The Spectator., 1915-12-14

mists hung splendidly to the ridges and the sunset famed at his back. Juanita never knew what details oi | the incident came to Old Milt's ears | but when next the head of the house | passed her on the road he spoke with a diminished cordiality, and when she stopped him he commented: T hear ye're a-runnin a Havey school over thar now. Little Milt tells me ye warned him offen yore place"
 She tried to explain, and though he pretended to accept all she said in good humor, she knew in her heart she had made a powerful and bitter enemy.
 One afternoon Anse Havey, wander ing through the timber on his own side of the ridge, came upon lone hunter, and when he drew near it proved to be young Milt McBriar. "Mornin', Milt," said Havey. Il didn't know ye ever went huntin' over here The boy, who in feud etiquette was a trespasser, met the scrutiny with a | level glance.
 Il was a-gunnin' for boomers" he said, using the local phrase for red squirrels of the hills. 'I reckon haint hardly got no license ter go gun min on yore land"
 Anse Havey sat down on a log and looked up at the boy steadily. At las he said gravoly:
 Hunt as much as ye like, Milt, only be heedful not to start no fires"
 Milt nodded and turned to go, but the older man called him back.
 T want to have a word with ye Milt, he said soberly. Il aint never heard that neither the McBriars nol the Haveys countenanced settin' tirt to dwellin houses, have you?"
 T don't know what ye means" re sponded the boy, and the gaze tha passed between them was that of two men who can look direct into any eye
 T lowed it would astonish ye." wen on Anse. Back of the new school house that's still full of shavin's an loose timber there's little stretch O dry woods that comes right down tC the back door. Somebody has done laid trail of shavins an leaves il the brush there an soaked 'em witf coal-oil. Some feller aims to burr down that schoolhouse tonight"
 Did ye tell Miss Holland?" demand ed Milt in voice of deep anxiety.
 No, l ain't named it to her" Bat Anse said with seeming indifference in his face, at which the lads blood boiled.
 Does ye aim ter set hyar an let hel place git burnt up?" he snapped out wrathfully. Because if ye does. don't"
 Anse Havey laughed.
 Well, nc" he replied; T didn't ain to do that
 Suddenly he rose.
 What I did aim to do Milt. was this: l aimed to go down there tonight with enough fellers to handle either the fire or whoever starts it. l aimed to see who was doin trick like that Will you go with me-"
 Me-? echoed Milt in astonishment 1 This idea Cf the two factions acting in consort was a decided innovation. Ii might be trap. Suddenly the boy de manded; Why don't ye ask pap?"
 T don't ask your pap nothing" In Haveys reply was a quick and trucu | lent snap that rarely came into his voice. I'm askin' you. an you can take my proposition or leave it. Tha, | house-burner is. goin' to die If he's one of my people I want to know it. If he one of your people you ought to feel the same way. Will you go with me?' | The boy considered the proposal for time in silence. Dawn would be in | danger At last he said gravely: Hit sounds like a fair proposition I'll go along with ye, an meantime I'll keep my own counsel"