"But it's different with a man," repeated Douglas.

"But you promised about that other."

"That was different. It was something personal between you and me. The
other is business."

"All right! I don't promise unless you do."

"I can't promise, Jude. Honest, I can't."

Jude laughed and jumped to her feet. "You are a goose, Doug, but I sure
am fond of you." Then she left him.

Douglas sat still, his head pressed against the indescribable sweetness
of the alfalfa hay, eyes on the wonder of the stars. Finally he said
aloud, "I wish there was somebody a fellow could talk to that knows
things. I wish my grandfather Douglas was alive. Peter jaws too much.
What I want is to know facts, then judge for myself."

His father passed by the haystack, pitchfork on shoulder. "Who are you
talking to, Doug?" he asked.

"The biggest fool in Lost Chief," replied Douglas, rising and following
his father to the house.