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of humanity is built on the self-dependence of the individual. Haven't you, daddie?"

"My daughters are right, Mr. Jackman. I have trained them to the idea of self-government. I am glad indeed to see them taking hold of these principles firmly."

The partner turned away crestfallen. When he was fairly out of hearing, he took off his hat and exclaimed: " I'll be gol darned! What is the weemin comin' to?"

"I have engaged Susannah to live at my house," said the Little Doctor, addressing the Captain as he sauntered toward a spreading fir near the front doorsteps, where the family were holding a consultation with Mrs. Joseph Ranger prior to her departure.

"Then who will assist Mrs. O'Dowd while I am away?" asked the Captain. "She'll surely need both company and assistance at the Ranch of the Whispering Firs as badly as you will need it at the Four Corners."

"Don't worry about me, Captain," said Sally. "I can manage the whole place without the help of anybody."

"Thank you, Mrs. O'Dowd. You are a thoroughly unselfish woman."

"Pardon me, daddie," said Jean, as soon as she could address him privately. "You make a great mistake if you imagine Sally O'Dowd isn't as selfish as the rest of us. The Little Doctor was quite taken aback by a remark to the contrary that you made a while ago."

"I 'm sure I meant no offence, Jean. But I confess that I am disappointed in both the Little Doctor and Susannah. They ought not to leave me in an extremity like the present when I have been so kind to them."

"Everything we attempt is actuated by selfishness, daddie."

"I can't agree with you, Jean."

"Oh, yes, you can! You took the Little Doctor under your wing away back in the States, because you could only hope by that means to get some help that you