lch, for being a Good
Girl.' That was me afore I was married. It's in my carpet-bag. I mean
to have it buried with me. I wouldn't never spile it by handlin'."

"I hope you'll use it now, for it's so easy to get another. The Doctor
will give you one at any time. The Bible Society in the East
furnishes all he needs."

Dinner was promptly ready, and, after it was over, the Sun Maid
carried her old friend away with her to the government building, which
was not only hospital, but schoolhouse and land-office all in one.
Everything here was so new and interesting to Mercy that surprise kept
her silent; until, happening to glance through the window, she beheld
a rough-looking man approaching on horseback.

"Pshaw! there's Abel! Wait an' see him stick where I stuck!" she
chuckled. "Well, he sold out sudden, didn't he? He'd better come in
the wagon, but he 'lowed he'd enjoy a ride all by himself. I reckon
he's had it. See him stare and splash! There he goes! See that old nag
flounder!"

Kitty sprang up and ran to welcome him, the heartiest of love in her
clear tones.

"Why, bless my soul! If I thought it could be, I should say it was my
own lost little Kit!"

As he gazed his rugged face grew beautiful in its wondering joy.

"Oh, Abel! That's the way Chicago receives her new citizens! She
plants them so deep in the mud that they can't get away! But wait.
I'll help you out the same way I did Mercy, and then I'll get my arms
about your neck, you dear old Abel!"

"Help me out? Not much! Not when there's such a pretty girl a few feet
away waitin' to kiss my homely face!" and, with a spring that was
marvellous to see, the woodsman leaped from his horse and landed on
the higher sod beside his "Kit."

"Well, well! To think it! Just to think it once! Well, well, well! How
big you are, Kit! My, my, my; and as sweet to look at as a locust tree
in bloom, with your white frock, an' all. I've got here at last! I
can't scarce believe it. And, lassie, are you as close-mouthed as you
used to be when you made a promise? Then--don't tell Mercy; but--_I
done it a-purpose_!"

"Did what? Let us get the poor horse out of the mud before we talk."

"Shucks! He ain't worth pullin' out. If he ain't horse enough to help
himself, let him stay there a spell, an' think it over. He'll flounder
round----"

"You don't know our mud, Abel."

"He's all right. He's helpin' himself. He's makin' a genu_ine_ effort.
A man--or horse--that does that is s