mber every time by the bark outside." There was a deeper tone in Dr.
Fenneben's voice now. "But as to yourself, you had a motive in coming to
Kansas, I judge. You can study types anywhere."

Whether the young man liked this or not, he answered evenly:

"I am to give instruction in Greek here at Lagonda Ledge. Beastly name,
isn't it? Suggestive of rattlesnakes, somehow! I shall spend much time
in study, for I am preparing a comprehensive thesis for my Master's
Degree. The very barrenness of these dull prairies will keep me close to
my library for a couple of years."

"Oh, you will do your work well anywhere," Dr. Fenneben declared. "You
need not put walls of distances about you for that. I thought you might
have a more definite purpose in choosing this state, of all places."

Fenneben's mind was running back to the days of his own first struggle
for existence in the West, and his heart went out in sympathy to the
undisciplined young professor.

"I have a reason, but it is entirely a personal matter." Burgess was
looking at the floor now. "Did you know I had a sister once?"

"Yes, I know," Dr. Fenneben said.

"She was married and came to Kansas. That was after you left Cambridge,
I suppose. She and her husband are both dead, leaving no children. My
father was bitterly opposed to her coming out here, and never forgave
her for it. He died recently, making me his heir. I've always thought
I'd like to see the state where my sister lived. She died young. She
could not have been as old as you are, and you are a young man yet,
Doctor. In addition, my father left in my care some trust funds for a
claimant who also lived in Kansas. He is dead now, but I want to find
out something more definite concerning him. Outside of this, I hope to
do well here and to succeed to higher places elsewhere, soon. All this
personal to myself, and worthy, I hope."

He looked at Fenneben, who was leaning forward with his elbow on the
table and his head bowed. His face was hidden and his white fingers were
thrust through the heavy masses of black hair.

"You will find a great field here in which to work out your success,"
the Dean said at length. "But I must give a word of warning. I tried
once to reproduce the eastern university here. I learned better. If
Kansas is to be your training ground, may I say that the man who opens
his front door for the first time on the green prairies of the West has
no less to learn than the man who first pitche