"There are a whole lot of unpleasant things that peep around corners occasionally," said Laddie. "But whoever of you dear people it was that showed Mr. Pryor the Crest of Eastbrooke, brought out this particular dragon for me to slay." "Tut, tut! Now what does that mean?" said father. "Have we had a little exhibition of that especial brand of pride that goes before a fall?" "We have! and I take the tumble," said Laddie. "Watch me start! 'Jack fell down and broke his crown.' Question--will 'Jill come tumbling after?'" My heart stopped and I was shaking in my bare feet, because I wore no shoes to shake in. Oh my soul! No matter how Laddie jested I knew he was almost killed; the harder he made fun, the worse he was hurt. I opened my mouth to say I did it, I had to, but Leon began to talk. "Well, I think she's smart!" he cried. "If she was going to give you the mitten, why didn't she do it long ago?" "She had to find out first whether there were a possibility of her wanting to keep it," said Laddie. "You're sure you are all signed, sealed, and delivered on this plowing business, are you?" asked Leon. "Dead sure!" said Laddie. "All right, if you like it!" said Leon. "None for me after college! But say, you can be a farmer and not plow, you know. You go trim the trees, and work at cleaner, more gentlemanly jobs. I'll plow that field. I'd just as soon as not. I plowed last year and you said I did well, didn't you, father?" "Yes, on the potato patch," said father. "A cornfield is a different thing. I fear you are too light." "Oh but that was a year ago!" cried Leon. He pushed back his chair and went to father. "Just feel my biceps now! Most like steel!" he boasted. "A fellow can grow a lot in a year, and all the riding I've been doing, and all the exercise I've had. Cert' I can plow that meadow." "You're all right, shaver," said Laddie. "I'll not forget your offer; but in this case it wouldn't help. Either the Princess takes her medicine or I take mine. I'm going to live on land: I'm going to plow in plain sight of the Pryor house this week, if I have to hire to Jacob Hood to get the chance. May I plow, and may I take the grays, father?" "Yes!" said father roundly. "Then here goes!" said Laddie. "You needn't fret, mother. I'll not overheat them. I must give a concert simultaneous with this plowing performance, and I'm particular about the music, so I can't go too fast. Also, I'll wrap the harness." "Goodness knows I'm not thinking about the horses," said mother. "No, but if they turned up next Sunday, wind-broken, and with nice large patches of hair rubbed from their sides, you would be! If you were me, would you whistle, or vocalize to start on?"