"What makes you grab after the newspaper so?" she asked one morning, in the dining-room. "I want to know the news." "No, you don't; there's somethin' else. You've sold all your stuff and can't be interested in the markets." "I am looking for Western news. I want to keep track of a certain man." "Who was that letter from you got this mornin'?" "From her." "Where is she?" "In the city." "Has she quit her school?" "She's given it up as a failure." "Then you'll be goin' to town soon." "To-morrow morning. I see by the paper that my man is there." "Plague take your man and your woman too. Why can't you stay here and behave yourself? I do hate mightily to see you go. Why don't you say you hate to go?" "Because I don't. I have worked in order to be able to go." "What do you want to see the man for? You never have told me anythin' about yourself, and here you are, goin' away. What do you want with him?" "Want to tell him I'm well, and ask him how's all." "Oh, you'll do. Fainted at the grave," she said, after a moment's silence. "Yes, I know all about such faintin'. They can't fool me, Bill. It's been tried too often. Fainted at the thought of gettin' that ten thousand dollars, and I wish to the Lord I had half of it. I'd faint too; yes, you bet!" Early the next morning he bade the old woman good-bye. She scolded him, with tears in her eyes, wheeled about, and left him standing at the gate. At the station the milkmen gathered about him to shake hands. They were sorry to lose him. In trade some of them had been nipped by him, but that only proved his worth as a citizen. He waved them a farewell, and Rollins became a memory. Upon reaching the city, he went straightway to the Norwegian's cottage. There was a romping of children within, and it was some time before he made himself heard. But finally a woman came to the door. He asked for Gunhild, and was told that she had gone over to see Mrs. Goodwin, but would not long be absent. He stood for a moment with his hand on the door. "When she comes back," he said, "tell her that a Yankee from the West has called. She will understand. Tell her that he will be back soon." * * * * *