“Right here, Belshazzar,” he said. “Watch! You are on guard, Bel.” “Well of all names for a dog!” exclaimed the Girl. “Why did you select that?” “My mother named my first dog Belshazzar, and taught me why; so each of the three I've owned since have been christened the same. It means 'to protect' and that is the office all of them perform; this one especially has filled it admirably. Once I failed him, but he never has gone back on me. You see he is not a particle afraid of me. Every step I take, he is at my heels.” “So was Bill Sikes' dog, if I remember.” The Harvester laughed. “Bel,” he said, “if you could speak you'd say that was an ugly one, wouldn't you?” The dog sprang up and kissed the face of the man and rubbed a loving head against his breast. “Thank you!” said the Harvester. “Now lie down and protect this woman as carefully as you ever watched in your life. And incidentally, Bel, tell her that she can't exterminate me more than once a day, and the performance is accomplished for the present. I refuse to be a willing sacrifice. 'So was Bill Sikes' dog!' What do you think of that, Bel?” The Harvester arose and turned to go. “What if this thing attempts to fly?” she asked. “Your pardon,” said the Harvester. “If the emperor moves, slide the lid over the box a few seconds, until he settles and clings quietly again, and then slowly draw it away. If you are careful not to jar the table heavily he will not go for hours yet.” Again he turned. “If there is no danger, why do you leave the dog?” “For company,” said the Harvester. “I thought you would prefer an animal you are not afraid of to a man you are. But let me tell you there is no necessity for either. I know a woman who goes alone and unafraid through every foot of woods in this part of the country. She has climbed, crept, and waded, and she tells me she never saw but two venomous snakes this side of Michigan. Nothing ever dropped on her or sprang at her. She feels as secure in the woods as she does at home.” “Isn't she afraid of snakes?” “She dislikes snakes, but she is not afraid or she would not risk encountering them daily.” “Do you ever find any?” “Harmless little ones, often. That is, Bel does. He is always nosing for them, because he understands that I work in the earth. I think I have encountered three dangerous ones in my life. I will guarantee you will not find one in these woods. They are too open and too much cleared.” “Then why leave the dog?” “I thought,” said the Harvester patiently, “that your uncle might have turned in some of his cattle, or if pigs came here the dog could chase them away.” She looked at him with utter panic in her face. “I am far more afraid of a cow than a snake!” she cried. “It is so much bigger!” “How did you ever come into these woods alone far enough to find the ginseng?” asked the Harvester. “Answer me that!” “I wore Uncle Henry's top boots and carried a rake, and I suffered tortures,” she replied.