slaps ( 8 leg1     
contortions ( 8 face1 & ! usual         
pr(anity4 ,b :5 he return$ to ! p>ty1 he
 f\nd !m seat$ by a fire--= ! air _h    
gr[n /rangely *ill & ! sky ov]ca/--9    
app>5tly amicable conv]sation4 ,p9ey 0  
actually talk+ 9 an impulsive1 girli%   
fa%ion to ! ,du*ess1 :o 0 li/5+ ) an    
int]e/ & animation %e _h n %[n = _m     
days4 ,! ,innoc5t 0 hold+ =?1 app>5tly )
 equal effect1 to ,mr4 ,oakhur/ & ,"m   
,%ipton1 :o 0 actually relax+ into      
amiability4 ,is ?is y] a d--d picnic8   
said ,uncle ,billy1 ) inw>d scorn1 z he 
survey$ ! sylvan gr\p1 ! glanc+         
fire-light1 & ! te!r$ animals 9 !       
=egr\nd4 ,sudd5ly an idea m+l$ ) !      
alcoholic fumes t di/urb$ 8 bra94 ,x 0  
app>5tly ( a jocul> nature1 = he felt   
impell$ to slap 8 leg aga9 & cram 8 fi/ 
into 8 m\?4  ,z ! %ad[s crept sl[ly up !
 m\nta91 a slight breeze rock$ ! tops ( 

! p9e-trees1 & moan$ ?r\gh _! long &    
gloomy aisles4 ,! ru9$ cab91 pat*$ &    
cov]$ ) p9e b\ghs1 0 set ap>t = !       
ladies4 ,z ! lov]s p>t$1 !y unaffect$ly 
ex*ang$ a kiss1 s hone/ & s9c]e t x     
might h be5 he>d above ! sway+ p9es4 ,! 
frail ,du*ess & ! malevol5t ,"m ,%ipton 
7 probably too /unn$ to rem>k ^u ?is la/
 evid5ce ( simplicity1 & s turn$ )\t a  
^w to ! hut4 ,! fire 0 repl5i%$1 ! m5   
lay d[n be=e ! door1 & 9 a few m9utes 7 
asleep4  ,mr4 ,oakhur/ 0 a light sleep]4
 ,t[>d morn+ he awoke b5umb$ & cold4 ,z 
he /irr$ ! dy+ fire1 ! w9d1 :i* 0 n[    
bl[+ /rongly1 br\ght to 8 *eek t :i*    
caus$ ! blood to leave x1--sn[6  ,he    
/>t$ to 8 feet ) ! int5tion ( awak5+ !  
sleep]s1 = !re 0 no "t to lose4 ,b turn+
 to :]e ,uncle ,billy _h be5 ly+1 he    
f\nd him gone4 ,a suspicion leap$ to 8  
bra9 & a curse to 8 lips4 ,he ran to !  
spot :]e ! mules _h be5 te!r$2 !y 7 no  
long] !re4 ,! tracks 7 already rapidly  
disappe>+ 9 ! sn[4  ,! mom5t>y excitem5t
 br\ght ,mr4 ,oakhur/ back to ! fire ) 8

 usual calm4 ,he did n wak5 ! sleep]s4  
,! ,innoc5t slumb]$ peacefully1 ) a     
smile on 8 good-humor$1 freckl$ face2 ! 
virg9 ,p9ey slept beside h] frail] si/]s
 z sweetly z ?\gh att5d$ by cele/ial    
gu>dians1 & ,mr4 ,oakhur/1 draw+ 8      
blanket ov] 8 %\ld]s1 /rok$ 8 mu/a*ios &
 wait$ = ! dawn4 ,x came sl[ly 9 a :irl+
 mi/ ( sn[flakes1 t dazzl$ & confus$ !  
eye4 ,:at c\ld be se5 ( ! l&scape appe>$
 magically *ang$4 ,he look$ ov] !       
valley1 & summ$ up ! pres5t & future 9  
two words1-- ,sn[$ 96  ,a c>eful        
inv5tory ( ! provisions1 :i*1 =tunately 
= ! p>ty1 _h be5 /or$ )9 ! hut1 & s     
escap$ ! feloni\s f+]s ( ,uncle ,billy1 
disclos$ ! fact t ) c>e & prud5ce !y    
might la/ t5 days long]4 ,t is1 said    
,mr4 ,oakhur/1 sotto voce to ! ,innoc5t1
 if y're will+ to bo>d u4 ,if y a9't--& 
p]haps y'd bett] n--y c wait till ,uncle
 ,billy gets back ) provisions4 ,= "s   
occult reason1 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ c\ld n br+ 
himself to disclose ,uncle ,billy's     
rascality1 & s (f]$ ! hypo!sis t he _h  

w&]$ f ! camp & _h accid5tally /amp$$ ! 
animals4 ,he dropp$ a w>n+ to ! ,du*ess 
& ,"m ,%ipton1 :o ( c\rse knew ! facts (
 _! associate's defection4 ,!y'll f9d   
out ! tru? ab\t u ,,all1 :5 !y f9d out  
any?+1 he add$1 significantly1 & !re's  
no good fright5+ !m n[4  ,tom ,simson n 
only put all 8 worldly /ore at !        
disposal ( ,mr4 ,oakhur/1 b seem$ to    
enjoy ! prospect ( _! en=c$ seclusion4  
,we'll h a good camp = a week1 & !n !   
sn['ll melt1 & we'll all g back toge!r4 
,! *e]ful gaiety ( ! "y man & ,mr4      
,oakhur/'s calm infect$ ! o!rs4 ,!      
,innoc5t1 ) ! aid ( p9e b\ghs1          
extemporiz$ a ?at* = ! ro(less cab91 & !
 ,du*ess direct$ ,p9ey 9 ! re>rangem5t (
 ! int]ior ) a ta/e & tact t op5$ ! blue
 eyes ( t prov9cial maid5 to _! fulle/  
ext5t4 ,i reckon n[ y're us$ to f9e ?+s 
at ,pok] ,flat1 said ,p9ey4 ,! ,du*ess  
turn$ away %>ply to conceal some?+ t    
r$d5$ h] *eek ?r\gh its pr(essional t9t1
 & ,"m ,%ipton reque/$ ,p9ey n to *att]4
 ,b :5 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ return$ f a we>y   

se>* = ! trail1 he he>d ! s\nd ( happy  
laught] e*o$ f ! rocks4 ,he /opp$ 9 "s  
al>m1 & 8 ?\ghts fir/ naturally rev]t$  
to ! :iskey1 :i* he _h prud5tly ca*$4 ,&
 yet x don't someh[ s\nd l :iskey1 said 
! gambl]4 ,x 0 n until he caught sight (
 ! blaz+ fire ?r\gh ! /ill bl9d+ /orm1 &
 ! gr\p ar\nd x1 t he settl$ to !       
conviction t x 0 squ>e fun4  ,:e!r ,mr4 
,oakhur/ _h ca*$ 8 c>ds ) ! :iskey z    
some?+ deb>r$ ! free access ( !         
community1 ,i _c say4 ,x 0 c]ta9 t1 9   
,"m ,%ipton's words1 he didn't say c>ds 
once dur+ t ev5+4 ,haply ! "t 0 beguil$ 
by an accordion1 produc$ some:at        
o/5tati\sly by ,tom ,simson1 f 8 pack4  
,not)/&+ "s difficulties att5d+ !       
manipulation ( ?is in/rum5t1 ,p9ey      
,woods manag$ to pluck sev]al reluctant 
melodies f its keys1 to an accompanim5t 
by ! ,innoc5t on a pair ( bone ca/anets4
 ,b ! cr[n+ fe/ivity ( ! ev5+ 0 rea*$ 9 
a rude camp-meet+ hymn1 :i* ! lov]s1    
jo9+ h&s1 sang ) great e>ne/ness &      
vocif]ation4 ,i fe> t a c]ta9 defiant   

tone & ,cov5ant]'s sw+ to its *orus1 r  
?an any devotional quality1 caus$ x     
spe$ily to infect ! o!rs1 :o at la/ jo9$
 9 ! refra93  ',i'm pr\d to live 9 !    
s]vice ( ! ,"l1 ,& ,i'm b\nd to die 9 ,8
 army4'  ,! p9es rock$1 ! /orm eddi$ &  
:irl$ above ! mis]able gr\p1 & ! flames 
( _! alt> leap$ heav5w>d1 z if 9 tok5 ( 
! v[4  ,at midnight ! /orm abat$1 !     
roll+ cl\ds p>t$1 & ! />s glitt]$ ke5ly 
above ! sleep+ camp4 ,mr4 ,oakhur/1 ^:  
pr(essional habits _h enabl$ him to live
 on ! smalle/ possible am\nt ( sleep1 9 
divid+ ! wat* ) ,tom ,simson1 someh[    
manag$ to take ^u himself ! great] "p ( 
t duty4 ,he excus$ himself to !         
,innoc5t1 by say+ t he _h (t5 be5 a week
 )\t sleep4 ,do+ :at8 ask$ ,tom4 ,pok]6 
repli$ ,oakhur/1 s5t5ti\sly2 :5 a man   
gets a /reak ( luck1--nigg]-luck1--he   
don't get tir$4 ,! luck gives 9 fir/4   
,luck1 cont9u$ ! gambl]1 reflectively1  
is a mighty que] ?+4 ,all y "k ab\t x = 
c]ta9 is t x's b\nd to *ange4 ,& x's    
f9d+ out :5 x's go+ to *ange t makes y4 

,we've _h a /reak ( bad luck s9ce we    
left ,pok] ,flat--y come along1 & slap y
 get into x1 too4 ,if y c hold y\r c>ds 
"r along y're all "r4 ,=1 add$ ! gambl]1
 ) *e]ful irrelevance1  ',i'm pr\d to   
live 9 ! s]vice ( ! ,"l1 ,& ,i'm b\nd to
 die 9 ,8 army4'  ,! ?ird day came1 & ! 
sun1 look+ ?r\gh ! :ite- curta9$ valley1
 saw ! outca/s divide _! sl[ly decreas+ 
/ore ( provisions = ! morn+ meal4 ,x 0  
"o ( ! peculi>ities ( t m\nta9 climate t
 its rays diffus$ a k9dly w>m? ov] !    
w9try l&scape1 z if 9 regretful         
commis]ation ( ! pa/4 ,b x reveal$ drift
 on drift ( sn[ pil$ high ar\nd ! hut2 a
 hopeless1 un*>t$1 trackless sea ( :ite 
ly+ bel[ ! rocky %ores to :i* ! ca/aways
 /ill clung4 ,?r\gh ! m>vell\sly cle>   
air1 ! smoke ( ! pa/oral village ( ,pok]
 ,flat rose miles away4 ,"m ,%ipton saw 
x1 & f a remote p9nacle ( h] rocky      
fa/ness1 hurl$ 9 t direction a f9al     
mal$iction4 ,x 0 h] la/ vitup]ative     
attempt1 & p]haps = t reason 0 inve/$ ) 
a c]ta9 degree ( sublimity4 ,x did h]   

good1 %e privately in=m$ ! ,du*ess4 ,j y
 g out !re & cuss1 & see4 ,%e !n set    
h]self to ! task ( amus+ ! *ild1 z %e & 
! ,du*ess 7 pleas$ to call ,p9ey4 ,p9ey 
0 no *ick51 b x 0 a soo?+ & +5i\s !ory (
 ! pair ?us to acc\nt = ! fact t %e     
didn't swe> & wasn't improp]4  ,:5 night
 crept up aga9 ?r\gh ! gorges1 ! re$y   
notes ( ! accordion rose & fell 9 fitful
 spasms & long-drawn gasps by ! flick]+ 
campfire4 ,b music fail$ to fill        
entirely ! a*+ void left by insuffici5t 
food1 & a new div]sion 0 propos$ by     
,p9ey--/ory-tell+4 ,nei!r ,mr4 ,oakhur/ 
nor 8 female companions c>+ to relate _!
 p]sonal exp]i5ces1 ?is plan w\ld h     
fail$1 too1 b = ! ,innoc5t4 ,"s mon?s   
be=e he _h *anc$ ^u a /ray copy ( ,mr4  
,pope's +5i\s translation ( ! ,iliad4   
,he n[ propos$ to n>rate ! pr9cipal     
incid5ts ( t poem--hav+ ?or\ghly ma/]$ !
 argum5t & fairly =gott5 ! words--9 !   
curr5t v]nacul> ( ,s&y ,b>4 ,& s = ! re/
 ( t night ! ,hom]ic demigods aga9 walk$
 ! e>?4 ,trojan bully & wily ,greek     

wre/l$ 9 ! w9ds1 & ! great p9es 9 !     
canon seem$ to b[ to ! wra? ( ! son (   
,peleus4 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ li/5$ ) quiet    
satisfaction4 ,mo/ especially 0 he      
int]e/$ 9 ! fate ( ,a%-heels1 z !       
,innoc5t p]si/$ 9 d5om9at+ ! swift-foot$
 ,a*illes4  ,s ) small food & mu* (     
,hom] & ! accordion1 a week pass$ ov] ! 
heads ( ! outca/s4 ,! sun aga9 =sook !m1
 & aga9 f lead5 skies ! sn[flakes 7     
sift$ ov] ! l&4 ,day by day clos] ar\nd 
!m drew ! sn[y circle1 until at la/ !y  
look$ f _! prison ov] drift$ walls (    
dazzl+ :ite1 t t[]$ tw5ty feet above _! 
heads4 ,x became m & m difficult to     
repl5i% _! fires1 ev5 f ! fall5 trees   
beside !m1 n[ half hidd5 9 ! drifts4 ,& 
yet no "o compla9$4 ,! lov]s turn$ f !  
dre>y prospect & look$ into ea* o!r's   
eyes1 & 7 happy4 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ settl$   
himself coolly to ! los+ game be=e him4 
,! ,du*ess1 m *e]ful ?an %e _h be51     
assum$ ! c>e ( ,p9ey4 ,only ,"m         
,%ipton--once ! /ronge/ ( ! p>ty--seem$ 
to sick5 & fade4 ,at midnight on ! t5?  

day %e call$ ,oakhur/ to h] side4 ,i'm  
go+1 %e said1 9 a voice ( qu]ul\s       
weakness1 b don't say any?+ ab\t x4     
,don't wak5 ! kids4 ,take ! bundle f "u 
my head & op5 x4 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ did s4 ,x
 conta9$ ,"m ,%ipton's rations = ! la/  
week1 unt\*$4 ,give 'em to ! *ild1 %e   
said1 po9t+ to ! sleep+ ,p9ey4 ,y've    
/>v$ y\rself1 said ! gambl]4 ,t's :at !y
 call x1 said ! woman1 qu]ul\sly1 z %e  
lay d[n aga91 &1 turn+ h] face to !     
wall1 pass$ quietly away4  ,! accordion 
& ! bones 7 put aside t day1 & ,hom] 0  
=gott54 ,:5 ! body ( ,"m ,%ipton _h be5 
committ$ to ! sn[1 ,mr4 ,oakhur/ took ! 
,innoc5t aside1 & %[$ him a pair (      
sn[%oes1 :i* he _h fa%ion$ f ! old pack-
 saddle4 ,!re's "o *ance 9 a hundr$ to  
save h] yet1 he said1 po9t+ to ,p9ey2 b 
x's !re1 he add$1 po9t+ t[>d ,pok]      
,flat4 ,if y c rea* !re 9 two days %e's 
safe4 ,& y8 ask$ ,tom ,simson4 ,i'll /ay
 "h1 0 ! curt reply4  ,! lov]s p>t$ ) a 
long embrace4 ,y are n go+1 too8 said ! 
,du*ess1 z %e saw ,mr4 ,oakhur/ app>5tly

 wait+ to accompany him4 ,z f> z !      
canon1 he repli$4 ,he turn$ sudd5ly1 &  
kiss$ ! ,du*ess1 leav+ h] pallid face   
aflame1 & h] trembl+ limbs rigid )      
amazem5t4  ,night came1 b n ,mr4        
,oakhur/4 ,x br\ght ! /orm aga9 & !     
:irl+ sn[4 ,!n ! ,du*ess1 fe$+ ! fire1  
f\nd t "s "o _h quietly pil$ beside !   
hut en\gh fuel to la/ a few days long]4 
,! te>s rose to h] eyes1 b %e hid !m f  
,p9ey4  ,! wom5 slept b little4 ,9 !    
morn+1 look+ into ea* o!r's faces1 !y   
read _! fate4 ,nei!r spoke2 b ,p9ey1    
accept+ ! position ( ! /rong]1 drew ne> 
& plac$ h] arm ar\nd ! ,du*ess's wai/4  
,!y kept ?is attitude = ! re/ ( ! day4  
,t night ! /orm rea*$ its greate/ fury1 
&1 r5d+ asund] ! protect+ p9es1 invad$ !
 v hut4  ,t[>d morn+ !y f\nd !mselves   
unable to fe$ ! fire1 :i* gradually di$ 
away4 ,z ! emb]s sl[ly black5$1 !       
,du*ess crept clos] to ,p9ey1 & broke ! 
sil5ce ( _m h\rs3 ,p9ey1 c y pray8 ,no1 
de>1 said ,p9ey1 simply4 ,! ,du*ess1 )\t
 kn[+ exactly :y1 felt reliev$1 &1 putt+

 h] head ^u ,p9ey's %\ld]1 spoke no m4  
,& s recl9+1 ! y\ng] & pur] pill[+ !    
head ( h] soil$ si/] ^u h] virg9 brea/1 
!y fell asleep4  ,! w9d lull$ z if x    
fe>$ to wak5 !m4 ,fea!ry drifts ( sn[1  
%ak5 f ! long p9e b\ghs1 flew l :ite-w+$
 birds1 & settl$ ab\t !m z !y slept4 ,! 
moon ?r\gh ! rift$ cl\ds look$ d[n ^u   
:at _h be5 ! camp4 ,b all human /a91 all
 trace ( e>?ly travail1 0 hidd5 b5ea? ! 
spotless mantle m]cifully flung f above4
  ,!y slept all t day & ! next1 nor did 
!y wak5 :5 voices & foot/eps broke !    
sil5ce ( ! camp4 ,& :5 pity+ f+]s bru%$ 
! sn[ f _! wan faces1 y c\ld sc>cely h  
told f ! equal peace t dwelt ^u !m1 :i* 
0 %e t _h s9n$4 ,ev5 ! ,law ( ,pok]     
,flat recogniz$ ?is1 & turn$ away1 leav+
 !m /ill lock$ 9 ea* o!r's arms4  ,b at 
! head ( ! gul*1 on "o ( ! l>ge/        
p9e-trees1 !y f\nd ! deuce ( clubs p9n$ 
to ! b>k ) a b[ie knife4 ,x bore !      
foll[+1 writt5 9 p5cil1 9 a firm h&3    
,,b5ea? ,,?is ,,tree ,,lies ,,! ,,body  
,,( ,,john ,,oakhur/1 ,,:o ,,/ruck ,a   

,,/reak ,,( ,,bad ,,luck ,,on ,,! #b,,nd
 ,,( ,,novemb]1 #ahej1 ,,& ,,h&$ ,,9 ,,8
 ,,*ecks ,,on ,,! #g,,? ,,decemb]1      
#ahej4   ,&1 pulseless & cold1 ) a      
,d]r+] by 8 side & a bullet 9 8 he>t1   
?\gh /ill calm z 9 life1 b5ea? ! sn[ lay
 he :o 0 at once ! /ronge/ & yet !      
weake/ ( ! outca/s ( ,pok] ,flat4       
,,! ,,revolt ,,( ,,"m  ,,by  ,,m>y ,e4  
,,wilk9s ,,freeman  ,?is is a /ory ( "* 
aga9/ a ,new ,engl& backgr\nd4 ,ea* "*  
is work$ out ) ! delicacy & m9ut5ess ( a
 cameo4 ,ea* is int5sely reali/ic1 yet1 
z 9 ! cameo1 palely flu%$ ) romance4    
,"m1 along ) h] orig9ality ( action &   
long-conceal$ ideals1 has ! sav+ quality
 ( common-s5se1 :i* makes its p[]ful    
appeal to ! daily realities ( life4 ,?us
 :5 ,fa!r1 daz$ by ! unexpect$          
revelation ( ! "* & ideals ( ! woman he 
has misund]/ood = =ty ye>s1 /&s unc]ta9 
:e!r to ass]t or to surr5d] 8           
long-e/abli%$ supremacy1 %e decides him 
9 h] favor by a practical sugge/ion (   
acquiesc5ce3 ,y'd bett] take y\r coat (f

 an' get wa%$--!re's ! wa%-bas9--an' !n 
we'll h supp]4     ,,! ,,revolt ,,( ,,"m
  ,footnote3 ,f ,a ,new ,engl& ,nun &   
,o!r ,/ories1 by ,m>y ,e4 ,wilk9s       
,freeman4 ,copyright1 #ahia1 by ,h>p]   
,bros4 ,repr9t$ by special p]mission4   
,fa!r6  ,:at is x8  ,:at are !m m5      
digg9' ov] !re 9 ! field =8  ,!re 0 a   
sudd5 dropp+ & enl>g+ ( ! l[] "p ( ! old
 man's face1 z if "s heavy weight _h    
settl$ !re92 he %ut 8 m\? tight1 & w5t  
on h>ness+ ! great bay m>e4 ,he hu/l$ ! 
coll> on to h] neck ) a j]k4  ,fa!r6  ,!
 old man slapp$ ! saddle ^u ! m>e's     
back4  ,look "h1 fa!r1 ,i want to "k :at
 !m m5 are digg9' ov] 9 ! field =1 an'  
,i'm go9' to "k4  ,i wi% y'd g into !   
h\se1 "m1 an' 't5d to y\r own affairs1 !
 old man said !n4 ,he ran 8 words       
toge!r1 & 8 spee* 0 almo/ z in>ticulate 
z a gr[l4  ,b ! woman und]/ood2 x 0 h]  
mo/ native tongue4 ,i a9't go9' into !  
h\se till y tell me :at !m m5 are do9'  
ov] !re 9 ! field1 said %e4  ,!n %e /ood
 wait+4 ,%e 0 a small woman1 %ort &     

/raight- wai/$ l a *ild 9 h] br[n cotton
 g[n4 ,h] =ehead 0 mild & b5evol5t      
betwe5 ! smoo? curves ( gray hair2 !re 7
 meek d[nw>d l9es ab\t h] nose & m\?2 b 
h] eyes1 fix$ ^u ! old man1 look$ z if !
 meekness _h be5 ! result ( h] own w1   
nev] ( ! w ( ano!r4  ,!y 7 9 ! b>n1 /&+ 
be=e ! wide-op5 doors4 ,! spr+ air1 full
 ( ! smell ( gr[+ grass & unse5         
blossoms1 came 9 _! faces4 ,! deep y>d 9
 front 0 litt]$ ) f>m wagons & piles (  
wood1 on ! edges1 close to ! f5ce & !   
h\se1 ! grass 0 a vivid gre51 & !re 7 "s
 d&elions4  ,! old man glanc$ dogg$ly at
 8 wife z he tight5$ ! la/ buckles on ! 
h>ness4 ,%e look$ z immovable to him z  
"o ( ! rocks 9 8 pa/urel&1 b\nd to ! e>?
 ) g5]ations ( blackb]ry v9es4 ,he      
slapp$ ! re9s ov] ! horse1 & />t$ =? f !
 b>n4  ,,fa!r6 said %e4  ,! old man     
pull$ up4 ,:at is x8  ,i want to "k :at 
!m m5 are digg9' ov] !re 9 t field =4   
,!y're digg9' a cell>1 ,i s'pose1 if    
y've got to "k4  ,a cell> = :at8  ,a    
b>n4  ,a b>n8 ,y a9't go9' to build a   

b>n ov] !re :]e we 0 go9' to h a h\se1  
fa!r8  ,! old man said n ano!r ^w4 ,he  
hurri$ ! horse into ! f>m wagon1 &      
clatt]$ out ( ! y>d1 j\nc+ z /urdily on 
8 seat z a boy4  ,! woman /ood a mom5t  
look+ aft] him1 !n %e w5t out ( ! b>n   
across a corn] ( ! y>d to ! h\se4 ,!    
h\se1 /&+ at "r angles ) ! great b>n & a
 long rea* ( %$s & out-build+s1 0       
inf9itesimal comp>$ ) !m4 ,x 0 sc>cely z
 commodi\s = p z ! little boxes "u ! b>n
 eaves 7 = doves4  ,a pretty girl's     
face1 p9k & delicate z a fl[]1 0 look+  
out ( "o ( ! h\se w9d[s4 ,%e 0 wat*+    
?ree m5 :o 7 digg+ ov] 9 ! field :i*    
b\nd$ ! y>d ne> ! road l9e4 ,%e turn$   
quietly :5 ! woman ent]$4  ,:at are !y  
digg+ =1 "m8 said %e4 ,did he tell y8   
,!y're digg9' =--a cell> = a new b>n4   
,oh1 "m1 he a9't go+ to build ano!r b>n8
  ,t's :at he says4  ,a boy /ood be=e ! 
kit*5 glass comb+ 8 hair4 ,he comb$     
sl[ly & pa9/ak+ly1 arrang+ 8 br[n hair 9
 a smoo? hillock ov] 8 =ehead4 ,he did n
 seem to pay any att5tion to !          

conv]sation4  ,sammy1 did y "k fa!r 0   
go+ to build a new b>n8 ask$ ! girl4  ,!
 boy comb$ assidu\sly4  ,sammy6  ,he    
turn$1 & %[$ a face l 8 fa!r's "u 8     
smoo? cre/ ( hair4 ,yes1 ,i s'pose ,i   
did1 he said1 reluctantly4  ,h[ long h y
 kn[n x8 ask$ 8 "m4  ',b\t ?ree mon?s1  
,i guess4  ,:y didn't y tell ( x8       
,didn't ?9k 'tw\ld d no good4  ,i don't 
see :at fa!r wants ano!r b>n =1 said !  
girl1 9 h] sweet1 sl[ voice4 ,%e turn$  
aga9 to ! w9d[1 & />$ out at ! digg+ m5 
9 ! field4 ,h] t5d]1 sweet face 0 full (
 a g5tle di/ress4 ,h] =ehead 0 z bald & 
innoc5t z a baby's1 ) ! light hair /ra9$
 back f x 9 a r[ ( curl-pap]s4 ,%e 0 q  
l>ge1 b h] s(t curves did n look z if !y
 cov]$ muscles4  ,h] "m look$ /]nly at !
 boy4 ,is he go9' to buy m c[s8 said %e4
  ,! boy did n reply2 he 0 ty+ 8 %oes4  
,sammy1 ,i want y to tell me if he's    
go9' to buy m c[s4  ,i s'pose he is4    
,h[ _m8  ,f\r1 ,i guess4  ,8 "m said    
no?+ m4 ,%e w5t into ! pantry1 & !re 0 a
 clatt] ( di%es4 ,! boy got 8 cap f a   

nail beh9d ! door1 took an old ari?metic
 f ! %elf1 & />t$ = s*ool4 ,he 0 lightly
 built1 b clumsy4 ,he w5t out ( ! y>d ) 
a curi\s spr+ 9 ! hips1 t made 8 loose  
home-made jacket tilt up 9 ! re>4  ,!   
girl w5t to ! s9k1 & began to wa% !     
di%es t 7 pil$ up !re4 ,h] "m came      
promptly out ( ! pantry1 & %ov$ h]      
aside4 ,y wipe 'em1 said %e2 ,i'll wa%4 
,!re's a good _m ?is morn9'4  ,! "m     
plung$ h] h&s vigor\sly into ! wat]1 !  
girl wip$ ! plates sl[ly & dreamily4    
,"m1 said %e1 don't y ?9k x's too bad   
fa!r's go+ to build t new b>n1 mu* z we 
ne$ a dec5t h\se to live 98  ,h] "m     
scrubb$ a di% fi]cely4 ,y a9't f\nd out 
yet we're wom5-folks1 ,nanny ,p5n1 said 
%e4 ,y a9't se5 en\gh ( m5-folks yet to4
 ,"o ( ^! days y'll f9d x out1 an' !n   
y'll "k t we "k only :at m5-folks ?9k we
 d1 s f> z any use ( x goes1 an' h[ we'd
 ought to reckon m5-folks 9 )           
,provid5ce1 an' n compla9 ( :at !y d any
 m ?an we d ( ! wea!r4  ,i don't c>e2 ,i
 don't believe ,george is any?+ l t1    

anyh[1 said ,nanny4 ,h] delicate face   
flu%$ p9k1 h] lips p\t$ s(tly1 z if %e 7
 go+ to cry4  ,y wait an' see4 ,i guess 
,george ,ea/man a9't no bett] ?an o!r   
m54 ,y hadn't ought to judge fa!r1 ?\gh4
 ,he c't help x1 'cause he don't look at
 ?+s je/ ! way we d4 ,an' we've be5     
pretty com=table "h1 aft] all4 ,! ro(   
don't leak-- a9't nev] b once--t's "o   
?+4 ,fa!r's kept x %+l$ "r up4  ,i d wi%
 we _h a p>lor4  ,i guess x won't hurt  
,george ,ea/man any to come to see y 9 a
 nice clean kit*54 ,i guess a good _m   
girls don't h z good a place z ?is4     
,nobody's ev] he>d me compla94  ,i a9't 
compla9$ ei!r1 "m4  ,well1 ,i don't ?9k 
y'd bett]1 a good fa!r an' a good home z
 y've got4 ,s'pose y\r fa!r made y g out
 an' "w = y\r liv9'8 ,lots ( girls h to 
t a9't no /rong] an' bett] able to ?an y
 be4  ,s>ah ,p5n wa%$ ! fry+-pan ) a    
conclusive air4 ,%e scrubb$ ! outside ( 
x z fai?fully z ! inside4 ,%e 0 a ma/]ly
 keep] ( h] box ( a h\se4 ,h] "o        
liv+-room nev] seem$ to h 9 x any ( !   

du/ :i* ! friction ( life ) inanimate   
matt] produces4 ,%e swept1 & !re seem$  
to be no dirt to g be=e ! broom2 %e     
clean$1 & "o c\ld see no diff]5ce4 ,%e 0
 l an arti/ s p]fect t he has app>5tly  
no art4 ,to-day %e got out a mix+ b[l & 
a bo>d1 & roll$ "s pies1 & !re 0 no m   
fl\r ^u h] ?an ^u h] daught] :o 0 do+   
f9] "w4 ,nanny 0 to be m>ri$ 9 ! fall1 &
 %e 0 sew+ on "s :ite cambric &         
embroid]y4 ,%e sew$ indu/ri\sly :ile h] 
"m cook$1 h] s(t milk-:ite h&s & wri/s  
%[$ :it] ?an h] delicate "w4  ,we mu/ h 
! /ove mov$ out 9 ! %$ be=e long1 said  
,mrs4 ,p5n4 ,talk ab\t n hav9' ?+s1 x's 
be5 a real bless9' to be able to put a  
/ove up 9 t %$ 9 hot wea!r4 ,fa!r did "o
 good ?+ :5 he fix$ t /ove-pipe out !re4
  ,s>ah ,p5n's face z %e roll$ h] pies  
_h t expression ( meek vigor :i* might h
 *>act]iz$ "o ( ! ,new ,te/am5t sa9ts4  
,%e 0 mak+ m9ce-pies4 ,h] husb&1        
,adoniram ,p5n1 lik$ !m bett] ?an any   
o!r k9d4 ,%e bak$ twice a week4         
,adoniram (t5 lik$ a piece ( pie betwe5 

meals4 ,%e hurri$ ?is morn+4 ,x _h be5  
lat] ?an usual :5 %e began1 & %e want$  
to h a pie bak$ = d9n]4 ,h[ev] deep a   
res5tm5t %e might be =c$ to hold aga9/  
h] husb&1 %e w\ld nev] fail 9 s$ul\s    
att5tion to 8 wants4  ,nobility ( "*    
manife/s itself at loop-holes :5 x is n 
provid$ ) l>ge doors4 ,s>ah ,p5n's %[$  
itself to-day 9 flaky di%es ( pa/ry4 ,s 
%e made ! pies fai?fully1 :ile across ! 
table %e c\ld see1 :5 %e glanc$ up f h] 
"w1 ! sight t rankl$ 9 h] pati5t &      
/eadfa/ s\l--! digg+ ( ! cell> ( ! new  
b>n 9 ! place :]e ,adoniram =ty ye>s ago
 _h promis$ h] _! new h\se %\ld /&4  ,! 
pies 7 done = d9n]4 ,adoniram & ,sammy 7
 home a few m9utes aft] twelve o'clock4 
,! d9n] 0 eat5 ) s]i\s ha/e4 ,!re 0 nev]
 mu* conv]sation at ! table 9 ! ,p5n    
family4 ,adoniram ask$ a bless+1 & !y   
ate promptly1 !n rose up & w5t ab\t _!  
"w4  ,sammy w5t back to s*ool1 tak+ s(t1
 sly lopes out ( ! y>d l a rabbit4 ,he  
want$ a game ( m>bles be=e s*ool1 & fe>$
 8 fa!r w\ld give him "s *ores to d4    

,adoniram ha/5$ to ! door & call$ aft]  
him1 b he 0 out ( sight4  ,i don't see  
:at y let him g =1 "m1 said he4 ,i want$
 him to help me unload t wood4          
,adoniram w5t to "w out 9 ! y>d unload+ 
wood f ! wagon4 ,s>ah put away ! d9n]   
di%es1 :ile ,nanny took d[n h]          
curl-pap]s & *ang$ h] dress4 ,%e 0 go+  
d[n to ! /ore to buy "s m embroid]y &   
?read4  ,:5 ,nanny 0 gone1 ,mrs4 ,p5n   
w5t to ! door4 ,fa!r6 %e call$4  ,well1 
:at is x6  ,i want to see y je/ a m9ute1
 fa!r4  ,i c't leave ?is wood noh[4     
,i've got to git x unload$ an' g = a    
load ( gravel a=e two o'clock4 ,sammy _h
 ought to help$ me4 ,y hadn't ought to  
let him g to s*ool s e>ly4  ,i want to  
see y je/ a m9ute4  ,i tell ye ,i c't1  
noh[1 "m4  ,fa!r1 y come "h4 ,s>ah ,p5n 
/ood 9 ! door l a que52 %e held h] head 
z if x bore a cr[n2 !re 0 t pati5ce :i* 
makes au?ority royal 9 h] voice4        
,adoniram w5t4  ,mrs4 ,p5n l$ ! way into
 ! kit*51 & po9t$ to a *air4 ,sit d[n1  
fa!r1 said %e2 ,i've got some?9' ,i want

 to say to y4  ,he sat d[n heavily2 8   
face 0 q /olid1 b he look$ at h] )      
re/ive eyes4 ,well1 :at is x1 "m8  ,i   
want to "k :at y're build9' t new b>n =1
 fa!r8  ,i a9't got no?9' to say ab\t x4
  ,x c't be y ?9k y ne$ ano!r b>n8  ,i  
tell ye ,i a9't got no?9' to say ab\t x1
 "m2 an' ,i a9't go9' to say no?9'4  ,be
 y go9' to buy m c[s8  ,adoniram did n  
reply2 he %ut 8 m\? tight4  ,i "k y be1 
z well z ,i want to4 ,n[1 fa!r1 look    
"h-- ,s>ah ,p5n _h n sat d[n2 %e /ood   
be=e h] husb& 9 ! humble fa%ion ( a     
,scripture woman--,i'm go9' to talk real
 pla9 to y2 ,i nev] h s5ce ,i m>ri$ y1 b
 ,i'm go9' to n[4 ,i a9't nev] compla9$1
 an' ,i a9't go9' to compla9 n[1 b ,i'm 
go9' to talk pla94 ,y see ?is room "h1  
fa!r2 y look at x well4 ,y see !re a9't 
no c>pet on ! floor1 an' y see ! pap] is
 all dirty1 an' dropp9' (f ! walls4 ,we 
a9't _h no new pap] on x = t5 ye>1 an'  
!n ,i put x on myself1 an' x didn't co/ 
b n9ep5ce a roll4 ,y see ?is room1 fa!r2
 x's all ! "o ,i've _h to "w 9 an' eat 9

 an' sit 9 s5ce we 0 m>ri$4 ,!re a9't   
ano!r woman 9 ! :ole t[n ^: husb& a9't  
got half ! means y h b :at's got bett]4 
,x's all ! room ,nanny's got to h h]    
company 92 an' !re a9't "o ( h] mates b 
:at's got bett]1 an' _! fa!rs n s able z
 h]s is4 ,x's all ! room %e'll h to be  
m>ri$ 94 ,:at w\ld y h ?\ght1 fa!r1 if  
we _h _h our w$d9' 9 a room no bett] ?an
 ?is8 ,i 0 m>ri$ 9 my "m's p>lor1 ) a   
c>pet on ! floor1 an' /uff$ furniture1  
an' a mahogany c>d-table4 ,an' ?is is   
all ! room my daught] w h to be m>ri$ 94
 ,look "h1 fa!r6  ,s>ah ,p5n w5t across 
! room z ?\gh x 7 a tragic /age4 ,%e    
flung op5 a door & disclos$ a t9y       
b$room1 only l>ge en\gh = a b$ & bureau1
 ) a pa? betwe54 ,!re1 fa!r1 said       
%e--!re's all ! room ,i've _h to sleep 9
 =ty ye>4 ,all my *ildr5 7 born !re--!  
two t di$1 an' ! two t's liv9'4 ,i 0    
sick ) a fev] !re4  ,%e /epp$ to ano!r  
door & op5$ x4 ,x l$ into ! small1      
ill-light$ pantry4 ,"h1 said %e1 is all 
! butt]y ,i've got--e place ,i've got = 

my di%es1 to set away my victuals 91 an'
 to keep my milk-pans 94 ,fa!r1 ,i've   
be5 tak9' c>e ( ! milk ( six c[s 9 ?is  
place1 an' n[ y're go9' to build a new  
b>n1 an' keep m c[s1 an' give me m to d 
9 x4  ,%e ?rew op5 ano!r door4 ,a n>r[  
crook$ flight ( /airs w\nd upw>d f x4   
,!re1 fa!r1 said %e1 ,i want y to look  
at ! /airs t g up to !m two unf9i%$     
*amb]s t are all ! places our son an'   
daught] h _h to sleep 9 all _! lives4   
,!re a9't a pretti] girl 9 t[n nor a m  
ladylike "o ?an ,nanny1 an' t's ! place 
%e has to sleep 94 ,x a9't s good z y\r 
horse's /all2 x a9't s w>m an' tight4   
,s>ah ,p5n w5t back & /ood be=e h]      
husb&4 ,n[1 fa!r1 said %e1 ,i want to "k
 if y ?9k y're do9' "r an' accord9' to  
:at y pr(ess4 ,"h1 :5 we 0 m>ri$1 =ty   
ye> ago1 y promis$ me fai?ful t we %\ld 
h a new h\se built 9 t lot ov] 9 ! field
 be=e ! ye> 0 out4 ,y said y _h money   
en\gh1 an' y w\ldn't ask me to live 9 no
 su* place z ?is4 ,x is =ty ye> n[1 an' 
y've be5 mak9' m money1 an' ,i've be5   

sav9' ( x = y ev] s5ce1 an' y a9't built
 no h\se yet4 ,y've built %$s an'       
c[-h\ses an' "o new b>n1 an' n[ y're    
go9' to build ano!r4 ,fa!r1 ,i want to  
"k if y ?9k x's "r4 ,y're lodg9' y\r    
dumb bea/s bett] ?an y are y\r own fle% 
an' blood4 ,i want to "k if y ?9k x's   
"r4  ,i a9't got no?9' to say4  ,y c't  
say no?9' )\t own9' x a9't "r1 fa!r4    
,an' !re's ano!r ?+--,i a9't compla9$2  
,i've got along =ty ye>1 an' ,i s'pose  
,i %\ld =ty m1 if x wa'n't = t--if we   
don't h ano!r h\se4 ,nanny %e c't live )
 u aft] %e's m>ri$4 ,%e'll h to g       
some:]es else to live away f u1 an' x   
don't seem z if ,i c\ld h x s1 n[ays1   
fa!r4 ,%e wa'n't ev] /rong4 ,%e's got   
consid]able color1 b !re wa'n't nev] any
 backbone to h]4 ,i've always took !    
heft ( ev]y?+ (f h]1 an' %e a9't fit to 
keep h\se an' d ev]y?+ h]self4 ,%e'll be
 all worn out inside ( a ye>4 ,?9k ( h] 
do9' all ! wa%9' an' iron9' an' bak9' ) 
!m s(t :ite h&s an' arms1 an' sweep9'6  
,i c't h x s1 n[ays1 fa!r4  ,mrs4 ,p5n's

 face 0 burn+2 h] mild eyes gleam$4 ,%e 
_h plead$ h] little cause l a ,web/]2 %e
 _h rang$ f sev]ity to pa?os2 b h]      
oppon5t employ$ t ob/9ate sil5ce :i*    
makes eloqu5ce futile ) mock+ e*oes4    
,adoniram arose clumsily4  ,fa!r1 a9't y
 got no?9' to say8 said ,mrs4 ,p5n4     
,i've got to g (f aft] t load ( gravel4 
,i c't /an' "h talk9' all day4  ,fa!r1  
won't y ?9k x ov]1 an' h a h\se built   
!re in/ead ( a b>n8  ,i a9't got no?9'  
to say4  ,adoniram %uffl$ out4 ,mrs4    
,p5n w5t into h] b$room4 ,:5 %e came    
out1 h] eyes 7 r$4 ,%e _h a roll (      
unblea*$ cotton clo?4 ,%e spread x out  
on ! kit*5 table1 & began cutt+ out "s  
%irts = h] husb&4 ,! m5 ov] 9 ! field _h
 a team to help !m ?is aft]noon2 %e c\ld
 he> _! halloos4 ,%e _h a scanty patt]n 
= ! %irts2 %e _h to plan & piece !      
sleeves4  ,nanny came home ) h]         
embroid]y1 & sat d[n ) h] ne$lework4 ,%e
 _h tak5 d[n h] curl-pap]s1 & !re 0 a   
s(t roll ( fair hair l an aureole ov] h]
 =ehead2 h] face 0 z delicately f9e &   

cle> z porcela94 ,sudd5ly %e look$ up1 &
 ! t5d] r$ flam$ all ov] h] face & neck4
 ,"m1 said %e4  ,:at say8  ,i've be5    
?9k+--,i don't see h[ we're go9' to h   
any-- w$d+ 9 ?is room4 ,i'd be a%am$ to 
h 8 folks come if we didn't h anybody   
else4  ,mebbe we c h "s new pap] be=e   
!n2 ,i c put x on4 ,i guess y won't h no
 call to be a%am$ ( y\r belong9's4  ,we 
might h ! w$d+ 9 ! new b>n1 said ,nanny1
 ) g5tle petti%ness4 ,:y1 "m1 :at makes 
y look s8  ,mrs4 ,p5n _h />t$1 & 0 />+  
at h] ) a curi\s expression4 ,%e turn$  
aga9 to h] "w1 & spread out a patt]n    
c>efully on ! clo?4 ,no?9'1 said %e4    
,pres5tly ,adoniram clatt]$ out ( ! y>d 
9 8 two-:eel$ dump c>t1 /&+ z pr\dly    
upright z a ,roman *>iote]4 ,mrs4 ,p5n  
op5$ ! door & /ood !re a m9ute look+    
out2 ! halloos ( ! m5 s\nd$ l\d]4  ,x   
seem$ to h] all ?r\gh ! spr+ mon?s t %e 
he>d no?+ b ! halloos & ! noises ( saws 
& hamm]s4 ,! new b>n grew fa/4 ,x 0 a   
f9e edifice = ?is little village4 ,m5   
came on pleasant ,sundays1 9 _! meet+   

suits & clean %irt bosoms1 & /ood ar\nd 
x admir+ly4 ,mrs4 ,p5n did n speak ( x1 
& ,adoniram did n m5tion x to h]1 al?\gh
 sometimes1 ^u a return f inspect+ x1 he
 bore himself ) injur$ dignity4  ,x's a 
/range ?+ h[ y\r "m feels ab\t ! new    
b>n1 he said1 confid5tially1 to ,sammy  
"o day4  ,sammy only grunt$ aft] an odd 
fa%ion = a boy2 he _h le>n$ x f 8 fa!r4 
,! b>n 0 all complet$ ready = use by !  
?ird week 9 ,july4 ,adoniram _h plann$  
to move 8 /ock 9 on ,w$nesday2 on       
,tuesday he receiv$ a lett] :i* *ang$ 8 
plans4 ,he came 9 ) x e>ly 9 ! morn+4   
,sammy's be5 to ! po/-(fice1 said he1   
an' ,i've got a lett] f ,hiram4 ,hiram 0
 ,mrs4 ,p5n's bro!r1 :o liv$ 9 ,v]mont4 
,well1 said ,mrs4 ,p5n1 :at does he say 
ab\t ! folks8  ,i guess !y're all "r4   
,he says he ?9ks if ,i come up c\ntry "r
 (f !re's a *ance to buy je/ ! k9d ( a  
horse ,i want4 ,he />$ reflectively out 
( ! w9d[ at ! new b>n4  ,mrs4 ,p5n 0    
mak+ pies4 ,%e w5t on clapp+ ! roll+-p9 
into ! cru/1 al?\gh %e 0 v pale1 & h]   

he>t beat l\dly4  ,i dun' "k b :at ,i'd 
bett] g1 said ,adoniram4 ,i hate to g (f
 je/ n[1 "r 9 ! mid/ ( hay9'1 b !       
t5-acre lot's cut1 an' ,i guess ,rufus  
an' ! o!rs c git along )\t me ?ree or   
f\r days4 ,i c't get a horse r\nd "h to 
suit me1 noh[1 an' ,i've got to h ano!r 
= all t wood-haul9' 9 ! fall4 ,i told   
,hiram to wat* out1 an' if he got w9d ( 
a good horse to let me "k4 ,i guess ,i'd
 bett] g4  ,i'll get out y\r clean %irt 
an' coll>1 said ,mrs4 ,p5n1 calmly4  ,%e
 laid out ,adoniram's ,sunday suit & 8  
clean clo!s on ! b$ 9 ! little b$room4  
,%e got 8 %av+-wat] & razor ready4 ,at  
la/ %e button$ on 8 coll> & fa/5$ 8     
black cravat4  ,adoniram nev] wore 8    
coll> & cravat except on extra          
occasions4 ,he held 8 head high1 ) a    
rasp$ dignity4 ,:5 he 0 all ready1 ) 8  
coat & hat bru%$1 & a lun* ( pie & *eese
 9 a pap] bag1 he hesitat$ on ! ?re%old 
( ! door4 ,he look$ at 8 wife1 & 8 mann]
 0 defiantly apologetic4 ,,if !m c[s    
come to-day1 ,sammy c drive 'em into !  

new b>n1 said he2 an' :5 !y br+ ! hay   
up1 !y c pit* x 9 !re4  ,well1 repli$   
,mrs4 ,p5n4  ,adoniram set 8 %av5 face  
ahead & />t$4 ,:5 he _h cle>$ !         
door-/ep1 he turn$ & look$ back ) a k9d 
( n]v\s solemnity4 ,i %all be back by   
,saturday if no?9' happ5s1 said he4  ,d 
be c>eful1 fa!r1 return$ 8 wife4  ,%e   
/ood 9 ! door ) ,nanny at h] elb[ &     
wat*$ him out ( sight4 ,h] eyes _h a    
/range1 d\btful expression 9 !m2 h]     
peaceful =ehead 0 contract$4 ,%e w5t 91 
& ab\t h] bak+ aga94 ,nanny sat sew+4   
,h] w$d+-day 0 draw+ ne>]1 & %e 0 gett+ 
pale & ?9 ) h] /eady sew+4 ,h] "m kept  
glanc+ at h]4  ,h y got t pa9 9 y\r side
 ?is morn9'8 %e ask$4  ,a little4  ,mrs4
 ,p5n's face1 z %e work$1 *ang$1 h]     
p]plex$ =ehead smoo!d1 h] eyes 7 /eady1 
h] lips firmly set4 ,%e =m$ a maxim =   
h]self1 al?\gh incoh]5tly ) h] unlett]$ 
?\ghts4 ,unsolicit$ opportunities are ! 
guide-po/s ( ! ,"l to ! new roads (     
life1 %e repeat$ 9 effect1 & %e made up 
h] m9d to h] c\rse ( action4  ,s'pos9'  

,i _h wrote to ,hiram1 %e mutt]$ once1  
:5 %e 0 9 ! pantry--s'pos9' ,i _h wrote1
 an' ask$ him if he knew ( any horse8 ,b
 ,i didn't1 an' fa!r's go9' wa'n't none 
( my do9'4 ,x looks l a provid5ce4 ,h]  
voice rang out q l\d at ! la/4  ,:at y  
talk9' ab\t1 "m8 call$ ,nanny4  ,no?9'4 
,mrs4 ,p5n hurri$ h] bak+2 at elev5 o   
'clock x 0 all done4 ,! load ( hay f !  
we/ field came sl[ly d[n ! c>t track1 & 
drew up at ! new b>n4 ,mrs4 ,p5n ran    
out4 ,/op6 %e scream$--/op6  ,! m5 /opp$
 & look$2 ,sammy upre>$ f ! top ( !     
load1 & />$ at 8 "m4  ,/op6 %e cri$ out 
aga94 ,don't y put ! hay 9 t b>n2 put x 
9 ! old "o4  ,:y1 he said to put x 9 "h1
 return$ "o ( ! haymak]s1 wond]+ly4 ,he 
0 a "y man1 a neighbor's son1 :om       
,adoniram hir$ by ! ye> to help on !    
f>m4  ,don't y put ! hay 9 ! new b>n2   
!re's room en\gh 9 ! old "o1 a9't !re8  
said ,mrs4 ,p5n4  ,room en\gh1 return$ !
 hir$ man1 9 8 ?ick1 ru/ic tones4       
,didn't ne$ ! new b>n1 noh[1 f> z room's
 conc]n$4 ,well1 ,i s'pose he *ang$ 8   

m9d4 ,he took hold ( ! horses' bridles4 
,mrs4 ,p5n w5t back to ! h\se4 ,soon !  
kit*5 w9d[s 7 d>k5$1 & a fragrance l w>m
 honey came into ! room4  ,nanny laid   
d[n h] "w4 ,i ?\ght fa!r want$ !m to put
 ! hay into ! new b>n8 %e said1         
wond]+ly4  ,x's all "r1 repli$ h] "m4   
,sammy slid d[n f ! load ( hay1 & came 9
 to see if d9n] 0 ready4  ,i a9't go9'  
to get a regul> d9n] to-day1 z long z   
fa!r's gone1 said 8 "m4 ,i've let ! fire
 g out4 ,y c h "s bread an' milk an'    
pie4 ,i ?\ght we c\ld get along4 ,%e set
 out "s b[ls ( milk1 "s bread1 & a pie  
on ! kit*5 table4 ,y'd bett] eat y\r    
d9n] n[1 said %e4 ,y might je/ z well   
get ?r\gh ) x4 ,i want y to help me     
aft]w>d4  ,nanny & ,sammy />$ at ea*    
o!r4 ,!re 0 some?+ /range 9 _! "m's     
mann]4 ,mrs4 ,p5n did n eat any?+       
h]self4 ,%e w5t into ! pantry1 & !y he>d
 h] mov+ di%es :ile !y ate4 ,pres5tly %e
 came out ) a pile ( plates4 ,%e got !  
clo!s-basket out ( ! %$1 & pack$ !m 9 x4
 ,nanny & ,sammy wat*$4 ,%e br\ght out  

cups & sauc]s1 & put !m 9 ) ! plates4   
,:at y go9' to d1 "m8 inquir$ ,nanny1 9 
a timid voice4 ,a s5se ( some?+ unusual 
made h] tremble1 z if x 7 a gho/4 ,sammy
 roll$ 8 eyes ov] 8 pie4  ,y'll see :at 
,i'm go9' to d1 repli$ ,mrs4 ,p5n4 ,if  
y're ?r\gh1 ,nanny1 ,i want y to g      
up/airs an' pack up y\r ?+s2 an' ,i want
 y1 ,sammy1 to help me take d[n ! b$ 9 !
 b$room4  ,oh1 "m1 :at =8 gasp$ ,nanny4 
,y'll see4  ,dur+ ! next few h\rs a feat
 0 p]=m$ by ?is simple1 pi\s ,new ,engl&
 "m :i* 0 equal 9 its way to ,wolfe's   
/orm+ ( ! ,heights ( ,abraham4 ,x took  
no m g5ius & audacity ( brav]y = ,wolfe 
to *e] 8 wond]+ soldi]s up ^? /eep      
precipices1 "u ! sleep+ eyes ( ! enemy1 
?an = ,s>ah ,p5n1 at ! head ( h] *ildr51
 to move all _! little h\sehold goods   
into ! new b>n :ile h] husb& 0 away4    
,nanny & ,sammy foll[$ _! "m's          
in/ructions )\t a murmur2 inde$1 !y 7   
ov]aw$4 ,!re is a c]ta9 uncanny &       
sup]human quality ab\t all su* purely   
orig9al und]tak+s z _! "m's 0 to !m4    

,nanny w5t back & =? ) h] light loads1 &
 ,sammy tugg$ ) sob] en]gy4  ,at five   
o'clock 9 ! aft]noon ! little h\se 9 :i*
 ! ,p5ns _h liv$ = =ty ye>s _h empti$   
itself into ! new b>n4  ,e build] builds
 some:at = unkn[n purposes1 & is 9 a    
measure a prophet4 ,! ar*itect (        
,adoniram ,p5n's b>n1 :ile he design$ x 
= ! com=t ( f\r-foot$ animals1 _h plann$
 bett] ?an he knew = ! com=t ( humans4  
,s>ah ,p5n saw at a glance its          
possibilities4 ,^? great box-/alls1 )   
quilts hung be=e !m1 w\ld make bett]    
b$rooms ?an ! "o %e _h occupi$ = =ty    
ye>s1 & !re 0 a tight c>riage-room4 ,!  
h>ness-room1 ) its *imney & %elves1 w\ld
 make a kit*5 ( h] dreams4 ,! great     
middle space w\ld make a p>lor1 by-&-   
by1 fit = a palace4 ,up/airs !re 0 z mu*
 room z d[n4 ,) p>titions & w9d[s1 :at a
 h\se w\ld !re be6 ,s>ah look$ at ! r[ (
 /an*ions be=e ! allott$ space = c[s1 & 
reflect$ t %e w\ld h h] front entry !re4
  ,at six o'clock ! /ove 0 up 9 !       
h>ness-room1 ! kettle 0 boil+1 & ! table

 set = tea4 ,x look$ almo/ z home- l z !
 ab&on$ h\se across ! y>d _h ev] done4  
,! "y hir$ man milk$1 & ,s>ah direct$   
him calmly to br+ ! milk to ! new b>n4  
,he came gap+1 dropp+ little blots (    
foam f ! brimm+ pails on ! grass4 ,be=e 
! next morn+ he _h spread ! /ory (      
,adoniram ,p5n's wife mov+ into ! new   
b>n all ov] ! little village4 ,m5       
assembl$ 9 ! /ore & talk$ x ov]1 wom5 ) 
%awls ov] _! heads scuttl$ into ea*     
o!r's h\ses be=e _! "w 0 done ,any      
deviation f ! ord9>y c\rse ( life 9 ?is 
quiet t[n 0 en\gh to /op all progress 9 
x4 ,ev]ybody paus$ to look at ! /aid1   
indep5d5t figure on ! side track4 ,!re 0
 a diff]5ce ( op9ion ) reg>d to h]4 ,"s 
held h] to be insane2 "s1 ( a lawless & 
rebelli\s _s4  ,friday ! m9i/] w5t to   
see h]4 ,x 0 9 ! =5oon1 & %e 0 at ! b>n 
door %ell+ peas = d9n]4 ,%e look$ up &  
return$ 8 salutation ) dignity1 !n %e   
w5t on ) h] "w4 ,%e did n invite him 94 
,! sa9tly expression ( h] face rema9$   
fix$1 b !re 0 an angry flu% ov] x4  ,!  

m9i/] /ood awkw>dly be=e h]1 & talk$1   
,%e h&l$ ! peas z if !y 7 bullets4 ,at  
la/ %e look$ up1 & h] eyes %[$ ! _s t h]
 meek front _h cov]$ = a lifetime4  ,!re
 a9't no use talk9'1 ,mr4 ,h]sey1 said  
%e4 ,i've ?\ght x all ov] an' ov]1 an'  
,i believe ,i'm do9' :at's "r4 ,i've    
made x ! subject ( pray]1 an' x's       
betwixt me an' ! ,"l an' ,adoniram4 ,!re
 a9't no call = nobody else to worry    
ab\t x4  ,well1 ( c\rse1 if y h br\ght x
 to ! ,"l 9 pray]1 & feel satisfi$ t y  
are do+ "r1 ,mrs4 ,p5n1 said ! m9i/]1   
helplessly4 ,8 ?9 gray-be>d$ face 0     
pa!tic4 ,he 0 a sickly man2 8 y\?ful    
confid5ce _h cool$2 he _h to sc\rge     
himself up to "s ( 8 pa/oral duties z   
rel5tlessly z a ,ca?olic ascetic1 & !n  
he 0 pro/rat$ by ! sm>t4  ,i ?9k x's "r 
je/ z mu* z ,i ?9k x 0 "r = our =efa!rs 
to come ov] f ! old c\ntry 'cause !y    
didn't h :at belong$ to 'em1 said ,mrs4 
,p5n4 ,%e arose4 ,! b>n ?re%old might h 
be5 ,plym\? ,rock f h] be>+4 ,i don't   
d\bt y mean well1 ,mr4 ,h]sey1 said %e1 

b !re are ?+s p hadn't ought to int]f]e 
)4 ,i've be5 a memb] ( ! *ur* = ov] =ty 
ye>4 ,i've got my own m9d an' my own    
feet1 an' ,i'm go9' to ?9k my own ?\ghts
 an' g my own ways1 an' nobody b ! ,"l  
is go9' to dictate to me unless ,i've a 
m9d to h him4 ,won't y come 9 an' set   
d[n8 ,h[ is ,mis' ,h]sey8  ,%e is well1 
,i ?ank y1 repli$ ! m9i/]4 ,he add$ "s m
 p]plex$ apologetic rem>ks2 !n he       
retreat$4  ,he c\ld exp\nd ! intricacies
 ( e "* /udy 9 ! ,scriptures1 he 0      
compet5t to grasp ! ,pilgrim ,fa!rs &   
all hi/orical innovators1 b ,s>ah ,p5n 0
 beyond him4 ,he c\ld deal ) primal     
cases1 b p>allel ones wor/$ him4 ,b1    
aft] all1 al?\gh x 0 aside f 8 prov9ce1 
he wond]$ m h[ ,adoniram ,p5n w\ld deal 
) 8 wife ?an h[ ! ,"l w\ld4 ,ev]ybody   
%>$ ! wond]4 ,:5 ,adoniram's f\r new c[s
 arriv$1 ,s>ah ord]$ ?ree to be put 9 ! 
old b>n1 ! o!r 9 ! h\se %$ :]e !        
cook+-/ove _h /ood4 ,t add$ to !        
excitem5t4 ,x 0 :isp]$ t all f\r c[s 7  
domicil$ 9 ! h\se4  ,t[>ds sunset on    

,saturday1 :5 ,adoniram 0 expect$ home1 
!re 0 a knot ( m5 9 ! road ne> ! new    
b>n4 ,! hir$ man _h milk$1 b he /ill    
hung ar\nd ! premises4 ,s>ah ,p5n _h    
supp] all ready4 ,!re 7 br[n-bread &    
bak$ beans & a cu/>d pie2 x 0 ! supp] t 
,adoniram lov$ on a ,saturday night4 ,%e
 _h on a clean calico1 & %e bore h]self 
imp]turbably4 ,nanny & ,sammy kept close
 at h] heels4 ,_! eyes 7 l>ge1 & ,nanny 
0 full ( n]v\s tremors4 ,/ill !re 0 to  
!m m pleasant excitem5t ?an any?+ else4 
,an inborn confid5ce 9 _! "m ov] _! fa!r
 ass]t$ itself4  ,sammy look$ out ( !   
h>ness-room w9d[4 ,!re he is1 he        
ann\nc$1 9 an aw$ :isp]4 ,he & ,nanny   
peep$ ar\nd ! cas+4 ,mrs4 ,p5n kept on  
ab\t h] "w4 ,! *ildr5 wat*$ ,adoniram   
leave ! new horse /&+ 9 ! drive :ile he 
w5t to ! h\se door4 ,x 0 fa/5$4 ,!n he  
w5t ar\nd to ! %$4 ,t door 0 seldom     
lock$1 ev5 :5 ! family 0 away4 ,! ?\ght 
h[ h] fa!r w\ld be confront$ by ! c[    
fla%$ ^u ,nanny4 ,!re 0 a hy/]ical sob 9
 h] ?roat4 ,adoniram em]g$ f ! %$ & /ood

 look+ ab\t 9 a daz$ fa%ion4 ,8 lips    
mov$2 he 0 say+ some?+1 b !y c\ld n he> 
:at x 04 ,! hir$ man 0 peep+ ar\nd a    
corn] ( ! old b>n1 b nobody saw him4    
,adoniram took ! new horse by ! bridle &
 l$ him across ! y>d to ! new b>n4      
,nanny & ,sammy slunk close to _! "m4 ,!
 b>n doors roll$ back1 & !re /ood       
,adoniram1 ) ! long mild face ( ! great 
,canadian f>m horse look+ ov] 8 %\ld]4  
,nanny kept beh9d h] "m1 b ,sammy /epp$ 
sudd5ly =w>d1 & /ood 9 front ( h]4      
,adoniram />$ at ! gr\p4 ,:at on air? y 
all d[n "h =8 said he4 ,:at's ! matt]   
ov] to ! h\se6  ,we've come "h to live1 
fa!r1 said ,sammy4 ,8 %rill voice quav]$
 out bravely4  ,:at--,adoniram          
sniff$--:at is x smells l cook9'8 said  
he4 ,he /epp$ =w>d & look$ 9 ! op5 door 
( ! h>ness- room4 ,!n he turn$ to 8     
wife4 ,8 old bri/l+ face 0 pale &       
fright5$4 ,:at on air? does ?is mean1   
"m8 he gasp$4  ,y come 9 "h1 fa!r1 said 
,s>ah4 ,%e l$ ! way into ! h>ness-room &
 %ut ! door4 ,n[1 fa!r1 said %e1 y      

ne$n't be sc>$4 ,i a9't crazy4 ,!re a9't
 no?9' to be upset ov]4 ,b we've come "h
 to live1 an' we're go9' to live "h4    
,we've got je/ z good a "r "h z new     
horses an' c[s4 ,! h\se wa'n't fit = u  
to live 9 any long]1 an' ,i made up my  
m9d ,i wa'n't go9' to /ay !re4 ,i've    
done my duty by y =ty ye>1 an' ,i'm go9'
 to d x n[2 b ,i'm go9' to live "h4     
,y've got to put 9 "s w9d[s & p>titions2
 an' y'll h to buy "s furniture4  ,:y1  
"m6 ! old man gasp$4  ,y'd bett] take   
y\r coat (f an' get wa%$--!re's ! wa%-  
bas9--an' !n we'll h supp]4  ,:y1 "m6   
,sammy w5t pa/ ! w9d[1 lead+ ! new horse
 to ! old b>n4 ,! old man saw him1 &    
%ook 8 head spee*lessly4 ,he tri$ to    
take (f 8 coat1 b 8 arms seem$ to lack !
 p[]4 ,8 wife help$ him4 ,%e p\r$ "s    
wat] into ! t9 bas91 & put 9 a piece (  
soap4 ,%e got ! comb & bru%1 & smoo!d 8 
?9 gray hair aft] he _h wa%$4 ,!n %e put
 ! beans1 hot bread1 & tea on ! table4  
,sammy came 91 & ! family drew up4      
,adoniram sat look+ daz$ly at 8 plate1 &

 !y wait$4  ,a9't y go9' to ask a       
bless9'1 fa!r6 said ,s>ah4  ,& ! old man
 b5t 8 head & mumbl$4  ,all ?r\gh ! meal
 he /opp$ eat+ at int]vals1 & />$       
furtively at 8 wife2 b he ate well4 ,!  
home food ta/$ good to him1 & 8 old     
frame 0 too /urdily heal?y to be affect$
 by 8 m9d4 ,b aft] supp] he w5t out1 &  
sat d[n on ! /ep ( ! small] door at ! "r
 ( ! b>n1 ?r\gh :i* he _h meant 8       
,j]seys to pass 9 /ately file1 b :i*    
,s>ah design$ = h] front h\se door1 & he
 lean$ 8 head on 8 h&s4  ,aft] ! supp]  
di%es 7 cle>$ away & ! milk-pans wa%$1  
,s>ah w5t out to him4 ,! twilight 0     
deep5+4 ,!re 0 a cle> gre5 gl[ 9 ! sky4 
,be=e !m /ret*$ ! smoo? level ( field2 9
 ! di/ance 0 a clu/] ( hay-/acks l !    
huts ( a village2 ! air 0 v cool & calm 
& sweet4 ,! l&scape might h be5 an ideal
 "o ( peace4  ,s>ah b5t ov] & t\*$ h]   
husb& on "o ( 8 ?91 s9ewy %\ld]s4 ,fa!r6
  ,! old man's %\ld]s heav$3 he 0 weep+4
  ,:y1 don't d s1 fa!r1 said ,s>ah4     
,i'll--put up !--p>titions1 an'--ev]y?+ 

y--want1 "m4  ,s>ah put h] apron up to  
h] face2 %e 0 ov]come by h] own triumph4
  ,adoniram 0 l a =tress ^: walls _h no 
active resi/ance1 & w5t d[n ! in/ant !  
"r besieg+ tools 7 us$4 ,:y1 "m1 he     
said1 ho>sely1 ,i hadn't no idee y 0 s  
set on't z all ?is comes to4            
,,m>se ,,*an  ,a ,,tale ,,( ,,old       
,,virg9ia  ,,by  ,,?omas ,,nelson ,,page
  ,"h plot1 "*1 & sett+ are happily     
bl5d$4 ,! /ory is suffici5t to move     
smoo?ly & int]e/+ly2 ! *>act]s1 bo?     
black & :ite1 reveal ! ,s\!rn] at 8 be/2
 & ! sett+ n only furni%es an           
appropriate backgr\nd = plot & *>act]s1 
b is significant ( ! leisure1 !         
isolation1 & ! pride ( ! p4     ,,m>se  
,,*an  ,footnote3 ,f ,9 ,ole ,virg9ia1  
by ,?omas ,nelson ,page4 ,copyright1    
#ahhg1 by ,*>les ,scribn]'s ,sons4   ,"o
 aft]noon1 9 ! autumn ( #ahgb1 ,i 0 rid+
 leisurely d[n ! s&y road t w9ds along !
 top ( ! wat]-%$ betwe5 two ( ! small]  
riv]s ( ea/]n ,virg9ia4 ,! road ,i 0    
travell+1 foll[+ ! ridge = miles1 _h j  

/ruck me z mo/ significant ( ! "* ( !   
race ^: only av5ue ( communication ) !  
outside _w x _h =m]ly be54 ,_! once     
spl5did mansions1 n[ fa/ fall+ to decay1
 appe>$ to view f "t to "t1 set back f> 
f ! road1 9 pr\d seclusion1 among groves
 ( oak & hickory1 n[ sc>let & gold ) !  
e>ly fro/4 ,di/ance 0 no?+ to ?is p1 "t 
0 ( no consequ5ce to !m4 ,!y desir$ b a 
level pa? 9 life1 & t !y _h1 ?\gh ! way 
0 long]1 & ! out] _w /rode by !m z !y   
dream$4  ,i 0 ar\s$ f my reflections by 
he>+ "s "o ahead ( me call+1            
,heah6--heah--:oo-oop1 heah6  ,turn+ !  
curve 9 ! road1 ,i saw j be=e me a negro
 /&+1 ) a hoe & a wat]+-pot 9 8 h&4 ,he 
_h evid5tly j gott5 ov] ! worm-f5ce into
 ! road1 out ( ! pa? :i* l$ zigzag      
across ! old field & 0 lo/ to sight 9 ! 
d5se gr[? ( sassafras4 ,:5 ,i rode up1  
he 0 look+ anxi\sly back d[n ?is pa? = 8
 dog4 ,s engross$ 0 he t he did n ev5   
he> my horse1 & ,i re9$ 9 to wait until 
he %\ld turn ar\nd & satisfy my         
curiosity z to ! h&some old place half a

 mile (f f ! road4  ,! num]\s           
out-build+s & ! l>ge b>ns & /ables told 
t x _h once be5 ! seat ( weal?1 & ! wild
 wa/e ( sassafras t cov]$ ! broad fields
 gave x an air ( desolation t greatly   
excit$ my int]e/4 ,entirely oblivi\s (  
my proximity1 ! negro w5t on call+      
,:oo-oop1 heah6 until along ! pa?1 walk+
 v sl[ly & ) great dignity1 appe>$ a    
noble-look+ old orange & :ite sett]1    
gray ) age1 & corpul5t ) excessive fe$+4
 ,z soon z he came 9 sight1 8 ma/]      
began3  ,yes1 dat y6 ,y gitt9' deaf z   
well z bl9e1 ,i s'pose6 ,ky>nt heah me  
call9'1 ,i reckon8 ,:yn't yo' come on1  
dawg8  ,! sett] saunt]$ sl[ly up to !   
f5ce & /opp$1 )\t ev5 deign+ a look at !
 speak]1 :o imm$iately proce$$ to take !
 rails d[n1 talk+ mean:ile3  ,n[1 ,i got
 to pull d[n de gap1 ,i s'pose6 ,yo' s  
sp'ilt yo' kyahn h>dly walk4 ,jes' ez   
able to git ov] x z ,i is6 ,jes' l :ite 
folks--?9k 'cuz y's :ite & ,i'se black1 
,i got to wait on yo' all de "t4 ,ne'm  
m9e1 ,i a9' gwi' d x6  ,! f5ce hav+ be5 

pull$ d[n suffici5tly l[ to suit 8      
dog%ip1 he m>*$ s$ately ?r\gh1 &1 ) a   
h>dly p]ceptible lat]al movem5t ( 8     
tail1 walk$ on d[n ! road4 ,putt+ up !  
rails c>efully1 ! negro turn$ & saw me4 
,s>v5t1 m>/]1 he said1 tak+ 8 hat (f4   
,!n1 z if apologetically = hav+ p]mitt$ 
a /rang] to witness :at 0 m]ely a family
 affair1 he add$3 ,he "k ,i don' mean   
no?9' by :at ,i sez4 ,he's ,m>se ,*an's 
dawg1 an' he's s ole he kyahn git long  
no pe>t]4 ,he "k ,i'se jes' prodjick9'  
wid 'im4  ,:o is ,m>se ,*an8 ,i ask$2 & 
^: place is t ov] !re1 & ! "o a mile or 
two back--! place ) ! big gate & ! c>v$ 
/one pill>s6  ,m>se ,*an1 said ! d>ky1  
he's ,m>se ,*ann9'--my "y m>/]2 an' dem 
places--dis "o's ,wealls1 an' de "o back
 dy> wid de rock gate-pos's is ole      
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's4 ,dey don' nobody    
live dy> n[1 'cep' nigg]s4 ,arft] de w> 
"s "o or nurr b\ght our place1 b 8 "n   
done k9d o' slipp$ me4 ,i nuv] he>n on  
'im befo'2 ,i ?9k dey's half-/ra9]s4 ,i 
don' ax none on 'em no odds4 ,i lives   

d[n de road heah1 a little piece1 an' ,i
 jes' /eps d[n ( a ev59' & looks arft]  
de graves4  ,well1 :]e is ,m>se ,*an8 ,i
 ask$4  ,hi6 don' y "k8 ,m>se ,*an1 he  
w5t 9 de army4 ,i 0 wid 'im4 ,yo' "k he 
w>n' gw9e an' lef ,sam4  ,w y tell me   
all ab\t x8 ,i said1 dism\nt+4          
,in/antly1 & z if by in/9ct1 ! d>ky     
/epp$ =w>d & took my bridle4 ,i demurr$ 
a little2 b ) a b[ t w\ld h honor$ old  
,sir ,rog]1 he %ort5$ ! re9s1 & tak+ my 
horse f me1 l$ him along4  ,n[ tell me  
ab\t ,m>se ,*an1 ,i said4  ,lawd1 m>/]1 
hit's s long ago1 ,i'd a'mo/ =git all   
ab\t x1 ef ,i h$n' be5 wid him ev] s5ce 
he wuz born4 ,ez 'tis1 ,i rememb]s x    
jes' l 'twuz yi/iddy4 ,yo' "k ,m>se ,*an
 an' me --we wuz boys tog]r4 ,i wuz     
old]'n he wuz1 jes' de same ez he wuz   
:it]'n me4 ,i wuz born plant9' corn "t1 
de spr+ arft] big ,jim an' de six /e]s  
got wa%$ away at de upp] =d "r d[n dy>  
bl[ de qu>t]s ez he wuz a-br+9' de      
,*ris'mas ?+s home2 an' ,m>se ,*an1 he  
w>n' born tell mos' to de h>ves' arft]  

my si/] ,nancy m>ri$ ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's 
,torm1 'b\t eight ye>s arft]woods4      
,well1 :5 ,m>se ,*an wuz born1 dey wuz  
de grettes' do9's at home y ev] did see4
 ,de folks all h$ holiday1 jes' l 9 de  
,*ris'mas4 ,ole m>/] 7we didn' call 'im 
,,ole m>/] tell arft] ,m>/] ,*an wuz    
born-befo' dat he wuz jes' de m>/]1     
s7--well1 ole m>/]1 8 face fy> %9e wid  
pleasure1 an' all de folks wuz mighty   
glad1 too1 'cause dey all lov$ ole m>/]1
 & aldo' dey did /ep ar\n' "r pe>t :5   
ole m>/] 0 look9' at 'em1 dy> w>n' ny>  
han' on de place b :at1 ef he want$     
any?9'1 w\ld walk up to de back poa*1   
an' say he w>n' to see de m>/]4 ,an'    
ev'ybody wuz talk9' 'b\t de "y m>/]1 an'
 de maids an' de wimm5s 'b\t de kit*5   
wuz say9' h[ 'twuz de purties' *ile dey 
ev] see2 an' at d9n]-"t de m5s 7all on  
'em h$ holiday7 come r\n' de poa* an' ax
 h[ de missis an' de "y m>/] wuz1 an'   
ole m>/] come out on de poa* an' smile  
wus'n a 'possum1 an' sez1 ',?ankee6 ,b(e
 do9' fu/ rate1 boys'2 an' d5 he /epp$  

back 9 de h\se1 sort o' laugh9' to      
hisse'f1 an' 9 a m9ute he come out ag'9 
wid de baby 9 he arms1 all wrapp$ up 9  
flann5s an' ?+s1 an' sez1 ',heah he is1 
boys4' ,all de folks d51 dey w5t up on  
de poa* to look at 'im1 drapp9' dey hats
 on de /eps1 an' scrap9' dey feets ez   
dey w5t up4 ,an' pres'n'y old m>/]1     
look9' d[n at we all *il'en all pack$   
tog]r d[n dyah l a p>ecel o' %eep-burrs1
 cot* sight o' ,,me 7he kn[$ my "n1     
'cause ,i use' to hole he hoss fur 'im  
sometimes2 b he didn't "k all de *ile'n 
by "n1 dey wuz s _m on 'em71 an' he sez1
 ',come up heah6' ,s up ,i goes tipp9'1 
ske]$ l1 an' old m>/] sez1 ',a9' y      
,mymie's son8'' ,yass1 seh1' sez ,i4    
',well1' sez he1 ',i'm gw9e to give y to
 yo' "y ,m>se ,*ann9' to be 8           
body-s]vant1' an' he put de baby "r 9 my
 arms 7x's de tru? ,i'm tell9' yo'671   
an' yo' jes' ought to a-he>d de folks   
say9'1 ',lawd6 m>/]1 dat boy'll drap dat
 *ile6' ',naw1 he won't1' sez m>/]2 ',i 
k9 tru/ 'im4' ,& d5 he sez3 ',n[1 ,sam1 

f dis "t y belong to yo' "y ,m>se       
,*ann9'2 ,i wan' y to tek ke] on 'im ez 
long ez he lives4 ,y are to be 8 boy f  
dis "t4 ,an' n[1' he sez1 'c>ry 'im 9 de
 h\se4' ,an' he walks arft] me an' op5s 
de d's fur me1 an' ,i ky>s 'im 9 my     
arms1 an' lays 'im d[n on de b$4 ,an' f 
dat "t ,i 0 took5 9 de h\se to be ,m>se 
,*ann9's body-s]vant4  ,well1 y nuv] see
 a *ile gr[ s4 ,pres'n'y he gr[$ up "r  
big1 an' ole m>/] sez he mu/ h "s       
edication4 ,s he sont 'im to s*ool to   
ole ,miss ,lawry d[n dy>1 dis side o'   
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's1 an' ,i use' to g    
'long wid 'im an' tote he books an' we  
all's snacks2 an' :5 he l>nt to read an'
 spell "r good1 an' got 'b\t s-o big1   
old ,miss ,lawry %e di$1 an' old m>/]   
said he mus' h a man to tea* 'im an'    
tr\nce 'im4 ,s we all w5t to ,mr4 ,hall1
 :> kep' de s*ool-h\se beyant de creek1 
an' dy> we w5t ev'y day1 'cep ,sat'd'ys 
( co'se1 an' si* days ez ,m>se ,*an d9' 
w>n' g1 an' ole missis begg$ 'im (f4    
,hit wuz d[n dy> ,m>se ,*an fu/ took    

notice o' ,miss ,anne4 ,mr4 ,hall1 he   
taught gals ez well ez boys1 an' ,cun'l 
,*ahmb'l9 he sont 8 daught] 7dat's ,miss
 ,anne ,i'm talk9' ab\t74 ,%e wuz a     
leetle bit o' gal :5 %e fu/ come4 ,yo'  
see1 h] ma wuz dead1 an' old ,miss ,lucy
 ,*ahmb'l91 %e liv$ wid h] brurr an'    
kep' h\se = 'im2 an' he wuz s busy wid  
politics1 he didn' h mu* "t to spy>1 s  
he sont ,miss ,anne to ,mr4 ,hall's by a
 'ooman wid a note4 ,:5 %e come dat day 
9 de s*ool-h\se1 an' all de *il'en look$
 at h] s h>d1 %e tu'n "r r$1 an' tri$ to
 pull h] long curls ov] h] eyes1 an' d5 
put b(e de backs ( h] little han's 9 h] 
two eyes1 an' beg9 to cry to h]se'f4    
,m>se ,*an he 0 sett9' on de e5' o' de  
b5* nigh de d'1 an' he jes' rea*$ out   
an' put he arm 'r\n' h] an' draw$ h] up 
to 'im4 ,an' he kep' :isp]9 to h]1 an'  
call9' h] "n1 an' coddl9' h]2 an'       
pres'n'y %e took h] han's d[n an' beg9  
to laugh4  ,well1 dey 'pe>$ to tek' a   
gre't fancy to ea* urr f dat "t4 ,miss  
,anne %e w>n' nu?9' b a baby h>dly1 an' 

,m>se ,*an he wuz a good big boy 'b\t   
mos' ?irte5 ye>s ole1 ,i reckon4        
,h[s'ev]1 dey sut'n'y wuz sot on ea* urr
 an' 7yo' heah me67 ole m>/] an' ,cun'l 
,*ahmb'l9 dey 'pe>$ to l x 'b\t well ez 
de *il'en4 ,yo' see1 ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's 
place j'in$ ourn1 an' x look$ jes' ez   
natural fur dem two *il'en to m>ry an'  
mek x "o plantation1 ez x did fur de    
creek to run d[n de bottom f our place  
into ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's4 ,i don' rightly
 ?9k de *il'en ?\ght 'b\t gitt9'        
,,m>ri$1 n d51 no mo'n ,i ?\ght 'b\t    
m>ry9' ,judy :5 %e wuz a little gal at  
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's1 runn9' 'b\t de h\se1
 hunt9' fur ,miss ,lucy's spectacles2 b 
dey wuz good fri5's f de />t4 ,m>se ,*an
 he use' to ky> ,miss ,anne's books fur 
h] ev'y day1 an' ef de road wuz muddy or
 %e wuz tir$1 he use' to tote h]2 an'   
'tw>n' h>dly a day pass$ dat he didn'   
ky> h] "s'n' to s*ool-- apples or hick'y
 nuts1 or "s'n4 ,he w\ldn't let none o' 
de *il'en tease h]1 nurr4 ,heh6 ,"o day1
 "o o' de boys pok$ he f+] at ,miss     

,anne1 & arft] s*ool ,m>se ,*an he ax$  
'im 'r\n' 'h9e de s*oolh\se out o'      
sight1 an' ef he didn't :op 'im6  ,m>se 
,*an1 he wuz de pe>tes' s*ol> ole ,mr4  
,hall h$1 an' ,mr4 ,hall he wuz mighty  
pr\d o' 'im4 ,i don' ?9k he use' to beat
 'im ez mu* ez he did de urrs1 aldo' he 
wuz de head 9 all debilm5t dat w5t on1  
jes' ez he wuz 9 say9' he lessons4      
,heh6 "o day 9 summ]1 jes' fo' de s*ool 
broke up1 dyah come up a /orm "r sudd51 
an' riz de creek 7dat "o yo' cross' back
 yond]71 an' ,m>se ,*an he tot$ ,miss   
,anne home on he back4 ,he ve'y (f'n did
 dat :5 de p>f wuz muddy4 ,b dis day :5 
dey come to de creek1 x _h done wa%$ all
 de logs 'way4 ',twuz /ill mighty high1 
s ,m>se ,*an he put ,miss ,anne d[n1 an'
 he took a pole an' wad$ "r 94 ,hit took
 'im long up to de %\ld]s4 ,d5 he wad$  
back1 an' took ,miss ,anne up on 8 head 
an' ky>$ h] "r ov]4 ,at fu/ %e wuz      
ske]$2 b he tol' h] he c\ld swim an'    
w\ldn' let h] git hu't1 an' d5 %e let   
'im ky> h] 'cross1 %e hol'9' 8 han's4 ,i

 w>n' 'long dat day1 b he sut'n'y did   
dat ?+4  ,ole m>/] he wuz s pleas$ 'b\t 
x1 he giv' ,m>se ,*an a pony2 an' ,m>se 
,*an rode 'im to s*ool de day arft] he  
come1 s pr\d1 an' say9' h[ he wuz gw9e  
to let ,anne ride beh9e 'im2 an' :5 he  
come home dat ev59' he wuz walk9'4 ',hi6
 :]e's yo' pony8' said ole m>/]4 ',i    
give 'im to ,anne1' says ,m>se ,*an4    
',%e lik$ 'im1 an'-,i k9 walk4' ',yes1' 
sez ole m>/]1 laugh9'1 ',i s'pose y's   
already done giv' h] yo'se'f1 an' nex'  
?+ ,i "k y'll be giv9' h] ?is plantation
 & all my nigg]s4'  ,well1 ab\t a       
=tnight or si* a matt] arft] dat1 ,cun'l
 ,*ahmb'l9 sont ov] an' invit$ all o' we
 all ov] to d9n]1 an' ,m>se ,*an wuz    
'spressly nam$ 9 de note :> ,n$ br\ght2 
an' arft] d9n] he made ole ,phil1 :> wuz
 8 k]'ige-driv]1 br+ 'r\n' ,m>se ,*an's 
pony wid a little side-saddle on 'im1   
an' a beautiful little hoss wid a       
bran'-new saddle an' bridle on 'im2 an' 
he gits up an' meks ,m>se ,*an a gre't  
spee*1 an' pres5ts 'im de little hoss2  

an' d5 he calls ,miss ,anne1 an' %e     
comes out on de poa* 9 a little rid9'   
frock1 an' dey puts h] on h] pony1 an'  
,m>se ,*an m\nts 8 hoss1 an' dey goes to
 ride1 :ile de gr[n folks is a-laugh9'  
an' *att9' an' smok9' dey cig>s4  ,dem  
wuz good ole times1 m>/]-de bes' ,sam   
ev] see6 ,dey wuz1 9 fac'6 ,nigg]s didn'
 h$ no?9' 't all to d-jes' h$ to 't5' to
 de fe$9' an' clean9' de hosses1 an'    
do9' :at de m>/] tell 'em to d2 an' :5  
dey wuz sick1 dey _h ?+s sont 'em out de
 h\se1 an' de same doctor come to see   
'em :> 't5' to de :ite folks :5 dey wuz 
po'ly4 ,dy> w>n' no tr\ble nor no?9'4   
,well1 ?+s tuk a *ange arft] dat4 ,m>se 
,*an he w5t to de bo'd9' s*ool1 :> he   
use' to write to me con/ant4 ,ole missis
 use' to read me de lett]s1 an' d5 ,i'd 
git ,miss ,anne to read 'em ag'9 to me  
:5 ,i'd see h]4 ,he use' to write to h] 
too1 an' %e use' to write to him too4   
,d5 ,miss ,anne %e wuz sont (f to s*ool 
too4 ,an' 9 de summ] "t dey'd b(e come  
home1 an' yo' h>dly kn[$ :e!r ,m>se ,*an

 liv$ at home or ov] at ,cun'l          
,*ahmb'l9's4 ,he wuz ov] dyah con/ant4  
',twuz always rid9' or fi%9' d[n dyah 9 
de riv]2 or sometimes he' g ov] dyah1   
an' 'im an' %e'd g out an' set 9 de y>d 
ond] de trees2 %e sett9' up mek9' out %e
 wuz knitt9' "s sort o' bright- cullor$ 
"s'n'1 wid de gr>ss gr[9' all up 'g'in/ 
h]1 an' h] hat ?'ow$ back on h] neck1   
an' he read9' to h] out books2 an'      
sometimes dey'd b(e read out de same    
book1 fu/ "o an' d5 todd]4 ,i use' to   
see 'em6 ,dat wuz :5 dey wuz gr[9' up l4
  ,d5 ole m>/] he run = ,congress1 an'  
ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he wuz put up to   
run 'g'in/ ole m>/] by de ,dimicrats2 b 
ole m>/] he beat 'im4 ,yo' "k he wuz    
gw9e d dat6 ,co'se he wuz6 ,dat made ole
 ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 mighty mad1 & dey /opt
 visit9' ea* urr reg'l>1 l dey _h be5   
do9' all 'long4 ,d5 ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he 
sort o' got 9 debt1 an' sell "s o' he   
nigg]s1 an' dat's de way de fuss begun4 
,dat's :> de lawsuit cum f4 ,ole m>/] he
 didn' l nobody to sell nigg]s1 an'     

kn[9' dat ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 wuz sell9' o'
 81 he writ an' (f]$ to buy 8 ,m'ria an'
 all h] *il'en1 'cause %e h$ m>ri$ our  
,zeek'yel4 ,an' don' yo' ?9k1 ,cun'l    
,*ahmb'l9 ax$ ole m>/] mo' 'n ?'ee      
nigg]s wuz wu? fur ,m'ria6 ,befo' old   
m>/] b\ght h]1 d\gh1 de %]iff cum an'   
levell$ on ,m'ria an' a :ole p>ecel o'  
urr nigg]s4 ,ole m>/] he w5t to de sale1
 an' bid = 'em-r b ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he  
got "s "o to bid 'g'in/ ole m>/]4 ,dey  
wuz knock$ out to ole m>/] d\gh1 an' d5 
dey h$ a big lawsuit1 an' ole m>/] wuz  
agw9e to co't1 (f an' on1 fur "s ye>s1  
till at l>s' de co't decid$ dat ,m'ria  
belong$ to ole m>/]4 ,ole ,cun'l        
,*ahmb'l9 d5 wuz s mad he su$ ole m>/] =
 a little /rip o' lan' d[n dyah on de   
l9e f5ce1 :> he said belong$ to 'im4    
,ev'ybody kn[$ hit belong$ to ole m>/]4 
,ef yo' g d[n dyah n[1 ,i k9 %[ x to    
yo'1 inside de l9e f5ce1 :> x h$ done b9
 ev] s5ce long befo' ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9   
wuz born4 ,b ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 wuz a     
mons'u p]sev]9' man1 an' ole m>/] he    

w\ldn' let nobody run ov] 'im4 ,no1 dat 
he w\ldn'6 ,s dey wuz agw9e d[n to co't 
ab\t dat1 fur ,i don' "k h[ long1 till  
ole m>/] beat 'im4  ,all dis "t1 yo' "k1
 ,m>se ,*an wuz ago9' back'ads an' ='ads
 to college1 an' wuz gr[$ up a ve'y f9e 
"y man4 ,he wuz a ve'y likely g5t'man6  
,miss ,anne %e h$ done mos' gr[$ up     
too--wuz putt9' h] hy> up l old missis  
use' to put h]s up1 an' 'twuz jes' ez   
bright ez de sorrel's mane :5 de sun    
cot* on x1 an' h] eyes wuz gre't big d>k
 eyes1 l h] pa's1 on'y bigg] an' n s    
fi]ce1 an' 'tw>n' none o' de "y ladies  
ez purty ez %e wuz4 ,%e an' ,m>se ,*an  
/ill set a heap o' /o' by "o 'nurr1 b ,i
 don' ?9k dey wuz easy wid ea* urr ez :5
 he us$ to tote h] home f s*ool on 8    
back4 ,m>se ,*an he use' to love de ve'y
 gr\n' %e walk$ on1 d\gh1 9 my 'p9ion4  
,heh6 ,8 face 'tw\ld light up :5ev] %e  
come into *u'*1 or any:]e1 jes' l de sun
 h$ come ?'oo a *9k on x sudd5ly4  ,d5' 
ole m>/] lo/ he eyes4 ,d' yo' ev] heah  
'b\t dat8 ,hei%6 ,didn' yo'8 ,well1 "o  

night de big b>n cot* fire4 ,de /ables1 
yo' "k1 wuz "u de big b>n1 an' all de   
bosses wuz 9 dyah4 ,hit 'pe>$ to me l   
'tw>n' no "t befo' all de folks an' de  
neighbors dey come1 an' dey wuz a-tot9' 
wat]1 an' a-try9' to save de po'        
critt]s1 & dey got a heap on 'em out2 b 
de k]'ige-hosses dey w\ldn' come out1   
an' dey wuz a-runn9' back'ads an' ='ads 
inside de /alls1 a-nik]9' an'           
a-scream9'1 l dey kn[$ dey "t h$ come4  
,yo' c\ld heah 'em s pitiful1 an'       
pres'n'y old m>/] said to ,ham ,fi%] 7he
 wuz de k]'ige- driv]71 ',g 9 dyah an'  
try to save 'em2 don' let 'em bu'n to   
dea?4' ,an' ,ham he w5t "r 94 ,an' je/  
arft] he got 91 de %$ :> x h$ fus' cot* 
fell 91 an' de sp>ks %ot 'way up 9 de   
air2 an' ,ham didn' come back1 an' de   
fire begun to lick out "u de eaves ov]  
:> de k]'ige-hosses' /alls wuz1 an' all 
( a sudd5 ole m>/] tu'n$ an' kiss$ ole  
missis1 :o wuz /&9' nigh him1 wid h]    
face jes' ez :ite ez a sp]it's1 an'1    
befo' anybody kn[$ :at he wuz gw9e d1   

jump$ "r 9 de d'1 an' de smoke come     
po'9' out beh9e 'im4 ,well1 seh1 ,i nuv]
 'spects to heah tell ,judgm5t si* a    
s\n' ez de folks set up6 ,ole missis %e 
jes' drapt d[n on h] knees 9 de mud an' 
pray$ out l\d4 ,hit 'pe>$ l h] pra'r wuz
 he>d2 = 9 a m9it1 "r out de same d'1   
ky>9' ,ham ,fi%] 9 8 arms1 come ole     
m>/]1 wid 8 clo's all blaz9'4 ,dey flung
 wat] on 'im1 an' put 'im out2 an'1 ef y
 b'lieve me1 yo' w\ldn't a-kn[$ 'twuz   
ole m>/]4 ,yo' see1 he _h f9d ,ham ,fi%]
 done fall d[n 9 de smoke "r by !       
k]'ige-hoss' /alls1 :> he sont him1 an' 
he h$ to tote 'im back 9 8 arms ?'oo de 
fire :at h$ done cot* de front "p o' de 
/able1 & to keep de flame f gitt9' d[n  
,ham ,fi%]'s ?'oat he h$ tuk (f 8 own   
hat & ma%$ x all ov] ,ham ,fi%]'s face1 
an' he h$ kep' ,ham ,fi%] f be9' s mu*  
bu'nt2 b ,,he wuz bu'nt dreadful6 ,8    
be>d an' hy> wuz all nyaw$ (f1 an' 8    
face an' han's an' neck wuz scorifi$    
t]rible4 ,well1 he jes' laid ,ham ,fi%] 
d[n1 an' !n he k9d o' /agg]$ ='ad1 an'  

ole missis ket*' 'im 9 h] arms4 ,ham    
,fi%]1 he w>n' bu'nt s bad1 an' he got  
out 9 a mon? to two2 an' arft] a long   
"t1 ole m>/] he got well1 too2 b he wuz 
always /one bl9d arft] t4 ,he nuv] c\ld 
see none f dat night4  ,m>se ,*an he    
com$ home f college toreckly1 an' he    
sut'n'y did nuss ole m>/] fai?ful--jes' 
l a 'ooman4 ,d5 he took *>ge ( de       
plantation arft] dat2 an' ,i use' to    
wait on 'im jes' l :5 we wuz boys       
tog$d]2 an' sometimes we'd slip (f an' h
 a fox-hunt1 an' he'd be jes' l he wuz 9
 ole times1 befo' ole m>/] got bl9e1 an'
 ,miss ,anne ,*ahmb'l9 /opt com9' ov] to
 our h\se1 an' sett9' ond] de trees1    
read9' out de same book4  ,he sut'n'y   
wuz good to me4 ,no?9' nuv] made no     
diffunce 'b\t dat4 ,he nuv] hit me a    
lick 9 8 life--an' nuv] let nobody else 
d x1 nurr4  ,i 'memb]s "o day1 :5 he wuz
 a leetle bit o' boy1 ole m>/] h$ done  
tole we all *il'en n to slide on de     
/raw-/acks2 an' "o day me an' ,m>se ,*an
 ?\ght ole m>/] h$ done gone 'way f     

home4 ,we wat*$ him git on he hoss an'  
ride up de road out o' sight1 an' we wuz
 out 9 de field a-slid9' an' a-slid9'1  
:5 up comes ole m>/]4 ,we />t$ to run2 b
 he h$ done see u1 an' he call$ u to    
come back2 an' si* a :upp9' ez he did   
gi' u6  ,fu/ he took ,m>se ,*an1 an' d5 
he te*$ me up4 ,he nuv] hu't me1 b 9    
co'se ,i wuz a-holl]9' ez h>d ez ,i c\ld
 /ave x1 'cause ,i kn[$ dat wuz gw9e mek
 him /op4 ,m>se ,*an he h$'n op5 he m\f 
long ez ole m>/] wuz tun9' 'im2 b soon  
ez he comm5ce w>m9' me an' ,i beg9 to   
holl]1 ,m>se ,*an he bu'/ out cry9'1 an'
 /ept "r 9 befo' ole m>/] an' ket*9' de 
:up1 s$3  ',/op1 seh6 ,yo' %a'n't :up   
'im2 he b'longs to me1 an' ef y hit 'im 
ano!r lick ,i'll set 'im free6'  ,i wi% 
yo' h$ see old m>/]4 ,m>se ,*an he w>n' 
mo'n eight ye>s ole1 an' dyah dey       
wuz-old m>/] /an'9' wid he :up rais$ up1
 an' ,m>se ,*an r$ an' cry9'1 hol'9' on 
to x1 an' say9' ,i b'long/ to 'im4  ,ole
 m>/]1 he raise' de :up1 an' d5 he drapt
 x1 an' broke out 9 a smile ov] he face1

 an' he *uck' ,m>se ,*an ond] de *91 an'
 tu'n "r 'r\n' an' w5t away1 laugh9' to 
hisse'f1 an' ,i heah 'im tell9' ole     
missis dat ev59'1 an' laugh9' 'b\t x4   
',twan' s mighty long arft] dat :5 dey  
fu/ got to talk9' 'b\t de w>4 ,dey wuz  
a-dictat9' back'ads an' ='ads 'b\t x fur
 two or ?'ee ye>s 'fo' x come %o' nuff1 
y "k4 ,ole m>/]1 he 0 a ,:ig1 an' (     
co'se ,m>se ,*an he tuk aft] he pa4     
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l91 he wuz a ,dimicrat4   
,he wuz 9 favor ( de w>1 an' ole m>/] & 
,m>se ,*an dey wuz ag9' x4 ,dey wuz a-  
talk9' 'b\t x all de "t1 an' purty soon 
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he w5t ab\t ev'y:>     
speak9' an' norat9' 'b\t ,firg9ia ought 
to sec$e2 an' ,m>se ,*an he wuz pick$ up
 to talk ag9' 'im4 ,dat wuz de way dey  
come to fight de duil4 ,i sut'n'y wuz   
ske]$ fur ,m>se ,*an dat mawn9'1 an' he 
0 jes' ez cool6 ,yo' see1 x happ5 s3    
,m>se ,*an he wuz a-speak9' d[n at de   
,deep ,creek ,tav]n1 an' he k9d o' got  
de bes' ( ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l94 ,all de 
:ite folks laugh$ an' hooraw$1 an' ole  

,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9--my ,lawd6 ,i f\ght    
he'd 'a' bu'/1 he 0 s mad4 ,well1 :5 x  
come to 8 "t to speak1 he jes' light    
into ,m>se ,*an4 ,he call 'im a traitor1
 an' a ab'litionis'1 an' ,i don' "k :at 
all4 ,m>se ,*an1 he jes' kep' cool till 
de ole ,cun'l light into he pa4 ,ez soon
 ez he "n ole m>/]1 ,i se5 ,m>se ,*an   
sort o' lif' up he head4 ,d' yo' ev] see
 a hoss r> he head up "r sudd5 at night 
:5 he see some?9' com9' to'ds 'im f de  
side an' he don' "k :at 'tis8 ,ole      
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he w5t "r on4 ,he said 
ole m>/] h$ taught ,m>se ,*an2 dat ole  
m>/] wuz a wuss ab'litionis' dan he son4
 ,i look$ at ,m>se ,*an1 an' sez to     
myse'f3 ',fo' ,gord6 old ,cun'l         
,*ahmb'l9 bett] m9'1 an' ,i h$n' got de 
wuds out1 :5 ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 'cuse'
 old m>/] o' *eat9' 'im out o' he       
nigg]s1 an' /eal+ piece o' he           
lan'--dat's de lan' ,i tole y 'b\t4     
,well1 seh1 nex' ?+ ,i kn[$1 ,i heah$   
,m>se ,*an--hit all happ5 "r 'long      
tog]r1 l lightn9' & ?und] :5 !y hit "r  

at y--,i heah 'im say3  ',cun'l         
,*ahmb'l91 :at y say is false1 an' yo'  
"k x to be s4 ,y h wilfully sl&]$ "o (  
de pures' an' nobles' m5 ,gord ev] made1
 an' no?9' b yo' gray hy>s protects y4' 
,well1 ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l91 he ra'd an'
 he pit*'d4 ,he said he wan' too ole1   
an' he'd %[ 'im s4  ',ve'y well1' says  
,m>se ,*an4  ,de meet9' broke up d54 ,i 
wuz hol'9' de hosses out dy> 9 de road  
by dee e5' o' de poa*1 an' ,i see ,m>se 
,*an talk9' an' talk9' to ,mr4 ,gordon  
an' anudd] g5t'man1 & d5 he come out an'
 got on de sorrel an' gallop$ (f4 ,soon 
ez he got out o' sight he pull$ up1 an' 
we walk$ along tell we come to de road  
:> leads (f to'ds ,mr4 ,b>b\r's4 ,he wuz
 de big lawy] o' de c\ntry4 ,d> he tu'n$
 (f4 ,all dis "t he h$n' s$ a wud1 'cep'
 to k9d o' mumble to hisse'f n[ & d54   
,:5 we got to ,mr4 ,b>b\r's1 he got d[n 
an' w5t 94 ,dat wuz 9 de late w9t]2 de  
folks wuz jes' beg9n9' to pl\gh fur     
corn4 ,he /ay$ dy> 'b\t two h\rs1 an' :5
 he come out ,mr4 ,b>b\r come out to de 

gate wid 'im an' %ake han's arft] he got
 up 9 de saddle4 ,d5 we all rode (f4    
',twuz late d5-good d>k2 an' we rid ez  
h>d ez we c\ld1 tell we come to de ole  
s*ool-h\se at ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's    
gate4 ,:5 we got d>1 ,m>se ,*an got d[n 
an' walk$ "r sl[ 'r\n' de h\se4 ,aft]   
look9' 'r\n' a little :ile an' try9' de 
d' to see ef x wuz %et1 he walk$ d[n de 
road tell he got to de creek4 ,he /op'  
dy> a little :ile an' pick$ up two or   
?ree little rocks an' fr[$ 'em 91 an'   
pres'n'y he got up an' we come on home4 
,ez he got d[n1 he tu'n$ to me an'1     
rubb9' de sorrel's nose1 said3 ',h 'em  
well f$1 ,sam2 ,i'll want 'em e>ly 9 de 
mawn9'4'  ,dat night at supp] he laugh  
an' talk1 an' he set at de table a long 
"t4 ,arft] ole m>/] w5t to b$1 he w5t 9 
de *>mb] an' set on de b$ by 'im talk9' 
to 'im an' tell9' 'im 'b\t de meet9' an'
 ev'y?+2 b he nuv] m5tion ole ,cun'l    
,*ahmb'l9's "n4 ,:5 he got up to come   
out to de (fice 9 de y>d1 :> he slept1  
he /oop$ d[n an' kiss$ 'im jes' l he wuz

 a baby lay9' dy> 9 de b$1 an' he'd     
h>dly let ole missis g at all4 ,i kn[$  
"s'n wuz up1 an' nex' mawn9' ,i call$   
'im e>ly befo' light1 l he tole me1 an' 
he dress$ an' come out pres'n'y jes' l  
he wuz go9' to *ur*4 ,i _h de hosses    
ready1 an' we w5t out de back way to'ds 
de riv]4 ,ez we rode along1 he said3    
',sam1 y an' ,i wuz boys tog$d]1 wa'n't 
we8'  ',yes1' sez ,i1 ',m>se ,*an1 dat  
we wuz4'  ',y h be5 we'y fai?ful to me1'
 sez he1 'an' ,i h se5 to x t y are well
 provid$ fur4 ,y want to m>ry ,judy1 ,i 
"k1 an' y'll be able to buy h] ef y want
 to4'  ,d5 he tole me he wuz go9' to    
fight a duil1 an' 9 case he %\ld git    
%ot1 he _h set me free an' giv' me nuif 
to tek ke] o' me an' my wife ez long ez 
we liv$4 ,he said he'd l me to /ay an'  
tek ke] o' ole m>/] an' ole missis ez   
long ez dey liv$1 an' he said x w\ldn'  
be v long1 he reckon$4 ,dat wuz de on'y 
"t he voice broke :5 he said dat2 an' ,i
 c\ldn' speak a wud1 my ?'oat *ok$ me s4
  ,:5 we come to de riv]1 we tu'n$ "r up

 de bank1 an' arft] rid9' 'b\t a mile or
 si* a matt]1 we /opp$ :> dey wuz a     
little cle>9' wid eld] bu%es on "o side 
an' two big gum-trees on de urr1 an' de 
sky wuz all r$1 an' de wat] d[n to'ds :>
 ! sun wuz com9' wuz jes' l de sky4     
,pres'n'y ,mr4 ,gordon he come1 wid a   
'hogany box 'b\t s big '=e 'im1 an' he  
got d[n1 an' ,m>se ,*an tole me to tek  
all de hosses an' g 'r\n' beh9e de bu%es
 :> ,i tell y 'b\t-(f to "o side2 an'   
'=e ,i got 'r\n' d>1 ole ,cun'l         
,*ahmb'l9 an' ,mr4 ,h5n9 an' ,dr4 ,call 
come rid9' f t'urr way1 to'ds ole ,cun'l
 ,*ahmb'l9's4 ,:5 dey h$ ti$ dey hosses1
 de urr g5t'm5s w5t up to :> ,mr4       
,gordon wuz1 an' arft] "s *att9' ,mr4   
,h5n9 /ep' (f 'b\t fur ez 'cross dis    
road1 or mebbe x m\t be a little furd]2 
an' d5 ,i se$ 'em ?'oo de bu%es load9'  
de pi/ils1 an' talk a little :ile2 an'  
d5 ,m>se ,*an an' ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9  
walk$ up wid de pi/ils 9 dey han's1 an' 
,m>se ,*an he /ood wid 8 face "r to'ds  
de sun4 ,i se5 x %9e on him jes' ez x   

come up ov] de l[ gr\n's1 an' he look l 
he did sometimes :5 he come out ( *ur*4 
,i wuz s ske]$ ,i c\ldn' say no?9'4 ,ole
 ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 c\ld %oot fu/ rate1   
an' ,m>se ,*an he nev] miss$4  ,d5 ,i   
be>$ ,mr4 ,gordon say1 ',g5t'm5s1 is yo'
 ready8' & b(e ( 'em sez1 ',ready1' jes'
 s4  ,an' he sez1 ',fire1 "o1 two'--an' 
ez he said '"o1' old ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9   
rais$ he pi/il an' %ot "r at ,m>se ,*an4
 ,de ball w5t ?'oo 8 hat4 ,i se5 he hat 
sort o' settle on he head ez de bullit  
hit x1 an' ,,he jes' tilt$ 8 pi/il up 9 
de a'r an' %ot-,,bang2 an' ez de pi/il  
w5t ,,bang1 he sez to ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l91 
',i mek y a pres5t to yo' fam'ly1 seh6' 
,well1 dey _h "s talk9' arft] dat4 ,i   
didn't git rightly :at x wuz2 b x 'pe>$ 
l ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he w>n't satisfi$1   
an' want$ to h anurr %ot4 ,de seconds   
dey wuz talk9'1 an' pres'n'y dey put de 
pi/ils up1 an' ,m>se ,*an an' ,mr4      
,gordon %ook han's wid ,mr4 ,h5n9 an'   
,dr4 ,call1 an' come an' got on dey     
hosses4 ,an' ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he got on 

8 hoss an' rode away wid de urr g5t'm5s1
 look9' l he did de day befo' :5 all de 
p laugh$ at 'im4  ,i b'lieve ole ,cun'l 
,*ahmb'l9 wan' to %oot ,m>se ,*an1      
anyway6  ,we come on home to breakfa/1  
,i tot9' de box wid de pi/ils befo' me  
on de roan4 ,w\ld y b'lieve me1 seh1    
,m>se ,*an he nuv] said a wud 'b\t x to 
ole m>/] or nobody4 ,ole missis didn'   
f9' out 'b\t x = mo'n a mon?1 an' d51   
,lawd6 h[ %e did cry & kiss ,m>se ,*an2 
an' ole m>/]1 aldo' he nev] say mu*1 he 
wuz jes' ez please' ez ole missis4 ,he  
call me 9 de room an' made me tole 'im  
all 'b\t x1 an' :5 ,i got ?'oo he gi' me
 five doll>s an' a py> ( bree*es4  ,b   
ole ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he nuv] did furgive
 ,m>se ,*an1 an' ,miss ,anne %e got mad 
too4 ,wimm5s is mons'u onreasonable     
noh[4 ,dey's jes' l a catfi%3 y c n' tek
 hole on 'em l udd] folks1 an' :5 y gits
 'im yo' c n' always hole 'em4  ,:at    
meks me ?9k s8 ,heaps o' ?+s--dis3 ,m>se
 ,*an he done gi' ,miss ,anne h] pa jes'
 ez good ez ,i gi' ,m>se ,*an's dawg    

sweet 'tat]s1 an' %e git mad wid 'im ez 
if he h$ kill 'im '/id o' s5'9' 'im back
 to h] dat mawn9' :ole an' s\n'4        
,b'lieve me6 %e w\ldn' ev5 speak to him 
arft] dat6  ,don' ,i 'memb] dat mawn9'6 
,we wuz gw9e fox-hunt9'1 'b\t six weeks 
or si* a matt] arft] de dull1 an' we met
 ,miss ,anne rid9' 'long wid anurr lady 
an' two g5t'm5s :> wuz /ay9' at h] h\se4
 ,dy> wuz always "s "o or nurr dy> co't+
 h]4 ,well1 dat mawn9' we meet 'em "r 9 
de road4 ',twuz de fu/ "t ,m>se ,*an _h 
see h] s5ce de duil1 an' he raises he   
hat ez he pahss1 an' %e looks "r at 'im 
wid h] head up 9 de yair l %e nuv] see  
'im befo' 9 h] born days2 an' :5 %e     
comes by me1 %e sez1 ',good-mawn9'1     
,sam6' ,gord6 ,i nuv] see nu?9' l de    
look dat come on ,m>se ,*an's face :5 %e
 pahss 'im l dat4 ,he gi' de sorrel a   
pull dat fot* 'im back sett9' d[n 9 de  
san' on he han*es4 ,he ve'y lips wuz    
:ite4 ,i tri$ to keep up wid 'im1 b     
'tw>n' no use4 ,he sont me back home    
pres'n'y1 an' he rid on4 ,i sez to      

myself1 ',cun'l ,*ahmb'l91 don' yo' meet
 ,m>se ,*an dis mawn9'4 ,he a9' b9      
look9' 'r\n' de ole s*oolh\se1 :> he an'
 ,miss ,anne use' to g to s*ool to ole  
,mr4 ,hall toge!r1 fur nuff9'4 ,he won' 
/an' no prodjick9' to-day4'  ,he nuv]   
come home dat night tell 'way late1 an' 
ef he'd be5 fox-hunt9' x mus' ha' be5 de
 ole r$ :> lives d[n 9 de gre5scum ma%es
 he'd be5 *as9'4 ,de way de sorrel wuz  
gorm$ up wid sweat an' mire sut'n'y did 
hu't me4 ,he walk$ up to de /able wid he
 head d[n all de way1 an' ,i'se se5 'im 
g eighty miles ( a w9t] day1 an' prance 
into de /able at night ez fre% ez if he 
h$ jes' cant]$ ov] to ole ,cun'l        
,*ahmb'l9's to supp]4 ,i nuv] se5 a hoss
 beat s s5ce ,i kn[$ de fetlock f de    
fo'lock1 an' bad ez he wuz he wan' ez   
bad ez ,m>se ,*an4  ,:ew6 he didn' git  
ov] dat ?+1 seh--he nuv] did git ov] x4 
,de w> come on jes' d51 an' ,m>se ,*an  
wuz elect$ cap'n2 b he w\ldn' tek x4 ,he
 said ,firg9ia hadn' sec$$1 an' he wuz  
gw9e /an' by h]4 ,d5 dey 'lect$ ,mr4    

,gordon cap'n4  ,i sut'n'y did wan'     
,m>se ,*an to tek de place1 cuz ,i kn[$ 
he wuz gw9e tek me wid 'im4 ,he wan'    
gw9e wid\t ,sam4 ,an' beside1 he look s 
po' an' ?91 ,i ?\ght he wuz gw9e die4   
,( co'se1 ole missis %e he>$ 'b\t x1 an'
 %e met ,miss ,anne 9 de road1 an' cut  
h] jes' l ,miss ,anne cut ,m>se ,*an4   
,ole missis1 %e wuz pr\d ez anybody6 ,s 
we wuz mo' /rang]s dan ef we hadn' live'
 9 a hundr$ miles ( ea* urr4 ,an' ,m>se 
,*an he wuz gitt9' ?9n] an' ?9n]1 an'   
,firg9ia %e come out1 an' d5 ,m>se ,*an 
he w5t to ,ri*mond an' li/$1 an' come   
back an' sey he wuz a private1 an' he   
didn' "k :e'r he c\ld tek me or n4 ,he  
writ to ,mr4 ,gordon1 h[s'ev]1 an' 'twuz
 'cid$ dat :5 he w5t ,i wuz to g 'long  
an' wait on him an' de cap'n too4 ,i    
didn' m9' dat1 yo' "k1 long ez ,i c\ld g
 wid ,m>se ,*an1 an' ,i l' ,mr4 ,gordon1
 anyways4  ,well1 "o night ,m>se ,*an   
come back f de (fis wid a telegram dat  
say1 ',come at once1' s he wuz to />t   
nex' mawn9'4 ,he uni=m wuz all ready1   

gray wid yall] trimm9's1 an' m9e wuz    
ready too1 an' he _h ole m>/]'s sword1  
:> de ,/ate gi' 'im 9 de ,mexik9 w>2 an'
 he trunks wuz all pack$ wid ev'ry?+ 9  
'em1 an' my *i/ 0 pack$ too1 an' ,jim   
,ra%] he druv 'em ov] to de depo' 9 de  
wagg91 an' we wuz to />t nex' mawn9'    
'b\t light4 ,dis wuz 'b\t de las' o'    
spr+1 y "k4 ,dat night ole missis made  
,m>se ,*an dress up 9 he uni=m1 an' he  
sut'n'y did look spl5did1 wid he long   
mu/a*e an' he wav9' hy> an' he tall     
figg]4  ,arft] supp] he come d[n an'    
sez3 ',sam1 ,i wan' y to tek dis note   
an' ky> x ov] to ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's1 an'
 gi' x to ,miss ,anne wid yo' own han's1
 an' br+ me wud :at %e sez4 ,don' let   
any "o "k 'b\t x1 or "k :y y've gone4'  
',yes1 seh1' sez ,i4  ,yo' see1 ,i kn[$ 
,miss ,anne's maid ov] at ole ,cun'l    
,*ahmb'l9's--dat wuz ,judy :> is my wife
 n[--an' ,i kn[$ ,i c\ld wuk x4 ,s ,i   
tuk de roan an' rid ov]1 an' ti$ 'im d[n
 de hill 9 de c$>s1 an' ,i w5' 'r\n' to 
de back y>d4 ',twuz a "r bl[y sort o'   

night2 de moon wuz jes' ris9'1 b de     
cl\ds wuz s big x didn' %9e 'cep' ?'oo a
 crack n[ an' d54 ,i soon f\n' my gal1  
an' arft] tell9' h] two or ?ree lies    
'b\t h]se'f1 ,i got h] to g 9 an' ax    
,miss ,anne to come to de d'4 ,:5 %e    
come1 ,i gi' h] de note1 an' arft] a    
little :ile %e bro't me anurr1 an' ,i   
tole h] good-bye1 an' %e gi' me a doll>1
 an' ,i come home an' gi' de lett] to   
,m>se ,*an4 ,he read x1 an' tole me to h
 de hosses ready at tw5ty m9its to      
twelve at de corn] ( de g>d54 ,an' jes' 
befo' dat he come out ez ef he wuz gw9e 
to b$1 b in/id he come1 an' we all /ruck
 out to'ds ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's4 ,:5 we   
got mos' to de gate1 de hosses got sort 
o' ske]$1 an' ,i see dey wuz "s'n or    
somebody /&9' jes' inside2 an' ,m>se    
,*an he jumpt (f de sorrel an' flung me 
de bridle an' he walk$ up4  ,%e spoke   
fu/ 7'twuz ,miss ,anne _h done come out 
dy> to meet ,m>se ,*an71 an' %e sez1    
jes' ez cold ez a *ill1 ',well1 seh1 ,i 
grant$ y\r favor4 ,i wi%$ to relieve    

myse'f ( de obligations y plac$ me "u a 
few mon?s ago1 :5 y made me a pres5t (  
my fa!r1 :om y fu/ insult$ an' !n       
prev5t$ f gitt9' satisfaction4'  ,m>se  
,*an he didn' speak fur a m9it1 an' d5  
he said3 ',:o is ) y8' ,dat wuz ev'y    
wud4  ',no "o1' sez %e2 ',i came alone4'
  ',my ,god6' sez he1 'y didn' come all 
?r\gh ^? woods by y\rse'f at ?is "t o'  
night8'  ',yes1 ,i'm n afraid1' sez %e1 
7,an' heah dis nigg]6 ,i don' b'lieve %e
 wuz47  ,de moon come out1 an' ,i cot*  
sight o' h] /an'9' dy> 9 h] :ite dress1 
wid de cloak %e _h wrapp$ h]se'f up 9   
drapp$ (f on de gr\n'1 an' %e didn' look
 l %e wuz 'fe>$ o' nu?9'4 ,%e wuz mons'u
 purty ez %e /ood dy> wid de gre5 bu%es 
beh9e h]1 an' %e h$ jes' a few fl[]s 9  
h] breas'-- "r hyah--& "s leaves 9 h]   
sorrel hy>2 an' de moon come out an' %9$
 d[n on h] hy> an' h] frock an' 'pe>$ l 
de light wuz jes' /an'9' (f x ez %e /ood
 dy> look9' at ,m>se ,*an wid h] head   
?o'd back1 jes' l dat mawn9' :5 %e pahss
 ,m>se ,*an 9 de road wid\t speak9' to  

'im1 an' sez to me1 ',good-mawn9'1      
,sam4'  ,m>se ,*an1 he d5 tole h] he h$ 
come to say good-bye to h]1 ez he wuz   
gw9e 'way to de w> nex' mawn9'4 ,i wuz  
wat*9' on h]1 an' ,i ?o't1 :5 ,m>se ,*an
 tole h] dat1 %e sort o' />t$ an' look$ 
up at 'im l %e wuz mighty sorry1 an'    
'pe>$ l %e didn' /an' q s /raight arft] 
dat4 ,d5 ,m>se ,*an he w5t on talk9' "r 
f>s' to h]2 an' he tole h] h[ he _h lov$
 h] ev] s5ce %e wuz a little bit o' baby
 mos'1 an' h[ he nuv] 'memb]$ de "t :5  
he h$n't 'spect$ to m>ry h]4 ,he tole h]
 x wuz 8 love = h] dat h$ made 'im /an' 
fu/ at s*ool an' collige1 an' h$ kep'   
'im good an' pure2 an' n[ he wuz gw9e   
'way1 w\ldn't %e let x be l 'twuz 9 ole 
times1 an' ef he come back f de w>      
w\ldn' %e try to ?9k on him ez %e use'  
to d :5 %e wuz a little guirl8  ,m>se   
,*an he _h done be5 talk9' s s]i\s1 he  
h$ done tuk ,miss ,anne's han'1 an' wuz 
look9' d[n 9 h] face l he wuz li/'n9'   
wid 8 eyes4  ,arft] a m9it ,miss ,anne  
%e said some?9'1 an' ,m>se ,*an he cot* 

h] urr han' an' sez3  ',b if y love me1 
,anne8'  ,:5 he said dat1 %e tu'n$ h]   
head 'way f 'im1 an' wait' a m9it1 an'  
d5 %e said--"r cle>3  ',b ,i don' love  
yo'4' 7,jes' dem ?'ee wuds67 ,de wuds   
fall "r sl[--l dirt falls out a spade on
 a c(f9 :5 yo's bury9' anybody1 an'     
seys1 ',u? to u?4' ,m>se ,*an he jes'   
let h] h& drap1 an' he /iddy hisse'f    
'g'in/ de gate-pos'1 an' he didn' speak 
torekly4 ,:5 he did speak1 all he sez   
wuz3  ',i mus' see y home safe4'  ,i    
'cl>1 m>/]1 ,i didn' "k 'twuz ,m>se     
,*an's voice tell ,i look at 'im "r     
good4 ,well1 %e w\ldn' let 'im g wid h]4
 ,%e jes' wrap' h] cloak 'r\n' h]       
%\ld]s1 an' w5' 'long back by h]se'f1   
wid\t do9' m'n jes' look up once at     
,m>se ,*an lean9' dyah 'g'in/ de        
gate-pos' 9 he sodg] clo's1 wid he eyes 
on de gr\n'4 ,%e said ',good-bye' sort  
o' sorf1 an' ,m>se ,*an1 wid\t look9'   
up1 %ake han's wid h]1 an' %e wuz done  
gone d[n de road4 ,soon ez %e got 'mos' 
'r\n' de curve1 ,m>se ,*an he foll[$ h]1

 keep9' "u de trees s ez n to be se51   
an' ,i l$ de hosses on d[n de road beh9e
 'im4 ,he kep' 'long beh9e h] tell %e   
wuz safe 9 de h\se1 an' d5 he come an'  
got on he hoss1 an' we all come home4   
,nex' mawn9' we all come (f to j'ine de 
army4 ,an' dey wuz a- drill9' an'       
a-drill9' all 'b\t = a :ile1 an' dey w5t
 'long wid all de res' o' de army1 an'  
,i w5t wid ,m>se ,*an an' clean he      
boots1 an' look arft] de t5t1 an' tek   
ke] o' him an' de hosses4 ,an' ,m>se    
,*an1 he wan' a bit l he use' to be4 ,he
 wuz s solumn an' moanful all de "t1 at 
leas' 'cep' :5 dyah wuz gw9e to be a    
fight4 ,d5 he'd pe>t9' up1 an' he alwuz 
rode at de head o' de company1 'cause he
 wuz tall2 an' hit wan' on'y 9 battles  
:> all 8 company wuz dat he w5t1 b he   
use' to volunte] :5ev] de cun'l want$   
anybody to f9e out any?9'1 an' 'twuz s  
dang]some he didn' l to mek "o man g no 
soon]'n anurr1 yo' "k1 an' ax'd :o'd    
volunte]4 ,he 'pe>$ to l to g pr[l9'    
ar\n' 'mong dem ,yankees1 an' he use' to

 tek me wid 'im :5ev] he c\ld4 ,yes1    
seh1 he sut'n'y waz a good sodg]6 ,he   
didn' m9e bullets no m'n he did s _m    
draps o' ra94 ,b ,i use' to be p['ful   
ske]$ sometimes4 ,x jes' use' to 'pe> l 
fun to 'im4 ,9 camp he use' to be s     
sorr]ful he'd h>dly op5 he m\f4 ,y'd 'a'
 ?o't he wuz seek9'1 he us$ to look s   
moanful2 b jes' le' 'im git into dang]1 
an' he use' to be l ole times--jolly an'
 laugh9' l :5 he wuz a boy4  ,:5 ,cap'n 
,gordon got he leg %ot (f1 dey mek ,m>se
 ,*an cap'n on de spot1 'cause "o o' de 
lieut5ants got kilt de same day1 an'    
turr "o 7nam$ ,mr4 ,ronny7 wan' no      
'c\nt1 an' de company said ,m>se ,*an   
wuz de man4  ,an' ,m>se ,*an he wuz jes'
 de same4 ,he didn' nev] m5tion ,miss   
,anne's "n1 b ,i kn[$ he wuz ?9k9' on h]
 con/ant4 ,"o night he wuz sett9' by de 
fire 9 camp1 an' ,mr4 ,ronny--he wuz de 
secon' lieut5ant--got to talk9' 'b\t    
ladies1 an' he say all sorts o' ?+s 'b\t
 'em1 an' ,i see ,m>se ,*an k9d] look9' 
mad2 an' de lieut5ant m5tion ,miss      

,anne's "n4 ,he _h be5 c\rt9' ,miss     
,anne 'b\t de "t ,m>se ,*an fit de duil 
wid h] pa1 an' ,miss ,anne h$ kick$ 'im1
 d\gh he wuz mighty ri*1 'cause he w>n' 
nu?9' b a half-/ra9]1 an' 'cause %e l   
,m>se ,*an1 ,i believe1 d\gh %e didn'   
speak to 'im2 an' ,mr4 ,ronny he got    
drunk1 an' 'cause ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 tole 
'im n to come dyah no m1 he got mighty  
mad4 ,an' dat ev59' ,i'se tell9' yo'    
'b\t1 he wuz talk9'1 an' he m5tion'     
,miss ,anne's "n4 ,i see ,m>se ,*an tu'n
 he eye 'r\n' on 'im an' keep x on he   
face1 & pres'n'y ,mr4 ,ronny said he wuz
 gw9e hev "s fun dyah yit4 ,he didn'    
m5tion h] "n dat "t2 b he said dey wuz  
all on 'em a p>ecel ( /uck-up           
'ri/icrats1 an' h] pa wan' no g5t'man   
anyway1 an'--,i don' "k :at he wuz gw9e 
say 7he nuv] said x71 fur ez he got dat 
f> ,m>se ,*an riz up an' hit 'im a      
crack1 an' he fall l he h$ be5 hit wid a
 f5ce-rail4 ,he *all5g$ ,m>se ,*an to   
fight a duil1 an' ,m>se ,*an he except$ 
de *all5ge1 an' dey wuz gw9e fight2 b "s

 on 'em tole 'im ,m>se ,*an wan' gw9e   
mek a pres5t o' him to 8 fam'ly1 an' he 
got somebody to bre'k up de duil2 'twan'
 nu?9' d\gh1 b he wuz 'fr$ to fight     
,m>se ,*an4 ,an' purty soon he lef' de  
comp'ny4  ,well1 ,i got "o o' de g5t'm5s
 to write ,judy a lett] = me1 an' ,i    
tole h] all 'b\t de fight1 an' h[ ,m>se 
,*an knock ,mr4 ,ronny ov] fur speak9'  
discontemptu\s o' ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l91 an' 
,i tole h] h[ ,m>se ,*an' wuz a-dy9' fur
 love o' ,miss ,anne4 ,an' ,judy %e gits
 ,miss ,anne to read de lett] fur h]4   
,d5 ,miss ,anne %e tells h] pa1 an'--y  
m9d1 ,judy tells me all dis arft]w>ds1  
an' %e say :5 ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 he> 'b\t 
x1 he wuz sett9' on de poa*1 an' he set 
/ill a good :ile1 an' d5 he sey to      
hisse'f3  ',well1 he e>n' he'p be9' a   
,:ig4'  ,an' d5 he gits up an' walks up 
to ,miss ,anne an' looks at h] "r h>d2  
an' ,miss ,anne %e h$ done tu'n away h] 
haid an' wuz mak9' out %e wuz fix9' a   
rosebu% 'g'in/ de poa*2 an' :5 h] pa    
kep' look9' at h]1 h] face got jes' de  

color o' de roses on de bu%1 & pres'n'y 
h] pa sez3  ',anne6'  ,an' %e tu'n$     
r\n'1 an' he sez3  ',d yo' want 'im8'   
,an' %e sez1 ',yes1' an' put h] head on 
he %\ld] an' beg9 to cry2 an' he sez3   
',well1 ,i won' /an' betwe5 yo' no      
long]4 ,write to 'im an' say s4'  ,we   
didn' "k nu?9' 'b\t dis d54 ,we wuz     
a-fight9' an' a- fight9' all dat "t2 an'
 come "o day a lett] to ,m>se ,*an1 an' 
,i see 'im />t to read x 9 8 t5t1 an' he
 face hit look s cu'i\s1 an' he han's   
trembl$ s ,i c\ldn' mek out :at wuz de  
matt] wid 'im4 ,an' he fol' de lett] up 
an' w5' out an' w5' way d[n 'h9e de     
camp1 an' /ay$ dyah 'b\t nigh an h\r4   
,well1 seh1 ,i wuz on de look\t = 'im :5
 he come back1 an'1 fo' ,gord1 ef he    
face didn' %9e l a angel's6 ,i say to   
myse'f1 ',um'm6 ef de glory o' ,gord a9'
 done %9e on 'im6' ,an' :at yo' 'spose  
'twuz8  ,he tuk me wid 'im dat ev59'1   
an' he tell me he h$ done git a lett] f 
,miss ,anne1 an' ,m>se ,*an he eyes look
 l gre't big />s1 an' he face wuz jes' l

 'twuz dat mawn9' :5 de sun riz up ov]  
de l[ gr\n'1 an' ,i see 'im /an'9' dyah 
wid de pi/il 9 he han'1 look9' at x1 an'
 n kn[9' b :at x m\t be de l>s' "t1 an' 
he done mek up he m9e n to %oot ole     
,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9 fur ,miss ,anne's sake1
 :at writ 'im de lett]4  ,he fol' de    
lett] :a' 0 9 8 han' up1 an' put x 9 he 
inside pocket--"r dy> on de lef' side2  
an' d5 he tole me he ?o't mebbe we wuz  
gw9e hev "s w>m wuk 9 de nex' two or    
?'ee days1 an' arft] dat ef ,gord spe>$ 
'im he'd git a leave o' abs5ce fur a few
 days1 an' we'd g home4  ,well1 dat     
night de ord]s come1 an' we all h$ to   
git ov] to'ds ,romney2 an' we rid all   
night till 'b\t light2 an' we halt$ "r  
on a little creek1 an' we /ay$ dyah till
 mos' breakfas' "t1 an' ,i see ,m>se    
,*an set d[n on de gr\n' 'h9e a bu% an' 
read dat lett] ov] an' ov]4 ,i wat* 'im1
 an' de battle wuz a-go9' on1 b we _h   
ord]s to /ay 'h9e de hill1 an' ev'y n[  
an' d5 de bullets w\ld cut de limbs o'  
de trees "r ov] u1 an' "o o' dem big    

%ells :at goes ',a:>--a:>--a:>6' w\ld   
fall "r 'mong u2 b ,m>se ,*an he didn'  
m9e x no mo'n nu?9'6 ,d5 x 'pe>$ to git 
clos] an' ?ick]1 & ,m>se ,*an he calls  
me1 an' ,i crep' up1 an' he sez3  ',sam1
 we'se go9' to w9 9 dis battle1 an' d5  
we'll g home an' git m>ri$2 an' ,i'se   
go9' home wid a /> on my coll>4' ,an' d5
 he sez1 ',ef ,i'm w\nd$1 ky> me home1  
yo' he>8' ,an' ,i sez1 ',yes1 ,m>se     
,*an4'  ,well1 jes' d5 dey bl[$ boots   
an' saddles1 an' we m\nt$2 an' de ord]s 
come to ride 'r\n' de slope1 an' ,m>se  
,*an's comp'ny wuz de secon'1 an' :5 we 
got 'r\n' dyah1 we wuz "r 9 x4 ,hit wuz 
de wu/ place ev] dis nigg] got 94 ,an'  
dey said1 ',*>ge 'em6' an' my k+6 ef ev]
 y see bullets fly1 dey did dat day4    
,hit wuz jes' l hail2 an' we w5' d[n de 
slope 7,i 'long wid de res'7 an' up de  
hill "r to'ds de cannons1 an' de fire   
wuz s /rong dy> 7dey h$ a :ole rigim5t  
o' inf9trys lay9' d[n dy> ond] de       
cannons7 our l9es sort o' broke an' /op2
 de cun'l 0 kilt1 an' ,i b'lieve dey wuz

 jes' 'b\t to bre'k all to pieces1 :5   
,m>se ,*an rid up an' cot* hol' de fleg 
an' holl]s1 ',foll] me6' an' rid /ra99' 
up de hill 'mong de cannons4 ,i se5 'im 
:5 he w5t1 de sorrel f\r good l5g? ahead
 o' ev'y urr hoss1 jes' l he use' to be 
9 a foxhunt1 an' de :ole rigim5t "r     
arft] 'im4 ,yo' a9' nuv] he> ?und]6 ,fu/
 ?+ ,i kn[$1 de roan roll' head ov]     
heels an' flung me up 'g'in/ de bank1 l 
yo' *uck a nubb9 ov] 'g'in/ de foot o'  
de corn pile4 ,an' dat's :at kep' me f  
be9' kilt1 ,i 'spects4 ,judy %e say %e  
?9k 'twuz ,provid5ce1 b ,i ?9k 'twuz de 
bank4 #j' co'se1 ,provid5ce put de bank 
dyah1 b h[ come ,provid5ce nuv] sav$    
,m>se ,*an8 ,:5 ,i look' 'r\n'1 de roan 
wuz lay9' dyah by me1 /one dead1 wid a  
cannon-ball gone 'mos' ?'oo him1 an' our
 m5 h$ done swep' dem on t'urr side f de
 top o' de hill4 ',twan' mo'n a m9it1 de
 sorrel come gallup9' back wid 8 mane   
fly9'1 an' de re9 hang9' d[n on "o side 
to 8 knee4 ',dy>6' says ,i1 'fo' ,gord6 
,i 'specks dey done kill ,m>se ,*an1 an'

 ,i promis$ to tek c>e on him4'  ,i     
jump$ up an' run ov] de bank1 an' dy>1  
wid a :ole lot o' dead m51 an' "s n dead
 yit1 ond] "o o' de guns wid de fleg    
/ill 9 he han'1 an' a bullet "r ?'oo he 
body1 lay ,m>se ,*an4 ,i tu'n 'im ov]   
an' call 'im1 ',m>se ,*an6' b 'twan' no 
use1 he wuz done gone home1 %o' 'nuff4  
,i pick' 'im up 9 my arms wid de fleg   
/ill 9 he han's1 an' tot$ 'im back jes' 
l ,i did dat day :5 he wuz a baby1 an'  
ole m>/] g9 'im to me 9 my arms1 an' sez
 he c\ld trus' me1 an' tell me to tek   
ke] on 'im long ez he liv$4 ,i ky>'d 'im
 'way (f de battlefiel' out de way o' de
 balls1 an' ,i laid 'im d[n ond] a big  
tree till ,i c\ld git somebody to ket*  
de sorrel = me4 ,he wuz cot*$ arft] a   
:ile1 an' ,i h$ "s money1 s ,i got "s   
p9e plank an' made a c(f9 dat ev59'1 an'
 wrapt ,m>se ,*an's body up 9 de fleg1  
an' put 'im 9 de c(f92 b ,i didn' nail  
de top on /rong1 'cause ,i kn[$ ole     
missis wan' see 'im2 an' ,i got a'      
ambulance an' set out = home dat night4 

,we rea*$ dy> de nex' eve9'1 arft]      
travell9' all dat night an' all nex'    
day4  ,hit 'pe>$ l some?9' h$ tole ole  
missis we wuz com9' s2 = :5 we got home 
%e wuz wait9' = u--done dre/ up 9 h] be/
 ,sunday clo'es1 an' /an'n' at de head  
o' de big /eps1 an' ole m>/] sett9' 9 8 
big *e]--ez we druv up de hill to'ds de 
h\se1 ,i driv9' de ambulance an' de     
sorrel lead9' 'long beh9e wid de /irrups
 cro/ ov] de saddle4  ,%e come d[n to de
 gate to meet u4 ,we took de c(f9 out de
 ambulance an' ky>'d x "r into de big   
p>lor wid de pictures 9 x1 :> dey use'  
to dance 9 ole times :5 ,m>se ,*an wuz a
 s*oolboy1 an' ,miss ,anne ,*ahmb'l9    
use' to come ov]1 an' g wid ole missis  
into h] *>mb] an' tek h] ?+s (f4 ,9 dy> 
we laid de c(f9 on two o' de *e]s1 an'  
ole missis nuv] said a wud2 %e jes'     
look$ s ole an' :ite4  ,:5 ,i _h tell   
'em all 'b\t x1 ,i tu'n$ "r 'r\n' an'   
rid ov] to ,cun'l ,*ahmb'l9's1 'cause ,i
 kn[$ dat wuz :at ,m>se ,*an he'd 'a'   
want$ me to d4 ,i didn' tell nobody :>  

,i wuz gw9e1 'cause yo' "k none on 'em  
hadn' nuv] speak to ,miss ,anne1 n s5ce 
de duil1 an' dey didn' "k 'b\t de lett]4
  ,:5 ,i rid up 9 de y>d1 dy> wuz ,miss 
,anne a-/an'9' on de poa* wat*9' me ez  
,i rid up4 ,i ti$ my hoss to de f5ce1   
an' walk$ up de p>f4 ,%e kn[$ by de way 
,i walk$ dy> wuz some?9' de mott]1 an'  
%e wuz mighty pale4 ,i drapt my cap d[n 
on de e5' o' de /eps an' w5t up4 ,%e    
nuv] op5$ h] m\f2 jes' /an' "r /ill an' 
keep h] eyes on my face4 ,fu/1 ,i c\ldn'
 speak2 d5 ,i cot* my voice1 an' ,i say1
 ',m>se ,*an1 he done got he furl\gh4'  
,h] face 0 mighty a%y1 an' %e sort o'   
%ook1 b %e didn' fall4 ,%e tu'n$ 'r\n'  
an' said1 ',git me de k]'ige6' ,dat wuz 
all4  ,:5 de k]'ige come 'r\n'1 %e h$   
put on h] bonnet1 an' wuz ready4 ,ez %e 
got 91 %e sey to me1 ',hev yo' br\ght   
him home8' an' we drove 'long1 ,i rid9' 
beh9e4  ,:5 we got home1 %e got out1 an'
 walk$ up de big walk--up to de poa* by 
h]se'f4 ,ole missis h$ done f9' de lett]
 9 ,m>se ,*an's pocket1 wid de love 9 x1

 :ile ,i wuz 'way1 an' %e wuz a- wait9' 
on de poa*4 ,dey sey dat wuz de fu/ "t  
ole missis cry :5 %e f9d de lett]1 an'  
dat %e sut'n'y did cry ov] x1 p9t$ly4   
,well1 seh1 ,miss ,anne %e walks "r up  
de /eps1 mos' up to ole missis /an'9'   
dy> on de poa*1 an' jes' falls "r d[n   
mos' to h]1 on h] knees fu/1 an' d5 flat
 on h] face "r on de flo'1 ket*9' at ole
 missis' dress wid h] two han's--s4     
,ole missis /ood = 'b\t a m9it look9'   
d[n at h]1 an' d5 %e drapt d[n on de    
flo' by h]1 an' took h] 9 b(e h] arms4  
,i c\ldn' see1 ,i wuz cry9' s myse'f1   
an' ev'ybody wuz cry9'4 ,b dey w5t 9    
arft] a :ile 9 de p>lor1 an' %et de d'2 
an' ,i heahd 'em say1 ,miss ,anne %e tuk
 de c(f9 9 h] arms an' kiss$ x1 an'     
kiss$ ,m>se ,*an1 an' call 'im by 8 "n1 
an' h] d>l9'1 an' ole missis lef' h]    
cry9' 9 dy> tell "s on 'em w5t 91 an'   
f\nd h] done fa9t on de flo'4  ,judy    
7%e's my wife7 %e tell me %e heah ,miss 
,anne :5 %e ax$ ole missis m\t %e we>   
mo'n9' fur 'im4 ,i don' "k h[ dat is2 b 

:5 we buri$ 'im nex' day1 %e wuz de "o  
:> walk$ arft] de c(f91 hold9' ole m>/]1
 an' ole missis %e walk$ next to 'em4   
,well1 we buri$ ,m>se ,*an dy> 9 de ole 
grabey>d1 wid de fleg wrapp$ r\n' 'im1  
an' he face look9' l x did dat mawn9'   
d[n 9 de l[ gr\n's1 wid de new sun %99' 
on x s peaceful4  ,miss ,anne %e nuv]   
w5t home to /ay arft] dat2 %e /ay wid   
ole m>/] an' ole missis ez long ez dey  
liv$4 ,dat w>n' s mighty long1 'cause   
ole m>/] he di$ dat fall1 :5 dey wuz    
fall]9' fur :eat--,i _h jes' m>ri$ ,judy
 d5--an' ole missis %e w>n' long beh9e  
him4 ,we buri$ h] by him next summ]4    
,miss ,anne %e w5t 9 de hospitals       
toreckly arft] ole missis di$2 an' jes' 
fo' ,ri*mond fell %e come home sick wid 
de fev]4 ,yo' nuv] w\ld 'a' kn[$ h] fur 
de same ole ,miss ,anne4 ,%e wuz light  
ez a piece o' pe?1 an' s :ite1 'cep' h] 
eyes an' h] sorrel hy>1 an' %e kep' on  
gitt9' :it] an' weak]4 ,judy %e sut'n'y 
did nuss h] fai?ful4 ,b %e nuv] got no  
bett]m5t6 ,de fev] an' ,m>se ,*an's be9'

 kilt h$ done /ra9 h]1 an' %e di$ jes'  
fo' de folks wuz sot free4  ,s we buri$ 
,miss ,anne "r by ,m>se ,*an1 9 a place 
:> ole missis h$ tole u to leave1 an'   
dey's b(e on 'em sleep side by side ov] 
9 de ole grabey>d at home4  ,an' w yo'  
please tell me1 m>/]8 ,dey tells me dat 
de ,bible sey dy> won' be m>ry9' nor    
giv9' 9 m>riage 9 heav51 b ,i don'      
b'lieve x signifies dat--does y8  ,i    
gave him ! com=t ( my e>ne/ belief 9 "s 
o!r int]pretation1 toge!r ) sev]al sp>e 
eighte5-p5ces1 z he call$ !m1 = :i* he  
seem$ humbly grateful4 ,& z ,i rode away
 ,i he>d him call+ across ! f5ce to 8   
wife1 :o 0 /&+ 9 ! door ( a small       
:itewa%$ cab91 ne> :i* we _h be5 /&+ =  
"s "t3  ,judy1 h ,m>se ,*an's dawg got  
home8       ,,posson ,,jone  ,,by       
,,george ,w4 ,,cable  ,bliss ,p]ry      
m5tions ?is /ory z "o t pres5ts p &     
ev5ts & circum/ances1 bl5d$ into an     
arti/ic :ole t defies analysis4 ,x      
illu/rates dramatic incid5t1 local      
color1 & complex "* analysis4           

,,posson ,,jone'  ,footnote3 ,f ,old    
,creole ,days1 by ,george ,w4 ,cable4   
,copyright1 #ahij1 by ,*>les ,scribn]'s 
,sons4   ,to ,jules ,/4-,ange--elegant  
little hea!n--!re yet rema9$ at manhood 
a remembrance ( hav+ be5 to s*ool1 & (  
hav+ be5 taught by a /ony-head$ ,capu*9 
t ! _w is r\nd--= example1 l a *eese4   
,?is r\nd _w is a *eese to be eat5      
?r\gh1 & ,jules _h nibbl$ q into 8      
*eese-_w already at tw5ty-two4  ,he     
realiz$ ?is z he idl$ ab\t "o ,sunday   
morn+ :]e ! int]section ( ,royal &      
,conti /reets "s sev5ty ye>s ago =m$ a  
c5tral corn] ( ,new ,orleans4 ,yes1 yes1
 ! tr\ble 0 he _h be5 wa/eful & hone/4  
,he discuss$ ! matt] ) t fai?ful fri5d &
 confidant1 ,bapti/e1 8 yell[           
body-s]vant4 ,!y conclud$ t1 papa's     
pati5ce & tante's p9 money hav+ be5     
gnaw$ away q to ! r9d1 !re 7 left op5   
only ^! few easily enum]at$ resorts3 to 
g to "w--!y %udd]$2 to jo9 ,major       
,inn]>ity's filibu/]+ exp$ition2 or     
else--:y n8--to try "s games (          

confid5ce4 ,at tw5ty-two "o mu/ beg9 to 
be some?+4 ,no?+ else tempt$2 c\ld t    
avail8 ,"o c\ld b try4 ,x is noble to   
try2 &1 besides1 !y 7 hungry4 ,if "o    
c\ld make ! fri5d%ip ( "s p]son f !     
c\ntry1 = in/ance1 ) money1 n exp]t at  
c>ds or dice1 b1 z "o w\ld say1 will+ to
 le>n1 "o might f9d cause to say "s     
,hail ,m>ys4  ,! sun broke ?r\gh a cle>+
 sky1 & ,bapti/e pron\nc$ x good = luck4
 ,!re _h be5 a hurricane 9 ! night4 ,!  
we$- gr[n tile-ro(s 7 /ill dripp+1 & f  
l(ty brick & l[ adobe walls a ris+ /eam 
respond$ to ! summ] sunlight4 ,up/reet1 
& across ! ,rue du ,canal1 "o c\ld get  
glimpses ( ! g>d5s 9 ,faub\rg ,/e4-,m>ie
 /&+ 9 sil5t wret*$ness1 s _m te>ful    
,lucretias1 tatt]$ victims ( ! /orm4    
,%ort remnants ( ! w9d n[ & !n came d[n 
! n>r[ /reet 9 erratic puffs heavily    
lad5 ) odors ( brok5 b\ghs & torn fl[]s1
 skimm$ ! little pools ( ra9-wat] 9 !   
deep ruts ( ! unpav$ /reet1 & sudd5ly   
w5t away to no?+1 l a juggl]'s          
butt]flies or a "y man's money4  ,x 0 v 

picturesque1 ! ,rue ,royale4 ,! ri* &   
poor met toge!r4 ,! locksmi?'s sw++ key 
creak$ next door to ! bank2 across !    
way1 cr\*+1 m5dicant-l1 9 ! %ad[ ( a    
great import+-h\se1 0 ! mud laboratory (
 ! m5d] ( brok5 combs4 ,light balconies 
ov]hung ! r[s ( %[y %ops & /ores op5 =  
trade ?is ,sunday morn+1 & pretty ,lat9 
faces ( ! high] class glanc$ ov] _!     
savagely prong$ rail+s ^u ! pass]s bel[4
 ,at "s w9d[s hung lace curta9s1 flannel
 duds at "s1 & at o!rs only ! scrap+ &  
sigh+ "o-h+$ %utt] groan+ t[>d ,p>is    
aft] its neglectful ma/]4  ,m4 ,/4-,ange
 /ood look+ up & d[n ! /reet = ne>ly an 
h\r4 ,b few ladies1 only ! invet]ate    
mass-go]s1 7 out4 ,ab\t ! entrance ( !  
frequ5t cafes ! mascul9e g5tility /ood  
lean+ on canes1 ) :i* n[ "o & n[ ano!r  
beckon$ to ,jules1 "s ev5 add+          
pantomimic h9ts ( ! social cup4  ,m4    
,/4-,ange rem>k$ to 8 s]vant )\t turn+ 8
 head t someh[ he felt sure he %\ld soon
 return ^? bons t ! mulatto _h l5t him4 
,:at w y d ) !m8  ,me6 said ,bapti/e1   

quickly2 ,i w g & see ! bull-fight 9 !  
,place ,congo4  ,!re is to be a         
bull-fight8 ,b :]e is ,m4 ,cayetano8    
,ah1 got all 8 affairs wet 9 ! tornado4 
,in/ead ( 8 circus1 !y are to h a       
bull-fight--n an ord9>y bull-fight )    
sick horses1 b a buffalo-&-tig] fight4  
,i w\ld n miss x--  ,two or ?ree p]sons 
ran to ! opposite corn]1 & comm5c$ /rik+
 at some?+ ) _! canes4 ,o!rs foll[$4 ,c 
,m4 ,/4-,ange & s]vant1 :o ha/5 =w>d--c 
! ,creoles1 ,cubans1 ,spani>ds1 ,san    
,dom+o refugees1 & o!r l\ng]s--c !y hope
 x is a fight8 ,!y hurry =w>d4 ,is a man
 9 a fit8 ,! cr[d p\rs 9 f !            
side-/reets4 ,h !y kill$ a s-long snake8
 ,b>ehead$ %opm5 leave _! wives1 :o /&  
^u *airs4 ,! cr[d huddles & packs4 ,^?  
on ! outside make little leaps into !   
air1 try+ to be tall4  ,:at is ! matt]8 
,h !y caught a real live rat8  ,:o is   
hurt8 asks "s "o 9 ,engli%4  ,p]sonne1  
replies a %opkeep]2 a man's hat bl[' 9 !
 gutt]2 b he has x n[4 ,jules pick' x4  
,see1 t is ! man1 head & %\ld]s on top !

 res'4  ,he 9 ! homespun8 asks a second 
%opkeep]4 ,humph6 an ,am]ica9--a        
,we/-,floridian2 bah6  ,b wait2 '/6 he  
is speak+2 li/56  ,to :o is he speak--8 
,%-%-%6 to ,jules4  ,jules :o8  ,sil5ce1
 y6 ,to ,jules ,/4-,ange1 :at h[e me a  
bill s9ce long "t4 ,%-%-%6  ,!n ! voice 
0 he>d4  ,its own] 0 a man ( giant      
/ature1 ) a slight /oop 9 8 %\ld]s1 z if
 he 0 mak+ a con/ant1 good-natur$       
attempt to accommodate himself to ord9>y
 doors & ceil+s4 ,8 bones 7 ^? ( an ox4 
,8 face 0 m>k$ m by wea!r ?an age1 & 8  
n>r[ br[ 0 bald & smoo?4 ,he _h         
in/antane\sly =m$ an op9ion ( ,jules    
,/4-,ange1 & ! multitude ( words1 mo/ ( 
!m l+ual curiosities1 ) :i* he 0 rasp+ !
 wide-op5 e>s ( 8 li/5]s1 signifi$1 9   
%ort1 t1 z sure z 8 "n 0 ,p>son ,jones1 
! little ,creole 0 a plum g5tleman4  ,m4
 ,/4-,ange b[$ & smil$1 & 0 ab\t to call
 att5tion1 by bo? ge/ure & spee*1 to a  
s+ul> object on top ( ! /ill uncov]$    
head1 :5 ! n]v\s motion ( ! ,am]ica9    
anticipat$ him1 z1 ?r[+ up an imm5se h&1

 he drew d[n a l>ge roll ( bank-notes4  
,! cr[d laugh$1 ! ,we/-,floridian jo9+1 
& began to disp]se4  ,:y1 t money       
belongs to ,smyrny ,*ur*1 said ! giant4 
,y are v d5g]\s to make y\r money expose
 l t1 ,mi/y ,posson ,jone'1 said        
,/4-,ange1 c\nt+ x ) 8 eyes4  ,!        
c\ntryman gave a />t & smile ( surprise4
  ,h[ d'dy\ "k my "n 0 ,jones8 he ask$2 
b1 )\t paus+ = ! ,creole's answ]1       
furni%$ 9 8 reckless way "s fur!r       
specim5s ( ,we/-,floridian ,engli%2 & ! 
concis5ess ) :i* he pres5t$ full        
intellig5ce ( 8 home1 family1 call+1    
lodg+-h\se1 & pres5t & future plans1    
might h pass$ = consummate art1 _h x n  
be5 ! mo/ run-wild nature4 ,& ,i've done
 be5 to ,mobile1 y "k1 on busi,n,e,s,s =
 ,be!sdy ,*ur*4 ,x's ! on'ye/ "t ,i ev] 
be5 f home2 n[ y w\ldn't ( believ$ t1   
w\ld y8 ,b ,i admire to h saw y1 t's s4 
,y've got to come & eat ) me4 ,me & my  
boy a9't be5 f$ yit4 ,:at might "o call 
yo' "n8 ,jools8 ,come on1 ,jools4 ,come 
on1 ,colossus4 ,t's my niggah-- 8 "n's  

,colossus ( ,rhodes4 ,is t yo' yallah   
boy1 ,jools6 ,fet* him along1 ,colossus4
 ,x seems l a special provi,d,e,n,c,e4- 
,jools1 d y believe 9 a special         
provi,d,e,n,c,e8  ,jules said he did4   
,! new-made fri5ds mov$ briskly (f1     
foll[$ by ,bapti/e & a %ort1 squ>e1 old 
negro1 v black & grotesque1 :o _h       
introduc$ himself to ! mulatto1 ) _m    
glitt]+ & cav]n\s smiles1 z             
d'body-s>vant ( d',rev'n' ,mr4 ,jones4  
,bo? pairs enliv5$ _! walk )            
conv]sation4 ,p>son ,jones descant$ ^u !
 doctr9e he _h m5tion$1 z illu/rat$ 9 ! 
p]plexities ( cotton-gr[+1 & conclud$ t 
!re w\ld always be a special            
provi,d,e,n,c,e aga9' cotton untell     
folks quits a-press9' ( x & haul9' ( x  
on ,sundays6  ,je dis1 said ,/4-,ange1 9
 response1 ,i ?+ y is juz "r4 ,i        
believe1 me1 /rong-/rong 9 !            
improvid5ce1 yes4 ,y "k my papa he h[n a
 sugah-plantation1 y "k4 ',jules1 me    
son1' he say "o "t to me1 ',i go9' to   
make "o b>il sugah to f$ge ! moze high  

price 9 ,new ,orleans4' ,well1 he take 8
 bez b>il sugah--,i nevah see a s c>eful
 man l me papa always to make a s       
beautiful sugah et sirop4 ',jules1 g at 
,fa!r ,pi]re an' g$ ?is lill pit*] fill 
) holy-wat]1 an' tell him s5' 8 t9      
bucket1 & ,i w make x fill ) quitte4' ,i
 g$ ! holy- wat]2 my papa spr9kle x ov] 
! b>il1 an' make "o cross on ! 'ead ( ! 
b>il4  ,:y1 ,jools1 said ,p>son ,jones1 
t didn't d no good4  ,d9 d no good6 ,id 
br\ghd ! s great value6 ,y c /rike me   
dead if ?ad b>il sugah d9 f$ge ! m high 
co/ ?an any o!r 9 ! city4 ,p>ce-que1 !  
man :at buy t b>il sugah he make a      
mi/ake ( "o hundr$ p\nd --fall+         
back--,mais c]ta9lee6'  ,& y ?9k t 0    
gr[9' out ( ! holy-wat]8 ask$ ! p>son4  
,mais1 :at c\ld make x else8 ,id c\ld n 
be ! quitte1 because my papa keep !     
bucket1 an' =get to s5' ! quitte to     
,fa!r ,pi]re4  ,p>son ,jones 0          
disappo9t$4  ,well1 n[1 ,jools1 y "k1 ,i
 don't ?9k t 0 "r4 ,i reckon y mu/ be a 
plum ,ca?olic4  ,m4 ,/4-,ange %rugg$4   

,he w\ld n d5y 8 fai?4  ,i am a         
,ca?olique1 mais--bright5+ z he hop$ to 
recomm5d himself anew--n a good "o4     
,well1 y "k1 said ,jones--:]e's         
,colossus8 ,oh6 all "r4 ,colossus /ray$ 
(f a m9ute 9 ,mobile1 & ,i plum lo/ him 
= two days4 ,"h's ! place2 come 94      
,colossus & ?is boy c g to !            
kit*54--,n[1 ,colossus1 :at ,,air y     
a-beckon9' at me faw8  ,he let 8 s]vant 
draw him aside & address him 9 a :isp]4 
,oh1 g 'way6 said ! p>son ) a j]k4 ,:o's
 go9' to ?r[ me8 ,:at8 ,speak l\d]4 ,:y1
 ,colossus1 y %ayn't talk s1 saw4 ',pon 
my s\l1 y're ! mightie/ fool ,i ev] tak5
 up )4 ,je/ y g d[n t alley-way ) ?is   
yalla boy1 & don't %[ yo' face untell   
yo' call$6  ,! negro begg$2 ! ma/]      
wra?ily insi/$4  ,colossus1 w y d ez ,i 
tell y1 or %ell ,i hev to /rike y1 saw8 
,o ,mahs ,jimmy1 ,i--,i's gw9e2 b--he   
v5tur$ ne>]--don't on no acc\nt dr9k    
no?9'1 ,mahs ,jimmy4  ,su* 0 ! negro's  
e>ne/ness t he put "o foot 9 ! gutt]1 & 
fell heavily aga9/ 8 ma/]4 ,! p>son ?rew

 him (f angrily4  ,?>1 n[6 ,:y1         
,colossus1 y mo/ ( be5 do/$ ) sum?9'2   
yo' plum crazy4--,humph1 come on1       
,jools1 let's eat6 ,humph6 to tell me t 
:5 ,i nev] tak5 a drop1 except9' =      
*ills1 9 my life--:i* he kn[s s z well z
 me6  ,! two ma/]s began to asc5d a     
/air4  ,mais1 he is a sassy2 ,i w\ld    
sell him1 me1 said ! "y ,creole4  ,no1  
,i w\ldn't d t1 repli$ ! p>son2 ?\gh !re
 is p 9 ,be!sdy :o says he is a rascal4 
,he's a p[]ful sm>t fool4 ,:y1 t boy's  
got money1 ,jools2 m money ?an religion1
 ,i reckon4 ,i'm %ore he fall5 into     
mighty bad company--!y pass$ beyond     
e>%ot4  ,bapti/e & ,colossus1 in/ead (  
go+ to ! tav]n kit*51 pass$ to ! next   
door & ent]$ ! d>k re> corn] ( a l[     
groc]y1 :]e1 ! law not)/&+1 liquor 0    
cov]tly sold to slaves4 ,!re1 9 ! quiet 
company ( ,bapti/e & ! groc]1 !         
colloquial p[]s ( ,colossus1 :i* 7      
simply prodigi\s1 began v soon to %[    
!mselves4  ,= :il/1 said he1 ,mahs      
,jimmy has eddication1 y "k-- :il/ he   

has eddication1 ,i has 'scretion4 ,he   
has eddication & ,i has 'scretion1 an' s
 we gits along4  ,he drew a black bottle
 d[n ! c\nt]1 &1 lay+ half 8 l5g? ^u !  
damp bo>d1 cont9u$3  ,z a p'inciple ,i  
discr$its de imbim9' ( awjus liquors4   
,de imbim9' ( awjus liquors1 de         
wiolution ( de ,sabbaf1 de play9' ( de  
fiddle1 & de us9' ( by-words1 dey is de 
fo' s9s ( de consci5ce2 an' if any man  
s9 de fo' s9s ( de consci5ce1 de debble 
done %>p 8 =k fo' dat man4--,a9't t s1  
boss8  ,! groc] 0 sure x 0 s4           
,neb]deless1 m9d y--"h ! orator brimm$ 8
 glass f ! bottle & swall[$ ! cont5ts ) 
a dry eye--m9d y1 a royti\s man1 se* z  
m9i/]s ( de gospel & d]e body- s>vants1 
c take a ,,leetle = de weak /oma*4  ,b !
 fasc9ations ( ,colossus's eloqu5ce mu/ 
n mislead u2 ?is is ! /ory ( a true     
,*ri/ian2 to wit1 ,p>son ,jones4  ,!    
p>son & 8 new fri5d ate4 ,b ! c(fee ,m4 
,/4-,ange decl>$ he c\ld n t\*2 x 0 too 
wret*$ly bad4 ,at ! ,fr5* ,m>ket1 ne>   
by1 !re 0 "s noble c(fee4 ,?is1 h[ev]1  

w\ld h to be b\ght1 & ,p>son ,jones _h  
scruples4  ,y see1 ,jools1 e man has 8  
consci5ce to guide him1 :i* x does s 9--
  ,oh1 yes6 cri$ ,/4-,ange1 consci5'2   
?ad is ! bez1 ,posson ,jone'4 ,c]ta9lee6
 ,i am a ,,ca?olique1 y is a            
,,s*ismatique2 y ?+ x is wrong to dr+ "s
 c(fee--well1 !n1 x ,,is wrong2 y ?+ x  
is wrong to make ! sugah to g$ ! s l>ge 
price --well1 !n1 x ,,is wrong2 ,i ?+ x 
is "r--well1 !n1 x ,,is "r2 x is all    
'abit2 c'e/ t\t4 ,:at a man ?+ is "r1   
,,is ,,"r2 'tis all 'abit4 ,a man muz   
nod g aga9' 8 consci5'4 ,my fai?6 d y ?+
 ,i w\ld g aga9' my consci5'8 ,mais     
allons1 l$ u g & g$ "s c(fee4  ,jools4  
,wat8  ,jools1 x a9't ! dr9k9' ( c(fee1 
b ! buy9' ( x on a ,sabba?4 ,y mu/      
really excuse me1 ,jools x's aga9'      
consci5ce1 y "k4  ,ah6 said ,/4-,ange1  
c'e/ v true4 ,= y x w\ld be a s91 mais =
 me x is only 'abit4 ,rilligion is a v  
/range2 ,i "k a man "o "t1 he ?+ x 0    
wrong to g to cock-fight ,sunday ev5+4  
,i ?+ x is all 'abit4 ,mais1 come1      

,posson ,jone'2 ,i h got "o fri5d1      
,miguel2 l$ u g at 8 h\se & g$ "s c(fee4
 ,come2 ,miguel h no familie2 only him &
 ,joe--always l to see fri5d2 allons1 l$
 u come yond]4  ,:y1 ,jools1 my de>     
fri5d1 y "k1 said ! %amefac$ p>son1 ,i  
nev] visit on ,sundays4  ,nev] w'at8    
ask$ ! a/\nd$ ,creole4  ,no1 said       
,jones1 smil+ awkw>dly4  ,nev] visite8  
,except9' sometimes among/ *ur*-memb]s1 
said ,p>son ,jones4  ,mais1 said !      
s$uctive ,/4-,ange1 ,miguel & ,joe is   
*ur*- memb]'--c]ta9lee6 ,!y love to talk
 ab\t rilligion4 ,come at ,miguel & talk
 ab\t "s rilligion4 ,i am ne>ly expire =
 me c(fee4  ,p>son ,jones took 8 hat f  
b5ea? 8 *air & rose up4  ,jools1 said ! 
weak giant1 ,i ought to be 9 *ur* "r n[4
  ,mais1 ! *ur* is "r yond] at ,miguel'1
 yes4 ,ah6 cont9u$ ,/4-,ange1 z !y      
desc5d$ ! /airs1 ,i ?+ e man muz h !    
rilligion he l' ! bez--me1 ,i l !       
,ca?olique rilligion ! bez-= me x ,,is !
 bez4 ,e man w sure g to heav5 if he l 8
 rilligion ! bez4  ,jools1 said !       

,we/-,floridian1 lay+ 8 great h& t5d]ly 
^u ! ,creole's %\ld]1 z !y /epp$ out ^u 
! banquette1 d y ?9k y h any %ore hopes 
( heav58  ,yass6 repli$ ,/4-,ange2 ,i am
 sure-sure4 ,i ?+ ev]ybody w g to heav54
 ,i ?+ y w g1 et ,i ?+ ,miguel w g1 et  
,joe--ev]ybody1 ,i ?+--mais1 h( c\rse1 n
 if !y n h be5 *ri/5'4 ,ev5 ,i ?+ "s    
nigg]s w g4  ,jools1 said ! p>son1 /opp+
 9 8 walk--,jools1 ,i ,,don',t want to  
lose my niggah4  ,y w n loose him4 ,)   
,bapti/e he ,,_c g$ loose4  ,b          
,colossus's ma/] 0 n reassur$4  ,n[1    
said he1 /ill t>ry+1 ?is is je/ ! way2  
_h ,i ( gone to *ur*--  ,posson ,jone'1 
said ,jules4  ,:at8  ,i tell y4 ,we go9'
 to *ur*6  ,w y8 ask$ ,jones1 joy\sly4  
,allons1 come along1 said ,jules1 tak+ 8
 elb[4  ,!y walk$ d[n ! ,rue ,*>tres1   
pass$ sev]al corn]s1 & by & by turn$    
into a cross /reet4 ,! p>son /opp$ an   
in/ant z !y 7 turn+ & look$ back up !   
/reet4  ,w'at y look9'8 ask$ 8          
companion4  ,i ?\ght ,i saw ,colossus1  
answ]$ ! p>son1 ) an anxi\s face2 ,i    

reckon 'twa'n't him1 ?\gh4 ,& !y w5t on4
  ,! /reet !y n[ ent]$ 0 a v quiet "o4  
,! eye ( any *ance pass] w\ld h be5 at  
once drawn to a broad1 heavy1 :ite brick
 edifice on ! l[] side ( ! way1 ) a     
flag-pole /&+ out l a b[sprit f "o ( its
 great w9d[s1 & a pair ( lamps hang+    
be=e a l>ge clos$ entrance4 ,x 0 a      
!atre1 honey-comb$ ) gambl+-d5s4 ,at ?is
 morn+ h\r all 0 /ill1 & ! only sign (  
life 0 a knot ( little b>efoot girls    
ga!r$ )9 its n>r[ %ade1 & ea* c>ry+ an  
infant relative4 ,into ?is place ! p>son
 & ,m4 ,/4-,ange ent]$1 ! little nurses 
jump+ up f ! sills to let !m pass 94  ,a
 half-h\r may h pass$4 ,at ! end ( t "t 
! :ole juv5ile company 7 lay+ alt]nate  
eyes & e>s to ! *9ks1 to ga!r :at !y    
c\ld ( an int]e/+ qu>rel go+ on )94  ,i 
did n1 saw6 ,i giv5 y no cause ( (f5ce1 
saw6 ,x's n s1 saw6 ,mi/] ,jools simply 
mi/ak5 ! h\se1 ?9k9' x 0 a              
,sabba?-s*ool6 ,no su* ?+1 saw2 ,i      
,,a9',t b\nd to bet6 ,yes1 ,i k9 git    
out4 ,yes1 )\t bett9'6 ,i hev a "r to my

 op9ion2 ,i reckon ,i'm a ,,:ite ,,man1 
saw6 ,no1 saw6 ,i on'y said ,i didn't   
?9k y c\ld get ! game on !m c>ds4 ',sno 
su* ?+1 saw6 ,i d ,,n "k h[ to play6 ,i 
w\ldn't hev a rascal's money ef ,i %\ld 
w9 x6 ,%oot1 ef y d>e6 ,y c kill me1 b y
 cayn't sc>e me6 ,no1 ,i %ayn't bet6    
,i'll die fir/6 ,yes1 saw2 ,mr4 ,jools c
 bet = me if he admires to2 ,i a9't 8   
mo/ah4  ,"h ! speak] seem$ to direct 8  
words to ,/4-,ange4  ,saw1 ,i don't     
und]/& y1 saw4 ,i nev] said ,i'd loan y 
money to bet = me4 ,i didn't suspicion  
?is f y1 saw4 ,no1 ,i won't take any m  
lemonade2 x's ! mo/ notori\s /uff ,i ev]
 drank1 saw6  ,m4 ,/4-,ange's replies 7 
9 falsetto & n )\t effect2 = pres5tly ! 
p>son's indignation & ang] began to     
melt4 ,don't ask me1 ,jools1 ,i c't help
 y4 ,x's no use2 x's a matt] ( consci5ce
 ) me1 ,jools4  ,mais oui6 'tis a matt' 
( consci5' wid me1 ! same4  ,b1 ,jools1 
! money's none o' m9e1 noh[2 x belongs  
to ,smyrny1 y "k4  ,if ,i c\ld make jus'
 ,,"o bet1 said ! p]suasive ,/4-,ange1  

,i w\ld leave ?is place1 fas'-fas'1 yes4
 ,if ,i _h ?+--mais ,i did n s\pspicion 
?is f y1 ,posson ,jone'---  ,don't1     
,jools1 don't6  ,no6 ,posson ,jone'4    
,y're b\nd to w98 said ! p>son1 wav]+4  
,mais c]ta9em5t6 ,b x is n to w9 t ,i   
want2 'tis me consci5'--me honor6       
,well1 ,jools1 ,i hope ,i'm n a-do9' no 
wrong4 ,i'll loan y "s ( ?is money if y 
say y'll come "r out '?\t tak9' y\r     
w9n9's4  ,all 0 /ill4 ,! peep+ *ildr5   
c\ld see ! p>son z he lift$ 8 h& to 8   
brea/-pocket4 ,!re x paus$ a mom5t 9    
bewild]m5t1 !n plung$ to ! bottom4 ,x   
came back empty1 & fell lifelessly at 8 
side4 ,8 head dropp$ ^u 8 brea/1 8 eyes 
7 = a mom5t clos$1 8 broad palms 7 lift$
 & press$ aga9/ 8 =ehead1 a tremor seiz$
 him1 & he fell all 9 a lump to ! floor4
 ,! *ildr5 ran (f ) _! infant- loads1   
leav+ ,jules ,/4-,ange swe>+ by all 8   
deceas$ relatives1 fir/ to ,miguel &    
,joe1 & !n to ! lift$ p>son1 t he did n 
"k :at _h become ( ! money except if !  
black man _h got x4  ,9 ! re> ( anci5t  

,new ,orleans1 beyond ! sites ( ! old   
ramp>t1 a trio ( ,spani% =ts1 :]e ! t[n 
has s9ce sprung up & gr[n old1 gre5 )   
all ! luxuriance ( ! wild ,creole summ]1
 lay ! ,congo ,pla9s4 ,"h /ret*$ !      
canvas ( ! hi/oric ,cayetano1 :o ,sunday
 aft] ,sunday s[$ ! sawdu/ = 8          
circus-r+4  ,b to-day ! great %[man _h  
fall5 %ort ( 8 pr9t$ promise4 ,!        
hurricane _h come by night1 & ) "o fell 
swa% _h made an irretrievable sop (     
ev]y?+4 ,! circus trail$ away its       
b$raggl$ magnific5ce1 & ! r+ 0 cle>$ = !
 bull4  ,!n ! sun seem$ to come out & "w
 = ! p4 ,see1 said ! ,spani>ds1 look+ up
 at ! glori\s sky ) its great1 :ite     
fleets drawn (f ^u ! horizon--see--heav5
 smiles ^u ! bull-fight6  ,9 ! high upp]
 seats ( ! rude amphi!atre sat ! gaily- 
deck$ wives & daught]s ( ! ,gascons1 f !
 met>ies along ! ,ridge1 & ! *att]+     
,spani% wom5 ( ! ,m>ket1 _! %9+ hair    
unbonnet$ to ! sun4 ,next bel[ 7 _!     
husb&s & lov]s 9 ,sunday bl\ses1 milkm51
 but*]s1 bak]s1 black- be>d$ fi%]m51    

,sicilian fruit]]s1 sw>?y ,portuguese   
sailors1 9 little wooll5 caps1 & /rang]s
 ( ! grav] sort2 m>9]s ( ,engl&1        
,g]many1 & ,holl&4 ,! l[e/ seats 7 full 
( trapp]s1 smuggl]s1 ,canadian          
voyageurs1 dr9k+ & s++2 ,am]ica9s1      
too--m's ! %ame--f ! upp] riv]s --:o w n
 keep _! seats--:o ply ! bottle1 & :o w 
get home by & by & tell h[ wick$ ,sodom 
is2 broad-brimm$1 silv]-braid$          
,mexicans1 too1 ) _! copp] *eeks & bat's
 eyes1 & _! t9kl+ spurr$ heels4 ,yond]1 
9 t quiet] section1 are ! quadroon wom5 
9 _! black lace %awls--& !re is         
,bapti/e2 & bel[ !m are ! turban$ black 
wom51 & !re is--b he vani%es--,colossus4
  ,! aft]noon is advanc+1 yet ! sport1  
?\gh l\dly dem&$1 does n beg94 ,!       
,am]ica9s gr[ d]isive & f9d pa/ime 9    
gibes & raill]y4 ,!y mock ! v>i\s ,lat9s
 ) _! national inflections1 & answ] _!  
sc[ls ) laught]4 ,"s ( ! m aggressive   
%\t pretty ,fr5* greet+s to ! wom5 (    
,gascony1 & "o b>geman1 amid peals (    
applause1 /&s on a seat & hurls a kiss  

to ! quadrooms4 ,! m>9]s ( ,engl&1      
,g]many1 & ,holl&1 z spectators1 l !    
fun1 :ile ! ,spani>ds look black & ca/  
defiant imprecations ^u _! p]secutors4  
,"s ,gascons1 ) timely caution1 pick _! 
wom5 out & dep>t1 runn+ a t]rible fire (
 gallantries4  ,9 hope ( truce1 a new   
call is rais$ = ! bull3 ,! bull1 !      
bull6--hu%6  ,9 a ti] ne> ! gr\nd a man 
is /&+ & call+--/&+ head & %\ld]s above 
! re/--call+ 9 ! ,am]ica9e tongue4      
,ano!r man1 big & r$1 nam$ ,joe1 & a    
h&some little ,creole 9 elegant dress & 
full ( laught]1 wi% to /op him1 b !     
flat-boatm51 ha-ha-+ & *e]+1 w n suff]  
x4 ,ah1 ?r\gh "s %ameful knav]y ( ! m51 
into ^: h&s he has fall51 he is drunk6  
,ev5 ! wom5 c see t2 & n[ he ?r[s 8 arms
 wildly & raises 8 voice until ! :ole   
great circle he>s x4 ,he is prea*+6     
,ah6 k9d ,"l1 = a special provid5ce n[6 
,! m5 ( 8 own nation--m5 f ! l& ( ! op5 
,engli% ,bible & temp]ance cup & song   
are *e]+ him on to mad disgrace4 ,& n[  
ano!r call = ! appo9t$ sport is dr[n$ by

 ! flat-boatm5 s++ ! anci5t tune ( ,me>4
 ,y c he> ! words--       ,old ,grimes  
is dead1 t good old s\l  --f ribald lips
 & ?roats turn$ braz5 ) laught]1 f s+]s 
:o toss _! hats al(t & roll 9 _! seats2 
! *orus swells to ! accompanim5t ( a    
?\s& brogans--  ,he us$ to we> an old   
gray coat ,all button$ d[n be=e4  ,a    
ribbon$ man 9 ! ar5a is try+ to be he>d1
 & ! ,lat9s raise "o mighty cry =       
sil5ce4 ,! big r$ man gets a h& ov] !   
p>son's m\?1 & ! ribbon$ man seizes 8   
mom5t4  ,!y h be5 endeavor+ = h\rs1 he  
says1 to draw ! t]rible animals f _!    
d5s1 b su* is _! /r5g? & fi]c5ess1 t--  
,8 voice is dr[n$4 ,en\gh has be5 he>d  
to w>rant ! inf]5ce t ! bea/s _c be     
:ipp$ out ( ! /orm- dr5*$ cages to :i*  
m5ag]ie-life & long />vation h atta*$   
!m1 & f ! ro> ( indignation ! man (     
ribbons flies4 ,! noise increases4 ,m5  
are /&+ up by hundr$s1 & wom5 are       
implor+ to be let out ( ! turmoil4 ,all 
at once1 l ! bur/+ ( a dam1 ! :ole mass 
p\rs d[n into ! r+4 ,!y sweep across !  

ar5a & ov] ! %[man's b>ri]s4 ,miguel    
gets a frightful trampl+4 ,:o c>es =    
gates or doors8 ,!y te> ! bea/s' h\ses  
b> f b>1 &1 lay+ hold ( ! gaunt buffalo1
 drag him =? by feet1 e>s1 & tail2 & 9 !
 mid/ ( ! melee1 /ill head & %\ld]s     
above all1 wild]1 ) ! cup ( ! wick$1 ?an
 any bea/1 is ! man ( ,god f ! ,florida 
p>i%es6  ,9 8 arms he bore--& all ! p   
%\t$ at once :5 !y saw x--! tig]4 ,he _h
 lift$ x high up ) its back to 8 brea/1 
8 arms clasp$ "u its %\ld]s2 ! wret*$   
brute _h curl$ up cat]pill>-wise1 ) its 
long tail aga9/ its belly1 & ?r\gh its  
fil$ tee? gr9n$ a fix$ & impot5t wra?4  
,& ,p>son ,jones 0 %\t+3  ,! tig] & !   
buffl] ,,%ell lay d[n toge!r6 ,y dah to 
say !y %ayn't & ,i'll comb y ) ?is v>m9t
 f head to foot6 ,! tig] & ! buffl]     
,,%ell lay d[n toge!r4 ,!y ,,%ell6 ,n[1 
y1 ,joe6 ,behold6 ,i am "h to see x     
done4 ,! lion & ! buffl] ,,%ell lay d[n 
toge!r6  ,m\?+ ^! words aga9 & aga91 !  
p>son =c$ 8 way ?r\gh ! surge 9 ! wake (
 ! buffalo4 ,?is creature ! ,lat9s _h   

secur$ by a l>iat ov] 8 head1 & 7 dragg+
 across ! old ramp>t & into a /reet ( ! 
city4  ,! nor!rn races 7 try+ to prev5t1
 & !re 0 pommell+ & knock+ d[n1 curs+ & 
knife-draw+1 until ,jules ,/4-,ange 0 q 
c>ri$ away ) ! fun1 laugh$1 clapp$ 8    
h&s1 & swore ) delight1 & ev] kept close
 to ! gallant p>son4  ,joe1 contr>iwise1
 c\nt$ all ?is *ild's-play an           
int]ruption4 ,he _h come to f9d         
,colossus & ! money4 ,9 an unlucky mom5t
 he made bold to lay hold ( ! p>son1 b a
 piece ( ! brok5 b>ri]s 9 ! h&s ( a     
flat-boatman fell$ him to ! sod1 !      
t]rible cr[d swept ov] him1 ! l>iat 0   
cut1 & ! giant p>son hurl$ ! tig] ^u !  
buffalo's back4 ,9 ano!r in/ant bo?     
brutes 7 dead at ! h&s ( ! mob2 ,jones 0
 lift$ f 8 feet1 & prat+ ( ,scripture & 
! mill5nium1 ( ,paul at ,ephesus &      
,daniel 9 ! buffl]'s d51 0 borne al(t ^u
 ! %\ld]s ( ! huzza+ ,am]ica9s4 ,half an
 h\r lat] he 0 sleep+ heavily on ! floor
 ( a cell 9 ! calaboza4  ,:5 ,p>son     
,jones awoke1 a bell 0 some:]e toll+ =  

midnight4 ,somebody 0 at ! door ( 8 cell
 ) a key4 ,! lock grat$1 ! door swung1 !
 turnkey look$ 9 & /epp$ back1 & a ray (
 moonlight fell ^u ,m4 ,jules ,/4-,ange4
 ,! prison] sat ^u ! empty %ackles &    
r+-bolt 9 ! c5tre ( ! floor4  ,mi/y     
,posson ,jone'1 said ! visitor1 s(tly4  
,o ,jools6  ,mais1 w'at de matt]1       
,posson ,jone'8  ,my s9s1 ,jools1 my    
s9s6  ,ah6 ,posson ,jone'1 is t some?+  
to cry1 because a man get sometime a    
litt' bit intoxicate8 ,mais1 if a man   
keep ,,all ,,! ,,"t intoxicate1 ,i ?9k t
 is aga9' ! consci5'4  ,jools1 ,jools1  
y\r eyes is d>k5$--oh6 ,jools1 :]e's my 
pore old niggah8  ,posson ,jone'1 nev]  
m9'2 he is wid ,bapti/e4  ,:]e8  ,i don'
 "k w'ere--mais he is wid ,bapti/e4     
,bapti/e is a beautiful to take c>e (   
somebody4  ,is he z good z y1 ,jools8   
ask$ ,p>son ,jones1 s9c]ely4  ,jules 0  
slightly /agg]$4  ,y "k1 ,posson ,jone'1
 y "k1 a nigg] _c be good z a w'ite     
man--mais ,bapti/e is a good nigg]4  ,! 
p>son moan$ & dropp$ 8 *9 into 8 h&s4   

,i 0 to ( left = home to-morr[1 sun-up1 
on ! ,isabella s*oon]4 ,pore ,smyrny6   
,he deeply sigh$4  ,posson ,jone'1 said 
,jules1 lean+ aga9/ ! wall & smil+1 ,i  
swe> y is ! moz funny man ,i ev] see4   
,if ,i 0 y ,i w\ld say1 me1 ',ah6 'ow ,i
 am lucky6 ! money ,i los'1 x 0 n m9e1  
anyh[6' ,my fai?6 %all a man make       
hisse'f to be ! m sorry because ! money 
he los' is n 88 ,me1 ,i w\ld say1 'x is 
a speci\s provid5ce4'  ,ah6 ,mi/y       
,posson ,jone'1 he cont9u$1 y make a s  
droll s]mon ad ! bull-r+4 ,ha6 ha6 ,i   
swe> ,i ?9k y c make money to prea* ?ad 
s]mon _m "t ad ! !atre ,/4 ,philippe4   
,hah6 y is ! moz brave dat ,i nev] see1 
mais ad ! same "t ! moz rilligi\s man4  
,:]e ,i'm go9' to f9' "o prie/ to make l
 dat8 ,mais1 :y y c't *e] up an' be     
'appy8 ,me1 if ,i %\ld be mis]abl' l t  
,i w\ld kill meself4  ,! c\ntryman only 
%ook 8 head4  ,bi51 ,posson ,jone'1 ,i h
 ! s good news = y4  ,! prison] look$ up
 ) eag] inquiry4  ,las' ev5+ :5 !y lock'
 y1 ,i come "r (f at ,m4 ,de ,blanc's   

h\se to get y let out ( de calaboose2   
,m4 ,de ,blanc he is ! judge4 ,s soon ,i
 0 ent]+--' ,ah6 ,jules1 me boy1 juz !  
man to make complete ! game6' ,posson   
,jone'1 x 0 a speci\s provid5ce6 ,i w9 9
 t'ree h\rs m dan six hundr$ dollah6    
,look4 ,he produc$ a mass ( bank-notes1 
bons1 & due-bills4  ,& y got ! pass8    
ask$ ! p>son1 reg>d+ ! money ) a sadness
 incompreh5sible to ,jules4  ,x is "h2 x
 take ! effect s soon ! daylight4       
,jools1 my fri5d1 y\r k9dness is 9 va94 
,! ,creole's face became a p]fect blank4
  ,because1 said ! p>son1 = two reasons3
 fir/ly1 ,i h brok5 ! laws1 & ought to  
/& ! p5alty2 & secondly--y mu/ really   
excuse me1 ,jools1 y "k1 b ! pass has   
be5 got onfairly1 ,i'm afe]d4 ,y told ! 
judge ,i 0 innoc5t2 & 9 nei!r case x    
don't become a ,*ri/ian 7:i* ,i hope ,i 
c /ill say ,i am "o7 to 'd evil t good  
may come4' ,i muss /ay4  ,m4 ,/4-,ange  
/ood up agha/1 & = a mom5t spee*less1 at
 ?is exhibition ( moral h]oism2 b an    
artifice 0 pres5tly hit ^u4 ,mais1      

,posson ,jone'6--9 8 old falsetto--de   
ord]--y _c read x1 x is 9 ,fr5*--compel 
y to g h\t1 sir6  ,is t s8 cri$ ! p>son1
 b\nd+ up ) radiant face--is t s1       
,jools8  ,! "y man nodd$1 smil+2 b1 ?\gh
 he smil$1 ! f\nta9 ( 8 t5d]ness 0 op5$4
 ,he made ! sign ( ! cross z ! p>son    
knelt 9 pray]1 & ev5 :isp]$ ,hail ,m>y1 
etc41 q ?r\gh1 twice ov]4  ,morn+ broke 
9 summ] glory ^u a clu/] ( villas beh9d 
! city1 ne/l$ "u live-oaks & magnolias  
on ! banks ( a deep bay\1 & kn[n z      
,suburb ,/4 ,jean4  ,) ! fir/ beam came 
! ,we/-,floridian & ! ,creole out ^u !  
bank bel[ ! village4 ,^u ! p>son's arm  
hung a pair ( antique saddle-bags4      
,bapti/e limp$ we>ily beh9d2 bo? 8 eyes 
7 encircl$ ) broad1 blue r+s1 & "o      
*eek-bone bore ! (ficial impress ( e    
knuckle ( ,colossus's left h&4 ,!       
beautiful to take c>e ( somebody _h lo/ 
8 *>ge4 ,at m5tion ( ! negro he became  
wild1 &1 half 9 ,engli%1 half 9 ! gumbo 
dialect1 said murd]\s ?+s4 ,intimidat$  
by ,jules to calmness1 he became able to

 speak confid5tly on "o po9t2 he c\ld1  
w\ld1 & did swe> t ,colossus _h gone    
home to ! ,florida p>i%es2 he 0 almo/   
c]ta92 9 fact1 he ?\ght s4  ,!re 0 a    
click+ ( pulleys z ! ?ree appe>$ ^u !   
bay\'s m>g91 & ,bapti/e po9t$ out1 9 !  
deep %ad[ ( a great oak1 ! ,isabella1   
moor$ among ! bulru%es1 & j spread+ h]  
sails = dep>ture4 ,mov+ d[n to :]e %e   
lay1 ! p>son & 8 fri5d paus$ on ! bank1 
loa? to say f>ewell4  ,o ,jools6 said ! 
p>son1 suppos9' ,colossus a9't gone     
home6 ,o ,jools1 if y'll look him out = 
me1 ,i'll nev] =get y--,i'll nev] =get  
y1 noh[1 ,jools4 ,no1 ,jools1 ,i nev] w 
believe he tak5 t money4 ,yes1 ,i "k all
 niggahs w /eal--he set foot ^u !       
gang-plank--b ,colossus w\ldn't /eal f  
me4 ,good- bye4  ,mi/y ,posson ,jone'1  
said ,/4-,ange1 putt+ 8 h& on ! p>son's 
arm ) g5u9e affection1 hol' on4 ,y see  
dis money-- w'at ,i w9 las' night8      
,well1 ,i w9' x by a speci\s provid5ce1 
a9't x8  ,!re's no tell9'1 said ! humbl$
 ,jones4 ,provid5ce      ' ,moves 9 a   

my/]i\s way        ,8 wond]s to p]=m4'  
,ah6 cri$ ! ,creole1 c'e/ v true4 ,i g$ 
?is money 9 ! my/]ieuze way4 ,mais1 if  
,i keep dis money1 y "k :]e x go9' be   
to-night8  ,i really c't say1 repli$ !  
p>son4  ,go9' to de dev'1 said !        
sweetly-smil+ "y man4  ,! s*oon]-capta91
 lean+ aga9/ ! %r\ds1 & ev5 ,bapti/e1   
laugh$ outright4  ,o ,jools1 y mu/n't6  
,well1 d51 w'at ,i %all d wid ,,x8  ,any
 ?+6 answ]$ ! p>son2 bett] donate x away
 to "s poor man----  ,ah6 ,mi/y ,posson 
,jone'1 dat is w'at ,i want4 ,y los'    
five hondr$ doll>'--'twas me fault4     
,no1 x wa'n't1 ,jools4  ,mais1 x 06     
,no6  ,x ,,0 me fault6 ,i ,,swe> x 0 me 
fault6 ,mais1 "h is five hondr$ doll>'2 
,i wi% y %all take x4 ,"h6 ,i don't got 
no use = money4--,oh1 my fai?6 ,posson  
,jone'1 y mu/ n beg9 to cry "s m  ,p>son
 ,jones 0 *ok$ ) te>s4 ,:5 he f\nd voice
 he said3  ,o ,jools1 ,jools1 ,jools6 my
 pore1 noble1 de>1 mis-guid5$ fri5d6 ef 
y h$ ( h$ a ,*ri/ian rais9'6 ,may ! ,"l 
%[ y y\r errors bett]'n ,i k91 & bless y

 = y\r good int5tions--oh1 no6 ,i cayn't
 t\* t money ) a t5-foot pole2 x wa'n't 
rightly got2 y mu/ really excuse me1 my 
de> fri5d1 b ,i cayn't t\* x4  ,/4 ,ange
 0 petrifi$4  ,good-bye1 de> ,jools1    
cont9u$ ! p>son4 ,i'm 9 ! ,"l's haynds1 
& he's v m]ciful1 :i* ,i hope & tru/    
y'll f9d x out4 ,good-bye6--! s*oon]    
swang sl[ly (f be=e ! breeze--goodbye6  
,/4 ,ange r\s$ himself4  ,posson ,jone'6
 make me hany'ow dis promise3 y nev]1   
nev]1 ,,nev] w come back to ,new        
,orleans4  ,ah1 ,jools1 ! ,"l will9'1   
,i'll nev] leave home aga96  ,all "r6   
cri$ ! ,creole2 ,i ?+ he's will9'4      
,adieu1 ,posson ,jone'4 ,my fai?'6 y are
 ! s fight+ an' moz rilligi\s man z ,i  
nev] saw6 ,adieu6 ,adieu6  ,bapti/e     
utt]$ a cry & pres5tly ran by 8 ma/]    
t[>d ! s*oon]1 8 h&s full ( clods4  ,/4 
,ange look$ j 9 "t to see ! sable =m (  
,colossus ( ,rhodes em]ge f ! vessel's  
hold1 & ! pa/or ( ,smyrna & ,be!sda     
seize him 9 8 embrace4  ,o ,colossus6 y 
outl&i% old nigg]6 ,?ank ! ,"l6 ,?ank ! 

,"l6  ,! little ,creole almo/ wept4 ,he 
ran d[n ! t[pa?1 laugh+ & swe>+1 & mak+ 
confus$ allusion to ! entire ,,p]sonnel 
& furniture ( ! l[] regions4  ,by odd   
=tune1 at ! mom5t t ,/4-,ange fur!r     
demon/rat$ 8 delight by tripp+ 8 mulatto
 into a bog1 ! s*oon] came bru%+ along !
 re$y bank ) a graceful curve1 ! sails  
flapp$1 & ! crew fell to pol+ h] sl[ly  
along4  ,p>son ,jones 0 on ! deck1      
kneel+ once m 9 pray]4 ,8 hat _h fall5  
be=e him2 beh9d him knelt 8 slave4 ,9   
?und]+ tones he 0 confess+ himself a    
plum fool1 f :om ! conceit _h be5 jolt$ 
out1 & :o _h be5 made to see t ev5 8    
nigg] _h ! longe/ head ( ! two4         
,colossus clasp$ 8 h&s & groan$4  ,!    
p>son pray$ = a contrite he>t4  ,oh1    
yes6 cri$ ,colossus4  ,! ma/] ackn[l$g$ 
c\ntless m]cies4  ,dat's s6 cri$ !      
slave4  ,! ma/] pray$ t !y might /ill be
 pil$ on4  ,glory6 cri$ ! black man1    
clapp+ 8 h&s2 pile on6  ,an' n[1 cont9u$
 ! p>son1 br+ ?is pore1 backslid9'      
jackace ( a p>son & ?is pore ole fool   

nigg] back to ?> home 9 peace6  ,pray   
fo' de money6 call$ ,colossus4  ,b !    
p>son pray$ = ,jules4  ,pray fo' de     
,,money6 repeat$ ! negro4  ,& oh1 give  
?y s]vant back t !re lo/ money6         
,colossus rose /eal?ily1 & tipto$ by 8  
/ill %\t+ ma/]4 ,/4-,ange1 ! capta91 !  
crew1 gaz$ 9 sil5t wond] at ! /rategi/4 
,paus+ b an in/ant ov] ! ma/]'s hat to  
gr9 an ackn[l$gm5t ( 8 behold]s'        
spee*less int]e/1 he s(tly plac$ 9 x !  
fai?fully m\rn$ & hone/ly pray$ =       
,smyrna fund2 !n1 salut$ by !           
ge/iculative1 sil5t applause ( ,/4-,ange
 & ! s*oon]-m51 he resum$ 8 fir/        
attitude beh9d 8 ro>+ ma/]4  ,am56 cri$ 
,colossus1 mean+ to br+ him to a close4 
,onwor?y ?\gh ,i be-- cri$ ,jones4      
,,am56 reit]at$ ! negro4  ,a-a-am56 said
 ,p>son ,jones4  ,he rose to 8 feet1 &1 
/oop+ to take up 8 hat1 beheld !        
well-kn[n roll4 ,z "o /unn$1 he gaz$ = a
 mom5t ^u 8 slave1 :o /ill knelt )      
clasp$ h&s & roll+ eyeballs2 b :5 he    
became aw>e ( ! laught] & *e]s t greet$ 

him f bo? deck & %ore1 he lift$ eyes &  
h&s to heav51 & cri$ l ! v]ie/ babe4 ,& 
:5 he look$ at ! roll aga91 & hugg$ &   
kiss$ x1 ,/4-,ange tri$ to raise a      
second %\t1 b *ok$1 & ! crew fell to _! 
poles4  ,& n[ up runs ,bapti/e1 cov]$ ) 
slime1 & prep>es to ca/ 8 projectiles4  
,! fir/ "o fell wide ( ! m>k2 ! s*oon]  
swung r\nd into a long rea* ( wat]1 :]e 
! breeze 0 9 h] favor2 ano!r %\t (      
laught] dr[n$ ! mal$ictions ( ! muddy   
man2 ! sails fill$2 ,colossus ( ,rhodes1
 smil+ & b[+ z h]o ( ! mom5t1 duck$ z ! 
ma9 boom swept r\nd1 & ! s*oon]1 lean+  
slightly to ! pleasant influ5ce1 ru/l$ a
 mom5t ov] ! bulru%es1 & !n sp$ f> away 
d[n ! rippl+ bay\4  ,m4 ,jules ,/4-,ange
 /ood long1 gaz+ at ! rec$+ vessel z x  
n[ disappe>$1 n[ reappe>$ beyond ! tops 
( ! high und]gr[?2 b1 :5 an arm ( ! =e/ 
hid x f9ally f sight1 he turn$ t[nw>d1  
foll[$ by t fagg$-out spaniel1 8 s]vant1
 say+1 z he turn$1 ,bapti/e4 ,mi*e8  ,y 
"k w'at ,i go9' d wid dis money8  ,non1 
m'sieur4  ,well1 y c /rike me dead if ,i

 don't go9' to pay hall my debts6       
,allons6  ,he began a m]ry little song  
to ! effect t 8 swee!>t 0 a w9e-bottle1 
& ma/] & man1 leav+ c>e beh9d1 return$  
to ! picturesque ,rue ,royale4 ,! ways (
 ,provid5ce are inde$ /range4 ,9 all    
,p>son ,jones's aft]-life1 amid ! _m    
pa9ful rem9isc5ces ( 8 visit to ! ,city 
( ! ,pla91 ! sweet k 0 )held f him t by 
! light ( ! ,*ri/ian virtue t %one f him
 ev5 9 8 great fall1 ,jules ,/4-,ange   
arose1 & w5t to 8 fa!r an hone/ man4    
,,our ,,aromatic ,,uncle  ,,by  ,,h5ry  
,,cuyl] ,,bunn]  ,! title ( ,mr4        
,bunn]'s /ory is attractive & /imulat+  
to ! imag9ation4 ,! plot is slight1 yet 
clev] 9 its use ( ! surprise elem5t4    
,its lead+ "* is a spl5did illu/ration (
 a h]o wor%ipp] :o is himself ! real    
h]o4 ,! atmosph]e is especially good4 ,x
 is w>m$ by family affection & fragrant 
) romance4 ,?is romance1 z ,mr4 ,grabo  
po9ts out 9 ,! ,art ( ! ,%ort ,/ory1 is 
sugge/$ r ?an record$4 ,! runn+ away ( !
 ,judge's son & ( 8 little admir]1 !    

but*] boy1 really lies outside ! /ory   
prop]4 ,) ^! y\?ful adv5tures ! /ory has
 n directly to d1 b ! h9ts ( ! antec$5t 
action envelop ! /ory ) a romantic      
atmosph]e4 ,! read] speculates ^u ! /ory
 sugge/$1 & !reby is ! writt5 /ory      
enri*$ & made a "p ( a l>g] :ole4       
,,our ,,aromatic ,,uncle  ,footnote3 ,f 
,love 9 ,old ,cloa!s & ,o!r ,/ories1 by 
,f4 ,c4 ,bunn]4 ,copyright1 #ahif1 by   
,*>les ,scribn]'s ,sons4  ,x is always )
 a feel+ ( p]sonal t5d]ness & regret t  
,i recall 8 /ory1 al?\gh x began long   
be=e ,i 0 born1 & mu/ h end$ %ortly aft]
 t important date1 & al?\gh ,i myself   
nev] laid eyes on ! p]sonage ( :om my   
wife & ,i always speak z ,! ,aromatic   
,uncle4  ,! /ory beg9s s long ago1      
inde$1 t ,i c tell x only z a tradition 
( my wife's family4 ,x goes back to !   
days :5 ,bo/on 0 s frankly prov9cial a  
t[n t "o ( its lead+ citiz5s1 a man (   
em95t position & anci5t family1 rem>k$  
to a "y k9sman :om he 0 ent]ta9+ at 8   
hospitable bo>d1 by way ( pleas+ &      

pr(itable disc\rse3 ,nephew1 x may      
int]e/ y to "k t x is ,mr4 ,ev]ett :o   
has ! ,,o!r h9dqu>t] ( ?is lamb4 ,?is   
simple tale ,i w v\* =1 = ,i got x f !  
lips ( ! nephew1 :o has be5 my uncle = s
 _m ye>s t ,i "k him to be a tru/wor?y  
au?ority4  ,9 ^? days :i* seem s f>     
away--& yet ! space betwe5 !m & u is    
spann$ by a lifetime ( ?reescore ye>s & 
t5-- life 0 simpl] 9 all its details2   
yet su* t[ns z ,bo/on1 already old1 _h  
well e/abli%$ local cu/oms :i* v>i$ n at
 all f ye> to ye>2 _m ( :i* l+]$ 9 lat] 
phases ( urban gr[?4 ,9 ,bo/on1 or at   
lea/ 9 t "p ( ,bo/on :]e my wife's      
family dwelt1 x 0 ! inv>iable cu/om = ! 
head ( ! family to g to m>ket 9 ! e>ly  
morn+ ) 8 wife's li/ ( ! day's ne$s4 ,:5
 ! li/ 0 fill$1 ! articles 7 plac$ 9 a  
basket2 & ! baskets ?us fill$ 7         
sy/ematically deposit$ by ! m>ketboys at
 ! back door ( ! h\se to :i* !y 7       
consign$4 ,!n ! h\sekeep] came to ! back
 door at h] conv5i5ce1 & took ! basket  
94 ,expos$ z ?is position mu/ h be51 su*

 a ?+ z a !ft ( ! day's edibles 0       
unkn[n1 & ! fir/ au!ntic acc\nt ( any   
illegitimate h&l+ ( ! baskets br+s me to
 ! introduction ( my wife's uncle4  ,x 0
 on a summ] morn+1 z f> z ,i c f9d out1 
t a little but*] boy--a v little but*]  
boy to be driv+ s big a c>t--/opp$ 9 !  
re> ( two h\ses t /ood close toge!r 9 a 
suburban /reet4 ,"o ( ^! h\ses belong$  
to my wife's fa!r1 :o 01 f all ,i c     
ga!r1 a v pomp\s1 sev]e1 & g5]ally      
objectionable old g5tleman2 a ,judge1 & 
a v consid]able dignit>y1 :o app>5tly   
devot$ all 8 leisure to mak+ life       
mis]able = 8 family4 ,! o!r 0 own$ by a 
comp>atively poor & unimportant man1 :o 
did a %ipp+ bus9ess 9 a small way4 ,he  
_h b\ght x dur+ a p]iod ( tempor>y      
afflu5ce1 & x hung on 8 h&s l a :ite    
elephant4 ,he c\ld n sell x1 & x 0 turn+
 8 hair gray to pay ! taxes on x4 ,on   
?is p>ticul> morn+ he _h got up at f\r  
o'clock to g d[n to ! :>ves to see if a 
c]ta9 %ip 9 :i* he 0 int]e/$ _h arriv$4 
,x 0 due & ov]due1 & its arrival w\ld   

settle ! "q ( 8 dome/ic com=t = ! :ole  
ye>2 = if x fail$ to appe>1 or came home
 ) an empty bottom1 8 fate w\ld be h>d  
inde$2 b if x br\ght him money or       
m>ketable goods f its long ,ori5tal     
trip1 he might take he>t ( grace & look 
=w>d to bett] times4  ,:5 ! but*]'s boy 
/opp$ at ! h\se ( my wife's fa!r1 he set
 d[n at ! back-door a basket conta9+    
fi%1 a big jo9t ( roa/ beef1 & a g5]\s  
load ( fruit & vegetables1 includ+ "s   
f9e1 fat oranges4 ,at ! o!r door he left
 a r unpromis+-look+ lump ( /eak & a    
half-peck ( potatoes1 n ( ! fir/        
quality4 ,:5 he _h deposit$ ^! two      
burd5s he ran back & />t$ 8 c>t up !    
road4  ,b he look$ back z he did s1 & he
 saw a sight famili> to him1 & saw !    
commission ( a de$ entirely unfamili>4  
,a h&some "y boy ( ab\t 8 own age /epp$ 
out ( ! back- door ( my wife's fa!r's   
h\se & look$ c>elessly ar\nd him4 ,he 0 
"o ( ! boys :o compel ! admiration ( all
 o!r boys--/rong1 /urdy1 & a trifle     
arrogant4  ,he _h long ago compell$ !   

admiration ( ! little but*]- boy4 ,!y _h
 be5 playmates toge!r at ! public s*ool1
 & al?\gh ! ,judge's son look$ d[n f an 
inf9ite height ^u 8 poor little comrade1
 ! but*]-boy wor%ipp$ him ) ! deepe/ &  
mo/ f]v5t adoration4 ,he _h = him !     
admir+ rev]5ce :i* ! boy :o c't lick    
anybody has = ! boy :o c lick ev]ybody4 
,he 0 a sup]ior be+1 a patt]n1 a model2 
an ideal nev] to be a*iev$1 b p]haps 9 a
 crude1 humble way to be imitat$4 ,& !re
 is no h]o-wor%ip 9 ! _w l a boy's      
wor%ip ( a boy-h]o4  ,! sight ( ?is     
=tunate & adorable y\? 0 famili> en\gh  
to ! but*]-boy1 b ! ?+ he did />tl$ &   
%ock$ t poor little work+man almo/ z mu*
 z if 8 idol _h committ$ a capital crime
 "r be=e 8 v eyes4 ,= ! ,judge's son    
sudd5ly let a look into 8 face t meant  
mis*ief1 glanc$ ar\nd him to see :e!r   
anybody 0 obs]v+ him or n1 &1 fail+ to  
notice ! but*]-boy1 quickly & dext]\sly 
*ang$ ! two baskets4 ,!n he w5t back    
into ! h\se & %ut ! door on himself4  ,!
 but*]-boy re9$ up 8 horse & jump$ f 8  

c>t4 ,8 fir/ impulse1 ( c\rse1 0 to undo
 ! %ock+ iniquity :i* ! object ( 8      
admiration _h committ$4 ,b be=e he _h   
walk$ back a doz5 y>ds1 x /ruck him t he
 0 tak+ a great lib]ty 9 spoil+ ! o!r   
boy's joke4 ,x 0 wrong1 ( c\rse1 he knew
 x2 b 0 x = him to rebuke ! wrong-do+ ( 
su* an exalt$ p]sonage8 ,if ! ,judge's  
son came out aga91 he w\ld see t 8 joke 
_h misc>ri$1 & !n he w\ld be displeas$4 
,& to ! but*]-boy x did n seem "r 9 !   
nature ( ?+s t any?+ %\ld displease !   
,judge's son4 ,?ree times he w5t        
hesitat+ly backw>d & =w>d1 try+ to make 
up 8 m9d1 & !n he made x up4 ,! k+ c\ld 
d no wrong4 ,( c\rse he himself 0 do+   
wrong 9 n putt+ ! baskets back :]e !y   
belong$2 b !n he reflect$1 he took t s9 
on 8 own humble consci5ce1 & 9 "s       
measure took x (f ! consci5ce ( !       
,judge's son--if1 inde$1 x tr\bl$ t     
lightsome consci5ce at all4 ,&1 ( c\rse1
 too1 he knew t1 be+ an appr5tice1 he   
w\ld be :ipp$ = x :5 ! sub/itution 0    
discov]$4 ,b he didn't m9d be+ :ipp$ = !

 boy he wor%ipp$4 ,s he drove out along 
! road2 & ! wife ( ! poor %ipp+-m]*ant1 
com+ to ! back-door1 & f9d+ ! basket    
full ( good ?+s1 & notic+ especially !  
beautiful ,*9a oranges1 naturally       
conclud$ t h] husb&'s %ip _h come 91 & t
 he _h provid$ 8 family ) a r>e treat4  
,& ! ,judge1 :5 he came home to d9n]1 & 
,mrs4 ,judge introduc$ him to !         
rump-/eak & potatoes--b ,i d n wi% to   
make ?is /ory any m pa!tic ?an is       
necess>y4  ,a few mon?s aft] ?is        
episode1 p]haps indirectly 9 consequ5ce 
( x--,i h nev] be5 able to f9d out      
exactly--! ,judge's son1 my wife's      
uncle1 ran away to sea1 & = _m ye>s 8   
recklessness1 8 /r5g?1 & 8 good looks 7 
only traditions 9 ! family1 b traditions
 :i* he himself kept alive by           
remembrances ?an :i* none c\ld h be5 m  
effective4  ,at fir/ he wrote b seldom1 
lat] on m regul>ly1 b 8 lett]s--,i h se5
 _m ( !m--7 ! mo/ uncommunicative       
docum5ts t ,i ev] saw 9 my life4 ,8     
w&]+s took him to _m /range places on ! 

o!r side ( ! globe1 b he nev] wrote (   
:at he saw or did4 ,8 family glean$ f !m
 t 8 heal? 0 good1 t ! wea!r 0          
su*-&-su*1 & t he wi%$ to h 8 love1     
duty1 & respects convey$ to 8 v>i\s     
relatives4 ,9 fact1 ! fir/ positive bit 
( p]sonal intellig5ce t !y receiv$ f him
 0 five ye>s aft] 8 dep>ture1 :5 he     
wrote !m f a ,*9ese port on lett]-pap]  
^: head+ %[$ t he 0 a memb] ( a         
comm]cial firm4 ,! lett] itself made no 
m5tion ( ! fact4 ,z ! ye>s pass$ on1    
h[ev]1 ! lett]s came m regul>ly & !y    
told less ab\t ! wea!r1 & 7 slightly--v 
slightly--m expressive ( a k9d reg>d = 8
 relatives4 ,b at ! be/ !y 7 cramp$ by !
 =mality ( 8 day & g5]ation1 & we (     
to-day w\ld h call$ !m cold &           
p]functory4  ,b ! practical assurances t
 he gave ( 8 undim9i%$-- nay1 8 /eadily 
increas+--affection = ! p at home1 7 ( a
 mo/ satisfy+ "*1 = !y 7 conv9c+ pro( n 
only ( 8 love b ( 8 mat]ial prosp]ity4  
,almo/ f 8 fir/ "t ( writ+ he began to  
s5d gifts to all ! memb]s ( ! family4   

,at fir/ ^! 7 m]e trifles1 little curios
 ( travel su* z he 0 able to pur*ase out
 ( a seaman's scanty wages2 b z ! ye>s  
w5t on !y grew ri*] & ri*]1 till !      
munific5ce ( ! runaway son became !     
pride ( ! :ole family4  ,! old h\se t _h
 be5 9 ! suburbs ( ,bo/on 0 fairly 9 !  
he>t ( ! city :5 ,i fir/ made its       
acqua9tance1 & "o ( ! fam\s h\ses ( !   
t[n4 ,& x 0 no wond] x 0 fam\s1 = su* a 
collection ( ,ori5tal furniture1        
bric-a-brac1 & objects ( art nev] 0 se5 
outside ( a museum4 ,!re 7 ebony        
cab9ets1 book-cases1 tables1 & c\*es    
wond]fully c>v$ & inlaid ) "m-(-pe>l4   
,!re 7 beautiful ?+s 9 bronze & jade &  
ivory4 ,!re 7 all sorts ( /range rugs & 
curta9s & porti]es4 ,z to ! *9a-w>e & ! 
vases1 no h\se 0 ev] s /ock$2 & z = su* 
trifles z %awls & fans & silk h&k]*iefs1
 :y su* ?+s 7 s5t n s+ly b by doz5s4    
,no "o c\ld =get 8 fir/ entrance into t 
h\se4 ,! great draw+-room 0 d>k5$ by    
heavy curta9s1 & at fir/ y _h only a dim
 vision ( ! /range & graceful %apes (   

its curi\s furni%+4 ,b y c\ld n b be    
in/antly consci\s ( ! delicate p]fume t 
p]vad$ ! ap>tm5t1 &1 = ! matt] ( t1 !   
:ole h\se4 ,x 0 a comb9ation ( all !    
delightful ,ea/]n smells--n s&alwood    
only1 nor teak1 nor c\sc\s1 b all ^!    
odors & a hundr$ o!rs bl5t 9 "o4 ,yet x 
0 n heavy nor ov]p[]+1 b delightfully   
fa9t & sweet1 diffus$ ?r\gh ^? ample    
rooms4 ,!re 0 good reason1 inde$1 = !   
*ildr5 ( ! g5]ation to :i* my wife      
belong$ to speak ( ! g5]\s relative :om 
!y _h nev] se5 z ,our ,aromatic ,uncle4 
,!re 7 o!r uncles1 & ,i h no d\bt !y    
gave pres5ts freely1 = x 0 a weal?y &   
free- h&$ family2 b !re 0 no o!r uncle  
:o s5t su* a delicate & delightful      
rem9d] ) e gift1 to brea! a s(t memory (
 him by day & by night4  ,i did my c\rt+
 9 ! sweet atmosph]e ( t h\se1 &1 al?\gh
 ,i _h no e>?ly desire to live 9 ,bo/on1
 ,i c\ld n help miss+ t /rangely bl5d$  
odor :5 my wife & ,i mov$ into an old   
h\se 9 an old "p ( ,new ,york1 ^: =m]   
own]s _h no connections 9 ! ,ea/]n      

trade4 ,x 0 a *>m+ & home-l old h\se2 b 
at fir/1 al?\gh my wife _h br\ght "s    
belong+s f h] fa!r's h\se1 we miss$ !   
pleasant flavor ( our aromatic uncle1 = 
he 0 n[ my uncle1 z well z my wife's4 ,i
 say at fir/1 = we did n miss x long4   
,uncle ,david--t 0 8 "n--n only cont9u$ 
to s5d 8 fragrant gifts to my wife at   
,*ri/mas & ^u h] bir?day1 b he actually 
adopt$ me1 too1 & s5t me ,*9ese cab9ets 
& ,*9ese gods 9 v>i\s m9]als & metals1 &
 _m articles design$ = a smok]'s use1   
:i* no smok] w\ld ev] want to t\* ) a   
t5-foot pole4 ,b ,i c>$ v little ab\t ! 
utility ( ^! pres5ts1 = x 0 n _m ye>s   
be=e1 among !m all1 !y set up t         
exquisite p]fume 9 ! h\se1 :i* we _h    
le>n$ to associate ) our aromatic uncle4
  ,,foo-,,*oo-,,li1 ,,*9a1 ,janu>y-1    
#ah-4  ,,de> ,,nephew ,,& ,,niece3 ,!   
,pres5t is to in=m y t ,i h ?is day     
%ipp$ to y\r address1 p] ,/eam] ,ocean  
,que51 "o m>ble & ebony ,table1 six     
assort$ gods1 & a blue ,d9n] set2 also t
 ,i purpose leav+ ?is ,c\ntry = a visit 

to ! ,l& ( my ,nativity on ! #f? ( ,m>* 
next1 & w1 if same is satisfactory to y1
 take up my ,abode tempor>ily 9 y\r     
h\sehold4 ,%\ld same n be satisfactory1 
please cable at my *>ge4 ,messrs4       
,smi?son  ,smi?son1 my ,cu/oms ,brok]s1 
w att5d to all *>ges on ! goods1 & w    
deliv] !m at y\r read9ess4 ,! heal? (   
?is place is bett] ?an cu/om>y by reason
 ( ! cool wea!r1 :i* ,heal? ,i am z     
usual enjoy+4 ,tru/+ t y bo? are at     
pres5t 9 possession ( ! same ,bless+1 & 
w s cont9ue1 ,i rema91 de> nephew &     
niece1                    ,y\r          
affectionate                            
,,uncle4  ,?is 01 ,i believe1 by f\r    
doz5 words--^? :i* he us$ to in=m u ( 8 
int5tion ( visit+ ,am]ica--! longe/     
lett] t ,uncle ,david _h ev] writt5 to  
any memb] ( 8 family4 ,x also convey$ m 
in=mation ab\t himself ?an he _h ev]    
giv5 s9ce ! day he ran away to sea4 ,(  
c\rse we cabl$ ! old g5tleman t we %\ld 
be delight$ to see him4  ,&1 late t     
spr+1 at "s date at :i* he c\ld n       

possibly h be5 expect$ to arrive1 he    
turn$ up at our h\se4  ,( c\rse we _h   
talk$ a great deal ab\t him1 & wond]$   
:at mann] ( a man we %\ld f9d him4      
,betwe5 u1 my wife & ,i _h got an idea (
 8 p]sonal appe>ance :i* ,i despair (   
convey+ 9 words4 ,vaguely1 ,i %\ld say t
 we _h pictur$ him z some?+ mid-way     
betwe5 an abnormally tall ,*9ese m&>9 & 
a b5evol5t ,quak]4 ,:at we f\nd :5 we   
got home & 7 told t our uncle f ,india 0
 await+ u1 0 a %runk5 & b5t old         
g5tleman1 dress$ v cleanly & neatly 9   
black broadclo?1 ) a limp1 _m-pleat$    
%irt-front ( old-fa%ion$ /yle1 & a pla9 
black cravat4 ,if he _h worn an old-"t  
/ock we c\ld h =giv5 him ! re/ ( !      
disappo9tm5t he co/ u2 b we _h to admit 
to ourselves t he _h ! mo/ absolutely   
commonplace appe>ance ( all our         
acqua9tance4 ,9 fact1 we soon discov]$  
t1 except = a taciturnity ! l ( :i* we  
_h nev] enc\nt]$1 our aromatic uncle _h 
positively n "o picturesque *>act]i/ic  
ab\t him4 ,ev5 8 aroma 0 a disappo9tm5t4

 ,he _h x1 b x 0 pat*\ly or "s o!r *eap 
p]fume ( ! sort1 :]e) he sc5t$ 8        
h&k]*ief1 :i* 0 n ev5 a b&anna1 b a pla9
 dec5t :ite "o ( ! unnecess>ily l>ge    
sort :i* cl]gym5 & old g5tlem5 affect4  
,b1 ev5 if we c\ld n get "o s+le        
romantic association to clu/] ab\t him1 
we v soon got to l ! old g5tleman4 ,x is
 true t at our fir/ meet+1 aft] say+ ,h[
 d'ye d to me & receiv+ 9 impassive     
placidity ! kiss :i* my wife gave him1  
he relaps$ into dead sil5ce1 & cont9u$  
to smoke a clay pipe ) a long /em & a   
%ort b[l4 ,?is in/rum5t he fill$ &      
re-fill$ e few m9utes1 & x seem$ to be 8
 only employm5t4 ,we pli$ him )         
que/ions1 ( c\rse1 b to ^! he respond$ )
 a wond]ful brevity4 ,9 ! c\rse ( an    
h\r's conv]sation we got f him t he _h  
_h a pleasant voyage t x 0 n a long     
voyage1 t x 0 n a %ort voyage1 t x 0    
ab\t ! usual voyage1 t he _h n be5      
seasick1 t he 0 glad to be back1 & t he 
0 n surpris$ to f9d ! c\ntry v mu*      
*ang$4 ,?is la/ piece ( in=mation 0     

repeat$ 9 ! =m ( a simple ,no1 giv5 9   
reply to ! direct "q2 & al?\gh x 0 giv5 
politely1 & evid5tly )\t ! lea/         
unamiable int5t1 x made u bo? feel v    
*eap4 ,aft] all1 x ,,0 absurd to ask a  
man if he 7 surpris$ to f9d ! c\ntry    
*ang$ aft] fifty or sixty ye>s ( abs5ce4
 ,unless he 0 an idiot1 & unable to read
 at t1 he mu/ h expect$ some?+ ( ! sort4
  ,b we grew to l him4 ,he 0 ?or\ghly   
k9d & in(f5sive 9 e way4 ,he 0 entirely 
will+ to be talk$ to1 b he did n c>e to 
talk4 ,if x 0 absolutely necess>y1 he   
,,c\ld talk1 & :5 he did talk he always 
made me ?9k ( ! ,fr5*-,engli% ,diction>y
 = ! ,pocket1 compil$ by ! +5i\s ,mr4   
,john ,bell[s2 = nobody except t        
extraord9>y ,engli%man c\ld cond5se a   
great] am\nt ( in=mation into a small]  
numb] ( words4 ,dur+ ! "t ( 8 /ay ) u ,i
 ?9k ,i le>n$ m ab\t ,*9a ?an any o!r   
man 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates knew1 & ,i d n    
believe t ! aggregate ( 8 utt]ances 9 ! 
c\rse ( t six mon?s c\ld h am\nt$ to "o 
h\r's cont9u\s talk4 ,don't ask me = !  

in=mation4 ,i _h no sort ( use = x1 & ,i
 =got x z soon z ,i c\ld4 ,i l ,*9ese   
bric-a-brac1 b my int]e/ 9 ,*9a ends    
!re4  ,yet x 0 n long be=e ,uncle ,david
 slid into 8 own place 9 ! family       
circle4 ,we soon f\nd t he did n expect 
u to ent]ta9 him4 ,he want$ only to sit 
quiet & smoke 8 pipe1 to take 8 two     
daily walks by himself1 & to read !     
daily pap] "o aft]noon & ,macaulay's    
,hi/ory ( ,engl& ! next4 ,he 0 nev] tir$
 ( sitt+ & gaz+ amiably b sil5tly at my 
wife2 &1 to head ! li/ ( 8 good po9ts1  
he w\ld hold ! baby by ! h\r1 & = "s    
my/]i\s reason t baby1 :o requir$ !     
exhibition ( sev5te5 toys 9 a m9ute to  
be reasonably quiet 9 ! arms ( anybody  
else1 w\ld sit placidly 9 ,uncle        
,david's lap1 tee?+ away /eadily on !   
old g5tleman's wat*-*a91 z quiet & z    
solemn & z ag$ 9 appe>ance z any "o ( ! 
assort$ gods ( porcela9 & jade & ivory  
:i* our aromatic uncle _h s5t u4  ,! old
 h\se 9 ,bo/on 0 a ?+ ( ! pa/4 ,my      
wife's p>5ts _h be5 dead = "s ye>s1 & no

 "o rema9$ ( h] imm$iate family except a
 c]ta9 ,aunt ,lucretia1 :o _h liv$ ) !m 
until %ortly be=e our m>riage1 :5 !     
break+ up ( ! family s5t h] ,we/ to f9d 
a home ) a di/ant relative 9 ,cali=nia4 
,we ask$ ,uncle ,davy if he _h /opp$ to 
see ,aunt ,lucretia z he came ?r\gh     
,cali=nia4 ,he said he _h n4 ,we ask$   
him if he want$ to h ,aunt ,lucretia    
invit$ on to pass a visit dur+ 8 /ay )  
u4 ,he answ]$ t he did n4 ,?is did n    
surprise u at all4 ,y might ?9k t a     
bro!r might long to see a si/] f :om he 
_h be5 sep>at$ ne>ly all ( a long       
lifetime1 b !n y might nev] h met ,aunt 
,lucretia4 ,my wife made ! (f] only f a 
s5se ( duty2 & only aft] a conte/ ) me  
:i* la/$ ?ree days & nights4 ,no?+ b    
loss ( sleep dur+ an exceptionally busy 
"t at my (fice induc$ me to cons5t to h]
 project ( invit+ ,aunt ,lucretia4 ,:5  
,uncle ,david put 8 veto ^u !           
proposition ,i felt t he might h tak5   
back all 8 r>e & co/ly gifts1 & ,i c\ld 
/ill h lov$ him4  ,b ,aunt ,lucretia    

came1 all ! same4 ,my wife is afflict$ )
 a ,new ,engl& consci5ce1 orig9ally ( a 
mo/ uncom=table "*4 ,x has be5 mu*      
modifi$ & ameliorat$1 until x is n[     
consid]ably less l a case ( moral hives2
 b "s wret*$ l+]+ remnant ( ! orig9al   
article induc$ h] to write to ,aunt     
,lucretia t ,uncle ,david 0 /ay+ ) u1 & 
( c\rse ,aunt ,lucretia came )\t        
invitation & )\t w>n+1 dropp+ 9 on u )  
ru?less unexpect$ness4  ,y may n ?9k1 f 
:at ,i h said1 t ,aunt ,lucretia's visit
 0 a pleasant ev5t4 ,b x 01 9 "s        
respects2 = x 0 n only ! %orte/ visit %e
 ev] paid u1 b x 0 ! la/ ) :i* %e ev]   
honor$ u4  ,%e arriv$ "o morn+ %ortly   
aft] breakfa/1 j z we 7 prep>+ to g out 
= a drive4 ,%e w\ld n h be5 ,aunt       
,lucretia if %e _h n upset somebody's   
calculations at e turn ( h] exi/5ce4 ,we
 welcom$ h] ) z mu* hypocrisy z we c\ld 
summon to our aid on %ort notice1 & %e 0
 n m ?an usually (f5sive1 al?\gh %e     
c]ta9ly did h]self full ju/ice 9 tell+ u
 :at %e ?\ght ( u = n invit+ h] z soon z

 we ev5 he>d ( ,uncle ,david's int5tion 
to return to 8 native l&4 ,%e said %e   
ought to h be5 ! fir/ to embrace h]     
belov$ bro!r--to :om ,i don't believe %e
 _h giv5 "o ?\ght 9 m ye>s ?an ,i h yet 
se54  ,uncle ,david 0 dress+ = 8 drive4 
,8 long resid5ce 9 tropical c\ntries _h 
r5d]$ him s5sitive to ! cold1 & al?\gh x
 0 a f9e1 cle> ,septemb] day1 ) !       
!rmomet] at ab\t sixty1 he 0 indu/ri\sly
 build+ himself up ) a s]ies ( ov]coats4
 ,on a really snappy day ,i h kn[n him  
to get into six ( ^! g>m5ts2 & :5 he    
ent]$ ! room on ?is occasion ,i ?9k he  
_h on five1 at lea/4  ,my wife _h he>d 8
 famili> foot on ! /airs1 & ,aunt       
,lucretia _h ris5 up & brac$ h]self = an
 outbur/ ( emotional affection4 ,i c\ld 
see t x 0 go+ to be su* a greet+ z is   
giv5 only once 9 two or ?ree c5turies1 &
 !n on ! /age4 ,i felt sure x w\ld end 9
 a swoon1 & ,i 0 look+ ar\nd = a        
s(a-pill[ = ! old lady to fall ^u1 = f  
:at ,i knew ( ,aunt ,lucretia ,i did n  
believe %e _h ev] swoon$ en\gh to be    

able to g ?r\gh ! p]=mance )\t dang] to 
h] ag$ p]son4 ,b ,i ne$ n h tr\bl$      
myself4 ,uncle ,david toddl$ into !     
room1 gaz$ at ,aunt ,lucretia )\t a sign
 ( recognition 9 8 features1 & toddl$   
out into ! hall1 :]e he got 8 hat &     
gloves1 & w5t out to ! front lawn1 :]e  
he always pac$ up & d[n = a few m9utes  
be=e tak+ a drive1 9 ord] to /imulate 8 
circulation4 ,?is 0 a surprise1 b ,aunt 
,lucretia's behavior 0 a great]         
surprise4 ,! mom5t %e set eyes on ,uncle
 ,david ! !atrical f]vor w5t out ( h]   
entire sy/em1 lit]ally 9 "o in/ant2 & an
 absolutely natural1 unaffect$ a/oni%m5t
 display$ itself 9 h] expressive &      
/rongly m>k$ features4 ,= almo/ a m9ute1
 until ! s\nd ( ,uncle ,david's foot/eps
 _h di$ away1 %e /ood absolutely rigid2 
:ile my wife & ,i gaz$ at h] spellb\nd4 
,!n ,aunt ,lucretia po9t$ "o long bony  
f+] at me1 & hiss$ out ) a true fem99e  
disreg>d ( gramm>3  ,t a9't ,,him6      
,david1 said ,aunt ,lucretia1           
impressively1 _h only "o arm4 ,he lo/ ! 

o!r 9 ,madagasc>4  ,i 0 too dumf\nd$ to 
take 9 ! situation4 ,i rememb] ?9k+1 9 a
 vague sort ( way1 t ,madagasc> 0 a     
curi\s sort ( place to g = ! purpose (  
los+ an arm2 b ,i did n appreh5d ! full 
significance ( ?is disclosure until ,i  
he>d my wife's di/ress$ prote/ations t  
,aunt ,lucretia mu/ be mi/ak52 !re mu/  
be "s horrible mi/ake some:]e4  ,b ,aunt
 ,lucretia 0 n mi/ak51 & !re 0 no mi/ake
 any:]e4 ,! arm _h be5 lo/1 & lo/ 9     
,madagasc>1 & %e c\ld give ! date ( !   
occurr5ce1 & ! circum/ances att5dant4   
,moreov]1 %e produc$ h] evid5ce on !    
spot4 ,x 0 an old dagu]reotype1 tak5 9  
,calcutta a ye> or two aft] ! ,madagasc>
 episode4 ,%e _h x 9 h] h&-bag1 & %e    
op5$ x ) f+]s trembl+ ) rage &          
excitem5t4 ,x %[$ two m5 /&+ side by    
side ne> "o ( ^? ?ree-foot ,ionic pill>s
 t 7 an indisp5sable adjunct (          
photography 9 its e>ly /ages4 ,"o ( ! m5
 0 l>ge1 broad-%\ld]$1 & h&some--       
unmi/akably a h&some edition ( ,aunt    
,lucretia4 ,8 empty left sleeve 0 p9n$  

across 8 brea/4 ,! o!r man 01 mak+      
all[ance = ! diff]5ce 9 ye>s1 no less   
unmi/akably ! ,uncle ,david :o 0 at t   
mom5t walk+ to & fro "u our w9d[s4 ,= "o
 in/ant my wife's face light$ up4  ,:y1 
,aunt ,lucretia1 %e cri$1 !re he is6    
,t's ,uncle ,david1 de> ,uncle ,david4  
,!re he is ,,n1 repli$ ,aunt ,lucretia4 
,t's 8 bus9ess p>tn]--"s common p]son t 
he pick$ up on ! %ip he fir/ sail$ 9--&1
 ^u my ^w1 ,i d believe x's t wret*$    
creature outside4 ,& ,i'll ,uncle ,david
 ,,him4  ,%e m>*$ out l a gr5adi] go+ to
 battle1 & we foll[$ h] meekly4 ,!re 01 
un=tunately1 no room = d\bt 9 ! case4 ,x
 only ne$$ a glance to see t ! man ) "o 
arm 0 a memb] ( my wife's family1 & t ! 
man by 8 side1 ,,our ,uncle ,david1 bore
 no resemblance to him 9 /ature or      
features4  ,out on ! lawn ,aunt         
,lucretia sail$ into ! de> old g5tleman 
9 ! five ov]coats ) a volley (          
vitup]ation4 ,he did n int]rupt h]1 b   
/ood pati5tly to ! end1 li/5+1 ) 8 h&s  
beh9d 8 back2 & :51 ) h] la/ gasp (     

available brea?1 ,aunt ,lucretia dem&$3 
,:o--:o--:o ,,are y1 y wret*8 he        
respond$1 calmly & respectfully3  ,i'm  
,tommy ,biggs1 ,miss ,lucretia4  ,b j "h
 my wife ?rew h]self on 8 neck & hugg$  
him1 & cri$3  ,y're my own de> ,uncle   
,david1 ,,anyway6  ,x 0 a =tunate1 a    
glori\sly =tunate1 inspiration4 ,aunt   
,lucretia drew h]self up 9 spee*less    
scorn1 /ret*$ =? h] bony f+]1 tri$ to   
say some?+ & fail$1 & !n %e & h] h&-bag 
w5t out ( my gates1 nev] to come 9 aga94
  ,:5 %e _h gone1 our aromatic uncle--= 
we %all always cont9ue to ?9k ( him 9 t 
light1 or r 9 t odor-- look$ ?\ghtfully 
aft] h] till %e disappe>$1 & !n made "o 
( ! few rem>ks ,i ev] knew him to       
volunte]4  ,a9't *ang$ a mite 9 =ty-sev5
 ye>s4  ,up to ?is "t ,i _h be5 9 a daz$
 condition ( m9d4 ,z ,i h said1 my      
wife's family 0 ext9ct save = h]self &  
,aunt ,lucretia1 & %e rememb]$ s little 
( h] p>5ts1 & %e look$ h]self s little l
 ,aunt ,lucretia1 t x 0 small wond] t   
nei!r ( u rem>k$ ,uncle ,david's        

unlik5ess to ! family type4 ,we knew t  
he did n resemble ! ideal we _h =m$ (   
him2 & t _h be5 ! only consid]ation we  
_h giv5 to 8 looks4 ,n[1 x took only a  
mom5t ( reflection to recall ! fact t   
all ! memb]s ( ! family _h be5 tall &   
%apely1 & t ev5 betwe5 ! ugly ones1 l   
,aunt ,lucretia1 & ! pretty ones1 l my  
wife1 !re 0 a c]ta9 resemblance4 ,p]haps
 x 0 only ! nose--! nose is ! br& 9 mo/ 
families1 ,i believe--b :atev] x 01 ,i  
_h only to see my wife & ,aunt ,lucretia
 toge!r to realize t ! man :o _h pass$  
himself (f z our ,uncle ,david _h n "o  
feature 9 common ) ei!r ( !m--nor ) !   
"o-arm$ man 9 ! dagu]reotype4 ,i 0 ?9k+ 
( ?is1 & look+ at my wife's tr\bl$ face1
 :5 our aromatic uncle t\*$ me on ! arm4
  ,i'll expla91 he said1 to y4 ,,y tell 
,,h]4  ,we dismiss$ ! c>riage1 w5t into 
! h\se1 & sat d[n4 ,! old g5tleman 0    
p]fectly cool & collect$1 b he lit 8    
clay pipe1 & reflect$ = a good five     
m9utes be=e he op5$ 8 m\?4 ,!n he began3
  ,f9e/ man 9 ! _w1 sir4 ,f9e/ ,,boy 9 !

 _w4 ,nev] any?+ l him4 ,b1             
peculi>ities4 ,_h 'em4 ,peculi>ities4   
,w\ldn't write home4 ,w\ldn't--"h he    
hesitat$--s5d ?+s home4 ,i _h to d x4   
,did x = him4 ,didn't want 8 folks to   
"k4 ,o!r peculi>ities4 ,nev] _h any     
money4 ,o!r peculi>ities4 ,drank4 ,o!r  
peculi>ities4 ,ladies4 ,f9e/ man 9 ! _w1
 all ! same4 ,nobody l him4 ,kept him "r
 ) 8 folks = ?irty-"o ye>s4 ,!n di$4    
,fev]4 ,canton4 ,nev] be5 myself s9ce4  
,kept "r on writ+1 all ! same4 ,also--"h
 he hesitat$ aga9--s5d+ ?+s4 ,:y8 ,don't
 "k4 ,be5 a fool all my life4 ,nev] c\ld
 d any?+ b make money4 ,no family1 no   
fri5ds4 ,only ,,him4 ,ran away to sea to
 look aft] him4 ,did look aft] him4     
,?\ght maybe y\r wife w\ld be "s l him4 
,b>r+ peculi>ities1 %e is4 ,gett+ old4  
,came "h = company4 ,meant no h>m4      
,didn't calculate on ,miss ,lucretia4   
,"h he paus$ & smok$ reflectively = a   
m9ute or two4  ,hot 9 ! coll>--,miss    
,lucretia4 ,haughty4 ,l him1 "s4 ,j l %e
 0 =ty-sev5 ye>s ago4 ,slapp$ my face "o

 day :5 ,i 0 deliv]+ meat1 because my   
jump] wasn't clean4 ,a9't *ang$ a mite4 
,?is 0 ! fir/ cond5s$ /atem5t ( ! case (
 our aromatic uncle4 ,x 0 only 9 reply  
to pati5t1 &1 ,i hope1 lov+1 g5tle1 &   
consid]ate1 que/ion+ t ! :ole /ory came 
out--at once pitiful & noble--( ! poor  
little but*]-boy :o ran away to sea to  
be body-gu>d1 s]vant1 & fri5d to !      
spl5did1 %[y1 selfi% y\? :om he         
wor%ipp$2 ^: he>tlessness he cloak$ = _m
 a long ye>1 :o liv$ ^u 8 b\nty1 & :o   
di$ 9 8 arms1 nurs$ ) a t5d]ness        
surpass+ t ( a bro!r4 ,& z f> z ,i c\ld 
f9d out1 +ratitude & contempt _h be5 8  
only rew>d4  ,i ne$ n tell y t :5 ,i    
repeat$ all ?is to my wife %e ran to !  
old g5tleman's room & told him all ! ?+s
 t ,i %\ld n h kn[n h[ to say--t we c>$ 
= him2 t we want$ him to /ay ) u2 t he 0
 f>1 f> m our uncle ?an ! brilliant1    
unpr9cipl$ scapegrace :o _h di$ ye>s    
be=e1 dead = almo/ a lifetime to !      
family :o idoliz$ him2 & t we want$ him 
to /ay ) u z long z k9d heav5 w\ld let  

him4 ,b x 0 ( no use4 ,a *ange _h come  
ov] our aromatic uncle :i* we c\ld bo? (
 u see1 b c\ld n und]/&4 ,! duplicity ( 
:i* he _h be5 guilty weigh$ on 8 _s4 ,! 
next day he w5t out = 8 usual walk1 & he
 nev] came back4 ,we us$ e means ( se>* 
& inquiry1 b we nev] he>d f him until we
 got ?is lett] f ,foo-*oo-li3  ,,de>    
,,nephew ,,& ,,niece3 ,! pres5t is to   
in=m y t ,i am enjoy+ ! ,heal? t might  
be expect$ at my ,age1 & 9 my condition 
( ,body1 :i* is to say bad4 ,i %ip y by 
to-day's /eam]1 ,pacific ,mon>*1 f\r    
doz5 j>s ( g+]1 & two doz5 ditto pres]v$
 oranges1 to :i* ,i w\ld h add$ "s o!r  
,comfits1 :i* ,i purpos$ (f]+ = y\r     
acceptance1 if x 7 n t my ,physician has
 =bidd5 me to leave my ,b$4 ,9 case (   
,fatal ,results f ?is try+ ,condition1  
my ,w1 duly atte/$1 & made 9 y\r favor1 
w be plac$ 9 y\r h&s by ,messrs4        
,smi?son  ,smi?son1 my ,cu/oms ,brok]s1 
:o w also pay all *>ges on goods s5t4 ,!
 ,heal? ( ?is place be+ unfavorably     
affect$ by ! ,wea!r1 y are unlikely to  

he> m f1         ,de> ,nephew & ,niece1 
,y\r affectionate                       
,,uncle4  ,& we nev] did he> m--except =
 8 w--f ,our ,aromatic ,uncle2 b our    
:ole h\se /ill smells ( 8 love4         
,,quality  ,,by  ,,john ,,galswor?y  ,"h
 ! emphasis is ^u "*4 ,! plot is        
negligible-- h>dly exi/s4 ,! sett+ is   
c>efully work$ out because x is ess5tial
 to ! *>act]ization4 ,by means ( !      
%oemak] ! au?or reveals at lea/ a "p ( 8
 philosophy ( life--t !re is a subtle   
relation betwe5 a man & 8 "w4 ,ea*      
reacts on ! o!r4 ,if a man recognizes ! 
,s\l ( ,?+s & /rives to give x prop]    
expression1 he becomes an ,arti/ &      
influ5ces = good all :o come into       
contact ) him4     ,,quality  ,footnote3
 ,f ,! ,inn ( ,tranquillity1 by ,john   
,galswor?y4 ,copyright1 #aiab1 by ,*>les
 ,scribn]'s ,sons4   ,i knew him f !    
days ( my extreme y\?1 because he made  
my fa!r's boots2 inhabit+ ) 8 eld] bro!r
 two little %ops let into "o1 9 a small 
by-/reet--n[ no m1 b !n mo/ fa%ionably  

plac$ 9 ! ,we/ ,end4  ,t t5em5t _h a    
c]ta9 quiet di/9ction2 !re 0 no sign ^u 
its face t he made = any ( ! ,royal     
,family--m]ely 8 own ,g]man "n ( ,gessl]
 ,bro!rs3 & 9 ! w9d[ a few pairs (      
boots4 ,i rememb] t x always tr\bl$ me  
to acc\nt = ^? unv>y+ boots 9 ! w9d[1 = 
he made only :at 0 ord]$1 rea*+ no?+    
d[n1 & x seem$ s inconceivable t :at he 
made c\ld ev] h fail$ to fit4 ,_h he    
b\ght !m to put !re8 ,t1 too1 seem$     
inconceivable4 ,he w\ld nev] h tol]at$ 9
 8 h\se lea!r on :i* he _h n work$      
himself4 ,besides1 !y 7 too beautiful--!
 pair ( pumps1 s inexpressibly slim1 !  
pat5t lea!rs ) clo? tops1 mak+ wat] come
 into "o's m\?1 ! tall br[n rid+ boots )
 m>vell\s sooty gl[1 z if1 ?\gh new1 !y 
_h be5 worn a hundr$ ye>s4 ,^? pairs    
c\ld only h be5 made by "o :o saw be=e  
him ! ,s\l ( ,boot--s truly 7 !y        
prototypes inc>nat+ ! v _s ( all        
foot-ge>4 ,^! ?\ghts1 ( c\rse1 came to  
me lat]1 ?\gh ev5 :5 ,i 0 promot$ to    
him1 at ! age ( p]haps f\rte51 "s inkl+ 

haunt$ me ( ! dignity ( himself & bro!r4
 ,= to make boots--su* boots z he       
made--seem$ to me !n1 & /ill seems to   
me1 my/]i\s & wond]ful4  ,i rememb] well
 my %y rem>k1 "o day1 :ile /ret*+ out to
 him my y\?ful foot3  ,isn't x awfully  
h>d to d1 ,mr4 ,gessl]8  ,& 8 answ]1    
giv5 ) a sudd5 smile f out ( ! s>donic  
r$ness ( 8 be>d3 ,id is an ,ardt6       
,himself1 he 0 a little z if made f     
lea!r1 ) 8 yell[ cr9kly face1 & cr9kly  
r$di% hair & be>d1 & neat folds slant+  
d[n 8 *eeks to ! corn]s ( 8 m\?1 & 8    
guttural & "o-ton$ voice2 = lea!r is a  
s>donic sub/ance1 & /iff & sl[ (        
purpose4 ,& t 0 ! "* ( 8 face1 save t 8 
eyes1 :i* 7 gray-blue1 _h 9 !m ! simple 
gravity ( "o secretly possess$ by !     
,ideal4 ,8 eld] bro!r 0 s v l him--?\gh 
wat]y1 pal] 9 e way1 ) a great          
indu/ry--t sometimes 9 e>ly days ,i 0 n 
q sure ( him until ! int]view 0 ov]4 ,!n
 ,i knew t x 0 he1 if ! words1 ,i w ask 
my brudd]1 _h n be5 spok52 & t1 if !y   
_h1 x 0 8 eld] bro!r4  ,:5 "o grew old &

 wild & ran up bills1 "o someh[ nev] ran
 !m up ) ,gessl] ,bro!rs4 ,x w\ld n h   
seem$ becom+ to g 9 !re & /ret* out "o's
 foot to t blue iron- spectacl$ glance1 
ow+ him = m ?an--say--two pairs1 j !    
com=table reassurance t "o 0 /ill 8     
cli5t4  ,= x 0 n possible to g to him v 
(t5--8 boots la/$ t]ribly1 hav+ some?+  
beyond ! tempor>y--"s1 z x 71 ess5ce (  
boot /it*$ into !m4  ,"o w5t 91 n z into
 mo/ %ops1 9 ! mood (3 ,please s]ve me1 
& let me g6 b re/fully1 z "o ent]s a    
*ur*2 &1 sitt+ on ! s+le wood5 *air1    
wait$--= !re 0 nev] anybody !re4 ,soon1 
ov] ! top edge ( t sort ( well-- r d>k1 
& smell+ soo?+ly ( lea!r--:i* =m$ ! %op1
 !re w\ld be se5 8 face1 or t ( 8 eld]  
bro!r1 pe]+ d[n4 ,a guttural s\nd1 & !  
tip-tap ( ba/ slipp]s beat+ ! n>r[ wood5
 /airs1 & he w\ld /& be=e "o )\t coat1 a
 little b5t1 9 lea!r apron1 ) sleeves   
turn$ back1 bl9k+--z if awak5$ f "s     
dream ( boots1 or l an owl surpris$ 9   
daylight & annoy$ at ?is int]ruption4   
,& ,i w\ld say3 ,h[ d y d1 ,mr4 ,gessl]8

 ,c\ld y make me a pair ( ,russia lea!r 
boots8  ,)\t a ^w he w\ld leave me1     
retir+ :5ce he came1 or into ! o!r      
portion ( ! %op1 & ,i w\ld cont9ue to   
re/ 9 ! wood5 *air1 inhal+ ! inc5se ( 8 
trade4 ,soon he w\ld come back1 hold+ 9 
8 ?91 ve9$ h& a piece ( gold-br[n lea!r4
 ,) eyes fix$ on x1 he w\ld rem>k3 ,:at 
a beaudiful biece6 ,:5 ,i1 too1 _h      
admir$ x1 he w\ld speak aga94 ,:5 d y w&
 dem8 ,& ,i w\ld answ]3 ,oh6 ,z soon z y
 conv5i5tly c4 ,& he w\ld say3 ,to-morr[
 =dnighd8 ,or if he 7 8 eld] bro!r3 ,i w
 ask my brudd]6  ,!n ,i w\ld murmur3    
,?ank y6 ,good-morn+1 ,mr4 ,gessl]4     
,goot-morn+6 he w\ld reply1 /ill look+  
at ! lea!r 9 8 h&4 ,& z ,i mov$ to !    
door1 ,i w\ld he> ! tip-tap ( 8 ba/     
slipp]s re/or+ him1 up ! /airs1 to 8    
dream ( boots4 ,b if x 7 "s new k9d (   
foot-ge> t he _h n yet made me1 !n inde$
 he w\ld obs]ve c]emony--dive/+ me ( my 
boot & hold+ x long 9 8 h&1 look+ at x )
 eyes at once critical & lov+1 z if     
recall+ ! gl[ ) :i* he _h creat$ x1 &   

rebuk+ ! way 9 :i* "o _h disorganiz$ ?is
 ma/]piece4 ,!n1 plac+ my foot on a     
piece ( pap]1 he w\ld two or ?ree times 
tickle ! out] edges ) a p5cil & pass 8  
n]v\s f+]s ov] my toes1 feel+ himself   
into ! he>t ( my requirem5ts4  ,i _c    
=get t day on :i* ,i _h occasion to say 
to him3 ,mr4 ,gessl]1 t la/ pair ( t[n  
walk+-boots creak$1 y "k4  ,he look$ at 
me = a "t )\t reply+1 z if expect+ me to
 )draw or qualify ! /atem5t1 !n said3   
,id %\ldn'd 'ave greak$4  ,x did1 ,i'm  
afraid4  ,y goddem w$ be=e dey f\nd     
demselves8  ,i don't ?9k s4  ,at t he   
l[]$ 8 eyes1 z if hunt+ = memory ( ^?   
boots1 & ,i felt sorry ,i _h m5tion$ ?is
 grave ?+4  ,z5d dem back6 he said2 ,i w
 look at dem4  ,a feel+ ( compassion =  
my creak+ boots surg$ up 9 me1 s well   
c\ld ,i imag9e ! sorr[ful long curiosity
 ( reg>d :i* he w\ld b5d on !m4  ,zome  
boods1 he said sl[ly1 are bad f birdt4  
,if ,i c d nod+ wid dem1 ,i dake dem (f 
y\r bill4  ,once 7once only7 ,i w5t     
abs5t-m9d$ly into 8 %op 9 a pair ( boots

 b\ght 9 an em]g5cy at "s l>ge firm's4  
,he took my ord] )\t %[+ me any lea!r1 &
 ,i c\ld feel 8 eyes p5etrat+ ! inf]ior 
integum5t ( my foot4 ,at la/ he said3   
,dose are nod my boods4  ,! tone 0 n "o 
( ang]1 nor ( sorr[1 n ev5 ( contempt1 b
 !re 0 9 x some?+ quiet t froze ! blood4
 ,he put 8 h& d[n & press$ a f+] on !   
place :]e ! left boot1 endeavor+ to be  
fa%ionable1 0 n q com=table4  ,id 'urds 
y d]e1 he said4 ,dose big virms 'ave no 
self- respect4 ,dra%6 ,& !n1 z if some?+
 _h giv5 way )9 him1 he spoke long &    
bitt]ly4 ,x 0 ! only "t ,i ev] he>d him 
discuss ! conditions & h>d%ips ( 8      
trade4  ,dey get id all1 he said1 dey   
get id by adv]disem5t1 nod by "w4 ,dey  
dake x away f u1 :o l(e our boods4 ,id  
gomes to ?is--bres5tly ,i haf no "w4 ,e 
ye> id gets less--y w see4 ,& look+ at 8
 l9$ face ,i saw ?+s ,i _h nev] notic$  
be=e1 bitt] ?+s & bitt] /ruggle--& :at a
 lot ( gray hairs !re seem$ sudd5ly 9 8 
r$ be>d6  ,z be/ ,i c\ld1 ,i expla9$ !  
circum/ances ( ! pur*ase ( ^? ill-om5$  

boots4 ,b 8 face & voice made s deep    
impression t dur+ ! next few m9utes ,i  
ord]$ _m pairs4 ,nemesis fell6 ,!y la/$ 
m t]ribly ?an ev]4 ,& ,i 0 n able       
consci5ti\sly to g to him = ne>ly two   
ye>s4  ,:5 at la/ ,i w5t ,i 0 surpris$  
to f9d t outside "o ( ! two little w9d[s
 ( 8 %op ano!r "n 0 pa9t$1 also t ( a   
bootmak]--mak+1 ( c\rse1 = ! ,royal     
,family4 ,! old famili> boots1 no long] 
9 dignifi$ isolation1 7 huddl$ 9 ! s+le 
w9d[4 ,inside1 ! n[ contract$ well ( !  
"o little %op 0 m sc5t$ & d>k] ?an ev]4 
,& x 0 long] ?an usual1 too1 be=e a face
 pe]$ d[n1 & ! tip-tap ( ! ba/ slipp]s  
began4 ,at la/ he /ood be=e me1 &1 gaz+ 
?r\gh ^? ru/y iron spectacles1 said3    
,mr4--1 isn'd x8  ,ah6 ,mr4 ,gessl]1 ,i 
/amm]$1 b y\r boots are really ,,too    
good1 y "k6 ,see1 ^! are q dec5t /ill6  
,& ,i /ret*$ out to him my foot4 ,he    
look$ at x4  ,yes1 he said1 beople d nod
 w& good boods1 id seems4  ,to get away 
f 8 reproa*ful eyes & voice ,i ha/ily   
rem>k$3 ,:at h y done to y\r %op8  ,he  

answ]$ quietly3 ,id 0 too exb5sif4 ,d y 
w& "s boods8  ,i ord]$ ?ree pairs1 ?\gh 
,i _h only want$ two1 & quickly left4 ,i
 _h1 ,i d n "k q :at feel+ ( be+ "p1 9 8
 m9d1 ( a conspiracy aga9/ him2 or n    
p]haps s mu* aga9/ him z aga9/ 8 idea ( 
boot4 ,"o does n1 ,i suppose1 c>e to    
feel l t2 = x 0 aga9 _m mon?s be=e my   
next visit to 8 %op1 paid1 ,i rememb]1 )
 ! feel+3 ,oh6 well1 ,i c't leave ! old 
boy--s "h goes6 ,p]haps x'll be 8 eld]  
bro!r6  ,= 8 eld] bro!r1 ,i knew1 _h n  
"* en\gh to reproa* me1 ev5 dumbly4  ,&1
 to my relief1 9 ! %op !re did appe> to 
be 8 eld] bro!r1 h&l+ a piece ( lea!r4  
,well1 ,mr4 ,gessl]1 ,i said1 h[ are y8 
,he came close1 & pe]$ at me4  ,i am    
br$dy well1 he said sl[ly2 b my eld]    
brudd] is dead4  ,& ,i saw t x 0 inde$  
himself--b h[ ag$ & wan6 ,& nev] be=e _h
 ,i he>d him m5tion 8 bro!r4 ,mu* %ock$1
 ,i murmur$3 ,oh6 ,i am sorry6  ,yes1 he
 answ]$1 he 0 a good man1 he made a good
 bood2 b he is dead4 ,& he t\*$ ! top ( 
8 head1 :]e ! hair _h sudd5ly gone z ?9 

z x _h be5 on t ( 8 poor bro!r1 to      
indicate1 ,i suppose1 ! cause ( dea?4   
,he c\ld nod g$ ov] los+ de od] %op4 ,d 
y w& any boods8 ,& he held up ! lea!r 9 
8 h&3 ,id's a beaudiful biece4  ,i ord]$
 sev]al pairs4 ,x 0 v long be=e !y      
came--b !y 7 bett] ?an ev]4 ,"o simply  
c\ld n we> !m out4 ,& soon aft] t ,i w5t
 abroad4  ,x 0 ov] a ye> be=e ,i 0 aga9 
9 ,london4 ,& ! fir/ %op ,i w5t to 0 my 
old fri5d's4 ,i _h left a man ( sixty1  
,i came back to "o ( sev5ty-five1 p9*$ &
 worn & tremul\s1 :o g5u9ely1 ?is "t1   
did n at fir/ "k me4  ,oh6 ,mr4 ,gessl]1
 ,i said1 sick at he>t2 h[ spl5did y\r  
boots are6 ,see1 ,i've be5 we>+ ?is pair
 ne>ly all ! "t ,i've be5 abroad2 &     
!y're n half worn out1 are !y8  ,he     
look$ long at my boots--a pair ( ,russia
 lea!r1 & 8 face seem$ to rega9         
/ead9ess4 ,putt+ 8 h& on my in/ep1 he   
said3  ,d dey vid y "h8 ,i 'ad dr\ble   
wid dat bair1 ,i rememb]4  ,i assur$ him
 t !y _h fitt$ beautifully4  ,d y w& any
 boods8 he said4 ,i c make dem quickly2 

id is a slack dime4  ,i answ]$3 ,please1
 please6 ,i want boots all r\nd--e k9d6 
,i w make a vre% model4 ,y\r food mu/ be
 bigg]4 ,& ) utt] sl[ness1 he trac$ r\nd
 my foot1 & felt my toes1 only once     
look+ up to say3  ,did ,i dell y my     
brudd] 0 dead8  ,to wat* him 0 pa9ful1 s
 feeble _h he gr[n2 ,i 0 glad to get    
away4  ,i _h giv5 ^? boots up1 :5 "o    
ev5+ !y came4 ,op5+ ! p>cel1 ,i set !   
f\r pairs out 9 a r[4 ,!n "o by "o ,i   
tri$ !m on4 ,!re 0 no d\bt ab\t x4 ,9   
%ape & fit1 9 f9i% & quality ( lea!r1 !y
 7 ! be/ he _h ev] made me4 ,& 9 ! m\? (
 "o ( ! t[n walk+-boots ,i f\nd 8 bill4 
,! am\nt 0 ! same z usual1 b x gave me q
 a %ock4 ,he _h nev] be=e s5t x 9 till  
qu>t] day4 ,i flew d[n/airs1 & wrote a  
*eck1 & po/$ x at once ) my own h&4  ,a 
week lat]1 pass+ ! little /reet1 ,i     
?\ght ,i w\ld g 9 & tell him h[         
spl5didly ! new boots fitt$4 ,b :5 ,i   
came to :]e 8 %op _h be51 8 "n 0 gone4  
,/ill !re1 9 ! w9d[1 7 ! slim pumps1 !  
pat5t lea!rs ) clo? tops1 ! sooty rid+  

boots4  ,i w5t 91 v mu* di/urb$4 ,9 !   
two little %ops--aga9 made into "o--0 a 
"y man ) an ,engli% face4  ,mr4 ,gessl] 
98 ,i said4  ,he gave me a /range1      
+ratiat+ look4  ,no1 sir1 he said1 no4  
,b we c att5d to any?+ ) pleasure4      
,we've tak5 ! %op ov]4 ,y've se5 our "n1
 no d\bt1 next door4 ,we make = "s v    
good p4  ,yes1 yes1 ,i said2 b ,mr4     
,gessl]8  ,oh6 he answ]$2 dead4  ,dead6 
,b ,i only receiv$ ^! boots f him la/   
,w$nesday week4  ,ah6 he said2 a %ock9' 
g4 ,poor old man />v$ 'imself4  ,good   
,god6  ,sl[ />vation1 ! doctor call$ x6 
,y see he w5t to "w 9 su* a way6 ,w\ld  
keep ! %op on2 w\ldn't h a s\l t\* 8    
boots except himself4 ,:5 he got an     
ord]1 x took him su* a "t4 ,p won't     
wait4 ,he lo/ ev]ybody4 ,& !re he'd sit1
 go9' on & on--,i w say t = him--n a man
 9 ,london made a bett] boot6 ,b look at
 ! competition6 ,he nev] adv]tis$6 ,w\ld
 'ave ! be/ lea!r1 too1 & d x all       
'imself4 ,well1 !re x is4 ,:at c\ld y   
expect ) 8 ideas8  ,b />vation--6  ,t   

may be a bit fl[]y1 z ! say9' is--b ,i  
"k myself he 0 sitt9' ov] 8 boots day & 
night1 to ! v la/4 ,y see ,i us$ to wat*
 him4 ,nev] gave 'imself "t to eat2 nev]
 _h a p5ny 9 ! h\se4 ,all w5t 9 r5t &   
lea!r4 ,h[ he liv$ s long ,i don't "k4  
,he regul> let 8 fire g out4 ,he 0 a "*4
 ,b he made good boots4  ,yes1 ,i said1 
he made good boots4  ,& ,i turn$ & w5t  
out quickly1 = ,i did n want t y\? to "k
 t ,i c\ld h>dly see4       ,,!         
,,triumph ,,( ,,night  ,,by ,,edi?      
,,:>ton  ,?is is a my/]y plot 9 :i* !   
sup]natural furni%es ! int]e/4 ,9 deal+ 
) ! sup]natural ,mrs4 ,:>ton does n all[
 x to become horrible or grotesque4 ,%e 
secures plausibility by hav+ = its lead+
 *>act]s practical bus9ess m5--n a      
woman1 hy/]ical or o!rwise1 really      
appe>s--& by plac+ !m 9 a p]fectly      
conv5tional sett+4 ,! app>ition is n    
accompani$ by blood /a9s1 %r\d1 or      
uncanny noises4 ,sometimes ! writ] ( !  
sup]natural feels t he mu/ expla9 8     
my/]y by mat]ial ag5cies4 ,! effect is  

to disappo9t ! read] :o has yield$      
himself to ! conditions impos$ by !     
au?or1 & is will+1 = ! "t at lea/1 to   
believe 9 gho/s4 ,mrs4 ,:>ton makes no  
su* mi/ake4 ,%e does n spoil ! effect by
 commonplace explanation4  ,9           
*>act]ization ,mrs4 ,:>ton reveals ! p[]
 n only to analyze subtly temp]am5ts &  
motives1 b also to describe vividly ) a 
few words4 ,?is phrasal p[] is illu/rat$
 :5 %e says ( ,faxon t he _h a heal?y   
face1 b dy+ h&s1 & ( ,lav+ton t 8 p9*$  
smile 0 screw$ to 8 blank face l a      
gaslight to a :itewa%$ wall4     ,,!    
,,triumph ,,( ,,night  ,footnote3 ,f    
,scribn]'s ,magaz9e1 ,augu/1 #aiad4   ,i
  ,x 0 cle> t ! sleigh f ,weymore _h n  
come2 & ! %iv]+ "y travell] f ,bo/on1 :o
 _h s confid5tly c\nt$ on jump+ into x  
:5 he left ! tra9 at ,nor?ridge         
,junction1 f\nd himself /&+ alone on !  
op5 plat=m1 expos$ to ! full assault (  
nightfall & w9t]4  ,! bla/ t swept him  
came (f ,new ,hamp%ire sn[ fields &     
ice-hung =e/s4 ,x seem$ to h trav]s$    

int]m9able leagues ( froz5 sil5ce1 fill+
 !m ) ! same cold ro> & %>p5+ its edge  
aga9/ ! same bitt] black & :ite l&scape4
 ,d>k1 se>*+1 & sword-l1 x alt]nately   
muffl$ & h>ri$ its victim1 l a          
bullfight] n[ :irl+ 8 cloak & n[ plant+ 
8 d>ts4 ,?is analogy br\ght home to ! "y
 man ! fact t he himself _h no cloak1 & 
t ! ov]coat 9 :i* he _h fac$ !          
relatively temp]ate airs ( ,bo/on seem$ 
no ?ick] ?an a %eet ( pap] on ! bleak   
heights ( ,nor?ridge4 ,george ,faxon    
said to himself t ! place 0 uncommonly  
well nam$4 ,x clung to an expos$ l$ge   
ov] ! valley f :i* ! tra9 _h lift$ him1 
& ! w9d comb$ x ) tee? ( /eel t he seem$
 actually to he> scrap+ aga9/ ! wood5   
sides ( ! /ation4 ,o!r build+ !re 0     
none3 ! village lay f> d[n ! road1 &    
?i!r--s9ce ! ,weymore sleigh _h n       
come--,faxon saw himself "u ! imm$iate  
necessity ( plodd+ ?r\gh sev]al feet (  
sn[4  ,he und]/ood well en\gh :at _h    
happ5$ at ,weymore3 8 ho/ess _h =gott5 t
 he 0 com+4 ,"y z ,faxon 01 ?is sad     

lucidity ( s\l _h be5 acquir$ z ! result
 ( long exp]i5ce1 & he knew t ! visitors
 :o c lea/ af=d to hire a c>riage are   
almo/ always ^? :om _! ho/s =get to s5d 
=4 ,yet to say ,mrs4 ,culme _h =gott5   
him 0 p]haps too crude a way ( putt+ x4 
,simil> incid5ts l$ him to ?9k t %e _h  
probably told h] maid to tell ! butl] to
 telephone ! coa*man to tell "o ( !     
grooms 7if no "o else ne$$ him7 to drive
 ov] to ,nor?ridge to fet* ! new        
secret>y2 b on a night l ?is :at groom  
:o respect$ 8 rights w\ld fail to =get !
 ord]8  ,faxon's obvi\s c\rse 0 to      
/ruggle ?r\gh ! drifts to ! village1 &  
!re r\t out a sleigh to convey him to   
,weymore2 b :at if1 on 8 arrival at     
,mrs4 ,culme's1 no "o rememb]$ to ask   
him :at ?is devotion to duty _h co/8 ,t1
 aga91 0 "o ( ! cont+5cies he _h        
exp5sively le>n$ to look out =1 & !     
p]spicacity s acquir$ told him x w\ld be
 *eap] to sp5d ! night at ! ,nor?ridge  
inn1 & advise ,mrs4 ,culme ( 8 pres5ce  
!re by telephone4 ,he _h rea*$ ?is      

decision1 & 0 ab\t to entru/ 8 luggage  
to a vague man ) a lant]n :o seem$ to h 
"s loose connection ) ! railway company1
 :5 8 hopes 7 rais$ by ! s\nd ( sleigh  
bells4  ,two vehicles 7 j da%+ up to !  
/ation1 & f ! =emo/ !re sprang a "y man 
swa!d 9 furs4  ,weymore8--,no1 ^! are n 
! ,weymore sleighs4  ,! voice 0 t ( !   
y\? :o _h jump$ to ! plat=m--a voice s  
agreeable t1 9 spite ( ! words1 x fell  
reassur+ly on ,faxon's e>s4 ,at ! same  
mom5t ! w&]+ /ation-lant]n1 ca/+ a      
transi5t light on ! speak]1 %[$ 8       
features to be 9 ! pleasante/ h>mony ) 8
 voice4 ,he 0 v fair & v "y--h>dly 9 !  
tw5ties1 ,faxon ?\ght--b 8 face1 ?\gh   
full ( a morn+ fre%ness1 0 a trifle too 
?9 & f9e-drawn1 z ?\gh a vivid _s       
cont5d$ 9 him ) a /ra9 ( physical       
weakness4 ,faxon 0 p]haps ! quick] to   
notice su* delicacies ( balance because 
8 own temp]am5t hung on lightly vibrat+ 
n]ves1 :i* yet1 z he believ$1 w\ld nev] 
q sw+ him beyond ! arc ( a normal       
s5sibility4  ,y expect$ a sleigh f      

,weymore8 ! y\? cont9u$1 /&+ beside     
,faxon l a sl5d] column ( fur4  ,mrs4   
,culme's secret>y expla9$ 8 difficulty1 
& ! newcom] bru%$ x aside ) a           
contemptu\s ,oh1 ,mrs4 ,culme6 t c>ri$  
bo? speak]s a long way t[>d reciprocal  
und]/&+4  ,b !n y mu/ be-- ,! y\? broke 
(f ) a smile ( int]rogation4  ,! new    
secret>y8 ,yes4 ,b app>5tly !re are no  
notes to be answ]$ ?is ev5+4 ,faxon's   
laugh deep5$ ! s5se ( solid>ity :i* _h s
 promptly e/abli%$ itself betwe5 ! two4 
,! newcom] laugh$ also4 ,mrs4 ,culme1 he
 expla9$1 0 lun*+ at my uncle's today1 &
 %e said y 7 due ?is ev5+4 ,b sev5 h\rs 
is a long "t = ,mrs4 ,culme to rememb]  
any?+4  ,well1 said ,faxon              
philosophically1 ,i suppose t's "o ( !  
reasons :y %e ne$s a secret>y4 ,& ,i've 
always ! inn at ,nor?ridge1 he conclud$4
  ,! y\? laugh$ aga94 ,he 0 at ! age :5 
pr$icam5ts are food = gaiety4  ,oh1 b y 
hav5't1 ?\gh6 ,x burn$ d[n la/ week4  ,!
 deuce x did6 said ,faxon2 b ! humor ( !
 situation /ruck him also be=e its      

inconv5i5ce4 ,8 life1 = ye>s pa/1 _h be5
 ma9ly a succession ( resign$           
adaptations1 & he _h le>n$1 be=e deal+  
practically ) 8 emb>rassm5ts1 to extract
 f mo/ ( !m a small tribute ( amusem5t4 
,oh1 well1 !re's sure to be somebody 9 !
 place :o c put me up4  ,no "o y c\ld   
put up )4 ,besides1 ,nor?ridge is ?ree  
miles (f1 & our place--9 ! opposite     
direction--is a little ne>]4 ,?r\gh !   
d>kness1 ,faxon saw 8 fri5d sket* a     
ge/ure ( self-introduction4 ,my "n's    
,frank ,ra9]1 & ,i'm /ay+ ) my uncle at 
,ov]dale4 ,i've driv5 ov] to meet two   
fri5ds ( 81 :o are due 9 a few m9utes f 
,new ,york4 ,if y don't m9d wait+ till  
!y arrive ,i'm sure ,ov]dale c d y bett]
 ?an ,nor?ridge4 ,we're only d[n f t[n =
 a few days1 b ! h\se is always ready = 
a lot ( p4  ,b y\r uncle--8 ,faxon c\ld 
only object1 ) ! odd s5se1 ?r\gh 8      
emb>rassm5t1 t x w\ld be magically      
dispell$ by 8 invisible fri5d's next    
words4  ,oh1 my uncle--y'll see6 ,i     
answ] = ,,him6 ,i d>e say y've he>d (   

him--,john ,lav+ton8  ,john ,lav+ton6   
,!re 0 a c]ta9 irony 9 ask+ if "o _h    
he>d ( ,john ,lav+ton6 ,ev5 f a po/ (   
obs]vation z obscure z t ( ,mrs4        
,culme's secret>y1 ! rumor ( ,john      
,lav+ton's money1 ( 8 pictures1 8       
politics1 8 *>ities & 8 hospitality1 0 z
 difficult to escape z ! ro> ( a cat>act
 9 a m\nta9 solitude4 ,x might almo/ h  
be5 said t ! "o place 9 :i* "o w\ld n h 
expect$ to come ^u him 0 9 j su* a      
solitude z n[ surr\nd$ ! speak]s--at    
lea/ 9 ?is deepe/ h\r ( its des]t$ness4 
,b x 0 j l ,lav+ton's brilliant ubiquity
 to put "o 9 ! wrong ev5 !re4  ,oh1 yes1
 ,i've he>d ( y\r uncle4  ,!n y ,,w     
come1 won't y8 ,we've only five m9utes  
to wait1 "y ,ra9] urg$1 9 ! tone t      
dispels scruples by ignor+ !m2 & ,faxon 
f\nd himself accept+ ! invitation z     
simply z x 0 (f]$4  ,a delay 9 ! arrival
 ( ! ,new ,york tra9 l5g!n$ _! five     
m9utes to fifte52 & z !y pac$ ! icy     
plat=m ,faxon began to see :y x _h seem$
 ! mo/ natural ?+ 9 ! _w to acc$e to 8  

new acqua9tance's sugge/ion4 ,x 0       
because ,frank ,ra9] 0 "o ( ! privileg$ 
be+s :o simplify human int]c\rse by !   
atmosph]e ( confid5ce & good humor !y   
diffuse4 ,he produc$ ?is effect1 ,faxon 
not$1 by ! ex]cise ( no gift save 8 y\?1
 ( no art save 8 s9c]ity2 b ^! qualities
 7 reveal$ 9 a smile ( su* appeal+      
sweetness t ,faxon felt1 z nev] be=e1   
:at ,nature c a*ieve :5 %e deigns to    
mat* ! face ) ! m9d4  ,he le>n$ t ! "y  
man 0 ! w>d1 & only nephew1 ( ,john     
,lav+ton1 ) :om he _h made 8 home s9ce !
 dea? ( 8 "m1 ! great man's si/]4 ,mr4  
,lav+ton1 ,ra9] said1 _h be5 a regul>   
brick to him--,b !n he is to e "o1 y    
"k--& ! "y fell['s situation seem$ 9    
fact to be p]fectly 9 keep+ ) 8 p]son4  
,app>5tly ! only %ade t _h ev] re/$ on  
him 0 ca/ by ! physical weakness :i*    
,faxon _h already detect$4 ,"y ,ra9] _h 
be5 ?reat5$ ) a disease ( ! lungs :i*1  
accord+ to ! highe/ au?orities1 made    
bani%m5t to ,arizona or ,new ,mexico    
inevitable4 ,b luckily my uncle didn't  

pack me (f1 z mo/ p w\ld h done1 )\t    
gett+ ano!r op9ion4 ,^:8 ,oh1 an awfully
 clev] *ap1 a "y doctor ) a lot ( new   
ideas1 :o simply laugh$ at my be+ s5t   
away1 & said ,i'd d p]fectly well 9 ,new
 ,york if ,i didn't d9e out too mu*1 &  
if ,i da%$ (f occasionally to ,nor?ridge
 = a little fre% air4 ,s x's really my  
uncle's do+ t ,i'm n 9 exile--& ,i feel 
no end bett] s9ce ! new *ap told me ,i  
ne$n't bo!r4 ,"y ,ra9] w5t on to confess
 t he 0 extremely fond ( d9+ out1 danc+1
 & o!r urban di/ractions2 & ,faxon1     
li/5+ to him1 conclud$ t ! physician :o 
_h refus$ to cut him (f altoge!r f ^!   
pleasures 0 probably a bett] psy*ologi/ 
?an 8 s5iors4  ,all ! same y ought to be
 c>eful1 y "k4 ,! s5se ( eld] bro!rly   
conc]n t =c$ ! words f ,faxon made him1 
z he spoke1 slip 8 arm impulsively ?r\gh
 ,frank ,ra9]'s4  ,! latt] met ! movem5t
 ) a responsive pressure4 ,oh1 ,i ,,am3 
awfully1 awfully4 ,& !n my uncle has su*
 an eye on me6  ,b if y\r uncle has su* 
an eye on y1 :at does he say to y\r     

swall[+ knives out "h 9 ?is ,sib]ian    
wild8  ,ra9] rais$ 8 fur coll> ) a      
c>eless ge/ure4 ,x's n t t does x--!    
cold's good = me4  ,& x's n ! d9n]s &   
dances8 ,:at is x1 !n8 ,faxon           
good-humor$ly insi/$2 to :i* 8 companion
 answ]$ ) a laugh3 ,well1 my uncle says 
x's be+ bor$2 & ,i r ?9k he's "r6  ,8   
laugh end$ 9 a spasm ( c\gh+ & a /ruggle
 = brea? t made ,faxon1 /ill hold+ 8    
arm1 guide him ha/ily into ! %elt] ( !  
fireless wait+ room4  ,"y ,ra9] _h      
dropp$ d[n on ! b5* aga9/ ! wall & pull$
 (f "o ( 8 fur gloves to grope = a      
h&k]*ief4 ,he toss$ aside 8 cap & drew !
 h&k]*ief across 8 =ehead1 :i* 0        
int5sely :ite1 & bead$ ) moi/ure1 ?\gh 8
 face reta9$ a heal?y gl[4 ,b ,faxon's  
gaze rema9$ fa/5$ to ! h& he _h uncov]$3
 x 0 s long1 s colorless1 s wa/$1 s mu* 
old] ?an ! br[ he pass$ x ov]4  ,x's    
que]--a heal?y face b dy+ h&s1 !        
secret>y mus$2 he someh[ wi%$ "y ,ra9]  
_h kept on 8 glove4  ,! :i/le ( !       
express drew ! "y m5 to _! feet1 & !    

next mom5t two heavily furr$ g5tlem5 _h 
desc5d$ to ! plat=m & 7 brea/+ ! rigor (
 ! night4 ,frank ,ra9] introduc$ !m z   
,mr4 ,grisb5 & ,mr4 ,bal*1 & ,faxon1    
:ile _! luggage 0 be+ lift$ into !      
second sleigh1 disc]n$ !m1 by ! rov+    
lant]n gleam1 to be an eld]ly gray-head$
 pair1 app>5tly ( ! av]age prosp]\s     
bus9ess cut4  ,!y salut$ _! ho/'s nephew
 ) fri5dly famili>ity1 & ,mr4 ,grisb51  
:o seem$ ! spokesman ( ! two1 end$ 8    
greet+ ) a g5ial--& _m _m m ( !m1 de>   
boy6 :i* sugge/$ to ,faxon t _! arrival 
co9cid$ ) an anniv]s>y4 ,b he c\ld n    
press ! inquiry1 = ! seat allott$ him 0 
at ! coa*man's side1 :ile ,frank ,ra9]  
jo9$ 8 uncle's gue/s inside ! sleigh4   
,a swift flight 7beh9d su* horses z "o  
c\ld be sure ( ,john ,lav+ton's hav+7   
br\ght !m to tall gatepo/s1 an illum9at$
 lodge1 & an av5ue on :i* ! sn[ _h be5  
levell$ to ! smoo?ness ( m>ble4 ,at !   
end ( ! av5ue ! long h\se loom$ ?r\gh   
trees1 its pr9cipal bulk d>k b "o w+    
s5d+ out a ray ( welcome2 & ! next mom5t

 ,faxon 0 receiv+ a viol5t impression ( 
w>m? & light1 ( ho?\se plants1 hurry+   
s]vants1 a va/ spectacul> oak hall l a  
/age sett+1 &1 9 its unreal middle      
di/ance1 a small concise figure1        
correctly dress$1 conv5tionally featur$1
 & utt]ly unlike 8 r florid conception (
 ! great ,john ,lav+ton4  ,! %ock ( !   
contra/ rema9$ ) him ?r\gh 8 hurri$     
dress+ 9 ! l>ge imp]sonally luxuri\s    
b$room to :i* he _h be5 %[n4 ,i don't   
see :]e he comes 91 0 ! only way he c\ld
 put x1 s difficult 0 x to fit !        
exub]ance ( ,lav+ton's public p]sonality
 into 8 ho/'s contract$ frame & mann]4  
,mr4 ,lav+ton1 to :om ,faxon's case _h  
be5 rapidly expla9$ by "y ,ra9]1 _h     
welcom$ him ) a sort ( dry & /ilt$      
cordiality t exactly mat*$ 8 n>r[ face1 
8 /iff h&1 ! :iff ( sc5t on 8 ev5+      
h&k]*ief4 ,make y\rself at home--at     
home6 he _h repeat$1 9 a tone t sugge/$1
 on 8 own "p1 a complete inability to   
p]=m ! feat he urg$ on 8 visitor4 ,any  
fri5d ( ,frank's 444 delight$ 444 make  

y\rself ?or\ghly at home6     ,,ii  ,9  
spite ( ! balmy temp]ature & complicat$ 
conv5i5ces ( ,faxon's b$room1 !         
injunction 0 n easy to obey4 ,x 0       
wond]ful luck to h f\nd a night's %elt] 
"u ! opul5t ro( ( ,ov]dale1 & he ta/$ ! 
physical satisfaction to ! full4 ,b !   
place1 = all its +5uities ( com=t1 0    
oddly cold & unwelcom+4 ,he c\ldn't h   
said :y1 & c\ld only suppose t ,mr4     
,lav+ton's int5se p]sonality--int5sely  
negative1 b int5se all ! same--mu/1 9 "s
 occult way1 h p5etrat$ e corn] ( 8     
dwell+4 ,p]haps1 ?\gh1 x 0 m]ely t      
,faxon himself 0 tir$ & hungry1 m deeply
 *ill$ ?an he _h kn[n till he came 9 f !
 cold1 & unutt]ably sick ( all /range   
h\ses1 & ( ! prospect ( p]petually      
tread+ o!r p's /airs4  ,i hope y're n   
fami%$8 ,ra9]'s slim figure 0 9 !       
doorway4 ,my uncle has a little bus9ess 
to att5d to ) ,mr4 ,grisb51 & we don't  
d9e = half an h\r4 ,%all ,i fet* y1 or c
 y f9d y\r way d[n8 ,come /raight to !  
d9+ room--! second door on ! left ( !   

long gall]y4  ,he disappe>$1 leav+ a ray
 ( w>m? beh9d him1 & ,faxon1 reliev$1   
lit a cig>ette & sat d[n by ! fire4     
,look+ ab\t ) less ha/e1 he 0 /ruck by a
 detail t _h escap$ him4 ,! room 0 full 
( fl[]s--a m]e ba*elor's room1 9 ! w+ ( 
a h\se op5$ only = a few days1 9 ! dead 
middle ( a ,new ,hamp%ire w9t]6 ,fl[]s 7
 ev]y:]e1 n 9 s5seless pr(usion1 b plac$
 ) ! same consci\s art he _h rem>k$ 9 ! 
gr\p+ ( ! blossom+ %rubs t fill$ ! hall4
 ,a vase ( arums /ood on ! writ+ table1 
a clu/] ( /range-hu$ c>nations on ! /&  
at 8 elb[1 & f wide b[ls ( glass &      
porcela9 clumps ( freesia bulbs diffus$ 
_! melt+ fragrance4 ,! fact impli$ acres
 ( glass --b t 0 ! lea/ int]e/+ "p ( x4 
,! fl[]s !mselves1 _! quality1 selection
 & arrangem5t1 atte/$ on "s "o's "p--&  
on ^: b ,john ,lav+ton's8--a solicit\s &
 s5sitive passion = t p>ticul> embodim5t
 ( beauty4 ,well1 x simply made ! man1 z
 he _h appe>$ to ,faxon1 all ! h>d] to  
und]/&6  ,! half-h\r elaps$1 & ,faxon1  
rejoic+ at ! ne> prospect ( food1 set   

out to make 8 way to ! d9+ room4 ,he _h 
n notic$ ! direction he _h foll[$ 9 go+ 
to 8 room1 & 0 puzzl$1 :5 he left x1 to 
f9d t two /aircases1 ( app>5tly equal   
importance1 invit$ him4 ,he *ose ! "o to
 8 "r1 & rea*$1 at its foot1 a long     
gall]y su* z ,ra9] _h describ$4 ,!      
gall]y 0 empty1 ! doors d[n its l5g? 7  
clos$2 b ,ra9] _h said3 ,! second to !  
left1 & ,faxon1 aft] paus+ = "s *ance   
enlight5m5t :i* did n come1 laid 8 h& on
 ! second knob to ! left4  ,! room he   
ent]$ 0 squ>e1 ) dusky picture-hung     
walls4 ,9 its c5tre1 ab\t a table lit by
 veil$ lamps1 he fanci$ ,mr4 ,lav+ton & 
8 gue/s to be already seat$ at d9n]2 !n 
he p]ceiv$ t ! table 0 cov]$ n ) vi&s b 
) pap]s1 & t he _h blund]$ into :at     
seem$ to be 8 ho/'s /udy4 ,z he paus$ 9 
! irresolution ( emb>rassm5t ,frank     
,ra9] look$ up4  ,oh1 "h's ,mr4 ,faxon4 
,:y n ask him--8  ,mr4 ,lav+ton1 f ! end
 ( ! table1 reflect$ 8 nephew's smile 9 
a glance ( imp>tial b5evol5ce4          
,c]ta9ly4 ,come 91 ,mr4 ,faxon4 ,if y   

won't ?9k x a lib]ty--  ,mr4 ,grisb51 :o
 sat opposite 8 ho/1 turn$ 8 solid head 
t[>d ! door4 ,( c\rse ,mr4 ,faxon's an  
,am]ican citiz58  ,frank ,ra9] laugh$4  
,t all "r6 444 ,oh1 no1 n "o ( y\r      
p9-po9t$ p5s1 ,uncle ,jack6 ,hav5't y   
got a quill some:]e8  ,mr4 ,bal*1 :o    
spoke sl[ly & z if reluctantly1 9 a     
muffl$ voice ( :i* !re seem$ to be v    
little left1 rais$ 8 h& to say3 ,"o     
mom5t3 y ackn[l$ge ?is to be--8  ,my la/
 w & te/am5t8 ,ra9]'s laugh r$\bl$4     
,well1 ,i won't answ] = ! 'la/4' ,x's ! 
fir/ "o1 anyway4  ,x's a m]e =mula1 ,mr4
 ,bal* expla9$4  ,well1 "h goes4 ,ra9]  
dipp$ 8 quill 9 ! ink/& 8 uncle _h pu%$ 
9 8 direction1 & da%$ a gallant         
signature across ! docum5t4  ,faxon1    
und]/&+ :at 0 expect$ ( him1 &          
conjectur+ t ! "y man 0 sign+ 8 w on !  
atta9m5t ( 8 majority1 _h plac$ himself 
beh9d ,mr4 ,grisb51 & /ood await+ 8 turn
 to affix 8 "n to ! in/rum5t4 ,ra9]1    
hav+ sign$1 0 ab\t to pu% ! pap] across 
! table to ,mr4 ,bal*2 b ! latt]1 aga9  

rais+ 8 h&1 said 9 8 sad imprison$      
voice3 ,! seal--8  ,oh1 does !re h to be
 a seal8  ,faxon1 look+ ov] ,mr4 ,grisb5
 at ,john ,lav+ton1 saw a fa9t fr[n     
betwe5 8 impassive eyes4 ,really1       
,frank6 ,he seem$1 ,faxon ?\ght1        
slightly irritat$ by 8 nephew's         
frivolity4  ,:o's got a seal8 ,frank    
,ra9] cont9u$1 glanc+ ab\t ! table4 ,!re
 doesn't seem to be "o "h4  ,mr4 ,grisb5
 int]pos$4 ,a waf] w d4 ,lav+ton1 y h a 
waf]8  ,mr4 ,lav+ton _h recov]$ 8       
s]5ity4 ,!re mu/ be "s 9 "o ( ! draw]s4 
,b ,i'm a%am$ to say ,i don't "k :]e my 
secret>y keeps ^! ?+s4 ,he ought1 (     
c\rse1 to h se5 to x t a waf] 0 s5t ) ! 
docum5t4  ,oh1 hang x-- ,frank ,ra9]    
pu%$ ! pap] aside3 ,x's ! h& ( ,god--&  
,i'm hungry z a wolf4 ,let's d9e fir/1  
,uncle ,jack4  ,i ?9k ,i've a seal      
up/airs1 said ,faxon sudd5ly4  ,mr4     
,lav+ton s5t him a b>ely p]ceptible     
smile4 ,s sorry to give y ! tr\ble--    
,oh1 ,i say1 don't s5d him aft] x n[4   
,let's wait till aft] d9n]6  ,mr4       

,lav+ton cont9u$ to smile on 8 gue/1 & !
 latt]1 z if "u ! fa9t co]cion ( !      
smile1 turn$ f ! room & ran up/airs4    
,hav+ tak5 ! seal f 8 writ+-case he came
 d[n aga91 & once m op5$ ! door ( !     
/udy4 ,no "o 0 speak+ :5 he ent]$--!y 7 
evid5tly await+ 8 return ) ! mute       
impati5ce ( hung]1 & he put ! seal 9    
,ra9]'s rea*1 & /ood wat*+ :ile ,mr4    
,grisb5 /ruck a mat* & held x to "o ( ! 
c&les flank+ ! ink/&4 ,z ! wax desc5d$  
on ! pap] ,faxon rem>k$ aga9 ! s+ul>    
emaciation1 ! premature physical        
we>9ess1 ( ! h& t held x3 he wond]$ if  
,mr4 ,lav+ton _h ev] notic$ 8 nephew's  
h&1 & if x 7 n poignantly visible to him
 n[4  ,) ?is ?\ght 9 8 m9d1 ,faxon rais$
 8 eyes to look at ,mr4 ,lav+ton4 ,!    
great man's gaze re/$ on ,frank ,ra9] ) 
an expression ( untr\bl$ b5evol5ce2 & at
 ! same in/ant ,faxon's att5tion 0      
attract$ by ! pres5ce 9 ! room ( ano!r  
p]son1 :o mu/ h jo9$ ! gr\p :ile he 0   
up/airs se>*+ = ! seal4 ,! new-com] 0 a 
man ( ab\t ,mr4 ,lav+ton's age & figure1

 :o /ood directly beh9d 8 *air1 & :o1 at
 ! mom5t :5 ,faxon fir/ saw him1 0 gaz+ 
at "y ,ra9] ) an equal int5sity (       
att5tion4 ,! lik5ess betwe5 ! two       
m5--p]haps increas$ by ! fact t ! hood$ 
lamps on ! table left ! figure beh9d !  
*air 9 %ad[-- /ruck ,faxon ! m because (
 ! /range contra/ 9 _! expression4 ,john
 ,lav+ton1 dur+ 8 nephew's blund]+      
attempt to drop ! wax & apply ! seal1   
cont9u$ to fa/5 on him a look (         
half-amus$ affection2 :ile ! man beh9d !
 *air1 s oddly r$uplicat+ ! l9es ( 8    
features & figure1 turn$ on ! boy a face
 ( pale ho/ility4  ,! impression 0 s    
/>tl+ ,faxon =got :at 0 go+ on ab\t him4
 ,he 0 j dimly aw>e ( "y ,ra9]'s        
exclaim+3 ,y\r turn1 ,mr4 ,grisb56 (    
,mr4 ,grisb5's c]emoni\sly prote/+3     
,no--no2 ,mr4 ,faxon fir/1 & ( ! p5's   
be+ !reupon transf]r$ to 8 own h&4 ,he  
receiv$ x ) a deadly s5se ( be+ unable  
to move1 or ev5 to und]/& :at 0 expect$ 
( him1 till he became consci\s ( ,mr4   
,grisb5's pat]nally po9t+ out ! precise 

spot on :i* he 0 to leave 8 autograph4  
,! ef=t to fix 8 att5tion & /eady 8 h&  
prolong$ ! process ( sign+1 & :5 he /ood
 up--a /range weight ( fatigue on all 8 
limbs--! figure beh9d ,mr4 ,lav+ton's   
*air 0 gone4  ,faxon felt an imm$iate   
s5se ( relief4 ,x 0 puzzl+ t ! man's    
exit %\ld h be5 s rapid & noiseless1 b !
 door beh9d ,mr4 ,lav+ton 0 scre5$ by a 
tape/ry hang+1 & ,faxon conclud$ t !    
unkn[n look]-on _h m]ely _h to raise x  
to pass out4 ,at any rate1 he 0 gone1 & 
) 8 )drawal ! /range weight 0 lift$4 ,"y
 ,ra9] 0 light+ a cig>ette1 ,mr4 ,bal*  
meticul\sly inscrib+ 8 "n at ! foot ( ! 
docum5t1 ,mr4 ,lav+ton--8 eyes no long] 
on 8 nephew-- exam9+ a /range :ite-w+$  
or*id 9 ! vase at 8 elb[4 ,ev]y?+       
sudd5ly seem$ to h gr[n natural & simple
 aga91 & ,faxon f\nd himself respond+ ) 
a smile to ! affable ge/ure ) :i* 8 ho/ 
decl>$3 ,& n[1 ,mr4 ,faxon1 we'll d9e4  
,,iii  ,i wond] h[ ,i blund]$ into !    
wrong room j n[2 ,i ?\ght y told me to  
take ! second door to ! left1 ,faxon    

said to ,frank ,ra9] z !y foll[$ ! old] 
m5 d[n ! gall]y4  ,s ,i did2 b ,i       
probably =got to tell y :i* /aircase to 
take4 ,com+ f y\r b$room1 ,i ought to h 
said ! f\r? door to ! "r4 ,x's a puzzl+ 
h\se1 because my uncle keeps add+ to x f
 ye> to ye>4 ,he built ?is room la/     
summ] = 8 mod]n pictures4  ,"y ,ra9]1   
paus+ to op5 ano!r door1 t\*$ an        
electric button :i* s5t a circle ( light
 ab\t ! walls ( a long room hung )      
canvases ( ! ,fr5* impressioni/ s*ool4  
,faxon advanc$1 attract$ by a %imm]+    
,monet1 b ,ra9] laid a h& on 8 arm4  ,he
 b\ght t la/ week = a ?und]+ price4 ,b  
come along-- ,i'll %[ y all ?is aft]    
d9n]4 ,or ,,he w r--he loves x4  ,does  
he really love ?+s8  ,ra9] />$1 cle>ly  
p]plex$ at ! "q4 ,r6 ,fl[]s & pictures  
especially6 ,hav5't y notic$ ! fl[]s8 ,i
 suppose y ?9k 8 mann]'s cold2 x seems s
 at fir/2 b he's really awfully ke5 ab\t
 ?+s4  ,faxon look$ quickly at ! speak]4
 ,has y\r uncle a bro!r8  ,bro!r8       
,no--nev] _h4 ,he & my "m 7 ! only ones4

  ,or any relation :o--:o looks l him8  
,:o might be mi/ak5 = him8  ,n t ,i ev] 
he>d (4 ,does he rem9d y ( "s "o8  ,yes4
  ,t's que]4 ,we'll ask him if he's got 
a d\ble4 ,come on6  ,b ano!r picture _h 
arre/$ ,faxon1 & "s m9utes elaps$ be=e  
he & 8 "y ho/ rea*$ ! d9+-room4 ,x 0 a  
l>ge room1 ) ! same conv5tionally h&some
 furniture & delicately gr\p$ fl[]s2 &  
,faxon's fir/ glance %[$ him t only ?ree
 m5 7 seat$ ab\t ! d9+-table4 ,! man :o 
_h /ood beh9d ,mr4 ,lav+ton's *air 0 n  
pres5t1 & no seat await$ him4  ,:5 ! "y 
m5 ent]$1 ,mr4 ,grisb5 0 speak+1 & 8    
ho/1 :o fac$ ! door1 sat look+ d[n at 8 
unt\*$ s\p- plate & turn+ ! spoon ab\t 9
 8 small dry h&4  ,x's pretty late to   
call !m rumors--!y 7 devili% close to   
facts :5 we left t[n ?is morn+1 ,mr4    
,grisb5 0 say+1 ) an unexpect$          
incisiv5ess ( tone4  ,mr4 ,lav+ton laid 
d[n 8 spoon & smil$ int]rogatively4 ,oh1
 facts--:at are facts6 ,j ! way a ?+    
happ5s to look at a giv5 m9ute4  ,y     
hav5't he>d any?+ f t[n8 ,mr4 ,grisb5   

p]si/$4  ,n a syllable4 ,s y see 444    
,bal*1 a little m ( t petite m>mite4    
,mr4 ,faxon 444 betwe5 ,frank & ,mr4    
,grisb51 please4  ,! d9n] progress$     
?r\gh a s]ies ( complicat$ c\rses1      
c]emoni\sly disp5s$ by a /\t butl]      
att5d$ by ?ree tall footm51 & x 0 evid5t
 t ,mr4 ,lav+ton took a some:at pu]ile  
satisfaction 9 ! pageant4 ,t1 ,faxon    
reflect$1 0 probably ! jo9t 9 8 armor--t
 & ! fl[]s4 ,he _h *ang$ ! subject--n   
abruptly b firmly--:5 ! "y m5 ent]$1 b  
,faxon p]ceiv$ t x /ill possess$ !      
?\ghts ( ! two eld]ly visitors1 & ,mr4  
,bal* pres5tly obs]v$1 9 a voice t seem$
 to come f ! la/ survivor d[n a m9e-    
%aft3 ,if x does come1 x w be ! bigge/  
cra% s9ce '#ic4  ,mr4 ,lav+ton look$    
bor$ b polite4 ,wall ,/reet c /& cra%es 
bett] ?an x c\ld !n4 ,x's got a robu/]  
con/itution4  ,yes2 b--  ,speak+ (      
con/itutions1 ,mr4 ,grisb5 int]v5$3     
,frank1 are y tak+ c>e ( y\rself8  ,a   
flu% rose to "y ,ra9]'s *eeks4  ,:y1 (  
c\rse6 ,isn't t :at ,i'm "h =8  ,y're "h

 ab\t ?ree days 9 ! mon?1 ar5't y8 ,& ! 
re/ ( ! "t x's cr[d$ re/aurants & hot   
ballrooms 9 t[n4 ,i ?\ght y 7 to be     
%ipp$ (f to ,new ,mexico8  ,oh1 ,i've   
got a new man :o says t's rot4  ,well1 y
 don't look z if y\r new man 7 "r1 said 
,mr4 ,grisb5 bluntly4  ,faxon saw !     
lad's color fade1 & ! r+s ( %ad[ deep5  
"u 8 gay eyes4 ,at ! same mom5t 8 uncle 
turn$ to him ) a r5ew$ int5sity (       
att5tion4 ,!re 0 su* solicitude 9 ,mr4  
,lav+ton's gaze t x seem$ almo/ to fl+ a
 tangible %ield betwe5 8 nephew & ,mr4  
,grisb5's tactless scrut9y4  ,we ?9k    
,frank's a good deal bett]1 he began2   
?is new doctor--  ,! butl]1 com+ up1 b5t
 discreetly to :isp] a ^w 9 8 e>1 & !   
communication caus$ a sudd5 *ange 9 ,mr4
 ,lav+ton's expression4 ,8 face 0       
naturally s colorless t x seem$ n s mu* 
to pale z to fade1 to dw9dle & rec$e    
into some?+ blurr$ & blott$-out4 ,he    
half rose1 sat d[n aga9 & s5t a rigid   
smile ab\t ! table4  ,w y excuse me8 ,! 
telephone4 ,pet]s1 g on ) ! d9n]4 ,)    

small precise /eps he walk$ out ( ! door
 :i* "o ( ! footm5 _h ha/5$ to ?r[ op54 
,a mom5t>y sil5ce fell on ! gr\p2 !n    
,mr4 ,grisb5 once m address$ himself to 
,ra9]4 ,y ought to h gone1 my boy2 y    
ought to h gone4  ,! anxi\s look return$
 to ! y\?'s eyes4 ,my uncle doesn't ?9k 
s1 really4  ,y're n a baby1 to be always
 gov]n$ on y\r uncle's op9ion4 ,y came (
 age to-day1 didn't y8 ,y\r uncle spoils
 y 444 t's :at's ! matt]4444  ,! ?ru/   
evid5tly w5t home1 = ,ra9] laugh$ &     
look$ d[n ) a slight accession ( color4 
,b ! doctor----  ,use y\r common s5se1  
,frank6 ,y _h to try tw5ty doctors to   
f9d "o to tell y :at y want$ to be told4
  ,a look ( appreh5sion ov]%ad[$ ,ra9]'s
 gaiety4 ,oh1 come--,i say6 444 ,:at    
w\ld ,,y d8 he /amm]$4  ,pack up & jump 
on ! fir/ tra94 ,mr4 ,grisb5 lean$ =w>d 
& laid a firm h& on ! "y man's arm ,look
 "h3 my nephew ,jim ,grisb5 is out !re  
ran*+ on a big scale4 ,he'll take y 9 & 
be glad to h y4 ,y say y\r new doctor   
?9ks x won't d y any good2 b he doesn't 

pret5d to say x w d y h>m1 does he8     
,well1 !n--give x a trial4 ,x'll take y 
out ( hot !atres & night re/aurants1    
anyh[4444 ,& all ! re/ ( x4444 ,eh1     
,bal*8  ,g6 said ,mr4 ,bal* holl[ly4 ,g 
,,at ,,once1 he add$1 z if a clos] look 
at ! y\?'s face _h impress$ on him ! ne$
 ( back+ up 8 fri5d4  ,"y ,ra9] _h turn$
 a%y-pale4 ,he tri$ to /iff5 8 m\?1 into
 a smile4 ,d ,i look z bad z all t8     
,mr4 ,grisb5 0 help+ himself to t]rap94 
,y look l ! day aft] an e>?quake1 he    
said concisely4  ,! t]rap9 _h encircl$ !
 table1 & be5 delib]ately enjoy$ by ,mr4
 ,lav+ton's ?ree visitors 7,ra9]1 ,faxon
 notic$1 left 8 plate unt\*$7 be=e !    
door 0 ?r[n op5 to re- admit _! ho/4    
,mr4 ,lav+ton advanc$ ) an air ( recov]$
 composure4 ,he seat$ himself1 pick$ up 
8 napk91 & consult$ ! gold- monogramm$  
m5u4 ,no1 don't br+ back ! filet4444 ,"s
 t]rap92 yes4444 ,he look$ affably ab\t 
! table4 ,sorry to h des]t$ y1 b ! /orm 
has play$ ! deuce ) ! wires1 & ,i _h to 
wait a long "t be=e ,i c\ld get a good  

connection4 ,x mu/ be bl[+ up = a       
blizz>d4  ,uncle ,jack1 "y ,ra9] broke  
out1 ,mr4 ,grisb5's be5 lectur+ me4     
,mr4 ,lav+ton 0 help+ himself to t]rap94
 ,ah--:at ab\t8  ,he ?9ks ,i ought to h 
giv5 ,new ,mexico a %[4  ,i want him to 
g /raight out to my nephew at ,santa    
,paz & /ay !re till 8 next bir?day4 ,mr4
 ,lav+ton sign$ to ! butl] to h& !      
t]rap9 to ,mr4 ,grisb51 :o1 z he took a 
second help+1 address$ himself aga9 to  
,ra9]4 ,jim's 9 ,new ,york n[1 & go+    
back ! day aft] to-morr[ 9 ,olyphant's  
private c>4 ,i'll ask ,olyphant to      
squeeze y 9 if y'll g4 ,& :5 y've be5   
out !re a week or two1 9 ! saddle all   
day & sleep+ n9e h\rs a night1 ,i       
suspect y won't ?9k mu* ( ! doctor :o   
prescrib$ ,new ,york4  ,faxon spoke up1 
he knew n :y4 ,i 0 out !re once3 x's a  
spl5did life4 ,i saw a fell[--oh1 a     
really ,,bad case--:o'd be5 simply made 
ov] by x4  ,x ,,does s\nd jolly1 ,ra9]  
laugh$1 a sudd5 eag]ness ( anticipation 
9 8 tone4  ,8 uncle look$ at him g5tly4 

,p]haps ,grisb5's "r4 ,x's an           
opportunity----  ,faxon look$ up ) a    
/>t3 ! figure dimly p]ceiv$ 9 ! /udy 0  
n[ m visibly & tangibly plant$ beh9d    
,mr4 ,lav+ton's *air4  ,t's "r1 ,frank3 
y see y\r uncle approves4 ,& ! trip out 
!re ) ,olyphant isn't a ?+ to be miss$4 
,s drop a few doz5 d9n]s & be at ! ,gr& 
,c5tral ! day aft] to-morr[ at five4    
,mr4 ,grisb5's pleasant gray eye s\ght  
corroboration ( 8 ho/1 & ,faxon1 9 a    
cold angui% ( susp5se1 cont9u$ to wat*  
him z he turn$ 8 glance on ,mr4         
,lav+ton4 ,"o c\ld n look at ,lav+ton   
)\t see+ ! pres5ce at 8 back1 & x 0 cle>
 t1 ! next m9ute1 "s *ange 9 ,mr4       
,grisb5's expression mu/ give 8 wat*] a 
clue4  ,b ,mr4 ,grisb5's expression did 
n *ange3 ! gaze he fix$ on 8 ho/ rema9$ 
unp]turb$1 & ! clue he gave 0 ! />tl+ "o
 ( n seem+ to see ! o!r figure4         
,faxon's fir/ impulse 0 to look away1 to
 look any:]e else1 to resort aga9 to !  
*ampagne glass ! wat*ful butl] _h       
already brimm$2 b "s fatal attraction1  

at w> 9 him ) an ov]:elm+ physical      
resi/ance1 held 8 eyes ^u ! spot !y     
fe>$4  ,! figure 0 /ill /&+1 m di/9ctly1
 & !re=e m resembl+ly1 at ,mr4          
,lav+ton's back2 & :ile ! latt] cont9u$ 
to gaze affectionately at 8 nephew1 8   
c\nt]p>t1 z be=e1 fix$ "y ,ra9] ) eyes (
 deadly m5ace4  ,faxon1 ) :at felt l an 
actual wr5* ( ! muscles1 dragg$ 8 own   
eyes f ! sight to scan ! o!r c\nt5ances 
ab\t ! table2 b n "o reveal$ ! lea/     
consci\sness ( :at he saw1 & a s5se (   
mortal isolation sank ^u him4  ,x's wor?
 consid]+1 c]ta9ly---- he he>d ,mr4     
,lav+ton cont9ue2 & z ,ra9]'s face lit  
up1 ! face beh9d 8 uncle's *air seem$ to
 ga!r into its look all ! fi]ce we>9ess 
( old unsatisfi$ hates4 ,t 0 ! ?+ t1 z !
 m9utes labor$ by1 ,faxon 0 becom+ mo/  
consci\s (4 ,! wat*] beh9d ! *air 0 no  
long] m]ely malevol5t3 he _h gr[n       
sudd5ly1 unutt]ably tir$4 ,8 hatr$ seem$
 to well up out ( ! v dep?s ( balk$ ef=t
 & ?w>t$ hopes1 & ! fact made him m     
pitiable1 & yet m dire4  ,faxon's look  

rev]t$ to ,mr4 ,lav+ton1 z if to        
surprise 9 him a correspond+ *ange4 ,at 
fir/ none 0 visible3 8 p9*$ smile 0     
screw$ to 8 blank face l a gas-light to 
a :ite-wa%$ wall4 ,!n ! fixity ( ! smile
 became om9\s3 ,faxon saw t its we>] 0  
afraid to let x g4 ,x 0 evid5t t ,mr4   
,lav+ton 0 unutt]ably tir$ too1 & !     
discov]y s5t a cold] curr5t ?r\gh       
,faxon's ve9s4 ,look+ d[n at 8 unt\*$   
plate1 he caught ! solicit+ tw9kle ( !  
*ampagne glass2 b ! sight ( ! w9e turn$ 
him sick4  ,well1 we'll g into ! details
 pres5tly1 he he>d ,mr4 ,lav+ton say1   
/ill on ! "q ( 8 nephew's future4 ,let's
 h a cig> fir/4 ,no--n "h1 ,pet]s4 ,he  
turn$ 8 smile on ,faxon4 ,:5 we've _h   
c(fee ,i want to %[ y my pictures4  ,oh1
 by ! way1 ,uncle ,jack--,mr4 ,faxon    
wants to "k if y've got a d\ble8  ,a    
d\ble8 ,mr4 ,lav+ton1 /ill smil+1       
cont9u$ to address himself to 8 gue/4 ,n
 t ,i "k (4 ,h y se5 "o1 ,mr4 ,faxon8   
,faxon ?\ght3 ,my ,god1 if ,i look up n[
 !y'll ,,bo? be look+ at me6 ,to avoid  

rais+ 8 eyes he made z ?\gh to lift !   
glass to 8 lips2 b 8 h& sank in]t1 & he 
look$ up4 ,mr4 ,lav+ton's glance 0      
politely b5t on him1 b ) a loos5+ ( !   
/ra9 ab\t 8 he>t he saw t ! figure beh9d
 ! *air /ill kept its gaze on ,ra9]4  ,d
 y ?9k y've se5 my d\ble1 ,mr4 ,faxon8  
,w\ld ! o!r face turn if he said yes8   
,faxon felt a dryness 9 8 ?roat4 ,no1 he
 answ]$4  ,ah8 ,x's possible ,i've a    
doz54 ,i believe ,i'm extremely usual-  
look+1 ,mr4 ,lav+ton w5t on             
conv]sationally2 & /ill ! o!r face wat*$
 ,ra9]4  ,x 0 444 a mi/ake 444 a        
confusion ( memory 444 ,faxon he>d      
himself /amm]4 ,mr4 ,lav+ton pu%$ back 8
 *air1 & z he did s ,mr4 ,grisb5 sudd5ly
 lean$ =w>d4 ,lav+ton6 ,:at h we be5    
?9k+ (8 ,we hav5't drunk ,frank's heal?6
  ,mr4 ,lav+ton reseat$ himself4 ,my de>
 boy6 444 ,pet]s1 ano!r bottle4 444 ,he 
turn$ to 8 nephew4 ,aft] su* a s9 (     
omission ,i don't presume to propose !  
toa/ myself 444 b ,frank kn[s4 444 ,g   
ahead1 ,grisb56  ,! boy %one on 8 uncle4

 ,no1 no1 ,uncle ,jack6 ,mr4 ,grisb5    
won't m9d4 ,nobody b ,,y--to-day6  ,!   
butl] 0 repl5i%+ ! glasses4 ,he fill$   
,mr4 ,lav+ton's la/1 & ,mr4 ,lav+ton put
 out 8 small h& to raise x4 444 ,z he   
did s1 ,faxon look$ away4  ,well1       
!n--,all ! good ,i've wi%$ y 9 all ! pa/
 ye>s4 444 ,i put x into ! pray] t !    
com+ ones may be heal?y & happy & _m 444
 & ,,_m1 de> boy6  ,faxon saw ! h&s ab\t
 him rea* out = _! glasses4             
,automatically1 he made ! same ge/ure4  
,8 eyes 7 /ill on ! table1 & he repeat$ 
to himself ) a trembl+ vehem5ce3 ,i     
won't look up6 ,i won't 4444 ,i won't   
4444  ,8 f+]s clasp$ ! /em ( ! glass1 & 
rais$ x to ! level ( 8 lips4 ,he saw !  
o!r h&s mak+ ! same motion4 ,he he>d    
,mr4 ,grisb5's g5ial ,he>6 ,he>6 & ,mr4 
,bal*'s holl[ e*o4 ,he said to himself1 
z ! rim ( ! glass t\*$ 8 lips3 ,i won't 
look up6 ,i swe> ,i won't6-- & he look$4
  ,! glass 0 s full t x requir$ an      
extraord9>y ef=t to hold x !re1 brimm+ &
 susp5d$1 dur+ ! awful int]val be=e he  

c\ld tru/ 8 h& to l[] x aga91 unt\*$1 to
 ! table4 ,x 0 ?is m]ciful preoccupation
 :i* sav$ him1 kept him f cry+ out1 f   
los+ 8 hold1 f slipp+ d[n into !        
bottomless blackness t gap$ = him4 ,z   
long z ! problem ( ! glass engag$ him he
 felt able to keep 8 seat1 manage 8     
muscles1 fit unnoticeably into ! gr\p2 b
 z ! glass t\*$ ! table 8 la/ l9k )     
safety snapp$4 ,he /ood up & da%$ out ( 
! room4     ,,iv  ,9 ! gall]y1 ! in/9ct 
( self-pres]vation help$ him to turn    
back & sign to "y ,ra9] n to foll[4 ,he 
/amm]$ out some?+ ab\t a t\* ( dizz9ess1
 & jo9+ !m pres5tly2 & ! boy wav$ an    
unsuspect+ h& & drew back4  ,at ! foot (
 ! /airs ,faxon ran aga9/ a s]vant4 ,i  
%\ld l to telephone to ,weymore1 he said
 ) dry lips4  ,sorry1 sir2 wires all    
d[n4 ,we've be5 try+ ! la/ h\r to get   
,new ,york aga9 = ,mr4 ,lav+ton4  ,faxon
 %ot on to 8 room1 bur/ into x1 & bolt$ 
! door4 ,! mild lamplight lay on        
furniture1 fl[]s1 books1 9 ! a%es a log 
/ill glimm]$4 ,he dropp$ d[n on ! s(a & 

hid 8 face4 ,! room 0 utt]ly sil5t1 !   
:ole h\se 0 /ill3 no?+ ab\t him gave a  
h9t ( :at 0 go+ on1 d>kly & dumbly1 9 ! 
horrible room he _h fl[n f1 & ) ! cov]+ 
( 8 eyes oblivion & reassurance seem$ to
 fall on him4 ,b !y fell = a mom5t only2
 !n 8 lids op5$ aga9 to ! mon/r\s       
vision4 ,!re x 01 /amp$ on 8 pupils1 a  
"p ( him =ev]1 an indelible horror burnt
 into 8 body & bra94 ,b :y into 8--j 88 
,:y _h he alone be5 *os5 to see :at he  
_h se58 ,:at bus9ess 0 x ( ,,81 9 ,god's
 "n6 ,any "o ( ! o!rs1 ?us enlight5$1   
might h expos$ ! horror & defeat$ x2 b  
,,he1 ! "o weaponless & def5celess      
spectator1 ! "o :om none ( ! o!rs w\ld  
believe or und]/& if he attempt$ to     
reveal :at he knew--,,he alone _h be5   
s+l$ out z ! victim ( ?is atroci\s      
initiation6  ,sudd5ly he sat up1 li/5+3 
he _h he>d a /ep on ! /airs4 ,"s "o1 no 
d\bt1 0 com+ to see h[ he 0--to urge    
him1 if he felt bett]1 to g d[n & jo9 ! 
smok]s4 ,cauti\sly he op5$ 8 door2 yes1 
x 0 "y ,ra9]'s /ep4 ,faxon look$ d[n !  

passage1 rememb]$ ! o!r /airway & d>t$  
to x4 ,all he want$ 0 to get out ( !    
h\se4 ,n ano!r in/ant w\ld he brea! its 
abom9able air6 ,:at bus9ess 0 x ( ,,81 9
 ,god's "n8  ,he rea*$ ! opposite end ( 
! l[] gall]y1 & beyond x saw ! hall by  
:i*1 he _h ent]$4 ,x 0 empty1 & on a    
long table he recogniz$ 8 coat & cap    
among ! furs ( ! o!r travell]s4 ,he got 
into 8 coat1 unbolt$ ! door1 & plung$   
into ! purify+ night4  ,! d>kness 0     
deep1 & ! cold s int5se t = an in/ant x 
/opp$ 8 brea?+4 ,!n he p]ceiv$ t only a 
?9 sn[ 0 fall+1 & resolutely set 8 face 
= flight4 ,! trees along ! av5ue dimly  
m>k$ 8 way z he ha/5$ ) long /rides ov] 
! beat5 sn[4 ,gradually1 :ile he walk$1 
! tumult 9 8 bra9 subsid$4 ,! impulse to
 fly /ill drove him =w>d1 b he began to 
feel t he 0 fly+ f a t]ror ( 8 own      
creat+1 & t ! mo/ urg5t reason = escape 
0 ! ne$ ( hid+ 8 /ate1 ( %unn+ o!r eyes'
 scrut9y till he %\ld rega9 8 balance4  
,he _h sp5t ! long h\rs 9 ! tra9 9      
fruitless brood+s on a disc\rag+        

situation1 & he rememb]$ h[ 8 bitt]ness 
_h turn$ to exasp]ation :5 he f\nd t !  
,weymore sleigh 0 n await+ him4 ,x 0    
absurd1 ( c\rse2 b1 ?\gh he _h jok$ )   
,ra9] ov] ,mrs4 ,culme's =getfulness1 to
 confess x _h co/ a pang4 ,t 0 :at 8    
rootless life _h br\ght him to3 = lack (
 a p]sonal /ake 9 ?+s 8 s5sibility 0 at 
! m]cy ( su* trivial accid5ts4 444 ,yes2
 t1 & ! cold & fatigue1 ! abs5ce ( hope 
& ! haunt+ s5se ( />v$ aptitudes1 all ^!
 _h br\ght him to ! p]il\s v]ge ov] :i*1
 once or twice be=e1 8 t]rifi$ bra9 _h  
hung4  ,:y else1 9 ! "n ( any imag9able 
logic1 human or devili%1 %\ld he1 a     
/rang]1 be s+l$ out = ?is exp]i5ce8 ,:at
 c\ld x mean to him1 h[ 0 he relat$ to  
x1 :at be>+ _h x on 8 case8 444 ,unless1
 inde$1 x 0 j because he 0 a /rang]-a   
/rang] ev]y:]e--because he _h no p]sonal
 life1 no w>m /rong scre5 ( private     
egotisms to %ield him f exposure1 t he  
_h develop$ ?is abnormal s5sitiv5ess to 
! vicissitudes ( o!rs4 ,! ?\ght pull$   
him up ) a %udd]4 ,no6 ,su* a fate 0 too

 abom9able2 all t 0 /rong & s\nd 9 him  
reject$ x4 ,a ?\s& times bett] reg>d    
himself z ill1 disorganiz$1 delud$1 ?an 
z ! pr$e/9$ victim ( su* w>n+s6  ,he    
rea*$ ! gates & paus$ be=e ! d>k5$      
lodge4 ,! w9d _h ris5 & 0 sweep+ ! sn[  
into 8 face 9 lac]at+ /ream]s4 ,! cold  
_h him 9 its grasp aga91 & he /ood      
unc]ta94 ,%\ld he put 8 sanity to ! te/ 
& g back8 ,he turn$ & look$ d[n ! d>k   
drive to ! h\se4 ,a s+le ray %one ?r\gh 
! trees1 evok+ a picture ( ! lights1 !  
fl[]s1 ! faces gr\p$ ab\t t fatal room4 
,he turn$ & plung$ out into ! road4  ,he
 rememb]$ t1 ab\t a mile f ,ov]dale1 !  
coa*man _h po9t$ out ! road to          
,nor?ridge2 & he began to walk 9 t      
direction4 ,once 9 ! road1 he _h ! gale 
9 8 face1 & ! wet sn[ on 8 m\/a*e &     
eye-la%es in/antly h>d5$ to metal4 ,!   
same metal seem$ to be driv+ a million  
blades into 8 ?roat & lungs1 b he pu%$  
on1 desp]ately det]m9$1 ! vision ( ! w>m
 room pursu+ him4  ,! sn[ 9 ! road 0    
deep & unev54 ,he /umbl$ across ruts &  

sank into drifts1 & ! w9d rose be=e him 
l a granite cliff4 ,n[ & !n he /opp$1   
gasp+1 z if an invisible h& _h tight5$  
an iron b& ab\t 8 body2 !n he />t$ aga91
 /iff5+ himself aga9/ ! /eal?y          
p5etration ( ! cold4 ,! sn[ cont9u$ to  
desc5d out ( a pall ( inscrutable       
d>kness1 & once or twice he paus$1 fe>+ 
he _h miss$ ! road to ,nor?ridge2 b1    
see+ no sign ( a turn1 he pl\gh$ on     
dogg$ly4  ,at la/1 feel+ sure t he _h   
walk$ = m ?an a mile1 he halt$ & look$  
back4 ,! act ( turn+ br\ght imm$iate    
relief1 fir/ because x put 8 back to !  
w9d1 & !n because1 f> d[n ! road1 x %[$ 
him ! advanc+ gleam ( a lant]n4 ,a      
sleigh 0 com+--a sleigh t might p]haps  
give him a lift to ! village6 ,=tifi$ by
 ! hope1 he began to walk back t[>d !   
light4 ,x seem$ to come =w>d v sl[ly1 ) 
unacc\ntable zigzags & wav]+s2 & ev5 :5 
he 0 )9 a few y>ds ( x he c\ld cat* no  
s\nd ( sleigh-bells4 ,!n ! light paus$ &
 became /ation>y by ! roadside1 z ?\gh  
c>ri$ by a p$e/rian :o _h /opp$1 exhau/$

 by ! cold4 ,! ?\ght made ,faxon ha/5   
on1 & a mom5t lat] he 0 /oop+ ov] a     
motionless figure huddl$ aga9/ !        
sn[-bank4 ,! lant]n _h dropp$ f its     
be>]'s h&1 & ,faxon1 fe>fully rais+ x1  
?rew its light into ! face ( ,frank     
,ra9]4  ,ra9]6 ,:at on e>? are y do+ "h6
  ,! boy smil$ back ?r\gh 8 pallor4 ,:at
 are ,,y1 ,i'd l to "k8 he retort$2 &1  
scrambl+ to 8 feet ) a clut* on ,faxon's
 arm1 he add$ gaily3 ,well1 ,i've run y 
d[n1 anyh[6  ,faxon /ood conf\nd$1 8    
he>t s9k+4 ,! lad's face 0 gray4  ,:at  
madness-- he began4  ,yes1 x ,,is4 ,:at 
on e>? did y d x =8  ,i8 ,d :at8 444    
,:y1 ,i 444 ,i 0 j tak+ a walk4 444 ,i  
(t5 walk at night4 444  ,frank ,ra9]    
bur/ into a laugh4 ,on su* nights8 ,!n y
 hadn't bolt$6  ,bolt$8  ,because ,i'd  
done some?+ to (f5d y8 ,my uncle ?\ght y
 _h4  ,faxon grasp$ 8 arm4 ,did y\r     
uncle s5d y aft] me8  ,well1 he gave me 
an awful r[+ = n go+ up to y\r room ) y 
:5 y said y 7 ill4 ,& :5 we f\nd y'd    
gone we 7 fright5$--& he 0 awfully      

upset--s ,i said ,i'd cat* y4 444 ,y're 
,,n ill1 are y8  ,ill8 ,no4 ,nev] bett]4
 ,faxon pick$ up ! lant]n4 ,come2 let's 
g back4 ,x 0 awfully hot 9 t d9+-room1  
he add$4  ,yes2 ,i hop$ x 0 only t4  ,!y
 trudg$ on 9 sil5ce = a few m9utes2 !n  
,faxon que/ion$3 ,y're n too done up8   
,oh1 no4 ,x's a lot easi] ) ! w9d beh9d 
u4  ,all "r4 ,don't talk any m4  ,!y    
pu%$ ahead1 walk+1 9 spite ( ! light t  
guid$ !m1 m sl[ly ?an ,faxon _h walk$   
alone into ! gale4 ,! fact ( 8          
companion's /umbl+ aga9/ a drift gave   
him a pretext = say+3 ,take hold ( my   
arm1 & ,ra9]1 obey+1 gasp$ out3 ,i'm    
bl[n6  ,s am ,i4 ,:o w\ldn't be8  ,:at a
 dance y l$ me6 ,if x hadn't be5 = "o ( 
! s]vants' happ5+ to see y--  ,yes3 all 
"r4 ,& n[1 won't y k9dly %ut up8  ,ra9] 
laugh$ & hung on him4 ,oh1 ! cold       
doesn't hurt me4 444  ,= ! fir/ few     
m9utes aft] ,ra9] _h ov]tak5 him1       
anxiety = ! lad _h be5 ,faxon's only    
?\ght4 ,b z ea* labor+ /ep c>ri$ !m ne>]
 to ! spot he _h be5 flee+1 ! reasons = 

8 flight grew m om9\s & m insi/5t4 ,no1 
he 0 n ill2 he 0 n di/raught &          
delud$--he 0 ! in/rum5t s+l$ out to w>n 
& save2 & "h he 01 irresi/ibly driv51   
dragg+ ! victim back to 8 doom6  ,!     
int5sity ( ! conviction _h almo/ *eck$ 8
 /eps4 ,b :at c\ld he d or say8 ,at all 
co/s he mu/ get ,ra9] out ( ! cold1 into
 ! h\se & into 8 b$4 ,aft] t he w\ld    
act4  ,! sn[-fall 0 ?ick5+1 & z !y rea*$
 a /ret* ( ! road betwe5 op5 fields !   
w9d took !m at an angle1 la%+ _! faces )
 b>b$ ?ongs4 ,ra9] /opp$ to take brea?1 
& ,faxon felt ! heavi] pressure ( 8 arm4
  ,:5 we get to ! lodge1 c't we         
telephone to ! /able = a sleigh8  ,if   
!y're n all asleep at ! lodge4  ,oh1    
,i'll manage4 ,don't talk6 ,faxon ord]$2
 & !y plodd$ on4 444  ,at l5g? ! lant]n 
ray %[$ ruts t curv$ away f ! road "u   
tree-d>kness4  ,faxon's spirits rose4   
,!re's ! gate6 ,we'll be !re 9 five     
m9utes4  ,z he spoke he caught1 above ! 
b\nd>y h$ge1 ! gleam ( a light at ! f>!r
 end ( ! d>k av5ue4 ,x 0 ! same light t 

_h %one on ! sc5e ( :i* e detail 0 burnt
 into 8 bra92 & he felt aga9 its ov]p[]+
 reality4 ,no--he c\ldn't let ! boy g   
back6  ,!y 7 at ! lodge at la/1 & ,faxon
 0 hamm]+ on ! door4 ,he said to        
himself3 ,i'll get him inside fir/1 &   
make !m give him a hot dr9k4 ,!n ,i'll  
see--,i'll f9d an argum5t4 444  ,!re 0  
no answ] to 8 knock+1 & aft] an int]val 
,ra9] said3 ,look "h--we'd bett] g on4  
,no6  ,i c1 p]fectly--  ,y %a'n't g to !
 h\se1 ,i say6 ,faxon furi\sly r$\bl$ 8 
bl[s1 & at l5g? /eps s\nd$ on ! /airs4  
,ra9] 0 lean+ aga9/ ! l9tel1 & z ! door 
op5$ ! light f ! hall fla%$ on 8 pale   
face & fix$ eyes4 ,faxon caught him by !
 arm & drew him 94  ,x ,,0 cold out !re1
 he sigh$2 & !n1 abruptly1 z if         
invisible %e>s at a s+le /roke _h cut e 
muscle 9 8 body1 he sw]v$1 droop$ on    
,faxon's arm1 & seem$ to s9k into no?+  
at 8 feet4  ,! lodge-keep] & ,faxon b5t 
ov] him1 & someh[1 betwe5 !m1 lift$ him 
into ! kit*5 & laid him on a s(a by !   
/ove4  ,! lodge-keep]1 /amm]+3 ,i'll r+ 

up ! h\se1 da%$ out ( ! room4 ,b ,faxon 
he>d ! words )\t he$+ !m3 om5s matt]$   
no?+ n[1 beside ?is woe fulfill$4 ,he   
knelt d[n to undo ! fur coll> ab\t      
,ra9]'s ?roat1 & z he did s he felt a   
w>m moi/ure on 8 h&s4 ,he held !m up1 & 
!y 7 r$4 444     ,v  ,! palms ?read$ _! 
endless l9e along ! yell[ riv]4 ,!      
little /eam] lay at ! :>f1 & ,george    
,faxon1 sitt+ 9 ! v]&a ( ! wood5 hotel1 
idly wat*$ ! coolies c>ry+ ! freight    
across ! gang-plank4  ,he _h be5 look+  
at su* sc5es = two mon?s4 ,ne>ly five _h
 elaps$ s9ce he _h desc5d$ f ! tra9 at  
,nor?ridge & /ra9$ 8 eyes = ! sleigh t 0
 to take him to ,weymore3 ,weymore1 :i* 
he 0 nev] to behold6 444 ,"p ( !        
int]val-- ! fir/ "p--0 /ill a great gray
 blur4 ,ev5 n[ he c\ld n be q sure h[ he
 _h got back to ,bo/on1 rea*$ ! h\se ( a
 c\s91 & be5 !nce transf]r$ to a quiet  
room look+ out on sn[ "u b>e trees4 ,he 
look$ out a long "t at ! same sc5e1 &   
f9ally "o day a man he _h kn[n at ,h>v>d
 came to see him & invit$ him to g out  

on a bus9ess trip to ! ,malay ,p59sula4 
,y've _h a bad %ake-up1 & x'll d y no   
end ( good to get away f ?+s4  ,:5 !    
doctor came ! next day x turn$ out t he 
knew ( ! plan & approv$ x4 ,y ought to  
be quiet = a ye>4 ,j loaf & look at !   
l&scape1 he advis$4  ,faxon felt ! fir/ 
fa9t /irr+s ( curiosity4  ,:at's be5 !  
matt] ) me1 anyh[8  ,well1 ov]-"w1 ,i   
suppose4 ,y mu/ h be5 bottl+ up = a bad 
breakd[n be=e y />t$ = ,new ,hamp%ire   
la/ ,decemb]4 ,& ! %ock ( t poor boy's  
dea? did ! re/4  ,ah1 yes--,ra9] _h di$4
 ,he rememb]$4 444  ,he />t$ = ! ,ea/1 &
 gradually1 by imp]ceptible degrees1    
life crept back into 8 we>y bones &     
lead5 bra94 ,8 fri5d 0 v consid]ate &   
=be>+1 & !y travell$ sl[ly & talk$      
little4 ,at fir/ ,faxon _h felt a great 
%r9k+ f :atev] t\*$ on famili> ?+s4 ,he 
seldom look$ at a newspap]1 he nev] op5$
 a lett] )\t a mom5t's contraction ( !  
he>t4 ,x 0 n t he _h any special cause =
 appreh5sion1 b m]ely t a great trail ( 
d>kness lay on ev]y?+4 ,he _h look$ too 

deep d[n into ! abyss4 444 ,b little by 
little heal? & en]gy return$ to him1 & )
 !m ! common prompt+s ( curiosity4 ,he 0
 beg9n+ to wond] h[ ! _w 0 go+1 & :51   
pres5tly1 ! hotel-keep] told him !re 7  
no lett]s = him 9 ! /eam]'s mail-bag1 he
 felt a di/9ct s5se ( disappo9tm5t4 ,8  
fri5d _h gone into ! jungle on a long   
excursion1 & he 0 lonely1 unoccupi$1 &  
:olesomely bor$4 ,he got up & /roll$    
into ! /uffy read+- room4  ,!re he f\nd 
a game ( dom9oes1 a mutilat$            
picture-puzzle1 "s copies ( ,zion's     
,h]ald1 & a pile ( ,new ,york & ,london 
newspap]s4  ,he began to glance ?r\gh ! 
pap]s1 & 0 disappo9t$ to f9d t !y 7 less
 rec5t ?an he _h hop$4 ,evid5tly ! la/  
numb]s _h be5 c>ri$ (f by lucki]        
travell]s4 ,he cont9u$ to turn !m ov]1  
pick+ out ! ,am]ican ones fir/4 ,^!1 z x
 happ5$1 7 ! olde/3 !y dat$ back to     
,decemb] & ,janu>y4 ,to ,faxon1 h[ev]1  
!y _h all ! flavor ( novelty1 s9ce !y   
cov]$ ! precise p]iod dur+ :i* he _h    
virtually ceas$ to exi/4 ,x _h nev] be=e

 occurr$ to him to wond] :at _h happ5$ 9
 ! _w dur+ t int]val ( oblit]ation2 b n[
 he felt a sudd5 desire to "k4  ,to     
prolong ! pleasure1 he began by sort+ ! 
pap]s *ronologically1 & z he f\nd &     
spread out ! e>lie/ numb]1 ! date at !  
top ( ! page ent]$ into 8 consci\sness l
 a key slipp+ into a lock4 ,x 0 !       
sev5te5? ( ,decemb]3 ! date ( ! day aft]
 8 arrival at ,nor?ridge4 ,he glanc$ at 
! fir/ page & read 9 blaz+ *>act]s3     
,report$ ,failure ( ,opal ,cem5t        
,company4 ,lav+ton's ,"n ,involv$4      
,gigantic ,exposure ( ,corruption ,%akes
 ,wall ,/reet to ,its ,f\ndations4  ,he 
read on1 & :5 he _h f9i%$ ! fir/ pap] he
 turn$ to ! next4 ,!re 0 a gap ( ?ree   
days1 b ! ,opal ,cem5t ,inve/igation    
/ill held ! c5tre ( ! /age4 ,f its      
complex revelations ( gre$ & ru9 8 eye  
w&]$ to ! dea? notices1 & he read3      
,ra9]4 ,sudd5ly1 at ,nor?ridge1 ,new    
,hamp%ire1 ,francis ,john1 only son ( ! 
late4 444  ,8 eyes cl\d$1 & he dropp$ ! 
newspap] & sat = a long "t ) 8 face 9 8 

h&s4 ,:5 he look$ up aga9 he notic$ t 8 
ge/ure _h pu%$ ! o!r pap]s f ! table &  
scatt]$ !m on ! floor at 8 feet4 ,!     
upp]mo/ lay spread out be=e him1 &      
heavily 8 eyes began _! se>* aga94 ,john
 ,lav+ton comes =w>d ) plan =           
recon/ruct+ ,company4 ,(f]s to put 9 t5 
millions ( 8 own--,! proposal "u        
consid]ation by ! ,di/rict ,attorney4   
,t5 millions 444 t5 millions ( 8 own4 ,b
 if ,john ,lav+ton 0 ru9$8 444 ,faxon   
/ood up ) a cry4 ,t 0 x1 !n--t 0 :at !  
w>n+ meant6 ,& if he _h n fl$ f x1 da%$ 
wildly away f x into ! night1 he might h
 brok5 ! spell ( iniquity1 ! p[]s (     
d>kness might n h prevail$6 ,he caught  
up ! pile ( newspap]s & began to glance 
?r\gh ea* 9 turn = ! headl9e3 ,wills    
,admitt$ to ,probate4 ,9 ! la/ ( all he 
f\nd ! p>agraph he s\ght1 & x />$ up at 
him z if ) ,ra9]'s dy+ eyes4  ,t--,,t 0 
:at he _h done6 ,! p[]s ( pity _h s+l$  
him out to w>n & save1 & he _h clos$ 8  
e>s to _! call1 _h wa%$ 8 h&s ( x1 &    
fl$4 ,wa%$ 8 h&s ( x6 ,t 0 ! ^w4 ,x     

caught him back to ! dreadful mom5t 9 ! 
lodge :51 rais+ himself up f ,ra9]'s    
side1 he _h look$ at 8 h&s & se5 t !y 7 
r$4 444       ,a ,,mess5g]  ,,by  ,,m>y 
,,raymond ,,%ipman ,,&rews  ,! ,b]s]k] (
 ! ,nor?1 because he believ$ 9 ! direct+
 p[] ( ! gods1 knew no fe>4 ,dea? or    
life--x 0 met$ out by a de/9y t c\ld n  
err4 ,9 song & /ory he has be5 "o ( !   
mo/ attractive figures ( ! pa/2 f> m    
attractive 9 8 savage virtues ?an ! m   
s5su\s h]oes ( ,greece & ,rome4 ,9 ?is  
/ory he lives aga9 9 ! ,am]ican boy :o  
has 8 ance/or's inexplicable uplift ( _s
 9 ! pres5ce ( dang] & 8 implicit fai? 9
 ! ,god ( battles & ! beauty ( hol9ess4 
,! ideal ( ,miles ,morgan is su* a man z
 ,*9ese ,gordon1 :o1 n only 9 y\? b all 
?r\gh life1 _h eyes = ! vision spl5did4 
,! e?ical value ( ,a ,mess5g] may be    
summ$ up 9 ! words ( ! ,g5]al3 ,!re is  
no?+ 9 ,am]icanism to prev5t ei!r       
inspiration or h]oism4     ,a ,,mess5g] 
,footnote3 ,f ,! ,militants1 by ,m>y ,r4
 ,s4 ,&rews4 ,copyright1 #aijg1 by      

,*>les ,scribn]'s ,sons4      ,h[ (t d  
!y _! silv] b[]s leave1     ,to come to 
succ\r u t succ\r want6     ,h[ (t d !y 
) gold5 p9eons cleave     ,! flitt+     
skyes1 l fly+ ,pursuivant1     ,aga9/   
f[le fe5des to ayd u militant6     ,!y =
 u fight1 !y wat* & dewly w>d1     ,& _!
 bright ,squadrons r\nd ab\t u plant2   
,& all = love1 & no?+ = rew>d4     ,o6  
,:y %\ld heav5ly ,god to m5 h su* reg>d8
            --,sp5s]'s ,fa]ie ,que5e4   
,t ! o!r _w ( our hope re/s on no       
di/ant1 %9+ />1 b lies ab\t u z an      
atmosph]e1 unse5 yet ne>1 is ! belief ( 
_m4 ,! veil ( mat]ial life %ades e>?ly  
eyes1 !y say1 f ! glories 9 :i* we ev]  
are4 ,b sometimes :5 ! veil we>s ?9 9   
mortal /ress1 or is caught away by a    
ru%+1 mighty w9d ( inspiration1 !       
trembl+ human s\l1 s b>$1 s purifi$1 may
 look d[n unimag9$ heav5ly vi/as1 &     
mess5g]s may /eal across ! %ift+ b\nd>y1
 brea?+ hope & ! air ( a bright] _w4 ,& 
( him :o speaks 8 vision1 m5 say ,he is 
mad1 or ,he has dream$4  ,! gr\p (      

(fic]s 9 ! t5t 0 sil5t = a long half    
m9ute aft] ,colonel ,wilson's voice _h  
/opp$4 ,!n ! ,g5]al spoke4  ,!re is b "o
 ?+ to d1 he said4 ,we mu/ get ^w to    
,capta9 ,?ornton at once4  ,! ,colonel  
?\ght deeply a mom5t1 & glanc$ at !     
ord]ly outside ! t5t4 ,flannigan6 ,!    
man1 :eel+ swiftly1 salut$4 ,pres5t my  
complim5ts to ,lieut5ant ,morgan & say t
 ,i %\ld l to see him "h at once1 & !   
soldi] w5t (f1 ) ! quick milit>y        
precision 9 :i* !re is no ha/e & no     
delay4  ,y h "s f9e1 p[]ful "y (fic]s1  
,colonel1 sail ! ,g5]al casually4 ,i    
suppose we %all see 9 ,lieut5ant ,morgan
 "o ( ! be/4 ,x w take /r5g? & bra9s    
bo?1 p]haps1 = ?is message4  ,a %ad[ ( a
 smile t\*$ ! ,colonel's lips4 ,i ?9k ,i
 h *os5 a capable man1 ,g5]al1 0 all he 
said4  ,aga9/ ! doorway ( ! t5t ! breeze
 blew ! flap lazily back & =?4 ,a light 
ra9 fell ) muffl$ g5tle insi/5ce on !   
canvas ov] _! heads1 & out ?r\gh ! op5+ 
! l&scape 0 blurr$--! wide /ret* (      
monoton\s1 bill[y prairie1 ! sluggi%1   

%9+ riv]1 b5d+ 9 ! di/ance ab\t ! base (
 ,black ,w9d ,m\nta9--,black ,w9d       
,m\nta91 ^: high top lift$1 ?\gh x 0    
almo/ ,june1 a :ite po9t ( sn[ above d>k
 p9e ridges ( ! hills bel[4 ,! five     
(fic]s talk$ a little z !y wait$1 b     
spasmodically1 abs5t- m9d$ly4 ,a %ad[   
block$ ! light ( ! entrance1 & 9 !      
doorway /ood a "y man1 und]siz$1 slight1
 blond4 ,he look$ inquir+ly at !        
,colonel4  ,y s5t = me1 sir8 & ! ,g5]al 
& 8 aide1 & ! grizzl$ old ,capta91 & !  
big1 fre%-fac$ "y "o1 all wat*$ him4  ,9
 direct1 quiet words--words ^: b>5ess   
made !m dramatic = ! weight (           
possibility !y c>ri$--! ,colonel        
expla9$4 ,black ,wolf & 8 b& 7 out on ! 
w>-pa?4 ,a soldi] com+ 9 w\nd$1 escap$ f
 ! massacre ( ! po/ at ,devil's ,ho(    
,gap1 _h report$ x4 ,) ! l>ge comm& kn[n
 to be "h camp$ on ,sweet/ream ,=k1 !y  
w\ld n come ?is way2 !y w\ld sw]ve up ! 
,gunp[d] ,riv] tw5ty miles away1 de/roy+
 ! settlem5t & ,little ,=t ,slade1 &    
w\ld sweep on1 probably = a g5]al       

massacre1 up ! ,great ,horn z f> z ,=t  
,donca/]4 ,he himself1 ) ! regim5t1 w\ld
 try to save ,=t ,slade1 b 9 ! meantime 
,capta9 ,?ornton's troop1 com+ to jo9   
him1 ignorant t ,black ,wolf _h tak5 !  
w>-pa?1 w\ld be directly 9 _! track4 ,"s
 "o mu/ be s5t to w>n !m1 & ( c\rse !   
few] ! quick]4 ,lieut5ant ,morgan w\ld  
take a s]geant1 ! ,colonel ord]$        
quietly1 & />t at once4  ,9 ! mi/y light
 inside ! t5t1 ! "y (fic] look$ h>dly m 
?an sev5te5 ye>s old z he /ood li/5+4 ,8
 small figure 0 light1 fragile2 8 hair 0
 blond to an extreme1 a ?ick ?at* ( pale
 gold2 & !re 0 ab\t him1 among ^! tann$1
 /alw>t m5 9 uni=m1 a pres5ce1 an effect
 ( some?+ unusual1 a simplicity out (   
place yet h>moni\s1 :i* might h come ) a
 little *ild into a sc5e l ?is4 ,8 l>ge 
blue eyes 7 fix$ on ! ,colonel z he     
talk$1 & 9 !m 0 j su* a look ( innoc5t1 
pleas$ wond]1 z might be 9 a *ild's     
eyes1 :o _h be5 told to leave /udy+ & g 
pick violets4 ,b z ! ,colonel end$ he   
spoke1 & ! few words he said1 ! few     

que/ions he ask$1 7 full ( poise1 (     
crisp directness4 ,z ! ,g5]al volunte]$ 
a ^w or two1 he turn$ to him & answ]$ ) 
a v *>m+ def]5ce1 a respect t 0 yet full
 ( graci\s ease1 ! unconsci\s air ( a   
man to :om g5]als are fir/ z m51 & !n z 
g5]als4 ,! slight figure 9 its d>k uni=m
 0 already beyond ! t5t doorway :5 !    
,colonel spoke aga91 ) a %ade (         
hesitation 9 8 mann]4  ,mr4 ,morgan6 & !
 "y (fic] turn$ quickly4 ,i ?9k x may be
 "r to w>n y t !re is likely to be m ?an
 usual dang] 9 y\r ride4  ,yes1 sir4 ,! 
fre%1 "y voice _h a note ( inquiry4  ,y 
w--y w--:at 0 x ! ,colonel want$ to say8
 ,he f9i%$ abruptly4 ,*oose ! man       
c>efully :o goes ) y4  ,?ank y1         
,colonel1 ,morgan respond$ he>tily1 b ) 
a h9t ( bewild]m5t4 ,i %all take        
,s]geant ,o',h>a1 & he 0 gone4  ,!re 0 a
 t\* ( color 9 ! ,colonel's face1 & he  
sigh$ z if glad to h x ov]4 ,! ,g5]al   
wat*$ him1 & sl[ly1 aft] a pause1 he    
dem&$3  ,may ,i ask1 ,colonel1 :y y *ose
 t blond baby to s5d on a mission (     

uncommon dang] & importance8  ,!        
,colonel answ]$ quietly3 ,!re 7 sev]al  
reasons1 ,g5]al--good ones4 ,! blond    
baby--t gho/ ( a smile t\*$ ! ,colonel's
 lips aga9--! blond baby has "s         
rem>kable qualities4 ,he nev] loses 8   
head2 he has uncommon inv5tion &        
facility ( gett+ out ( bad holes2 he    
rides light & s c make a horse la/ long]
 ?an mo/1 &--! ,colonel consid]$ a      
mom5t--,i may say he has no fe> ( dea?4 
,ev5 among my (fic]s he is kn[n = !     
quality ( 8 c\rage4 ,!re is "o m reason3
 he is ! mo/ popul> man ,i h1 bo? )     
(fic]s & m52 if any?+ happ5$ to ,morgan 
! :ole comm& w\ld race into hell aft] ! 
devils t did x be=e !y w\ld miss _!     
rev5ge4  ,! ,g5]al reflect$1 pull+ at 8 
m\/a*e4 ,x seems a bit l tak+ advantage 
( 8 popul>ity1 he said4  ,x is1 !       
,colonel ?rew back quickly4 ,x's j t4 ,b
 t's :at "o mu/ d--a comm&+ (fic]--isn't
 x s1 ,g5]al8 ,9 ?is w> music we play on
 human in/rum5ts1 & if a big *ord comes 
out /rong] = ! sil5ce ( a note1 ! note  

mu/ be sil5c$--t's all4 ,x's cruel1 b   
x's fight+2 x's ! game4  ,! ,g5]al1 z if
 impress$ ) ! t5se words1 did n respond1
 & ! o!r (fic]s />$ at ! ,colonel's     
face1 z c>v$1 z /]n z if done 9 m>ble--a
 face f :i* ! w>m1 /rong he>t seldom    
%one1 held back always by ! /rong] w4   
,! big1 fre%-color$ "y ,capta9 broke !  
sil5ce4 ,has ! ,g5]al ev] he>d ( ! trick
 ,morgan play$ on ,sun ,boy1 sir8 he    
ask$4  ,tell ! ,g5]al1 ,capta9 ,boo?1 ! 
,colonel said briefly1 & ! ,capta9 turn$
 t[>d ! high] (fic]4  ,x 0 apropos ( :at
 ! ,colonel said ( 8 inc5tive faculties1
 ,g5]al1 he began4 ,a ye> ago ! y\ng/] )
 a squad ( t5 m5 walk$ into ,sun ,boy's 
camp ( sev5ty-five w>riors4 ,morgan _h  
made q a pet ( a "y ,si\x1 :o 0 our     
prison] = five mon?s1 & ! boy _h taught 
him a lot ( ! language1 & assur$ him t  
he w\ld h ! fri5d%ip ( ! b& 9 return = 8
 k9dness to ,blue ,arr[--t 0 ! *ap's "n4
 ,s he ?\ght he 0 safe2 b x turn$ out t 
,blue ,arr['s fa!r1 a *ief1 _h got into 
a r[ ) ,sun ,boy1 & ! latt] w\ld n ?9k (

 ratify+ ! boy's promise4 ,s !re 0      
,morgan ) 8 doz5 m51 9 a na/y en\gh fix4
 ,he knew pl5ty ( ,indian talk to und]/&
 t !y 7 discuss+ :at !y w\ld d ) him1 & 
x wasn't pleasant4  ,all ( a sudd5 he _h
 an inspiration4 ,he tells ! /ory       
himself1 sir1 & ,i assure y he'd make y 
laugh--,morgan is a wond]ful mimic4     
,well1 he rememb]$ sudd5ly1 z ,i said1 t
 he 0 a mighty good v5triloqui/1 & he   
saw 8 *ance4 ,he gave a great jump l a  
/>tl$ fawn1 & ?rew up 8 arms & />$ l "o 
dem5t$ into ! tree ov] _! heads4 ,!re 0 
a mangy-look+ cr[ sitt+ up !re on a     
bran*1 & ,morgan po9t$ at him z if at   
some?+ m>vell\s1 sup]natural1 & all ^?  
fool ,indians /opp$ p[-w[+ & />$ up aft]
 him1 z curi\s z monkeys4 ,!n to all    
appe>ances1 ! cr[ began to talk4 ,morgan
 said !y mu/ h ?\ght t spirits didn't   
speak v *oice ,si\x1 b he did 8 be/4 ,! 
bird caw$ out3  ',oh1 ,sun ,boy1 great  
*ief1 bew>e :at y d6'  ,& !n ! real bird
 flapp$ its w+s & ,morgan ?\ght x 0 go+ 
to fly1 & he 0 lo/4 ,b x settl$ back    

aga9 on ! bran*1 & ,morgan proce$$ to   
caw on3  ',hurt n ! :ite man1 or !      
curses ( ! gods w come ^u ,sun ,boy & 8 
p4'  ,& he proce$$ to give a li/ ( :at  
w\ld happ5 if ! ,indians t\*$ a hair (  
_! heads4 ,by ?is "t ! r$ devils 7 all  
d[n on _! /oma*s1 moan+ s(tly :5ev]     
,morgan /opp$ caw+4 ,he said he q got   
into ! _s ( x1 & w\ld h lik$ to g on "s 
"t1 b he 0 beg9n+ to get ho>se1 &       
besides he 02 9 deadly t]ror = fe> ! cr[
 w\ld fly be=e he got to ! po9t4 ,s he  
_h ! _s ord] !m to give ! :ite m5 _!    
horses & turn !m loose in/ant]2 & j z he
 got all ?r\gh1 (f w5t ! ?+ ) a big flap
 & a p>t+ caw on its own acc\nt4 ,i wi% 
,i c\ld tell x z ,morgan does--y'd ?9k  
he 0 a bird & an ,indian roll$ toge!r4  
,he's a great actor spoil$1 t lad4  ,y  
leave out a f9e po9t1 to my m9d1 ,capta9
 ,boo?1 ! ,colonel said quickly4 ,ab\t 8
 go+ back4  ,oh6 c]ta9ly t ought to be  
told1 said ! ,capta91 & ! ,g5]al's eyes 
turn$ to him aga94 ,morgan =got to see  
"y ,blue ,arr[1 8 fri5d1 be=e he got    

away1 & no?+ w\ld d b t he %\ld g back &
 speak to him4 ,he said ! boy w\ld be   
disappo9t$4 ,! m5 7 visibly uneasy at 8 
go+1 b t didn't affect him4 ,he ord]$ !m
 to wait1 & back he w5t1 pell-mell1 all 
alone into t horde ( fi5ds4 ,!y hadn't  
got ov] _! funk1 luckily1 & he saw ,blue
 ,arr[ & made 8 p>ty call & got out aga9
 all "r4 ,he didn't tell t himself1 b   
,s]geant ,o',h>a made ! camp r+ ) x4 ,he
 adores ,morgan1 & claims t he doesn't  
"k :at fe> is4 ,i believe x's ab\t s4   
,i've se5 him 9 a fight ?ree times n[4  
,8 cap always goes (f --he loses a cap e
 bless$ scrimmage--& ) t yell[ mop (    
hair1 & a sort ( rapt expression he     
gets1 he looks l a *ild say+ its pray]s 
all ! "t he is sla%+ & %oot+ l a b]s]k]4
 ,capta9 ,boo? fac$ abruptly t[>d !     
,colonel4 ,i beg y\r p>don = talk+ s    
long1 sir1 he said4 ,y "k we're all r   
ke5 ab\t little ,miles ,morgan4  ,!     
,g5]al lift$ 8 head sudd5ly4 ,miles     
,morgan8 he dem&$4 ,is 8 "n ,miles      
,morgan8  ,! ,colonel nodd$4 ,yes4 ,!   

gr&son ( ! old ,bi%op--nam$ = him4  ,"l6
 ejaculat$ ! ,g5]al4 ,miles ,morgan 0 my
 e>lie/ fri5d1 my fri5d until he di$6   
,?is mu/ be ,jim's son--,miles's only   
*ild4 ,& ,jim is dead ^! t5 ye>s1 he w5t
 on rapidly4 ,i've lo/ track ( him s9ce 
! ,bi%op di$1 b ,i knew ,jim left       
*ildr54 ,:y1 he m>ri$ --he se>*$ rapidly
 9 8 memory-- he m>ri$ a daught] (      
,g5]al ,fitzbrian's4 ,?is boy's got !   
*ur* & ! army bo? 9 him4 ,i knew 8 "m1  
he w5t on1 talk+ to ! ,colonel1 g>rul\s 
) int]e/4 ,iri% & fasc9at+ %e 0--believ$
 9 fairies & gho/s & all t1 z h] fa!r   
did be=e h]4 ,a clev] woman1 b ) !      
sup]/iti\s1 wild ,iri% blood /rong 9 h]4
 ,good ,"l6 ,i wi% ,i'd kn[n t 0 ,miles 
,morgan's gr&son4  ,! ,colonel's voice  
s\nd$ quiet & r cold aft] ! ,g5]al's    
impulsive en?usiasm4 ,y h summ$ him up  
by 8 antec$5ts1 ,g5]al1 he said4 ,! *ur*
 & ! army--bo? /ra9s are /rong4 ,he is  
deeply religi\s4  ,! ,g5]al look$       
?\ghtful4 ,religi\s1 eh8 ,& popul>8 ,!y 
don't always g toge!r4  ,capta9 ,boo?   

spoke quickly4 ,x's n t k9d1 ,g5]al1 he 
said4 ,!re's no cant 9 ! boy4 ,he's m   
popul> = x-- t's (t5 s ) ! g5u9e ?+1    
isn't x6 ,i sometimes ?9k--! "y ,capta9 
hesitat$ & smil$ a trifle deprecat+ly--t
 ,morgan is mu* ( ! same /uff z         
,gordon-- ,*9ese ,gordon2 ! m>tyr /uff1 
y "k4 ,b x seems a bit ra% to comp>e an 
e-day ,am]ican y\ng/] to an inspir$ h]o4
  ,!re's no?+ 9 ,am]icanism to prev5t   
ei!r inspiration or h]oism t ,i "k (1 ! 
,g5]al affirm$ /\tly1 8 f9e old head up1
 8 eyes gleam+ ) pride ( 8 pr(ession4   
,out ?r\gh ! op5 doorway1 beyond !      
slapp+ t5t-flap1 ! ke51 gray eyes ( !   
,colonel 7 fix$ mus+ly on two black     
po9ts :i* crawl$ along ! edge ( ! dull$ 
silv] ( ! di/ant riv]--,miles ,morgan & 
,s]geant ,o',h>a _h />t$4  ,s]geant6 ,!y
 7 eight miles out n[1 & ! camp _h      
disappe>$ beh9d ! elb[ ( ,black ,w9d    
,m\nta94 ,!re's some?+ wrong ) y\r      
horse4 ,li/56 ,he's n lop+ ev5ly4 ,! s(t
 cad5ce ( eight ho(s on e>? _h some:]e a
 light] & !n a heavi] note2 ! e> ( a    

good horseman tells 9 a m9ute1 z a      
musician's e> at a false note1 :5 an    
animal saves "o foot ev] s slightly1 to 
come d[n h>d] on ano!r4  ,yessirr4 ,!   
,lieut5ant'll remimb] 'tis ! horrse t _h
 a bit ( a spav94 ,sure ,i ?ot 'twas    
cur$1 & 'tis ! k9de/ ba/e 9 ! rigim5t   
f'r a pleasure ride1 sorr--t will9'     
'tis4 ,s ,i tuk x4 ,i ?9k 'tis only !   
/iffness at furr/ aff4 ',twill wurruk   
aff lat]4 ,plaze ,god1 ,i'll wallop him4
 ,& ! ,s]geant wallop$ ) a w4  ,b !     
k9de/ bea/ 9 ! regim5t fail$ to respond 
except ) a plunge & increas$ lam5ess4   
,soon !re 0 no m "q ( 8 incapacity4     
,lieut5ant ,morgan halt$ 8 m\nt1 &1     
look+ at ! woe-begone ,o',h>a1 laugh$4  
,a nice trick ?is is1 ,s]geant1 he said1
 to />t out on a trip to dodge ,indians 
) a spav9$ horse4 ,:y didn't y get a    
broom/ick8 ,n[ g back to camp z fa/ z y 
c g2 & t horse ought to be bli/]$ :5 y  
get !re4 ,see if y c't really cure him4 
,he's too good to be %ot4 ,he patt$ !   
gray's n]v\s head1 & ! bea/ rubb$ x     

g5tly aga9/ 8 sleeve1 quiet "u 8 h&4    
,yessirr4 ,! ,lieut5ant'll ride sl[1    
sorr1 f'r me to cat* up on ye1 sorr8    
,miles ,morgan smil$ & %ook 8 head4     
,sorry1 ,s]geant1 b !re'll be no sl[    
rid+ 9 ?is4 ,i'll h to press "r on )\t  
y2 ,i mu/ be at ,massacre ,m\nta9       
to-night to cat* ,capta9 ,?ornton       
to-morr[4  ,s]geant ,o',h>a's *9 dropp$4
 ,sure ! ,lieut5ant'll niv] be ?9k9' to 
g'wan alone--wid\t me8 & ) all !        
,s]geant's respect = 8 sup]iors1 x took 
! ,lieut5ant t5 valuable m9utes to get !
 man />t$ back1 %ak+ 8 head & mutt]+    
=ebod+s1 to ! camp4  ,x 0 quiet rid+ on 
alone4 ,!re 7 a few miles to g be=e !re 
0 any *ance ( ,indians1 & no p>ticul>   
look\t to be kept1 s he put ! horse     
ahead rapidly :ile he might1 & sudd5ly  
he f\nd himself s++ s(tly z he gallop$4 
,h[ ! words _h come to him he did n "k1 
= no consci\s tra9 ( ?\ght _h br\ght !m2
 b !y surely fitt$ to ! situation1 & a  
pleasant s5se ( companion%ip1 ( safety1 
w>m$ him z ! sw+ ( an old hymn c>ri$ 8  

voice along ) x4  ,god %all *>ge ,8     
angel legions ,wat* & w>d o'er !e to    
keep2 ,?\gh ?\ walk ?r\gh ho/ile        
regions1 ,?\gh 9 des]t wilds ?\ sleep4  
,surely a man rid+ t[>d--p]haps         
?r\gh--skulk+ ,indian hordes1 z he mu/1 
c\ld h no bett] message rea* him ?an t4 
,! b5t ( 8 m9d 0 t[>d my/icism1 & :ile  
he did n ?9k ! tra9 ( reason+ out1 c\ld 
n h said t he believ$ x s1 yet ! famili>
 l9es fla%+ sudd5ly1 cle>ly1 on ! curta9
 ( 8 m9d1 seem$ to him1 v simply1 to be 
s5t f a l>g] ?\ght ?an 8 own4 ,z a *ild 
might take a /rong h& held out z x walk$
 ov] r\gh c\ntry1 s he accept$ ?is q    
readily & happily1 z f t ,p[] :o 0 nev] 
f> f him1 & 9 ^: s]vice1 beyond mo/ p1  
he liv$ & mov$4 ,l[ b cle> & deep 8     
voice w5t on1 foll[+ "o /anza ) its     
mate3  ,s9ce ) pure & firm affection ,?\
 on ,god ha/ set ?y love1 ,) ! w+s ( ,8 
protection ,he w %ield !e f above4 ,!   
simplicity ( 8 be+ %elt]$ itself 9 !    
broad promise ( ! words4  ,light-he>t$ly
 he rode on & on1 ?\gh n[ m c>efully2   

ly+ flat & pe]+ ov] ! cre/s ( hills a   
long "t be=e he cross$ _! tops2 go+     
miles p]haps ?r\gh rav9es2 tak+         
advantage ( e bit ( cov] :]e a man & a  
horse might be hidd52 travell+ z he _h  
le>n$ to travel 9 ?ree ye>s ( exp]i5ce 9
 ?is dang]\s ,indian c\ntry1 :]e a %rub 
tak5 = grant$ might mean a w>rior1 & t  
w>rior a hundr$ o!rs )9 signal4 ,x 0 8  
plan to ride until ab\t twelve-- to rea*
 ,massacre ,m\nta91 & !re re/ 8 horse & 
himself till gray daylight4 ,!re 0 grass
 !re & a spr+--two good & innoc5t ?+s t 
_h be5 ! cause ( ! bad1 d>k ?+ :i* _h   
giv5 ! place its "n4 ,a troop "u ,capta9
 ,james camp+ at ?is po9t1 because ( !  
wat] & grass1 _h be5 surpris$ & wip$ out
 by five hundr$ ,indian braves ( ! wick$
 & fam\s ,r$ ,cr[4 ,!re 7 gha/ly signs  
ab\t ! place yet2 ,morgan _h se5 !m1 b  
soldi]s may n h n]ves1 & x 0 good camp+ 
gr\nd4  ,on ?r\gh ! valleys & half-way  
up ! slopes1 :i* roll$ "h f> away into a
 /ill wild] _w1 ! "y man rode4 ,beh9d ! 
di/ant hills 9 ! ea/ a gl[ l fire flu%$ 

! horizon4 ,a rim ( pale gold lift$     
%>ply ov] ! ridge2 a huge r\nd ball (   
light pu%$ fa/]1 high]1 & lay1 a bright 
_w on ! edge ( ! _w1 great aga9/ !      
sky--! moon _h ris54 ,! twilight trembl$
 z ! yell[ rays /ruck into its dep?s1 & 
deep5$1 dy+ into purple %ad[s4 ,across !
 pla9 zigzagg$ ! pools ( a level /ream1 
z if a giant _h spill$ h&fuls (         
quicksilv] "h & !re4  ,miles ,morgan1   
rid+1 drank 9 all ! my/]i\s1 wild       
beauty1 z a man at ease2 z op5 to ea*   
fair impression z if he 7 n rid+ ea*    
mom5t into deep] dang]1 z if 8 e s5se 7 
n on gu>d4 ,on ?r\gh ! %9+ moonlight & 9
 ! %ad[ ( ! hills he rode1 &1 :]e he    
might1 ?r\gh ! trees1 & /opp$ to li/5   
(t51 to />e at ! hilltops1 to "q a heap 
( /ones or a bu%4  ,at la/1 :5 8        
leg-we>y horse 0 beg9n+ to /umble a bit1
 he saw1 z he came ar\nd a turn1        
,massacre ,m\nta9's d>k head ris+ 9     
front ( him1 only half a mile away4 ,!  
spr+ trickl$ its l[ song1 z musical1 z  
limpidly pure z if x _h nev] run sc>let4

 ,! picket$ horse fell to br[s+ & ,miles
 sigh$ re/fully z he laid 8 head on 8   
saddle & fell in/antly to sleep ) !     
light ( ! moon on 8 damp1 fair hair4 ,b 
he did n sleep long4 ,sudd5ly ) a />t he
 awoke1 & sat up %>ply1 & li/5$4 ,he    
he>d ! horse /ill mun*+ grass ne> him1 &
 made out ! %ad[ ( its bulk aga9/ ! sky2
 he he>d ! /ream1 s(tly fall+ & call+ to
 ! wat]s :]e x 0 go+4 ,t 0 all4 ,/ra9 8 
he>+ z3 he might he c\ld he> no?+ else 9
 ! /ill night4 ,yet !re 0 some?+4 ,x    
might n be s\nd or sight1 b !re 0 a     
pres5ce1 a some?+--he c\ld n expla94 ,he
 0 al]t 9 e n]ve4 ,sudd5ly ! words ( !  
hymn he _h be5 s++ 9 ! aft]noon fla%$   
aga9 into 8 m9d1 &1 ) 8 cock$ revolv] 9 
8 h&1 alone1 on gu>d1 9 ! midnight ( !  
savage wild]ness1 ! words came t 7 n ev5
 a :isp]3  ,god %all *>ge ,8 angel      
legions ,wat* & w>d o'er !e to keep2    
,?\gh ?\ walk ?r\gh ho/ile regions1     
,?\gh 9 des]t wilds ?\ sleep4  ,he gave 
a cont5t$ sigh & lay d[n4 ,:at 0 !re to 
worry ab\t8 ,x 0 j 8 case = :i* ! hymn 0

 writt54 ,des]t wilds --t surely meant  
,massacre ,m\nta91 & :y %\ld he n sleep 
"h quietly1 & let ! angels keep _! wat* 
& w>d6 ,he clos$ 8 eyes ) a smile4 ,b   
sleep did n come1 & soon 8 eyes 7 op5   
aga91 />+ into blackness1 ?9k+1 ?9k+4   
,x 0 ,sunday :5 he />t$ out on ?is      
mission1 & he fell to rememb]+ ! ,sunday
 nights at home--long1 long ago !y seem$
 n[4 ,! family sang hymns aft] supp]    
always2 8 "m play$1 & ! *ildr5 /ood     
ar\nd h]--five ( !m1 ,miles & 8 bro!rs &
 si/]s4 ,!re 0 a little si/] ) br[n hair
 ab\t h] %\ld]s1 :o always /ood by      
,miles1 lean$ aga9/ him1 held 8 h&1     
look$ up at him ) ador+ eyes--he c\ld   
see ^? uplift$ eyes n[1 %9+ ?r\gh !     
d>kness ( ?is lonely place4 ,he rememb]$
 ! big1 home-l room2 ! crackl+ fire2 !  
peaceful atmosph]e ( books & pictures2 !
 dumb ?+s ab\t its walls t 7 yet eloqu5t
 to him ( home & family2 ! sword t 8    
great-gr&fa!r _h worn "u ,wa%+ton2 ! old
 ivories t ano!r great-gr&fa!r1 !       
,admiral1 _h br\ght f ,*9a2 ! portraits 

( ,morgans ( half a doz5 g5]ations :i*  
hung !re2 ! magaz9e table1 ! books &    
books & books4 ,a pang ( desp]ate       
homesickness sudd5ly %ook him4 ,he want$
 !m--8 own4 ,:y %\ld he1 _! be/-belov$1 
?r[ away 8 life--a life fill$ to ! brim 
) hope & en]gy & high ideals--on ?is    
futile que/8 ,he knew q z well z !      
,g5]al or ! ,colonel t 8 ride 0 b a     
=lorn hope4 ,z he lay !re1 long+ s1 9 ! 
dang]\s d>k1 he w5t ab\t ! libr>y at    
home 9 8 ?\ght & plac$ ea* famili>      
belong+ :]e he _h kn[n x all 8 life4 ,& 
z he f9i%$1 8 "m's head %one d>kly gold5
 by ! piano2 h] f+]s swept ov] ! keys2  
he he>d all _! voices1 ! de> nev]-=gott5
 voices4 ,h>k6 ,!y 7 s++ 8 hymn-- little
 ,alice's re$y note lift$ above !       
o!rs--,god %all *>ge ,8 angel legions-- 
,n[6 ,he 0 on 8 feet ) a spr+1 & 8      
revolv] po9t$ /eadily4 ,?is "t !re 0 no 
mi/ak+--some?+ _h ru/l$ 9 ! bu%es4 ,!re 
0 b "o ?+ = x to be--,indians4 ,)\t     
realiz+ :at he did1 he spoke %>ply4  ,:o
 goes !re8 he dem&$1 & out ( ! d>kness a

 voice answ]$ quietly3  ,a fri5d4  ,a   
fri5d8 ,) a %ock ( relief ! pi/ol dropp$
 by 8 side1 & he /ood t5se1 wait+4 ,h[  
might a fri5d be "h1 at midnight 9 ?is  
des]t6 ,z ! ?\ght fram$ itself swiftly !
 leaves p>t$1 & 8 /ra9+ eyes saw !      
figure ( a "y man /&+ be=e him4  ,h[    
came y "h8 dem&$ ,miles /]nly4 ,:o are  
y6  ,ev5 9 ! dimness he c\ld see !      
radiant smile t answ]$ him4 ,! calm     
voice spoke aga93 ,y w und]/& t lat]4 ,i
 am "h to help y4  ,z if a door _h      
sudd5ly op5$ into t light$ room ( :i* he
 dream$1 ,miles felt a s5se (           
tranquillity1 ( happ9ess /irr+ ?r\gh    
him4 ,nev] 9 8 life _h he kn[n su* a    
sudd5 utt] confid5ce 9 any "o1 su* a gl[
 ( eag] fri5dl9ess z ?is half-se51      
my/]i\s /rang] inspir$4 ,x is because ,i
 0 loneli] ?an ,i knew1 he said m5tally4
 ,x is because human companion%ip gives 
c\rage to ! mo/ self-reliant ( u2 &     
some:]e 9 ! words he 0 aw>e ( a false   
note1 b he did n /op to place x4  ,! l[1
 ev5 voice ( ! /rang] spoke aga94 ,!re  

are ,indians on y\r trail1 he said4 ,a  
small b& ( ,black ,wolf's sc\ts4 ,b     
don't be tr\bl$4 ,!y w n hurt y4  ,y    
escap$ f !m8 dem&$ ,miles eag]ly1 & aga9
 ! light ( a swift smile %one into !    
night4 ,y came to save me --h[ 0 x8     
,tell me1 s t we c plan4 ,x is v d>k    
yet1 b hadn't we bett] ride8 ,:]e is y\r
 horse8  ,he ?rew ! e>ne/ que/ions      
rapidly across ! black night1 & !       
unhurri$ voice answ]$ him4 ,no1 x said1 
& ! v]dict 0 n to be disput$4 ,y mu/ /ay
 "h4  ,:o ?is man might be or h[ he came
 ,miles c\ld n tell1 b ?is mu* he knew1 
)\t reason = kn[+ x2 x 0 "s "o /rong]   
?an he1 9 :om he c\ld tru/4 ,z !        
new-com] _h said1 x w\ld be "t en\gh    
lat] to und]/& ! re/4 ,wond]+ a little  
at 8 own swift acceptance ( an unkn[n   
au?ority1 wond]+ m at ! peace :i* wrapp$
 him z an atmosph]e at ! s\nd ( !       
/rang]'s voice1 ,miles made a place =   
him by 8 side1 & ! two talk$ s(tly to ! 
pla%+ und]tone ( ! /ream4  ,easily1     
naturally1 ,miles f\nd himself tell+ h[ 

he _h be5 homesick1 long+ = 8 p4 ,he    
told him ( ! big famili> room1 & ( ! old
 ?+s t 7 9 x1 t he lov$2 ( 8 "m2 (      
little ,alice1 & h] baby adoration = !  
big bro!r2 ( h[ !y _h always sung hymns 
toge!r ,sunday night2 he nev] = a mom5t 
d\bt$ ! /rang]'s int]e/ & sympa?y--he   
knew t he c>$ to he>4  ,!re is a hymn1  
,miles said1 t we us$ to s+ a lot--x 0  
my favorite2 ',miles's hymn1' ! family  
call$ x4 ,be=e y came to-night1 :ile ,i 
lay !re gett+ loneli] e m9ute1 ,i almo/ 
?\ght ,i he>d !m s++ x4 ,y may n h he>d 
x1 b x has a gr& sw+4 ,i always ?9k--he 
hesitat$--x always seems to me z if !   
,god ( battles & ! beauty ( hol9ess mu/ 
bo? h fill$ ! man's m9d :o wrote x4 ,he 
/opp$1 surpris$ at 8 own lack ( res]ve1 
at ! fre$om ) :i*1 to ?is fri5d ( an    
h\r1 he spoke 8 inmo/ he>t4  ,i "k1 !   
/rang] said g5tly4 ,!re 0 sil5ce = a    
mom5t1 & !n ! wond]ful l[ tones1        
beautiful1 cle>1 beyond any voice ,miles
 _h ev] he>d1 began aga91 & x 0 z if !  
great sweet notes ( an organ :isp]$ !   

words3  ,god %all *>ge ,8 angel legions 
,wat* & w>d o'er !e to keep2 ,?\gh ?\   
walk ?r\gh ho/ile regions1 ,?\gh 9 des]t
 wilds ?\ sleep4  ,great ,heav5s6 gasp$ 
,miles4 ,h[ c\ld y "k ,i meant t8 ,:y1  
?is is m>vell\s--:y1 ?is--he />$1       
spee*less1 at ! dim outl9es ( ! face :i*
 he _h nev] se5 be=e to-night1 b :i*    
seem$ to him already famili> & de>      
beyond all reason4 ,z he gaz$ ! tall    
figure rose1 lightly t[]+ above him4    
,look6 he said1 & ,miles 0 on 8 feet4 ,9
 ! ea/1 beyond ! long sweep ( ! prairie1
 0 a fa9t blu% aga9/ ! blackness2       
already ?reads ( brok5 light1 ( pale    
d>kness1 /irr$ ?r\gh ! pall ( ! air2 !  
dawn 0 at h&4  ,we mu/ saddle1 ,miles   
said1 & be (f4 ,:]e is y\r horse        
picket$8 he dem&$ aga94  ,b ! /range "y 
man /ood /ill2 & n[ 8 arm 0 /ret*$      
po9t+4 ,look1 he said aga91 & ,miles    
foll[$ ! direction ) 8 eyes4  ,f ! way  
he _h come1 9 t fa/-gr[+ gl[ at ! edge (
 ! sky1 %>p aga9/ ! mi/ ( ! little riv]1
 crept sl[ly half a doz5 p9 po9ts1 &    

,miles1 wat*+ _! t9y movem5t1 knew t !y 
7 ponies be>+ ,indian braves4 ,he turn$ 
hotly to 8 companion4  ,x's y\r fault1  
he said4 ,if ,i'd _h my way we'd h ridd5
 f "h an h\r ago4 ,n[ "h we are caught l
 rats 9 a trap2 & :o's to d my "w & save
 ,?ornton's troop--:o's to save         
!m--,god6 ,! "n 0 a pray]1 n an oa?4    
,yes1 said ! quiet voice at 8 side1     
,god1--& = a second !re 0 a sil5ce t 0 l
 an ,am54  ,quickly1 )\t a ^w1 ,miles   
turn$ & began to saddle4 ,!n sudd5ly1 z 
he pull$ at ! gir?1 he /opp$4 ,x's no   
use1 he said4 ,we c't get away except   
ov] ! rise1 & !y'll see u !re2 he nodd$ 
at ! hill :i* rose beyond ! camp+ gr\nd 
?ree hundr$ y>ds away1 & /ret*$ 9 a     
long1 level sweep into o!r hills & !    
we/4 ,our *ance is t !y're n on my trail
 aft] all--x's q possible4 ,!re 0 a     
tranquil unconc]n ab\t ! figure ne> him2
 8 own bright c\rage caught ! mean+ (   
its relax$ l9es ) a b\nd ( pleasure4 ,z 
y say1 x's be/ to /ay "h1 he said1 & z  
if ?9k+ al\d-- ,i believe y mu/ always  

be "r4 ,!n he add$1 z if 8 v s\l w\ld   
speak itself to ?is wond]ful new fri5d3 
,we c't be kill$1 unless ! ,"l wills x1 
& if he does x's "r4 ,dea? is only ! /ep
 into life2 ,i suppose :5 we "k t life1 
we w wond] h[ we c\ld h c>$ = ?is "o4   
,?r\gh ! gray light ! /rang] turn$ 8    
face swiftly1 b5t t[>d ,miles1 & smil$  
once aga91 & ! boy ?\ght sudd5ly ( !    
m>tyrdom ( ,/4 ,/eph51 & h[ ^? :o 7     
look+ saw 8 face z x _h be5 ! face ( an 
angel4  ,across ! pla91 out ( !         
mi/-wrea?s1 came ru%+1 scurry+1 ! h&ful 
( ,indian braves4 ,pale light /ream$ n[ 
f ! ea/1 filt]+ ov] a hu%$ _w4 ,miles   
fac$ across ! pla91 /ood close to ! tall
 /rang] ^: %ape1 z ! dawn t\*$ x1 seem$ 
to rise beyond ! boy's slight figure    
wond]fully l>ge & high4 ,!re 0 a s5se ( 
un5d+ p[]1 ( al]tness1 ( great1 easy    
movem5t ab\t him2 "o might h look$ at   
him1 & look+ away aga91 h said t w+s 7  
fold$ ab\t him4 ,b ,miles did n see him4
 ,8 eyes 7 on ! fa/ ne>+1 gallop+       
ponies1 ea* ) its load ( fil?y1 cruel   

savag]y4 ,?is 0 8 dea? com+2 !re 0      
disgu/1 b n dread 9 ! ?\ght = ! boy4 ,9 
a few m9utes he %\ld be fight+          
hopelessly1 fi]cely aga9/ ?is fro? ( a  
l[] _w2 9 a few m9utes aft] t he %\ld be
 ly+ "h /ill-- = he meant to be kill$2  
he _h t plann$4 ,!y %\ld n take him--a  
wave ( sick repulsion at t ?\ght %ook   
him4 ,ne>]1 ne>]1 "r on 8 track came !  
rid]s pell-mell4 ,he c\ld he> _! weird1 
horrible cries2 n[ he c\ld see gleam+   
?r\gh ! dimness ! huge head-dress ( !   
=emo/1 ! :ite coronet ( fea!rs1 almo/ ! 
/ripes ( pa9t on ! fi]ce face4  ,sudd5ly
 a feel+ t he knew well caught him1 & he
 laugh$4 ,x 0 ! possession t _h held 9  
him 9 e action :i* he _h s f> be5 94 ,x 
lift$ 8 high-/rung _s into an atmosph]e 
:]e !re 0 no dread & no disgu/1 only a  
ke5 rapture 9 ?r[+ e atom ( s\l & body  
into physical int5sity2 x 0 z if he     
himself 7 a bright blade1 da%+1 cutt+1  
kill+1 a liv+ sword rejoic+ to de/roy4  
,) ! coolness t may g ) su* a fr5zy he  
felt t 8 pi/ols 7 loose2 saw )          

satisfaction t he & 8 new ally 7 plac$  
on ! slope to ! be/ advantage1 !n turn$ 
swiftly1 eag] n[ = ! fight to come1 t[>d
 ! ,indian b&4 ,z he look$1 sudd5ly 9   
mid-c>e]1 pull+ 9 _! plung+ ponies ) a  
j]k t ?rew !m1 snort+1 on _! haun*es1 ! 
w>riors halt$4 ,miles wat*$ 9 amazem5t4 
,! bun* ( ,indians1 n m ?an a hundr$    
y>ds away1 7 />+1 arre/$1 />tl$1 back ( 
him to 8 "r1 :]e ! l[] ridge ( ,massacre
 ,m\nta9 /ret*$ f> & level ov] ! valley 
t w\nd we/w>d b5ea? x on ! road to ,=t  
,ra9-&-,?und]4 ,z he gaz$1 ! ponies _h  
swept ab\t & 7 gallop+ back z !y _h     
come1 across ! pla94  ,be=e he knew if x
 might be true1 if he 7 n dream+ ?is    
curi\s ?+1 ! cle> voice ( 8 companion   
spoke 9 "o ^w aga91 l ! s+le note ( a   
deep bell4 ,look6 he said1 & ,miles     
swung ab\t t[>d ! ridge beh9d1 foll[+ ! 
po9t+ f+]4  ,9 ! gray dawn ! hill-top 0 
clad ) ! /ill /r5g? ( an army4 ,regim5t 
aft] regim5t1 sil5t1 motionless1 x      
/ret*$ back into silv] mi/1 & ! mi/     
roll$ beyond1 above1 ab\t x2 & ?r\gh x  

he saw1 z ?r\gh rifts 9 brok5 gauze1    
l9es int]m9able ( soldi]s1 glitt] (     
/eel4 ,miles1 look+1 knew4  ,he nev]    
rememb]$ h[ long he /ood gaz+1 e>? & "t 
& self =gott51 at a sight n meant =     
mortal eyes2 b sudd5ly1 ) a /ab x came  
to him1 t if ! ho/s ( heav5 f\ght 8     
battle x 0 t he might d 8 duty1 might   
save ,capta9 ,?ornton & 8 m52 he turn$  
to speak to ! "y man :o _h be5 ) him4   
,!re 0 no "o !re4 ,ov] ! bu%es ! m\nta9 
breeze blew damp & cold2 !y ru/l$ s(tly 
"u its t\*2 8 horse />$ at him mildly2  
away (f at ! foot-hills he c\ld see !   
dim9i%+ dots ( ! flee+ ,indian ponies2 z
 he :eel$ aga9 & look$1 ! hills t _h be5
 cov]$ ) ! glory ( heav5ly armies1 lay  
hu%$ & empty4 ,& 8 fri5d 0 gone4        
,clatt] ( /eel1 j+le ( h>ness1 an ord]  
r++ out f> b cle>--,miles ?rew up 8 head
 %>ply & li/5$4 ,9 a second he 0 pull+  
at 8 horse's gir?1 slipp+ ! bit swiftly 
into its m\?--9 a mom5t m he 0 (f3 &    
away to meet !m1 z a body ( cavalry     
swung out ( ! valley :]e ! ridge _h     

hidd5 !m4  ,capta9 ,?ornton's troop8 !  
(fic] repeat$ c>elessly4 ,:y1 yes2 !y   
are "h ) u4 ,we pick$ !m up ye/]day1    
head$ /raight = ,black ,wolf's w>-pa?4  
,mighty lucky we f\nd !m4 ,h[ ab\t      
y--se5 any ,indians1 h y8  ,miles answ]$
 sl[ly3 ,a p>ty ( eight 7 on my trail2  
!y 7 rid+ = ,massacre ,m\nta91 :]e ,i   
camp$1 ab\t an h\r-- ab\t half an       
h\r--a:ile ago4 ,he spoke vaguely1 r    
oddly1 ! (fic] ?\ght4 ,some?+--/opp$ !m 
ab\t a hundr$ y>ds f ! m\nta94 ,!y      
turn$1 & rode away4  ,ah1 said ! (fic]4 
,!y saw u d[n ! valley4  ,i c\ldn't see 
y1 said ,miles4  ,! (fic] smil$4 ,y're n
 an ,indian1 ,lieut5ant4 ,besides1 !y 7 
out on ! pla9 & _h a f>!r view beh9d !  
ridge4 ,& ,miles answ]$ n a ^w4  ,g5]al 
,miles ,morgan1 full ( ye>s & ( honors1 
has nev] b twice told ! /ory ( t night (
 =ty ye>s ago4 ,b he believes t :5 8 "t 
comes1 & he goes to jo9 ! majority1 he w
 "k aga9 ! pres5ce :i* gu>d$ him ?r\gh !
 blackness ( x1 & among ! angel legions 
he looks to f9d an angel1 a mess5g]1 :o 

0 8 fri5d4       ,,m>kheim  ,,by        
,,rob]t ,,l\is ,,/ev5son  ,9 "o ( ! old 
,greek trag$ies1 aft] ! actors on ! /age
 h play$ _! p>ts & ! *orus 9 ! or*e/ra  
bel[ has h9t$ my/]i\sly ( crime &       
retribution1 ! doors ( ! palace 9 !     
backgr\nd sudd5ly fly ap>t4 ,!re /&s !  
crim9al que54 ,%e confesses h] crime &  
expla9s ! reason = x4 ,s sometimes a    
/ory op5s ! doors ( a "*'s he>t & m9d1 &
 invites u to look )94 ,su* a /ory is   
call$ psy*ological4 ,sometimes !re is   
action1 n = action's sake1 b = its      
revelation ( "*4 ,sometimes no?+ happ5s4
 ,?is1 says ,bliss ,p]ry1 may be        
precisely :at mo/ int]e/s u1 because we 
are made to und]/& :at x is t inhibits  
action4 ,9 ! /ory ( ?is type we see !   
moods ( ! "*2 we wat* motives appe>1    
enc\nt] o!r motives1 & retreat or       
advance4 ,9 %ort1 we are all[$ to obs]ve
 ! man's m5tal processes until we und]/&
 him4  ,! emotional value ( ?is /ory may
 be /at$ 9 ! words ( ,c4 ,t4 ,w9*e/]3   
,we may lay x d[n z a rule t ^? emotions

 :i* are intimately relat$ to ! conduct 
( life are ( high] rank ?an ^? :i* are  
n2 & t1 consequ5tly1 ! emotions highe/ (
 all are ^? relat$ to ! decid+ =ces (   
life1 ! affections1 & ! consci5ce4      
,,m>kheim  ,footnote3 ,f ,! ,m]ry ,m5 & 
,o!r ,tales & ,fables1 by ,rob]t ,l\is  
,/ev5son1 publi%$ by ,*>les ,scribn]'s  
,sons4   ,yes1 said ! deal]1 our        
w9dfalls are ( v>i\s k9ds4 ,"s cu/om]s  
are ignorant1 & !n ,i t\* a divid5d on  
my sup]ior k4 ,"s are di%one/1 & "h he  
held up ! c&le1 s t ! light fell /rongly
 on 8 visitor1 & 9 t case1 he cont9u$1  
,i pr(it by my virtue4  ,m>kheim _h b j 
ent]$ f ! daylight /reets1 & 8 eyes _h n
 yet gr[n famili> ) ! m+l$ %9e & d>kness
 9 ! %op4 ,at ^! po9t$ words1 & be=e !  
ne> pres5ce ( ! flame1 he bl9k$ pa9fully
 & look$ aside4  ,! deal] *uckl$4 ,y    
come to me on ,*ri/mas ,day1 he resum$1 
:5 y "k t ,i am alone 9 my h\se1 put up 
my %utt]s1 & make a po9t ( refus+       
bus9ess4 ,well1 y w h to pay = t2 y w h 
to pay = my loss ( "t1 :5 ,i %\ld be    

balanc+ my books2 y w h to pay1 besides1
 = a k9d ( mann] t ,i rem>k 9 y to-day v
 /rongly4 ,i am ! ess5ce ( discretion1 &
 ask no awkw>d que/ions2 b :5 a cu/om]  
_c look me 9 ! eye1 he has to pay = x4  
,! deal] once m *uckl$2 & !n1 *ang+ to 8
 usual bus9ess voice1 ?\gh /ill ) a note
 ( irony1 ,y c give1 z usual1 a cle>    
acc\nt ( h[ y came into ! possession ( !
 object8 he cont9u$4 ,/ill y\r uncle's  
cab9et8 ,a rem>kable collector1 sir6  ,&
 ! little pale1 r\nd-%\ld]$ deal] /ood  
almo/ on tip- toe1 look+ ov] ! top ( 8  
gold spectacles1 & nodd+ 8 head ) e m>k 
( disbelief4 ,m>kheim return$ 8 gaze )  
"o ( inf9ite pity1 & a t\* ( horror4    
,?is "t1 said he1 y are 9 error4 ,i h n 
come to sell1 b to buy4 ,i h no curios  
to dispose (2 my uncle's cab9et is b>e  
to ! wa9scot2 ev5 7 x /ill intact1 ,i h 
done well on ! ,/ock ,ex*ange1 & %\ld m 
likely add to x ?an o!rwise1 & my err&  
to-day is simplicity itself4 ,i seek a  
,*ri/mas pres5t = a lady1 he cont9u$1   
wax+ m flu5t z he /ruck into ! spee* he 

_h prep>$2 & c]ta9ly ,i owe y e excuse =
 ?us di/urb+ y ^u s small a matt]4 ,b ! 
?+ 0 neglect$ ye/]day2 ,i mu/ produce my
 little complim5t at d9n]2 &1 z y v well
 "k1 a ri* m>riage is n a ?+ to be      
neglect$4  ,!re foll[$ a pause1 dur+ :i*
 ! deal] seem$ to weigh ?is /atem5t     
incr$ul\sly4 ,! tick+ ( _m clocks among 
! curi\s lumb] ( ! %op1 & ! fa9t ru%+ ( 
! cabs 9 a ne> ?or\ghf>e1 fill$ up !    
int]val ( sil5ce4  ,well1 sir1 said !   
deal]1 be x s4 ,y are an old cu/om] aft]
 all2 & if1 z y say1 y h ! *ance ( a    
good m>riage1 f> be x f me to be an     
ob/acle4 ,"h is a nice ?+ = a lady n[1  
he w5t on1 ?is h& glass--fifte5? c5tury1
 w>rant$2 comes f a good collection1    
too2 b ,i res]ve ! "n1 9 ! int]e/s ( my 
cu/om]1 :o 0 j l y\rself1 my de> sir1 ! 
nephew & sole heir ( a rem>kable        
collector4  ,! deal]1 :ile he ?us ran on
 9 8 dry & bit+ voice1 _h /oop$ to take 
! object f its place2 &1 z he _h done s1
 a %ock _h pass$ ?r\gh ,m>kheim1 a />t  
bo? ( h& & foot1 a sudd5 leap ( _m      

tumultu\s passions to ! face4 ,x pass$ z
 swiftly z x came1 & left no trace      
beyond a c]ta9 trembl+ ( ! h& t n[      
receiv$ ! glass4  ,a glass1 he said     
ho>sely1 & !n paus$1 & repeat$ x m      
cle>ly4 ,a glass8 ,= ,*ri/mas8 ,surely  
n8  ,& :y n8 cri$ ! deal]4 ,:y n a      
glass8  ,m>kheim 0 look+ ^u him ) an    
indef9able expression4 ,y ask me :y n8  
he said4 ,:y1 look "h--look 9 x--look at
 y\rself6 ,d y l to see x8 ,no6 nor     
,i--nor any man4  ,! little man _h jump$
 back :5 ,m>kheim _h s sudd5ly confront$
 him ) ! mirror2 b n[1 p]ceiv+ !re 0    
no?+ worse on h&1 he *uckl$4 ,y\r future
 lady1 sir1 mu/ be pretty h>d favor$1   
said he4  ,i ask y1 said ,m>kheim1 = a  
,*ri/mas pres5t1 & y give me ?is--?is   
damn$ rem9d] ( ye>s1 & s9s1 & follies-- 
?is h&-consci5ce6 ,did y mean x8 ,_h y a
 ?\ght 9 y\r m9d8 ,tell me4 ,x w be     
bett] = y if y d4 ,come1 tell me ab\t   
y\rself4 ,i haz>d a guess n[1 t y are 9 
secret a v *>itable man8  ,! deal] look$
 closely at 8 companion4 ,x 0 v odd1    

,m>kheim did n appe> to be laugh+2 !re 0
 some?+ 9 8 face l an eag] sp>kle (     
hope1 b no?+ ( mir?4  ,:at are y driv+  
at8 ! deal] ask$4  ,n *>itable8 return$ 
! o!r1 gloomily4 ,n *>itable2 n pi\s2 n 
scrupul\s2 unlov+1 unbelov$2 a h& to get
 money1 a safe to keep x4 ,is t all8    
,de> ,god1 man1 is t all8  ,i w tell y  
:at x is1 began ! deal]1 ) "s %>pness1 &
 !n broke (f aga9 into a *uckle4 ,b ,i  
see ?is is a love mat* ( y\rs1 & y h be5
 dr9k+ ! lady's heal?4  ,ah6 cri$       
,m>kheim1 ) a /range curiosity4 ,ah1 h y
 be5 9 love6 ,tell me ab\t t4  ,i1 cri$ 
! deal]4 ,i 9 love6 ,i nev] _h ! "t1 nor
 h ,i ! "t to-day = all ?is nons5se4 ,w 
y take ! glass8  ,:]e is ! hurry8       
return$ ,m>kheim4 ,x is v pleasant to /&
 "h talk+2 & life is s %ort & insecure t
 ,i w\ld n hurry away f any             
pleasure--no1 n ev5 f s mild a "o z ?is4
 ,we %\ld r cl+1 cl+ to :at little we c 
get1 l a man at a cliff's edge4 ,e      
second is a cliff1 if y ?9k ^u x--a     
cliff a mile high--high en\gh1 if we    

fall1 to da% u out ( e feature (        
humanity4 ,h5ce x is be/ to talk        
pleasantly4 ,let u talk ( ea* o!r2 :y   
%\ld we we> ?is mask8 ,let u be         
confid5tial4 ,:o kn[s1 we might become  
fri5ds8  ,i h j "o ^w to say to y1 said 
! deal]4 ,ei!r make y\r pur*ase1 or walk
 out ( my %op4  ,true1 true1 said       
,m>kheim4 ,en\gh fool+4 ,to bus9ess4 ,%[
 me some?+ else4  ,! deal] /oop$ once m1
 ?is "t to replace ! glass ^u ! %elf1 8 
?9 blond hair fall+ ov] 8 eyes z he did 
s4 ,m>kheim mov$ a little ne>]1 ) "o h& 
9 ! pocket ( 8 greatcoat2 he drew       
himself up & fill$ 8 lungs--at ! same "t
 _m diff]5t emotions 7 depict$ toge!r on
 8 face-- t]ror1 horror1 & resolve1     
fasc9ation & a physical repulsion2 &    
?r\gh a hagg>d lift ( 8 upp] lip1 8 tee?
 look$ out4  ,?is1 p]haps1 may suit1    
obs]v$ ! deal]2 & !n1 z he began to     
re-arise1 ,m>kheim b\nd$ f beh9d ^u 8   
victim4 ,! long1 skew]like dagg] fla%$ &
 fell4 ,! deal] /ruggl$ l a h51 /rik+ 8 
temple on ! %elf1 & !n tumbl$ on ! floor

 9 a heap4  ,"t _h "s score ( small     
voices 9 t %op1 "s /ately & sl[ z 0     
becom+ to _! great age2 o!rs g>rul\s &  
hurri$4 ,all ^! told out ! seconds 9 an 
intricate *orus ( tick+s4 ,!n ! passage 
( a lad's feet1 heavily runn+ on !      
pavem5t1 broke 9 ^u ^! small] voices &  
/>tl$ ,m>kheim into ! consci\sness ( 8  
surr\nd+s4 ,he look$ ab\t him awfully4  
,! c&le /ood on ! c\nt]1 its flame      
solemnly wagg+ 9 a draught2 & by t      
inconsid]able movem5t1 ! :ole room 0    
fill$ ) noiseless bu/le & kept heav+ l a
 sea3 ! tall %ad[s nodd+1 ! gross blots 
( d>kness swell+ & dw9dl+ z )           
respiration1 ! faces ( ! portraits & !  
*9a gods *ang+ & wav]+ l images 9 wat]4 
,! inn] door /ood aj>1 & pe]$ into t    
leagu] ( %ad[s ) a long slit ( daylight 
l a po9t+ f+]4  ,f ^! fe>-/rick5 rov+s1 
,m>kheim's eyes return$ to ! body ( 8   
victim1 :]e x lay bo? hump$ & sprawl+1  
incr$ibly small & /rangely mean] ?an 9  
life4 ,9 ^! poor1 mis]ly clo!s1 9 t     
unga9ly attitude1 ! deal] lay l s mu*   

sawdu/4 ,m>kheim _h fe>$ to see x1 &1   
lo6 x 0 no?+4 ,& yet1 z he gaz$1 ?is    
bundle ( old clo!s & pool ( blood began 
to f9d eloqu5t voices4 ,!re x mu/ lie2  
!re 0 none to "w ! cunn+ h+es or direct 
! miracle ( locomotion--!re x mu/ lie   
till x 0 f\nd4 ,f\nd6 ay1 & !n8 ,!n w\ld
 ?is dead fle% lift up a cry t w\ld r+  
ov] ,engl&1 & fill ! _w ) ! e*oes (     
pursuit4 ,ay1 dead or n1 ?is 0 /ill !   
enemy4 ,"t 0 t :5 ! bra9s 7 out1 he     
?\ght2 & ! fir/ ^w /ruck into 8 m9d4    
,"t1 n[ t ! de$ 0 accompli%$--"t1 :i* _h
 clos$ = ! victim1 _h become in/ant &   
mom5t\s = ! slay]4  ,! ?\ght 0 yet 9 8  
m9d1 :51 fir/ "o & !n ano!r1 ) e v>iety 
( pace & voice--"o deep z ! bell f a    
ca!dral turret1 ano!r r++ on its treble 
notes ! prelude ( a waltz--! clocks     
began to /rike ! h\r ( ?ree 9 !         
aft]noon4  ,! sudd5 outbreak ( s _m     
tongues 9 t dumb *amb] /agg]$ him4 ,he  
began to be/ir himself1 go+ to & fro ) !
 c&le1 beleagu]$ by mov+ %ad[s1 & />tl$ 
to ! s\l by *ance reflections4 ,9 _m ri*

 mirrors1 "s ( home designs1 "s f ,v5ice
 or ,am/]dam1 he saw 8 face repeat$ &   
repeat$1 z x 7 an army ( spies2 8 own   
eyes met & detect$ him2 & ! s\nd ( 8 own
 /eps1 lightly z !y fell1 vex$ !        
surr\nd+ quiet4 ,& /ill z he cont9u$ to 
fill 8 pockets1 8 m9d accus$ him1 ) a   
sick5+ it]ation1 ( ! ?\s& faults ( 8    
design4 ,he %\ld h *os5 a m quiet h\r2  
he %\ld h prep>$ an alibi2 he %\ld n h  
us$ a knife2 he %\ld h be5 m cauti\s1 & 
only b\nd & gagg$ ! deal]1 & n kill$    
him2 he %\ld h be5 m bold1 & kill$ !    
s]vant also2 he %\ld h done all ?+s     
o!rwise2 poignant regrets1 we>y1        
incessant toil+ ( ! m9d to *ange :at 0  
un*angeable1 to plan :at 0 n[ useless1  
to be ! ar*itect ( ! irrevocable pa/4   
,mean:ile1 & beh9d all ?is activity1    
brute t]rors1 l ! scurry+ ( rats 9 a    
des]t$ attic1 fill$ ! m remote *amb]s ( 
8 bra9 ) riot2 ! h& ( ! con/able w\ld   
fall heavy on 8 %\ld]1 & 8 n]ves w\ld   
j]k l a hook$ fi%2 or he beheld1 9      
gallop+ defile1 ! dock1 ! prison1 !     

gall[s1 & ! black c(f94  ,t]ror ( ! p 9 
! /reet sat d[n be=e 8 m9d l a besieg+  
army4 ,x 0 impossible1 he ?\ght1 b t "s 
rumor ( ! /ruggle mu/ h rea*$ _! e>s &  
set on edge _! curiosity2 & n[1 9 all ! 
neighbor+ h\ses1 he div9$ !m sitt+      
motionless3 & ) uplift$ e>--solit>y p1  
condemn$ to sp5d ,*ri/mas dwell+ alone  
on memories ( ! pa/1 & n[ />tl+ly       
recall$ f t t5d] ex]cise2 happy family  
p>ties1 /ruck into sil5ce r\nd ! table1 
! "m /ill ) rais$ f+]3 e degree & age & 
humor1 b all1 by _! own he>ts1 pry+ &   
he>k5+ & weav+ ! rope t 0 to hang him4  
,sometimes x seem$ to him he c\ld n move
 too s(tly2 ! cl9k ( ! tall ,bohemian   
goblets rang out l\dly l a bell2 & al>m$
 by ! bigness ( ! tick+1 he 0 tempt$ to 
/op ! clocks4 ,& !n1 aga91 ) a swift    
transition ( 8 t]rors1 ! v sil5ce ( !   
place appe>$ a s\rce ( p]il1 & a ?+ to  
/rike & freeze ! pass]-by2 & he w\ld /ep
 m boldly1 & bu/le al\d among ! cont5ts 
( ! %op1 & imitate1 ) elaborate bravado1
 ! movem5ts ( a busy man at ease 9 8 own

 h\se4  ,b he 0 n[ s pull$ ab\t by      
diff]5t al>ms t1 :ile "o portion ( 8 m9d
 0 /ill al]t & cunn+1 ano!r trembl$ on !
 br9k ( lunacy4 ,"o halluc9ation 9      
p>ticul> took a /rong hold on 8         
cr$ulity4 ,! neighbor he>k5+ ) :ite face
 beside 8 w9d[1 ! pass]-by arre/$ by a  
horrible surmise on ! pavem5t--^! c\ld  
at wor/ suspect1 !y c\ld n "k2 ?r\gh !  
brick walls & %utt]$ w9d[s only s\nds   
c\ld p5etrate4 ,b "h1 )9 ! h\se1 0 he   
alone8 ,he knew he 02 he _h wat*$ !     
s]vant set =? swee!>t+1 9 h] poor be/1  
out = ! day writt5 9 e ribbon & smile4  
,yes1 he 0 alone1 ( c\rse2 & yet1 9 !   
bulk ( empty h\se above him1 he c\ld    
surely he> a /ir ( delicate foot+--he 0 
surely consci\s1 inexplicably consci\s (
 "s pres5ce4 ,ay1 surely2 to e room &   
corn] ( ! h\se 8 imag9ation foll[$ x2 & 
n[ x 0 a faceless ?+1 & yet _h eyes to  
see )2 & aga9 x 0 a %ad[ ( himself2 &   
yet aga9 behold ! image ( ! dead deal]1 
re9spir$ ) cunn+ & hatr$4  ,at times1 ) 
a /rong ef=t1 he w\ld glance at ! op5   

door :i* /ill seem$ to repel 8 eyes4 ,! 
h\se 0 tall1 ! skylight small & dirty1 !
 day bl9d ) fog2 & ! light t filt]$ d[n 
to ! gr\nd /ory 0 exce$+ly fa9t1 & %[$  
dimly on ! ?re%old ( ! %op4 ,& yet1 9 t 
/rip ( d\btful brightness1 did !re n    
hang wav]+ a %ad[8  ,sudd5ly1 f ! /reet 
outside1 a v jovial g5tleman began to   
beat ) a /aff on ! %op-door1 accompany+ 
8 bl[s ) %\ts & raill]ies 9 :i* ! deal] 
0 cont9ually call$ ^u by "n4 ,m>kheim1  
smitt5 into ice1 glanc$ at ! dead man4  
,b no6 he lay q /ill2 he 0 fl$ away f>  
beyond e>%ot ( ^! bl[s & %\t+s2 he 0    
sunk b5ea? seas ( sil5ce2 & 8 "n1 :i*   
w\ld once h caught 8 notice above ! h[l+
 ( a /orm1 _h become an empty s\nd4 ,&  
pres5tly ! jovial g5tleman desi/$ f 8   
knock+ & dep>t$4  ,"h 0 a broad h9t to  
hurry :at rema9$ to be done1 to get =? f
 ?is accus+ neighborhood1 to plunge into
 a ba? ( ,london multitudes1 & to rea*1 
on ! o!r side ( day1 t hav5 ( safety &  
app>5t innoc5ce--8 b$4 ,"o visitor _h   
come3 at any mom5t ano!r might foll[ &  

be m ob/9ate4 ,to h done ! de$1 & yet n 
to reap ! pr(it1 w\ld be too abhorr5t a 
failure4 ,! money1 t 0 n[ ,m>kheim's    
conc]n2 & z a means to t1 ! keys4  ,he  
glanc$ ov] 8 %\ld] at ! op5 door1 :]e ! 
%ad[ 0 /ill l+]+ & %iv]+2 & ) no        
consci\s repugnance ( ! m9d1 yet ) a    
tremor ( ! belly1 he drew ne> ! body ( 8
 victim4 ,! human "* _h q dep>t$4 ,l a  
suit half-/uff$ ) bran1 ! limbs lay     
scatt]$1 ! trunk d\bl$1 on ! floor2 &   
yet ! ?+ repell$ him4 ,al?\gh s d+y &   
inconsid]able to ! eye1 he fe>$ x might 
h m significance to ! t\*4 ,he took !   
body by ! %\ld]s1 & turn$ x on its back4
 ,x 0 /rangely light & supple1 & !      
limbs1 z if !y _h be5 brok51 fell into !
 odde/ po/ures4 ,! face 0 robb$ ( all   
expression2 b x 0 z pale z wax1 &       
%ock+ly sme>$ ) blood ab\t "o temple4 ,t
 01 = ,m>kheim1 ! "o displeas+          
circum/ance4 ,x c>ri$ him back1 ^u !    
in/ant1 to a c]ta9 day 9 a fi%]s'       
village3 a gray day1 a pip+ w9d1 a cr[d 
^u ! /reet1 ! bl>e ( brasses1 ! boom+ ( 

drums1 ! nasal voice ( a ballad s+]2 & a
 boy go+ to & fro1 buri$ ov] head 9 !   
cr[d & divid$ betwe5 int]e/ & fe>1      
until1 com+ out ^u ! *ief place (       
conc\rse1 he beheld a boo? & a great    
scre5 ) pictures1 dismally design$1     
g>i%ly color$3 ,br[nrigg ) h] appr5tice2
 ! ,mann+s ) _! murd]$ gue/2 ,we>e 9 !  
dea?-grip ( ,?urtell2 & a score besides 
( fam\s crimes4 ,! ?+ 0 z cle> z an     
illusion2 he 0 once aga9 t little boy2  
he 0 look+ once aga91 & ) ! same s5se ( 
physical revolt1 at ^! vile pictures2 he
 0 /ill /unn$ by ! ?ump+ ( ! drums4 ,a  
b> ( t day's music return$ ^u 8 memory2 
& at t1 = ! fir/ "t1 a qualm came ov]   
him1 a brea? ( nausea1 a sudd5 weakness 
( ! jo9ts1 :i* he mu/ in/antly resi/ &  
conqu]4  ,he judg$ x m prud5t to        
confront ?an to flee f ^! consid]ations2
 look+ ! m h>dily 9 ! dead face1 b5d+ 8 
m9d to realize ! nature & greatness ( 8 
crime4 ,s little a :ile ago t face _h   
mov$ ) e *ange ( s5tim5t1 t pale m\? _h 
spok51 t body _h be5 all on fire )      

gov]nable en]gies2 & n[1 & by 8 act1 t  
piece ( life _h be5 arre/$1 z !         
horologi/1 ) int]ject$ f+]1 arre/s !    
beat+ ( ! clock4 ,s he reason$ 9 va92 he
 c\ld rise to no m remorseful           
consci\sness2 ! same he>t :i* _h %udd]$ 
be=e ! pa9t$ effigies ( crime1 look$ on 
its reality unmov$4 ,at be/1 he felt a  
gleam ( pity = "o :o _h be5 end[$ 9 va9 
) all ^? faculties t c make ! _w a g>d5 
( en*antm5t1 "o :o _h nev] liv$ & :o 0  
n[ dead4 ,b ( p5it5ce1 no1 n a tremor4  
,) t1 %ak+ himself cle> ( ^!            
consid]ations1 he f\nd ! keys & advanc$ 
t[>ds ! op5 door ( ! %op4 ,outside1 x _h
 begun to ra9 sm>tly2 & ! s\nd ( ! %[]  
^u ! ro( _h bani%$ sil5ce4 ,l "s dripp+ 
cav]n1 ! *amb]s ( ! h\se 7 haunt$ by an 
incessant e*o+1 :i* fill$ ! e> & m+l$ ) 
! tick+ ( ! clocks4 ,&1 z ,m>kheim      
approa*$ ! door1 he seem$ to he>1 9     
answ] to 8 own cauti\s tread1 ! /eps (  
ano!r foot )draw+ up ! /air4 ,! %ad[    
/ill palpitat$ loosely on ! ?re%old4 ,he
 ?rew a ton's weight ( resolve ^u 8     

muscles1 & drew back ! door4  ,! fa9t1  
foggy daylight glimm]$ dimly on ! b>e   
floor & /airs2 on ! bright suit ( armor 
po/$1 halb]t 9 h&1 ^u ! l&+2 & on ! d>k 
wood-c>v+s1 & fram$ pictures t hung     
aga9/ ! yell[ panels ( ! wa9scot4 ,s l\d
 0 ! beat+ ( ! ra9 ?r\gh all ! h\se t1 9
 ,m>kheim's e>s1 x began to be di/+ui%$ 
into _m diff]5t s\nds4 ,foot/eps &      
sighs1 ! tread ( regim5ts m>*+ 9 !      
di/ance1 ! *9k ( money 9 ! c\nt+1 & !   
creak+ ( doors held /eal?ily aj>1 appe>$
 to m+le ) ! patt] ( ! drops ^u ! cupola
 & ! gu%+ ( ! wat] 9 ! pipes4 ,! s5se t 
he 0 n alone grew ^u him to ! v]ge (    
madness4 ,on e side he 0 haunt$ & begirt
 by pres5ces4 ,he he>d !m mov+ 9 ! upp] 
*amb]s2 f ! %op1 he he>d ! dead man     
gett+ to 8 legs2 & z he began ) a great 
ef=t to m\nt ! /airs1 feet fl$ quietly  
be=e him & foll[$ /eal?ily beh9d4 ,if he
 7 b deaf1 he ?\ght1 h[ tranquilly he   
w\ld possess 8 s\l6 ,& !n aga91 & he>k5+
 ) ev] fre% att5tion1 he bless$ himself 
= t unre/+ s5se :i* held ! outpo/s &    

/ood a tru/y s5t9el ^u 8 life4 ,8 head  
turn$ cont9ually on 8 neck2 8 eyes1 :i* 
seem$ />t+ f _! orbits1 sc\t$ on e side1
 & on e side 7 half-rew>d$ z ) ! tail ( 
some?+ nameless vani%+4 ,! f\r-&-tw5ty  
/eps to ! fir/ floor 7 f\r-&-tw5ty      
agonies4  ,on t fir/ /ory1 ! doors /ood 
aj>1 ?ree ( !m l ?ree ambu%es1 %ak+ 8   
n]ves l ! ?roats ( cannon4 ,he c\ld nev]
 aga91 he felt1 be suffici5tly immur$ & 
=tifi$ f m5's obs]v+ eyes2 he long$ to  
be home1 girt 9 by walls1 buri$ among   
b$clo!s1 & invisible to all b ,god4 ,&  
at t ?\ght he wond]$ a little1          
recollect+ tales ( o!r murd]]s & ! fe>  
!y 7 said to ent]ta9 ( heav5ly av5g]s4  
,x 0 n s1 at lea/1 )1 him4 ,he fe>$ !   
laws ( nature1 le/1 9 _! call\s &       
immutable proc$ure1 !y %\ld pres]ve "s  
damn+ evid5ce ( 8 crime4 ,he fe>$ t5fold
 m1 ) a slavi%1 sup]/iti\s t]ror1 "s    
scission 9 ! cont9uity ( man's exp]i5ce1
 "s wilful illegality ( nature4 ,he     
play$ a game ( skill1 dep5d+ on ! rules1
 calculat+ consequ5ce f cause2 & :at if 

nature1 z ! defeat$ tyrant ov]?rew !    
*essbo>d1 %\ld break ! m\ld ( _!        
succession8 ,! l _h befall5 ,napoleon 7s
 writ]s said7 :5 ! w9t] *ang$ ! "t ( its
 appe>ance4 ,! l might befall ,m>kheim3 
! solid walls might become transp>5t &  
reveal 8 do+s l ^? ( bees 9 a glass     
hive2 ! /\t planks might yield "u 8 foot
 l quicks&s & deta9 him 9 _! clut*2 ay1 
& !re 7 sob]] accid5ts t might de/roy   
him3 if1 = in/ance1 ! h\se %\ld fall &  
imprison him beside ! body ( 8 victim2  
or ! h\se next door %\ld fly on fire1 & 
! firem5 invade him f all sides4 ,^! ?+s
 he fe>$2 &1 9 a s5se1 ^! ?+s might be  
call$ ! h&s ( ,god rea*$ =? aga9/ s94 ,b
 ab\t ,god himself he 0 at ease2 8 act 0
 d\btless exceptional1 b s 7 8 excuses1 
:i* ,god knew2 x 0 !re1 & n among m51 t 
he felt sure ( ju/ice4  ,:5 he _h got   
safe into ! draw+ room1 & %ut ! door    
beh9d him1 he 0 aw>e ( a respite f      
al>ms4 ,! room 0 q dismantl$1 unc>pet$  
besides1 & /rewn ) pack+ cases &        
incongru\s furniture2 sev]al great pi]  

glasses1 9 :i* he beheld himself at     
v>i\s angles1 l an actor on a /age2 _m  
pictures1 fram$ & unfram$1 /&+1 ) _!    
faces to ! wall2 a f9e ,%]aton sidebo>d1
 a cab9et ( m>quetry1 & a great old b$1 
) tape/ry hang+s4 ,! w9d[s op5$ to !    
floor2 b by great good =tune ! l[] "p ( 
! %utt]s _h be5 clos$1 & ?is conceal$   
him f ! neighbors4 ,"h1 !n1 ,m>kheim    
drew 9 a pack+ case be=e ! cab9et1 &    
began to se>* among ! keys4 ,x 0 a long 
bus9ess1 = !re 7 _m2 & x 0 irksome1     
besides2 =1 aft] all1 !re might be no?+ 
9 ! cab9et1 & "t 0 on ! w+4 ,b !        
clos5ess ( ! occupation sob]$ him4 ,) ! 
tail ( 8 eye he saw ! door--ev5 glanc$  
at x f "t to "t directly1 l a besieg$   
comm&] pleas$ to v]ify ! good e/ate ( 8 
def5ces4 ,b 9 tru? he 0 at peace4 ,! ra9
 fall+ 9 ! /reet s\nd$ natural &        
pleasant4 ,pres5tly1 on ! o!r side1 !   
notes ( a piano 7 wak5$ to ! music ( a  
hymn1 & ! voices ( _m *ildr5 took up !  
air & words4 ,h[ /ately1 h[ com=table 0 
! melody6 ,h[ fre% ! y\?ful voices6     

,m>kheim gave e> to x smil+ly1 z he     
sort$ out ! keys2 & 8 m9d 0 ?rong$ )    
answ]able ideas & images2 *ur*-go+      
*ildr5 & ! peal+ ( ! high organ2 *ildr5 
afield1 ba!rs by ! brookside1 rambl]s on
 ! brambly common1 kite fli]s 9 ! w9dy &
 cl\d navigat$ sky2 & !n1 at ano!r      
cad5ce ( ! hymn1 back aga9 to *ur*1 & ! 
somnol5ce ( summ] ,sundays1 & ! high    
g5teel voice ( ! p>son 7:i* he smil$ a  
little to recall7 & ! pa9t$ ,jacobean   
tombs1 & ! dim lett]+ ( ! ,t5 ,comm&m5ts
 9 ! *ancel4  ,& z he sat ?us1 at once  
busy & abs5t1 he 0 />tl$ to 8 feet4 ,a  
fla% ( ice1 a fla% ( fire1 a bur/+ gu% (
 blood1 w5t ov] him1 & !n he /ood       
transfix$ & ?rill+4 ,a /ep m\nt$ ! /air 
sl[ly & /eadily1 & pres5tly a h& 0 laid 
^u ! knob1 & ! lock click$1 & ! door    
op5$4 ,fe> held ,m>kheim 9 a vice4 ,:at 
to expect he knew n1 :e!r ! dead man    
walk+1 or ! (ficial m9i/]s ( human      
ju/ice1 or "s *ance witness bl9dly      
/umbl+ 9 to consign him to ! gall[s4 ,b 
:5 a face 0 ?ru/ into ! ap]ture1 glanc$ 

r\nd ! room1 look$ at him1 nodd$ & smil$
 z if 9 fri5dly recognition1 & !n )drew 
aga91 & ! door clos$ beh9d x1 8 fe>     
broke loose f 8 control 9 a ho>se cry4  
,at ! s\nd ( ?is ! visitant return$4    
,did y call me8 he ask$1 pleasantly1 & )
 t he ent]$ ! room & clos$ ! door beh9d 
him4  ,m>kheim /ood & gaz$ at him ) all 
8 eyes4 ,p]haps !re 0 a film ^u 8 sight1
 b ! outl9es ( ! newcom] seem$ to *ange 
& wav] l ^? ( ! idols 9 ! wav]+         
c&lelight ( ! %op2 & at times he ?\ght  
he knew him2 & at times he ?\ght he bore
 a lik5ess to himself2 & always1 l a    
lump ( liv+ t]ror1 !re lay 9 8 bosom !  
conviction t ?is ?+ 0 n ( ! e>? & n (   
,god4  ,& yet ! creature _h a /range air
 ( ! commonplace1 z he /ood look+ on    
,m>kheim ) a smile2 & :5 he add$3 ,y are
 look+ = ! money1 ,i believe8 x 0 9 !   
tones ( ev]yday polit5ess4  ,m>kheim    
made no answ]4  ,i %\ld w>n y1 resum$ ! 
o!r1 t ! maid has left h] swee!>t e>li] 
?an usual & w soon be "h4 ,if ,mr4      
,m>kheim be f\nd 9 ?is h\se1 ,i ne$ n   

describe to him ! consequ5ces4  ,y "k   
me8 cri$ ! murd]]4  ,! visitor smil$4 ,y
 h long be5 a favorite ( m9e1 he said2 &
 ,i h long obs]v$ & (t5 s\ght to help y4
  ,:at are y8 cri$ ,m>kheim3 ! devil8   
,:at ,i may be1 return$ ! o!r1 _c affect
 ! s]vice ,i propose to r5d] y4  ,x c1  
cri$ ,m>kheim2 x does6 ,be help$ by y8  
,no1 nev]2 n by y6 ,y d n "k me yet2    
?ank ,god1 y d n "k me6  ,i "k y1 repli$
 ! visitant1 ) a sort ( k9d sev]ity or r
 firmness4 ,i "k y to ! s\l4  ,"k me6   
cri$ ,m>kheim4 ,:o c d s8 ,my life is b 
a trave/y & sl&] on myself4 ,i h liv$ to
 belie my nature4 ,all m5 d2 all m5 are 
bett] ?an ?is disguise t gr[s ab\t &    
/ifles !m4 ,y see ea* dragg$ away by    
life1 l "o :om bravos h seiz$ & muffl$ 9
 a cloak4 ,if !y _h _! own control--if y
 c\ld see _! faces1 !y w\ld be altoge!r 
diff]5t1 !y w\ld %9e out = h]oes &      
sa9ts6 ,i am worse ?an mo/2 my self is m
 ov]laid2 my excuse is kn[n to me &     
,god4 ,b1 _h ,i ! "t1 ,i c\ld disclose  
myself4  ,to me8 inquir$ ! visitant4    

,to y be=e all1 return$ ! murd]]4 ,i    
suppos$ y 7 intellig5t4 ,i ?\ght--s9ce y
 exi/--y w\ld prove a read] ( ! he>t4 ,&
 yet y w\ld propose to judge me by my   
acts6 ,?9k ( x2 my acts6 ,i 0 born & ,i 
h liv$ 9 a l& ( giants2 giants h dragg$ 
me by ! wri/s s9ce ,i 0 born out ( my   
"m--! giants ( circum/ance4 ,& y w\ld   
judge me by my acts6 ,b c y n look )98  
,c y n und]/& t evil is hateful to me8  
,c y n see )9 me ! cle> writ+ (         
consci5ce1 nev] blurr$ by any wilful    
sophi/ry1 al?\gh too (t5 disreg>d$8 ,c y
 n read me = a ?+ t surely mu/ be common
 z humanity--! unwill+ s9n]8  ,all ?is  
is v feel+ly express$1 0 ! reply1 b x   
reg>ds me n4 ,^! po9ts ( consi/5cy are  
beyond my prov9ce1 & ,i c>e n 9 ! lea/  
by :at compulsion y may h be5 dragg$    
away1 s z y are b c>ri$ 9 ! "r          
direction4 ,b "t flies2 ! s]vant delays1
 look+ 9 ! faces ( ! cr[d & at !        
pictures on ! ho>d+s1 b /ill %e keeps   
mov+ ne>]2 & rememb]1 x is z if ! gall[s
 itself 0 /rid+ t[>ds y ?r\gh ! ,*ri/mas

 /reets6 ,%all ,i help y2 ,i1 :o "k all8
 ,%all ,i tell y :]e to f9d ! money8  ,=
 :at price8 ask$ ,m>kheim4  ,i (f] y !  
s]vice = a ,*ri/mas gift1 return$ ! o!r4
  ,m>kheim c\ld n refra9 f smil+ ) a k9d
 ( bitt] triumph4 ,no1 said he1 ,i w    
take no?+ at y\r h&s2 if ,i 7 dy+ (     
?ir/1 & x 0 y\r h& t put ! pit*] to my  
lips1 ,i %\ld f9d ! c\rage to refuse4 ,x
 may be cr$ul\s1 b ,i w d no?+ to commit
 myself to evil4  ,i h no objection to a
 dea?b$ rep5tance1 obs]v$ ! visitant4   
,because y disbelieve _! efficacy6      
,m>kheim cri$4  ,i d n say s1 return$ ! 
o!r2 b ,i look on ^! ?+s f a diff]5t    
side1 & :5 ! life is done my int]e/     
falls4 ,! man has liv$ to s]ve me1 to   
spread black looks "u color ( religion1 
or to s[ t>es 9 ! :eat field1 z y d1 9 a
 c\rse ( weak compliance ) desire4 ,n[ t
 he draws s ne> to 8 deliv]ance1 he c   
add b "o act ( s]vice--to rep5t1 to die 
smil+1 & ?us to build up 9 confid5ce &  
hope ! m timor\s ( my surviv+ foll[]s4  
,i am n s h>d a ma/]4 ,try me4 ,accept  

my help4 ,please y\rself 9 life z y h   
done hi!rto2 please y\rself m amply1    
spread y\r elb[s at ! bo>d2 & :5 ! night
 beg9s to fall & ! curta9s to be drawn1 
,i tell y1 = y\r great] com=t1 t y w f9d
 x ev5 easy to comp\nd y\r qu>rel ) y\r 
consci5ce1 & to make a truckl+ peace )  
,god4 ,i came b n[ f su* a dea?b$1 & !  
room 0 full ( s9c]e m\rn]s1 li/5+ to !  
man's la/ words3 & :5 ,i look$ into t   
face1 :i* _h be5 set z a fl9t aga9/     
m]cy1 ,i f\nd x smil+ ) hope4  ,& d y1  
!n1 suppose me su* a creature8 ask$     
,m>kheim4 ,d y ?9k ,i h no m g5]\s      
aspirations ?an to s91 & s91 & s91 &1 at
 la/1 sneak into heav58 ,my he>t rises  
at ! ?\ght4 ,is ?is1 !n1 y\r exp]i5ce ( 
mank9d8 or is x because y f9d me ) r$   
h&s t y presume su* bas5ess8 & is ?is   
crime ( murd] inde$ s impi\s z to dry up
 ! v spr+s ( good8  ,murd] is to me no  
special category1 repli$ ! o!r4 ,all s9s
 are murd]1 ev5 z all life is w>4 ,i    
behold y\r race1 l />v+ m>9]s on a raft1
 pluck+ cru/s out ( ! h&s ( fam9e & fe$+

 on ea* o!r's lives4 ,i foll[ s9s beyond
 ! mom5t ( _! act+2 ,i f9d 9 all t ! la/
 consequ5ce is dea?2 & to my eyes1 !    
pretty maid :o ?w>ts h] "m ) su* tak+   
graces on a "q ( a ball1 drips no less  
visibly ) human gore ?an su* a murd]] z 
y\rself4 ,d ,i say t ,i foll[ s9s8 ,i   
foll[ virtues also2 !y diff] n by !     
?ickness ( a nail1 !y are bo? scy!s = ! 
reap+ angel ( ,dea?4 ,evil1 = :i* ,i    
live1 consi/s n 9 action b 9 "*4 ,! bad 
man is de> to me2 n ! bad act1 ^:       
fruits1 if we c\ld foll[ !m f> en\gh d[n
 ! hurtl+ cat>act ( ! ages1 might yet be
 f\nd m bless$ ?an ^? ( ! r>e/ virtues4 
,& x is n because y h kill$ a deal]1 b  
because y are ,m>kheim1 t ,i (f]$ to    
=w>d y\r escape4  ,i w lay my he>t op5  
to y1 answ]$ ,m>kheim4 ,?is crime on :i*
 y f9d me is my la/4 ,on my way to x ,i 
h le>n$ _m lessons2 itself is a lesson1 
a mom5t\s lesson4 ,hi!rto ,i h be5 driv5
 ) revolt to :at ,i w\ld n2 ,i 0 a      
bondslave to pov]ty1 driv5 & sc\rg$4    
,!re are robu/ virtues t c /& 9 ^!      

temptations2 m9e 0 n s3 ,i _h a ?ir/ (  
pleasure4 ,b today1 & out ( ?is de$1 ,i 
pluck bo? w>n+ & ri*es--bo? ! p[] & a   
fre% resolve to be myself4 ,i become 9  
all ?+s a free actor 9 ! _w2 ,i beg9 to 
see myself all *ang$1 ^! h&s ! ag5ts (  
good1 ?is he>t at peace4 ,some?+ comes  
ov] me out ( ! pa/2 some?+ ( :at ,i h   
dream$ on ,sabba? ev5+s to ! s\nd ( !   
*ur* organ1 ( :at ,i =eca/ :5 ,i %$ te>s
 ov] noble books1 or talk$1 an innoc5t  
*ild1 ) my "m4 ,!re lies my life2 ,i h  
w&]$ a few ye>s1 b n[ ,i see once m my  
city ( de/9ation4  ,y are to use ?is    
money on ! ,/ock ,ex*ange1 ,i ?9k8      
rem>k$ ! visitor2 & !re1 if ,i mi/ake n1
 y h already lo/ "s ?\s&s8  ,ah1 said   
,m>kheim1 b ?is "t ,i h a sure ?+4  ,?is
 "t1 aga91 y w lose1 repli$ ! visitor   
quietly4  ,ah1 b ,i keep back ! half6   
cri$ ,m>kheim4  ,t also y w lose1 said !
 o!r4  ,! sweat />t$ ^u ,m>kheim's br[4 
,well1 !n1 :at matt]8 he exclaim$4 ,say 
x be lo/1 say ,i am plung$ aga9 9       
pov]ty1 %all "o "p ( me1 & t ! wor/1    

cont9ue until ! end to ov]ride ! bett]8 
,evil & good run /rong 9 me1 hal+ me bo?
 ways4 ,i d n love ! "o ?+1 ,i love all4
 ,i c conceive great de$s1 r5unciations1
 m>tyrdoms2 & ?\gh ,i be fall5 to su* a 
crime z murd]1 pity is no /rang] to my  
?\ghts4 ,i pity ! poor2 :o kn[s _!      
trials bett] ?an myself8 ,i pity & help 
!m2 ,i prize love1 ,i love hone/        
laught]2 !re is no good ?+ nor true ?+  
on e>? b ,i love x f my he>t4 ,& are my 
vices only to direct my life1 & my      
virtues to lie )\t effect1 l "s passive 
lumb] ( ! m9d8 ,n s2 good1 also1 is a   
spr+ ( acts4  ,b ! visitant rais$ 8 f+]4
 ,= six-&-?irty ye>s t y h be5 9 ?is _w1
 said he1 ?r\gh _m *anges ( =tune &     
v>ieties ( humor1 ,i h wat*$ y /eadily  
fall4 ,fifte5 ye>s ago y w\ld h />t$ at 
a !ft4 ,?ree ye>s back y w\ld h bl5*$ at
 ! "n ( murd]4 ,is !re any crime1 is !re
 any cruelty or meanness1 f :i* y /ill  
recoil8--five ye>s f n[ ,i %all detect y
 9 ! fact6 ,d[nw>d1 d[nw>d1 lies y\r    
way2 nor c any?+ b dea? avail to /op y4 

,x is true1 ,m>kheim said huskily1 ,i h 
9 "s degree compli$ ) evil4 ,b x is s ) 
all3 ! v sa9ts1 9 ! m]e ex]cise ( liv+1 
gr[ less da9ty1 & take on ! tone ( _!   
surr\nd+s4  ,i w prop\nd to y "o simple 
"q1 said ! o!r2 & z y answ]1 ,i %all    
read to y y\r moral horoscope4 ,y h gr[n
 9 _m ?+s m lax2 possibly y d "r to be  
s2 & at any acc\nt1 x is ! same ) all   
m54 ,b grant+ t1 are y 9 any "o         
p>ticul>1 h[ev] trifl+1 m difficult to  
please ) y\r own conduct1 or d y g 9 all
 ?+s ) a loos] re98  ,9 any "o8 repeat$ 
,m>kheim1 ) an angui% ( consid]ation4   
,no1 he add$1 ) despair1 9 none6 ,i h   
gone d[n 9 all4  ,!n1 said ! visitor1   
cont5t y\rself ) :at y are1 = y w nev]  
*ange2 & ! words ( y\r "p on ?is /age   
are irrevocably writt5 d[n4  ,m>kheim   
/ood = a long :ile sil5t1 & inde$ x 0 ! 
visitor :o fir/ broke ! sil5ce4 ,t be+  
s1 he said1 %all ,i %[ y ! money8  ,&   
grace8 cri$ ,m>kheim4  ,h y n tri$ x8   
return$ ! o!r4 ,two or ?ree ye>s ago1   
did ,i n see y on ! plat=m ( revival    

meet+s1 & 0 n y\r voice ! l\de/ 9 !     
hymn8  ,x is true1 said ,m>kheim2 & ,i  
see cle>ly :at rema9s = me by way (     
duty4 ,i ?ank y = ^! lessons f my s\l2  
my eyes are op5$1 & ,i behold myself at 
la/ = :at ,i am4  ,at ?is mom5t1 ! %>p  
note ( ! doorbell rang ?r\gh ! h\se2 & !
 visitant1 z ?\gh ?is 7 "s conc]t$      
signal = :i* he _h be5 wait+1 *ang$ at  
once 9 8 demeanor4  ,! maid6 he cri$4   
,%e has return$1 z ,i =ew>n$ y1 & !re is
 n[ be=e y "o m difficult passage4 ,h]  
ma/]1 y mu/ say1 is ill2 y mu/ let h] 91
 ) an assur$ b r s]i\s c\nt5ance--no    
smiles1 no ov]act+1 & ,i promise y      
success6 ,once ! girl )91 & ! door      
clos$1 ! same dext]ity t has already rid
 y ( ! deal] w relieve y ( ?is la/ dang]
 9 y\r pa?4 ,!nce=w>d y h ! :ole ev5+--!
 :ole night1 if ne$ful--to ransack !    
treasures ( ! h\se & to make good y\r   
safety4 ,?is is help t comes to y ) !   
mask ( dang]4 ,up6 he cri$3 up1 fri5d2  
y\r life hangs trembl+ 9 ! scales3 up1 &
 act6  ,m>kheim /eadily reg>d$ 8        

c\nsellor4 ,if ,i be condemn$ to evil   
acts1 he said1 !re is /ill "o door (    
fre$om op5--,i c cease f action4 ,if my 
life be an ill ?+1 ,i c lay x d[n4 ,?\gh
 ,i be1 z y say truly1 at ! beck ( e    
small temptation1 ,i c yet1 by "o       
decisive ge/ure1 place myself beyond !  
rea* ( all4 ,my love ( good is damn$ to 
b>r5ness2 x may1 & let x be6 ,b ,i h    
/ill my hatr$ ( evil2 & f t1 to y\r     
gall+ disappo9tm5t1 y %all see t ,i c   
draw bo? en]gy & c\rage4  ,! features ( 
! visitor began to und]go a wond]ful &  
lovely *ange3 !y bright5$ & s(t5$ ) a   
t5d] triumph2 &1 ev5 z !y bright5$1 fad$
 & dislimn$4 ,b ,m>kheim did n pause to 
wat* or und]/& ! trans=mation4 ,he op5$ 
! door & w5t d[n/airs v sl[ly1 ?9k+ to  
himself4 ,8 pa/ w5t sob]ly be=e him2 he 
beheld x z x 01 ugly & /r5u\s l a dream1
 r&om z *ance-m$ley--a sc5e ( defeat4   
,life1 z he ?us review$ x1 tempt$ him no
 long]2 b on ! fur!r side he p]ceiv$ a  
quiet hav5 = 8 b>k4 ,he paus$ 9 !       
passage1 & look$ into ! %op1 :]e ! c&le 

/ill burn$ by ! dead body4 ,x 0 /rangely
 sil5t4 ,?\ghts ( ! deal] sw>m$ into 8  
m9d1 z he /ood gaz+4 ,& !n ! bell once m
 broke out into impati5t clamor4  ,he   
confront$ ! maid ^u ! ?re%old ) some?+ l
 a smile4  ,y _h bett] g = ! police1    
said he3 ,i h kill$ y\r ma/]4