t its marvel to him, but after he had to some extent
become accustomed to the immense trees, he began to notice the smaller
affairs of the woodland. The dogwoods and azaleas were beginning to come
out; the waxy, crimson snow plants were up; the tiny green meadows near
the heads of streams were enamelled with flowers; hundreds of species of
birds sang and flashed and scratched and crept and soared. The smaller
animals were everywhere. The sun at noon disengaged innumerable and
subtle tepid odours of pine and blossom.

One afternoon, a little less than a week subsequent to the beginning of
work, Bob, riding home through the woods by a detour around a hill, came
upon sheep. They were scattered all over the hill, cropping busily at
the snowbush, moving ever slowly forward. A constant murmur arose, a
murmur of a silent, quick, minute activity. Occasionally some mother
among them lifted her voice. Bob sat his horse looking silently on the
shifting grays. In ten seconds his sight blurred; he experienced a
slight giddiness as though the substantial ground were shifting beneath
him in masses, slowly, as in a dream. It gave him a curious feeling of
instability. By an effort he focused his eyes; but almost immediately he
caught himself growing fuzzy-minded again, exactly as though he had been
gazing absently for a considerable period at a very bright light. He
shook himself.

"I don't wonder sheep herders go dotty," said he aloud.

He looked about him, and for the first time became aware of a tow-headed
youth above him on the hill. The youth leaned on a staff, and at his
feet crouched two long-haired dogs. Bob turned his horse in that
direction.

When he had approached, he saw the boy to be about seventeen years old.
His hair was very light, as were his eyebrows and eyelashes. Only a
decided tinge of blue in his irises saved him from albinism. His lips
were thick and loose, his nose flat, his expression vacant. In contrast,
the two dogs, now seated on their haunches, their heads to one side,
their ears cocked up, their eyes bright, looked to be the more
intelligent animals.

"Good evening," said Bob.

The boy merely stared.

"You in charge of the sheep?" inquired the young man presently.

The boy grunted.

"Where are you camped?" persisted Bob.

No answer.

"Where's your boss?"

A faint gleam came into the sheep-herder's eyes. He raised his arm and
pointed across through the woods.

Bob reined his horse in the di