Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-08
CHAPTER 1.-Continued.

CHAPTER 1.-Continued.
One thing. however, was clear: the
Paintings were certainly kind nelghbors.
They were the first to volunteer aid in
times Of sickness; they were hospitable and
generous; and they seemed anxious to
make friends OF all in the valley. Had
not The three. when Dan Tressler had had
typhoid, gone down and worked all day
on his grain? And there were other good
turns OF which the valley could tell.
But the silence OF the man and the
strength OF his personality famed more
and more the curiosity of the little COM
munity. He was probably not under fifty
eight. yet so vigorous and well preserved
that one might hesitate to set him at forty
five. He was a man of masterful tenn
permanent, one could see that at a glance
His sharp. black eyes looked one straight
through. One felt instinctively that here
was a man not TO be trited with a man
whom one Nigh, 10 glad. very glad, 10 have
for friend, but whom one might well hes
itate to have for a foe. He was a man or
great activity He had adapted himself
quickly TO his new environment; he soon
knew every body IN the region and he
seemed TO understand as il by instinct all
the problems and conditions Of the little
valley. The farmers were not getting
enough for their wheat. Squire HArtswtck,
who owned many OF the farms, and who
had monopoly OF the valley trade. dictat-
ed the price, and there was no appeal
They were paying him 700 much for their
groceries, too and Farthing had rebelied.
He had decided 10 market his own produce
and send for his own groceries, and he
Rad Invited his neighbors to join him.
But don't you suppose Al knows about
Tile wiped his knife and looked over
his glasses.
Told him myself Already"
oh. you did7"
But Al can hear and see for himself If
he aln't decf and dumb and blind No use
TO tell him snapped Tile.
Then why don't he do something about
Il wuDst?'
Bat what in time can ne do about It2''
Lem Fisher was facing the crowd half de-
s.Burn down the old coop. hide and
hinges" The suggestion came from a tall
slab OF a man who was very busy with the
pulley blocks. y scornful laugh burst from
Vow that's good. That is certainly
good Just YOU hear Amos, boys Burn out
the DEVIL Fight the deyil with fire, Oh.
my. That's something new. amt 1t, Already
.'Dry wood II burn. devil or no devil,
You touch a match to that old shebang
and see what happens. II It don't burn,
then you en- go and harvest my mead long
with the rest of your fall pun'kins."
NOW don't you be too sure, Amos
Hardin. wunst. And don't you go TO maxim
big talk about what the devil can't do still.
'Tain't safte. NOsuh' He had threat ten
luS tone. as n his own personal prowess
had been made light Of
on, pshaw!'' Amos turned in disgust
and walked away.
DO you think that cabin could be touched
by Are? Do yeh?" raising his voice TO fol-
low him. Where's he gone? You see
he's afraid to talk. Amos. he amt nothin
but Jest Yankee still. but he knows I'm
right. / tell you l knows what m sayin'-
can't nobody go over the dead line around
that house but Jest the devil and them he
lets go Nosuhl' The oracle Strengthened
up and looked about him like one who has
won his dsbate.
But what want to know is why ain't
Al scairt7 Why don't he say something
wunstf Why don't he tell what he sees
nights? I tell you-all still there's some
thing strange about this something
strange" Tile wagged his head mys-
terIously.
''Yas. vas. somesing strange" echoed
ola Poppy Miller. who sat till now in
sphiRx-hke silence. The unexpected words
caused q thrill 10 go over the company
They al stopped short and looked az him.
What is IT, Poppy?" There was breath.
less silence.
"Somesfng strange" manibled the old
man with q vacant. PARKWAY look in his
eyes. -Sanesins stranger'n you sink