'

"Indeed, it would be difficult to get that," said Farquhar, "for, in
my opinion, there is not a man in the country that could handle them as
well."

This was too much for Aleck, who, having by this time got his horses
hitched, mounted his wagon seat and came round to the door at a gallop.

"Saved you that time, my boy," said Yankee to Ranald. "You would have
made a fool of yourself in about two minutes more, I guess."

But Ranald was still too wrathful to be grateful for Yankee's help. "I
will be even with him someday," he said, between his teeth.

"I guess you will have to learn two or three things first," said Yankee,
slowly.

"What things?"

"Well, how to use your head, first place, and then how to use your
hands. He is too heavy for you. He would crumple you up in a couple of
minutes."

"Let him, then," said Ranald, recklessly.

"Rather onpleasant. Better wait awhile till you learn what I told you."

"Yankee," said Ranald, after a pause, "will you show me?"

"Why, sartin sure," said Yankee, cheerfully. "You have got to lick him
some day, or he won't be happy; and by jings! it will be worth seein',
too."

By this time Farquhar had come back from saying good by to Macdonald
Dubh and Mr. and Mrs. Murray, who were remaining till the last.

"You will be a man yet," said Farquhar, shaking Ranald's hand. "You
have got the patience and the endurance." These were great virtues in
Farquhar's opinion.

"Not much patience, I am afraid," said Ranald. "But I am glad you
trusted me with your team."

"And any day you want them you can have them," said Farquhar, his
reckless mood leading him to forget Kirsty for the moment.

"Thank you, sir," said Ranald, wondering what Kirsty would look like
should he ever venture to claim Farquhar's offer.

One by one the teams drove away with their loads, till only the minister
and his party were left. Away under the trees Mr. Murray was standing,
earnestly talking to Macdonald Dubh. He had found the opportunity he had
long waited for and was making the most of it. Mrs. Murray was busy with
Kirsty, and Maimie and Hughie came toward the stable where Yankee and
Ranald were still standing. As soon as Ranald saw them approaching he
said to Yankee, abruptly, "I am going to get the minister's horse," and
disappeared into the stable. Nor did he come forth again till he heard
his father calling to him: "What is keeping you, Ranald? The minister is
waiting for his horse."

"So y