The logging in Sugarloaf Valley had grown to an operation of
importance, and a great deal of his time was spent watching the spur of
railroad creep forward and the clearing of new sections; sawmills and
camps were in course of erection; and what had been a still green cleft
in the mountains was filled with human activity. He had secured an
advantageous position for a young man from the part of the county
inhabited by the Stammark family, Wilmer Deakon, and consulted with him
frequently in connection with his interests.

Wilmer was to the last degree dependable; a large grave individual who
took a serious interest in the welfare of his fellows and supported
established customs and institutions. He sang in a resounding barytone
with the Methodist Church choir; his dignified bearing gave weight to
the school board; and he accumulated a steadily growing capital at the
Greenstream bank. An admirable individual, Calvin thought, and extended
to him the wide hospitality of his house.

Lucy apparently had little to say to Wilmer Deakon; indeed, when he was
not present, to their great amusement she imitated his deliberate
balanced speech. She said that he was too solemn--an opinion with which
Calvin privately agreed--and made an irreverent play on his name and
the place he should occupy in the church. It seemed that she found a
special pleasure in annoying him; and on an occasion when Calvin had
determined to reprove her for this he was surprised by Winner's request
to speak to him outside.

Wilmer Deakon said abruptly: "Lucy and I are promised to each other."

Calvin stood gazing at him in a lowering complete surprise, at a loss
for words, when the other continued with an intimation of his peculiar