The spectator., 1922-01-03

yards--I wisht l may drap dead er they cain'tl Do ye see that big cabin | right plumb in the middle O the nigh half O the settlement. Bill? Well, the boss O the Merchants he lives thar John Moreland. That's whnr you want | to go, Bill, sence ye've got Oncyor- l able case O the disease knowel as coal-on- -the-brain. But 1 cnn tell ye aforehand, you ain't got enough money to buy that coal, don't matter how much money ye've got" Dale was not looking toward John Moreland's home now. His gaze lad Wandered to the other side of the river. By Heck waited full minute for reply to his speech, then he spoke again:
 'The gyurl, or the coal-is that whats a-botherin' ye, BillY' Dale's eyes twinkled. Must l choose between them?" he laughed. "Shore" By Heck wasn't even sinil- l ing. shore! The Morelands and Littlefords hates each other wuss nor blue-tailed hawk hates a crow. The gyurl, or the coal, Bili?" wen go down to John MOreland's," | announced Dale.
 The mountaineer took up his rife. Let me gi' ye q word or two O warn- in'," he continued seriously. Don't you offer to pay John Moreland fo' eatin' his grub, nor fo' sleepin' in .his bed, nor fo' chawin' his tobacker. Eff va dn ,x,il ch ho ynA with John Moreland. But ef ye was to brag on the vittles a little, Johns wife a-hein pow'ful handy in the kitchen, it wouldn't do a danged bit O harm. Do ye understand it all now, Bili?"
 Dale nodded, and they began the de scent.
 John Moreland's house Was built of whole oak logs, which were chinked with oak splits and daubed in between with clay; the roof was of handmade boards, and chimney of stones and clay rose at either end. John Moreland himself sat on the front porch, and beside him lay re- beating rifle. two young squirrels that had been very neatly shot through the head, and weary black -andt tan hound. He was an uncommonly big man, and about forty-seven; his eyes were gray and keen; his thick hair and full beard were rich brown, with only . few threads of white. There the man. One felt that he could trust John Moreland
 AS the moonshner and his compan- ion reached the gate Moreland rose and pushed his hat back from his fore head.
 Hi, John," grinned Heck. "This here feller wants to stay with ye few days, John. Seems to be all right"
 Come right in." invited the chief of the Morelands. He indicated tn, homemade chair he had just vacated. "Set down thar and rest stranger. I'll be back in a minute or so." He hastened into the cabin, carrying the squirrels with him.
 Hes went to tell his wife to hatch up extry good dinner. Bnl." whs- pered Heck. "Pepper-cyored ham. young chicken, hot biscuits fresh but ter, wild honey, huckleberry pie and peach pie and strawberry preserves Bill, l caint hardly stand it. Blast my picture eff l couldn't eat two whole raw dawgs right now, I'm that ding busted hongry. Well. got to rambIe on home. l live down the river half n I mile, We and my maw. Come to see l me. Bill, and we'll go a-tishin'. So long, Bill old boy!" John Moreland returned presently, The man from the city rose and prof l fered his hand.
 My name." he began. old habit strong upon him. "is Carlyle" Before he could get any farther with It. John Moreland flung the hand from him as though it were thing of un- speakable contamination. His bearded face went deathiy white with the whiteness of an old and bitter hatred. His great fists clenched. and every muscle in his giant body trembled. What's the matter. manf" Dale wanted to know.
 "Carlyiew Moreland repeated in a hoarse growl. "You say yore name is Carlyie!"
 Yes" wonderingly, but that's only part of it. My name is Carlyle Will burton Dale-Bill Dale. What's the mattery'
 Did you come from West Vir- ginnyT' sharply.
 Dale gave the name of his home town and state.
 That's dif'ren,." The mountain eer's countenance became lighter. This man I'm a-thnkin' about, he was from West virginny. hope you won't hold nothin' agin me fo' actin up that away. couldn't hep 1t, shore, 1t seems. You'll know how felt when l tell ye about 1t. Mir. Dale. owe 1t to ye to explain. Jest . minute"
 He stepped into the cabin and