Tombstone epitaph., 1917-02-04

mists hung splendidly to the ridges and the sunset famed at his back
 Juanits never knew what details of 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: "l hear ye're arunnin' . 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 a lone hunter. and when he drew near 1t proved to be young Milt McBriar.
 "Mornin', Milt." said Havey. "I 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.
 T was a-gunnin' for boomers" he said. using the local phrase for red squirrels of the hills. 'I reckon hain't hardly got no license ter go gun. ] min on yore land"
 Anse Havey sat down on log and looked up at the boy steadily. At last he said gravely:
 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. 'I ain't never heard that neither the McBriars nor the Haveys countenanced settin' fire 10 dwellin houses, have your" T don't know what ye means" re sponded the boy. and the gaze that 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 a little stretch oi dry woods that comes right down to the back door. Somebody has done laid trail of shavin's an leaves in the brush there an soaked 'em with coaloil. Some feller aims to burn down that schoolhouse tonight"
 Did ye tell Miss Holland?" demand ed Milt in voice of deep anxiety.
 No. l ain't named 1t to her." Bad Anse said with seeming indifference in his face. at which the lads blood boiled
 Does ye aim ter set hyar an let her place git burnt up?" he snapped out wrathfully. Because If ye does, don't"
 Anse Hayey laughed.
 Well. no." he replied; q didn't aim to do that"
 Suddenly he rose.
 What l 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 1t. l aimed to see who was doin' trick like that Will you go with mel"
 "Me?" echoed Milt in astonishment This idea of the two factions acting in | consort was decided innovation. Il might be trap. Suddenly the boy de manded: Why don't ye ask pap?"
 T don't ask your pap nothing" h Havey's 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. That | house-burner is goin' 10 die. If he's one of my people I want to know it. If he's one of your people you ought to feel the same way. Will you go with me?'
 The boy considered the proposal for a time in silence. Dawn would be iu 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"