lots all year, and if you have any money to spare
I'll let you in reasonably."

"You speak like an oracle, Mr. Jasper," said Aline. "My brother is what
you might call a single-crop man. One thing at one time is enough for him.
Ralph, why don't you try a deal in cattle?"

The same thing had been running through my own mind, and the result was
that I wrote Harry, who, being of a speculative disposition, arranged for
an interim payment, and sent me a remittance, which was duly invested in a
joint transaction with Jasper, who had rather over-purchased.

"I'm a little pressed for payments just now," he said. "Want to hold my
wheat, and can't afford eight per cent. interest. The beasts are fattening
all the time, and there'll be a high-class demand in Winnipeg presently
for shipment to Europe."

He was right; and I began to have a respect for Aline's judgment when the
papers reported that prices were rising fast, and stock-salesman firms
sent circulars to this effect into the districts. But, when I conferred
with Jasper, he advised me to hold on. "The figures are climbing," he
said, "and they'll reach high-water mark just before the ice closes direct
shipment."

At last the frost commenced in earnest, and I prepared to settle down for
the winter. There were improvements to be made to the granary, implements,
harness, and stables, in anticipation of the coming year's campaign,
besides alterations in the house; for I felt that many things might happen
before next autumn, and I desired that Fairmead should be more nearly
ready if wanted to receive its new mistress.

Again, however, fate intervened, for, instead of a round of monotonous
work, many stirring events were crowded into that winter. The first
happened, as usual, unexpectedly, and came nearly ruining our cattle-trade
venture. To understand it satisfactorily it is necessary to commence the
narrative at the beginning.

It was a chilly night after a warm day. I sat beside the stove mending
harness, while Aline criticized the workmanship and waxed the twine for
me. The last mail had brought good news from Harry, and I felt in unusual
spirits as I passed the awl through the leather, until there was a creak
of wagon wheels outside, followed by a pounding on the door.

"It's too bad," said Aline. "We are both tired after our ride, and I was
looking forward to a chance for giving you good advice, and a cozy
evening. Now some one is coming to upset it all."

She was no