"But that's just what I can do--what a man has to do. If a match were
thrown there at your feet, and the grass was aflame, couldn't you
alter that by putting your foot on it? If you find a ewe on her back,
can't you alter that by putting her on her legs?"

"Yes, I can do that, I suppose."

"What does a man live for except to alter things? When a man clears
the forest and sows corn, does he not alter things?"

"That's not your line, Mr. Heathcote," said the cunning old man.

"If I send wool to market, I alter things."

"You'll excuse me, Mr. Heathcote. Of course I'm old, but I just give
you my experience."

"I'm much obliged to you; though we can't always agree, you know.
Good-night. Go in and say a word to my wife, and tell them you saw me
all right."

"I'll have a crack with 'em, Mr. Heathcote, before I turn in."

"And tell Mary I sent my love."

"I will, Mr. Heathcote; I will."

He was thinking always of his wife during his solitary rides, and of
her fear and deep anxiety. It was for her sake and for the children
that he was so care-worn, not for his own. Had he been alone in the