8 THE STRIKE AT SHAKE' 8, 



proceeded to tell the whole affair as it occurred, not 

 omitting Mr. Tracy's remarks. 



"I think Tracy had better mind his own business 

 and leave mine alone," said Shane, a little piqued. 



*' Well, if he had, your wagon would be standing 

 down there in a mud hole yet," said Tom. 



*'That ain't what I mean," said Shane. "That's 

 no more than I'd do for a neighbor ; but I know a 

 good horse as well as Tracy does ; an' my horses don't 

 take no back seat for his neither." 



*'He don't drive any wind-broken nor worn-out 

 horses," retorted Tom. 



" No more would 1 if it wasn't for your mother, who 

 makes me keep old Dobbin." 



"Well, John," said Mrs. Shane, mildly, " yo?« don't 

 need to tcork old Dobbin if you do keep him. I am 

 sure, as Mr. Tracy says, he has earned a rest for the 

 balance of his life.'* 



"You know my principles, Mary, that nothin' shall 

 stay on this farm that don't pay expenses." 



'•^ I brought Dobbin here ivhen I married yon, John, 

 and here he is going to stay as Jong as he lives." 



Something in the tone of her voice touched a chord 

 in John Shane's heart that caused his memory to turn 

 back to the time when he married Mary. He was 

 kind-hearted and happy then — but oh, those times 

 were different. A man could'nt afford to be generous 

 now or the world would get the best of him. But 

 why? 



*'An' I say, father," said Tom, breaking in, "if 



