“I want some samples here,” he continued, and at once proceeded to collect a composite sample of the surface soil and another of the sub-soil.

“In the main this soil is slightly acid,” said Percy, after several tests, with the hydrochloric acid and the litmus paper; “although occasionally there are traces of limestone present.  The mass of soil seems to be faintly acid, but here and there are little pieces of limestone which still produce some localized benefit, and probably prevent the development of more marked acidity throughout the soil mass.

“If I can get to an express office this afternoon,” he continued, “I shall be glad to forward these four composite samples to an analyst.”

“If you wouldn’t mind riding to Montplain with Adelaide when she goes for her music lesson this afternoon, it would be very convenient,” said Mr. West.

“With your daughter’s permission that would suit me very well,” he replied.  “I shall be glad to spend one or two days more in this vicinity, and then I wish to visit other sections for a week or two, after which I would be glad to stop here again on my return trip and probably I shall have the report of the chemist concerning these samples.”

CHAPTER IX

THE BLACK PERIL

As Percy stepped out of the house in the early afternoon upon the announcement from Wilkes that “De ca’age is ready,” he noted that the “ca’age” was the two-seated family carriage and that Adelaide had already taken her place in the front seat, as driver, with her music roll and another bundle tucked in by her side.  Her glance at Percy and at the rear seat was also sufficient to indicate his place.

“This does not seem right to me, Miss West,” said Percy.  “Unless you prefer to drive I shall be very glad to do so and let you occupy this more comfortable seat.”

“No thank you,” she replied, in a tone that left no room for argument.  “I often drive our guests to and from the station, and I much prefer this seat.”

The rear seat was roomy and low, so that Percy could scarcely see the road ahead even by sitting on the opposite side from the driver.

Aside from an occasional commonplace remark both the driver and the passenger were allowed to use the time for meditation.

While Adelaide was already an experienced horsewoman, she was rarely permitted to drive the colts to the village, although she enjoyed riding the more spirited horses, or driving with her brother in the “buck board.”

A mile from the village the road wound through a wooded valley, and then climbed the opposite slope, passing the railway station a quarter of a mile from town and the “depot hotel” near by.  Here Percy left the carriage with the bags of soil, it being arranged that he would be waiting at the hotel when Adelaide returned from the village.

Adelaide’s “hour” was from four to five, and being the last pupil for the day, the teacher was not prompt to close.