Classic Audiobook Collection - Silas Strong by Irving Bacheller ~ Full Audiobook [drama]

Starting point is 00:00:00 silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor chapter i to my friend the late archer brown in memory of summer days when we wandered far and sat down to rest by springs and brooks in the doomed empire of strong and talked of saving it and of better times and knew not they were impossible some of the people of these pages when the author endeavored to regulate their conduct according to well-known rules of literary construction declared themselves free and independent when urged by him they tried to speak and act in the fashion of most novels they laughed and seemed to be ashamed of themselves and with good reason they are slow stubborn modest shy and use to the open not for them are the narrow stage the swift action the fine wrought chain of artful incident that characterize a modern romance of late authors have succeeded rather well in turning people into animals and animals into people why not if one's art can perform miracles this book aims not to emulate or amend the work of the creator its people are just folks of a very old pattern its animals rather common and of small attainments it is in no sense a literary performance it pretends to be nothing more than a simple account of one's summer life pretty much as it was lived in a part of the adirondacks it goes on about as things happen there with a leisurely pace like that of the woods lover on a trail who may be halted by a

Starting point is 00:01:51 nothing more than a flower or a bird song. One day follows another in the old fashion of those places, where men go for rest, and Averis quits them with bloody spurs, and they forget the calendar and measure time on the dial of the heavens. The book has one high ambition. It has tried to tell the sad story of the wilderness itself, to show, from the woodsman's viewpoint, the play of great forces which have been tearing down his home and turning it into the flesh and bone of cities were it to cause any reader to value what remains of the forest above its market price and to do his part in checking the greed of the saws it would be worth while bad as it is chapter i the song of the saws began long ago at the mouths of the rivers slowly the axes nod their way southward and the ominous prophetic chant followed them men seemed to goad the rivers to increase their speed

Starting point is 00:03:01 they caught and held and harnessed them as if they had been horses and drove them into flumes and leaped them over dams and pulled and hauled and hauled and they had been horses and drove them into flumes and leaped them over dams and pulled and hauled and and baffled them until they broke away with the power of madness in their rush. But even then, the current of the rivers would not do. The current of thunderbolts could not have whirled the wheels with speed enough. Now steam bursts upon the piston head with the power of a hundred horses. The hungry steel races through columns of pine as if they were soft as butter, and its bass note booms night and day to the heavens. Hear it now.

Starting point is 00:03:45 The burden of that old song is, More, more, more! It is doleful music, God knows, but mind you, it voices the need of the growing land. It sings of the doom of the woods. It may be heard all along the crumbling edge of the wilderness from Maine to Minnesota. Day by day,

Starting point is 00:04:09 hammers beat time while the saws continue their epic chorus there are towers and spires and domes and high walls where in our boyhood there were only trees far older than the century and these rivers that flow north go naked in open fields for half their journey every spring miles of timber come plunging over cataracts and rushing through rapids and crowding into slow water on its way to the saws. There, a shaft of pine, which has been a hundred years getting its girth, is ripped into slices and scattered upon the stack in a minute. A new river, the rushing, steam-driven river of steel, bears it away to the growing cities. Silas Strong once wrote in his old memorandum book these words. Strong says to himself, so the world was going to be peeled and hollered out and weighed and measured and sold till it's all ed up like an apple on the smooth shore of the river below rackett falls and within twenty rods of his great mill lived a man of the name of gordon with two motherless children pity about him married a daughter of bill strong up in the woods an excellent woman made

Starting point is 00:05:39 money and wasted it, and went far to the bad. Good fellow, drink, poker, and so on, down the hill. His wife died leaving two children, blue-eyed little people with curly flaxen hair, a boy of four, a girl of nearly three years. The boy's full name was John Soxsmith Gordon, reduced in familiar parlance to Saki. The girl was baptized Susan Bradbury Gordon, but was called Sue. Their uncle Silas Strong came to the funeral of their mother. He had traveled more than 80 miles in 24 hours, his boat now above and now beneath him. He brought his dog and rifle and wore a great steel watch chain and a pair of moccasins with fringe on the sides and a wolf-skin jacket he carried the children on his shoulders and tossed them in the air while his great size and odd attire seemed to lay hold of their spirits as time passed a halo of romantic splendor gathered about this uncle's memory one day saki heard him referred to as the emperor of the woods

Starting point is 00:07:04 He was not long finding out that an emperor was a very grand person who wore gold on his head and shoulders and rode a fine horse and was always ready for a fight. So their ideal gathered power and richness, one might say, the longer he lived in their fancy. They loved their father, but as a hero he had not been a great success. there was a time when both had entertained some hope for him but as they saw how frequently he grew tired they gave their devotion more and more to this beloved memory their uncle's home was remote from theirs and so his power over them had never been broken by familiarity saki and sue told their young friends all they had been able to learn of their uncle silas and being pressed for for more knowledge had recourse to invention. Stories which their father had told grew into wonder tales of the riches, the strength, the splendor, and the general destructive power of this great man.

Starting point is 00:08:17 Sue, the first day she went to Sunday school, when the minister inquired who slew a lion by the strength of his hands, confidently answered, Uncle Silas. There was one girl in the village, who had an uncle Phil with a fine ear of authority and a wonderful watch and chain. There was yet another with an uncle Henry who enjoyed the distinction of having had the smallpox.

Starting point is 00:08:45 There was a boy also who had an uncle Rubin with a wooden leg and a remarkable history and a wend beside his nose with a wart on the same. But these were familiar figures and while each had merits of no low degree, their advocates were soon put to shame by the charms of that mysterious and remote Uncle Silas. There was a little nook in the lumberyard

Starting point is 00:09:12 where children used to meet every Saturday for play and free discussion. There, now and then, some newcomer entered an uncle in the competition. There, always, a primitive pride of blood asserted itself in the remote descendants shall we say of many an ancient lord and chieftain one day sue was then five and saki six years of age little cornell put a cousin on the exhibit in this little theatre of childhood he was a boy with red hair and superior invention from out of town he stood near lizzie a deep and designing miss and said not a word until sue began to about her uncle Silas. It was a new tale of that remarkable hunter which her father had related the night before while she lay waiting for the sandman. She told how her uncle had seen a panther one day when he was traveling without a gun. His dog chased the panther and soon drove him up a

Starting point is 00:10:20 tree. Now it seemed the only thing in the nature of a weapon the hunter had with him was a piece of new rope for his canoe. After a moment's reflection, the great man climbed the tree and threw a noose over the panther's neck while his faithful dog was barking below. Then the cute Uncle Silas made his rope fast to a limb and shook the tree so that when the panther jumped for the ground he hung himself. To most of those who heard the narrative, it seemed to be a rather creditable exploit. showing as it did a shrewdness and ready courage of no mean order on the part of uncle silas murmurs of glad approval were hushed however by the voice of the red-headed boy pooh that's nothing said he with contempt my uncle mose chased a panther once and overtook him and catched him by the tail and fetched his head against a tree quick as a flash and knocked his brains out of his brains out of his own. out. His words ran glibly and showed an offhand mastery of Panthers quite unequaled.

Starting point is 00:11:37 Here was an uncle of marked superiority and promise. There was a moment of silence in the crowd. If you don't believe it, said the red-headed boy, I can show you a vest my mother made of the skin. That was conclusive. Sue blushed for shame and looked into the face of sake her mouth drooped a little and her under lip trembled with anxiety doubt thoughtfulness and confusion were on the face of her brother he scraped the sand with his foot he felt that he had sometimes stretched the truth a little but this this went beyond his capacity for invention don't believe it he whispered with half a sneer as he glanced down at sue lizzie cornell began to titter all eyes were fixed upon the unhappy pair as if to say how about your uncle silas now the populace deserting the standard of the old king gathered in front of the red-headed boy and began to inquire into the merits of uncle mo's saki and sue hesitated curiosity struggled with resentment slowly and thoughtfully they walked away for a moment neither spoke soon a cheering thought came into the mind of sue

Starting point is 00:13:08 maybe uncle silas has catched a panther by the tail too said she hopefully saki his hands in his pockets looked down with a dazed expression i'm going to ask father said he thoughtfully it was now late in the afternoon they went home and sat in silence on the verandah watching for their father the old frenchwoman who kept house for him tried to coax them in but they would make no words with her long they sat there looking wistfully down the river bank presently sue hauled out of her pocket a tiny rag doll which she carried for casual use it came handy in moments of loneliness and despair outside the house she toyed with its garments humming in a motherly fashion it was nearly dark when they saw their father staggering homeward according to his habit they knew not yet the meaning of that wavering walk there he comes said saki as they both ran to meet him he can't carry us to-night he's awful tired they thought him tired they kissed him and took his hands and theirs and led him into the house stern and silent he sat down beside them at the supper-table the children were also silent and sober-faced from intuitive sympathy they could not yet introduce the topic which weighed upon them saki looked at his father for the first time he noted that his clothes were shabby he knew that a few days before his father had lost his watch

Starting point is 00:15:03 the boy stole away from the table and went to his little trunk and brought the sacred thing which his teacher had given him christmas day a cheap watch that told time with a noisy and inspiring tick he laid it down by his father's plate there said he i'm going to let you wear my watch it was one of those deep thrusts which only the hand of innocence can administer richard gordon took the watch in his hand and sat a moment looking down the boy manfully resumed his chair it don't look very well for you to be goin around without a watch he remarked taking up his piece of bread and butter his father put the watch in his pocket you can let me wear it sundays the boy added you won't need it sundays a smile overspread the man's face the children quick to see their opportunity approached him on either side she put her arms around the neck of her father and kissed him tell us a story about uncle silas she pleaded uncle silas he exclaimed we're all gonna see him in a few days the children were mute with surprise sue's little doll dropped from her hands to the floor her face changed color and she turned quickly with a loud cry and drummed on the table so that the dishes rattled socky leaned over the back of a chair and shook his head and gave his feet a fling and then recovered his dignity now don't get excited remarked their father

Starting point is 00:16:57 they ran out of the room and stood laughing and whispering together for a moment then they rushed back when are we going the boy inquired in a day or two said gordon who still sat drinking his tea. Sue ran to tell Aunt Marie, the housekeeper, and Saki sat in his little rocking chair for a moment of sober thought. Look here, old chap, said Gordon, who is wont to apply the terms of mature good fellowship to his little son. Saki came and stood by the side of his father. You and I have been friends for some time, haven't we? was the strange and half-moddlin query which gordon put to his son the boy smiled and came nearer and i've always treated you right ain't i answer me yes sir well folks say you're neglected and that you don't have decent clothes and that you might as well have no father at all now old boy i'm going to tell you the truth

Starting point is 00:18:12 i'm broke failed in business and have had to give up understand me i haven't a cent in the world the man smote his empty pocket suggestively the boy was now deeply serious not able to comprehend the full purport of his father's words he saw something in the face before him which began to hurt his lower lip trembled a little don't worry old friend said gordon clapping him on the shoulder just then sue came running back say said she climbing on a round of her father's chair did uncle silas ever catch a panther by the tail the children held their breaths waiting for the answer catch a panther by the tail catch a panther by the tail their father exclaimed whatever put that in your head? Sue answered with some show of excitement. Her words came fast. Lizzie Cornell's cousin, he said that his uncle Moes had touched a panther by the tail and knocked his brains out. Their father smiled again. That kind of floored you, didn't it old girl? said he with a kiss.

Starting point is 00:19:36 Let's see, he continued, drawing the children close. on either side of him. I don't know as he ever catched a panther by the tail, but I'll tell you what he did do. One day when he hadn't any gun with him, he come across a big bear,

Starting point is 00:19:57 and Uncle Syle fetched him a cuff with his fist and broke the bear's neck, and then he brought him home on his back and at him for dinner. Oh, the girl exclaimed, her mouth and eyes wide, open. Saki whistled a shrill note of surprise and thankfulness. Then he clucked after the manner of

Starting point is 00:20:20 one starting his horse. My stars, he exclaimed, and so saying, he skipped across the floor and brought his fist down heavily upon the lounge. Uncle Silas had been saved, plucked, as it were, from the very jaws of obscurity. were ready to get into bed the children knelt as usual before old aunt Marie the housekeeper she ventured to add a sentence to her prayer god bless uncle Silas said she and make him very very the girl hesitated trying to find the right word powerful her brother suggested still in the attitude of devotion powerful repeated sue in a trembling voice and then added for christ's sake amen they lay a long time discussing what they should say and do when at last they were coming to the presence of the great man suddenly a notion entered the mind of saki that in order to keep the favor of fortune he must rise and clap his hand three times upon the round top of the posts at the time at the top of the posts at the time he must rise and clap his hand three times upon the round top of the posts at the the foot of the bed. Accordingly he rose and satisfied this truly pagan impulse. Then he repeated the

Starting point is 00:21:50 story of his uncle and the bear over and over again, pausing thoughtfully at the point of severest action and adding a little color to heighten the effect. Here and there Sue prompted him, and details arose which seemed to merit careful consideration. I was a little to be a little wouldn't wonder but what uncle silas must a spit on his hand before he struck the bear said saki remembering how strong men often prepared themselves for a difficult undertaking when the story had been amplified in a generous degree and well committed to memory they began to talk of lizzie cornell and her cousin the red-headed boy and planned how they would seek them out next day and defy them with the the last great achievement of their uncle silas he's a nasty thing the girl exclaimed suddenly i feel kind of sorry for him said saki with a sigh why cause he thinks his uncle beats the world and he ain't nowhere maybe he'll want a fight said sue then i'll fetch him a cuff suppose you would to break his neck i'll hit him in the breast said saki thoughtfully feeling his muscle sue soon fell asleep but saki lay thinking about his father

Starting point is 00:23:26 he had crossed the edge of the beginning of trouble he thought of those words and of a certain look which accompanied them i haven't got a scent in the world what did they mean he could only judged from experience from moments when he had stood looking through glass windows and showcases at things which had tempted him and which he had not been able to enjoy oh the bitter pain of it must his father endure that kind of thing he lay for a few moments weeping silently all at once the thought of this little bank came to him it was nearly full of pennies he rose in bed and listened the room was dark but he could hear aunt marie at work in the kitchen that gave him courage and he crept stealthily out of bed and went to his trunk and felt for the little square house of painted tin with a slot in the chimney it lay beneath his sunday clothes and he raised and gently shook it he could hear that familiar and pleasant sound of the coin meanwhile his father had been sitting alone for weeks he had been rapidly going downhill his friends had all turned against him he had been fairly stoned with reproaches he could see only trouble behind disgrace before and despair on either side he held a revolver in his hand a child's voice rang out in the silence calling father gordon leaned forward upon the table he began to be conscious of things beyond himself

Starting point is 00:25:20 he heard the great mill saw roaring in the still night he heard the tick of the clock near him suddenly his little son peered through the half-open door father saki whispered gordon started from his chair and seeing the boy sat down again saki was near crying but restrained himself without a word he'd deposited his bank on the table it was a moment of solemn renunciation he was like one before the altar giving up the vanities of the world he looked soberly at his father and said i'm going to give you all my money gordon said not a word and there was a moment of silence more than a dollar in it the boy suggested proudly still his father sat resting his head upon his hand in silence while he seemed to be trying the point of a pen you may give me five cents if you've a mind to when you open it socky added gordon turned slowly and kissed the forehead of his little son the boy put his arms around the neck of his father and begged him to come and lie upon the bed and tell a story so it happened the current of ruin was turned aside the heat-oppressed brain diverted from its purpose for as the man lay beside his children he began to think of them and less of himself i cannot leave them he concluded when i go i shall take them with me in the long still hours he lay thinking

Starting point is 00:27:16 the south wind began to stir the pines and cool air from out of the wild country came through an open window fathoms of dusty dead air which had hung for weeks over the valley growing hudder and more oppressive in the burning sunlight moved away. A cloud passing northward flung a sprinkle of rain upon the broad, smoky flats, and was drained before it reached the great river. All who were sick and weary felt the ineffable healing of the woodland breeze. It soothed the aching brain of the mill-owner, and slackened the ruinous toil of his thoughts. Gordon slept soundly for the first time in almost a month. End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 of Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods by Irving Bachelor. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 2

Starting point is 00:28:26 Next morning Gordon felt better. He began even to consider what he could do to mend his life. The children got ready for Sunday school and were on their way to church an hour ahead of time. in her white dress and pretty bonnet, walked with a self-conscious, don't touch me, air. Saki, in his little sailor suit, had the downward eye of meditation. Each carried a testament and looked neither to right nor left. They hurried as if eager for spiritual refreshment. They were, however, like the various barbarians setting out with spears and arrows in quest of revenge. were thinking of lizzie cornell and that boy of the red head and the doomed uncle saki's lips moved silently as he hurried one might have inferred that he was repeating his golden text

Starting point is 00:29:26 such an inference would have been far from the truth he was in fact tightening the grasp of memory in those inspiring words an uncle sile fetched him a cuff with his fist and broke the bear's neck and broke the bear's neck and And then he brought him home on his back and ate him for dinner. They joined a group of children who were sitting on the steps of the old church. Their hearts beat fast when they saw Lizzie coming with her cousin, the red-headed boy. A number went forth to meet the two. Tell us the badger story, said they to the red-headed boy. Poo! That ain't much, he answered modestly. please tell us they insisted well one day my uncle mose see a side-hill badger what's a side-hill badger a voice interrupted

Starting point is 00:30:25 an animal what lives on a hill and has legs longer on one side than on t'other so that he can run around the side of it said he glibly and with a look of pity for such ignorance go on with the story said another voice my uncle moz sat and watched one day up on the limb of a tree above the hole of the badger by and by an old he badger come out and my uncle dropped on to the one day up on the limb of a tree above the hole of the badger by an old he badger come out and my uncle dropped on to his back and rode him round and round the hill till he was just tuckered out then uncle moz put a rope on his neck and tied him to a tree and the old badger dug and dug until there was a hole in the ground so big you could put a house in it and my uncle he got an idea and so one day he fetched him out to south colton and learnt him how to dig wells and cellars and by and by the old badger could earn more money than a hired man shocks said saki turning upon his adversary with sneering studied scorn that's nothing then proudly stepping forward he flung the latest exploit of his uncle silas into the freckled face of the red-headed boy it stunned the able advocate of old moses leonard a mighty hunter in his time and there fell a moment of silence followed followed by murmurs of applause. The little barbarian, Lizzie Cornell,

Starting point is 00:32:01 had begun to sent the battle and stood sharpening an arrow. It's a lie, said the red-headed boy, recovering the power of speech. His father's a thief and a drunkard anyway. That was the arrow of Lizzie Cornell. Saki had raised his fists to vindicate his honor, when he had raised his fists his honor when hearing the remark about his father he turned quickly upon the girl who made it what manner of rebuke he would have administered history is unable to record the minister had come the children began to scatter lizzie and her red-headed cousin ran around the church saki and sue stood with angry faces suddenly saki leaned upon the church suddenly saki leaned upon the church door and burst into tears he dimly comprehended the disgrace which lizzie had sought to put upon him the minister could not persuade him to enter the church or to explain the nature of his trouble

Starting point is 00:33:07 when all had gone into sunday school the boy turned wiping his eyes sue stood beside him a portrait of despair let's go home and tell our father said she they started slowly but as their indignation grew their feet hurried neither spoke in the long journey to their door they ran through the hall and rushed in upon their father who sat reading oh father said the girl in excited tones lizzie cornell says you're a thief and a drunkard gordon rose and turned pale the hands and voices of the children were ever raised against him it's a lie said he turning away he stood a moment looking out of the window he must take them to some lonely part of the wilderness and there make an end of his trouble and of theirs he turned to the children saying right after dinner we'll start for the wood So it befell that in the afternoon of a Sunday, late in June, Saki ensue, with all their effects in a pack-basket, and their father beside them, started in a spring-wagon over the broad stony terraces that lift southward into thickening woods on their way to great peril. and so too it befell that in leaving home and the tearful face of dear aunt marie they were sustained by a thought of that good and mighty man whom they hoped soon to see their uncle silas end of chapter two chapter three of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter three

Starting point is 00:35:16 the day was hot and still slowly they mounted the foothills between meadows aglow with color the country seemed to flow ever downward past their sleepy eyes on its way to the great valley the daisies were like white foam on the slow cascade of bowman's hill and there were masses of red and yellow which appeared to be drifting on the flats a driver sat on the front seat and gordon behind was behind with the middle and there were masses of red and yellow which appeared to be drifting on the flats a driver sat on the front seat and gordon behind with saki and sue the little folk chattered together and wearied their father with queries about birds and beasts by and by the girl grew silent her chin sank upon her breast and her head began to shake and sway as their wagon clattered over the rough road in a moment saki's head was nodding also and the feet of both swung limp below the wagon-seat they had seemed to sink and rise and struggle and cry out in silence and were now as those drowned beneath it gordon drew them towards him and lifted their legs upon the cushioned wagon seat he sat thinking as they rode they had been hard on him those creditors he had not meant to steal but only to borrow that small sum which he had taken out of the business in order to feed and clothe the children who lay beside him true some dollars of it had gone to buy oblivion a few hours of unearned of unholy relief how else thought he could he have stood the reproaches of brutal men they arrived at tupper's mill late in the afternoon there gordon found a canoe and made ready at this point the river turned like a scared horse and ran east by south around tupper ridge

Starting point is 00:37:17 in a wide loop and as if doubting its way slackened pace and wavering right and left moved slowly into the shade of the forest and then as if reassured went on at a full gallop leaping over the cliff at fiddler's falls below it turned to the north and seeming to see its way at last grew calm and crossed the flats wearily covered with foam socky woke and rubbed his eyes when he and his sister were waken out of the wagon sue continued to sleep although carried like a sack of meal under the arm of the driver and silas strong laid amid ships on a blanket mr tupper the millman gave them a piece of meat which out of courtesy to the law he called mountain lamb with pack aboard and socky on a blanket in the bow Gordon pushed his canoe into the current. All who journeyed to the Lost River country from the neighborhood of Hillsborough arrived at Tupper's late in the afternoon. There, generally, they took canoe and paddled six miles to a log in at the head of the still water.

Starting point is 00:38:36 But as Gordon started from Tupper's Mill downstream, he had in mind a destination not on any map of this world. saki sat facing him a little hand on either gunwale saki had thought often that day of the incident of the night before and of his father's poverty now he looked him over from head to foot he saw the little steel chain fastened to his father's waistcoat and leading into the pocket where he knew that his own watch lay hidden the look of it gave him a feeling of great virtue and satisfaction father will you please tell me what time it is he inquired gordon removed the watch from his pocket half past six we've got to push on it was fine to see that watch in his father's hand i'm going to give it to you said the boy soberly you can wear it sundays and every day Gordon looked into the eyes of his son. He saw there the white soul of the little traveler just entering upon the world.

Starting point is 00:39:52 I'm going to buy you some new clothes, too, said Saki, now overflowing with generosity. Where'll you get the money? From my uncle Silas. After a few moments, Saki added, If I was Lizzie Cornell's father, I'd go. give her a good weapon." They rode in silence a while, and soon the boy lay back on his blanket, looking up at the sky.

Starting point is 00:40:21 "'Father,' said he presently. "'What?' "'I'm good to you, ain't I?' "'Very.' There was a moment of silence, and then the boy added, "'I love you.' Those words gave the man a new sense of comfort. if he could have done so he would have embraced his son and covered his face with kisses the sun had sunk low and they were entering the edge of the night and the woodland soon the boy fell asleep

Starting point is 00:40:57 the silence of the illimitable sky seemed to be flooding down and delightful sounds were drifting on its current they had passed the inn long ago and walls of fir and pine were on either side of them gordon put into a deep cove stopping under the pine trees with his bough on a sand-bar then he let himself down stretching his legs on the canoe bottom and lying back on his blanket for a long time he lay there thinking he had been a man of some refinement and nature had punished him after an old fashion for the abuse of it with extreme sensitiveness he had come to the adirondacks from a new england city and married and gone into business at first he had prospered and then he had begun to go down he had never been a lover of music and a reader of the poets as he lay thinking in the early dusk he heard the notes of the wood-thrush that bird was like a welcoming trumpeter before the gate of a palace it bade him be at home above all he could hear the water-song of fiddler's falls the tremulous organ-base of rock caverns upon which the river drummed as it fell the chorus of the onrushing stream and great overtones in the timber sound and rhythm seemed to be full of that familiar strain so like a solemn warning a long time he sat hearing it he began to feel ashamed of his folly and awakened to the inspiration of a new purpose he rose and looked about him

Starting point is 00:42:48 when you enter a house you begin to feel the heart of its owner something in the walls and furnishings something in the air is it a vibration which dead things have gathered from the living bids you to welcome or warns you to depart it is the true voice of the master as gordon came into the wilderness he felt like one returning to his father's house in this great castle the heart of its master seemed to speak to him with a tenderness fatherly and unmistakable a subtle force like that we find in houses built with hands now bade him welcome lie down and rest my son it seemed to say let not your heart be troubled here in your father's house are forgiveness and plenty he put away the thought of death he covered the sleeve boy and girl pushed his canoe forward upon the sand and lying back comfortably soon fell asleep he awoke refreshed at sunrise the great green fountain of life in the midst of which he had rested now seemed to fill his heart with its uplifting joy and energy and persistence he built a fire under the trees and broiled the meat and made toast and coffee he lifted the children in his arms and kissed them with unusual tenderness to-day we'll see uncle silas gordon assured them my uncle silas said the boy fondly he's mine too sue declared he's both of arne saki aloud as they began to eat their breakfast end of chapter three chapter four of

Starting point is 00:44:55 Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods, by Irving Bachelor. This Liberbox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 4 Silas Strong, or Panther Sile, as the hunters called him, spent every winter in the little forest hamlet of Pitkin, and every summer in the woods. Lawrence County was the world, and game, wood, and huckleberries, the fullness thereof.

Starting point is 00:45:25 all beyond was like the reaches of space unexplored and mysterious god was only a word one may almost say and mostly part of a compound adjective hell was ogdensburg to which he had once journeyed and the devil was colonel jedson this latter opinion it should be said grew out of an hour in which the colonel had bullied him in the witness-chair and not to be given to his own to be said grew out of an hour in which the colonel had bullied him in the witness-chair and not to any lasting resemblance. As to Ogdensburg itself, the hunter had based his judgment upon evidence, which, to say the least, was inconclusive. When Seyle and the city first met, they regarded each other with extreme curiosity. A famous hunter, as he moved along the street with rifle, pack, and panther skin, Seyle was trying to see everything, and everything seemed to be trying to see Sile. The city was amused while the watchful eye of Silas grew weary and his bosom filled with distrust. One tipsy man offered him a jackknife as a compliment to the length

Starting point is 00:46:39 of his nose, and before he could escape a new acquaintance had wrongfully borrowed his watch. His conclusions regarding the city were now fully formed. He broke with it suddenly, and struck out across country and tramped sixty miles without arrest ever after the thought of ogdensburg revived memories of confusion headache and irreparable loss so it is said when he heard the minister describing hell one sunday at the little schoolhouse and pitkin he had no doubt either of its existence or its location all this however relates to antecedent years of our history years which may not be wholly neglected if one is to understand what follows them after the death of his sister the late mrs gordon strong began to read his bible and to cut his trails of thought further and further towards his final destination a deeper reverence and a more correct notion of the devil rewarded his labor it must be added that his meditations led him to one remarkable conclusion namely that all women were angels his parents had left him nothing save a maiden sister named cynthia and characterized by some as a regular human panther wherever sile is they is panthers said a guide once in the little store at pitkin don't make no difference whether he's at home or in the woods said another solemnly

Starting point is 00:48:24 that was when god owned the wilderness and kept there a goodly number of his big cats four of which had fallen before the rifle of strong cynthia in his view had a special sanctity but there was another one one of his own view had a special sanctity but there was another woman whom he regarded with great tenderness a cheery-faced maiden lady of his own age and of the name of annette to silence she was always lady anne he gave her this title without any thought or knowledge of foreign customs miss royce would have been too formal and anne or annette would have been too familiar lady anne seemed to have the proper ring of respect familiarity and distinction in his view a lady was a creature as near perfection as anything could be in this world when a girl of eighteen she had taught in the log schoolhouse since the death of her mother the care of the little home had fallen upon her she was a well-fed cheerful and comely creature with a genius for housekeeping june had come and silas was getting ready to go into camp there was no longer any peace for him in the clearing the odor of the forest and the sight of the new leaves gave him no rest had he not heard in his dreams the splash of leaping trout and deer playing in the lily pads in the midst of his preparations although a silent man the tumult of joy in his breast the tumult of joy in his breast came pouring out on the whistled refrain of Yankee Doodle.

Starting point is 00:50:10 It was a general and not a special sense of satisfaction, which caused him to shake with laughter now and then, as he made his way along the rough road. Sometimes he rubbed his long nose thoughtfully. A nature-loving publisher, who often visited his camp, had printed some cards for him. They bore these modest words. s strong guide and contriver he was able in either capacity but his great gift lay in tongue control in his management of silence he was what they call in that country a one-word man

Starting point is 00:50:53 the phrase indicated that he was wont to express himself with all possible brevity he never used more than one word if that could be made to satisfy the demands of politeness and perspicacity. Even though provocation might lift his feeling to high degrees of intensity, and well beyond the pale of Christian sentiment, he was never profuse. His oaths would often hiss and hang fire a little, but they were in the end as brief and emphatic as the crack of a rifle. This trait of brevity was due, in some degree, to the fact that he stammered slightly, especially in moments of excitement but more to his life in the silence of the deep woods silas strong had filled his great pack at the store and was nearing his winter home a rude log house in the little forest hamlet he let the basket down from his broad back to the doorstep his sister cynthia small slim stern-faced black-eyed heart and fancy free stood looking down at him well what now she demanded in a voice not unlike that of a peahen to-morrow he stammered in a loud and cheerful tone what time to-morrow

Starting point is 00:52:21 daylight i knew it she snapped sinking into a chair the broom in her hands and a woeful look upon her you've got to hankering silas said nothing but entered the house and took a drink of water cynthia snapped if i wanted to marry net royce i'd marry her not be dilly-dally in all my life cynthia was now fifty years of age and regarded with a stern eye every act of man which bore any suggestion of dilly-dallyan ain't good enough he stammered calmly you're fool nuff she declared with a twang of ill-nature supper miss strong said he stirring the fire whenever his sister indulged in language of unusual loudness and severity, he was wont to address her in a gentle tone as Miss Strong, the only kind of retaliation to which he resorted. He shortened the Miss a little, so that his words might almost be recorded as Miss Strong. In those rare and cheerful moments when her mood was more in harmony with his own, he called her synth, for short. In his letters,

Starting point is 00:53:47 which were few he had addressed her as dear synth she was therefore a compound person consisting of a severe and dissenting character called miss strong and a woman of few words and a look of sickliness and resignation who answered to the pseudomin of synth born and brought up in the forest there was much in silas and cynthia that suggested the wild growth of the woodland their sister the late mrs gordon had beauty and a head for books she had gone to town and worked for her board and spent a year in the academy silas and cynthia on the other hand were without beauty or learning or refinement nor had they much understanding of the laws of earth or heaven save what nature had taught them but the devotion of this man to that querulous little wild cat of a sister was remarkable she was to him a sacred heritage for love of her he had carried with him these ten years a burden as it were of suppressed and yearning affection silas strong alone might even have been good enough in his own estimation but he accepted miss strong as a kind of flaw in his own character every june he went to his camp at lost river taking synth to cook for him and returning in the early winter next day at sunrise they were to start for the woods to-day he helped to get supper and having wiped the dishes put on his own his best suit his fine boots his new felt hat and walked a mile to the little farm of uncle ben royce he carried with him a gray squirrel in a cage and as he walked sang in a low voice

Starting point is 00:55:47 all for the love of a charming creature all for the love of a lady fair it was like any one of a thousand visits he had made there annette met him at the door why of all things said she what have you here christmas present lady anne said he it should be said that with silas a gift was a christmas present every day in the year the cheerful spirit of that time being always with him he proudly put the cage in her hands much obliged to you sile said she laughing strong's ahead he stammered cheerfully this indicated that in his flight with the powers of evil strong felt as if he had at least temporary advantage when perhaps after a moment of anger it seemed that the evil one had got the upper hold on him he was wont to exclaim satan's ahead but the historian is glad to say that those occasions were in the main rare and painful strong will never give in said annette with laughter strong's affection was expressed only in signs and tokens of the former there were his careful preparation for each visit and many sighs and blushes and now and then a tender glance of the eye of tokens there had been many a tame fox ten minkskins a fawn a young thrush a pancake turner carved out of wood and other important trifles

Starting point is 00:57:39 for twenty years he had been coming but never a word of love had passed between them silas sat in a strong wooden chair under the sky he never thought of his six feet and two inches of bone and muscle now it seemed to fill his consciousness and the little room in which he sat to-day and generally he leaned against the wall a knee in his hands as if to keep himself in proper restraint did you just come to bring me that squirrel annette inquired no he answered what then squirrel come come to bring me to bring me silas strong she exclaimed playfully amazed by his frankness he put his big hand over his face and enjoyed half a minute of silent laughter silas strong she repeated present said he as if answering the call of the roll and sobering as he uncovered his face in conversation silas had a way of partly closing one eye while the other opened wide beneath a lifted brow the one word of the emperor was inadequate he was indeed present but he was extremely happy also a condition which should have been freely acknowledged it must be said however that his features made up in some degree for the idleness of his tongue he brushed them with a downward movement of his hand as if to remove all traces of levity and prepare them for their part in serious conversation all well he inquired soberly eat our allowance said she sitting near him how's miss strong

Starting point is 00:59:39 supple he answered then he ran his fingers through his blond hair and soberly exclaimed weasels this remark indicated that weasels had been killing the poultry and applying stimulation to the tongue of Miss Strong. Silas had sent her fowls away to market the day before. Too bad, was the remark of Lady Anne. Fished? By this word, Silas meant to inquire if she had been fishing. Yesterday, over at the falls, caught ten, said she, getting busy with her knitting. Big!

Starting point is 01:00:24 three three that long she answered measuring with her thread he gave a loud whistle of surprise thought a moment and exclaimed montainius he used this word when contemplating in imagination news of a large and important character how have you been stout he answered drawing in his breath annette rose and seemed to go in search of something the kindly gray eyes of silas strong followed her a smile lighted up his face it was a very plain face but there was yet something fine about it something which invited confidence and respect the lady anne entered her own room and soon returned shut your eyes said she what for christmas present silas obeyed and she thrust three pairs of socks into his coat pocket with a smile he drew them out then a partly smothered laugh burst from his lips and he held his hand before his face and shook with good feeling socks he exclaimed there are two parts of a man which always ought to be kept warm his heart and his feet said she silas whacked his knee with his palm and laughed heartily his wide eye aglow with merriment his expression quickly turned serious bears plenty he exclaimed as he felt of the socks and looked them over this remark indicated that a season of unusual happiness and prosperity had arrived

Starting point is 01:02:21 worked in white yarn at the top of each leg with the words remember me till death he whispered with me in your mind and them on your feet you ought to be happy said annette and warm he answered soberly presently she read aloud to him from the st lawrence republican some day said silas when at last he had risen to go some day she repeated with a smile the only sort of engagement between them lay in the two words some day they served as an avowal of love and intention amplified as it were by look and tone as well as by the pressure of the hand clasp they were understood of both to-day as annette returned to the assurance she playfully patted his cheek a rare token of her approval silas left her at the door and made his way down the dark road he began to give himself some highly pleasing assurances some day taut talkin he stammered in a whisper, and then he began to laugh silently. Padded my cheek, he whispered. Then he laughed again. At the store he had filled his pack with flour, ham, butter, and like provisions for Lost River Camp.

Starting point is 01:03:57 At Annette's he had filled his heart with renewed hope and happiness, and was now prepared for the summer. While he walked along, he fell to specify. as to whether Annette could live under the same roof with Cynthia. A hundred times he had considered whether he could ask her, and as usual he concluded, Can't! The Hunter had an old memorandum book,

Starting point is 01:04:24 which was a kind of storehouse for thought, hope, and reflection. Therein he seemed always to regard himself objectively, and spoke of strong as if he were quite another person. before going to bed that evening he made these entries june the twenty third strong is all mellered up snags with him the word meller meant to soften and sometimes even to conquer with the club the word snags undoubtedly bore reference to the difficulties that beset his way end of chapter four chapter five of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter five silas and his little sister ate their breakfast by candlelight and were off on the trail before sunrise a small yellow dog of the name of zeb following zeb was a bear dog with a cross eye and a serious countenance he was in the main a brave but prudent animal

Starting point is 01:05:48 one day he attacked a bear which had been stunned by a bullet and before he could dodge the bear struck him knocking an eye out strong had put it back and since that day his dog had borne a cross eye zeb had a sense of dignity highly becoming in a creature of his attainments this morning however he scampered up and down the trail whining with great joy and leaping to lick the hand of his master scinth walked spryly a little curt in her manner but passive and resigned silas carried a heavy pack a coon in a big cage and led a fox when he came to soft places he set the cage down and tethered the fox and taking scyth in his arms carried her as one would carry a baby having gained better footing he would let cynth down upon a log or a mossy rock to rest and return for his treasures after two or three hours of travel the complaining miss strong would appear seems so you take pleasure wearing me out on these here trails she would say why don't you walk a little faster whoa he would answer cheerfully rough locks the rough lock it should be explained was a form of break used by log haulers to check their bobs on a steep hill in the conversation of silas it was a cautionary signal meaning hold up and proceed carefully you don't care if you do kill me galloping through the woods here just like a

Starting point is 01:07:36 hound after a fox I won't walk another step not another step rufflocks he commanded himself as he tied the fox and set the coon down won't ride either she would declare with emphasis will wings on miss strong Silas had been known to ask in a tone of great gentleness. She would be apt to answer, If I had wings, I'd see the last to you. Then a little time of rest and silence, after which the big gentle hunter would shoulder his pack

Starting point is 01:08:16 and lift in his arms the slender and complaining Miss Strong and carry her up the long grade of Bear Mountain. Then he would make her comfortable and return for his pets. That day, having gone back for the fox and the coon, he concluded to try the experiment of putting them together. Before then, he had given the matter a good deal of thought, for if the two were in a single package, as it were, the problem of transportation would be greatly simplified. He could fasten the coon cage on the top of his pack, and so avoiding doubling the trail.

Starting point is 01:08:57 He led the fox and carried the coon to the point where Synth awaited him. Then he removed the chain from the fox's collar, carefully opening the cage and thrust him in. The swift effort of both animals to find quarter nearly overturned the cage. Spits and growls of warning followed one another in quick succession. Then each animal braced himself against an end of the cage, indulging as he was a it would seem, in continuous complaint and recrimination. You behave, said Silas, warmingly, as he put the cage on top of his basket and fastened a stout

Starting point is 01:09:40 cord from bars to buckles. They'll fight, Synth exclaimed. Let him fight, said Silas, who had sat down before his pack and adjusted the shoulder-straps. The growling increased as a... he rose carefully to his feet and with a swift movement coon and fox exchanged positions scinth descended the long hill afoot and silas went on cautiously a low continuous murmur of hostile sound rising in the air behind him each animal seemed to think it necessary to remind the other with every breath he took that he was prepared to defend himself their enmity was it was it was but it was would appear deep and racial. At cedar swamp in the flat below,

Starting point is 01:10:33 the big hunter took synth in his arms. Then the sound of menace and complaint rose before and behind him. Slowly he proceeded, his feet sinking deep in the wet moss. Stepping on hummocks in a dead creek, he slipped and fell. The little animals were flung about like shot in a bottle. Each seemed to hold the other responsible for his discomfiture. They came together in deadly conflict. The sounds in the cage resembled an explosion of firecrackers under a pan.

Starting point is 01:11:11 Synth lifted her voice in a loud outcry of distress and accusation. Without a word, the hunter scrambled to his feet, renewed his hold upon the complaining Synth, and set out for dry land. Luckily, the mud was not above his boot-tops. The cage creaked and hurtled. The animals rolled from side to side in their noisy encounter. The indignant synth struggled to get free with loud, hysteric cries. Strong ran beneath his burden.

Starting point is 01:11:47 He gained the dry trail and set his sister upon the ground. He flung off the shoulder straps, and with a stick separated the animal. animals. He opened the cage and seized the fox by the nape of the neck, and before he could haul him forth, got a nip on the back of his hand. He lifted the spitting fox and fastened the chain upon his collar. Then Silas put his hands on his hips, and blew like a frightened deer. "'Helsba being raised,' he muttered, as if taking counsel with himself against Satan. Careful! He was in a mood between amusement and anger,

Starting point is 01:12:30 but was dangerously near the ladder. A little profanity, felt but not expressed, warmed his spirit, so that he kicked the coon's cage and tumbled it bottom-side up. In a moment he recovered self-control, righted the cage, and whispered, "'Sas Satan's ahead!'

Starting point is 01:12:51 The wound upon his hand was bleeding. but he seemed not to mind it. Having done his best for the comfort of his sister, he brushed the mud from his boots and trousers, filled his pipe, and sat meditating in a cloud of tobacco smoke. Presently he rose and shouldered his pack and untied the fox and lifted the coon cage.

Starting point is 01:13:17 I'll walk if it kills me, Synth exclaimed, rising with a sigh of utter recklessness. tain't fur said strong as they renewed their journey it was past midday when they got to camp and synth lay down to rest while he fried some ham and boiled the potatoes and made tea and flapjacks by an open fire when he sat on his heels and held the pan over the fire the long woodsman used to shut up as one might say somewhat in the fashion of a jack-knife he was wont to call it settin on his haunches his great left hand served for a movable screen to protect his face from the heat as the odor and sound of the frying-pan rose about him his features took on a look of great benevolence it was a good part of the meal to hear him announce dinner in a tender and cheerful tone as he spoke it the word was one of great capacity for suggestion when the sound of it rose and lingered on its final r that day they arrived at lost river camp synth awoke and came out of doors strong's gainin he exclaimed cheerfully meaning thereby to indicate that he hoped soon to overtake his enemy the table of bark fastened to spruce pole

Starting point is 01:14:51 each end lying in a crotch, had been covered with a mat of ferns and with clean white dishes. Silas began to convey the food from fire to table. To his delight he observed that Miss Strong had gone into retirement. The face of his sister now wore its better look of sickliness and resignation. Opie Dildok! he inquired tenderly, pouring from a flask into a cup. no sir she answered curtly her tone adding a rebuke to her negative answer lest set he said soberly they sat and ate dinner after which silas went back on the trail to cut and bring wood for the camp-fire when his job was finished the rooms were put to rights the stove was hot and clean and an excellent supper waiting strong's camp consisted of three little log cabins and a large cook tent the edge of each cabin was a rude fireplace built of flat rocks enclosed by upright logs which lined with sheet-iron towered above the roof for a chimney

Starting point is 01:16:10 each floor an odd mosaic of wooden blocks each wall sheathed with redolent strips of cedar each rude divan bottomed with deerskin and covered with balsam pillows each bedstead of peeled spruce neatly cut and joined the whole represented years of labor every winter silas had come through the woods on a big sled with new improvements for camp now there were spring beds and ticks filled with husks in the cabins a stove and all needed accessories in the cook tent ever since he could carry a gun silas had set his traps and hunted along the valley of lost river ranging over the wild country miles from either shore twenty thousand acres of the wilderness round about had belonged to smith and gordon who gave him permission to build his camp when he built timber and land had little value under the great green roof from bare mountain to four ponds from the racquet to the oswegochee one might have enjoyed the free hospitality of god from a time he could not remember this great domain had been the home of silas strong he loved it and a sense of proprietorship had grown within him therein he had need only of matches a blanket and a rifle one might have led him blindfolded in the darkest night to any part of it and soon he would have got his bearings in many places the very souls of his feet would have told him where he stood. Long ago, its owners had give him charge of this great track. He had forbidden the hounding of deer

Starting point is 01:18:05 and all kinds of greedy slaughter, and had made campers careful with fire. Soon he came to be called the Emperor of the Woods, and every hunter respected his laws. Slowly, steam power broke through the hills and approached the ramparts of the Emperor. this power was like one of the many hands of the republic gathering for its need it started wheels and shafts and bore day and night upon them now the song of doom sounded in far corridors of the great sylvan home of silas strong it was only a short walk to where the dead hills lay sprinkled over with ashes their rock bones bleaching in the sun beneath columns of charred timber the spruce and pine had gone with the ever-flowing stream and their dead tops had been left to dry and burn with unquenchable fury at the touch of fire and to destroy everything root and branch and the earth out of which it grew it concerned him much to note everywhere signs of a change in proprietorship in strong's youth one felt from end to end of the forest this invitation of its ancient owner come all ye that are weary and heavy laden and i will give you rest now one saw much of this legend in the forest ways all persons are forbidden trespassing on this property under penalty of the law

Starting point is 01:19:46 proprietorship had seemingly passed from god to man the land was worth now thirty dollars an acre silas had established his camp when the boundaries were indefinite and the old banners of welcome on every trail and he felt the change end of chapter five chapter six of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter six it was near sunset of the second day after the arrival of cynth and silas they sat together in front of the cook tent silas leaned forward smoking a pipe his great brawny arms bare to the elbow rested on his knees his faded felt hat was tilted back he was looking down at the long stretch of still water fringed with lily pads and reflecting the colors of either shore you ain't got a cent to your name said synth who was knitting she gave the yarn a pull and as she did so glanced up at her brother better times said he rubbing his hands better times she sneered she sneered i'd love to be better times she sneered i'd love to be it like to know how you can make money and charge a dollar a day for board sportsmen visiting there paid for their board and they with whom silas went gave him three dollars a day for his labor the truth was that prosperity and miss strong were things irreconcilable the representatives of prosperity who came to lost river camp were often routed by the eye of resentment and the unruly tongue

Starting point is 01:21:52 strong knew all this but she was not the less sacred on that account this year he had planned to bring a cow to camp and raise the price of board you see strong insisted huh cynth went on we'll most kill ourselves and next spring we won't have nothing but a lot of mink skins miss strong as if this reflection had quite overcome her gathered up her knitting and hastened into the cook tent where for a moment she seemed to be venting her spite on the flat irons in the tea-kettle strong sat alone smoking thoughtfully soon he heard footsteps on the trail a stranger approaching bade him good evening from the mingler lumber company the stranger began as he gave a card to strong we have bought the smith and gordon tract i have come to bring this letter and have a talk with you strong read the letter carefully then he rose and put his hands in his pockets and with a sly wink at the stranger walked slowly down the trail he wished to go where synth would not be able to hear them some twenty rods away both sat down upon a log the letter was in effect an order of eviction i got to go the emperor inquired that's about the size of it said the stranger can't strong answered well there's no hurry said the other we shall be cutting here in the fall i won't disturb you this year silas rose and stood errone

Starting point is 01:23:50 before the lumberman cut everything he inquired his hand sweeping outward in a gesture of peculiar eloquence everything from round ridge to carter's plane said the other strong deliberately took off his jacket and laid it on a stump he flung his hat upon the ground evidently something unusual was about to happen then forthwith he broke the silence of more than forty years and opened his heart to the stranger he could not control himself his tongue almost forgot its infirmity his words came faster and easier as he went on no he said it can't be you ain't get no right to do it for you can't never put the woods back again my god sir i've wandered over these hills and flats ever since i was a little boy there ain't a critter on em that they don't know me seem so that they was all my brothers i've seen men come in here nigh dead and go back well there's me medicine here to kill me all the sickness in a hundred cities. They's fur enough here to cover their naked. They's food enough to feed their hungry. And they saw wood enough to keep them warm. God planted these woods and stocked them, and nobody's ever done a day's work here, except me. Now you come along

Starting point is 01:25:29 and say you've bought them and are going to shove us out. I can't understand it. God made the sky and I lifted up the trees to sweep the dust out of it and pump water into the clouds and give out the breath of the ground. You ain't got no right to get together down there in Albany and make laws against the will of God. You rob the world and then you take the treetops out of the sky. You might as well take the clouds out of it. God has given us good air and the woods and the wild cab. and it's free and you you're going to turn everybody out of here and seize the gift and trade it for dollars you damn little bullcook a bull cook it should be explained was the chore boy in a lumber camp strong sat down and took out an old red handkerchief and wiped his eyes he was thinking of the springs and brooks and rivers of the cool shade of the old old old handkerchief and wiped his eyes he was thinking of the springs and brooks and rivers of the cool shade of the ocean

Starting point is 01:26:36 of the woodland of the life-giving air of the desolation that was to come it's business said the stranger as if that word must put an end to all argument a sound broke the silence like that of distant thunder hear that strong went on it's the logs you're goin over rainbow falls they've been stole off the state lands that's business too. Business is king of this country. He takes everything he can lay his hands on. He'd try to grab heaven if he could get over the fence and back again. I am not here to discuss that, said the stranger, rising to go. Had supper? Silas asked. I've a lunch in the canoe, thank you. The moon is up and I'm going to push on to Copper Falls. Miggly will be waiting for me. We shall camp there for a day or two at Cedar's Spring.

Starting point is 01:27:44 Good night. Good night. It was growing dark. Strong's outbreak had wearied him. He groaned and shook his head and stood a moment, thinking. In the distance he could hear the hoot of an owl and the bull base of frogs booming over the still water. Gone, he exclaimed presently.

Starting point is 01:28:10 Soon he added, in a mournful tone, Wouldn't das tell Miss Strong. He started slowly towards the camp. I'll lie to her, he whispered as he went along. Before going to bed, he made this note in his memorandum book. June the 26th, Moore snagged Strong. says trouble is like smallpox thing to do is keep it from spreadin end of chapter six chapter seven of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter seven since early may there had been no rain save a sprinkle now and then from lake ontario to lake champlain

Starting point is 01:29:11 from the st lawrence to sandy hook the earth had been scorching under a hot sun the heat and dust of midsummer had dimmed the glory of june people those days were thinking less of the timber of the woods and more of their abundant cool and living green the inns along the edge of the forest were filling up about eleven o'clock of a morning late in june a young man arrived at the end of the forest were filling up about eleven o'clock of a morning late in june a young man arrived at lost river camp one robert master whose father owned a camp and some forty thousand acres not quite a day's tramp to the north he was a big handsome youth of twenty-two just out of college sinth regarded every newcomer as a natural enemy she suspected most men of laziness and a capacity she suspected most men of laziness and a capacity for the oppression of females she stood in severe silence at the door of the cook tent and looked him over as he came soon she went to the stove and began to move the griddles silas entered with an armful of wood if he thinks i'm goin to wait on him hand and foot he's very much mistaken said cynth rough locks silas answered calmly as he put a stick on the fire cynth made no reply but began sullenly rushing to and fro with pots and pans soon her quick knife had taken the jackets off a score of potatoes while her hands flew water leaped on the potatoes and the potatoes tumbled into the pot and the pot jopped into the pot and the pot jumped into the stove-hole as the grieve

Starting point is 01:31:01 took a slide across the top of the stove and so with a rush of feet and a rattle of pots and pans and a sliding of griddles and a banging of iron doors miss strong wore off her temper at hard work the emperor used to smile at this variety of noise and call it female profanity a phrase not wholly inapt when the sport had finished his dinner and she and her brother sat side by side at the table she was plain synth again with a look of sickliness and resignation she ate freely but would never confess her appetite and so leisurely that strong often had most of the dishes washed before she had finished eating the young man was eager to begin fishing and soon after dinner the emperor took him over to catamount pond on their way the young man spoke of the object of his visit mr strong you know my father he half inquired a yup the emperor answered he's been a property holder in this county for five years every summer of which i have spent on his land i feel at home in the woods and i cast my first vote at tifton strong listened thoughtfully i want to do what i can to save the wilderness young master went on right said the emperor if i were in the legislature i believe i could accomplish something anyhow i'm going to make a fight for the vacant seat in the assembly

Starting point is 01:32:52 strong surveyed him from head to foot i wish you would do what you can for me in pitkin uh huh strong answered in a gentle tone without opening his lips it was a way he had of expressing uncertainty leaning towards affirmation he liked the young man there was indeed something grateful to him in the look and voice of a gentleman you'll never be ashamed of me i'll see to that said master having reached the little pond strong gave him his boat and promised to return and bring him into camp at six here and there trout were breaking through the smooth plain of water the emperor took a bee-line over the wooded ridge to robin lake there he spent an hour repairing his bark shanty and gathered gathering balsam boughs for a bed. Stepping on a layer of spruce poles over which the boughs were to be spread, in a dark corner of the shanty, his foot went through and came down upon the nest of one of the most disagreeable creatures in the wilderness.

Starting point is 01:34:12 He sprang away with an oath and fled into the open air. For a moment he expressed himself in a series of sharp reports. then picking up a long pole he met the offenders leaving their retreat and mellered them as he explained a synth that evening to take that amos he muttered as he gave one of them another blow it should be borne in mind that he called every member of this melodorous tribe amos because of the meanest man he ever knew had borne that name he put his heel and he had borne that name he put his heel in the crotch of a fallen limb and drew his boot. Then he cautiously cut off the leg of his trousers at the knee, and poking cloth and leather into a little hollow, buried them under black earth. Slowly the Emperor of the Woods climbed a ridge on his way to Lost River Camp, one leg bare to the knee. Walking, he thought of Annette. Lately, misfortune had come between them, and now he saw, he

Starting point is 01:35:21 seemed to be getting farther from the trail of happiness. At a point on Balsam Hill, he came into the main thoroughfare of the woodsman, which leads from Bear Mountain to Lost River Camp. Where he could see far down the big trail, under arches of Evergreen, he sat on a stump to rest. His bootless foot, now getting sore, rested on a giant toadstool. Thus enthroned, the Emperor looked down at his foot and reconsidered the relative positions of himself and the evil one. His faded crown of felt, tilting over one ear, his rough-bearded face wet with perspiration,

Starting point is 01:36:07 his patched trousers truncated over the right knee, below which foot and leg were uncovered. He was an Emperor more distinguished for his appearance than his lineage. he took out his old memorandum book and made this note in it with the stub of a pencil june twenty seventh strong says one amos in the bush is worth two in your company in a pair of breeches the emperor although in the main a serious character enjoyed some private fun with this worn little book which he always carried with him therein he did most of his talking with secret self-applauses now and then one may fancy it has thrown some light on the inner life of the man and in a sense it is one of the figures of our history end of chapter seven chapter eight of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this liber fox recording is in the public domain chapter eight silas put the book in his pocket and looked down the trail some ten rods away two children were running towards him their hands full of wild flowers they were socky and sue on their way to lose to lost river camp and were the first children save one who had ever set their feet on the old trail gordon walked slowly under a heavy pack well behind them

Starting point is 01:37:55 they knew they were near their destination their father could scarcely keep them inhaling distance sue had observed that sake's generosity in the matter of the tin bank had pleased her father and so after much thought she had determined to make a venture in benevolence. When I see Uncle Silas, said she, I'm going to give him twenty-five cents my Aunt Marie gave me. Pooh, he's got loads of money, Saki answered. They stopped suddenly. Sue dropped her flowers and turned to run. Saki gave a little jump and recovered his courage.

Starting point is 01:38:40 Both retreated a few steps. steps. There before them was the dejected emperor of the woods. Says I, he exclaimed, looking down calmly from his throne. Saki glanced up at him fearfully. Who be you? John Soxsmith Gordon. Tie-tie, exclaimed the emperor, an expression, as the historian believes, of great surprise, standing, perhaps, for the old oath, by mighty.

Starting point is 01:39:18 It consisted of the pronunciation of the two letters separately and then together. The emperor turned to the girl. And you yorn? he inquired. Susan Bradbury Gordon, she answered, in a half-whisper. I'm, exclaimed the emperor, shaking his bootless foot, whereupon the newcomers retreated a little farther the singular word tnum expressed an unusual degree of interest in the part of the emperor go infer he inquired to lost river to see my uncle silas the emperor gave a loud whistle of surprise and repeated the exclamation i tnum my father's coming said saki as he pointed down the trail we yo whistled the emperor of the woods who now perceived his brother-in-law ascending the trail

Starting point is 01:40:24 old man what are you doing there gordon asked thinking out some thoughts said the emperor soberly as he came into the trail limping on his bare foot and shook hands there were greetings and the hunter briefly apologized for his bare leg and explained it well how are you gordon asked supple strong answered cheerfully the children got behind their father peering from either side of him as they saw this uncouth figure coming near sue pressed the hand of her brother so tightly as to cause the boy to break her hold upon him ride said the emperor putting his great hand on the head of the boy and shaking it a little saki looked up at him with large wondering timid eyes sue hid her face under the coat-hills of her father they'd rather walk come on said gordon the men proceeded slowly over the hill and down into the valley of lost river the children followed some twenty paces behind whispering together they were still in happy ignorance of the identity of the strange man sold out eh said the hunter sold out sorry they're goin to shove a railroad in here and begin cutting a smothered oath broke from the lips of the emperor gordon came near to him and whispered sile said he don't swear before the kids i'm bad enough but i've always been careful about that going to leave them here if you'll let me

Starting point is 01:42:21 Good! The Emperor stopped short, and his voice fell into thoughtful silence. As they came in sight of the little clearing and the tent and cabins of Lost River Camp, Sue and Saki ran ahead of the men. I'm in trouble, Gordon went on. My account at the mill is overdrawn. They've pushed me to the verge of madness. I must have a little help.

Starting point is 01:42:51 the woodsman stopped and put his hand on the shoulder of gordon been foolish dick said he kindly i'm done with that i want to begin new i need a little money to throw to the wolves how much four hundred dollars would do me strong beckoned to him come to my goose pen said the hunter as he led the way to an old basswood some fifty paces from the camp he removed a piece of bark which fitted nicely over a hole in the tree trunk he put his hand in the hole which he called a goose pen and took out a roll of bills you save like a squirrel said gordon de no no other way strong answered as he began to count the money three hundred and seventy dollars said he presently and gave it to his brother-in-law he felt in the hole again b b'banks failed he added the kindness of the woodland was in the face of the hunter he was like an old hickory drawing its nourishment from the very bosom of the earth and freely giving its crop where he fed there was plenty and he had no more thoughts of his own needs than a tree thank you it's enough said gordon better keep some of it. No good here, Strong answered, with his old reliance on the bounty of nature. I'll go out to Pitkin in the morning. I'm going to get a new start in the world. If you'll take

Starting point is 01:44:40 care of the children, I'll send you some money every month. You've been a brother to me, and I'll not forget. The Emperor sat upon a log and took a pencil and an old memorandum book from his pocket and wrote on a leaf this letter to Annette dear friend I am well company come today I don't know when I'll see you woods is hot and dry fish plenty socks on feel splendid hoping for better times yours truly s strong P. S strong's ahead in truth the whole purpose of the letter lay in that laconic post-grip, expressing as it did a sense of moral triumph under great difficulties.

Starting point is 01:45:34 The emperor stripped a piece of bark off a birch tree, trimmed it with his knife, and, unfolding it around the letter, bound it in the middle with a long thorn which he drew out of the lapel of his jacket. He handed the missive to Gordon, saying, "'Frant Royce!' the children stood peering into an open door when the men came and flung down their packs scinth had gone to work in the garden which was near the river bank

Starting point is 01:46:05 silas strong entered his cabin the children came to their father who had seated himself on a chopping block having forgotten the real uncle silas they had been looking for that splendid creature of whom they had dreamed father sake whispered where is uncle silas that was uncle silas said gordon the eyes of the children were fixed upon his while their faces began to change color the long dark lashes of little sue quivered for a second as if she had received a blow saki's glance fell his trembling hands which lay on the knee of gordon seemed to clutch at each other then his right thumb stood up straight and stiff his lips parted one might have observed a little upward twitch of the muscles under either cheek it signalled the first touch of bitter disappointment that man he whispered looking up doubtfully as he pointed in the direction of the door into which strong had disappeared that's uncle silas said gordon with smiling amusement saki turned and spat upon the ground slowly he walked away scuffing his feet sue followed with the look of deep dejection. They went behind the camp and found the big potato hole and crawled into it. The bottom was covered with dry leaves. They sat down, but neither spoke.

Starting point is 01:47:50 Saki leaned forward, his chin upon his hands. Do you like Uncle Silas? Sue whispered. For a moment, Saki did not change his attitude or make any reply. I wouldn't give him no twenty-five cents, Sue added. Don't speak to me, Saki answered, with a quick movement of his knee. It was a time of sad discovery, that pathetic day when the first castle of childhood falls upon its builder. I'm going home, said Sue. You won't be let, Saki answered, his under-lid. trembling as he thought of the old lumber yard suddenly he lay over on the leaves his forehead on his elbow and wept in silence sue lay beside him her cheek partly covered by golden curls she felt badly but did not give way

Starting point is 01:48:53 they were both utterly weary and cast down sue lay on her back and drew out her tiny doll much as a man would love a cigarette in his moment of abstraction. She flirted it in the air and brought it down upon her breast. The doll had come out of her pocket just in time to save her. She lay yawning a few moments, then fell asleep, and soon Saki joined her. Gordon lay down upon a bed in one of the cabins. He too was weary and soon forgot us troubles. The emperor, having shifted his garment,

Starting point is 01:49:33 went behind the camp and stood looking down at his sorrowing people a smile spread over his countenance it came and passed like a billow of sunlight flooding over the hills he shook his head with amusement soon he turned away and sauntered slowly towards the river bank these children had been flung as it were upon the ruin of his hopes what should he do with them and with miss strong suddenly a reflection of unusual magnitude broke from his lips they's got to be to tall contriven he whispered with a sigh scinth who had been sewing onions heard him coming and rose to her feet gorgon said he pointing towards camp anybody with him she asked the children said he goin to leave em scinth turned with a look of alarm can't swear neither strong added he can take em back said miss strong with flashing eyes and a flirt of her apron roughlocks the emperor demanded in a low tone who'll take care of em me heavens she exclaimed her voice full of despair come miss strong so saying silas took the arm of his complaining sister and led her up the hill when ye had come to the potato-hole he pointed down at the children they had dressed with scrupulous care for the eye of him who not an hour since had been the greatest of all men

Starting point is 01:51:30 the boy lay in his only wide white collar and necktie in his best coat and knee-breeches the girl had on her beloved brown dress and pink sunbonnet it was a picture to fill one's eyes and all the more if one could have seen the hearts of those little people a new look came into the face of sinth land sakes she exclaimed raising one of her hands and letting it fall again she looks like sister thankful don't she don't she silas scyth wiped her eyes with her apron the heart of silas strong had also been deeply touched regler angel he exclaimed thoughtfully after a moment of silence he added kind of like little fawns they turned away proceeding to the cook tent scinth looked as if she were making up her mind silas as if his were already made up sinth began to rattle the pots and pans shis hissed as he fixed the fire what's the matter she demanded wake em up hope i will she retorted loudly strong strode off in the trail to catamount pond where he was to get master zeb the bear dog had been digging at a foxhole over in birch hollow growing weary and all-thirst by and by he relinquished his enterprise crossed to the trail and discovering the scent of strangers hurried home

Starting point is 01:53:23 soon he found those curious little folks down in the potato hole he had never seen a child before he smelled them over cautiously his opinion was extremely favorable his tail began to wag and unable to restrain his enthusiasm he expressed himself in a loud bark the children awoke and zeb retreated socky and sue rose the latter crying while that little yellow snip of a bear dog with cross-eye and curving tail surveyed them anxiously he backed away as if to coax them out of the hole when they had come near he seemed to be wiping one foot after another upon the ground vigorously as he did so he growled in a manner calculated to inspire respect Then he ran around them in a wide circle at high speed, growling a playful challenge. Saki, who had some understanding of dogs, dashed upon Zeb, and soon they were all at play together. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods by Irving Bachelor.

Starting point is 01:54:55 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. chapter nine on catamount pond young master had enjoyed a memorable day he was an expert fisherman but the lonely quiet of the scene had been more than fished to him of it was a barren ridge from the top of which a broken column of dead pine like a shaft of rotten marble towered straight and high above the woods the curving shore had a fringe of lily pads starred here and there with white tufts around thickets of birch on a point of land a little cove was the end of all the deer trails that came out of jimony swamp it was the gateway of the pond for all who journeyed thither to eat and drink there were white columns on either side and opposite the cove's end was a thicket of tamarack clear of brush a deep mat of vivid green moss came to the water's edge when one had rounded the point in his canoe he could see those cool dark alleys of the deer leading off through the slender tamaracks a little beyond were the rock bastions of painter mountain five hundred feet above the water the young man having grown weary of fishing leaned back lighted his pipe and drifted he could hear the chattering of a hedgehog up by the dry timber and the scream of a hawk like the whistle of some craft leagues away on the sunlit deep of silence a wild goose steered straight across the heavens far bound

Starting point is 01:56:41 his wings making a noise like the cleaving of water and the creek of full sails he saw the man below him and flung a cry overboard a great bee driven out of a lily threw his warning loop around the head of the intruder and boomed out of hearing those threads of sound seemed to bind the tongue of the youth and to connect his soul with the great silence into which they ran robert master had crossed that desert of uncertainty which lies between college and the beginning of a career at last he had made his plan he would try in his own simple way to serve his country he was a man of the new spirit of pure ideals of high patriotism he had set out to try to make his way in politics he had been one of the big men dauntless and powerful who had saved the day for his alma mater more than once on the track in the gridiron handsome was a word which had been much applied to him hard work in the open air had given him a sturdy figure and added the glow of health and power to a face of unusual refinement it was the face of a man with whom the capacity for stern trials had come by acquisition and not by inheritance he had cheerful brown eyes and a smile of good nature that made him beloved his father was at the big camp some twenty miles away his mother and sister having gone abroad he and his father were fond of the forest home the ladies founded a bore

Starting point is 01:58:31 they loved better the grand life and the great highways of travel master sat in the center of his canoe an elbow rested on his paddle which lay athwart the gunwels he drifted awhile he had chosen his life work but not his life partner he pictured to himself the girl he would love had he ever the luck to find her he had thrown off his hat and his dark hair shone in the sunlight soon he pushed slowly down the pond in a moment he stilled his paddle and sat looking into birch cove two fauns were playing in the edge of the water while their dam with the dignity of a matron stood on the shore looking down at them the fauns gambled in the shallows like a colt at play now and then dashing their muzzles in the cool water their red coats were starred white as if with snowflakes the deer stood a moment looking at master stamped her feet and retired into one of the dark alleys in a moment her fauns followed turning the fisherman beheld what gave him even greater surprise in the shadow of the birches on a side of the cove and scarcely thirty feet from his canoe a girl sat looking at him she wore a blue-knit jacket and gray skirt there was nothing on her head save its mass of light hair that fell curling on her shoulders her skin was brown as a berry her features of a noble and delicate mould her eyes blue and large made their potent appeal to the heart of master they were like those of his dreams he could never forget them

Starting point is 02:00:26 so far it's the old story of love at sight but listen for half a moment they looked into each other's eyes then the girl as if she were afraid of him rose and disappeared among the columns of white birch long he sat there wondering about this strange vision of girlhood until he heard the hello of silas strong turning his canoe he pushed for the landing lucky strong asked twenty fish and i saw the most beautiful woman in the world where sitting on the shore of birch cove any camp near the emperor shook his head thoughtfully as he lighted his pipe the two made their way up the trail wonder if it's her strong whispered to himself as he walked along after supper that evening silas strong gathered a heap of wood for a bonfire away he had of celebrating arrivals at lost river camp soon he was running upon hands and knees in the firelight with saki and sue on his back silas strong was the scornful exclamation of synth as she took a seat by the fire present he answered as he went on the children laughing merrily be you a man or a fool both he answered ceasing his harlequinade since began her knitting wearing a look of injury plum crazy bout them ere children she exclaimed the emperor of the emperor of the wood sat on a log breathing heavily with sue and sake upon his knee

Starting point is 02:02:22 knees bears plenty miss strong was the gentle reply of silas miss strong said she as if insulted what you miss strongin me for when others were present she was wont to fling back upon him this burning query now it seemed to stimulate him to a rather unusual effort some folks better when you miss em he suggested with a smile of good nature miss strong gathered up her knitting and promptly retired from the scene sue and sake lay back on the lap of their uncle silas looking into the fire they now saw in him great possibilities saki in particular had begun to regard him as likely to be useful if not highly magnificent sue lay back and began to make a drowsy display of her learning intree mintree cutry calm apple seed and applethorn wire briar limberlock twelve geese all in a white flock some fly east and some fly west and some fly over the cuckoo's nest miss strong returned shortly and found the children asleep on the knees of their uncle in a moment silas turned his ear and listened hark he whispered they could hear some one approaching on the dark trail a man oddly picturesque with a rifle on his shoulder strode into the firelight he wore knee-breeches and a coat of buckskin he had a rugged face a sturdy figure and was one would have guessed some sixty years of age

Starting point is 02:04:16 a fringe of thin white hair showed below his cap he had a white moustache through which a forgotten cigar protruded his black eyes glowed in the firelight beneath silvered brows he nodded as they greeted him his ruddy face wrinkled thoughtfully as he turned to gordon it's a long time said he offering his hand some years gordon answered as he took the hand of dunmore welcome said silas strong bonica dunmore exclaimed gruffly but with a faint smile for years it had been his customary word of greeting the emperor and his court he went on as he looked about him who are these he surveyed the sleeping children he surveyed the sleeping children the duke and duchess of hillsborough nephew and niece of the emperor master answered giving them titles which clung to saki and sue for a twelvemonth the first children i've ever seen in the woods except my own said the white-haired man zeb ran around the chair of the emperor growling and leaping playfully at saki and sioux the court jester said dunmore's looking down at the dog he stood a moment with his back to the blazing logs then he went to the chair of the emperor and put his hand under the chin of little sue and looked into her face in half a moment he took her in his arms and sat down by the fireside the child was yawning wearily hi-ho he exclaimed

Starting point is 02:06:11 let's away to the isles of rest he rocked back and forth as he held her against his breast and sang this lullaby jack tot was as big as a baby's thumb and his belly could hold but a drop and a crumb and a wee little sailor was he hi-ho a very fine sailor was he he made his boat of a cocoanut shell he sails her at night and he steers her well with the wing of a bumble-bee hi-ho with the wing of a bumble-bee she is rigged with the hair of a lady's curl and her lantern is made of a gleaming pearl and it never goes out in a gale hi-ho it never goes out in a gale her mast is made of a very long thorn she calls her crew with a cricket's horn and a spider spun her sail hi-ho a spider he spun her sail hi-ho a spider he spun her her sail she carries a cargo of baby souls and she crosses the terrible nightmare shoals on her way to the isles of rest hi-ho we're off for the isles of rest and often they smile as the good ship sails then the skipper is telling incredible tales with many a merry jest hi-ho he's fond of a merry jest when the little folks yawn they are ready to go and jack tot is lifting his sail he who in the swell how the little folks nod he who just see how the little folks nod and some have sailed off when the sky was black and the poor little sailors have never come back but have steered for the city of god hi-ho the beautiful city of god

Starting point is 02:08:06 the white-haired man closed his eyes and his voice sank low and the last words fell softly in a solemn silence that lasted for a long moment after the lullaby was finished presently cynth came to take the sleeping child these little folks will take our peace away from us said he in a warning tone why the call of the sown land is in their voices said he they give me sad thoughts synth smiled and introduced the young man to dunmore bonica said the latter as they shook hands the curiosity of master was aroused by the strange greeting he smiled and answered modestly i don't understand you the stranger sat silent gazing into the fire until silent who was evidently in the secret said to his guest tell him there was once a very wise and honored chief began dunmore after a pause and looking into the eyes of the young man long before the lumber hunter had begun to share the hills he dwelt among them with his good people he was a great lawgiver and his law was all in two words be kind kind kindness begat kindness and peace reigned to be broken only by some far-come invader but as time went on quarrels arose and the law was forgotten thereupon the chief invited a great council and organized the society of the magic word every member promised that whenever the greeting bonica were given him he would smile and bow

Starting point is 02:10:06 and answer ronakoli the greeting meant peace and the answer i forgive then one by one the lawgiver called his counsellors before him and to each he said the great spirit is in this greeting i defy you to hear it and keep a sober face then he said bonica and the man would try to resist the influence of the spirit but soon smiled in spite of himself amid the laughter of the tribe and said ranacoli thereafter when a quarrel arose between two people an outsider approaching would greet them with the magic word and immediately they would bow and smile and answer i forgive but nevertheless if one had wronged another he was justly punished by the chief so it was that a great ruler made an end of quarrels among his people a grand idea said young master let's all join that society those in favor of the suggestion will please say i it was dunmore who put the question and after a vote in its favor dictated the pledge as follows for value received from my loving father i promised to give to any of his children on demand a smile and full forgiveness all signed it and so half in play the old society of the magic word was revived at lost river camp the white-haired man rose and walked to the trail and turned suddenly

Starting point is 02:11:59 strong said he i'm leaving the woods for a week if they need your help at home they'll send word to you with that he disappeared in the dark trail the three other men still sat by the camp-fire who is done more master inquired turning to gordon the latter lighted his pipe and began the story an odd man who's spent the most his life in the woods said gordon came in here for his health long ago from i don't know where grew strong and as always stuck to the woods had to work like the rest of us when i knew him thirty years ago he began work in this part of the country as a boom rat so they tell me it was on a big drive way down oswagatchi before we bought the bare mountain and lost river tracks, we were looking for a good cruiser, someone to go through here and estimate the timber for us. Well, Dunmore was recommended for the job, and we hired him. He and I traveled over some 30,000 acres, camping wherever night overtook us. It did not take me long to discover that he was a gifted man. Many in evening, as we sat by our lonely fire in the woods,

Starting point is 02:13:29 i have wept and laughed over his poems poems master exclaimed that's the only word for it gordon went on the man is a woods lover and a poet one night he told me part of his life story sile you remember when the old iron company shut down their works at tifton well everybody left the place except tom meir the postmaster he was a widower and lived with one child a girl about nineteen years old when the forest village died dunmore married that girl he told me how beautiful she was and how he loved her well they didn't get along together he was fond of the woods and she was not for five years they lived together in the edge of the wilderness then she left him well poor woman it was a lonely life and some tourist fell in love with her they tell me i don't know about that anyhow dunmore was terribly embittered a little daughter had been born to them she was then three years of age she's the angel you you met to-day over by the pond strong put in looking at master gordon lighted his pipe and went on with his story dunmore said that a relative had left him a little money i remember we were camping that night on the shore of buckhorn its beauty appealed to him he said he'd like to buy that section and build him a camp on the pond and spend the rest of his life there but said i you couldn't bring up your daughter in the woods

Starting point is 02:15:27 buckhorn was then thirty miles from anywhere that's just what i wished to do he answered the world is so full of damned spaniels i remember that was the phrase he used and there's so much infamy among men i'd rather keep her out of it i want her to be as pure at twenty as she is now i can teach her all i wish her to know well i sold him the buckhorn track he built his camp and moved there with the little girl and his mother a woman of poor health and well-past middle age he brought an old colored man and his wife to be their servants and there they are to-day dunmore and his mother and the girl and the two servants now grown rather aged they tell me they have never left the woods said master as if it were too incredible dunmore goes to new york but not oftener than once a year gordon went on he has property a good deal of property i suppose and has to give it some attention the others have never left the woods send some big boxes and i'd tote them in silas explained do you mean to tell me that dunmore's daughter has never seen the clearing since she was a baby strong's interest was thoroughly aroused he took off his coat and laid it down carefully as if he were about to go in swimming he was wont to do this when his thighs demanded free and full expression.

Starting point is 02:17:16 Benda Tilbury post office with the old man. No further, Strong explained. Dunmore says she ain't never seen a child except one. That was a baby. Some man and his wife come through here with it, from the north, three years ago. Fact is, I think he feared for a long time that his wife would try to get possession of the child said gordon late years i understand the girl has had to take care of the old lady in a letter to me once dunmore referred to his daughter as the little nun of the green veil and spoke of her devotion to her grandmother gordon rose and went to his bed in one of the cabins strong and the young man kept their seats at the camp-fire talking of dunmore and his daughter and their life in the woods

Starting point is 02:18:16 the emperor who felt for his lonely child of the forest talked from a sense of duty sail in he presently said sail in and tamer i don't know how to begin she'll be there t's to-morrow sure strong declared so shall i said the young man calcula she's wounded too strong suggested but be careful she's like a wild deer they were leaving the fire on their way to bed the young man stopped and repeated the words incredulously like a wild deer to take the children with you strong advised she'll want to look em over end of chapter nine chapter ten of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter ten saki woke early next morning and lay looking up at the antlers guns and rifles which adorned the wall on a table near him were some of the treasures of that sylvan household a little book entitled melinda a dingy testament a plush-covered photograph album and a stuffed bird on a wire bow synth and the album were inseparable she sometimes left the dingy testament or the little book entitled melinda at her pitkin home but not the plush-covered album that was the one link which connected her not only with the past but with a degree of respectability and even with a vague hope of paradise what a pantheon of family deities

Starting point is 02:20:24 what a museum of hair and whiskers what a study of the effect of terror headache rheumatism weariness sunday apparel tight boots and reckless photography upon the human countenance therein was the face of synth indescribably gnarled by the lens a daguerreotype of her grandmother adorned with lace and tokens of a more cheerful time in the family history faces and forms which for synth recalled her play days and were gone as hopelessly just after supper the night before saki had seen his uncle apply grease to a number of boots and guns the boy had been permitted to put his hands in the thick oil of the bear and while its odor irked him a little it had as it were reduced the friction on his bearings since then the gear of his imagination had seemed to work easier and had carried him far towards the goal of manhood immediately after waking he found the bottle of bear's oil and poured some on his own boots and rubbed it in he was now delighted with the look of him it was wonderful stuff that bears oil it made everything look shiny and cheerful and gave one a grateful sense of high accomplishment soon he had greased the bird and the bush and the oil had dripped on the album and the dingy testament and the little book entitled melinda then he greased the feet and legs of zeb who lay asleep in a corner and who promptly awoke and ran across the floor and leaped through an open window and hid himself under a boat as if for proper consideration of ways and means

Starting point is 02:22:20 in a few moments sake had greased the shoes of his sister and a ramrod which lay on the window-sill and taken the ladder into bed with him soon he began to miss the good aunt marie for generally when he first awoke he had gone and got into bed with her he held to the ramrod and sustained himself with many reflections whispering as they came to mind I'm going to be a man I ain't no cry baby I'm gonna kill bears and send the money to my father and my uncle Silas will give me a rocking horse and a silver doofunny he said he would he ceased to whisper an imaginary bear had approached the foot of the bed just in time to save him, for the last of his reflections had been interrupted by little sobs. He struck bravely with the ramrod and felled the bear, and got out of bed and skinned him and hung his hide over the back of a chair. He found some potatoes in a sack

Starting point is 02:23:27 beside the fireplace, and put down a row for the bear's body and some more for the feet and legs. Then he greased the bear's feet and got into bed again, for Sue had awoke and begun to cry. What's the matter? he inquired. I want my Aunt Marie, the girl sobbed. Stop, Uncle Silas'll hear you, said Saki. I don't care. I'd be ashamed, the boy answered, his own voice trembling with suppressed emotion. since a talk he had had with his father the day before he felt a large and expanding sense of responsibility for his sister just now an idea occurred to him why shouldn't he in his own person supply the deficiencies of the great man they had come to see i'll be your uncle silas he remarked i'm a man now and i've killed a bear where is he dead on the floor there she covered her face with the blankets i'm goin to have a pair of moccasins and a rifle and i'll carry you on my be back he had stammered on the last word after the manner of his uncle just then they heard a single

Starting point is 02:24:54 creaking outside the door and before either had time to speak it was flung open they were both sitting up in bed as their uncle silas entered i'm num said he cheerfully suddenly he saw the bird and the books and the tabletop and the potatoes and the ramrod and the hands of sake he whistled ruefully his smile faded well greased he said looking down at the books and the bird he found a gun-rag and wiped up the oil as best he could shill were raised the remark ended in a cough as he wiped the books then he covered them with an empty meal-bag the children began to dress while strong went half-way up the ladder and called to gordon still asleep in the loft above then he sat on the bed and helped the boy and girl get their clothes buttoned my little fawns he muttered with a laugh he had sat up until one o'clock at work in his little shop by the light of a lantern he had sod some disks from a round beach log and bored holes in them he had also made axles and a reach and tongue and put them together then he had placed a cross-bar and a pivot on the front axle and fastened a starch-box over all the result was a wagon which he had arisen early to finish and with which he had come to wake the little fawns now when they were dressed he sat them side by side in the wagon box and clattered off down the trail at first the children sat silent oppressed as they were by side by the old

Starting point is 02:26:49 of bears oil not yet entirely removed from their hands and faces as the wagon proceeded they began to laugh and call the dog zeb peered from under the friendly cover of the boat and gave a yearning bark which seemed to express regret not wholly unmingled with accusation that on account of other engagements he would be unable to accept their kind invitation at the boat-house were soap and towel and glad deliverance from the flavor of the bear on their return miss strong met them at the door of the kirk tent she raised both hands above her head my album she gasped ttie tai tie tie the emperor whispered and the book my mother gave me she exclaimed her tone rising from despair to anger they're ruined silas strong nonsense said her brother calmly nonsense she exclaimed tauntingly sly slystr said her brother tauntingly silas strong you know what has been done to em greezed he answered mildly do em good she ran into the cook tent and returned with the sacred album there was an odd menace in her figure as she displayed the book she spread it open look at my grandfather she demanded the bears oil added emphasis to a subtle inherent suggestion of smothered profanity in the image of her ancestor it had as it were given clearness to an expression of great physical discomfort

Starting point is 02:28:43 limber him up said the emperor quite soberly master and gordon were now approaching the former took off his hat and bowed to the indignant synth and blandly remarked Bonica, madam! The men had begun to laugh. Synth changed color. She looked down. A smile began to light her thin face. She turned away, repeated the magic word in a low voice, and added, I forgive!

Starting point is 02:29:18 She walked hurriedly through the cook tent to her own quarters, and sat down and wept as if, in truth, the oil had entered her soul. It was, in a way, pathetic, her devotion to the tawdry plush in this poor shadow of her ancestor, and the historian had a respect for it more profound, possibly, than his words may indicate. She would have given her album for her friend, and it may be questioned if any man hath greater love than this. When she entered the dinner tent and sat down to stir batter for the exhaled her. flapjacks of lost river camp the children came and kissed her and stood looking up into her face saki had begun to comprehend his relation to the trouble shame guilt and uncertainty were in his countenance

Starting point is 02:30:15 urgent queries touching the use and taste and constitution of batter and its feeling on the index finger of one's hand were pressing upon him but he saw that in common They must be deferred. Aunt Cynthia, said the little Duke of Hillsborough. What? she answered. I won't never grease your album again. The woman laughed, placed the pan on the table and put her arms around the child. Then she answered in a tone of good nature. If it had been anything else in this world, I wouldn't have minded. just then zeb slowly entered the cook tent he had got rid of some of the oil but had acquired a cough the hair on every leg was damp and matted

Starting point is 02:31:11 he seemed to doubt his fitness for social enjoyment in a tentative manner he surveyed the breakfast party as if to study his effect upon the human species the emperor patted him and felt of his legs what's the matter o him cint inquired greeced said the emperor with a loud laugh in which the campers joined whereat the dog fled from the cook tent slippery mornin strong exclaimed while he stood looking through the doorway hard to keep your feet said synth who had caught the contagion of good feeling which had begun to prevail it was indeed a remark not without some spiritual significance so it befell the spirit of that old chief whose body had long been given to the wooded hills came into lost river camp gordon hurried away after breakfast while the children stood looking down the trail and waving their hands and weeping silas strong ran past them two or three times with a noisy little wagon its consoling clad or silenced them there had been a deep purpose in the heart of the emperor while he spent half the night in his workshop gordon had laughingly explained the cause of their disappointment on arriving at lost river camp strong was trying to recover their esteem come on come on he shouted soon saki and sue sat in the little wagon on their way to catamont pond with their uncle silas and the young fisherman end of chapter ten chapter eleven of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor

Starting point is 02:33:16 this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter eleven the sky was clear and the rays of the sun fell hot upon the dry woods that morning when master and the children and their uncle silas reached the landing at catamount its eastern shore lay deep under cool shadows the water plain was like taut canvas on which a glowing picture of wooded shore and sky and mountain had been painted golden robins darted across a cove and sang in the tree-tops master righted his canoe and put the children aboard and took his place in the stone seat. I'll slip over to Robin, said the Emperor as he shoved the canoe into the deep water. With him to slip meant to go, and in his speech he always slipped from one point to another. Master pushed through the pads and slowly cut the still shadow. The inverted towers of Painter Mountain began to quake beneath his canoe.

Starting point is 02:34:28 sat on the bow and sake behind her the curly hair of the girl which had indeed the silken yellow of a corn-tassel showed beneath her little pink bonnet something about her suggested the rose half open sake wore his rabato and necktie and best suit of clothes they were both in purple and fine linen so to speak no one had thought to tell them better as they came near the point of birch cove master began to turn the bow and check his headway there on a moss-covered rock stood the maiden whom he had seen the day before a crow with a small scarlet ribbon about his neck clung upon her shoulder the girl was looking at the two children the bird rose on his wings and after a moment of hesitation flew towards them the ends of the scarlet ribbon fluttering in the air sake drew back as the crow lighted on a gunwale near his side sue clung to the painter and sat looking backward with curiosity and fear in her face the crow turned his head surveying them as if he were indeed quite overcome with amazement sit still said master quietly he won't hurt you the bird rose in the air again and darting downward seized a shiny buckle above the visor of the boy's cap which lay on the canoe bottom and bore cap and all to his young mistress saki began to cry with alarm master reassured him and paddled slowly towards the moss-covered rock silently his bow touched the shore he stuck his paddle in the sand

Starting point is 02:36:25 he stepped into the shallow water and helped the children ashore in the edge of the tamaracts and now partly hidden by their foliage miss dunmore stood looking at the children her figure was tall erect and oddly picturesque somehow she reminded master of a deer halted in its flight by curiosity her face charming in form and expression betrayed a childish timidish timidly and innocence. Her large blue eyes were full of wonder. Pretty symbols of girlish vanity adorned her figure. There were fresh violets on her bodice and a delicate lacy length of the moss vine woven among her curls. The girl's hair, wonderfully full and rich in color, had streaks of gold in it. A beaded belt and holster of Indian make held a small pistol miss Dunmore I believe he ventured the girl retired a step or two and stood looking timidly first at him and then at the children her manner betrayed excitement she addressed him with hesitation my my name is Edith Dunmore she said in a tone just above a whisper with trembling hands, she picked a spray of tamaract that for a moment obscured her face. You are the nun of the green veil, I have heard of you, said Master.

Starting point is 02:38:05 I must not speak to you, sir, she said as she retreated a little farther. My name is Master, Robert, Master, said he. I shall stay only a minute, but these children would like to know you. while speaking he had returned to his canoe saki and sue stood still looking up at the maiden children she exclaimed in a low sweet tremulous tone as she took a step towards them the wonderful little children sometimes i think they are brownies he answered with a smile of amusement but their uncle calls them little fawns her right hand which held them held the spray of tamaract fell to her side her left hand clung to a branch on which the crow sat a little above her shoulder and her cheek lay upon her arm as she looked down wistfully fondly at the children her blue eyes were full of curiosity saki and sue regarded the beautiful maiden with a longing akin to that in her in all there was a deep mysterious desire which had grown out of nature's need in them for a mother in her for the endearing touch of those newly come into the world and for their high companionship moreover these two little ones who had now a dim and imperfect recollection of their mother had shaped an eye

Starting point is 02:39:41 ideal, partly through the help of Gordon, to take its place. Therein they saw a lady, young and beautiful, and more like this one who stood before them than like any they had yet beheld. Sue grasped the hand of her brother, and both stood gazing at the maiden, but neither spoke nor moved for a moment. Edith Dunmore leaned forward a little, looking into their faces. Can you not speak to me? she asked. Saki began to be embarrassed.

Starting point is 02:40:17 His eyes fell. He shook his head doubtfully. Edith Dunmore looked up at the stalwart figure of the young man. Their eyes met. She quickly turned away. The tame crow, on the bow above, began to laugh and chatter as if he thought it all an excellent joke. may i take them in my arms she asked with hesitation yes but i warn you they have a way of stealing one's heart ah croaked the little crowed a warning cry as if he had seen at once the peril of it she had begun to move slowly almost timidly towards the children she knelt before them and took the little hand of sue and hers and looked upon it with one

Starting point is 02:41:09 She touched it with her lips. She pressed it against her cheek. She trembled beneath its power. The touch of the child's hand was, for her, it would almost seem, like that of one of the eyes of Bartimius. Suddenly, as by a miracle, Edith Dunmore rose out of childhood. The veil of the man was rent away. She was a woman fast coming into riches of her. unsuspected inheritance she put her arms about the two and gently drew them towards her and held them close her embrace and the touch of her breast upon theirs were grateful to them and they kissed her her eyes were wet her sweet voice full of familiar but uncomprehended longing when she said dear little children tut tut said the tame crow who had crept to the end of his branch where he stood looking down at them in a moment he began to break the green twigs and let them fall on the head of his mistress sue felt the hair and looked into the face and eyes of the maiden with wondering curiosity sake ran his fingers over the beaded belt both had a suspicion which they dared not express that here was an angel in some way related to their mother

Starting point is 02:42:39 You are a beautiful lady, said the boy, with childish frankness. Master has often tried to describe the scene. He confesses that words, even though vivid and well-spoken, cannot make one to understand the something which lay beneath all said and done, and which went to his heart, so that for a time he turned and walked away from them. Do you remember when you were fairies? the girl asked of the children. The latter shook their heads.

Starting point is 02:43:15 Tell us about the fairies, Sue proposed, timidly. They are old, old people, so my father has told me, said the beautiful lady. They came into this world thousands of years ago riding in a great cloud that was drawn by wild geese. The fairies came down, each on a big flake of snow,

Starting point is 02:43:39 and got off in the tree-tops and never went away at first they were the teeniest folks so that a hundred of them could stand on a maple leaf and very very old my father says they were never young in their lives and i guess they have always lived they rode around on the backs of the birds and saw everything in the world and had such a good time they all began to grow young now as they grew young they grew bigger and bigger and every spring a lot more of the little old people came out of the sky and began to grow young like the others and by and by some of them were as big as your thumb and bigger how big do they grow the boy asked as they grow young they keep growing bigger by and by the birds cannot carry them then they have to walk and for the first time in their lives they begin to get hungry and learn to cry and nobody knows what is the matter with them the fairies complain about the noise they make and one night a little old woman takes them down into the woods to get them out of the way and violets grow wherever their feet touch the ground and they sit in a huckleberry bush and make a noise like the cry of a spotted fawn The fawns hear them and know very well what they are crying for. The fauns have always loved them.

Starting point is 02:45:17 When the fairies come down out of the treetops, they always ride on the fawns, and where they have sat you can see a little white spot about as big as a flake of snow. That's why the fawns are spotted, and you know how shy they are, they mustn't let anybody see the fairies. Well, the young ones sit there in the Huckleberry bush crying.

Starting point is 02:45:42 The little animals come and lick their faces and tell them of a wonderful spring where milk flows out of a little hill and has a magic power in it, for even if one were crying and tasted the milk, he always became happy. The young fairies climb on the backs of the fauns and ride away. By and by, the fauns come to their mrs. fawns come to their mothers and their mothers tell them that no one who has teeth in his head can drink at the spring so they wonder what to do by and by they go to the woodpecker for he has a pair of forceps and can pull anything and the woodpecker pulls their teeth then the young fairies do nothing but ride around each on a spotted fawn and drink at the wonderful spring and grow fat and lazy and the birds pull every hair out of their heads to build nests with. They live down in the woods, for they cannot climb the trees anymore,

Starting point is 02:46:46 and one day they fall asleep for the first time and tumble off the fauns and lie on the ground, dreaming. They dream of the fairy heaven where they shall grow old again, and each shall have a mother and his own wonderful spring of milk. Now that day, trees grow old. begin to grow in the ground beneath them. The trees grow fast, and all in a night they lift the sleeping fairies far above the ground. The wind rocks them, and they lie dreaming in the treetops until a crane, as he is crossing over the sky,

Starting point is 02:47:25 looks down and sees them and goes and takes them away. You know, the cranes have to go through the sky every day and pick up the young fairies. she paused and sat holding the hands of little sue and looking at them as if their beauty were a great wonder where do they take them master was returning and the girl rose like one afraid and whispered to the children i will tell you if-if you will come again i shall ask your father if i may come and see you said master as he came near ha ha ha the bird croaked fluttering in the air and lighting on the shoulder of his mistress the children stepped aside quickly as if in fear of it she took the crow on her finger and held him at arm's length he turned and tried to catch an end of the scarlet ribbon she was a picture then to remind one of the days of falconry she ran a few paces up a green aisle in the thicket she stopped where the young man was unable to see her could could you bring the children again sir she asked on thursday at the same hour he answered he heard again the warning of the little crow and her footsteps growing fainter in the dark trail of the deer end of chapter eleven chapter twelve of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving

Starting point is 02:49:12 bachelor. This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. Chapter 12 Master paddled slowly to the landing where he had left strong, and gathered lilies while they waited. He pushed up to the shore as soon as the emperor had arrived. Spilt! said the latter, pointing in the direction of Robin Lake. You mean that we cannot use the camp over there? "'Ah, yeah,' Strong almost whispered, with a face in which perspiration was mingled with regret and geniality. "'Sseer?'

Starting point is 02:49:54 "'Yes,' Master answered. "'The children were a great help. She fell in love with them. We are to meet her again Thursday.' "'A-huh,' Strong exclaimed, in a tone which seemed to say, "'I told you so.' sociable he inquired after a little pause no but interested ah ha ha says i the emperor exclaimed again with playful conceit when he was in the mood of self-congratulation he had an odd way of bringing out those two words says i she was afraid of me i backed away and said very little master explained they'll tame her the emperor assured him she has a wonderful crow with her said the young man her guide strong explained always knows the nighiest way home if you'll help me i'll make my camp here said master ayah the emperor the emperor answered his manner and his odd remark were full of a point were full of approval and almost affectionate admiration in half a moment his tongue lazily added lean her again that at their rock

Starting point is 02:51:21 in his conversation he conferred the feminine gender upon all inanimate things a kind of compliment to the sex he revered so highly how long will it take day said strong surveying the ground i have to speak in hillsborough on the fourth suppose we tackle it on my return strong agreed and while he and the children set out for camp master remained to fish two sports had arrived in the absence of the emperor and were shooting at a mark a pastime so utterly foolish in the view of silas strong that he would rarely permit any one at lost river camp to indulge in it he who discharged his rifle without sufficient provocation was roughly classed with that breed of hounds which had learned no better than to bark at a squirrel paunchers he muttered as he came up the trail it should be explained here that he divided all would-be sportsmen into three classes namely swishers powders and ponchers a swisher was one who filled the air within reach of his cast catching trees and bushes but no fish a powder one who had baited and hauled his fish as if it were no better than a bull-pout a pauncher was wont to hit his deer in the middle and never saw him again the emperor stopped suddenly he had seen a twig fall near him and heard the whizz of a bullet woe he called his voice ringing in the timber hold on the migleys father and son of migleville hastened to greet the emperor of the woods

Starting point is 02:53:16 they were the heralds of the great king of which strong had complained that night he laid his heart bare and whose name was business a king who ruled not with the sword but with flattery and temptation and artful devices the emperor knew that they were the men who had bought his stronghold that they were come to shove the frontier of their king far beyond the lost river country that axes and saws and dams and flooded flats and whirling wheels and naked hillsides would soon follow them how are you mr strong said the elder migley who by his son was familiarly called pop he overflowed with geniality glad to see you hot and dry out in the clearing little trackworn thought we'd come in here for a breath of fresh air and a week or two a sport have a drink he winked one eye in a significant manner which seemed to say that he had plenty and was out for a good time no th thanks said strong as he surveyed the stout figure of the elder migley here was one of the royal family of business in dress neatly symbolic for mr migley wore a light suit of clothes divided into checks of considerable magnitude by stripes that ran as it were north south east and west the broad convexity of his front resembled in some degree an atlas globe one might have located any part of his system by degrees of latitude and longitude his equator was represented by a large golden chain which curved in a great arc from one pocket of his waistcoat to the other

Starting point is 02:55:14 as he walked one might have imagined that he was moving in his orbit his large full face was adorned with a chin-whisker and a selfish prosperous-looking nose it had got possession of nearly all the color in his countenance and occupied more than its share of space the son tom had older manners and a more severe face he carried with him a look of world weariness and a sense of all-embracing knowledge so frequently derived from youthful experience he was the only son type of domestic tyrant overfed selfish brutal wearied by adulation crowned with curly hair look at that boy the elder migley whispered pointing at the fat young man of twenty-three who sat on a door-sill cleaning his rifle ain't he a pitcher got a fast mark in hashford seminary mr migley owned a number of trotting horses and his conversation was always flavored with the cant of the stable strong looked sadly at the fat young man who was indeed the very personification of pulp and thought of the doom of the woods the elder migley as if able to read the mind of strong offered him the consolation of a cigar then he reached to the pegs above him and lowered a quaking whip of green heart which he had put together soon after his arrival heft it he whispered pressing his rod upon emperor ain't that a dandy he looked into the eyes of the woodsman he winked a kind of challenge and added seems to me that ought to fetch him

Starting point is 02:57:13 maybe strong answered gently swaying the rod he was never too free in committing himself got it for tommy said the new spoilt sportsman. Catched a four-pounder with it. Ask him if I didn't. Mr. Migley had the habit of self-corroboration, and Strong used to say that he never believed that kind of a liar. Let's go and try him, Migley suggested. The Emperor smoked thoughtfully for a moment. To down river, by him by, he said, pointing at the kirk tent as if he had now to prepare the dinner. strong had seen the migglies before although he had never entertained them they had paunched and pouted in territory not far remote from lost river and won a reputation which had traveled among the guides they worked hard and hurried out of the woods with all the fish and meat they could carry and no respect for any law save one the law of gravitation they sat down or lay upon their backs every half hour now it seemed they were to abandon the vulgar art of the powder for one more gentle and becoming

Starting point is 02:58:35 strong hastened to the cook tent where he found synth treating the children to sugared cakes and words of motherly fondness teeny little dears she was saying when silas entered the door she rose quickly and hurried to the stove with a kind of shame on her countenance silas kept a sober face while he went for the water-pail as if he had not took notice his joy broke free and expressed itself in loud laughter on his way to the spring snook cynth exclaimed her face red with embarrassment as she heard him she poked the fire with great energy and added let the fool laugh i don't care if he did hear me a new impulse from the heart of nature entered the migley breast father and son were seeking an opportunity to use their muscles the son seized a girder above his head and began to chin it the father went to work with an axe and his enthusiasm fell in heavy blows upon a beach log strong peered through the window at him and muttered the one contemptuous word the woodpecker a poor chopper in that part of the country was always classed with the woodpeckers dinner over the elder migley opened his tin fishing-box and displayed an assortment of cheap flies and leaders well captain said the young man as he turned a strong if you'll show us where the truck outlive we'll show you who they belong to he passed judgment and bestowed rank upon a great many people and most of his brevets if he had been frank with them would have put his life in peril

Starting point is 03:00:30 pop migley touched a rib of the emperor with his big coercive thumb shut one eye and produced a kind of snore in his larynx the wit of his son had increased the cheerfulness of mr migley he began telling coarse tales and continued until as the emperor would say he had emptied his reel the man who talked too much always had a big reel in the thought of the emperor and slack line was the phrase he applied to empty words with everything ready for sport they proceeded to the landing on lost river and were soon seated in a long canoe we'll try de dunmore's trout said strong as they left the shore dunmore's trout said the elder migley ah yuh the emperor answered he hitched on to and lost him oh it's that fish i've heard about that grabbed one of dunmore's flies said the elder migley uh-huh the emperor assented as a matter of fact the old gentleman who lived on the shore of buckhorn had done a good deal of talking about this remarkable fish father and son sat with rods in hand while strong worked through the still water and down a long rush of rapids and halted below them near a deep pool flecked with foam cast said he with a wild swish and a spasmodic movement of arm and shoulder pop migley who sat amid ships tipped the canoe until it took water strong dashed his paddle and recovered balance the young man swore

Starting point is 03:02:28 cast your flies strong suggested and his emphasis clearly indicated that the fisherman should cease casting his body again the nouveau worked his rod whipping its point to the water fore and aft flies and leader clawed over the back of silas strong fetching his hat off before he could recover the young man went into action strong ducked in time to save an ear splashing his paddle again to keep his canoe on its bottom the tail fly had caught above his elbow when strong tried to loosen its hold the young man was tugging at the line strong endeavored to speak but somehow the words wouldn't come suddenly the other rod came back with a powerful swing and smote him on the top of his head he had been trying to say see here but his tongue had halted on the s then he took a new tack as it were and tried a phrase which began with the letter g and had fair success with it both migleys gave a start of surprise the emperor the emperor waited to recover self-control and felt a touch of remorse lemmy climb a tree he suggested presently the elder mingley burst into loud laughter stop fooling said the young man i'd like to get some fish he swung his rod and was again tugging at the shirt-sleeve of the emperor strong blue as he clung to the leader cast crossways

Starting point is 03:04:18 he commanded with a gesture. The fisherman rested a moment. A hundred feet or so below them Strong saw a squirrel crossing the still water. Suddenly there was a movement behind him, and he sank out of sight. In half a moment he rose again, swimming with frantic haste to reach a clump of alder branches.

Starting point is 03:04:42 Strong knew the mysterious villain of this little drama of the river, but said not a word of what he had seen. The sports resumed fishing with less confidence and more care. Soon they were able to reach off 20 feet or so, but they raked the air with deadly violence, and every moment one leader was laying hold of the other or catching in a treetop.

Starting point is 03:05:09 Strong pulled down bow after bow to free the flies. Presently they were caught high in a ball, take us where there's trout what do you think we're fishing for anyway said young migley birds strong answered as he continued hauling at the treetop with hand and paddle he used language always for the simple purpose of expressing his thoughts soon the elder migley began to feel the need of information he passed his rod to the emperor show me how you do it said he strong paddled to a large flat rock which rose mid-stream a little above water he climbed upon it and sat down lazily nature had taught him as she teaches all who bear heavy burdens to conserve his strength he had none to waste in the support of dignity when he sat down his weight was braced with hand foot and elbow so as to rest his heart and muscles now he seemed to anchor himself by throwing his right knee over his left foot his garment of cord and muscle lay loosely on his bones there was that in the pose of this man to remind one of an ox lying peacefully in the field

Starting point is 03:06:37 he drew a loop of line off the reel and with no motion of arm or body his wrist bent the point of the rod sprang forward his flies leaped the length of his line and fell lightly on the river surface they wavered across the current he drew another loop of line the rod rose and gave its double spring and his flies leaped away and fell farther down the current so his line flickered back and forth running out and reaching with every cast until it spanned near a hundred feet still the emperor smoked lazily and saving that little movement of the wrist reposed as motionless and serene as the rock upon which he sat suddenly strong's figure underwent a remarkable change he bent forward alert as a panther inside of his prey his mouth was open his eyes full of animation the supple wrist bent swiftly the flies sprang up and flashed backward the line sang in its flight where the squirrel rose a big trout had sprung above water and come down with a splash but he had missed his aim again the flies lighted precisely where the trout sprang and wavered slowly through the bubbles a breath of silence followed the finned arrow burst above water in a veil of mist down he plunged with a fierce grab at the tail fly the wrist of the fisherman sprang upward the barb caught the line slanted straight as a lance and seemed to strike at the river bottom the rod was bending the fish had given a quick haul and now the line's end came rushing in

Starting point is 03:08:40 the shrewd old trout knew how to gather slack on a fisherman strong rose like a jack in the box his hand flashed to the reel it began to play like the end of a piston he swung half around and his rod came up the fish turned for a mad rush with hands upon rod and silk the fisherman held to check him strong's line ripped through the water plain from mid river to the shadow of the bank the strain upon the fish's jaw halted him he settled and began to jerk on the line strong raised his foot and tapped the butt of his rod the report seemed to go down the line as if it had been a telephone message it startled the trout and again he took the long reach of silk off the reel then slowly he went back and forth through an arc of some twenty feet and the long line swung like a pendulum weakened by his efforts he began to lead in slowly he came near the rock and soon the splendid trout lay gasping from utter weariness and arm's length from his captor as the net approached him he dove again hauling with fierce energy the man was leaning over the edge of the rock his rod in one hand his net in the other he came near losing his balance in the sudden attack he scrambled into position again the trout gave up and followed the strain of the leader strong let himself down upon the river bottom beside the rock and stood to his belt in water

Starting point is 03:10:33 the fish retreated again and came back helpless and was taken he filled the net a great tail fin waved above its rim the emperor hefted his catch and blew like a buck deer after his custom in moments of great stress then came a declaration of unusual length you could reel me in with a cotton thread and pick me up at your fingers it was growing dusk strong clambered to the top of the rock pop migley brought the canoe alongside the emperor gave a loud whistle of surprise dunmoor's trout he said soberly he had found a black gnat embedded in the fish's mouth its snell broken near the loop he put the struggling fish back in the net and tied his handkerchief across the mouth its snell broken near the loop he put the struggling fish back in the net and tied his handkerchief across the the top of it. The Miglis both agreed that they were ready for supper. The Emperor got aboard and requested the elder Migli to keep the fish under water, while he took his paddle and pushed for camp. They put their trout in a spring at the boathouse. The sports hurried to camp. Master came down the path and met strong. "'I've got to Dunmore's Trout,' said the latter.

Starting point is 03:12:03 good master answered that will give us an excuse to go and call on him end of chapter twelve chapter thirteen of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter thirteen that evening while the others went out to sit by the camp-fire silas strong put the children to bed and lay down beside them they begged him for a story he had neither skill nor practice in narration he had as the rustic merchants want to say a desire to please he knew that he had disappointed the children and was doing his best to recover their esteem possibly he ought to try and be more like other folks he rubbed his thin sandy beard he groped among the treasures of his memory infrequently he had gone over them with synth or the lady anne but briefly and with halting words and slow reflection he had that respect for the past which is a characteristic of the true historian but in his view it gave him little to say of his own exploits he was wont to observe ironically that others knew more of them than he knew himself

Starting point is 03:13:38 owing it may be to his little infirmary of speech he had never been misled into the broad way of prevarication brevity had been his refuge and his strength he regarded with contempt the boastful narratives of woodsmen now the siren voices of the little folks had made him thoughtful had he nothing to give them but disappointment he hesitated then he fell as it were but happily for the sake of those who he had begun to love and not through pride it was a kind of modesty which caused him to reach for the candle and blow it out then boldly as it were he began to sing a brief account of one of his own adventures. He could sing without stammering, and, therefore, he sang an odd and almost tuneless chant. He accepted such rhyme and rhythm as chanced to drift in upon the monotonous current of his epic, but he turned not aside for them. He sang glibly, jumping in and out of that old melodious trail of the son of the gambolier. Strong called this unique creation of his The Story of the Mellard Bear

Starting point is 03:14:59 One day your uncle Silas went for to kill a bear And a dog he took and follared, which his name was Little Zeb By and by we come across the track which looked as big as sin And Zeb he hollered twas a bear, which I didn't quite believe in Until I got down on my knee, and then I kind of laughed For something curious showed me where he'd wrote his autigraph, and which way he was traveling, all on the frosty snow. And I followed, Zeb, the bear dog, as fast as I could go, and pretty soon I see where the bear

Starting point is 03:15:40 had tore his overcoat upon a hamlocked tree, and left some threads behind him, which fell upon his track, which I wouldn't wonder if he'd done a scratching of his back, which caused me for to grin and laugh, all on account of my feelings. here came a pause in which the singer sought a moment of relaxation as it would seem in a thoughtful and timely cough by and by i came up kinda dost and where that i could see zeb was jumping like a rabbit and a hollerin at me and i could see the old bear's home all underneath a ledge and the track of his big moccasins up to the very edge i took and fetched some pine knots and a lot of old old dead limbs and built a fire upon his doorstep and let the smoke blow in. And then I took a piece of rope and tethered Zeb away, so's that he'd keep his britches for to use another day. And pretty soon I listened and I heard the bear a coffin, and he sneezed

Starting point is 03:16:47 and bellared out as if he guessed he'd been excused. All at once he bust out and the rifle gave a yell, and I wouldn't wonder if he thought. The narrator was halted for half a moment by another frog in his throat, as he explained. Then he went on. And Zeb, he tore away and took and fastened on the bear, and they rolled down hill together, and the critter ripped the air.

Starting point is 03:17:16 And I didn't dash shoot him for fear of killing Zeb, so I clubbed my rifle on the bear and mellered up his head. Moist with perspiration, Silas Strong rose and stood by the bedside and blew. Fifty miles with a boat on his back could not have taxed him more severely. He answered a few queries touching the size, fierceness, and fate of the bear. Then he retreated, whispering as he left the door, Strong's ahead! Zeb lay on the foot of the bed, and Socky, being a little timid in the door,

Starting point is 03:17:55 the dark, coaxed him to lie between them, his paws on the pillow. With their hands on the back of Zeb, they felt sure no harm could come to them. Do you love Uncle Silas? It was the question of Little Sue. Saki answered promptly, Yes, do you? Yes. Hunters don't never wear good clothes,

Starting point is 03:18:24 so Saki went on presently, as if apologizing to his own spirit for the personal appearance of his uncle. They get him all tore up by the bears and panthers. That's how he got his pants tore, Sue suggested, thinking of his condition that day they met him on the trail. Had a fight with a skunk, Saki answered quickly. He had overheard something of that adventure at Robin Lake. they lay thinking a moment then up spoke the boy i wished he had a gold watch with saki the latter by which a man rose to greatness had many rounds the first was great physical strength the next physical appearance the possession of a rifle and the sacred privilege of bathing the same in bears oil was distinctly another symbols of splendor such as watches finger rings and the like had their places on the ladder and qualities of imagination were not wholly disregarded

Starting point is 03:19:34 sue tried to think of something good to say something possibly which would explain her love it was her first trial at analysis he wouldn't hurt nobody she suggested he can carry a tree on us back so it seemed to sake he wouldn't let nothing touch us said sue still working the vein of kindness which she had discovered he's the most terrible powerful man in the world sake averred and unconsciously twisted the soft ear of zeb until the latter gave a little yelp of complaint he can kill bears and panthers and dears and-and catch fish said sue he could swallow a whale socky declared as he thought of the story of jonah aunt cynthia has got a hole in her shoe the girl imparted this in a whisper both felt the back of zeb and were silent for a little she blubbers socky exclaimed with a sacher slight touch of contempt in the way he said it. Maybe she got her feet wet and Uncle Silas spanked her. Big folks don't get spanked, the boy assured Sue.

Starting point is 03:21:00 Do you like her? He answered quickly, as if the topic were a bore to him. Pretty well. Sue had hoped for greater frankness. Her own opinion of her, Aunt Cynthia, while was unsettled. She thought of a thing in connection with her aunt which had given her some concern. She had been full of wonder as to its hidden potentialities. In a moment, Sue broached the subject by saying,

Starting point is 03:21:33 She's got a big mold on her neck. With a long hair on it, Saki added. Bet you wouldn't dast pull that hair. Sue squirmed a little. that single hair had somehow reminded her of the string on a jumping-jack she reflected a moment i put my finger on it said she boastfully that's nothing socky answered uncle silas let me feel a shot what he got in his arm gee it was kind of funny he squirmed a little and thoughtfully felt his foot sue recognized the superior attraction of the buried shot and held her piece a moment both had begun to yawn wished it was to-morrow said sue why cause i'm gonna see the beautiful lady and the crow too saki whispered they were indeed to see her sooner than they knew in dreamland

Starting point is 03:22:46 zeb now retired discreetly to the foot of the bed after a little silence sue put her arms about her brother's neck and pressed him close wished i was in heaven she said drowsily with a little cry of complaint why so i could see my mother she's way up a trillion miles beyond where the hawks fly said the boy as he gait wearily thereafter the room was silent save for the muffled barking of zeb in his slumber he too was dreaming no doubt of things far away end of chapter thirteen chapter fourteen of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter fourteen they were a timely arrival those new friends who had found edith dunmore she was no longer satisfied with the narrow world in which her father had imprisoned her and had begun to wander alone as if in quest of a better one that hour of revelation on the shore of birch cove led quickly to others quite as wonderful she had no sooner reached home than she told her grandmother of the young man and the children who had come with him to the shore of catamount and of a strange happiness in her heart it was then that a sense of duty in the old scotch woman broke away from promises to her son which had long suppressed it as they sat alone together the old lady talked to her granddaughter of the mysteries of life and love and death much in this talk the girl had gathered for herself by influence

Starting point is 03:24:49 out of books mostly fairy tales that her father had brought to her and out of the evasions which had greeted her questioning and out of her own heart her queries followed one another fast and were answered freely she learned among other things a part of the reason for their lonely life that her father was not like other men not even like himself that their isolation had been a wicked and fool error, that men were not mostly children of the devil seeking whom they might destroy, but kindly giving and desiring love, that she, Edith Dunmore, had a right to live like the rest of God's children, and to love and be loved, and given in marriage, and to have her part in the world's history. All this and much good counsel besides the old lady gave to the girl, who sat a long time pondering after her grandmother had left her. In the miracle of birth and the story change that follows disillusion, she saw the magic of fairyland. To her, Pariston had been

Starting point is 03:26:03 much more real than the republic in which she lived. She longed for the hour to come when she should again see those wonderful children and the still more wonderful being who had brought them in his canoe. morning she set out early in the trail to Catamount with her little guide and companion. She had named him Rock after the famous bird of oriental tradition. She arrived there long before the hour appointed. Slowly she wandered to the trail over which Master and the children would be sure to come. She approached the camp at Lost River and stood peering through thickets of young fur.

Starting point is 03:26:46 She saw the boy and girl at play and watched them. Soon, master came out of one of the cabins. Now, somehow, she felt a greater fear of him than before, yet she longed to look into his face, to feel the touch of his hand. The crow had taken his perch in a small tree beside his mistress. He seemed to be looking thoughtfully at the children, with now and then a little croak of criticism. or of amusement, ending frequently in a sound like half-suppressed laughter.

Starting point is 03:27:23 He raised a foot and slowly scratched his head, a gaze of meditation deepening in his eyes. Suddenly his interests seemed to grow keener. He moved a step aside, rose in the air, and approached the children. Darring to the ground, he picked up a little silver compass, which one of them had dried. and quickly returned with it the children called to master and all three followed the crow his mistress scarcely knowing why had run up the trail and rock pursued her with foot and wing croaking urgently as if his life and spoil depended on their haste reaching a thicket beside the trail she hid under its sheltering cover and sat down to rest the crow following scrambled upon her shoulder and dropped the bit of silver into her lap she held his beak to keep him quiet when master and the children came near but as the latter were passing they could hear the smothered laughter of rock in a moment sake and sue ran to their new friend while master waited near them the crow spread his wings and seemed to threaten

Starting point is 03:28:44 with a scolding chatter. The girl threw the bird in the air and took the hands of the children and drew them to her breast. She held them close and looked into their faces. Dear fairies, said she, impulsively kissing them.

Starting point is 03:29:03 Tell us where the cranes go with with the young fairies, Sue managed to say, her hands and voice trembling. Miss Dunmore sat looking down, sadly for a little before she answered. Sue, curiously, felt the lady's cheeks that were now rose-red and beautiful. I will tell you what my father says, the latter began.

Starting point is 03:29:29 The cranes take them to slumber city on a great marsh and put them in their nests. The heads of the young fairies are bald and smooth, and the cranes sit on them as if they were eggs. By and by wonderful thoughts and dreams come into them so that the fairies wake up and begin crying, for they are very hungry. They remember the spring of milk, but they are so young and helpless, they can only reach out their hands and cry for it. Some of the cranes stand on one leg in the marsh and listen.

Starting point is 03:30:05 The moment they hear the young fairies crying, they fly away to find mothers for them. the unhappy little things are really not fairies any more they are babies some of the cranes come and dance around the nest to keep them quiet and the babies sit up and open their eyes and begin to laugh it is so very funny and that night a big crane sits by the side of each baby and the baby creeps on his back and rides away to his mother and he is so weary after his ride that he is so weary after his ride that he is so weary after his ride that he is he sleeps and is scarcely able to move, and when he wakes and smiles and laughs, he remembers how the cranes danced in the marsh. Curiously, silently, the children looked into her face, while she, with wonder equal to their own, put her arms around them.

Starting point is 03:31:01 My father says that there are no people, that we are really nothing but young fairies asleep and dreaming up in the tops of the trees, and that the fairy heaven is not here. She gazed into the eyes of the boy a moment, all unconscious of his mental limitations. Then she added, You're nothing but a big fairy, you're so very young. Saki drew away with a look of injury and threw out his chest. I'm six years old, he answered with a dothel. dignity. In a little while, I'll be a man. Miss Dunmore drew them close to her and said,

Starting point is 03:31:45 I wish I could take you home with me. Have you any maple sugar there? The little girl inquired. Yes, and a tame fox and a little fawn. But you ain't got no Uncle Silas, said the boy, boastfully. nor no aunt synth sue ventured then with her tiny fingers she felt the neck of the beautiful lady to see if there were a mold on it she was thinking of one of the chief attractions of her aunt in a moment she added nor no uncle robert they had begun to call him uncle robert is he the man i saw the maiden asked both children nodded affirmatively do you love him yes would you like to take him home with you too sake asked with a look of deep interest if they were to go he would wish to have his new uncle with them and sue saw the point he can carry you on his back and growl just like a bear she urged he can put his mouth on your cheek and make such a funny noise Miss Dunmore looked away, blushing red. It was a curious kind of love-making.

Starting point is 03:33:12 She whispered in the ear of the little girl. Would you let me have him? Sue looked up into her eyes, doubtfully. She wants your Uncle Robert, Saki guessed aloud. But not to keep, Sue questioned, as if it were not to be thought of. the eyes of the children were looking into those of the beautiful lady i couldn't have him the latter asked we'll give you our coon sue suggested by way of compromise i am sure he your uncle would not go with me miss dunmore suggested saki seemed now to think that the time had come for authoritative information he broke away and called to his new uncle the maiden rose quickly blushing with surprise she turned away as robert master came in sight and stood for half a moment looking down

Starting point is 03:34:17 then stooping she picked a wild flower and timidly offered it the act was full of childish simplicity it spoke for her as her tongue could not knowledge acquired since she saw him last had possibly increased her shyness. She wants you, said the boy with vast innocence, while he looked up at the young man. I wish I could believe it were true, said master as he came nearer by a step to the daughter of the woodland. She turned with a look of fear and said, I must go, as she ran to the trail, followed by rock.

Starting point is 03:35:01 A little distance, away she turned, looking back at the young man. Something in her eyes told of a soul beneath them lovelier than its nobly fashioned house. Moreover, they proclaimed the secret which she would fain have kept. Shall we shake hands? he asked. She took a step towards him and stopped.

Starting point is 03:35:25 No, she answered. I must see you again, said Master, with passion at eagerness, fearing that she was about to leave. She looked down, but made no answer. The children put their arms about her knees, as if to detain her. You will not forget to come Thursday, he added. The beautiful lady stood looking at him, her left hand upon her chin, her arms bare to the elbows. A smile, an almost imperceptible nod, and the eloquence of her own.

Starting point is 03:36:02 eyes were the only answer she gave him, but they were enough. Will you not speak to me? the young man urged as he came nearer. She stood looking, curiously, until he could almost have touched her. Then gently she pushed the children away and fled up the trail, her pet following. In a moment she had gone out of sight. She was like the spirit of the woodland, Wild, Beautiful, Silent. End of Chapter 14.

Starting point is 03:36:45 Chapter 15 of Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods by Irving Bachelor. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 15. There was a great marsh around a setback leading off the still water near Lost River Camp. There, the children had seen many cranes, and they did not forget

Starting point is 03:37:10 that certain of them had stood upon one leg. After supper that evening, they sat together whispering a while and presently stole away. There was a trail for frog hunters that led to their destination. They ran eagerly, and just as the sun was going down,

Starting point is 03:37:30 stopped on a high bank overlooking the marshes. It was a broad flat covered with pools and tall grasses and vogs, crowned with leaves of the sweet flag and with cat-tails and pussy willows. Now it was still and hazy. The pools were like mirrors, with the golden glow of the sky and soft dark shadows in them. Far out in the marsh they discovered a crane strolling leisurely among the bogs and began to chatter about him. They looked and listened until the sun had gone below the tops of the trees.

Starting point is 03:38:10 then cranes came flying homeward out of the four skies and one by one lighted on the edge of a bog some two or three hundred feet from the children she uttered a little cry of joy the cranes stood motionless with heads up they're listening saki assured his sister bullfrogs had begun croaking and a mud hen was making a sound like that of a rusty pump the children now sat on the side of the bank and leaned forward straining their eyes and ears soon the far shrill cry of some little animal rang above the chorus of the marsh the children took it to be a baby and seemed almost to writhe with suppressed laughter mingled with hopeful and whispered comment in his excitement saki slipped off his perch and came near rolling down the side of the bank one of the cranes began to shuffle about his wings half open like an awkward dancer soon the whole group of birds seemed to be imitating him and each shuffled on his long legs as if trying to be most ridiculous the dusk was thickening and the children could only just discern them they sat close together and held each other's hands tightly and looked out upon the marsh and were silent with awe and expectation. Suddenly the crane scattered into the bushes and the sedge. Saki and Sue were now watching to see them fly. It was almost dark, and a big moon seemed

Starting point is 03:39:54 to be peering through the tops of the trees. Soon the great bird strode slowly and single file past the wonder-stricken, too. See the babies? See the babies? Sue cried out. they squirmed and shivered with awe their lips and eyes wide with amazement in the dim light they imagined that a baby sat in the back of each crane sue had no sooner cried out than there came a flapping of wings that seemed to fill the sky the feathered caravan had taken to the air and were swinging in a wide circle around the edge of the marsh they quickly disappeared in the gloom gone to find mothers for em said saki in a trembling whisper the children had suddenly become aware that it was quite dark but neither dared to speak of it they still sat looking out upon the marsh and clinging hand to hand soon a procession of grotesque and evil creatures began to pass them the great bear of the woods who had swallowed alive all the little runaways and who who had swallowed alive all the little runaways and who having made them prisoners, only let them come out now and then to ride upon his back.

Starting point is 03:41:15 The big panther bird who lured children from their homes with berries and flowers and nuts and maybe raisins, and who, when they were in some lonely place, dropped stones upon their heads and slew them. Odd, indescribable shapes, some having long hairy necks and heads like coconuts. and lastly came that awful horned creature with cloven hoofs and the body of a man who carried a pitchfork and who soon or late flung all the bad children into a lake of fire saki and sue covered their faces with their hands suddenly a prudent thought entered the mind of the boy i'm going to be good said he in a loud but timid voice i love god best of every one his sister gave a little start in half a moment she suggested her eyes covered with her hands you don't love god better than uncle silas saki hesitated prudence and affection struggled for the mastery yes he managed to say although with some difficulty don't you sue hesitated he nudged her and whispered say yes say it out loud the word came from sue in a low pathetic wail of fear

Starting point is 03:42:50 i ain't never going to tell any more lies the boy asserted in a firm clear voice or swear or run away they both gave a cry of alarm for zeb had sprung upon them and begun to lick faces. Their aunt and uncle had missed them, and Zeb had led his master to where they sat. Strong had heard the children choosing between him and their creator and understood. Saki and Sue, after the shock of Zeb's sudden arrival, were encouraged by his presence and began to take counsel together. We better go home, said Saki. What if we meet something? we meet something pooh i'll crook my finger at him and say silas strong as my uncle saki answered confidently you'll see him run fast enough it was a formula which his uncle had taught him and he had tried it upon a deer and a hedgehog with eminent success the emperor had planned to give them a scare by a way of punishment but now he had no heart for severity

Starting point is 03:44:05 he walked through the bushes whistling he said not a word as he knelt before them indeed the man dared not trust himself to speak with cries of joy they climbed upon his shoulders and embraced him strong rose and slowly carried them through the dark trail he could not even answer their questions he was thinking of their faith in him of their love the like of which he had never known or dreamed of and was not able to understand. Synth was out with the lantern when they returned. The children were asleep in his arms. Sh-sh! Don't scold, sister, said he in a voice so gentle it surprised himself. They put the children to bed and walked to the cook tent. Strong told them of all he had heard them say.

Starting point is 03:45:03 I don't know, but you'll have to whip him. said Synth. Strong was drying the little boots of the boy. He touched them tenderly with his great hand. He smiled and shook his head and slowly stammered, If we're gonna be good enough to associate with them, we gotta whip ourselves. He rose and put a stick of wood on the fire.

Starting point is 03:45:30 They think I'm almost as good as God, he added huskily, and then went out of doors. Before going to bed that night, he made this entry in his memorandum book. Strong won't do. He'll have to be tore down and built over. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of Silas Strong,

Starting point is 03:46:03 Emperor of the Woods, by Irving Bachelor. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 16. the migleys had engaged strong to take them out of the woods next day they were going to the fourth of july celebration at hillsborough master was going also be orator of the day strong hearing the talk of the others had got to wishon as cynth put it and had finally concluded to go on to hillsborough and witness the celebration so master had sent for his guide to come and stay at lost river camp until the return of Silas. The emperor was getting ready to go. Someone had told him that a man at Hillsborough was buying coons and foxes for the zoological gardens in New York.

Starting point is 03:46:59 He considered whether he had better take his young pet coon with him. In that hour of expanding generosity, when he had broken his bank, as the saying goes, he had forgotten his new responsibilities. There were the children. and that necessity which often awoke him at night and whispered of impending evil he must leave his old home and find a new one somewhere in the forest the little people would need boots and dresses and why shouldn't they have a rocking horse or some cheering toy of that character such reflections began to change to amend as it were his view of money furthermore synth had no respect for coons ever since the emperor had captured him much of her ill nature had been focused upon the coon wood's goin he mused as he fed the little creature we got to git tame you'd better take em along said cynth as she came out of the cook tent jim warner got ten dollars for a coon down to canton last summer

Starting point is 03:48:11 come on dick said the hunter with some regret in his tone as he fastened the coon's cage upon his basket strong looped a cord through the wire and the buckles of both shoulder braces master had taken the river route and would drive to hillsborough from tuppers strong and the migleys were going out through pitkin the sports had been on their way for more than half an hour strong put his arms in the straps and followed them he turned in the trail and called back better times he shouted it was a cheerful sentiment which he often expressed in moments of parting with don't believe it synth answered you see he insisted and then he disappeared in the timber as the travelers went on the migleys and then he disappeared in the timber as the travelers went on the migleys exhibited increasing respect for the law of gravitation they gave their coats to the emperor who studiously kept as far ahead or behind them as possible to avoid conversation he was tongue-weary and told them so late in the afternoon they came to a new lumber camp the warren job had pushed its front across the old train What desolation had fallen were strong past two weeks before in the shadow of the primeval wood? Its green roof lay in scragled withering heaps.

Starting point is 03:49:50 The under thickets had been cut away. The ferns lay flat, blackening on the sunburned soil. An old skeleton of pine lifted its broken arms high above the scene of desolation, and one could hear its bones creak and rattle in the breezy. heavens. Great shafts of spruce and pine were being sawed into even lengths and hauled to a skidway. Busy men looked small as ants in the edge of the high forest. Some swayed in pairs, pulling the briar, as woodsmen say, of those who work with a saw. Strong in the migleys halted to watch the downfall of a great pine.

Starting point is 03:50:33 Soon the Sawyers put their wedge in the slit and smote of a small. lit and smote upon it. The sheet of steel hissed back and forth, then a few blows of the axe. The men gave a shout of warning and drew aside. The great tree began to creak and tremble. Slowly it bent and groaned. Its long arms seemed to clutch at the air. Then it pitched headlong, its top whistling, its heavy stem shaking the ground upon which it fell. a voice of thunder seemed to proclaim its fate the axeman lopped off its branches and soon the long column lay stark and the growth of two centuries had come to its end strong and his companion stood a moment longer watching the scene huh the emperor grunted with a sorry look as they passed on near sundown they came into the cleared land the third land the third sandy godforsaken barons of tifton robbed of root and branch and soil of their glory and the one-croped nature had designed for them the travelers passed a deserted cabin on a hot stony hill

Starting point is 03:51:52 in its door-yard they could see a plow and an old wagon partly overgrown with weeds someone had tried to live on the spoiled earth and had come to discouragement where ten thousand men could have found healing and refreshment there was not enough growing to feed a dozen sheep here a part of the great inheritance of man had been forever ruined strong spoke of the pity of it can't be helped said the elder migley a man has a right to cut and sell his timber strong made no question of that claiming only that the cutting should be helped said the cutting be regulated, an expression which he rarely took the trouble to explain. It stood for a meaning well considered, that the forest belonged to the people, the timber to the owner of the land, that the right of the owner should be subject to restraint. He should be permitted to cut trees of a certain size only, so the forest would be made permanent and the owner and the generations to follow him would get a crop of timber every eight or ten years the sun was setting when they came into the little forest hamlet

Starting point is 03:53:13 the migleys put up at the pitkin general store where one might have rude hospitality as well as merchandise there strung left pack and coon behind the counter and hastened to the home of annette the comely young woman rose from the supper-table and took both his hands and hers strong's ahead he answered cheerfully as she greeted him in response to her invitation he sat down to eat her father lighted his pipe and left them silas told of the swishers and the big trout and the children me an scint is bein cut over he remarked with a smile as he thought of the children what do you mean but bein clear it ploughed and sowed she laughed a little as the emperor unfolded his pleasantry he thought of his improved account in the matter of swearing and of the better temper of synth getting proper he added annette was amused got to leave lost river he said presently got to leave lost river annette exclaimed ahya strong answered he looked down for a second then he added sorrowfully goin to tear down the woods it's an outrage couldn't you go to the plains s-souled and fenced how about the rag lake country bein cut

Starting point is 03:55:02 annette shook her head ruefully wood's got to go said strong leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees what'll you do get tame strong answered as he rose and went to the squirrel cage and began to play with his old pet the little animal came to his wire gateway and stood upon the palm of the emperor's hand t trespasser he remarked stroking the squirrel that they'll have me in a cage too pretty soon he put the squirrel away and offered his hand to a net some day he whispered some day she answered with a sigh you're going to hear me to do some talking he assured her the lady ann had often mildly complained of his reticence they now stood in front of the little veranda she was looking up at him it'll amount to something too he went on it seemed as if he were making a little verandah she was looking up at him it'll amount to something too he went on it seemed as if he were making an honest effort to correct the idleness of his tongue he was looking down at her and groping in his mind for some other cheerful sentiment he seemed to make this happy discovery and added wonderful good to times comin with a full heart she pressed his great hand in both of hers keep ahead said he cheerfully and bade her good night with this he left her and was happy for the taming of synth had seemed to bring that some day of his promise into the near future at the pickin general store his two companions had retired for the night

Starting point is 03:56:58 and he joined a group of woodsmen who occupied everything in the place which had a fairly smooth and accessible top on it they were all in debt to the storekeeper and seemed to entertain a regard for him not unmingled with pity this latter sentiment was the historian believes rather well founded they called him billy with the inflection of fondness two sat slouching apologetic apologetically on the counter one rested his weight as tenderly and considerately as might be on a cracker barrel another reposed with the look of greater confidence on the end of a nail keg they were guides two of whom had come out for provisions the others like strong were on their way to hillsborough here's the old emperor said one as strong entered and returned and returned turned to their greetings and sat down astride the beam of a plow i'd like to know what he thinks of it said a guide from the jordan lake country strong looked up at him without a word a millionaire has bought thirty thousand acres alongside of my camp the guide explained he won't let me cross on the old trail i had to go six miles out of my way to get here he smote the counter with his fist and coupled the name of the rich man with vile epithets my father and my grandfather traveled that trail before he was born the angry woodsman declared strong leaned forward his elbows on his knees and looked at his hands without speaking one laughed loudly another gave out a sympathetic curse

Starting point is 03:58:55 i'll get even with him you hear me so the aggrieved party expressed himself how strong inquired looking up suddenly i'll get even i'll send a traveler into that preserve who'll put him off it he spoke with a sinister suggestion huh the emperor grunted he understood the threat of the other who clearly meant to set up to the other who clearly meant to set up the woods of fire. Ain't I right? What do you come to anyway when you think it all over? The words came hot and fast off the tongue of the

Starting point is 03:59:37 complainer. Fool, strong stammered calmly. There was something in his way of saying it that made the others laugh. A faint smile of embarrassment showed in the face of the angry woodsman. me or the millionaire he inquired but both strong answered soberly as the storm ended in a little gust of laughter strong had stripped the guide of his anger as deftly as a squirrel could take the shell off a nut in the brief silence that followed he thought of another maxim for his memorandum book and soon it was recorded therein as followed

Starting point is 04:00:23 man that makes trouble sure to have most of it presently he who sat on the cracker barrel remarked if them air woods get a fire now they'll burn the stars out of heaven all eyes turned upon the once violent man of course i wouldn't fire the woods he muttered he was now cool and could see the folly and also the peril which lay in his threat i never said i'd set the woods afire but the old trail has been a thoroughfare for nigh a hundred year i believe i've got as good a right to use it as he has to think so the emperor inquired yes sir then to do it strong answered dryly there was much in those three words and in the look of the speech it said plainly that the other was to do what he thought to be right and never what he knew to be wrong lumbermen are more to blame said another where they've been nobody wants to go they cut everything down to the size of your wrist and leave the soil covered with tinder stacks they think a nothing but the profit case of fire woods round em wouldn't have a ghost of a show look at the weaver tracked said he who sat on the nail keg four thousand acres of dead tops miles on em and all as dry as gunpowder if you was to touch a match there you'd have to run for your life go like a scared deer said he of the cracker barrel for it stopped i guess you'd think the world was a fire

Starting point is 04:02:21 the woods aga-goin said the emperor sadly he thought of the cold springs at which he had refreshed himself in the heat of the summer day and which were to perish utterly he thought of the brooks and rivers slowing their pace like one stricken with infirmity and by and by lying dead in the sunlight lying in a chain of slimy pools across the great valley of the st lawrence he thought of green meadows which sooner or late would probably wither into a desert what'll become of us said he on the nail keg have to be sawed and trimmed and planed and matched and go into town it was the voice above the cracker barrel not me said the occupant of the nail keg too many houses and folks and too much noise couldn't never stand it village is a curious place said another who had never been sober when he saw it steeples and buildings and folks real roundin pears seemed so the sidewalk flowed like a river and nothing stands still long enough so you can see how it looks the speaker was interrupted by the proprietor of the pitkin general store who came to the downstairs and flung himself on the top of the counter. Go into the fourth, said he of the Cracker Barrel.

Starting point is 04:03:55 Might as well got to have a tooth drawed. I've got one that's been growling pretty spiteful, said the nail kegger. Don't know, but I might as well go and have it tore out. I got to be snate too, said the Cracker Barrel man. "'Regular tooth drawn down there tomorrow,' said a voice from the counter. "'Beats all how the teeth get raring up every circus and Fourth of July,' said the nail-kegger. The laughter which now ensued seemed, as it were, to shake everybody off his perch. The counter and the cracker barrel expressed themselves in a creak of relief,

Starting point is 04:04:40 and all went above stairs, save the emperor. He cut a few bows for a pillow, spread his blanket under the pine trees, flung an end of it over his great body, and let go, as he was wont to say. At any time of day or night he had only to lie down and let go and enjoy absolute forgetfulness. End of chapter 16.

Starting point is 04:05:13 Chapter 17 of Silas Strong, emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter seventeen at the break of day next morning strong rose and called his fellow travelers beside the turnpike he built a fire over which he began to cook fish and potatoes and coffee when the migleys had come all sat on a blanket within reach of their food and helped them themselves in a fashion almost as ancient as the hills then strong gave the coon his share and washed the dishes and got his pack ready it was a tramp of four miles to the station below pitkin they arrived there however before the sun was an hour high when they were seated in the end of the smoking-car with coon and pack beside them mr migley began to reveal the plans of the great can business having increased his territory he now felt the need of adding to his power he must have more legislation for there were to be ruthless changes of the map those few really free and independent people who dwelt in and near the lost river country were to be his subjects and they must learn to obey at least they must not oppose him and make trouble gently his envoy began you know said he there's to be a new member of assembly in our district strong nodded

Starting point is 04:06:57 i want my son to go the elder migley went on as he winked suggestively he's going to make his home in pickin and it's very necessary to his plans that you people should be with him he's got the talent of a statesman ask anybody who knows the boy. He paused a moment. The Emperor made no reply. Level-headed and reliable in every spot and place, and a good-looker, Miggly continued, as if he were selling a road horse while he nudged the Emperor. Look at him! I'd swap faces with that boy any day, and give him ten thousand dollars to boot, wouldn't you? Mr. Miggily spoke in dead earnest. he pinched the knee of strong and waited for his reply wouldn't fit me the emperor replied pop migley took the answer as a compliment and gurgled with good feeling strong you're a kind of a boss up here in the hills said he there isn't a j in the pine lands that wouldn't walk twenty miles to caucus if you asked him to

Starting point is 04:08:13 don't know strong answered doubtfully i know what i'm talking about said the lumberman with a smile i want the vote of the town a pitkin if we get that we can give em all the flag strong was not unaccustomed to this kind of appeal there were not many voters in his town but they always followed the emperor you can get it for us mr mingley insisted insisted. No. No. Why not? I've promised to help a master. Oh, well, now look here.

Starting point is 04:08:55 You and I ought to be friends, said Migli. We ought to stand by each other. You look out for me and I'll look out for you. As he offered his alliance, Migley tenderly pressed the shoulder of Silas Strong. then he put his index finger on that square of latitude and longitude which indicated the region of his heart and added impressively i have the reputation of being true to my friends ask anybody the hunter sat filling his pipe in silence with what's pledged to us if we get this town we can win easy strong began to puff at his pipe thoughtfully Here sat a man who could make or break him.

Starting point is 04:09:45 His face reddened a little, he shook his head. Mr. Migley had caught the eye of a man he knew, Joe Socket, postmaster and politician of Moon Lake. He rose, tapped the shoulder of Strong, and said, Think it over. Then he hurried down the aisle of the car. He leaned over and whispered into the ear of Socket, What kind of a man is strong?

Starting point is 04:10:14 Square, said the other promptly. A little cranky in some ways, but you can depend upon him. He'll do what he says. The devil couldn't turn him. He says he's pledged to Master, that chap who's come up here with a bag of money. Do you think Master has bought him? I don't think so.

Starting point is 04:10:37 I suppose he could be bought. but but I never knew of his taking money the boys of the back country swear by the emperor they look up to him fact is Sil strong is a damn good fellow his oath seemed to contradict his affirmation he's like a rock said mingley the glad hand don't make any impression what's you gonna do with a man who won't drink or talk or swap lies with you i could put the poor devil out of house and home but he don't seem to care we'll turn him over to the congressman socket answered he'll bring him into camp if not we can get along without him the fact was the emperor of the woods was not like any other man they had to deal with in history character and calibre he used his brain for a definite purpose to think out for a very good to think out for a very good man to think out for a man they had to deal with in history character and caliber he used his brain for a definite purpose to think out thoughts with as he was wont to say and if his heart approved of them they were right and he could no more change them than a tree could change its bark or its foliage as yet the arts and allies of the flatterer had no power over him he was content and without any false notion of his own importance end of chapter seventeen chapter eight of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter eighteen

Starting point is 04:12:24 what a fair of american citizenship was on its way to hillsborough this morning of the fourth of july they that now crowded the train were like others traveling on all the main thoroughfares of the county farmers and their wives rustic youths and their sweethearts, mill-hands and mill-owners, teamsters, sawyers, axemen, guides, and storekeepers. They were celebrating a day's release from the tyranny of business, and were not deeply moved by the tyranny which their grandfathers had suffered. History, save that of the present hour, did not much concern them. They were mostly sound-hearted men. there were some who in answer to the charge that a local statesman had got riches in the legislature were wont to say he'd be a fool if he hadn't he was a good fellow anyhow and they loved a good fellow all the men of wealth and place and power were in his favor and had practised upon them the subtle arts of the friend-maker they would not have accepted a bribe these good people now on their way to hillsborough

Starting point is 04:13:41 but they could get all kinds of favors from joe socket and pop migley and horace dumais and other henchmen of the wealthy boss and legislature they had yielded to the insidious bribories of friendship warm greetings and handshakes loans small sinecures compliments pledges of undying esteem over clinking glasses and similar condescension they loved the forest and were sorry to see it go but many of them got their bread and butter by its downfall directly or indirectly and then socket dumais and migley were nothing more or less than lumber pulp and water-power person They were like the lords and barons of the olden time, less arrogant, but more powerful. Indeed, strong was right. The tyrant of the modern world is that ruthless giant that he called business, and his nobles are coal, iron, cotton, wool, food, power, paper, and lumber. These people on the edge of the woodland were slaves of power, paper, and lumber.

Starting point is 04:14:54 paper and lumber with able and designing chiefs this great triumvirat gently drove the good people this way and that and there was a little touch of irony in this journey of the latter to celebrate their freedom and independence one who knew them could not help feeling that the old martial spirit of the day was wholly out of harmony with their own they were a peace-loving people purged of their father's hatred and roars of defiance found no echo in any breast save those who overheated by alcohol some wore flannel shirts and the livery of a woodsman's toil some unduly urged no doubt by a wife or sister had ventured forth in more conventional attire they sat as if posing for a photograph galled hot gloomy suspicious self-suppressed silent their necks hooped in linen their bodies resisting the tight embrace of new attire in the crowd were a number to whom the reaping of the ruined hills on either side of the train had brought wealth and an air of proprietorship most of the crowd were in high spirits the sounds of loud talk and laughter and the rankling smoke of cheap cigars filled the air above them a lank youth under a dark broad-brimmed hat tilted backward so as neither to conceal nor disarrange a rare embellishment of curls upon his brow entered the car with another like him his hair had the ginger-brown wringletudeness look of spaniel fur he began to whistle loudly and as it would seem prelusively in a moment he was in full song on a ballad of the cheap theatre

Starting point is 04:16:54 with sentiment like his hair, Frank, bold, oily, and outreaching. As the train stopped at Hillsborough, Strong rose and put on his pack and left with the crowd, Coon in hand. The sidewalks were crowded and Strong took the center of the street. There at least was comparative seclusion. Silas had not traveled a block when, all unexpectedly, he had. became a center of attraction. A group of whining dogs gathered about him, peering wistfully at the coon. They were shortly reinforced by a number of small boys, which grew with astonishing rapidity. Cries of curiosity and derision rose around him. Sportsmen who had visited his camp and who recognized him

Starting point is 04:17:49 shouted their greeting to the Emperor of the Woods. A swisher of some prominence in the little school of sportsmanship at Lost River came and dispersed the boys. The emperor kicked at a dog and ran a little way in pursuit of him. He came back and set down the coon cage and shook hands with his pupil. Immediately a dog, approaching from behind, sprang at the cage and tipped it over and leaped upon it and began to claw. Strong seized and flung the dog away, and, as he righted the cage, its door came open and the coon escaped. Dodging his enemy, the little animal sought refuge in a thicket of people.

Starting point is 04:18:37 Being pursued by dogs, and accustomed also to avoid peril by climbing, he straightway climbed, not a tree, but a tall sapling of a youth, from which the others broke away in a panic. they were opposite a little park and the youth not daring to lay hold of the animal fled among the trees pursued by strong and two dogs and a throng of brave spirits who shouted information as to what he had best do for half a moment the frightened coom clung on a shoulder his tail in the air growling at the dogs the latter leaped up at him and he began to feel for more altitude the youth who had some knowledge of the nature of coons ran to the nearest tree. Quickly the coon sprang upon it and scrambled far out of reach. He ran up the smooth shaft of elm and settled on a swaying bough some forty feet above ground.

Starting point is 04:19:40 A crowd of people were now looking up at him. Coon in a cage is worth two in a tree, a man shouted. Strong sat down beneath the tree and looked. lighted his pipe and thought out another bit of wisdom for his memorandum book it was coon on your shoulder worth lessen what he is anywhere he sat in meditation as if indeed he were resting in the wilderness a cannon not a hundred feet away shook the windows of hillsborough with a loud explosion for every star on the flag a perpetual fusillade of fire crackers seemed to suggest the stripes. Acustomed to woodland silences, the Emperor's feeling was, in a measure, like that of his coon. The morning salute ended presently, and then he uttered an exclamation, which indicated clearly that he had been losing ground in his late struggle with Satan. One of the guides with whom he had sat in the store at Pitkin came near.

Starting point is 04:20:52 Had your tooth drawed? Was the question he put to the emperor? Strong was now looking at the empty cage. Had my cocoon drawd, he answered. Where is he? Upstairs, Strong pointed in the direction of the Coon's refuge. Silas was now the center of an admiring company. His former pupil had brought the president

Starting point is 04:21:20 of the corporation of Hillsborough, to meet him. The official invited Strong to participate in the games. The emperor was willing to do anything to oblige and walked with his new acquaintance to the public square. A trial at lifting and carrying was the first number on the program. The contestants leaned, with hands behind them, while others on a raised platform began to heat bags of oats

Starting point is 04:21:49 upon their backs and shoulders. Loaded to the limit of their strength, they carried the burden as far as they were able and flung it down. One after another tried, and the last carried nine bags, a distance of seven feet, and was rewarded with many cheers. It was Strong's turn now.

Starting point is 04:22:13 He bent his broad back, and the loaders began to burden him. At ten, they stopped. stopped but strong called for more three others were heaped upon him and slowly he began to move away one could see only his legs beneath his burden which towered far above him ten feet beyond the farthest mark he bore the bags and let them down the people began cheering and many came to shake his hand and feel the sinews in his arms and shoulders of the trial at scale lifting a woodsman who sat near gave this illuminating description when they all got through strong put on two hundred more and raised his neck and lifted and the bar came up like a trout after a fly silas strong stood his coat off his trousers stuck in his boots looking soberly at the people who cheered him one eye was wide open the other partly closed there were wrinkles above his wide eye and his faded felt hat tilted backward into one side left his face uncovered he had a new and grateful sense of being ahead but seemed to wonder if so much brute strength were altogether creditable

Starting point is 04:23:39 master was to address the people and strong was invited to sit behind the speaker's table with the select of the county he accompanied the president of the corporation he accompanied the president of the corporation to the platform in the park his pack-basket on his arm more than a thousand men and women had gathered in front of them when the chairman introduced the young orator the speech delighted silas strong and he summed it up in his old memorandum book as follows folks can't be no better than the air they breathe roots of a plant are in the ground but the roots of a plant are in the ground but the roots of a man are in his lungs. Where the woods are plenty, the air is strong, and folks are stout and supple like our forefathers, when they licked the British. Them days they got a powerful crop of folks sometimes fifteen in a family. The power of the woods was in them. Now folks live under a sky eight feet above their heads, and take their air second-handed, and drink at the bar instead of the spring and eat more than what they earn and travel on wheels and think so much of their own health they ain't got no time to think in their countries

Starting point is 04:24:56 when a man's mind is on his stomach it can't be anywhere else brains weren't made to digest vittles with old-fashioned ways is best which strong says is so also that a man had not ought to eat any more than what he's earned by hard labor after the address strong went home to dinner with congressman wilbert the leading citizen of hillsborough that little town still retained the democratic spirit of old times there one had only to be clean and honest to be respectable and the mighty often sat at meet with the lowly strong declined the invitation at first on the plea that he had fried cakes in his pack basket and yielded only after some urging. The statesman's wife received the hunter cordially and presented him to her daughter. The girl led strong aside and began to entertain him. He had lost his easy, cat-like stride, his unconscious control of bone and muscle. He looked and felt as if he were carrying himself on his own back.

Starting point is 04:26:14 He seemed to be balancing his own. his head carefully for fear it would fall off and had treated his hands like detached sundries in a camp outfit by stuffing them into the side pockets of his coat gradually he limbered in his chair and settled down his confidence grew and soon he horsed one knee upon the other and flung his hands around it as if to bind an invisible burden resting on his lap he carried this objective treatment of his own person to such an extent that he seemed even to be measuring his breath and to find a little opportunity for celebration when the young lady addressed him he often answered with the old formulas of i tnum or ttie ttie they eased the responsibility of his tongue and without seriously committing him expressed a fairer degree of interest and surprise. At the table, Strong behaved himself with the utmost conservatism. They treated him very tenderly, and he found relief in the fact that his embarrassment seemed not to be observed. He thought it the part of politeness to refuse nearly everything that was

Starting point is 04:27:35 offered, and to eat in a gingerly fashion. The congressman had often heard of Silas, and gave him many compliments, and finally asked what, in his opinion, should be done to protect the forest. Briefly, Strong gave his views, and the other seemed to agree with him. I'll do what I can for the woods, and for you too, said the statesman.

Starting point is 04:28:02 You ought to be a warden with a good salary. These kindly assurances flattered, the emperor of the woods. Insidiously, the great world power was making its most potent appeal to him i may ask you for a favor now and then said wilbert i'd be glad if you'd do what you could to help migley he needs the vote of your town strong knew not what to say mind's made up he stammered after a little pause when his mind was made up he had nothing further to do but obey its will. The other did not quite comprehend his meaning. Strong, in his embarrassment, had put too much tobacco sauce on his meat. He blew, according to his custom in moments of distress,

Starting point is 04:28:58 and took a drink of water. He looked thoughtfully at the small cylinder of glass. He tried to read its label. "'Small, b' bore,' he remarked, presently. shoots well he added after a moment of reflection strong had begun to think of his coon now clinging in a tree-top suddenly he had become too proud to try to sell him but he could not bear to abandon his old pet so while the others talked together he began to contrive against the dogs of hillsborough as he was about to leave he asked mrs wilbert where he could buy one of them little red guns, by which he meant a bottle of Tabasco sauce. She immediately sent a servant to bring one, which the emperor accepted with her compliments. His host went with him to a store, where Strung invested some of his prize money in Christmas presents, so he called them, for Synth and the little fawns, filling his pack well

Starting point is 04:30:08 above the brim. Then, forthwith, strong proceeded to the coon's refuge in the public park where with the aid of a roman candle as he explained a synth in the privacy of their cook tent he made the coon let go all holts the animal had been clinging high in the old elm and being stunned by his fall strong caught and held him firmly by the nape of the neck while he covered him with an armor of liquid fire from the tobasco bottle the fur of back and neck and shoulders had now the power to inflict misery sharper than a serpent's tooth d dick he whispered strong is shame to you he can't associate no more with cocoons in this village but he won't let you get to tore up strong carried his coon out of the park and let him down in hillsborough popular enthusiasm had turned from revelry to refreshment the crowd having retired to home and hostelry had left the streets nearly deserted strong's coon set out in the direction of the river and soon a bulldog laid hold of him the dog gave the coon a shake and began as it were to lose confidence

Starting point is 04:31:37 he dropped the hot-ferred animal shook his head and tarried the tenth part of a second as if to make a note of the coon's odor for future reference and then ran with all speed to the river he heeded not the call of his master or the jeering of a number of small boys they were no more to him than the idle wind the coon proceeded on his way to the woods farther on three hours three hours three hours three hours three hours other dogs bounded into trouble and rushed for water the coon passed two bridges and made his way across an open field in the direction of turner's wood strong whose hunger had not been satisfied bought some cake and pie and made for open country where he sat down by the roadside tree-tops above him were full of chattering birds driven out of town probably by its hideous uproar the emperor having appeased his hunger took half an hour for reflection before the end of it came he began for the first time in his life to suffer the penalty of idleness and high living indigestion the bane of towns and cities had taken hold of him before leaving he made these entries in his little book july the fourth this ain't no place for strong man might as well be in ogdensburg as have ogdensburg and him it should be remembered that with the woods loving and wholly mistaken emperor ogdensburg meant nothing less than hell strong's coon snaked out of his cage contrived to get even also coon made free and independent

Starting point is 04:33:33 his revenge was of such lasting effect that some say for a long time thereafter dogs in hillsborough fled terror-stricken at the sight of a coonskin overcoat end of chapter eighteen chapter nineteen of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter nineteen meanwhile sake and sue in sunday costume had gone out with their aunt for a holiday picnic in the forest cynth had been busy until ten o'clock preparing a sumptuous dinner of roasted wild fowl and jelly of frosted cake and sugared berries and crab apple tarts they went to the moss-covered banks of a little brook over in peppermint valley half a mile or so from the camp master's man carried their dinner and blankets upon which they could repose without impairing the splendor of their dress cynth had put on her very best attire a sacred silk gown and paisley shawl which had come on a cheerful christmas day from her sister might as well show em to the birds and squirrels said she there ain't nobody else to dress up for except the little fawns the man left them to return later for their camp accessories cynth played i spy and hide the penny and other games of her childhood with socky and sue she had brought some old story papers with her and when the little folks grew weary they sat down beside her on the blankets while she read a tale to her all things were so which bore the sacred authority of print

Starting point is 04:35:38 and she read aloud in a slow precise and responsible manner it was a thunderous tale she was now reading a tale of bloody swords and high-sounding oaths and epithets saki began to feel his weapon master had shaped a handle on a piece of lathe and presented it for a sword to the little duke of hillsborough since then it had trailed behind the boy fastened by a stringed by a string a string to his belt. He sat listening with a serious, thoughtful look upon his face. At the climax of the tale, he raised his weapon. Presently, unable to restrain his heroic impulse, he sprang at Zeb, sword in hand, and smote him across the ribs, shouting, Defend yourself! Zeb retreated promptly and took refuge in a fallen treetop, out of which he peered, his hair rising. Soon he satisfied himself that the violence of the Duke was not a serious matter.

Starting point is 04:36:47 Saki ran upon him, waving his sword and crying in a loud voice, You're a coward, sir! Zeb rushed through the ferns, back and forth around the boy, growling and grimacing, as if to show that he could be a swashbuckler himself. On his merry frolic, he ran wide in thickets of young fur. Suddenly he began barking and failed to return. They called to him, but he only barked the louder, well out of sight beyond the little trees.

Starting point is 04:37:22 Saki went to seek him, and in a moment the barking ceased, but neither dog nor boy came in sight of the others. Synth followed with growing alarm. back in a mossy glade not a hundred feet from where they had been sitting she stopped suddenly and grew pale with surprise there sat a beautiful maiden looking down at the boy who lay in her arms sue who had followed her aunt now sprang forward with a cry of delight the maiden rose her cheeks crimson with embarrassment oh aunt said the boy as he clung fondly to the hand of edith dunmore this is the beautiful lady what's your name sinth demanded edith dunmore the girl's voice had a note of sadness my land do you go wandering all over the woods like a bear cynth inquired the maiden turned away and made no answer land sakes alive you ain't got no business goin around these woods and meetin strange men oh silly bird croaked the little crow from a bough near them

Starting point is 04:38:46 mercy exclaimed synth as she looked up at the riband crow it's enough to make the birds talk there were tears in the maiden's eyes and the children glanced from her to their aunt sadly and reprovingly. Synth, now full of tender feeling, put her arms around the neck of the girl in a motherly fashion. Poor, poor child, said she, her voice trembling. I've laid awake nights, thinking of you. Something in the tone and touch of the woman brought the girl closer.

Starting point is 04:39:26 Another great need of her nature was for a moment satisfied. she leaned her head upon the shoulder of synth and her heart confessed its loneliness in tears and broken phrases i-i followed you i couldn't couldn't help it said she poor girl synth went on as she patted the head of the maiden i've scolded mr master he ought to let you alone lest he's in love which i wouldn't wonder if he was ah croaked the bird as if to attract his mistress sakes alive exclaimed synth looking up at the crow with moist eyes that bird is like a human being hush child you must come and help us celebrate come on now we'll all sit down and have our dinner socky and sue stood by the knees of the maiden looking up at her gently the woman led her new acquaintance to their little camp and bade her sit with the children cynth had a happy look in her face while she hurried about getting dinner ready just straighten the end please that's right said she as edith dunmore put a helping hand on the snowy tablecloth sinth began to spread the dishes and the maiden furtively embraced socky and sue my land you do like children don't you so do i there's just nothin like em in this world dinner's ready said synth when all the dainties had been set forth heavens and earth i'm so glad to see a woman i could lay right down and ball

Starting point is 04:41:20 you have made me as happy as a young fawn said miss dunmore i am not afraid of you or the children are you afraid of him the maiden looked down blushing and almost whispered her answer yes i am afraid he wouldn't hurt you he's just as gentle as a lamb said synth she paused to cut the cake and added with a far-away look in her eyes. Still, and all, I don't know what I'd do if he was to make love to me. Synth ate in silence for a moment, and remarked dreamily, Men are awful curious critters when they get love in them. For a little, one might have heard only the chatter of the children and the barking of Zeb. By and by, the maiden said, I am sure that Mr. Master is a good man. No nicer in the world, Synth answered.

Starting point is 04:42:27 Pleasant spoke, and he don't set around as if he wanted you to breathe for him. He'll be a good provider, too. After a few moments, the children took their cake and went away to share it with Zeb and the tame crow. Do you think he would care to see me? again, Edith Dunmore asked, blushing and looking down as she touched a wild rose in her breast. "'Course he would,' Synth answered promptly. "'Can't sleep nights and looks kind of sick and dreamy, like a man with a felon.'

Starting point is 04:43:06 Synth looked into the eyes of the girl and added soberly, "'I guess you're in love with him fast enough.' "'I do not know. said Miss Dunmore with a sigh. I know that all the light of the day is in his eyes, that I am lonely when I cannot find him. Synth nodded. It's love, said she decisively,

Starting point is 04:43:34 the real, genuine pure quill. Don't you let him know it. She sat looking down for a moment, with a dreamy look in her eyes. I know what it is. is she went on sadly had a bow myself once went off to the war after a little pause she added he never came back shot dead in battle she began to pick up the dishes having stowed them in a pail she turned and said in a solemn manner he was goin to bring me a gold ring with a shiny purple stone in it not that out of care for that if I couldn't have had him.

Starting point is 04:44:20 That old look of sickliness and resignation returned to the face of sin. Folks has to give for their country, she added soon. My father and my grandfather, and my oldest brother and my true love all died in the wars. I hope you'll never have to give so much. A great earthquakeing roar from far down in the valley of Lost River sped over the hills and shook the towers of the wilderness and broke the piece of that remote chamber in which they stood it was business breaking through the side of a mountain to make a trail for the iron horse

Starting point is 04:45:01 blastin scintz exclaimed it's the king of the world comin through the woods so my father tells me said miss dunmore then as if fearful that he might arrive that day she's the king of the world coming through the woods so my father tells me said miss dunmore then as if fearful that he might arrive that day she rose quickly and said, I must go home. I must go home. Synth kissed her, and the children came and bade her goodbye, and stood calling and waving their hands, as Edith Dunmore, with the riband crow, slowly went up the trail to Catamount.

Starting point is 04:45:39 End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods, by Irving Bachelor. this librovoc's recording is in the public domain chapter twenty on his way home at night strong was really nearing the city of destruction like that pilgrim of old renown shall we say that satan had filled the man with his own greatness the better to work upon him however that may be a new peril had beset the emperor for long he had been conscious only of his fain for long he had been conscious only of his faults. Now the thought of his merits had caused him to forget them. Turning homeward, the world in his view consisted of two parts, Silas Strong and other people. One regrets to say it was largely Silas Strong, the great lifter, the guide and hunter,

Starting point is 04:46:45 whose fame he had not until then suspected. Master took the train with him that evening. this old-fashioned man silas strong whose mind was in the main like that of his grandfather like that indeed of the end of the eighteenth century sat beside one who represented the very latest ideals of the anglo-saxon they were both descended from good pioneer ancestry but the grandfather of one had moved to boston while the grandfather of the other had remained in the wisconsin while the grandfather of the other had remained in the woods. The boulevard and the trail had led to things very different. They had sat together only a few moments when the two migleys entered the car. These ministers of the great king got to work at once. Hello, said the elder of them, addressing master. I congratulate you. I told my son it was a great speech. Ask him if I didn't. I enjoyed your speech.

Starting point is 04:47:51 said young mingley but there's no use talking to us about saving the wilderness if we did as you wish we'd have nothing to do but twirl our thumbs on the contrary you'd have a permanent business whereas your present course will soon lead you to the end of it i would have you cut nothing below twelve inches at the butt and get your harvest as often as you can find it twouldn't pay said pop migley with a shake of his head you condemn the plan without trial master continued anyhow if an owner wants his value at once let us have a law under which he can transfer his timberland to the state on a fair appraisal the state wouldn't pay us half we can make by cutting it probably not but you'd have your time and capital for other uses then too you should think of the public good you're rich enough but not fool enough said young mr migley in a loud voice the trains stopped to take water and those near were now turned to listen i thought you were ambitious to be a public servant said master calmly but not as a professor of moral philosophy this declaration of the young candidate was greeted with laughter and of course not as a professor of moral turpitude said the woods lover the public is not to be wholly forgotten i'm for my part of the public first last and always young migley answered it is notable that lawless feeling especially after it is passed from sire to sun some day loses the shame which has covered and kept it from insufferable offense

Starting point is 04:49:55 two or three citizens who sat near began to whisper and shake their heads one of them spoke out loudly and indignantly his part of the public is mostly himself he is trying to buy his way into the assembly and i hope he'll fail there were hot words between the migleys and their accuser and the lumberman left the car soon master fell asleep strong took out his old memorandum book and went over sundry events and reflections when master awoke the emperor still sat with a worn book in his hands i've been asleep said the young man what have you been doin thinking out a few thoughts strong answered as he put the book in his pocket the emperor began to speak of the congressman's curtis in a tone of self-congratulation. Master laughed heartily. It was a pretty little plot, said he. Those common fellows couldn't manage you, and they passed you on.

Starting point is 04:51:10 I'll bet he asked you to help Migli. Strong smiled and nodded. You haven't made me any promise, and I want you to feel free to do what you think best, said the young man. the train pulled into bees hill in the edge of the wilderness and they left it and took quarters at the rustic inn bees hill was a new lumber settlement where there were two mills three inns a number of stores and a post-office the bar-room was crowded with brawny mill-hands from across the border in varying stages of intoxication the inn itself was full of the reek of cheap tobacco and the sound of cheaper oaths the most offensive in the crowd were of the new generation of back-country americans their boastfulness and profanity were in full flood they used the sacred names with a cheerful glib familiarity as if they were only saying bill or joe the town had begun to ruin the woodsmen as well as the woods

Starting point is 04:52:24 here were some of the sons of the pioneers mostly guides and chourmen of abundant leisure every day they were dressed up and sat about the inn like one who patiently tries his luck at a fishing-hole they had discovered themselves and were like a child with its first doll they had as it were torn themselves apart and put themselves together again they had experimented with cologne hair oil poker colored neckties hotel fare and execrable whiskey they were in love with pleasure and had sublime faith and luck they spent their time looking and listening and talking and primping and dreaming of sudden wealth and kitchen maids strong and master stood a moment looking at a noisy company of youths at the bar they speak of the president by his first name and are rather free with the creator said master just little mehoppers strong remarked with a look of pity in his speech a conceited fellow who spoke too frequently of himself was always a mehopper large heads master exclaimed as he turned away like a balsam strong stammered be big top and little roots and they can't stand against the wind said master before he went to bed the emperor made these entries in his memorandum book strong says he had just as soon be seen with a coon as a congress

Starting point is 04:54:17 also that a fool gets so big in his own eyes he don't never dasped quarrel with himself strong got to me hoppin he has fit and conquered god never intended for a man to see himself or else he'd have set his eyes different end of chapter twenty chapter twenty one of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librovoc's recording is in the public domain chapter twenty one in the morning a little after sunrise strong and master set out across the state land stretching from the railroad to lost river a distance of some fourteen miles not an hour's walk from the station at bee's hill they passed another lumber job where on the land of the state nearly a score of men were engaged felling the tall pines and hauling them to skidways the emperor flung off his pack and hurried to the workers who's de job he inquired migleys we're working on a contract for the dead timber call that dead strong waved his hand in the direction of a number of trees newly felled which had been as healthy as any in the forest qu'n quit or i'll go to-day and complain o you he added you can go to blank if you like said the foreman angrily quicker than the jaws of a trap strong's hand caught the boss by the back of his neck and flung him headlong. The dealer in hasty speech rose and took a step towards the emperor and halted.

Starting point is 04:56:22 But better think it over, said strong, coolly. The boss turned to his men. He shouted at some eight or ten of them who had come near. Are you going to stand there and see me treated that way? You fight your own battles, said one of them. For my part, I think the emperor is is right so do i said another i've pulled the briar for you as long as i want to the rest of the gang stood still and said nothing i'll go and see migley about this declared the foreman who was walking hurriedly in the direction of his camp he turned and shouted to the toiler's you fellows can go is the turkey one who had to pick up his effects and get out was told to hiss the turkey there in the woods strong and master had a few words with the men and resumed their journey to lost river as they walked on a bush whip hit the emperor in the face he stopped and broke it and flung it down with the word of reproof he often did that kind of thing as if the trees and brushes were alive and on speaking terms with him sometimes he would stop and compliment them for their beauty soon the young man spoke after all the laws know better than they who make it said he

Starting point is 04:57:56 the emperor turned as if not sure of his meaning bribery said master migley got a law passed which provides a fine so low for cutting state timber that he can pay it and make money but business is k' king said strong thoughtfully he perceived how even the state itself had become a subject of the great ruler and satan is behind the throne master went on down goes the forest and the will of the people i tell you strong the rich thief is a great peril so many souls and bodies are mortgaged by his pay-roll and his favor look out for him he can make you know better than beef or mutton they proceeded on their journey in silence and when the sun had turned westward and they sat down to drink and rest on the shore of lost river strong began to write slowly and carefully in his old memorandum book some thoughts intended for his future guidance and he wrote as follows july the fifth strong says man that advises other folks to go to hell is apt to get there first also that a man who loses his temper ain't got nothin left but a fool strong is shamed tain't enough to look a gift horse in the mouth better turn him wrong side out and see how he's lined having thought out these thoughts and set them down the emperor rose and put the book in his pocket and hurried up the familiar trail followed by his companion a little farther on they met socky sue and synth

Starting point is 04:59:54 merry chrismas the emperor shouted as he caught sight of them he put his great hands upon their backs and drew the boy and girl close against his knees my little fawns he said with a chuckle of delight as he clumsily patted them his eyes were damp with joy his hands trembled in their eagerness to open the pack he untied the strings and uncovered the rocking horse and other trinkets whoa he shouted as he put the little dappled gray wooden horse on the smooth trail and set him rocking cries of delight echoed in that green isle of the woods strong put the children on the back of the wooden horse and gave a brass trumpet to saki and buckled a girdle of silver bells around the waist of sioux then he put on his pack lifted horse and children and bore them into lost river camp the laughter of the young man joined that of the children silas strong scylus strong cynth exclaimed as the emperor unloaded in front of the cook tent but present he answered promptly can't hear myself think said she with a suggestion of the old twang in her voice now try said silas strong as he gave her a little package the expression of her face changed quickly with slow but eager hands she undid the package her mouth opened with surprise when she discovered a ring with a shiny purple stone in it g-gold and amethyst the emperor exclaimed calmly and tenderly his voice mellowed by affection

Starting point is 05:01:54 gold and amethyst she repeated solemnly uh-huh it was a low affectionate sound of affirmation from the emperor made with his mouth closed her lips trembled her face changed color her eyes filled it was oddly pathetic that so vain a trifle should have so delighted her homely and simple as she was since her girlhood she had dreamed of a proud but impossible day that should put upon her finger a gold ring with a shiny purple stone in it strong knew of her old longing he knew that she had never had half a chance in this world of unequal burdens and he felt for her i told ye said he in a voice that trembled a little but better times she looked down at the ring but did not answer. That celebrates your engagement to the magic word, said master. She put it on her finger and gave it a glance of pride. Then she said,

Starting point is 05:03:08 Thank you, Silas, and repaired to her quarters, and sat down and wept. Her brother shouldered the axe and went to cut some wood for the stove. She could hear him singing as he walked away slowly. the green groves are gone from the hills maggie where oft we have wandered and sung and gone are the cool shady rills maggie where you and i were young end of chapter twenty one chapter twenty two of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty two The next was one of the slow coming days that seemed to be delayed by the great burden of their importance. With eager, impatient curiosity, Master had looked forward.

Starting point is 05:04:15 Had he witnessed the first scenes of his own life comedy? If so, what would the next be? He rose early and dressed with unusual care and was delighted to see a sky full of warm sunlight. The children were awake, and he helped them to put on their best attire while Synth was getting breakfast in the cook tent. Soon, with Saki and Sue in the little wagon, he was on the trail to Catamount Pond. Strong was to come later and bring their luncheon and begin the construction of a camp. On the way, Master gathered wildflowers and adorned the children with gay colors of the forest floor.

Starting point is 05:05:00 they found their canoe at the landing and got aboard and pushed across the still water the sky had never seemed to him so beautiful and silent from far up the mountain he could hear the twittering of a bird no other sound the margin of the pond was white with lilies in full bloom their perfume drifted in slow currents of air his canoe moved in harmony with a silence of air his canoe moved in harmony with a silent He could hear the bursting of tiny bubbles beneath his bow and around his paddle. Soon they came in sight of Birch Cove. There stood the moss-covered rock at the edge of the pond, but no maiden. Master felt a pang of disappointment. A fear grew in his heart. Would she not come again?

Starting point is 05:05:55 Was it all a pleasant dream? And was there no such wonderful creature among the two? children of men? He shoved his bow on the little sand beach and helped the children ashore. In a moment they heard the voice of the crow laughing, as if unable longer to control himself. I'm going to find her, said Saki, as he ran up the deer trail followed by Sue. In a moment they gave a cry of delight. Edith Dunmore had stepped from behind a thicket and stooping had put her arms around the children and was kissing them the cunning crow walked hither and thither and picked at the dead leaves and chattered like a child at play oh it has been such a long time said the beautiful lady looking fondly into the faces of the little folk where is he over there said saki pointing in the direction of the canoe i'll go and tell him

Starting point is 05:06:59 no the maiden whispered holding the boy closer he wants to see you said the boy me he would like to see me she asked he wants you to go home with us the boy went on as if he were a kind of cupid an ambassador of love between the two he felt her hair curiously and with a sober face he has a beautiful watch and chain said saki and a gold pencil said sue he's rich the little cupid urged in a quaint tone of confidence what makes you think he wants me the girl asked he told uncle silas didn't he sue the face of edith dunmore was now glowing with color she drew the children close together in front of her don't tell him don't tell him i am here said she under her breath as she trembled with excitement he wouldn't hurt anybody sue volunteered the pet crow had wandered in the direction of the canoe catching sight of master he ran away cawing the young man started slowly up the trail for a moment the girl hit her face behind the children as he came near she rose and timidly gave him her hand quickly she turned away his hand had been like those of the children its touch had stirred new and slumbering depths in her if if you wish to be alone with the children he said i-i will go fishing for a little she dared not look in his face

Starting point is 05:08:56 but since her talk with miss strong she was determined not to run away again for fear of him she stood without speaking her eyes downcast you do want her don't you uncle robert said the youthful ambassador you-you mustn't ask me to tell secrets said the young man as he turned away with a little laugh of embarrassment is your father at home he asked he will return saturday if he were willing would-would you let me come to see you she hesitated looking down at the green moss i-i think not said she you are right you do not know me but somehow i-i feel as if i know you very well where do you live at clear lake in the summer in new york city the rest of the year i have never seen a city said she turning and looking up at him my father has told me they are full of evil men there are both good and evil evil do you live in a palace it is a very large house although we do not call it a palace tell me please tell me about it then he told her of his home and life and people she listened thoughtfully when he had finished she said it must be like that wonderful land where people go and they die from far away they could hear the sound of a steam whistle its echoes were dying

Starting point is 05:10:49 in the near forest. It is the whistle, said she, looking away, her eyes wide open. Every time I hear it, I long to go. Sometimes I think it is calling me. Neither spoke for a moment. It comes from a distant village where there are many people, she added. Yesterday I climbed the mountain. Far away I could see the smoke and great white building.

Starting point is 05:11:19 I go to that village tomorrow, said Master. She dropped her violets and looked down at them. Would you care if you never saw me again, he asked. She turned away and made no answer. In the silence that followed, the young man was thinking what he should say next. She was first to speak, and her voice trembled a little. Could I not see the children? If you would go to Lost River camp.

Starting point is 05:11:56 I cannot, said she, with a touch of despair in her voice. My father has told me never to go there. The young man thought a moment. She turned suddenly and looked up at him. I know you are one of the good men, she declared. I am at least harmless, he is. answered with a smile. And, and you will make me happy if you will let me be your friend. Tut tut, said the little crow as he flew into the tree above her head.

Starting point is 05:12:33 I would try to make you happier, the young man urged. How? she asked. I could tell you about many wonderful things. You ought not to stay here in the woods, he went on. Do you ever think of the future? She turned with a serious look in her eyes. He continued, You cannot always live at Buckhorn. Your father is growing old. And he is well, said she.

Starting point is 05:13:07 My father has always taught me that death comes only to those who think of him. In the distance they could hear the thunder of a falling tree. Even the great trees have. to bow before him said the young man a moment of silence followed let me be your friend he pleaded she thought of what her grandmother had lately said to her and looked up at him sadly and thoughtfully but you you would make me love you said she and when you were like the heart in my breast so i could not live without you then then you would leave me Ah, but you do not know, he answered. I love you, and even now, you are like the heart in my breast. I cannot live without you.

Starting point is 05:14:02 He approached her as he spoke, and his voice trembled with emotion. She rose and ran a short distance up the trail and stopped. Will you not stay a little longer, he pleaded. She looked back at him with a car. curious interest and the least touch of fear in her eyes she moved her head slowly negatively as if to tell him that she would love to stay but dared not may i see you here to-morrow he asked she smiled and nodded and waved her hand to him and ran away the crow laughed as if her haste were amusing master sat awhile after she had gone he could not now endure the thought of leaving he had planned to go with strong and visit a number of woodsmen at their camps and talked to the mill-hands in a few villages on the lower river it was a formality not to be neglected if one were to receive the votes of pitkin tilbury and tifton but suddenly he had become a candidate for greater happiness he felt sure

Starting point is 05:15:17 than was to be found in politics. His election thereto depended largely on the vote of one charming citizen of a remote corner of Tilbury Township. Her favor had now become more important, in his view, than that of all the voters in the county. He would delay his canvas over the week's end. So thinking, Master put off in his canoe with the children, gathering lilies until he came at last to the landing.

Starting point is 05:15:49 There, Synth and the emperor had just arrived. "'Wizzles?' said Strong, with a little nod in the direction of his sister, who stood on the shore. With him, as Master knew, the weasel had come to be a symbol of needless worry. "'About what?' Master inquired. "'Little Fonz!

Starting point is 05:16:15 keep thinking they're goin to get lost or drowned said she giving each of the children a sugared cookie don't worry i shall always take good care of the children said master i know that but i keep a-thinking sometimes i wish there wasn't any woods i'm kind of sick of em anyway those little people with the dress talk and manners of the the town with a subtle power in their companionship and their very dependence upon her which the woman felt but was not able to understand were surely leading her out of the woods they had increased her work they had annoyed her with ingenious mischief they had harassed her with questions but they had awakened something in her which had almost perished in years of disappointment and utter lonely at first they had reminded her of her dead sister and that in a measure had reconciled her to their coming later the touch of their hands the call of their voices had made their strong appeal to her slowly she had begun to feel a mother's fondness and responsibility and a new interest in the world again sound waves of the great whistle at benson falls swelled wept wearily through the silence above them makes me kind of homesick said synth as she listened thoughtfully the emperor had begun just faintly to entertain a feeling akin to hers master helped her up the hill on her way to camp with the children he returned shortly and gave a hand to the building of his little home on the shore of catamount it was to be an open

Starting point is 05:18:15 shanty, leaning on the ledge, its pole roof covered with tar paper, its floor carpeted with balsam boughs. Migglies have gone into camp at Nick Pond, said the emperor. Told him I had to go with you tomorrow. I'm sorry that we have to delay our trip a little, said the young man. Strong laughed. Mellard, said he merrily. He shook his head.

Starting point is 05:18:46 as he added, You ain't given her no slack line. After a little silence, the hunter added, Don't twitch too quick. It was a phrase gathered from his experience as a fisherman. The young man blushed, but made no answer. Keep cool and use a long line, Strong added. End of chapter 22.

Starting point is 05:19:24 twenty three of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libravox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty three next morning an hour after sunrise master set out with the children he promised scint that he would keep them near him and bring them back before noon they shut zeb in a cabin and he stood in his hind feet peering out of the window and barking loudly as they went away. Master brought his blankets, rifle, books, and cooking outfit, for that day he was to take possession of the new camp. Strong had gone with the Miggly's and their outfit in the trail to Nick. It was another hot still morning, but the eastern shore of Catamount lay deep under cool shadows

Starting point is 05:20:20 when Master dropped his pack at the shanty. A deer stood needy. deep in the white border of lilies. It looked across the cove at them, walked slowly along the margin of the shaded water, and disappeared in the tamaracts. Master and the children crossed to Birch Cove, hallowed, but received no answer,

Starting point is 05:20:43 and sat down upon the high mossy bank. Maybe she won't come, Saki suggested. She will come soon, said Master. sue propped her little doll against a fern leaf and said oh dear i wish she'd never go away she's awful good that was the opinion of sake she wouldn't tell no falsehoods sue suggested i wish she'd come and live with us don't you saki queried turning to master the little cupid was searching for another arrow wouldn't dare say you little busybody the young man replied you'd go and tell on me both looked up at him soberly saki was first to speak whereabouts does the beautiful lady live way off in the woods at the home of the fairies no but on the road to it if she'd come and live with us she wouldn't have to fill no wood box, would she?

Starting point is 05:21:59 Sue inquired. Or pick up chips, Saki put in, brushing one palm across the other with a look of dread. The children had discussed that problem in bed the night before. Their aunt had made them fill the wood box and bring in a little basket of chips every night and morning. It went well enough for a day or two, but the task had begun to interrupt other plans.

Starting point is 05:22:26 oh no said master we'll be good to her saki was noting every look and word nothing escaped him he felt grateful to his young lieutenant and sat for a little time looking dreamily into the air then with thoughtful eyes he felt the watch-chain of the young man you'd let her wear your watch wouldn't you gladly she could look at my aunt's album sue suggested as she thought of the pleasures of the camp saki looked a bit doubtful she mustn't get no grease on it or she'll get spoke to sue went on as she thought of the perils of the camp uncle silas has put the bear's oil away said saki in a tone of regret he thought a moment and then added ladies don't never get spoke to you'd carry her on your back wouldn't you uncle Robert inquired little sue both children fixed him with their eyes oh no that wouldn't do said master men don't never carry ladies on their backs sake wisely assured her uncle silas carries him sue insisted

Starting point is 05:23:54 that's only aunt cynthia said the boy now a little in doubt of his position just then they heard the crow chattering away up the dusky trail the children rose and ran to meet the beautiful lady and their voices rang in the still woods calling hoo hoo hoo hoo ho master slowly followed so as to keep in sight of them when he saw edith dunmore come out of a thicket suddenly and embraced them he turned back and stood where he could just hear the sound of their voices she drew them close to her breast a moment and a low strain of song sounded within her closed lips that unconscious irrepressible song of the mother at the cradle dear little brownies i love you i love you she said presently then she whispered where is he over there the boy answered pointing with his finger come i'll show you said sue fairy queen i dare not follow you the girl answered i am afraid he wants you to come and live with us he does the boy declared he'll be awful good to you he said he would did he say that he liked me very much she asked i wouldn't tell said the boy with a winsome look as he thought of master's reproof you wouldn't tell me cause it's a secret you are like the little god i have read of miss dunmore exclaimed drawing him closer

Starting point is 05:25:43 will you never stop wounding me please come said sue you can sleep in our bed and hear uncle silas sing where is your mother dead sue answered cheerfully way up in heaven said saki as he pointed aloft with his finger and your father gone away said the boy i give him all my money more'n a dollar and you live at lost river camp sake nodded are they good to you yes ma'am yes ma'am I wonder why he doesn't come, said Miss Dunmore impatiently. Freed, maybe, Sue suggested. Pooh, he ain't frayed, Saki declared, as he broke away and ran down the trail. Miss Dunmore tried to call him back, but he did not hear her. The beautiful lady, she wants to see you, he said to Master, his eyes glowing with a

Starting point is 05:26:57 excitement. The young man took the boy's hand. They proceeded up the trail in the direction whence Saki had come. You ain't afraid, are you Uncle Robert? The boy asked, eager to clear his friend of all unjust suspicion. Oh, no, master answered with a nervous laugh. He ain't afraid, the boy proclaimed as they came into the presence of Edith Dunmore. he can kill a bear afraid only of interrupting your pleasure said the young man as he approached her she retreated a step or two and turned half away the children began to gather flowers i tremble when i hear you coming said she timidly you are so she thought a moment strange she added with a smile she looked up at him curiously so very strange to me sir you are strange to me also he answered i have seen no one like you and i confess to one great fear what fear that i may not see you again the young man answered with a smile she stooped to pick a flower every movement of her life

Starting point is 05:28:26 tall figure every glance of her eye seemed to tighten her hold upon him he stood dumb in the spell of her beauty until she added sorrowfully i am afraid of you sir i cannot help it i wish i were less terrible he answered with a sigh i will not see you again but-but i love you he said simply when i am here i am afraid when i go away i am sorry her voice trembled as she spoke i have no peace any more i cannot enjoy books or music i cannot stay at home i wander all day i wander and the night is long and i hear the voices of children like those i have heard here calling me there was a note of sympathy in his voice when he answered it is the same with me only it is your voice that i hear she looked up at him her face full of wonder i think no more of the many things i have to do but only of one he said with feeling miss dunmore seemed not to hear him i think only of coming here he added she stepped away timidly and turned and stood straight as the young spruce looking into his eyes i too have no more peace he said restraining his impulse to go further i must leave you i must not speak to you any more she answered stay he pleaded i will be silent i will say not a word unless you bid me speak to you any more she answered stay he pleaded i will be silent i will say not a word unless you bid me speak

Starting point is 05:30:24 but let me look at you she stood a moment as if thinking do you hear that bird song she asked looking upward yes it has a merry sound it is my answer to you said she then i am sure you love me as he came nearer she retreated a little i give you everything everything but myself said she and why not yourself her voice had a plaintive note in it when she said to him there are those who need me more i offer myself to you and to them also she stood with averted eyes in a moment she said tell me what are we to do what are we to do those we love die i too and all the children of men have that same worry said he there is an old english maxim love as many as you can so that death may not make you friendless she walked away slowly she stopped where the children sat playing and embraced them will you not say that you love me the young man urged the girl went up the gloomy trail with lagging feet as if it were steep and difficult that clear-voiced love call of the children halted her and she looked back again the bird flung his song upon the silence the sweet voice of the maiden rang like a bell in the still forest as if answering the bird's message

Starting point is 05:32:18 i love you i love you it said then she turned quickly and ran away end of chapter twenty three chapter twenty four of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty four edith dunmore wandered slowly through deep thickets and where she could just see the lighted chasm of catamount between far tree-tops she lay down to weep and think and be alone she was like some wounded creature of the forest who would hide even from its own eyes on the soft kindly bosom of the great mother she had learned enough to have some understanding of that strange power which of late had broken every day into seconds these little fragments of time had all shades of color from joy to despair. She lay recalling those which had been full of revelation. In a strange loneliness, she thought of all Robert Master had said, of far more in that wordless wonderful assurance which had passed from his soul to hers. She knew that to be given in marriage was to leave all for a new love. She knew better than they suspected, those few dwellers at Buckhorn, how dear

Starting point is 05:33:57 how indispensable she was to them she knew how soon that loneliness which had often seemed to fill the heavens above her would bear them down yet she would not hesitate she would go with them and for this she felt a sense of shame she lay longer than she knew looking up at the sky through needled crowns of pine that passion which has all the fabled power of fate was busy with her a band of crows had alighted in a tree above her head and begun cawing rock who had gone to roost in a small fur answered them one dove into the great dusky hall of the near woods and made it echo with his cawing Rock rose and followed through its green roof into the open sky. The maiden called to him, but he heeded only the call of his own people, and made his choice between flying and creeping, between loneliness and joy, between the paths of men and that appointed for him in the heavens. His had been like her own decision, so she thought.

Starting point is 05:35:14 He had heard the one cry which he could not know. resist. Lately, she had neglected him. He had missed her caresses and begun to think of better company. Again and again she called, but he had gone quickly far out of hearing. She listened, waiting and looking into the sky, but he came not. Master had taken the children home and returned to his little camp on the pond. She could hear the stroke of his axe. She could hear him singing. She fancied also that she could hear the children call, that little trumpet tone which had thrilled her when it rang in the woods. She rose and walked slowly towards the lighted basin below her. She could not bear to turn away from it. She would go down and look across from the edge of the thickets. She feared that she had too freely uncovered her feeling for him.

Starting point is 05:36:13 soon she turned back, but then she seemed to be treading on her own heart. She ran towards the place where she had met him. She thought not of the children now, but only of the young man. She had heard her father say, A man throws off his mask when he is alone. If we could see him, we should know what is in his soul. Could she look into his face while he knew nothing? of her being near she would know if he loved her she tried to enlarge this fancy into a motive it failed however to end her self-reproaches soon almost in tears she began to whisper

Starting point is 05:36:59 i do not care i must see him again i cannot go until i have seen him moose birds flew in the tops above her scolding loudly as if to turn her back They annoyed her, and she stopped until they had flown away. She trembled as she drew near the familiar cove. Stealthily, she made her way, halting where they had talked together. A solemn silence brooded there. She felt the moss where his feet had stood. He had held this fragrant, broken lily in his hand. She picked it up and pressed it to her lips.

Starting point is 05:37:42 She slowly crossed the nose. the deep soft mat sloping to the water's edge and peered between sprays of tamarack the shadows had shifted to the farther shore a sprinkle of hot light fell upon her shoulders the disc of the sun was cut by dead pines on the bald ridge opposite she heeded not the warning it gave her but only looked and listened she could hear master over at the landing hidden by the point of birch cove he was cutting wood for the night under cover of thickets she made her way along the edge of the pond it was a walk of more than half a mile around the coves by and by she could hear the tread of master's feet and the crackle of his fire she moved with the stealth of a deer soon she could smell the odor of frying meat and was reminded of her hunger. She passed a spring, above which a cup hung, and saw the trail leading to his camp. Possibly very soon he would be going after water. She knelt in a thicket where she could see him pass and waited. For a long time she waited.

Starting point is 05:39:04 Suddenly she rose and peered about her. She paled with alarm. it was growing dusk she had forgotten that the day would have an end it was a journey to buckhorn and her little guide where was he cautiously she retraced her steps along the shore in a moment she began to weep silently when she tried to hurry the rustling of the brush halted her had he heard it what was that sound far up the ridge before her she knelt and listened it was a man coming in the distance she could hear him whistling as he walked slowly he approached passing within a few feet of her she had often hidden that way from unexpected travellers in the forest she waited a little and hurried on the thickets seemed now to hold her back as if to defeat her purpose she got clear of them by and by and ran up the side of the ridge she peered about her seeking the familiar trail the dusk had thickened her alarm had grown she stopped a moment to make sure of her way again she hurried on soon she entered the little six-mile thoroughfare from catamount to buckhorn she ran a few rods down the trail and stopped it was growing dark she could scarcely see the ground beneath her she might soon lose her way in the forest she leaned against a tree trunk and shook with sobs thinking of her folly and of her friends at home

Starting point is 05:40:55 presently she ran back in the direction of master's camp she left the trail and went slowly down the side of the ridge she must go and tell him that she must go and tell him that she was had lost her way and asked for a lantern. She could see the flicker of his fire. She groped through the bushes to a little cove opposite, where, across water some twenty rods away, she could see his camp. In the edge of the dark forest, the girl sat gazing off at the firelight. She was weary and a thirst. She was tortured with anxiety, but she could not summon courage to go. She could see the light flooding between tree columns, leaping into high tops, gilding the water ripples. She could see shadows moving. She could hear voices. Light and shadows seem to beckon and the voices to invite her, but she dared not go. She would boldly rise and

Starting point is 05:42:01 feel her way a few paces, only to sit down again. Tales were, but she would beckon. Tales were which her father had told her concerning the wickedness of men flashed out of her memory that light was on the edge of the unknown world full of mystery and peril she could not goad herself nearer end of chapter twenty four chapter twenty five of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty five it was strong who had passed edith dunmore as night was falling over the hollow of catamount he was returning from his day of toil at nick pond just in time said the young man who was eating supper at a rude table from a pole above which two lighted lanterns hung the great body of the emperor fell heavily on a camp-stool he blew as he flung his hat off hot said he and then with three or four great gulps he poured a dipper of water down his throat master put a small flask on the table at which they sat opi dildock strong inquired softly the same said master help yourself the emperor obeyed him without a word how's that inquired the young man sassy strong answered wiping his mouth with the back of his hand fall too said master putting the platter of trout in front of him

Starting point is 05:43:58 here's fiffician said strong as he lifted a large trout by the tail good place to anchor anything new be bear strong stammered with a little shake of his head where the emperor crushed a potato and filled his mouth he chewed thoughtfully before he answered up to trail how far strong pointed with his fork he stopped chewing and turned and listened for a breath about mile he sighed and shook his head sorrowfully what's the matter f fielens strong answered pointing the fork toward his bosom no gun strong nodded it was a moment of moral danger he knew that satan would lay hold of his tongue unless it were guarded with great caution he sat back and whistled for half a moment safe he exclaimed presently with a sigh as he went on eating which way was he traveling this way limpin said strong limping wounded strong added softly gently as if he were still on dangerous ground they finished their meal in silence and drew up to the fire and filled their pipes He rose and lighted his pipe and returned to the table as soon as he had begun smoking.

Starting point is 05:45:46 He took out his worn memorandum book and thoughtfully wrote these words. July the 6th, See a bear. Best way to keep the Ten Commandments is to keep your mouth shut. Strong resumed his chair at the campfire. Suddenly he raised his hand. They could hear the crowd. of dead brush across the cove. Suthun, strong whispered.

Starting point is 05:46:14 Again the sound came to their ears out of the silent forest. Hearned a dozen times, said the Emperor. They listened a moment longer, then strong rose. The bear, he whispered, light and rifle. Master tiptoed to the shanty. he lighted the dark lantern a relic of deer-stalking days with which he had found his way to catamount the night before he adjusted the leathern helmet so its lantern rested above his forehead he raised his rifle and opened the small box of light a beam burst out of it and shot across the darkness and fell on a thicket the spire of a little fir some forty feet away seemed to be bathed in sunlight. The beam glowed along the top of his rifle barrel,

Starting point is 05:47:15 and he stood a moment aiming to see if he could catch the sights. Strong beckoned to him. The young man came close to the side of the hunter and suggested, Maybe it's a deer. Tain't no deer, Strong whispered. Something different. He listened again. it's over under that air cove he explained briefly that in his opinion the bear being wounded had come down for rest and water he presented his plan they would cross the cove and their canoe when they were near the sound he would give the canoe a little shake whereupon master should carefully open the slide and throw its light along the edge of the pond if he saw the glow of a pair of eyes he was to aim between them and fire they tiptoed to the landing lifted their canoe into water and without a sound louder than the rustle of their garments or the fall of a water drop took their places

Starting point is 05:48:24 master in the bow and strong in the paddle seat behind him the hunter leaned forward and felt for bottom and gave her a careful shove then with a little movement of his back he tossed his weight against the cedar shell and it moved slowly into the black hollow of catamount the hunter sank his paddle blade it pulled in little silent whirling slashes the canoe sheared off into thick gloom cleaving its way with the movement soundless and indistinguishable for a few seconds master felt a weird touch of a little for a few seconds master felt a weird touch of the soul in him as if indeed it were being stripped of its body and were parting with the senses then he could scarcely resist the impression that he had risen above the earth and begun a journey through the black silent air so for a breath his consciousness had seemed to stray from its center then quickly it came back he began to know of that which mercifully in the common business of life is just beyond the reach of sense he could hear the muffled rivers of blood in his own body he felt his heart beat in the fibers of the slender craft beneath him sensitive as a bell he became strangely conscious of the great ox-like body behind him of moving muscles in arm and shoulder of the filling and the filling and emptying of its lungs of its stealthy eager attitude the night-life of the woods was beginning that of beasts and birds that see and wander and devour in the darkness

Starting point is 05:50:15 from far away the faint wild cry of one of them wavered through the woods it was like the yell of a reveller in the midnight silence of a city the sky was overcast dimly master could see the dying flicker of his firelight on the mist before him. A little current of air, nearly spent, crept over the pine tops, and they began to whisper. The young man thought of the big blue tender eyes which had looked up at him that day, so full of childish innocence, and yet full of the charm and power of womanhood. Master turned his head quickly. Near him, he had heard the sound of a deep-drawn, shuddering breath, and then a low moan. He thought with pity of the poor creature now possibly breathing its last. He was eager to end its agony. He trembled, waiting for the signal to open his light. The bow brushed a lily pad. He could feel the paddle

Starting point is 05:51:25 backing with its muffled stroke. The canoe had stopped. Again, he heard a movement in the brush. It was very near. He could feel the canoe backing from more distance. Then he felt the signal. That little shake in the shell of cedar had seemed to go to his very heart. He raised his hand carefully and opened the lantern slide. The beam fell upon tall grass and flashed between little columns of Tamarack. at the end of its misty pathway he could just dimly make out the foliage he could see nothing clearly again he felt the signal he knew that the hunter had seen the game now the light beam illumined the top of his rifle barrel suddenly the trained eye of strong had caught the gleam of eyes then the faint outline of lips dumb with terror he struck with his paddle and swung his bow the hammer fell a little flame burst out of the rifle muzzle and a great roar shook the silences a shrill cry rang in its first echo

Starting point is 05:52:44 the canoe bounded over lily pads and flung her bow on the bank a foot above water master sprang ashore followed by strong they clambered up the bank strong i've killed somebody said the young man his voice full of the distress he felt he swept the shore with his light it fell on the body of a young woman lying prone among the brakes quickly he knelt beside her and threw the light upon her face my god come here strong he shouted hoarsely his friend alarmed by his cry hurried to him master had raised the head of miss dunmore upon his arm and was moaning pitifully he covered the beautiful white face with kisses strong who stood near with the lantern had begun to stammer in an effort to express his thoughts k'keep kool he soon succeeded in saying i switched the canoe and ye never touched her she's scared that's all edith dunmore had partly risen and opened her eyes master lifted her from the earth and held her close and kissed her his joy overcame him so that the words he tried to utter fell half-spoken from his lips she clung to him and their silence and their tears and the touch of their hands were full of that assurance for which both had longed ttie ttie strong whispered as he held the light upon them for a long moment the lover stood in each other's embrace i don't know why i came here said she presently in a troubled voice

Starting point is 05:54:43 he took her hands in his and raised them to his lips i must go i must go she said come we will go with you said the young man he put his arm around the waist of the girl they walked slowly up the side of the ridge with strong beside them throwing light upon their path master heard from her how it befell that darkness had overtaken her in the basin of Catamount, and she learned from him why they had come out in their canoe. You will not be afraid of me any more, he said. She stopped and raised one of his hands and held it against her cheek with a little moan of fondness. Curiously, she felt his face. It is so dark, I cannot see you, she whispered. I loathe the darkness that hides your face.

Starting point is 05:55:43 beauty from me said the young man strong turned his light upon her face tears glittered in the lashes of her eyes and a new peace and trustfulness were upon her countenance we shall see better tomorrow the young man said my father is coming he will be angry he will not let me see you again her voice trembled with its burden of trouble leave that to me no one shall keep us apart he assured her i will see him to-morrow and tell him all they walked awhile in silence the whistle blew for the night shift at benson falls its epic note bellowed over the plains and up and down the timbered hills of the emperor it seemed to warn the trees of their doom she thought then of the great world and said i will go with you and be my wife yes i am no longer afraid we shall go soon he answered a mile or so from the shore of buckhorn they could hear the voice of a woman calling in the still woods and they answered soon they saw the light of a lantern approaching in the trail for a moment master and the maiden whispered

Starting point is 05:57:13 together. Soon the old nurse and servant of Edith Dunmore came out of the darkness, trembling with fear and anxiety. Gently the girl patted the bare head of the woman as she whispered to her. In a moment all resumed their journey. When they had come to Buckhorn and could see the camplights, Master launched a canoe and took the girl and her servant across the pond. He left them without a word and returned to the other shore strong and he stood for a moment listening then they set out for their homes far down the trail the emperor was busy thinking out thoughts montaigneous he muttered great and powerful for the second time in his life he felt strongly moved to expression and seemed to be feeling for adequate words. Master put his arm around the big hunter and asked him what he meant. Oh, oh, strong murmured, in a tone of singular tenderness.

Starting point is 05:58:27 Pretty, pretty wonderful, purdy, she's too good for this world. I just felt like to taking her on my back and making right across the swamps and hills for heaven. The emperor wiped his eyes and added you're as handy with a g-gall as i am with a fish rod next day he noted this conclusion in his memorandum book strong can't wait much longer he's got to have a guide for the long trail end of chapter twenty five chapter twenty six of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty six next day master went to tilbury for his mail a walk of some twenty miles he lingered for a while near the shore of buckham on his way but saw nothing of her he loved two fishermen had arrived at strongs and the emperor had taken them to spring holes in the lower river after supper that evening he built a big fire in front of the main camp and sat down beside the fisherman with saki and sioux in his lap darkness had fallen when dunmore strode into the firelight

Starting point is 06:00:00 dwellers in the long house he said removing his cap i am glad to sit by your council fire had supper strong inquired no give me a doughnut and a piece of bread and butter i'll eat here by the fire he took the children in his arms while strong went to prepare his luncheon i love and fear you said he you make me think of things forgotten. Of late, Saki had thought much of the general subject of grandfathers. He knew that they were highly useful members of society. He had seen them carry children on their backs and draw them in little wagons. This fact had caused him to put all able-bodied grandfathers in the high rank of ponies and billy-goats. His uncle Silas and Robert had been out of camp so much lately, that they had been of slight service to him the thought that a grandfather would be more reliable had presented itself and he had broached the subject to little sue how they were acquired whether they were bought or catched or just given away to any who stood in need of them neither had a definite notion on this point the boy went to his aunt for counsel she told him

Starting point is 06:01:30 laughingly, that they were spoke for in a sort of proposal like that of marriage. He had begun to think very favorably of Mr. Dunmore, and timidly put the question, Are you anybody's grandpa? No. Maybe you'd better be my grandpa, the boy suggested, soberly. Maybe, said Dunmore with a smile. We could play horse together. when Uncle Silas is away, was the further suggestion of Saki.

Starting point is 06:02:06 Why not play horse with your sister? She's too little. She can't draw me. Grandpas don't make the best horses, Dunmore objected. Yes, they do, Saki stoutly affirmed. May Butler's grandpa draws her round everywhere in a little cart. Well, that shows us. that old men can be good for something said dunmore where's your wagon saki ran for the creaking treasure now get in both of you said the white-haired man saki and sue mounted the wagon dunmore took the tongue peg in both hands and began to draw them around the fire their cries of pleasure seemed to warm his heart

Starting point is 06:02:58 he quickened his pace and was soon trotting in a wide circle while zeb ran at his side and seemed to urge him on when wearied by his exertion he sat down to rest the children stood close behind him and felt his face with their hands and gave him the silent blessing of full confidence for dunmore there was a kind of magic in it all somehow it faced him about and saw him set him thinking of new things that elemental appeal of the little folk had been as the sunlight breaking through clouds and falling on the darkened earth in his lonely heart springtime had returned the children climbed upon his knees and he began a curious chant with closed eyes and trembling voice the firelight fell upon his face while he chanted as follows i hear the voice of little children ringing like silver bells and the great bells answer them they that hang in the high towers the dusky mouldering towers of the old time of hope and love and friendship they call me in the silence and have put a new song in my mouth so he went on singing this rough unmeasured song of the old time as if his heart were full and could not hold its peace he sang of childhood and youth and of joys half forgotten synth stood waiting with the food in her hands before he finished he let the children go and began eating this is good said he and i feel like blessing every one of you sometimes i think god looks out of the eyes of the hungry after a moment he added

Starting point is 06:04:57 strong do you remember that song i wrote for you it gives the signs of the season i believe we called it the song of the venison tree the emperor looked thoughtfully at the fire and in a moment began to sing it is a curious fact that many whose stammer can follow the rut of familiar music without betraying their infirmity his tongue moved at an easy pace in the his tongue moved at an easy pace in the song of the venison tree the busy cranes go back and forth a ploughing up the sky the wild goose drag comes down the wind and goes a-taring by the song birds sow their music in the blue fields over me and it seems to grow up into thoughts about the venison tree the busy cranes go back and forth a ploughin up the sky the busy cranes go back and forth a ploughing up the sky the wild goose drag comes down the wind and goes a-taring by the song-birds sow their music in the blue fields over me and it seems to grow up into thoughts about the venison tree the apple blossoms scatter down a scented summer snow and man and wind and cloud and sun have all begun to sow the green hopes come a sprout and a sprout up somewhere inside of me and it's time we ought to see the sprouts upon the venison tree there's velvet on the willow and there's velvet on the horn there's new silk in the tree-top and the tassel of the corn the woods are trimmed for weddens and we're all in sunday clothes and the bark upon the venison tree is redder than a rose the days are cold and smoky and the nights are growing cold

Starting point is 06:06:50 the maples are a dripping blood the beeches dripping gold the briars are above my head the brakes above my knee and the bark is gettin kinda blue upon the venison tree here the singer whistled and drummed with his heels upon a log in imitation of the hurricane then he began to sing of the coming of winter the white-haired man interrupted him tis inadequate said he let me try to express the reaping of the north wind dunmore turned and spoke these lines a frown suggesting the angry sky upon his brow a sound like that of the rising storm in his heavy voice what makes the big trees shake and groan as if they all had sinned tis god almighty's reaper with the horses of the wind he will hitch with the horses of the wind he will hitch with the big trees shake and groan as if they all had sinned tis god almighty's reaper with the horses of the wind he will hitch with chains of lightning he will irch with thunder call he will try the rotten-hearted till they reel and break and fall now go on dunmore requested as he resumed his chair and silas went on the leaves are drifting in the breeze and gathered where they lie are the colors of the sunset and the smell of the windy sky the squirrels whisk with loaded mouths and stop and say to me it's time to gatherin the fruit upon the venison tree what makes you look so anxious and what makes you speak so low it's cause i'm thinkin o the place where i'm goin to go this here i've been a tinkering which lays across my knee is the ax that i'm a-usin for to fill the venison tree i've polished up the iron and i've covered up the iron and i've covered

Starting point is 06:08:47 it with oil its bid is only half an inch its heave is half a mile the singer pursed his lips and blew in imitation of the startled deer whewf what's that so pesky why it's kind of frightened me it's the wind a-blowing through the top of the cute old venison tree as the emperor ceased dunmore turned quickly his black eyes glowing in the firelight raising his right hand above his head he chanted these lines the wilderness shall pass away like babylon of old and every tree shall go to build a thing of greater mould the chopper he shall fall to earth as fell the mighty tree and his timber shall be used to build a nobler man than he what do you mean by his timber stymour asked his his character dunmore answered men are like trees some are hickory some are oak some are cedar some are only basswood some are strong beautiful generous some are small and sickly for want of air and sunlight some are as selfish and quarrelsome as a thorn tree every year we must draw energy out of the great breast of nature and put on a fresh ring of wood we must grow or die you know what comes to the rotten-hearted uh huh said the hunter there's good timber enough in you and in that little book of yours dunmore went on if it's only milled with judgment some of it would stand planing and polishing there's enough my friend to make a mansion believe me it will not be lost strong looked very thoughtful he shook his head ain't nothin but a woodpecker's drum he answered after a moment of silence he asked what'll become of the country

Starting point is 06:11:02 without forests it will go the way of egypt and asia minor said the white-haired man they were thickly wooded wooded in the day of their power. Now what are they? Desert wastes. Dunmore rose and filled his lungs and added, As you say to me one day, people are no better than the air they breathe. There's going to be nothing but cities, and slowly they will devour our substance. Indigestion, weakness, impotency, degeneration will follow. strong i'm already on the downward path half a day's walk has undone me i'll get to bed and go home in the morning end of chapter twenty six chapter twenty seven of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libravox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty seven dunmore was up at daybreak he set out in the dusk and as the sun rose entered the hollow of catamount master met him on the trail they greeted each other then said the young man i have something to say regarding one very dear to me and to you

Starting point is 06:12:37 promptly and almost aggressively the query came regarding whom your daughter dunmore took a staggering step and stopped and looked sternly at master i met her by chance the other began to say dunmore interrupted him i will not speak with you of my daughter he said he turned away frowning and resumed his journey you are unjust to her and to me said master you have no right to imprison the girl the white-haired man hurried on his way and made no answer master had seen a strange look come into the eyes of dunmore that trouble of which he had once heard might have gone deeper than any one knew it might have left him a little out of balance full of alarm the young lover hastened to lost river camp he found his friend at the spring and told of his ill luck without a word strong killed the big trout which he had taken that day he fished with the powders didn't tell him about that trout he said to master as he wrapped the fish in ferns and flung him into his pack thought i'd better wait and see he asked the young man to keep cool and made off in the trail to buckhorn always when starting on a journey he reckoned his task and set his pace accordingly and kept it up hill and down he was wont to take an easy swinging stride even though he was loaded heavily woodsman who followed him used to say that he could bear weight and misery like a bobsled

Starting point is 06:14:31 that day he lengthened his usual stride a little and calculated to fetch up with dunmore about a mile from buckhorn the older man had hurried however and was nearing the pond when strong overtook him what now dunmore inquired the business was the cheerful answer of strong it'll be a part of it to paddle me across the pond i'm tired said the other they walked in silence to the shore strong launched a canoe and held it for the white-haired man without a word he pulled to the camp veranda where dunmore's mother and daughter stood waiting the old gentleman climbed the steps and greeted the two with great tenderness snares he muttered as he touched the brow of his daughter the devil is setting snares for my little nun edith and her grandmother went into the house dunmore sat down with a stern troubled look got somethin for you said strong as he held up the big fish christmas present dunmore turned to the hunter and instantly a smile seemed to brush the shadows from his wrinkled face it's yort trout the emperor added see there he opened the jaws of the fish and showed the insisted remnant of a black gnat bring him here dunmore entreated with a look of delight strong mounted the steps and put the trout in his hands sit down and tell me how and where ye got him said dunmore strong told the story of his capture and the old gentleman was transported to that familiar place in the midst of the quick water

Starting point is 06:16:29 the emperor had not finished his account when the other interrupted him dunmore told of days forever memorable when he had leaned over the bank and seen his flies come hurtling up the current of moments when he had heard the splash of the big trout and felt his line hauling of repeated struggles which had ended in defeat the white-haired man was in his best humor strong saw his opportunity i will want a favor said he dunmore turned with a look of inquiry the emperor urged his lazy tongue master wa wants to go to aubany and fa fight them e'ercuss of balhooters we wish'd you'd go out to caucas a balhooter was a man who rolled logs and strong used the word in a metaphorical sense i don't vote said dunmore and in half a moment he added just what the emperor had hoped for what do you know about him he's a gentleman and his father's a father's a father's a gentleman a moment of silence followed he's the the best chap that ever come to my camp strong added dunmore came close to the emperor and spoke in a low tone tell him said he that i send apologies for my rudeness he will understand you tell him to let us alone awhile i have been foolish but i am changing Tell him if marriage is in his mind, I cannot now bear to think of it.

Starting point is 06:18:15 But I will try. Dunmore paused, looking down thoughtfully, his hand over his mouth. I will try, he repeated in a whisper, and if he will let us alone, some day I may ask you to bring him here. You tell him to be wise and keep away. Strong nodded, with full understanding of all this. lay behind the message the old lady came out of the door and that ended their interview she spoke to strong with a kindly querie as to his sister and then came a great surprise for him i wish she would come and visit me said the old lady and i would love also to see those little children dunmore took the hand of his mother and no word was spoken for half a moment

Starting point is 06:19:09 it's a good idea he said thoughtfully then turning to strong he added we shall ask them to come soon i shall want to see those children again in the moment of silence that followed he thought of those little people of how they had begun to soften his heart and prepare him for what had come the emperor paddled back to the landing and returned to lost river camp end of chapter twenty seven chapter twenty eight of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this librovoc's recording is in the public domain chapter twenty eight master accepted the counsel of his friends and kept away from buckhorn he was at least relieved of the dark fears which dunmore's angry face had imparted to him he left camp to look after his canvas and was gone a fortnight strong had promised to let him know if any word came down the trail from their neighbors the young man returned to his little shanty at catamount and suffered there a sublime sort of loneliness the silence of dunmore seemed to fill the woods every day master went to birch cove and wandered through the deer trails every graceful thing in the still woods reminded him of her beauty and every bird song had the music of her voice in it he began to think of her as the embodied spirit of the woodland she was like strong himself but strong was the great pine tree while she was like the young white birches one bright morning it was nearly a month after strong had returned from buckhorn

Starting point is 06:21:12 sinth put on her best clothes and started for the camp of dunmore alone the emperor had gone away with some fisherman and master with the children scinth had said nothing of her purpose her heart was in the cause of the young people and she had waited long enough for developments the injustice and the folly of dunmore filled her with indignation she had her own private notion of what she was going to say if necessary and was of no mind to mince matters she stood for a few moments at the landing of buckhorn and waved her handkerchief the old lady saw her and sent the colored manservant to fetch her across dunmore and his mother welcomed her at the veranda steps my land so you're miss dunmore said scyth coolly as she took a chair and glanced about her yes and very glad to see you and you've stayed fifteen years in this camp the old lady nodded it's a long time said she it's a wonder ye ain't all dead living here in the bank of a pond like a lot of mush rats synth went on cyrus dunn more you ought to be ashamed to your yourself heavens and earth i never heard a nothing so unhuman a moment of silence followed dunmore smiled he had never been talked to in that way the droll frankness of the woman amused him i mean just what i say and more too synth went on you ain't done right and if you can't see it you ain't got common sense my stars

Starting point is 06:23:08 i don't care how much trouble you've had a man that can't take his pack full of trouble an keep a-goin is a pretty poor stick i know what tis to be disappointed good gracious me you needn't think you're the only one that ever got hurt the lord has took away everything i loved cept one he ain't left me nothin but a brother and a week back and lots o work to do and a pair of hands and feet and a head like a turnip he's blessed you in a thousand ways he's given you health and strength and talents and a gal that's more like an angel than a human being and you don't do nothin but set around here and sulk and write poetry scinth gave her dress a flirt and flung a look of unspeakable contempt at him the face of dunmore grew serious her honesty had somehow disarmed the man it was like the honesty of his own conscience there had been a note of strange authority in her voice like that which had come to him now and then out of the man out of the man-and-the-one conscience there had been a note of strange authority in her voice like that which had come to him now and then out of the depths of his own spirit suppose every one that got a taste of trouble was to fly mad like a little boy and say he wouldn't play no more synth went on my land we wouldn't be no better than a lot of cats and dogs that all fit out and hide under a barn cyrus dunmore you act like a little boy you won't play yourself and you won't let these women play neither you're as selfish as a bear you ain't got no right to keep em here and if you don't know it you'd better go to school somewhere now there's my mind right out plain and square she rearranged her paisley shawl with a little squirm of indignation

Starting point is 06:25:08 dunmore paced up and down for half a moment a troubled look on his face he stopped in front of synth bonica madam said he extending his hand i forgive said cynth quickly providing you'll try to do better it's nonsense to forgive any one lest he'll quit making it necessary i acknowledge here in the presence of my mother said dunmore that all you say is quite right i have been a fool cynth rose and adjusted her shawl as if to warn them that she must go well i'm glad you've come to your senses said she with a glance at the man tain't none of my business but i couldn't hold in no longer i fell in love with that girl a yearn she's as pretty as a yearling doe i don't know what i would have done without her said the old lady since she was a little girl she's been eyes and hands and feet for me i fear that i'm most to blame for her imprisonment As she talked, the indignation of Synth wore away. Soon Dunmore helped her into his canoe and set her across the pond. I'll find out about the young man, said he as they parted.

Starting point is 06:26:36 He'll hear from me. One day soon after that, Dunmore began to think of the children. In spite of himself, he longed to see them again. He started for the camp. at Lost River and planned while there was to have a talk with Strong and Master. At Nick Pond, on his way down, he met the two Miglis. After his interview with them, he decided that he must have more information regarding the young man before going farther. End of Chapter 28

Starting point is 06:27:13 Chapter 29 of Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods by Irving Bachelor. the libervock's recording is in the public domain chapter twenty nine more than a month had passed since the journey of synth to buckhorn but nothing had come of it silas tramping with a party of fishermen had met dunmore one day but the latter had stopped only for a word of greeting master had left his little camp and strong was to send for him on the arrival of important news the candidate had canvassed every mill village among the foothills of the county but had found it uphill work many voters had lately become bosom friends of joe socket the able postmaster at moon lake once master had wandered into the emperor's camp with a plan to invade the stronghold of dunmore and release the girl if perchance she might desire to be free strong had wisely turned the young man's thought from all violence he had taken out his old memorandum book and pointed to this entry strong says the best thing for a man to do in hell is keep cool excitement will increase the heat so a foolish purpose had ended in a laugh since midsummer some rain had fallen but not enough to slake the thirst of the dry earth. Now in the third week of September, the tops were ragged and the forest floor strewn with

Starting point is 06:29:01 new leaves and with great rugs of sunlight. Big hurtling flakes of red and gold fell slowly and shook out the odors of that upper fairy world, of which Edith Dunmore had told the children. One still sunlit day of that week, the old struggle between Satan and Silas Strong reached a stage. Synth had gone for a walk with Sue and Saki, and young Miggly, coming down from his camp at Nick, had found the Emperor alone. He was overhauling a boat in his little workshop. Well, Colonel, said the young lumberman, we want to know why you're fighting us. Strong had lately gone over to the scene of his quarrel on the state land and plugged some of the pines with dynamite and posted warnings. He had rightly reckoned that thereafter the thieves would

Starting point is 06:30:00 not find it easy to hire men for that job. You're for fighting me, said Strong as he continued his work. How's that? Because you ain't honest. Look here, Colonel, you'd better fight for us, the young man spoke with a show of feeling. We'd like to be friendly with you. Strong went on with his work, but made no answer. We're only taking old trees that are dead or dying over there in the state land. Some of them are stag-headed, full of widowmakers, said Thomas Miggly. It should be explained that a big dead branch was called a widowmaker by the woods folk.

Starting point is 06:30:49 we shall obey the law and pay a fine for every stump the young man continued that square no said the emperor firmly that law was intended to protect the forest you want us to be too honest to live said young migley with an oath no i'll tell you what's the matter with you said strong you ain't got no respect for god country man or fish you must agree to stand for us against all comers or get out of here to-morrow the young man added that's quick said strong as he laid down his draw-shave and looked at thomas migley you can do as you like said the latter we're willing to let you stay here as long as you want to strong saw clearly that the words were a bid for his manhood he weighed it carefully this thing they were seeking to purchase he thought of his sister and the children of his talk with master on the journey from bees hill the skin upon his forehead was now gathered into long deep furrows his body trembled a little as he rose and slowly crossed the floor there was a kind of gentiless in his hand as he touched the shoulder of the young man he spoke almost tenderly one would have thought who heard him stammer out the one word run suddenly his big hand shut like the jaws of a bear on migley's arm and then he had thought that he heard him stammer out the one word run suddenly his big hand shut like the jaws of a bear on migley's arm and then let go. The young man hesitated and was rudely flung through the open door.

Starting point is 06:32:41 He scrabbled to his feet and made for the trail in frantic haste. Run! the emperor shouted, in hot pursuit of young Thomas Migley, whose feet flew with ridiculous animation. Strong stopped at the edge of the clearing. He leaned against a tree trunk and shook his head and stammered half an oath. soon he hurried into one of the cabins and sat down he looked about him at the fireplace and the mantel at the straight smooth timbers of young spruce at the floor of wooden blocks patiently fitted together at the rustic chairs and tables at the sheathing of riven cedar he thought of all that these things had cost him and for a moment his eyes filled he went to the cook tent and found a map and spread it on the table he could go over on the state land pitch a couple of tents and build a shanty with a paper roof and siding and make out for the rest of the summer there would be two rivers and some rather wet land to cross for a few moments he looked thoughtfully at the map soon he took out his worn memorandum book and wrote as follows

Starting point is 06:34:02 september the twenty fifth strong has a poor set of feelin's in him satan's ahead but strong will floor him he took his axe and saw and went to a big birch tree which he had felt in the edge of the clearing a few days before he cut a twelve-foot log out of the trunk and began to hollow it he stuck his axe when he heard synth and the children coming he lifted sake and sue in his arms and carried them into camp could go on to move he said to synth as he put them down move his sister exclaimed they're going to put us out gently fearfully he whispered ayah sinth turned and hurried into the cook tent it was curious that she, who had raised her voice against the camp whenever a new plan had been proposed, who had seen nothing but folly, one would think, in its erection for their life in it, should now lean her head upon the table and sob as if her dearest possession had been taken away. The emperor followed and sat down at the table, his faded crown of felt hanging over one ear,

Starting point is 06:35:23 a dejected and sorrowful creature. Don't, he said tenderly. The children stood with open mouths peering in at the door. Synth's emotion slowly subsided. You've worked so, Silas, Synth moaned as she sat wiping her eyes. You've had to carry everything in here on your back. After all, it had been a tender thought of him.

Starting point is 06:35:53 which had inspired all her scolding and her weeping he had always known the truth but he alone of all the many who had falsely judged her had known it strong sat looking down soberly in the silence that followed his voice trembled a little when he spoke got another house said he calmly his voice sank to a whisper as he added couldn't bear to see it to tore down failing to understand she looked up at him myself he added as he rose and smote his chest with his heavy right hand he explained in a moment m'm mingley wanted to b by me he put his hand on his sister's head and said b better times after a little silence he added you see he left her sitting with her head leaning on her hand in deep and sorrowful meditation he had built a fire in the stove and got their supper well under way before she joined him while cynth was making her tearful protest the children sat on a log outside the door and were much depressed somebody's gone and done something to her album sue whispered the album was in her view the storm center of the camp after strong had gone to work getting supper ready the two came stealthily to the knees of their aunt aunt cynthie saki whispered what she asked turning and beginning to smooth his hair with her hand i'm going to buy you a new album

Starting point is 06:37:49 he spoke in a low tentative troubled tone the boy's resources would seem to be equal to every need synthe shook with silent laughter in a moment she kissed the boy and girl and jrille and a moment she kissed the boy and girl and jrille and drew them to her breast with a little moan of fondness then she rose and went to help her brother a little before sundown they heard the report of a rifle which had been fired within a mile of camp strong stood listening and could hear distant voices he walked down the trail and returned in half an hour it's business he said to synth his army is cuckin end of chapter twenty nine chapter thirty of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libravox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty strong was chopping and hewing on his birch log until late bedtime he was like noah getting ready for the destruction of the world. Having finished, he took his lantern off a branch beside him and surveyed a singular device. He called it a boat jumper, and inspired by a thought of the children, whispered to himself, Uncle Silas is improving. It was a mere shell about two inches thick, flat on the bottom,

Starting point is 06:39:33 and sheared on one side, canoe fashion. It would serve, as a jumper, a rough sled-like conveyance, on the ground, and as a boat on the rivers. It would carry Synth and the children with tents, blankets, provisions, and betting enough to last until he could return for more. He hurried to camp and helped his sister with the packing. When a dozen great bundles lay on the floor, ready for removal, Synth went to bed. But the tireless emperor had more work. to do. He made two seats, with backrests upon each, for the boat jumper, and fastened a wiffletree to the bow end of the same. On its stern he put two handles, like those of a plow,

Starting point is 06:40:22 so that he might lay hold of them and steady the jumper in rough places. Next morning, a little before sunrise, he made off on the trail to Pitkin. At the general store and post office in that hamlet he received a large. letter. It was from the forest, fish, and game commissioner, who thus addressed him, Dear Mr. Strong, I hear that timber thieves and deer slayers are operating on state land near Rainbow Lake. I learn also that you are about to leave your camp at Lost River. If that is true, I wish you would accept an appointment as deputy for that district, and go at once and do what you can to protect the valley of rainbow. The salary would be $500. A letter just received informs me that

Starting point is 06:41:15 Red McDonald is there with dogs. If you could deliver him into custody, you would be a public benefactor, but I warn you that he is a desperate man. Please let me hear from you immediately. This gave strong a new and grateful sense of being ahead. before leaving the post-office he penned his acceptance of the offer then he proceeded to the home of annette and found her gone for the day he sat down at the dinner-table and wrote these lines with all the deliberation their significance merited dear lady in ogdensburg and anxious to move patrick can snake me out meet me at benson falls friday if possible and you'll hear some talkin done by yours hoping for better times s strong p s strong's ahead meanwhile cint was in trouble young mr migley had come with a gang of sawyers and axmen to dethrone the emperor and take possession he had his customary get off the earth air about him an air that often accompanies the title to vast acreage he found only cynth and the children and summarily ordered them to leave then she gave him what she called a piece of her mind it was a good-sized piece all truth and just measure while the furniture was being thrown out of doors she got ready to go

Starting point is 06:42:57 in the heart of synth indignation had supplanted sorrow it was in her countenance and the vigor of her footfall and in the way that she filled and closed and handled her satchel some of the brawny woodsmen stood looking as she and the children came out of doors a solemn-faced little company something from the hearts of the men made synth touch her eyes with her handkerchief then a curious thing happened some of the lumberjacks dropped their saws and axes those people could forgive much in a good fellow they could forgive almost any infamy it would seem but the stony heart. Let one do a mean thing and rouse their quick sympathies a little, and their oaths were as a deadly, fateful curse upon him. They never forgot the tear of symphony or the wrath of resentment. The sorrow of the weak now seemed to touch the hearts of the strong. The children, seeing the tears of their aunt as she turned for a last look at her home, followed slowly with an air of great dejecture. Then a strange pathos rose out of their littleness, and an ancient law seemed to be writ upon the faces of the men.

Starting point is 06:44:20 Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. A murmur of disapproval arose, and suddenly one voice blared a sacred name coupled and qualified. with curious adjectives jumped up livin suffering eternal as if it would be most explicit boys the voice added i can't see no woman nor no children treated that way a man took the satchel out of synth's hand you stay here said he we won't stand for this another burly woodsman had lifted little sue in his arms i'm goin down the trail to wait for silas said synth brokenly she put out her hand to take the satchel we'll carry it and the children too said the woodsman whose voice which had been harsh and profane now had a touch of gentleness they made their way down the trail in silence he'd better try to be a statesman said one of the escort he ain't fit to be a bull-court he ain't fit to be a bull-cour cook they passed a second gang with horses and a big jumper bearing supplies for the camp the emperor had surrendered the green hills were taken half a mile or so from the camp synth halted i'll wait here thank you said she with offers of assistance the men left them and returned all through the night synth had been thinking of their new trouble

Starting point is 06:46:10 and was in a way prepared for the worst but now as she was leaving forever the old familiar trees and the still water she sat down for a while and covered her face already the saws had begun their work she could hear them gnawing and hissing and the shouts and axes of the woodsmen saki and sue came near their aunt and stood looking at her their cheeks tear-stained their sympathy now and then shaking them with half-suppressed sobs the reason for their departure and for the coming of the woodsmen they were not able to understand zeb lay lolling on his stomach bored but like his master hoping for better times aunt cynthy you afraid sue ventured to ask and her doll hung limp from her right hand saki felt his sword and looked up into the the face of his aunt. Where are we going? he asked with another silent sob. Pond my soul, I don't know, Synth answered wearily. Don't you be afraid, he said, waving his sword manfully.

Starting point is 06:47:28 Synth took her knitting out of the satchel and sat down comfortably on a bed of leaves. Zeb began to growl and run around them in a circle, like the cheerful gesture that he was. it seemed as if he were trying to remind them that after all the situation was not hopeless he continued his gyrations until saki and sue joined him soon the big trees began falling and their thunder and the hoots of the briarman echoed far the children came to their aunt what's that they asked with awe in their faces the trees synth answered solemnly there a-mowing of em down in a moment thinking of the young man who had heartlessly put her out she added i guess he'll find he's hurt himself more than he has us who sake asked that mehopper the children turned with a look of interest what's a mehopper said sake asked the children turned with a look of interest what's a mehopper scinth sat looking thoughtfully at her knitting he steals folks albums said sue confidently and he can run like a deer ain't a bit like a deer cynth responded he can't go nowhere but down hill that's why you always find him in low places and he's so afraid folks won't see him that he swears and talks about himself

Starting point is 06:49:06 sue looked at her aunt as if she thought her a woman of wonderful parts he better look out for the sunday man cynth continued who's the sunday man they both asked he's a wonderful hunter and he catches all the wicked folks cynth answered and then that swears he makes him into mehoppers and then that does cruel things he turns their hearts into stones and them that steals he takes away everything they have and if anybody lies he makes a fool of em so they believe their own stories and he takes and marks the face of every one he catches so if you look sharp you can always tell em in a moment they heard some one coming down the trail it was young mr migley who suddenly had found himself in the midst of a small rebellion half his men had threatened to haste as turkey unless he brought back the woman and the kids it was not their threat of quitting that worried him however it was a consequence more remote and decisive miss strong i was hot under the collar he began i didn't mean to put you out i want you to come back and stay as long as you like we can spare you one of the cabins no sir cynth answered curtly all right said he you're the doctor in a moment she asked what's you're going to do with them sick folks that's camped over at robin i won't hurry em said he but they'll have to get out before long it's a shame cynth answered you ought to have consumption and see how you'd like it

Starting point is 06:51:04 there are plenty of hotels east of here but they're poor folks and can't afford to pay board even if they'd let em in which they wouldn't i can't help it we've got to get these logs down to the river before snow flies it's business with him that brief assertion was the end of many disputes there were few that even dared question the authority of the old tyrant whom Silas had called business. The young man began to walk away. Synth set a parting shot after him. It's business, said she, to think a nobody but yourself. It was long past midday when Silas came with the ox.

Starting point is 06:51:54 He stood listening, his hands upon his hips, while Synth related the story of their leaving camp and of Miggly's effort to bring them back. s sot himself off said strong with a smile you see the dethroned emperor turned suddenly and drew a line across the trail with the butt of his ox-whip all to tow the scratch he demanded soberly he led synth and sue forward and stopped them with their toes on the line he motioned to saki who took his place by the others zeb sat in front of them the boy seemed to wonder what was coming his fingers were closed but his thumbs stood up straight according to their habit when the boy's heart was troubled the thumbs down strong commanded he surveyed his forces with an odd look of solemnity and playfulness s strong has been appointed with warden a rainbow valley said the exiled emperor the fore would march.

Starting point is 06:53:07 His command was followed by a brief appeal to the ox. Pretty good luck, Synth exclaimed with a look of satisfaction. But there's a lot of pirates over there. Got to look out for them. They'll move, said Strong, as if he had no worry about that. Slowly they went up the trail and soon re-entered Lost River Camp. the young lumberman saw them coming and went off into the woods some men who had been at work near gathered about the emperor and offered to stand by him as long as he wished to remain strong shook his head we won't gago he stammered he looked sadly at the fallen tree trunks at the door-yard now full of brush don't ever want to see this place again he muttered he brought the boat jumper into camp and loaded it then with synth on the bough seat and saki and sue behind her they set out the men cheering as they moved away

Starting point is 06:54:20 a clear space at the stern afforded room for the emperor if he should wish to get aboard in crossing water and an axe and paddle were stored on either side of it strong had tacked a notice on one of the trees and it read as follows s strong has moved to rainbow lake the camp was now in the shadow of long ridge cynth and the emperor were silent bird songs that rang in the deep shaded hall of the woods had a note of farewell in them the children were laughing and chattering as oxen boat jumper entered the unbroken forest zeb stood in front of the children his forefeet on the gunwale and seemed to complain of their progress it was in a way historic that journey of the boat jumper that parting of the ancient wood and the last of its children their expedition carried about all that was left of the spirit of the pioneer his ingenuity, his dauntless courage, his undying hope of better times. The hollow log, with its heart hewn out of it, groaning on its way to the sown land, suggested the fate of the forest.

Starting point is 06:55:44 Now, soon the Lost River country would have roads instead of trails, and its emperor would be a common millionaire. The jumper and the woodsman had had their day. slowly they pursued their way skirting thickets and going around fallen trees and stopping often to clear a passage strong followed gripping the handles that rose well above the stern of his odd craft and so he served as a rudder in support an ox is able to go in soft footing and they struck boldly across a broad swamp nearly three miles down the river shore it was near sundown when they camped for the night far down the outlet of catamount pond strong put up a small tent and bottomed it with boughs while cynth was getting supper ready their work done they sat before the camp-fire and cynth told tales of the wilderness. Syle sang again the story of the mellard bear and also an odd bit of none such which was in part a relic of old times. The first line of each stanza came out slowly

Starting point is 06:57:03 and solemnly while the second ran as fast as he could move his tongue. In his old memorandum book he referred to it as the snake song and it ran as follows. in a certain village there did dwell a very fine gal and i knew her well raitiddy ditty day ritecidi ditty day ride titty ditty may right tidy ditty oddie way in a certain village there did well a very fine gal and i knew her well right tiddy di di day rytiddy di di dee day witty iddy iddi odida day and one fine morning she did go down to the meadow for to mow and the very first thing that she did feel was a big black snake a biting of her heel and her heel wasn't bigger than a robin's egg and the first she knew he swallowed up her leg and when he was trying for to carry her off she wiggled her toes till she made him cough and that did end the serpent's fun for he coughed her up in a wave of her way she run. Strong whittled as he sang, and soon presented the girl with a straight rod of yellow osier, upon which he had carved the brief legend, Sue, her snake stick. If she held to that, he

Starting point is 06:58:29 explained, no snake would be able to swallow her. I want one too, said Saki. You mean a bear stick, Strong answered. Girls have to tell you. Girls have to look out for snakes and boys for bears. They were all asleep on their bow beds before eight o'clock. At that hour which strong was wont to designate as just daylight, he was on his feet again. Whether early or late to bed he was always awake before dawn. Some invisible watcher seemed to warn him of the coming of the light. He held to one of the ancient habits of the rink.

Starting point is 06:59:13 race, for he began every day by kneeling to start a fire. He bent his head low and brought his lips near it as if the flame were a sacred thing, and he its worshipper. For a time that morning, he was careful not to disturb the others, but having attended to Patrick, he hurried to call the children. He hurried for fear that Synth would forestall him. He loved to wake and wait upon them and hear their chatter. Their confidence in his power, over all perils, had become a sweet and sacred sort of flattery in the view of Silas. He had, too, a curious delight in seeing and feeling their little bodies while he helped them to dress. Somehow it had all made him think less of the pleasures of the wild country and more of Lady Anne. That someday of his laconic pledge was

Starting point is 07:00:12 drawing nearer, and its light was in every hour of his life. The children were leading him out of the brotherhood of the forest into that of men. He lifted the sleeping boy in his arms and gently woke him. Zeb had followed and put his cold nose on the ear of Sue. Soon the children were up, and the emperor kneeling before them, while his great hands awkwardly held a teenty pair of stockings. synth awoke and jealously remarked huh i should think you was plumb crazy about them ere children strong smiled and left them to her and began to prepare breakfast soon all were on their way again heading for the lower valley of lost river they crossed two ridges and entered a wide swamp there were many delays for they encountered fallen trees which had to be cleared away with axe and lever while here and there strong gave the ox a footing of corduroy it was a warm day and the children fell asleep after an hour or so synth who had been tossed about until speech wearied her tongue and put it in some peril sank into sighful resignation the jumper had stopped strong had gone ahead to look out his way

Starting point is 07:01:41 reaching higher ground he saw man tracks and followed them to an old trail soon a piece of white paper pinned to a tree trunk caught his eye he stopped to read this warning to sile strong you ain't goin to find the rainbow country healthy place if you go there you'll get hung up by the heels i mean business the emperor took off his faded crown he scratched his head thoughtfully that message was probably inspired by some lawless man who had felt the authority of the woods lover and who wanted no more of it he had heard that migley had four camps on the middle branch between there and rainbow and that they were full of cut-throats that was a word that stood for deer slayers and all dare-devil men whoever had put this threat in the way of the emperor had probably heard of his appointment and was trying to scare him away the offender might have been sent by migley himself we'll see strong muttered with a stern look as he returned to the boat jumper many had threatened him one time or another but he never worried over that kind of thing to-day as on many occasions he kept his tongue sinless by keeping his mouth shut and touching his discovery on the trail said only the two words we'll see and said them to himself he didn't believe in spreading trouble slowly they made their way to a bend in lost river far from the old camp

Starting point is 07:03:32 as they halted to seek entrance to the water channel strong came forward and poked the children playfully until they opened their eyes then he put a hand on either shoulder of synth and gave her a little shake how ye feelin he asked ridiculous she answered sitting here in a holler tree just as if we was family of raccoons it was the most impatient remark she had made in many days the better times said the emperor he smiled and sat down to rest on the side of the boat jumper he turned to the boy and asked hopefully how about your uncle silas it had been rough adventurous riding but full of delight for the children that morning their uncle had loomed into heroic and satisfactory proportions saki had long been thinking of the little silver compass master had given him one day and which hung on a ribbon tied about his neck he hoped they might be going where there would be other boys and girls he had been considering how to give to his uncle's person a touch of grandeur and impressiveness fitting the story of the mellard bear and his power and skill as a hunter soberly he removed the ribbon from his neck and presented the shiny trinket to his uncle put that on your neck said he proudly well what his uncle stammered christmas present said the boy with a serious look the emperor took off his faded crown he put the ribbon over his head so that the compass dangled on his breast

Starting point is 07:05:28 there said saki that looks a little better in a moment with that prudence which always kept the last bridge between himself and happiness he added you can let me have it nights every night since it fell to his possession he had gone forth into the land of dreams with that compass held firmly in his right hand here's twenty-five cents said sue holding out the sacred coin which her nurse had given her and which on her way into the forest had been set aside for a sacrifice to the great man of her dreams at last the two had accepted him without reserve as worthy of all honor they could still wish for more in the way of personal grandeur supplied in part by the glittering compass but something in him had satisfied their heart if not their eyes he was again their sublime their wonderful emperor you better keep it you're going to buy an album for aunt cynthia the boy warned her her little hand closed half-way on the silver it wavered and fell in her lap she seemed to weigh the coin between her thumb and finger she looked from the man to the woman saki saw her dilemma and felt for her i'll get her an album myself he proposed in that world of magic where he lived nothing could discourage his faith and generosity their uncle lifted them in his arms and held them against his breast without speaking you've squeezed them children till they're black in the face said synth who now stood near him with a look of impatience

Starting point is 07:07:23 she took them out of his arms and held them closer if possible than he had done at the edge of the stream he shouted all board the others took their seats and the emperor sat in the stern with his paddle saki faced him so that he could see the compass he often asked proudly which way we goin and strong would look at the compass and promptly returned the information south by east the river ran shallow for more than a mile in the direction of their travel patrick hauled them slowly down the edge of the current strong steadied and steered with his paddle as they crept along bumping over stones and grinding over gravel until at a sloping sandy beach on the farther shore they mounted the bank and headed across huckleberry plain noon time had passed when they left the hot plain they threaded a narrow ridge of tamaracts and entered thick woods again at a noisy little stream near by they stopped for dinner strong caught some trout and built a fire and fried them and made coffee synths spread the dishes and brought sandwiches and cheese and a big frosted cake and a can of preserved berries from the boat jumper they sat down to the reward of honest hunger where the pure cool air and the sylvan scene and the sound of flowing water were more than meat to them if that were possible having eaten they rose and pressed on with a happy sense of refreshment a thought of it was to brighten many a less cheerful hour half a mile from their camping place they found a smooth trail which led across level country to the level country to the

Starting point is 07:09:21 the middle branch. Saki and Sue were again fast asleep on the bottom of the boat jumper long before they reached the river. When they halted near its bank, a broad stream of deep, slow water lay before them. Strong unhitched the ox and led him along shore until he came to rapids, where half a mile below, the river took its long rocky slope to lower country. There he he tethered his ox and returned to fetch the others he launched his boat jumper and got aboard and paddled carefully down stream having doubled a point they came in sight of a slim boy who stood by the water's edge aiming an ancient long-barreled gun his head which rested against the breach seemed as the emperor reported about the size of a pippin e look out strong shouted as the boy lowered his gun to regard the travelers with an expression of deep concern see any mush rats the boy asked eagerly no who are you joe henyon strong had heard of old henyon who was known familiarly as mush rat bill for years bill had haunted the middle branch

Starting point is 07:10:49 where do you live yonder said the boy pointing down stream as he ran ahead of them presently they came to an old cabin near the water's edge with a small clearing around it a woman wearing a short skirt and shaker bonnet stood on one leg looking down at them children were rushing out of the cabin door my land where's her other leg synth mused the emperor looked thoughtfully at the strange woman folks are like cranes over in this country strong answered always rest on one leg he drove his bow on a sloping sandy beach the woman hopped into the cabin door her many children hurried to the landing a man with head and feet bare followed them an old undershirt one suspender and a tattered pair of overalls partly covered his body he walked slowly towards the shore he was the famous trapper of the middle branch fer fart a rainbow to trail strong inquired of him the latter put his hand to his ear and said what strong repeated his query in a much louder voice fur ain't very thick the stranger answered strong perceived that the man was very deaf and also that he was devoted to one idea but big family he shouted as he began to push on the trapper with his hand to his ear and still looking a bit doubtful answered ain't running very big this year thereafter the word mush rats in the vocabulary of strong stood for unworthy devotion to a single purpose

Starting point is 07:12:52 down stream a little ox took his place again at the bow of the boat jumper they struck off into thick woods reaching far and wide on the east acres of Uncle Sam. A mile or so inland, they came to Rainbow Trail, and thereafter followed it. Timber thieves had been cutting big pines and spruces and had left a slash on either side of the trail. The travelers dipped down across the edge of a wide valley, and after climbing again were in the midst of burned ground on the top of a high ridge. Below them, they could see rainbow low. lake and the undulating canopy of a great two-storied forest reaching to hazy distances mighty towers of spruce and pine and hemlock rose into the sunlit upper heavens it was growing dusk when below them and well off the trail they saw a column of smoke rising they halted and strong stood gazing the smoke grew in volume and he made off the smoke grew in volume and he made off down the side of the ridge.

Starting point is 07:14:05 He came in sight of the fire and stopped. Someone had fled through thickets of young spruce and Zeb was pursuing him. Strong looked off in the gloomy forest and shouted a fierce oath at its invisible enemy.

Starting point is 07:14:22 Near him flames were leaping above a fallen top and running in tiny jets over dry duff like the waist of a fountain. swiftly strong-cut branches of green birch and began to lay about him he stopped the flames and then dug with his hatchet until he struck sand he scooped it into his hat and soon smothered the cinders his face had a troubled expression as he returned to the boat jumper who you've been yelling at cynth asked careless cuss he answered evasively saki wore a look of indignation he glibly repeated the oath which he had heard his uncle use hush the sunday man'll catch you synth answered severely strong gave a whistle of surprise uncle silas ain't afraid of no sunday man saki guessed yes i be

Starting point is 07:15:29 could kill me with the snap of his finger, Strong declared. Saki trembled as he thought of that one inhabitant of the earth, who was greater than his uncle Silas, and said no more. See here, boy, said Strong as he put his finger under Saki's chin and raised his head a little. I will won't never swear again if you won't. He held out his great hand and Saki took it. you agree saki nodded with a serious look and so it happened that silas became the master of his own tongue he had boiled over for the last time so he thought the old habit which had grown out of a thousand trials and difficulties must give way and henceforth he would be emperor of his own spirit

Starting point is 07:16:24 as to the fire and the man who had fled before him strong was perplexed but kept his own counsel he knew that the law permitted lumbermen to enter burned lands on the state preserve and take all timber which fire had damaged a fire which might only have scorched the trunks while it devoured the crowns above them gave a rich harvest to some lucky lumberman having gained access he stripped the earth helping himself to the living as well as the dead trees fire therefore had become a source of profit wherein lay the temptation to kindle it silas strong knew that his land of refuge was doomed that the forerunner of its desolation was even then hiding somewhere in the near dusky woods he thought of the peril after a dry summer the mould of the forest would burn like tinder the dethroned emperor reached the shore of rainbow put up a tent and helped to get supper ready after supper he lay down to rest in the firelight and told the children about the great bear and the panther bird scinth weary after that long day of travel had gone to sleep after an hour or so strong rose and looked down at her don't awake her he warned them i'll put you to bed he helped them undress you'll have to hear our prayers sake whispered strong nodded he sat on a box and they knelt between his knees and he put his hands on their heads and bowed his own when they had finished he bent lower and dictated

Starting point is 07:18:20 this brief kind of postscript, and keep us from all to danger this in the night. They repeated the words with no suspicion of what lay behind them. Then, Saki whispered, Say something about the Sunday man. And keep the Sunday man away, strong added. They repeated the words, and then, as if his heart were still unsatisfied, Saki added these.

Starting point is 07:18:50 and please take care of my uncle silas the emperor lay thinking long after his weary companions had gone to sleep he thought of that angry outcry and his heart smote him he thought of the danger perhaps after all they would not dare to burn the woods now but strong resolved to keep awake and be ready for trouble if it came by and by he lighted a lantern and wrote in his old memorandum book as follows strong used to say profanity does more harm when you keep it in than when you let it naturally dreen off but among children it's a catching as the measles sounds like thunder when it comes out of a boy's mouth and hits like chain lightning long before midnight rain began to fall strong rose and went out under the trees and lifted his face and hands in a picturesque and priest-like attitude to feel the grateful drops and whispered thank god it was a gentle shower but an hour of it would be enough he went back to his bed and lay listening the faded leaves that still clung in the maple tops above them rattled like a thousand tambourines after an hour of the grateful downpour strong's fear abated and he let go and sank into deep slumber almost the last furrow in the old sod of his character had been turned end of chapter thirty chapter thirty one of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain

Starting point is 07:20:58 chapter thirty one the sun rose clear next morning although a long shower of rain had come one could see no sign of it save in the drifted leaves the earth had drunk it down quickly and seemed to be drying with its own heat strong felt the soil and the leaves he blew and shook his head with surprise while the others lay sleeping in their tent he made a fire and he made a fire and he made a fire and he saw his head with surprise set out in quest of a spring. Half a mile or so up the lake shore, a bear broke out of a thicket of young firs just ahead of him. Strong was caught again

Starting point is 07:21:41 without his rifle. Satan came as swiftly as the bear had fled, but could not prevail against him. Strong was delighted with this chance of showing the strength of his new purpose. In among the fir trees, he found the carcass of a buck upon on which the bear had been feeding.

Starting point is 07:22:02 But ponchers, strong muttered. He climbed the side of the ridge and presently struck the trail leading into camp. Soon he could hear someone coming and sat on a log and waited. It was master who had gone to Lost River camp and then followed the trail of the boat jumper. Slept last night in a lean-to over on the middle branch, said he.

Starting point is 07:22:29 been traveling since an hour before daylight and i'm hungry news from the gal no have you strong shook his head solemnly they've took the hills and i've come over here to work for uncle sam said he warden uh-huh been appointed strong answered with a look of sadness and satisfaction they're very cunning wilbert and the rest of them master said they've put a little salve on you and sent you out of the way you're too serious-minded for them that dynamic trick of yours upset em all thinking they won't keep you here long you're too dead in earnest but there's room enough for you over in the clear lake country and when they get ready to shove you out come and be at home with us." A moment of silence followed. The simple mind of the woodsman was looking deep into the darkness that surrounded the throne of the great king.

Starting point is 07:23:42 Your camp looks as if it had been struck by lightning, master added. Strong showed the letter containing his appointment and told of the threat to hang him up by the heels. The commissioner is on the square. He means well, said master. but they're using him these lumbermen intend to drive you out of the woods and they've got you headed for the clearing you won't stay here long in my opinion they'll burn this valley strong looked into the face of the young man what makes you think so he asked because they want the timber and because they've got you here said master i heard you think so he asked because they've got you here said master i heard of your appointment i heard too that joe socket and pop migley and denis mulligan thought you were the right man for the place i knew there'd be something doing and i came in here to warn you don't ever trust the benevolence of satan

Starting point is 07:24:47 by strong paused and gave his thigh a slap i know what they're up to he muttered thoughtfully they'll make it too hot for me here he told of the fire and the man who fled in the bushes they're going to fire the valley and don't intend to give you time to sit down said master it's a dangerous country just now haft it to take synth and the children out of here are right off the hunter answered if you'll stay with em to-day i'll go an to get some duffel and we'll put over the ridge with em to-night back at the old camp there were things he needed sorely and he reckoned he could make the round trip with a pack-basket by five in the afternoon it's still and the leaves are de damp strong mused fire wouldn't run much to-day to-morrow i'll get a force of men and we'll surround this valley said master they hurried into camp and were greeted with merry cries soon they were sitting on a blanket beside the others eating in the ancient fashion of the pioneer the young man had brought a letter from gordon which contained a sum of money and welcome news synth read the letter aloud my dear friends she read i had hoped to write you long ago but i have been waiting for better news to tell my struggle is over and i am now master of myself i paid to my creditors all the money you gave me did you give him money scinth looked up to inquire uh-huh strong answered

Starting point is 07:26:45 how much all i had you're a fool cint exclaimed and went on reading as follows saki had given me his little tin bank it contained just a dollar and thirty-two cents the sacred sum paid my fare to benson falls and bought my dinner i got a job there in the mill and soon i expect to be its manager i'm a new man if you want a job i can place you here at good pay in a week or two i shall scinth stopped reading and covered her face with her apron what does it say silas inquired soberly she handed the letter to him and he read the last words i shall come after the children and will then pay you in full with interest no i can never pay you in full for there's something better than money that i owe you strong's face changed color he dropped the letter and rose well he stammered he shan't have them said cynth decisively tut tut silas answered he raised the boy in his arms and kissed him well we're both the fools he said huskily you ain't exactly fools but you're both children said synth wiping her eyes well you know the bible says we must become as a little child said master after all money is only a measure of value and one thing it does with absolute precision a man's money measures the depth of his heart

Starting point is 07:28:43 End of Chapter 31 Chapter 32 of Silas Strong Emperor of the Woods By Irving Bachelor This Libravox recording is in the public domain Chapter 32 Strong left camp with his pack and rifle and two bear traps He was nearing the dead buck when a shot stopped him

Starting point is 07:29:16 And a bullet cut through his left forearm The deadly missile came no swifter than his understanding of it. He dropped as if a death blow had struck him, and, clinging to his rifle, crept in among the furs. He flung off the straps of his basket. He lay still a moment, and then cautiously got to his knees. Blood was trickling down his hand, but he gave no heed to it. The ball had come from higher ground, towards which,

Starting point is 07:29:48 he had been walking. The man who had tried to kill him could not have stood more than two hundred feet away. Strong sat, rifle in hand, peering through the fir branches, alert as a panther waiting for its prey. Soon he caught a glimpse of his enemy fleeing between distant tree columns. The sight seemed to fill him with deadly anger. He leaped to his feet, seized his pack-basket, and started swiftly in pursuit of him he gained the summit of the high ground and saw a broad slash covered with berry bushes and sloping to the flats around bushrod creek a trail cut through it from the edge of the woods near him he stopped and listened he could hear the sound of retreating footsteps and could see briars moving some thirty rods down the slash his heart had shaken up off its rage he was now the cunning stealthy determined hunter he saw a dry stag-headed pine in the edge of the briars near him and hurried up its shaft like a bear pressed by the dogs on a dead limb some thirty feet above ground he halted and looked away he could see nothing of his unknown foe slowly strong descended from the dead tree

Starting point is 07:31:18 he had just begun to feel the pain of his wound blood was dripping fast from it he looked like a butcher in the midst of his task he muttered as he began to roll his sleeve guess they do intend to shove me out of this cuntry he blew as he looked at the wound the business is prosperin he went on as he held one end of a big red handkerchief between his teeth and wound it wound torn muscles and firmly nodded the ends. War, he muttered as he went to the near bushes and began to gather spider's webs. It is to be regretted that for a moment he forgot his promise to Saki and boiled over from the heat of his passion. He sat on the ground and with his knife scraped away the blood clots. To damn soft-nosed bullet, he muttered. with a serious look,

Starting point is 07:32:20 smoothing down the fibers of torn flesh. He spread the webs upon his wound and held them close a while under his great palm. Soon he moistened a lot of tobacco and put it on the webs and held it there. After an hour or so, the blood stopped. Then, gradually, he relieved the tension of his handkerchief and by and by used it for a bandage on his wound.

Starting point is 07:32:48 wound. He rose and shouldered his pack and began to search for the tracks of his enemy. He soon discovered those of the bear which had fled before him that morning. "'Zas see here, Strong,' he muttered. "'This won't scarcely do. I arrest you, Estrong, Esquire. You're my prisoner. To trying to kill a man, you bloodthirsty devil. come with me we'll hunt for be bears the emperor had often addressed himself with severe and even copious condemnation but this was the first time that he had ever taken s strong by the coat-collar and violently faced him about he could see clearly where the bear had broken through the wet briars on his way down to the flat country it was a moment of peril and he gave himself no time for argument he hurried away in the trail of the bear it lay before him unmistakable as the wake of a boat and would show where the animal was wont to cross the water below he came soon to a great log lying from shore to shore of that inlet of rainbow which was called bushrod creek he could see tracks near the end of the log and there with a spruce pole for a lever he set his tree

Starting point is 07:34:16 in the sand, so that, if the first were not sprung, the second would be sure to take hold. He covered the great yawning seven-toothed jaws of steel and fastened heavy clogs upon both trap chains. Then he took the piece of bacon from his pack and hung it on a branch above the traps. Shrewdly the hunter had made his plan. That bear would probably return to the dead bite. and the scent of the bacon would attract him to that particular crossing he tore two pages from his memorandum book and wrote this warning on each stop traps ahead s strong he fastened them to stakes and posted them on two sides of the point of danger it was then past eleven and too late for the long journey to lost river camp he decided to go to henians on the middle branch and get the trapper to come and keep watch while he took synth and the children to benson falls on his way out of the slash he killed a deer and dressed and hung him on a tree

Starting point is 07:35:31 then he set out for the trail to henians he had walked for an hour or so when his pace began to slacken tie tie he whispered stopping suddenly s strong what's the ma matter you're all of a tremble strong felt sick and weary and took off his pack and sat down to rest on a bed of leaves then he discovered that the handkerchief upon his arm was dripping wet Again he stopped the blood by courting. He lay back on the ground, suffering with faintness and acute pain. Soon obeying the instinct of man and beast, which prompts one to hide his weakness and even his death-throes, he crept behind the top of a fallen tree. His heart had been overstrained of late by worry and heavy toil. now for the first time he could feel it laboring a little as if it missed the blood which had been dripping slowly but steadily from his arm at last a day was come that had no pleasure in it a day when the keepers of the house had begun to tremble

Starting point is 07:36:46 soon the warm sunlight fell through forest branches on the great body of strong who had lost command of himself and become the prisoner of sleep in the memorandum book there is an entry without date in a script of unusual size those large letters were made slowly and with a trembling hand it was probably written while he sat there in the lonely autumn woods before giving up to his weakness this is the entry these days when i don't believe god is over particular with a man about swearing end of chapter thirty two chapter thirty three of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty three soon after breakfast that morning master had hitched the ox to the boat jumper my land where you goin synth inquired to-morrow we're going out to benson falls with you and the children said master i thought we'd better take the ox and what things you need to-day as far as link harris's that's about four miles down the leonard trail the ox will have all he can do to-day to-day as far as link harris's that's about four miles down the leonard trail the ox will have all he can do to tomorrow if he starts from harris's the young man said nothing of another purpose which he had in mind that of learning as soon as possible the nearest way out of rainbow country what does that mean synth asked only this we may have trouble with these pirates and we want to get you out of the way we'll have to travel and we can't leave you in the camp alone you and the children can't

Starting point is 07:38:50 can ride over and will come back afoot. So Synth packed her satchels and a big camp bag and all made the journey to Harris's where they left the ox and the jumper. It was near six o'clock when they returned to the little camp at Rainbow. Strong was not there, and after supper, while the dusk fell, they sat on a blanket by the fire, and Synth raked the old scrap heap of family history

Starting point is 07:39:20 to which a score of ancestors had contributed each in his time. It was all a kind of folklore, moldy, rusty, distorted, dreamlike. It told of bears in the pig pen, of moose in the dooryard, of panthers glaring through the windows at night, of Indians surrounding the cabin, and of the torture by fire and steel. At bedtime, Silas had not arrived. arrived. Synth, however, showed no signs of worry. He knew the woods so well, and there were bear and fish and sundry temptations, each greater than his bed.

Starting point is 07:40:03 Maybe he's took after a bear, Sintz suggested, while she began to undress the children. You remember we heard him shoot soon after he left here, said master. It may be he wounded a bear and followed him. Like as not, she answered. In a moment she put her hand on Master's arm and whispered to him, "'Say,' said she, "'I don't want to make trouble, but if I was you, I wouldn't wait no longer for that old fool.' She stalled the needles into her ball of yarn and rolled up her knitting.

Starting point is 07:40:43 She continued with a sigh of impatience. "'I'd go over to Buckhorn and get that girl, if I had to bring her on my back. That's about what I proposed to do, said the young man, with a laugh. I'm sick of this dilly-dallyan, said Synth, and I guess she is, too. With that she led Saki and Sue into the tent.

Starting point is 07:41:09 When the others had gone to bed, Master began to think of the shot which had broken the silence of the autumn woods that morning. He lighted a lantern, and followed as nearly as he could the direction his friend had taken. By and by he stopped and whistled on his thumb and stood listening. The woods were silent. Soon he could see where strong had crossed a little run

Starting point is 07:41:36 and roughed the leaves beyond it. Master followed his tracks and came to the dead deer. He saw that a bear had found it, and nearby there were signs of a struggle and of fresh blood. Now satisfied that Strong had shot and followed the bear, he hurried back to camp. He spread a blanket before the fire

Starting point is 07:42:00 and lay down to think and rest in the silence. Buckhorn was only four miles from the upper end of rainbow. One could put his canoe in the middle branch and go without a carry to the outlet of Slender Lake, little more than a great marsh. then up the still water to a landing within half an hour of dunmore's he would make the journey in a day or two and if possible take the girl out of the woods the night was dark and still he could hear now and then the fall of a dead leaf that gave a ghostly whisper as it brushed through high branches on its way down suddenly another sound caught his ear he rose and listened it was a distant rhythmic beat of oars on the lake who could be crossing at that hour he walked to the shore and stood looking off into inky darkness

Starting point is 07:43:02 he could still hear the sound of oars some one was rowing with a swift nervous jumping stroke and the sound was growing fainter somehow it quickened the pulse of the young man a little he wondered why end of chapter thirty three chapter thirty four of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libravox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty four master returned to the fire and lay back on his blanket little puffs of air had begun to rattle the dead leaves above him soon he could hear a wind coming over the woodland it was like the roar of distant sea billows waves of wind began to whistle in the naked branches overhead in a moment the main flood of the gale was roaring through them and every tree column had begun to creak and groan master rose and looked up at the sky he could see a wavering glow through the tree-tops the odor of smoke was in the air he ran to call miss strong and met her coming out of her tent she had smelled the smoke and quickly dressed my land the woods are a fire she cried the sky had brightened as if a great golden moon were rising cynth ran back into her tent and woke the children with swift and eager hands the young man helped her while she put on their clothes she said not a word until they were dressed then half blinded by thickening smoke and groping on her way to the other tent she said despairingly

Starting point is 07:45:02 I wonder where Silas is. A great feathery cinder fell through the treetops. Come, quick, we must get out of here, Master called as he lifted the crying children. We've no time to lose. She flung some things in a satchel and tried to follow. In the smoke it was difficult to breathe and almost impossible to find their way. Master put down the children and tore some. some rope from a tent side and tied it to the dog's collar.

Starting point is 07:45:37 Then he shouted, Go home, Zeb! They clung to one another while the dog led them into the trail. Master had Saki and Sue in his arms. He hurried up the long slope of Rainbow Bridge, the woman following. They could now hear the charge and raven of the flames that were tearing into a resinous swamp roof not far away. come and fast cint exclaimed can't see or breathe hardly drop your satchel and cling to my coat-tails master answered stopping to give her a hold

Starting point is 07:46:16 a burning rag of rotten timber flying with the wind caught in a green top above them it broke and fell in flakes of fire master flung one off his coat-sleeve and seizing a stock of which hoppel whipped the glow out of them. On they pressed, mounting slowly into better air. Just ahead of them they could see the wavering firelight on their trail. On a bare ledge near the summit, they stopped to rest their lungs a moment.

Starting point is 07:46:50 They were now above the swift army of flame and a little off to the west flank of it. They could see into a red, smoky, luminous gulf, leagues long and wide beneath the night. shadow. Ten thousand torches of dismal flag of destruction. A great wedge of flame was rending its way northward. Sparks leaped along the sides of it like fiery dust beneath the feet of the conqueror. They rose high and drifted over the lake chasm and fell in a sleet of fire on the lighted waves. The loose and tattered jacket of many and old stub was torn into glowing rome.

Starting point is 07:47:32 rags and scattered by the wind. Some hurtled off a mile or more from their source, and isolated fountains of flame were spreading here and there on balsam flats near the lake margin. Some of the tall firs, when first touched by the cinder shower, were like great Christmas trees hung with tinsel and lighted by many candles. New caught flames, bending in the wind, had the look of horses at full gallop. Ropes and arrows and spears and lances of fire were flying and coveting over the doomed woods. The travelers halted only for a moment.

Starting point is 07:48:15 They could feel the heat on their faces. Black smoke had begun to roll over the heights around them. "'It'll go up the valley in an hour and cut Silas off,' Synth whimpered as they went on. he must have crossed the valley before now the young man assured her the woman ran ahead and called loudly silas silas she continued calling as they hurried on through the thickening smoke they halted for a word at leonard's trail which left the main thoroughfare to rainbow and going down the east side of the ridge fared away some ten miles over hill and dale to the open country it was at right angles with the way of the wind and would soon lead them out of danger make for benson falls with the children cried cynth i'm going after silas she knew that her brother would surely be coming that seeing the fire he would take any hazard to reach them master knew not what to do he had begun to worry about the people at buckhorn but his work was nearer to his hair he would take any hazard to reach them master knew not what to do he had begun to worry about the people at buckhorn but his work was nearer to his hair

Starting point is 07:49:30 hand. It was there at the fork in the trail. He sent a loud, far-reaching cry down the wind, but heard no answer. He'll take care of himself. You'd better get away from this valley, he called. An oily top had taken fire below and within a hundred yards of them. Go, go, go quick, and save them children, she urged. Then she ran away from him. She hurried along the top of the ridge, calling as she went. A dim, misty glow filled the cavern of the woods around her. Just ahead, drops of fire seemed to be dripping through the forest roof. It failed to catch.

Starting point is 07:50:16 It would let her go a little farther, and she pressed on. A fold of the great streamer of smoke was rent away, and rolled up the side of the ridge and covered her. She sank upon her knees, nearly smothered, and put her skirt over her face. The cloud passed in a moment. Her sleeve caught fire, and she put it out with her hands. She felt her peril more keenly and tried to run. She heard Zeb sniffing and coughing near.

Starting point is 07:50:49 Master had let him go, thinking that he might help her in some way. She stooped and called to him and took hold of the day. dragging rope. The dog pressed on so eagerly that he carried part of her weight. A broken bow in a tree top just ahead of her had caught fire and swung like a big lantern. She had no sooner past them than she heard the tree burst into flame with a sound like the frying of fat. She felt her hand stinging her and saw that a little flame was running up the side of her skirt. she cried mercy and knelt and smothered it with her hands gasping for breath she fell forward her face upon the ground silas strong she moaned you got to come quick or i won't never see you again the dog heard her and licked her face down among the ferns and mosses she found a stream of clear air and in a moment rose and rose and

Starting point is 07:51:57 reeled a few steps farther. The flank of the invader had overrun the heights. Her seeking was near its end. Showers of fire were falling beyond and beside her. She lay down and covered her face to protect it from the heat and smoke. She rose and staggered on, calling loudly. Then she heard a bark from Zeb and the familiar hello of Silas Strong. through some subtle but sure intuition the two had known what to expect of each other and had clung to the trail she saw him running out of the smoke cloud and whipping his arms with his old felt hat one side of his beard was burned away he picked her up as if she had been a child and ran down the east side of the ridge with her leaping over logs and crashing through fallen tops beyond the showering sparks he stopped and smothered a circle of creeping fire on her skirt synth lay in his arms moaning and sobbing he shook her and shouted almost fiercely

Starting point is 07:53:11 the little fa fawns where where be they gone with him on leonard's trail sinth answered brokenly he entered a swamp in the dim-lighted forest now running now striked slowly through fallen timber and up to his knees in the damp earth every moment the air was growing clearer he ran over a hardwood hill and slackened pace while he made his way half across a wide flat when he struck the trail to Benson Falls the fire glow was fainter now and then a great rushing billow of light swept over them and vanished he stopped and blew and put synth on her feet hard in night sis he said tenderly she stood and made no answer in a flare of firelight he saw that she was holding out one of her hands he struck a match and looked at it and made a rueful cluck the fire of the match seemed to frighten her she staggered backward and fell with a cry he caught her up and strode slowly on soon she seemed to recover self-control and lay silent he was in great pain he was reeling under his burden but he kept on she put up a hand and felt his face why silas she said in a frightened voice you're crying it was then that he fell to the ground helpless end of chapter thirty four chapter thirty five of

Starting point is 07:55:03 Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods by Irving Bachelor. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 35 Terror had begun to spread in the wilderness north of rainbow. The smoky wind, the growing firelight, had roused all the children of the forest. Chattering birds rose high and took the way of the wind to safety. One could see flying. lines of wild fowl in the lighted heavens. Faintly as they passed, one could hear their startled

Starting point is 07:55:40 cries. Deer ran aimlessly through the woods like frightened sheep. From scores of camps on lake and pond and river, from buckhorn, from Barsuk, from five ponds, from Sabatis, from big and little sandy, from lost river, people who had seen the fire coming were on their way out of the woods. words master ran at first down leonard's trail with the boy and girl in his arms soon his thoughts halted him he had withstood the severest trial that may be set before a man to be compelled to seek safety with the children while a woman took the way of peril before his eyes had made him falter a moment he hoped that synth had left the ridge now overrun with flames and fled down the slope if so she would be looking for Leonard's trail he stopped every few paces and sent a loud hello into the woods fire was crackling down the side of the ridge as he looked back it seemed to him that the great lake of hell must be flooding into the world soon the trail led him to synth who was on her knees and sobbing beside her brother that wiry little woman had struggled there alone with energy past all belief she thought only of the danger and forgot her pain

Starting point is 07:57:11 she had toiled with the heavy body of her brother as the aunt toils with a burden larger than itself dragging it slowly inch by inch in the direction of harris's she had moved at a distance of some fifty feet before she heard the call of master then she had moved it a distance of some fifty feet before she heard the call of master then she fell moaning and clinging to the hands of him she loved better far better even than she had ever permitted herself to know it may well be doubted oh you have probably lost patience with her long ago if anything in human history is more wonderful than the lonely struggle of hers in that dim flaring threatening hell-glow master quickly knelt by the fallen emperor what's the matter he asked he's goin out done for me until he can't do no more she wailed she put her arms around the great breast of the man and laid her cheek upon it tenderly then her heart which had always hidden its fondness spoke out in a broken cry silas strong speak to me i can't i can't spare you no how i can't spare you the children knelt by her and called with frightened voices uncle silas uncle silas strong began to move those beloved voices had seemed to call him back he put his hand on the head of synth and drew it close to him better times he whispered be better times i tell ye ss sis he struggled to his knees say he said to master i've been shot to tie your handkerchief around my arm quick

Starting point is 07:59:08 the young man tied his handkerchief as directed then strong tried to rise but his weight bore him down lie still said master i can carry you he took the rope from zeb's collar and looped it over the breast of the helpless man and drew its ends under his arms and nodded them then while cynth supported her brother the young man reached backward over his shoulders and grasping the rope lifted his friend so their backs were against each other and leaning under his burden struggled on with it the others following. It was a toilsome, painful journey to Harris's, but what is impossible when the strong heart of youth, warmed with dauntless courage, turns to its task. We that wonder, as we look backward, may venture to put the query, but dare not answer it. Often, Master fell to his knees, and there steadied himself a moment with heaving breast, then tightened his thews again, and rose and measured the way with slow, staggering feet.

Starting point is 08:00:23 An hour or so later, a clear-voiced call rang through the noisy wind. They stopped and listened. Somebody's coming, said Master. He answered with a loud hello as they went on wearily. Soon they saw someone approaching in the dusky trail. Who's there? the young man asked. edith done more was the answer that trembled with gladness oh sir i would have gone through the fire i know said he you would have gone through the fire for for you she added brokenly master dared not lay down his burden he toiled on his heart so full that he could not answer the girl walked beside him for a morning

Starting point is 08:01:17 moment of solemn suggestive silence she could dimly see the prostrate body of strong on the back of her lover and understood what a singular and noble restraint was in that meeting i love you i love you and i want to help you she said as she walked beside him help miss strong he answered she is badly burned little sue was overcome with weariness and fear and could not be comforted. The maiden carried her with one arm and with the other supported synth. So slowly they made their way over the rough trail. How came you here?

Starting point is 08:02:03 Master inquired presently. We saw the fire coming and hurried to slender lake and fled in boats and came down the river. When late in the night the little band of lovers reeled across the dimlit clearing, it was in sore distress. Their feet dragged, their hearts and

Starting point is 08:02:25 bodies stooped with heaviness. A company of woodsfolk, who stood in front of Harris's looking off at the fire, ran to meet them. They lifted the dragging emperor and helped the young man carry him indoors. Master was no sooner relieved of his burden than he fell exhausted on the floor. edith dunmore knelt by him and raised his hands to her lips she helped him rise and then for a moment they stood and trembled in each other's arms and were like unto the oak and the vine that clings to it dunmore and his mother stood looking at them the white-haired man had taken the children in his arms i thought she went to bed and to sleep long ago he muttered without her we should have perished said the old lady yes and she shall have her way he answered one might as well try to keep the deer out of the lily pads he kissed the boy and girl and added with a sigh this world is for the young end of chapter thirty five chapter thirty six of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty six all stood aghast for a moment in the light of the lamps around the bed of strong

Starting point is 08:04:07 his clothes were burned bloody and torn they lay in rags upon him his face and hands were swollen part of his hair and beard had been shorn off in the storm of fire through which he had fought his way he spoke not but there was the grim record of his fight with the flames of the terrible punishment they had put upon him while the sturdy old lover sought his friends all hands made haste to do what they could for him and for the woman he had carried out of the fire of the pit he had told master that annette was waiting for him at the falls the young man sent harris to bring her with horse and buckboard strong lay like one dead while they gave him spirits and bathed his face and hands in oil soon he revived a little it's business he muttered in a moment his thoughts began to wander in a curious delirium filled with suggestions of the old cheerfulness he sang feebly the briars are above my head the brakes above my knee and the bark is gettin kind of blue upon the venison tree rain had begun falling and daylight was on the window panes the dethroned emperor continued to sing fragments of old songs so familiar to all who knew him it was in the summer time when i sailed when i sailed he sang socky stood by the bed of his uncle with a sad face the thumbs down strong demanded faintly master went out in the little veranda and looked down the road he could hear the voice of his friend singing

Starting point is 08:06:03 the green groves are gone from the hills maggie it is true thought the young man as he looked off at the smoldering woods they are gone and so are the green groves are gone and so are the green hearts. Annette came presently, and strong rose on his elbow, and looked at her. Anne, he called as she knelt by his bedside. Today, today, it's no some day anymore, it's today. He sank back on his pillow when he saw her tears, and whispered, almost doubtfully, Better to times! He leaned forward and put up his hands As if to relieve the pressure of his pack straps

Starting point is 08:06:50 And in a moment he had gone out of hearing On a trail that leads to the better times He had hoped for let us try to believe So ends the story of Silas Strong Guide, contriver, lover of the woods and streams Of honor and good fellowship He was never to bow his head before the dreaded tyrant of this world we may be glad of that and remember gratefully and with renewed thought of our own standing that strong was ahead

Starting point is 08:07:25 a curious procession made its way out of the woods that morning saki and sue walked ahead master and edith and her father followed then came the boat jumper with synth and all that reminded of silas strong in it then the buckboard that carried harris and old mrs dunmore and the servants slowly they made their way towards the sown land what's yer cryin for a stranger asked the children as he passed them our uncle silas died was the all-sufficient reply of sake soon they could hear the roar of the saws look said dunmore to his daughter's as they came in sight of the mill chimney. There's the edge of the great world. He looked thoughtfully at the children a moment and added, It all reminds me of the words of a mighty teacher. A little child shall lead them.

Starting point is 08:08:31 And what of Miggly and the rest? Word of his harshness in driving Synth and the children out of their home had traveled over the land. and not all the king's money could have saved him. Master went to the legislature, where God prosper him, and the young lumberman was condemned to obscurity. Master and Edith live at Clear Lake most of the year, and the cranes have brought them a young fairy,

Starting point is 08:09:01 regarded by Saki and Sue, who often visit there, with deep interest and affection. Synth will spend the rest of her days, probably in the same. the home of gordon at benson falls as to annette like many daughters of the puritan she lives with a memory and her hope is still and all in that some day gone now into the land of faith and mystery the once beautiful valley of rainbow was turned into black ruins that night of the fire soon a game pirate who had blabbed in a spree was arrested for the crime of causing it. The authorities promised to let him go if he would tell the truth. He told how he had been with Red McDonald that night and saw him fire the woods. They fled to the shore of rainbow and crossed in a boat. Near the middle of the lake they broke an ore and a mile of green tops had

Starting point is 08:10:03 begun to fry before they landed. They ran eastward in a panic. They crossed Bushrod Creek, on a big log that spanned the water. At the father end of it, McDonald, who was in the lead, put his foot into one bear trap and fell into another. His friend tried to release him, but soon had to give up and run for his life.

Starting point is 08:10:29 He went with an officer and found the heap of bones that lay between two rusty traps in the desolate valley. After all, he got exactly what was coming to him. said he looking down at the ghastly thing it was him shot the emperor of the woods who was to pay mcdonald for his work that probably will never be known end of chapter thirty six end of silas strong emperor of the woods by irving bachelor

Classic Audiobook Collection - Silas Strong by Irving Bacheller ~ Full Audiobook [drama]

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