this little horse
had quite a trip from town, and the wheels cut deeply into this woods
soil and make difficult pulling, so I wonder if I had not better put
him in the stable and let him become acquainted with Betsy. I don't know
what she will think. She has had sole possession for years. Maybe she
will be jealous, perhaps she will be as delighted for company as her
master. Ruth, if you could have heard what I said to Belshazzar when he
decided I was to go courting this year, and seen what I did to him, and
then take a look at me now----merciful powers, I hope the dog doesn't
remember! If he does, no wonder he forms a new allegiance so easily.
Have you observed that lately when I whistle, he starts, and then turns
back to see if you want him? He thinks as much of you as he does of me
right now."

"Oh no!" cried the Girl. "That couldn't be possible. You told me I must
make friends with him, so I have given him food, and tried to win him."

"You sit in the carriage until I put away the horse, and then I'll help
you to the cabin, and save you being alone while I work. Would you like
that?"

"Yes."

She leaned her head against the carriage top the Harvester had raised to
screen her, and watched him stable the horse. Evidently he was very fond
of animals for he talked as if it were a child he was undressing and
kept giving it extra strokes and pats as he led it away. Ajax disliked
the newcomer instantly, noticed the carriage and the woman's dress, and
screamed his ugliest. The Girl smiled. As the Harvester appeared she
inquired, "Is Ajax now sending a wireless to Ceylon asking for a mate?"

The Harvester looked at her quizzically and saw a gleam of mischief in
the usually dull dark eyes that delighted him.

"That is the customary supposition when he finds voice," he said. "But
since this has become your home, you are bound to learn some of my
secrets. One of them I try to guard is the fact that Ajax has a temper.
No my dear, he is not always sending a wireless, I am sorry to say. I
wish he was! As a matter of fact he is venting his displeasure at any
difference in our conditions. He hates change. He learned that from me.
I will enjoy seeing him come for favour a year from now, as I learned
to come for it, even when I didn't get much, and the road lay west of
Onabasha. Ajax, stop that! There's no use to object. You know you think
that horse is nice company for you, and that two can feed you more than
one. Don't be a hy