g themselves with a
kitten on the floor.

12. "A stranger, mother," said the man who had given me so rude a greeting
at the door; "and he wants us to let him stay all night."

13. The woman looked at me doubtingly for a few moments, and then replied
coldly, "We don't keep a public house."

14. "I'm aware of that, ma'am," said I; "but night has overtaken me, and
it's a long way yet to G--."

15. "Too far for a tired man to go on foot," said the master of the house,
kindly, "so it's no use talking about it, mother; we must give him a bed."

16. So unobtrusively that I scarce noticed the movement, the girl had
drawn to her mother's side. What she said to her I did not hear, for the
brief words were uttered in a low voice; but I noticed, as she spoke, one
small, fair hand rested on the woman's hand.

17. Was there magic in that touch? The woman's repulsive aspect changed
into one of kindly welcome, and she said, "Yes, it's a long way to G--. I
guess we can find a place for him."

18. Many times more during that evening, did I observe the magic power of
that hand and voice--the one gentle yet potent as the other. On the next
morning, breakfast being over, I was preparing to take my departure when
my host informed me that if I would wait for half an hour he would give me
a ride in his wagon to G--, as business required him to go there. I was
very well pleased to accept of the invitation.

19. In due time, the farmer's wagon was driven into the road before the
house, and I was invited to get in. I noticed the horse as a rough-looking
Canadian pony, with a certain air of stubborn endurance. As the farmer
took his seat by my side, the family came to the door to see us off.

20. "Dick!" said the farmer in a peremptory voice, giving the rein a quick
jerk as he spoke. But Dick moved not a step. "Dick! you vagabond! get up."
And the farmer's whip cracked sharply by the pony's ear.

21. It availed not, however, this second appeal. Dick stood firmly
disobedient. Next the whip was brought down upon him with an impatient
hand; but the pony only reared up a little. Fast and sharp the strokes
were next dealt to the number of half a dozen. The man might as well have
beaten the wagon, for all his end was gained.

22. A stout lad now came out into the road, and, catching Dick by the
bridle, jerked him forward, using, at the same time, the customary
language on such occasions, but Dick met this new ally with increased
stubbornne