He felt that these rights of the
man were of the highest, and that other rights, even
human and pitiful ones, should give them the right
of way.
It was not a long drive. When he reached the
shack -- merely a one-roomed hut, with a stove-
pipe chimney, two windows, and a door -- Christo-
pher stood at the entrance and seemed to illuminate
it. Stephen for a minute doubted his identity.
Christopher had lost middle age in a day's time.
He had the look of a triumphant youth. Blue smoke
was curling from the chimney. Stephen smelled
bacon frying, and coffee.
Christopher greeted him with the joyousness of
a child. "Lord!" said he, "did Myrtle send you up
with all those things? Well, she is a good woman.
Guess I would have been cold last night if I hadn't
been so happy. How is Myrtle?"
"She seemed to take it very sensibly when I told
her."
Christopher nodded happily and lovingly. "She
would. She can understand not understanding, and
that is more than most women can. It was mighty
good of you to bring the things. You are in time
for breakfast. Lord! Mr. Wheaton, smell the trees,
and there are blooms hidden somewhere that smell
sweet. Think of having the common food of man
sweetened this way! First time I fully sensed I was
something more than just a man. Lord, I am paid
already.
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