the country boy, disappearing behind a group of evergreens in the north
angle of the building.

"They do not always leave so soon as that. You can't tell
the grade of timber every time by the bark outside."
There was a deeper tone in Dr. Fenneben's voice now.
"But as to yourself, you had a motive in coming to Kansas, I judge.
You can study types anywhere."

Whether the young man liked this or not, he answered evenly:

"I am to give instruction in Greek here at Lagonda Ledge. Beastly name,
isn't it? Suggestive of rattlesnakes, somehow! I shall spend much
time in study, for I am preparing a comprehensive thesis for my
Master's Degree. The very barrenness of these dull prairies will keep
me close to my library for a couple of years."

"Oh, you will do your work well anywhere," Dr. Fenneben declared.
"You need not put walls of distances about you for that.
I thought you might have a more definite purpose in choosing
this state, of all places."

Fenneben's mind was running back to the days of his own
first struggle for existence in the West, and his heart went
out in sympathy to the undisciplined young professor.

"I have a reason, but it is entirely a personal matter."
Burgess was looking at the floor now. "Did you know I had
a sister once?"