There's a heap more, too, all over the country that you've talked to a Sunday, when the parson wasn't here.

As for me, you--you sure been a God's blessin' to me and Mollie, Mr.Howitt." Again the shepherd moved uneasily, as if to protest, but his big friend made a gesture of silence; "Let me say it while I got a chance, Dad." And the other bowed his head while Old Matt continued; "I can't tell how it is, an' I don't reckon you'd understand any way, but stayin' as you have after our talk that first night you come, an' livin' down here on this spot alone, after what you know, it's--it's just like I was a little kid, an' you was a standin' big and strong like between me an' a great blackness that was somethin' awful.

I reckon it looks foolish, me a talkin' this way.

Maybe it's because I'm gettin' old, but anyhow I wanted you to know." The shepherd raised his head and his face was aglow with a glad triumphant light, while his deep voice was full of meaning as he said gently, "It has been more to me, too, than you think, Mr.
Matthews.

I ought to tell you--I--I will tell you--" he checked himself and added, "some day." Then he changed the topic quickly.
"Are you sure there is no one who can help you over this hard time?
Is there NO way ?" The mountaineer shook his head.