Deer after deer sprang up. Refugee rabbits scurried in every direction. Butterflies swarmed by the thousands. The smoke grew thicker and thicker, and a little sound of crackling could be heard. They quickened their steps, descended past the garden, and penetrated the balsams. The air grew hotter and hotter. They came to their fire-ditch and stood in amazement Between the ditch and the creek the land lay bare in both directions. Only a few black trunks, blazing near the tops, remained of eight acres of woodland. “Weel, doctor, it’s not so bad, conseedering.” They turned to the left. There beside the fire-ditch lay the Scotchman, his eyes bloodshot, his spray of yellow beard partly gone, his overalls burned and torn, his shoes covered with clay and ashes. “Thank God you were here, my friend. What with giving me new live-stock and saving my house, you have put me in debt for the rest of my life. How could you do it, single-handed?” “Na, not single-handed. Look aboot ye. Ye’ll find them lying all along the trench. But yon’s the mon that really did it.” Gillies pointed to an abject figure that sat with its grizzled head almost on its knees. The doctor approached the silent figure. “My dear sir, whoever you are, the English language fails me.” “Say it in Greek. My boy says it flows like wine in your house.” “Why, daddy, his poor back is almost burned to a crisp. Give me your knife. You needn’t be afraid, sir—my father’s knife is always sharp.” The flesh quivered as Jean deftly cut away the back of the shirt, but the voice was silent. Then with a swift movement she removed the front, leaving the torso bare to the waist. “You are as brave as a lion, sir, and I know who you are.” “Do you? Then I know who you are. You are the elderly spinster who wrote me that her age was twenty-one. I came up here to complete a transaction. I want your island.” “You may have it.” “For how much?” “For nothing. I’ll pick up that island and put it in your arms.” On the way over he told her about the fight, which had lasted several hours. Some hunter had taken advantage of the doctor’s absence to get a deer out of season, and had accidentally set fire to the woods in the process. She seated the injured man on the porch and went into the house for things she needed. It took her some time because she had to make a fire. When she came out, he was still sitting with his eyes closed. “Your Duckling must be a charming thing to look at when the smoke does not hide it.” “Yes.” “There’s a lump in your throat, little Miss Rich. Do you love that island for its beauty?” “Yes.” “Then you must not part with it.” He felt a soft warm sponge begin to smooth his arm. He felt it go into his armpit. It stole over his chest, down to his waist around to the other arm. A soft towel followed, till his whole front was dry and clean. Then she began on his back, very softly. “Are you using a solution?”