our lives and live with it daily, that would be a
condition to rend the soul. So careful, Bel! Cautious
now!''

The voice of the man dropped to a whisper as he asked
the question.

``What about the girl business?''

Trembling with eagerness to do the thing that would
bring more caressing, bewildered by unfamiliar words
and tones, the dog hesitated.

``Do I go on as I have ever since mother left me,
rustling for grub, living in untrammelled freedom? Do
I go on as before, Bel?''

The Harvester paused and waited the answer, with
anxiety in his eyes as he searched the beast face. He
had talked to that dog, as most men commune with their
souls, for so long and played the game in such intense
earnest that he felt the results final with him. The
animal was immovable now, lost again, his anxious eyes
watching the face of the master, his eager ears waiting
for words he recognized. After a long time the man
continued slowly and hesitantly, as if fearing the outcome.
He did not realize that there was sufficient anxiety in his
voice to change its tones.

``Or do I go courting this year? Do I rig up in