To
MRS. J. B. MARVIN

Whose unceasing devotion to the cause
of education in the mountains of
Kentucky
inspired this little story

CONTENTS

I.A Stranger and a Promise[11]
II.A Package by Mail[24]
III.In the Wilderness[36]
IV.A Halt on the Road[44]
V.A Double Rescue[57]
VI.An Unexpected Meeting[72]
VII.A Trip to the City[78]
VIII.Opportunity[91]
IX.A Startling Appearance[98]
X.Steve Develops a Mind of His Own[111]
XI.Experience[129]
XII.Love’s Awakening[149]
XIII.Old Ties Renewed[160]
XIV.“All Right, Son”[180]
XV.Flickering Hope[190]
XVI.In the Crucible[198]
XVII.Fruition[204]

ILLUSTRATIONS

“I kin kill rabbits if I can’t do nothin’ else”[Frontispiece]
The Old Greely Mill[70]
“Hit’s Champ fer his pappy”[142]
“Tilda pacing back and forth at her spinning-wheel”[174]