THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS
up by the great forest. Already the little valley was in the shadow of the mountain, though the sun still shone brightly on the tree tops higher up, when Ollie and Sammy returned from the Forks. Mr. Matthews had climbed the hill when the last grist was ground, leaving his son to cool down the engine and put things right about the mill.
"Come on, Matt," said Ollie, as the big fellow brought out the meal; "It's time you was a goin' home."
The young giant hung back, saying, "You folks better go on ahead. I'll get home alright."
"Didn't think nothin' would get you," laughed Ollie. "Come on, you might as well go 'long with us."
The other muttered something about being in the way, and started back into the shed.
"Hurry up," called Sammy, "we're waitin'."
After this there was nothing else for the young man to do but join them. And the three were soon making their way up the steep mountain road together.
For a time they talked of commonplace things, then Young Matt opened the subject that was on all their hearts. "I reckon, Ollie, this is the last time that you'll ever be a climbin' this old road." As he spoke he was really thinking of the time to come when Sammy would climb the road for the last time.
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