At last the boy said: "You were right about Thornton, father. He was honest with you, just as you predicted he would be." "I believe if you expect the best of a man you will usually get it," replied Mr. Clark. "There is something big and honest in each of us which springs to meet the big and honest in somebody else. Appeal to that best side of people and it will respond. I have seldom known the rule to fail. Now just one thing more. Do not forget that this man has given us his confidence. It is a thing we must hold sacred. Never repeat what you have heard. And above all remember that Thornton deserves both admiration and respect, for it is only great natures that admit they have done wrong." Donald nodded. "I like Thornton better than I did before father," he said softly. "So do I, son!" [Illustration] CHAPTER XI THE SHEARING There was great rejoicing among the herders when, in the latter part of April, they drove their flocks to Glen City for the shearing, and heard that Sandy McCulloch had been made manager of Crescent Ranch. Mr. Clark and Donald gave out the facts with greatest care--how Thornton was to become Clark & Son's confidential man at the Boston office; and how Sandy was to take the vast sheep-raising portion of the business under his direction. "It is a proud day for you, Sandy!" cried Jose. "I'm no pretending I ain't pleased," replied Sandy, beaming on the Mexican, "but dinna think I'm proud. If I do my work well pride may come; still, it's no time for it now." "Of course you'll do it well--how could you help it! It is in your blood," Jose declared. "You have your father's own knack about the flocks. It is the real love for herding--a kind of part of you, it seems." "I get it from generations of shepherds who have tended the black-faced sheep among the broom and the heather on the hills of Scotland, I doubt not," answered Sandy. "Well, it stands you in good stead, however you come by it," Jose called over his shoulder as he moved off toward the pen where his sheep were. "I hope it may stand me in good stead in the future, Don," Sandy said gravely to the boy beside him. "I am sure it will. Isn't it splendid, Sandy, to see the herders all so pleased and ready to follow out your orders? I think nothing could have made me happier than to have you put in to manage the ranch." "I'm verra, verra glad myself, laddie. It is a thing I never dared hope for, and I would not have wanted to take the job from Thornton. But since he is going East and is to be well provided for it makes everything right." "And yet you telegraphed my father to come here, Sandy." It was the first time the telegram had ever been mentioned between them. Sandy hesitated.