"In need of the gospel as they are here," Jim replied. "Yes, here and everywhere, Brother Jim Starbuck. Your breed of hosses up there are very sure-footed. I had one that could climb a hill-side like a goat. Many professions resultant from the revivals last fall, Brother Jim Starbuck?" "Yes, and a number of additions to the church." "That is indeed encouraging. I preached just beyond there one conference year, and aside from the death of a very valuable hoss, I was quite successful. Do you know a good brother named Adsit, big double log house on the left bank of the creek?" "Yes, I am acquainted with him." "A fair minded man, is he, Brother Jim. Let me have a colt very reasonable once." "Shall we now go to the hill-top," Jim suggested. "Yes, Brother Jim. But I should think that the ceremony could as well be performed here in the house." "That was not our plan," said Mrs. Mayfield. "We are going to be married among the vines, and if such a temple is distasteful to you, sir--" "Oh, not at all, Miss, I assure you." "And we are going dressed just as we are," she continued. "Oh, the dressing, Miss, makes no difference to me. Well, if everything's ready we might as well go on." Among the vines they stood. In the leaves above them the birds were twittering. The sweet air came cool from up the creek. In the short grass, stirred by a breeze, a harebell seemed tinily ringing. And down the hill they went, brides and bridegrooms, all wound about with a rope of white clover. CHAPTER XIX. OLD FOLKS LEFT ALONE. Early the next morning a wagon drew up at the gate. It was to convey the bridal party to a little village high up among the mountains. Margaret was tearful and Jasper was sad, hiding his countenance as he fussed with the harness. Tom insisted that it was no time for sorrow. "We'll be back in a week's time," said he. "And even after I take her down to town I'll bring her back here every month." But Margaret continued to sorrow. "I don't never expect to see you ag'in," she said and Lou laughed with tears in her eyes. "Why, it's nothin' to be away from home a week, mother. And just think how happy I am." But there were more tears; and Jasper stormed at a dog and shook the wagon wheel to satisfy himself that it was sound. The driver, as lank a lout as ever slept in a stable, sat upon a board seat, stuffing his greedy mouth with ginger cake. He took up the lines and clucked to the horses, but it was discovered that something more remained to be said and he was commanded to wait. "Jest hold on a minit till I git sorter uster the idee," said Margaret. "I want to say somethin' an' I don't know what."