“I'm sure I feel no exposure. Really, Alexander, if I had passed away every time you have prophesied that I would in the past twenty years you'd have the largest private cemetery in existence. If you would not be so pessimistic I could quite enjoy the trip. It's so long since I've ridden in the cars.” “Of all the abandoned places! And for you to be here, after your years in bed!” “But I'm not nearly so tired as I am at home, Alexander, truly.” “Let me help you, grandfather,” offered the Girl. She went to him and took his hat and stick. “Leave me my cane,” he cried. “Any instant that beast may attack some of us.” The Girl laughed merrily. “Why grandfather!” she chided, “Bel is the finest dog you ever knew, he is my best friend here. By the hour he has protected me, and he is gentle as a kitten. He's crazy over my coming home.” She knelt on the floor, put her arms around the dog's neck, and the delighted brute quivered with the joy of her caress and the sound of her loved voice. “Ruthie!” cautioned the gentle lady. “Put that cur out of doors, where animals belong,” roared the old man, lifting his stick. “Careful!” warned the grave voice of the Harvester. “I thought you said he was gentle as a kitten!” “Grandfather, I said that,” cried the Girl. “Well wasn't it the truth?” “You can see how he loves me. Didn't I ever tell you that Bel made the first friendly overture I ever received in this part of the country? He's watched me by the day, even while I slept.” “Then what's all this infernal fuss about?” “Try striking him if you want to find out,” explained the Harvester gently. “You see, Belshazzar and I are accustomed to living here alone and very quietly. He is excited over the Girl's return, because she is his friend, and he has not forgotten her. Then this is the first time in his life he ever heard an irritable voice from a visitor or saw a cane, and it angers him. He is perfectly safe to guard a baby, if he is gently treated, but he is a sure throat hold to a stranger who bespeaks him roughly or attempts to strike. He would be of no use as a guard to valuable property while I sleep if he were otherwise. Bel, come here! Lie still.” The dog sank to the floor beside the Harvester, but his sharp eyes followed the Girl, and the hair arose on his neck at every rasping note of the old man's voice. “I wouldn't give such a creature house room for a minute,” insisted the guest. “Wait until you see him work and become acquainted with him, and you will change that verdict,” prophesied the Harvester. “I never was known to change an opinion. Never, sir! Never!” cried the testy voice. “How unfortunate!” remarked the Harvester suavely. “Explain yourself! Explain yourself, sir!” “There never has been, there never will be, a man on this earth,” said the Harvester, “wholly free from mistakes. Are you warm now?” He turned to the little lady, cutting off a reply with his question. “Nice and warm and quite sleepy,” she said.