d
above the listed prices for it. I want that money, but I want an
unbroken record for doing a job right and being square and careful, much
more."

He thought the appearance of fright was fading, and a tinge of interest
taking its place. She was looking straight at him, and as he talked he
could see her summoning her tired forces to understand and follow him,
so he continued:

"One would think that as medicines are required in cases of life and
death, collectors would use extreme caution, but some of them are
criminally careless. It's a common thing to gather almost any fern
for male fern; to throw in anything that will increase weight, to wash
imperfectly, and commit many other sins that lie with the collector;
beyond that I don't like to think. I suppose there are men who
deliberately adulterate pure stuff to make it go farther, but when it
comes to drugs, I scarcely can speak of it calmly. I like to do a thing
right. I raise most of my plants, bushes, and herbs. I gather exactly
in season, wash carefully if water dare be used, clean them otherwise
if not, and dry them by a hot air system in an evaporator I built
purposely. Each package I put up is pure stuff, clean, properly dried,
and fresh. If I caught any man in the act of adulterating any of it I'm
afraid he would get hurt badly--and usually I am a peaceable man. I
am explaining this to show how very careful you must be to keep things
separate and collect the right plants if you are going to sell stuff to
me. I am extremely particular."

The Girl was leaning toward him, watching his face, and hers was slowly
changing. She was deeply interested, much impressed, and more at ease.
When the Harvester saw he had talked her into confidence he crossed
the leaves, and sitting on the log beside her, picked up the books and
opened one.

"Oh I will be careful," said the Girl. "If you will trust me to collect
for you, I will undertake only what I am sure I know, and I'll do
exactly as you tell me."

"There are a dozen things that bring a price ranging from three to
fifteen cents a pound, that are in season just now. I suppose you would
like to begin on some common, easy things, that will bring the most
money."

Without a breath of hesitation she answered, "I will commence on
whatever you are short of and need most to have."

The heart of the Harvester gave a leap that almost choked him, for
he was vividly conscious of a broken shoe she was hiding beneath her
skirt