at was off, his shirt open at the throat, and his
sleeves rolled above his elbows. "Here, Brave." The deep voice
rolled across the little clearing, and the dog ran to stand by his
master's side. Then, as Mr. Howitt took in the unmistakable figure
of the little physician, he put out a hand to steady himself.

"Oh, it's me, Daniel; it's me. Caught you didn't I? Blast it all;
might have known I would. Bound to; bound to, Daniel; been at it
ever since I lost you. Visiting in Kansas City last week with my
old friends, the Stewarts; young fellow there, Ollie, put me
right. First part of your name, description, voice and all that;
knew it was you; knew it. Didn't tell them, though; blasted
reporters go wild. Didn't tell a soul, not a soul. Sarah and the
girls think I am in Kansas City or Denver. Didn't tell old man
Matthews, either; came near, though, very near. Blast it all; what
does it mean? what does it all mean?"

In his excitement the little man spoke rapidly as he hurried
toward the shepherd. When he reached the cabin, the two friends,
so different, yet so alike, clasped hands.

As soon as the old scholar could speak, he said, "David, David! To
think that this is really you. You of all men; you, whom I most
needed."

"Huh!" grunted the other. "Look like you never needed me less.
Look fit for anything, anything; ten years younger; every bit of
ten years. Blast it all; what have you done to yourself? What have
you done?" He looked curiously at the tanned face and rude dress
of his friend. "Bless my soul, what a change! What a change! Told
Matthews you were an aristocrat. He wouldn't believe it. Don't
wonder. Doubt it myself, now."

The other smiled at the Doctor's amazement. "I suppose I have
changed some, David. The hills have done it. Look at them!" He
pointed to the encircling mountains. "See how calm and strong they
are; how they lift their heads above the gloom. They are my
friends and companions, David. And they have given me of their
calmness and strength a little. But come in, come in; you must be
very tired. How did you come?"

The doctor followed him into the cabin. "Railroad, hack, wagon,
walked. Postoffice last night. Man there is a savage, blasted
incorrigible savage. Mill this afternoon. Home with your friends
on the ridge. Old man is a gentleman, a gentleman, sir, if God
ever made one. His boy's like him. The mother, she's a real
mother; made to be a mother; couldn't help it. And that young
woman,