nd almost immediately
disappeared into the wide expanse of pine in northern Ontario.
Occasionally he wrote to his sister, and in his letters his big heart
stood out so clearly that even her strict code of propriety could not
stay the tears of sympathy which blotted his already bedaubed
scribbling. When spring came, and the logs had been rafted down the
river, leaving the timber men a few months of well-earned idleness,
Tom's first action was to hasten out to the Monk Road to visit Sophia,
and a very unconventional caller he proved to be. The rough life had
taken off much of his exterior polish, but otherwise he was the same
good-natured Tom, generous to a fault, and, therefore, blessed with but
little to give. These were grand opportunities for Sophia, and she
lectured him roundly for his loose habits. She told him that he could
have a good position in the neighboring town, and society more in
keeping with the ancestors of the Pipers, should he so desire. But he
always answered her with a laugh that echoed strangely through the
quiet decorum of Cousin Jim's big house, then he kissed her for her
advice.

"Never fear, little girl, I will never do any great harm either to you
or the family. It is my way of enjoying life, and I guess I am a free
agent. But keep on in your good work, and it will do for the both of
us. I have brought something with me to brighten your eyes, sister.
This will buy new clothes for you."

While he spoke, he counted out and handed over to her a large share of
his winter's wages. This always made Sophia cry, and she would forget
her scoldings for the balance of his stay.

As Tom grew older, tales travelled ahead of him, of his reckless
spending and his drinking while in town. Cousin Jim heard them first,
and he took Tom to task sharply whenever he met him. Then Sophia
learned the truth, and her heart was almost broken. She prayed for her
brother, and wept over him when he came to see her, and was rewarded
with promises which were broken as soon as her influence had worn off.
Gradually a coldness grew between them. Tom, obstinately set in his
way, and angry at the continued interference of his sister and cousin;
Sophia hurt by his neglect and bitter from the sting of his disgraceful
conduct; and Cousin Jim, hard, matter-of-fact business man that he was,
refused to extend even the courtesy of a speaking acquaintance. So
affairs ran along very unhappily, until, at last, Sophia determi