That evening, Ray, who had hard work to keep the secret so long, told Old Cy who lived in Peaceful Valley. It was like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky, a shock of joyful news that made Old Cy gasp. "Why, I feel jest like a colt once more," he said after the exclamation stage had passed. "An', do ye know, boys, I felt all the way comin' in ez though good news was waitin' fer me. I 'spose 'twas from hearin' Chip was all right ag'in." That evening was one that none who were in that wildwood camp ever forgot, for Old Cy was the central figure, and told as only he could the story of his year's wandering in search of Chip. It was humorous, pathetic, and tragic all in one, and a tale that held its listeners spellbound for three delightful hours. "I had dogs set on me, hundreds on 'em," Old Cy said, in conclusion, "an' I never knew afore how many kinds 'n' sizes o' dogs thar was in this world. I uster think thar warn't more'n two dozen or so kinds. I know now thar's two million 'n' a few more I didn't wait to count. I got 'rested a few times on account o' not havin' visible means o' support. I've been hauled over the coals by doctors tryin' to make me out a lunatic, 'n' I'd 'a' done time in jail if I hadn't had money to show. I tell ye, boys, this is an awful 'spicious world fer strangers, 'n' the milk o' human kindness is mostly old cheese, 'n' all rind at that. I had a little fun, too, mixed in with all the trouble, 'n' one woman who owned a place where I 'plied for lodgin' jest 'bout told me she'd be willin' to marry me if I'd stay 'n' work the farm. She had red hair, hard eyes, 'n' bossy sort o' ways, an' that's a dangerous combination. I watched my chance when she wa'n't lookin', 'n' lit out middlin' lively." And now life at this wilderness camp, less restrained than when womankind were here, became one of work, and persistent, steady, no-time-wasted work at that. Martin had said that Levi could boss matters, but it was Ray who assumed management instead. Two years had changed him almost from boy to man. His new ambition was the controlling power. He was here to make his mark, as it were, and the half-hearted, boyish interest in work had changed into a tireless leadership. Then, too, an unspoken, tacit interest in his ambition was felt by those who helped. They knew what he was striving for, and that Chip was the ultimate object. Her history, known as it now was to all who came into the wilderness, influenced these woodsmen. She had been of them and from them, and as an entire village will gather to help at a house-raising, so these three, Levi and the two helpers, now felt the same incentive.