"Aren't you going?" asked Harold sharply. Jack looked uneasy. "Not now, Harry. You see, I want to graduate, I'm so near through. It wouldn't do to quit now. I'll stay till fall. I'll get to Uncle John's place about the time you do." Harold said no more, but his face darkened with disappointment. The call to dinner brought them all together once more, and the minister's grace became a short prayer for the safety of his son, broken again and again by the weakness of his own voice and by the sobs of Maud and Mrs. Excell. Harold sat with rigid face, fixed in a frown. The meal proceeded in sad silence, for each member of the family felt that Harold was leaving them never to return. Jack's plan was determined upon, and after dinner he went to hitch up his horse to take Harry out to the farm. The family sat in painful suspense for a few moments after Jack went out, and then Mr. Excell said: "My son, we have never been friends, and the time is past when I can expect to win your love and confidence, but I hope you will not go away with any bitterness in your heart toward me." He waited a moment for his son to speak, but Harold continued silent, which again confused and pained the father, but he went on: "In proof of what I say I want to offer you some money to buy a horse and saddle when you need them." "I don't need any money," said Harold, a little touched by the affection in his father's voice. "I can earn all the money I need." "Perhaps so, but a little money might be useful at the start. You will need a horse if you herd cattle." "I'll get my own horse--you'll need all you can earn," said Harold in reply. Mr. Excell's tone changed. "What makes you say that, Harold? What do you mean?" "Oh, I didn't mean anything in particular." "Have you heard of the faction which is growing up in the church against me?" Harold hesitated. "Yes--but I wasn't thinking of that particularly." He betrayed a little interest. "What's the matter with 'em?" "There has been an element in the church hostile to me from the first, and during your trial and sentence these persons have used every effort to spread a feeling against me. How wide it is I can not tell, but I know it is strong. It may end my work here, for I will not cringe to them. They will find me iron." Harold's heart warmed suddenly. Without knowing it the father had again struck the right note to win his son. "That's right," the boy said, "don't let 'em tramp on you." A lump arose in the minister's throat. There was something very sweet in Harold's sympathy. His eyes smiled, even while they were dim with tears. He held out his hand and Harold took it. "Well, now, my son, it's time for you to start. Don't you worry about me. I am a fighter when I am aroused."