Mr. Barclay. The incident probably produced a
mental shock like that of a psychological earthquake, literally
sealing up the spring of his life as it was flowing into consciousness
at that time, and the John Barclay of his boyhood and youth became
subterranean, to appear later in life after the weakening of his
virility under the strain of the crushing events of his fifties. Yet
the subterranean Barclay often appeared for a moment in his life,
glowed in some kind act and sank again. Ellen Culpepper explains it
all. How many of our lives are similarly divided, forced upward or
downward by events, Heaven only knows. We do not know our own souls. I
am sure John never knew of the transformation. Surely 'we are
fearfully and wonderfully made.'... The other dates and incidents are
as I have indicated.... Allow me to thank you for your kindness in
sending me the Mss., and permit me to subscribe myself,

"Yours faithfully,

"Philemon R. Ward."

CHAPTER VI

John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young
man. He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years
indoors had rubbed the sunburn off. During the five years he had been
absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the
state university, and a license to practise law. He was distinctly
dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat,
and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he
and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out
his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir. Bob Hendricks
came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing
tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down
the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly
Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses
in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the
men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to
see--if not to hear.

Now you know, of course,--or if you do not know, it is high time you
were learning,--that when Fate gives a man who can sing a head of
curly hair, the devil, who is after us all, quits worrying about that
young person. For the Old Boy knows that a voice and curly hair ar