"Hello, boy!" said the big man; "How's Pete to-day?"

The lad went with glad face to the giant mountaineer. It was clear
that the two were the warmest friends. "Pete's mighty glad to-day,
'cause he's come." He pointed to Mr. Howitt. "Does Pete like him?"

The boy nodded. "All Pete's people like him. Ask him to keep the
sheep, Uncle Matt. He won't be scared at the shadow things in the
night."

Mr. Matthews smiled, as he turned to his guest. "Pete never makes
a mistake in his judgment of men, Mr. Howitt. He's different from
us ordinary folks, as you can see; but in some things he knows a
heap more. I'm mighty glad he's took up with you, sir. All day
I've been thinking I'd tell you about some things I don't like to
talk about; I feel after last night like you'd understand, maybe,
and might help me, you having education. But still I've been a
little afraid, us being such strangers. I know I'm right now,
'cause Pete says so. If you weren't the kind of a man I think you
are, he'd never took to you like he has."

That night the mountaineer told the stranger from the city the
story that I have put down in the next chapter.





CHAPTER VI.