``You see,'' explained the Harvester to the dog, ``we
must walk neatly after this. Maybe there is such a
thing as fate. Possibly your answer was right. There
might be a girl in the world for me. I don't expect it,
but there is a possibility that she may find us before we
locate her. Anyway, we should work and be ready.
All the old stock in the store-house goes out as soon as
we can cart it. A new cabin shall rise as fast as we
can build it. There must be a basement and furnace,
too. Dream women don't have cold feet, but if there is
a girl living like that, and she is coming to us or waiting
for us to come to her, we must have a comfortable home
to offer. There should be a bathroom, too. She couldn't
dip in the lake as we do. And until we build the new
house we must keep the old one clean, just on the chance
of her happening on us. She might be visiting some
of the neighbours or come from town with some one
or I might see her on the street or at the library or
hospital or in some of the stores. For the love of mercy,
help me watch for her, Bel! The half of my kingdom
if you will point her for me!''

The Harvester worked as he talked. He set the rooms
in order, put away the remains of breakfast, and started
to the stable. He turned back and stood for a long time,
scanning the face in the kitchen mirror. Once he went
to the door, then he hesitated, and finally took out his
shaving set and used it carefully and washed vigorously.
He pulled his shirt together at the throat, and hunting
among his clothing, found an old red tie that he knotted