I have known him from a
calf. Did um want um's nosy rubbed?" he added, addressing the huge
leader, who was snuffing nearer and nearer. "Come along, then, Popolorum
Tibby, and tell um's prettiest aunt not to be afraid of um any more."

"But--but they came all around me!" said poor Margaret.

"Small blame to them! Showed their good sense, not to say their taste.
But to be wholly candid, they came for salt."

"For salt? Those great monsters?"

"To be sure! Ellis, the farmer, makes regular pets of them, and I always
put a lump of salt in my pocket when I am coming their way. I never saw
them in this pasture before, though; the fence must be broken. I believe
I have some grains of salt left now. See him take it like a lady!"

He held out his hand, with a little heap of salt in it. The huge ox came
forward, stepping daintily, with neck outstretched and nostrils spread;
put out a tongue like a pink sickle, and neatly, with one comprehensive
lick, swept off every particle of salt, and looked his appreciation.

Gerald patted the great muzzle affectionately.

"Good old Blunderbore!" he said. "I almost carried you when you were a
day old, though you may not believe it. Come, Margaret, give him a pat,
and say you bear no malice."

Margaret put out a timid hand and patted the great black head.
Blunderbore snuffed and blew, and expressed his friendliness in every
way he could.

"Why, he is a dear, gentle creature!" said the girl. "I shall never be
afraid of him again. And yet--oh, Gerald, I am so glad you came!"

"So am I!" said Gerald.

"Because," Margaret went on, "of course, I see how silly and foolish I
was; but all the same, I was terribly frightened, and I really don't
know what would have become of me if you had not come, Gerald."

"But I did come, Margaret! I will always come, whenever you want me, if
it is across the world."

"But--you must think me so _very_ silly, Gerald!"

"Do you wish to know what I think of you?" asked Gerald.

Margaret was silent.

"Because, for the insignificant sum of two cents, I would tell you," he
went on.

"I haven't two cents with me," said Margaret. "I think it is time to go
home now, Gerald."

"Generosity is part of my nature," said Gerald; "I'll tell you for
nothing. Margaret--sit down, please!"

Margaret had risen to her feet. The words had the old merry ring, but a
deep note quivered in his voice. The girl was afraid, she knew not of
what; afraid, yet with a fear tha