"It is so strange to me," John replied, "that I can scarcely realize it. Oh, of course, I am by no means learned, and doubtless never shall be, but every day I see the light of perseverance thrown upon mysteries which were once dark and stubborn. Eva, there is no life so wretched as that of the yearning backwoods boy. His hands are tied; the dust from the field of ignorance blinds his eyes. But there is hope for every boy. I believe that as a case of hopelessness mine was at one time without a parallel." "Yes," she replied, "but you have sat between two remarkable teachers. On one side, a man of books, not a great philosopher, but a man of engaging fancy and bright illustration. On the other side, a child of nature--a man who can feel the pulse of a leaf, who can hear the beating of the heart of a tree." "Yes, but those teachers came to me," John rejoined, "just as opportunities must at some time come to all boys. If I could preach to every farmer boy, or for that matter to every boy, the first word uttered should be 'books.' Yonder comes that fellow Juckels. Let us go back toward the house." They turned back, but had not gone far when Juckels overtook them. "Out sorter sunin' yo'selves, I see," he said. John gave him a short "Yes;" Eva said nothing. "Tell me, they do, that you air sorter gittin' up in the picters, John." "I am not studying pictures. I have no intention of becoming an artist." "Oh, you know what I mean? Say, one time er good while ergo, I told you that you would hear from me in a way that would make you squeal. Ricolleck?" "Yes, I remember." "Wall, the reason you ain't is becaze I went off down ter my uncle's in the white oak neighborhood, an' ever' time I came back you was off at school or somewhar else. Now, don't you think it is erbout time we was havin' er settlement?" "I don't owe you anything," John replied. "No; but I owe you suthin'." "All right, then, pay it." John felt the girl's trembling touch upon his arm. He looked at her, and saw that her face had grown paler. She gave him a look of earnest meaning, and then slowly shook her head. Not another word was spoken until they were within a few steps of Eva's home. Then John, bidding her good evening, said that he must hurry on and assist Potter and Alf in feeding the cattle. "I wish to see you a moment," said the girl, drawing him aside. "Don't have anything to do with that man." She added, in an undertone, "he is utterly without principle." "I will keep an eye on him," John replied. "The coward ever seems to fear the light of an open eye quite as much as he does the gleaming of a weapon. Good-evening." John walked rapidly, but Juckels, moving with a sort of dog trot, soon overtook him. "Looks like we mout have rain, John; the sun's goin' ter bed sorter bloody, ez the feller says." "Yes," John replied. "Hickory switches grow putty plentiful long here, don't they?" "Yes." "Never wuz cut in the face with one, I reckon?" "No."