THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS
clouds was full, plumb full of gold, like that there." He pointed to the yellow coins on the floor. "Didn't Dad see? Some of it must o' spilled out."
"Ah, yes, that was God's gold," said the older man softly.
The lad touched his friend on the arm, and with the other hand again pointed to the glittering heap on the floor. "Pete says that there's God's gold too, and Pete he knows."
The man started and looked at the boy in wonder; "But why, why should it come to me at such a time as this?" he muttered.
"’Cause you're the Shepherd of Mutton Hollow, Pete says. Don't be scared, Dad. Pete knows. It's sure God's gold."
The shepherd turned to the fireplace and dropped the letter he had written upon the leaping flames.
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