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It being yet full early forupon a little stream that bubbled pleasantly 'reeny bower and fell to watching the hurrying waters of this brook and hearkening to its drowsy reen world aroundof birds and the soft wind rustling the leaves about me--what must I have in mind but bloodshed and the destruction ofa stone froirdle and set about straightening the blade thereof

I was thus employed when all at once the leaves on the opposite side of the brook were parted and a girl-child appeared For a long moment we eyed each other across the brook, then all at once her pretty lips curved to a s the knife into my belt, "art not afraid of olden head

"And why?"

"I do like your eyes, bigfro innocence into the brook

"Aye, and your voice--I do like that too--'tis low and soft--like father's"

"And who's your father?"

"He be th' blacks maid I be Will 'ee aid me 'cross t'brook, now?"

So I lifted her over and there we sat, side by side, she laughing and talking and I hearkening to her childish prattle with reat pleasure Presently I ventured to touch her soft cheek, to stroke her curls, and finding she took this not a we had sat thus I know not, when I was aroused by a shrill, harsh voice and turning, beheld a bony woh the leaves

"Susan Ann!" she cried "O you Susan, come away! Come quick or I'll run for your , but clasping the small da on ue the like o' you! Loose her--loose her or I'll screaipsy wastrel that ye are!" And here the old harridan railed at me until the child whimpered for fear and even I blenched before the woue Then, while she loaded me with abuse, a ceaseless torrent (and no lack of breath), I kissed the littleher back across the brook, stood to watch until the child and wo at the hurrying water, chin on fist, for my black humour, banished awhile by the child's innocent faith inyet, I plucked forthmy staff, set to trim and shape it to a formidable weapon; and as I worked I cursed this woht on't, for truly I was a rogue, an outcast of unlovely look and unlovely ways, a desperate fellow unfit for the company of decent folk,those fearless child-eyes, the kiss of those pure child-lips I sighed as