As I read the life of young Chatterton I envied him, his fame and his early death and more than ever, I too desired to die young. * * * * * The week before I was to set out my father calmly discovered to me that he intended I should work on a farm as a hand for the next four years, when I reached Ohio ... was even willing to pay the farmer something to employ me. This is what the doctor had prescribed as the only thing that would save my life--work in the open air. My father had written Uncle Beck to see that this program was inaugurated. "I won't become a clod-hopper," I exclaimed, seeing the dreary, endless monotony of such a life. "But it will do you good. It will be a fine experience for you." "If it's such a fine experience why don't you go and do it?" "I won't stand any nonsense." "I'd rather die.... I'm going to die anyhow." "Yes, if you don't do what I tell you." "I won't." "We'll see." "Very well, father, we _will_ see." "If you weren't such a sick kid I'd trounce you." * * * * * You could approach Antonville by surrey, buggy or foot ... along a winding length of dusty road ... or muddy ... according to rain or shine. My Uncle Beck drove me out in a buggy. Aunt Alice, so patient-faced and pretty and sweet-eyed in her neat poverty--greeted me with a warm kiss. "Well, you'll soon be well now." "But I won't work on a farm." "Never mind, dear ... don't worry about that just yet." * * * * * That afternoon I sat with Aunt Alice in the kitchen, watching her make bread. Everyone else was out: Uncle Beck, on a case ... Cousin Anders, over helping with the harvest on a neighbouring farm ... Cousin Anna was also with the harvesters, helping cook for the hands ... for the Doctor's family needed all the outside money they could earn. For Uncle Beck was a dreamer. He thought more of his variorum Shakespeare than he did of his medical practice. And he was slow-going and slow-speaking and so conscientious that he told patients the truth ... all which did not help him toward success and solid emolument. He would take eggs in payment for his visits ... or jars of preserves ... or fresh meat, if the farmer happened to be slaughtering. * * * * * "Where's Granma?" I asked Aunt Alice, as she shoved a batch of bread in the oven. "She's out Halton way ... she'll go crazy with joy when she gets word you're back home. She'll start for here right off as soon as she hears the news. She's visiting with Lan and his folks." When I heard Lan mentioned I couldn't help giving a savage look. Aunt Alice misinterpreted. "What, Johnnie--won't you be glad to see her!... you ought to ... she's said over and over again that she loved you more than she did any of her own children." "It isn't that--I hate Landon. I wish he was dead or someone would kill him for me."