"Father," sobbed Natalie.

Before she knew what he was doing, Lew had leaped upon her pony and was
off at a gallop.

"Lew!" cried Natalie, "Lew! Shall I bring in the goats?"

He did not heed her.




CHAPTER IX


Lewis stopped at Nadir only long enough to learn that the Reverend Orme
had remained at the school-house as had been his wont of late. He found
him there, idle, sitting at the rough table that served as his desk, and
brooding. Lewis walked half the length of the room before Leighton saw
him.

"What are you doing here?"

"What have you been telling Nat?"

The questions were almost simultaneous.

"What have I been telling Natalie?" repeated the Reverend Orme. "Well,
what _have_ I been telling her?"