Chapter I

THE Black Ridge stage rattled down the last stony hill in a cloud of choking dust. Ten minutes more and the long weary ride would end at the village store. It was a hot July day, and yet every one of the stiff leather sides of the long wagon were down. They called it the stage. It was really only a three-seat covered wagon with two horses.

On either side of the rough road were tall, blasted stumps of pines - the giants of the primeval forests - half lost in the scrubby second growth of timber. Rough mountains on every side - not a dwelling or sign of civilization in sight. The driver, old Rube Snow, had nothing to say. His thoughts were on the frame house in the village - upon his child. The solitary passenger inside had not spoken a word since they left the railroad - nine miles behind.

The village store was the general meeting-place of the neighborhood. Here the citizens met by common consent to settle the affairs of the nation - and the village. In winter they sat around the stove; in summer sat on the piazza steps.

"Suppose its likely the new school teacher 'll come to-day or to-morrow or next week or some other time".

"Shouldn't wonder a mite, Deacon, if 'twas to-day".

"Sorter strange, Retire, to send to Bostin for a school teacher, and then again I dunno's 'tis. All-fired smart folks to Bostin !"

Retire Hopkins and Deacon Remember Silloway were the village seniors. Retire was school committeeman and Deacon Silloway was reported rich - for Black Ridge. As he never knew his own mind, he was "much looked up to" as a person of great caution and moral stability.

"Guess the new teacher will have a hefty row to hoe. Those big boys up "Tater Hill' 's broke up the school twice and druv the teacher off. Boys has considerable backslid since we were boys, Retire. Then again I dunno 's they has. Boys will be boys - and here they come now. Comin' to get a peek at the new teacher from Bostin".

Seven over-grown boys came stumbling along the dusty road. In front strode Sam'l Lovewell, tall, gaunt, with raw hands and long wrists that stuck far out beyond his jacket sleeves.

"Now, boys," said the Deacon, "don't you be cuttin' up any of your didos".

"Oh, we aint going to do nothin'. We want to see the new teacher from Bostin".

"What you goin' to do with them •The Driver, Old Rube Snow, Had Nothing to Say".

"Nothin". Mebby the teacher likes onions".

Retire Hopkins put on his glasses and inspected the rough-looking company of cubs.

" Now, boys, give the teacher a chance, will ye? Don't you be cutting up 'fore school begins. What you got onions and cabbage for ? What on airth you going to do with them eggs ?"

"Nothin," said Sam'l.

For some reason this seemed to be very amusing to the boys. The Deacon lifted a warning finger and began to speak, but was cut short by the sudden arrival of the stage. At the same instant two or three girls and women came along as if to witness the one event of the day - the arrival of the mail and express.

Rube Snow pulled up his dust-covered horses, and twisting the reins around his whip, began to hand out parcels and packages directed to sundry persons in the village. Thankful Sloan, the funny little postmistress and express agent, came out of the store and took the mail bag and the express packages, piling them upon her arm.

"That all, Rube?"

" No ; here's a box. It's a leetle hefty for you, Thankful. Here, Sam'l Lovewell, just you lend me a hand !"

Rube pulled out a long box and pushed it over the wheel. The entire population gathered near to see what it could be. The paper cover caught on the side of the wagon and came off. It was a box of plants, some in full flower. Sam'l Lovewell looked at it in admiration, and was just a little proud of his splendid burden. Flowers! every one crowded around to see them.

" I declare," said the Deacon, "if them aint the first posies ever came to Black Ridge. 'Bout as pretty as any ever I see - anyways as pretty as some I've seen".

"Who be they for ?" said Retire.

"They belongs to a passenger, and I guess if I get down I'll let the passenger get out".

" Did you bring the new teacher, Rube ?"

"Shouldn't wonder a mite if I did".

A wild shout rose from the boys, and they ranged themselved in a double row on each side of the stage door. There was a sudden display of eggs, onions and stale cabbage in their grimy hands.

"Boys! boys! Don't you cut up I"

The women and girls retreated into the store.

"What a pity ! Somebody orter tell 'em to behave. Those 'Tater Hill boys is a disgrace to the village "

Rube held the door of the stage fast.

"Now, look a'here, Sam'l Love'll, you'll be repentin' your foolin' in a minute".

"Oh ! shut up, Rube, and open the door".

Thankful Sloan had come out on the piazza in alarm.

" I shouldn't wonder a mite if the teacher got the best of you, Sam'l. Just you give him a chance to get down before you begin any of your didos." "Oh ! Give the loon a chance, boys. Wait till he gets down".

Rube slowly opened the stage door, and with a graceful little jump there landed in the middle of the group of rural savages a young girl, charming, winsome, beautiful.