silver and
cut glass to deck the white-scoured top of the plain slab which formed a
substantial table for many purposes.

In a moment she had announced, quite informally, that supper was served;
but, just as the two men arose to take their places, there came a long
"hulloo-oo" above the sound of wind and rain. Again Rose dashed to the
door, with the cry, "Why, thet's Judd Amos; I knows his call."

Without reason or warning Donald experienced a quick tightening about
his heart, the absurdity of which caused him to smile. What on earth was
it to him if this mountain child's color heightened a shade at a
familiar call in a masculine voice?

The next instant a tall youth, as lean and sinewy as an Indian, stumbled
into the room, with his rough coat about his head, and water streaming
from his drenched clothing and the barrel of a gun, which was every whit
as modern and efficient as Donald's own.

"Gosh a'mighty," he said. "Thought I'd be drownded, shore. Hit's a-goin'
ter be a rip-snorter ... worst storm er the summer, by the way hit's
started." Then, as he dashed the rain from his eyes, and, for the first
time caught sight of the visitor, he stopped short in none too pleased
surprise, if the black look which went toward Donald from beneath his
lowering brows meant anything.

"Make ye acquainted with Donald MacDonald, a doctor man from the city,
Judd," boomed the giant's hearty voice. "Doc, shake hands with a
neighbor uv ourn, Judd Amos."

As Donald stood up he managed to silence Mike's throaty growl with a
warning shove with his foot. The men formally clasped hands, their eyes
looking steadily into each other's from the same level, and this time,
primed by his earlier experience, the city man exerted all of his
strength, and felt a glow of childish satisfaction as the other winced.

"Set ye down, Judd. Draw a cheer up by the fire, yo're soaked," said Big
Jerry. "Honey-rose," he added, addressing the girl in a wheedling tone,
"Judd 'pears ter be powerful soaked an' cold. Kaint he ... kaint we-all
hev jest a drap o' white liquor?"

He stroked his beard and pushed aside his drooping mustache in
anticipation, but to no avail, for her answer, uttered firmly and with
no suggestion of a smile in her deep eyes this time, was, "'Deed yo'
kaint; nary a drap. Yo' know, an' Juddy, _he_ knows ..." to Donald
there seemed to be some special significance in her words, "thet thar
haint a-goin' ter be nary a drap o' thet devil's bre