general spring investigations into the condition of the woods; but Harry
had an eye to business, although to hear him talk you would have
supposed that he thought as much about ferns and flowers as Kate did.

Harry had an idea that it might possibly be a good thing to hire negroes
that year to pick sumac for him. He was not certain that he could make
it pay, but it was on his mind to such a degree that he took a great
interest in the sumac-bushes, and hunted about the edges of the woods,
where the bushes were generally found, to see what was the prospect for
a large crop of leaves that year.

They were in the woods, about a mile from Aunt Matilda's cabin, and not
very far from a road, when they separated for a short time. Harry went
on ahead, continuing his investigations, while Kate remained in a little
open glade, where she found some flowers that she determined to dig up
by the roots and transplant into her garden at home.

While she was at work she heard a heavy step behind her, and looking up,
she saw a tall man standing by her. He had red hair, a red face, a red
bristling moustache, and big red hands.

"How d'ye do?" said the man.

Kate stood up, with the plants, which she had just succeeded in getting
out of the ground, in her apron.

"Good morning, sir," said she.

The man looked at her from head to foot, and then he said, "Shake
hands!" holding out his big red hand.