VIII。
　　DAYwaswhiteningontheStetsonshore。Acrosstherivertheairwasstillsharpwiththechillofdawn，andthemistslaylikeflocksofsheepundershelterofrockandcrag。ApeculiarcryradiatedfromtheLewallencabinwithsingularresonanceonthecrispair—themountaincryforstrayingcattle。Asoftlowcamefromadistantpatchoflaurel，andoldJasper’sgirl，Martha，folded。herhandslikeaconchathermouth，andtheshrillcryagainstartledtheair。
　　Yebettercome，yepiededcow—brute。"Pickingupacedarpiggin，shesteppedfromtheporchtowardthemeekvoicethathadansweredher。Temperandexertionhadbroughtthequickbloodtoherface。Herheadwasbare，herthickhairwaslooselycoiled，andherbrownarmswerenakedalmosttotheshoulder。Atthestableayoungmountaineerwasoverhaulinghisriding—gear。
　　Airyougoin’toridethehossto—day，Jas？"sheasked，querulously。
　　"That’sjeswhutIwasaimin’todo。I’ma—goin’totown。"
　　Well，I’lowedIwasgoin’tomillto—day。Theco’nis’mos’gone。"
　　"Well，y’u’lowedwrong，"heanswered，imperturbably。
　　Y’u’remean，JasLewallen，"shecried，hotly；"that’swhutyeair，mean—dog—mean!
　　Theyoungmountaineerlookedup，whistledsoftly，andlaughed。
　　Butwhenhebroughthishorsetothedooranhourlatertherewasabagofcornacrossthesaddle。
　　"Asyeairsopowerfulsotongoin’tomill，whetherorno，I’llleavethishyehsackatthebendO’theroad，’n’yekingititthar。I’llbringthemealbackefyeputsitinthesameplace。Ihatestoseewomen—folksa—ridin’thishorse。Hitspileshim。"
　　Thehorsewasadapple—grayofunusualbeauty，andasthegirlreachedoutherhandtostrokehisthroat，heturnedtonibbleatherarm。
　　"Ireckonhe’djesaslievehavemeridehimasyou，Jas，"shesaid。
　　"Me’n’himhavegottobegreatfriends。Yeortern’ttobesostingy。"
　　Well，heain’tnohosstobeleftout’nthebreshnow，’n’Ihain’tgoin’
　　to’lowit。"
　　OldJasperhadloungedoutofthekitchendoor，andstoodwithhishugebulkagainstashrinkingpillaroftheporch。Thetwomenweremuchalike。Bothhadthesameblack，threateningbrowsmeetingoverthebridgeofthenose。Akindofgrimhumorlurkedabouttheoldman’smouth，whichtimemighttraceaboutyoungJasper’s。Thegirl’sfacehadnohumor；thesamesquarebrows，apartandclearlymarked，gaveitastrong，seriouscast，andwhileshehadtheLewallenfire，shefavoredhermotherenough，sotheneighborssaid，"tohaveamightymild，takin’wayaboutherefshewanted。"
　　You’reright，Jas，"theoldmountaineersaid；"thehossairasin’n’
　　temptation。Hitdomegoodever’timeIlookathim。Tharairnosechhoss，Itellye，thissideo’thesettlements。"
　　Theboystartedaway，andtheoldmanfollowed，andhaltedhimoutofthegirl’shearing。
　　"TellEliCrump’n’JimStovertowatchtheBreathittroadclosenow，"hesaid，inalowvoice。"SeeallthemcitizensItol’ye，’n’
　　tell’emtobereadywhenIsaystheword。Thar’snotellin’whut’sgoin’tohappen。"
　　YoungJaspernoddedhishead，andstruckhishorseintoagallop。
　　Theoldmanlightedhispipe，andturnedbacktothehouse。Thegirl，bonnetinhand，wasstartingforthevalley。
　　"Tharain’tnousegoin’toGabeBunch’sferyergrist，"hesaid。"
　　ThemillonDeadCrick’sa—runnin’ag’in，’n’Idon’twantyeovertharaxinfavors，speciallyjesnow。"
　　"Ilef’somethin’feryetoeat，dad，"shereplied，"efyegitshungrybeforeIgitback。"
　　Youheerdme？"hecalledafterher，knittinghisbrows。
　　Yes，dad；Iheerdye，"sheanswered，addingtoherself，"ButIdon’theedye。"Intruth，thegirlheedednobody。Itwasnotherwaytoaskconsent，evenherown，nortofollowadvice。Atthebendoftheroadshefoundthebag，andforaninstantshestoodwavering。Animpulseturnedhertotheriver，andsheloosedtheboat，andheadeditacrosstheswift，shallowwaterfromthefordandstraighttowardthemill。Ateverystrokeofherpaddlethewaterroseabovetheprowoftheboat，and，blownintospray，flewbackanddrenchedher；thewindloosedherhair，and，tuggingatherskirts，drapedherlikeastatue；andshefoughtthem，windandwater，withmouthsetandasmileinhereyes。Onesharpstrugglestill，wherethecreekleapedintofreedom；themouthgrewalittlefirmer，theeyeslaughedmore，thekeelgratedonpebbles，andtheboatranitsnoseintothewitheredsedgeontheStetsonshore。
　　Atallgrayfigurewaspouringgrainintothehopperwhenshereachedthedoorofthemill。Shestoppedabruptly，RomeStetsonturned，andagainthetwowerefacetoface。Nogreetingpassed。
　　Thegirlliftedherheadwithalittletossthatdeepenedthesetlookaboutthemountaineer’smouth；herlaxfiguregrewtenseasthoughstrungsuddenlyagainstsomecomingharm，andhereyessearchedtheshadowswithoutoncerestingonhim。
　　Whar’sUncleGabe？"Shespokeshortly，andastoastranger。
　　Gonetotown，"saidRome，composedly。Hehadschooledhimselfforthismeeting。
　　When’shecomm’back？
　　Not’forenight，Ireckon。"
　　Whar’sIsom？
　　Isom’ssick。"
　　Well，who’stendin’thismill？
　　Foranswerhetossedtheemptybagintothecornerand，withoutlookingather，pickedupanotherbag。
　　"Ireckonyeseeme，don’tye？"heasked，coolly。"Hevacheer，andrestaspell。Hit’sapurtylongclimbwharyoucomefrom。"
　　Thegirlwasconfused。Shestayedinthedoorway，alittlehelplessandsuspicious。WhatwasRomeStetsondoinghere？Hismasteryofthesituation，hiseasyconfidence，puzzledandirritatedher。
　　Shouldsheleave？ThemountaineerwasaStetson，awormtotreadonifitcrawledacrossthepath。Itwouldbelikebackingdownbeforeanenemy。Hemightlaughatheraftershewasgone，and，atthatthought，shesatdowninthechairwithcomposedface，lookingthroughthedooratthetumblingwater，whichbrokewithathousandtintsunderthesun，butablestilltoseeRome，sidewise，ashemovedaboutthehopper，whistlingsoftly。
　　Onceshelookedaround，fancyingshesawasmileonhissoberface。Theireyescamenearmeeting，andsheturnedquiteaway。
　　Everseedabodyout’nhishead？
　　Thegirl’seyesroundedwithastartofsurprise。
　　Well，it’splumbcur’us。Isom’sbeenthatwaylately。Isom’ssick，yeknow。UncleGabe’sgottherheumatiz，’n’Isom’smightyfondo’
　　UncleGabe，’n’theboypesteredmetillIcomedowntohe’phim。
　　Hitp’int’lyairstrangetohearhimtalkin’。He’sjesa—ravin’’bouthell’n’heaven，’n’thesino’killin’folks。You’dha’thoughthehedbeenconvicted，thoughnoneo’ourfamblyhevbeenmuchatterreligion。Hesaysashowthewrathuvalivin’Godisa—goin’tosweepthesemountins，efsomemightytallrepentin’hain’tdone。
　　Ofco’sehegotallthemnotionsfromGabe。ButIsomal’ayswasquar，’n’seedthingshisself。Heain’tnofool!"
　　Thegirlwaslistening。Morbidlysensitivetothesupernatural，shehadturnedtowardhim，andherfacewasrelaxedwithfearandawe。
　　"He’shavin’dreams’n’sech—likenow，’n’Ireckonthar’snothinghe’sseedorheerdthathedon’talkabout。He’sbeena—goin’onaboutyou，"headded，abruptly。Thegirl’shandsgaveanervoustwitch。"Oh，hedon’tsaynothin’ag’in’ye。Ireckonhetukafancytoye。Mamwasplumbdistracted，notknowin’wharhehadseedye。Shethoughtitwaslikehisothertalk，’n’Ineverleton—a—knowin’howmamwas。"Aflushroselikeaflamefromthegirl’sthroattoherhair。"Buthit’sthis，"Romewentoninanunsteadytone，"thathetalksmostabout，’n’I’msorrymyselfthattrouble’sa—comm’。"Hedroppedallpretencenow。"I’vebeena—watchin’feryeovertharont’othershoreagooddeallately。I
　　didn’tknowyeatfust，Marthy"—hespokehernameforthefirsttime—’’n’Gabesaysy’udidn’tknowme。Irememberedye，though，’n’IwanttotellyenowwhatItol’yethen：I’vegotnothin’ag’inyou。Iwashopin’yemoughtcomeoverag’in—hitwassortercur’usthaty’uwasthesamegal—thesamegal—"
　　Hisself—controllefthim；hewashaltinginspeech，andblunderinghedidnotknowwhere。Fumblinganemptybagatthehopper，hehadnotdaredtolookatthegirltillheheardhermove。Shehadrisen，andwaspickingupherbag。Thehardantagonismofherfacecalmedhiminstantly。
　　Hain’tyegoin’tohaveyergristground？
　　Nothyeh，"sheanswered，quickly。
　　"Why，gal"Hegotnofurther。Marthawasgone，andhefollowedhertothebank，bewildered。
　　Thegirl’ssuspicion，lulledbyhisplausibleexplanation，hadgrownsharpagain。Themountaineerknewthatshehadbeencomingthere。Hewasatthemillforanotherreasonthantotaketheboy’splace；andwithswiftin—tuitionshesawthetruth。
　　Hegotangryassherodeaway—angrywithhimselfthathehadlethergo；andthesamehalf—tender，half—brutalimpulseseizedhimaswhenhesawherfirst。Thistimeheyielded。Hishorsewasathand，andtherivernotfarbelowwasnarrow。Thebridle—paththatledtotheLewallencabinswervedatoneplacetoacliffoverlookingtheriver，andbyhardridingandaclimbofafewhundredfeetonfoothecouldovertakeherhalf—wayupthemountainsteep。
　　Theplanwasnomorethanshapedbeforehewasinthesaddleandgallopingdowntheriver。Thesetofhisfacechangedhardlyalinewhileheswamthestream，and，drenchedtothewaist，scaledthecliff。Whenhereachedthespot，hefoundtheprintsofawoman’sshoeinthedustofthepath，goingdown。Therewerenonereturning，andhehadnotlongtowait。Ascarletbitofcolorsoonflashedthroughthegraybushesbelowhim。Thegirlwaswithoutherbagofcorn。Shewasclimbingslowly，andwaslookingatthegroundasthoughindeepthought。Recklessasshewas，shehadcometorealizeatlastjustwhatshehaddone。Shehadbeenpleasedatfirst，aswouldhavebeenanywoman，whenshesawthebigmountaineerwatchingher，forherlifewaslonely。Shehadwavedherbonnetathimfrommeremischief。Shehardlyknewitherself，butshehadgoneacrosstherivertofindoutwhohewas。
　　Shehadshrunkfromhimasfromasnakethereafter，andhadgonenomoreuntiloldJasperhadsentherbecausetheLewallenmillwasbroken，andbecauseshewasawoman，andwouldbesafefromharm。Shehadmethimthenwhenshecouldnothelpherself。Butnowshehadgoneofherownaccord。ShehadgiventhisStetson，abitterenemy，achancetoseeher，totalkwithher。
　　Shehadlistenedtohim；shehadbeenonthepointoflettinghimgrindhercorn。Andheknewhowoftenshehadgonetothemill，andhecouldnotknowthatshehadeverbeensent。Perhapshethoughtthatshehadcometomakeoverturesofpeace，friendship，evenmore。Thesuspicionreddenedherfacewithshame，andherangerathimwasturneduponherself。Whyshehadgoneagainthatdayshehardlyknew。Butiftherewasanotherreasonthansimpleperversity，itwasthememoryofRomeStetson’sfacewhenhecaughtherboatandspoketoherinawayshecouldnotanswer。
　　Theangerofthemomentcamewitheverythoughtoftheincidentafterward，andwithitcametoothismemoryofhislook，whichmadeheratoncedefiantanduneasy。Shesawhimnowonlywhenshewasquiteclose，and，startled，shestoodstill；hissternlookbroughtherthesamedisquiet，butshegavenosignoffear。
　　Whut’sthematterwithye？
　　Thequestionwastooabrupt，toosavage，andthegirllookedstraightathim，andherlipstightenedwitharesolutionnottospeak。Themovementputhimbeyondcontrol。
　　"Y’uputshellintome，MarthyLewallen；y’uputsdownrighthellintome。"Thewordscamebetweengrittedteeth。"Iwanttotakeyeup’n’throwyeoffthiscliffcleanintotheriver，’n’IreckonthenextminuteI’djumpoffatterye。Y’u’ve’witchedme，gal!Iforgitswhoyeair’n’whoIbe，’n’sometimesIwanttocomeoverhyeh’n’
　　kerryyeout’nthesemountins，n’nuvercomeback。YouknowwhutI’vebeenwatchin’theriverfersencethefusttimeIseedye。
　　YouknowwhutI’vebeena—stayin’atthemillfer，’n’Stevemad’n’
　　mama—jowerin’—’n’a—lookin’overhyehferyenight’n’day!Y’uknowwhutI’vejesswumoverhyehfer!Whut’sthematterwithye？"
　　Marthawasnotlookingforaconfessionlikethis。Ittookawayhershameatonce，andthepassionofitthrilledher，andlefthertrembling。Whilehespokeherlashesdroopedquickly，herfacesoftened，andthecolorcamebacktoit。Shebeganintertwiningherfingers，andwouldnotlookupathim。
　　Efy’uhatesmeliketherestuvye，whydon’tyesayitrightout？
　　’N’efyedohateme，whuthevyoubeenlookin’’crosstheriverfer，’n’a—shakin’yerbonnetatme，’n’paddlin’toGabe’sferyergrist，whenthemillonDeadCrick’sbeena—runnin’，’n’Iknowit？You’vebeenbanterin’me，hevye？"—thebloodrosetohiseyesagain。"Yemustn’tfoolwithme，gal，by，yemustn’t。Whuthevyoubeengoin’overtharfer？"Heeventookathreateningsteptowardher，and，withahelplessgesture，stopped。Thegirlwasalittlefrightened。Indeed，shesmiled，seeingherpoweroverhim；sheseemedevenabouttolaughoutright；butthesmileturnedtoaquicklookofalarm，andshebentherheadsuddenlytolistentosomethingbelow。Atlastshedidspeak。"Somebody’scomm’!"
　　shesaid。"You’dbettergitoutO’theway，"shewenton，hurriedly。"Somebody’scomm’，Itellye!Don’tyehear？
　　Itwasnorusetogetridofhim。Thegirl’seyesweredilating。
　　Somethingwascomingfarbelow。Romecouldcatchthefaintbeatsofahorse’shoofs。Hewasunarmed，andheknewitwasdeathforhimtobeseenonthatforbiddenmountain；buthewasbeyondcaution，andreadytowelcomeanyventtohispassion，andhemerelyshookhishead。
　　Efit’sSatanhisself，Ihain’tgoin’torun。"Thehoof—beatscamenearer。Theridermustsoonseethemfromthecoilbelow。
　　Rome，hit’sJas!He’sgothisrifle，andhe’llkillye，’n’metoo!"
　　Thegirlwaswhitewithdistress。Shehadcalledhimbyhisname，andthetonewasofappeal，notanger。Theblacklookpassedfromhisface，andhecaughtherbytheshoulderswithroughtenderness；
　　butshepushedhimaway，andwithoutawordhesprangfromtheroadandlethimselfnoiselesslydownthecliff。Thehoof—beatsthunderedabovehishead，andYoungJasper’svoicehailedMartha。
　　Thishyeh’sthebigges’mealIeverstraddled。Whyd’n’tyegitthegristground？"
　　Foramomentthegirldidnotanswer，andRomewaited，breathless。"Wasn’tthemillrunnin’？Whyn’tyegoon’crosstheriver？
　　That’swhutIdid，"saidthegirl，quietly。UncleGabewasn’tthar，’n’
　　RomeStetsonwas。Iwouldn’t’lowhimtogrin’theco’n，’n’soI
　　totedhitback。"
　　RomeStetson!"Thevoicewaslostinavolleyofoaths。
　　Thetwopassedoutofhearing，andRomewentplungingdownthemountain，swingingrecklesslyfromonelittletreetoanother，andwrenchinglimbsfromtheirsocketsoutofpurephysicalecstasy。
　　Whenhereachedhishorsehesatdown，breathingheavily，onabedofmoss，withastrangenewyearninginhisheart。Ifpeaceshouldcome!Whynotpeace，ifRufeshouldnotcomeback？Hewouldbetheleaderthen，andwithouthimtherecouldbenowar。
　　OldJasperhadkilledhisfather。Hewastooyoungatthetimetofeelpoignantsorrownow，andsomehowhecouldlookevenatthatdeathinafairerway。HisfatherhadkilledoldJasper’sbrother。
　　Soitwentback：aLewallenkilledaStetson；thatStetsonhadkilledaLewallen，untiloneendofthechainofdeathswaslost，andthefirstfaultcouldnotbeplaced，thougheachclanputitontheother。Ineverygenerationtherehadbeencompromises—
　　periodsofpeace；whynotnow？OldGabewouldgladlyhelphim。
　　HemightmakefriendswithyoungJasper；hemightevenendthefeud。Andthen—heandMartha—whynot？Heclosedhiseyes，andforoneradiantmomenttallseemedpossible。Andthenagauntimageroseinthedream，andonlytheimagewasleft。Itwasthefigureofhismother，sternandsilentthroughtheyears，openinghergrimlipsrarelywithoutsomecurseagainsttheLewallenrace。
　　Herememberedshehadsmiledforthefirsttimewhensheheardofthenewtrouble—theflightofhisuncleandthehopeofconflict。
　　Shehadturnedtohimwithhereyesonfireandheroldhandsclinched。Shehadsaidnothing，butheunderstoodherlook。Andnow—GoodGod!whatwouldshethinkandsayifshecouldknowwhathehaddone？Hiswholeframetwitchedatthethought，and，withanervousspringtoescapeit，hewasonhisfeet，andstartingdownthemountain。
　　Closetotheriverheheardvoicesbelowhim，andheturnedhishorsequicklyasideintothebushes。Twowomenwhohadbeenwashingclothespassed，carryingwhitebundleshome。Theyweretalkingofthecomingfeud。
　　"ThataryoungStetsonain’tmuchlikehisdad，"saidone。"YoungJashasbeena—darin’’n’a—banterin’him，’n’hewon’ttakeitup。Theysayheairturnin’outaplumbcoward。"
　　WhenhereachedtheStetsoncabinthreehorseswithdroopingheadswerehitchedtothefence。Allhadtravelledalongway。
　　Oneworeaman’ssaddle；ontheotherswerethickblanketstiedtogetherwithleathernthongs。
　　Inthedarkporchsatseveralmen。Throughthekitchendoorhecouldseehismothergettingsupper。Insideadozenriflesleanedagainstthewallinthefirelight，andabouttheirbuttswasapileofammunition。InthedoorwaystoodRufeStetson。
　　IX
　　ALLweresmokingandsilent。SeveralspokefromtheshadowsasRomesteppedontheporch，andRufeStetsonfacedhimamomentinthedoorway，andlaughed。
　　Seemkinders’prised？"hesaid，withasearchinglook。"Wasn’tlookin’forme？IreckonI’lls’prisesev’ralefIhevgood—luck。"
　　Thesubtletyofthissentachuckleofappreciationthroughtheporch，butRomepassedinwithoutanswer。
　　Isomlayonhisbedwithinthecircleoflight，andhisfaceinthebrilliantglowwaswhite，andhiseyesshonefeverishly。"Rome，"
　　hesaid，excitedly，"UncleRufe’shyeh，’n’theylaywayedhim，’n’____"Hepausedabruptly。Hismothercamein，andathercallthemountaineerstroopedthroughthecoveredporch，andsatdowntosupperinthekitchen。Theyatehastilyandinsilence，themotherattendingtheirwants，andRomehelpingher。Themealfinished，theydrewtheirchairsaboutthefire。Pipeswerelighted，andRufeStetsonroseandclosedthedoor。
　　Thar’snouseharryin’theboy，"hesaid；"Ireckonhe’llbetoopunytotakeahand。"
　　Themotherstoppedclearingthetable，andsatontherockhearthclosetothefire，herwitheredlipsshuttightaboutalightedpipe，andhersunkeneyesglowinglikethecoaloffireinitsblackbowl。
　　Nowandthenshewouldstretchherknottedhandsnervouslyintotheflames，orknitthemaboutherknees，lookingcloselyattheheavyfacesabouther，whichhadlightenedalittlewithexpectancy。RufeStetsonstoodbeforetheblaze，hishandsclaspedbehindhim，andhishugefigurebentinreflection。Atintervalshewouldlookwithhalf—shuteyesatRome，whoSatwithtroubledfaceoutsidethefirelight。AcrossthekneesofSteveMarcum，thebestmarksmaninthemountains，laythebarrelofanewWinchester。OldSamDay，Rufe’sfather—in—lawandcounsellortotheStetsonsforascoreofyears，satasifasleepontheoppositesideofthefireplacefromtheoldmother，withhisbigsquareheadpresseddownbetweenhismisshapenshoulders。
　　"Thetimehevcome，Rome。"Rufespokebetweenthepuffsofhispipe，andRome’sheartquickened，foreveryeyewasuponhim。
　　Thar’sgoin’tobetroublenow。IhearashowyoungJasperhevbeentalkin’purtytallaboutye—’lowin’ashowyeairafeardO’him。"
　　Romefelthismother’sburninglook。HedidnotturntowardhernorRufe，buthisfacegrewsullen，andhisvoicewaslowandharsh。"Ireckonhe’llfindoutaboutthatwhenthetimecomes，"hesaid，quietly—tooquietly，fortheoldmotherstirreduneasily，andsignificantglanceswentfromeyetoeye。Rufedidnotlookupfromthefloor。HehadbeentoldaboutRome’speculiarconduct，and，whilethereasonforitwasbeyondguessing，heknewthetemperoftheboyandhowtokindleit。Hehadthrustathorninatenderspot，andheletitrankle。Howsorelyitdidranklehelittleknew。ThevoiceofthewomanacrosstheriverwasstillinRome5
　　ears。Nothingcutsthemountaineertothequicklikethenameofcoward。Itstunghimlikethelashofanox—whipthen；itsmartedallthewayacrosstheriverandupthemountain。YoungJasperhadbeencharginghimbroadcastwithcowardice，andJasper’speoplenodoubtbelievedit。Perhapshisowndid—hisuncle，hismother。Thebarechanceofsuchahumiliationsetupaninwardrage。Hewonderedhowhecouldeverhavebeensuchafoolastothinkofpeace。Thewoman’sgossiphadsweptkindlyimpulsesfromhisheartwithafreshtideofbitterness，and，helplessnowagainstitscurrent，hesullenlygaveway，andlethispassionsloosetodriftwithit。
　　"Whard’yegittheguns，Rufe？"StevewastestingtheactionoftheWinchesterwithakindlinglook，astheclickofthelocksstrucksoftlythroughthesilence。
　　"Jackson；’wayupinBreathitt，attheeendofthenewroad。"
　　"Nowondery’u’vebeengonesolong。"
　　"Ihadtowaittharfertheguns，’n’Ihadtotravelatterdarkcomm’
　　back，’n’layout’nthebreshbyday。Hit’sfulleightymileupthar。"
　　"Airyeshorenobodyseedye？"
　　ThequestionwasfromaMarcum，whohadcomeinlate，andseverallaughed。Rufethrewbackhisdustycoat，whichwasrippedthroughthelapelbyabullet。
　　Theyseedmewell’noughferthat，"hesaid，grimly，andthenhelookedtowardRome，whothoughtofoldJasper，andgavebackagleamoffiercesympathy。Therewereseveralnodsofapprovalalongwiththelaughthatfollowed。Itwasasurprise—solittleconsiderationofanescapesonarrow—fromRufe；for，asoldGabesaid，Rufewasbigandgood—natured，andwasnotthoughtfitforleadership。ButtherewasachangeinhimwhenhecamebackfromtheWest。Hewasquieter；helaughedlessNoonespokeofthedifference；itwastoovague；buteveryonefeltit，andithadaneffect。Hisflighthadmademanyuneasy，buthisreturn，forthatreason，broughtastancherfealtyfromthese；andthiswasevidentnow。Alleyeswereuponhim，andalltongues，evenoldSam’s，waitednowforhistospeak。
　　"Whutwe’vegottodo，we’vegottodomightyquick，"hebegan，atlast。"Thingsairchangin’。IseeditovertharinBreathitt。Thesoldiers’n’thatscar—facedJellicopreacherhevbrokeupthefightin’
　　overthar，’n’efwedon’twatchout，they’llbea—doin’ithyeh，whenwestartourleetlefrolic。Wehain’tgotnotimetofool。OldJasknowsthisaswellasme，’n’thar’sgoin’tobemightyleetlechancefer’emtolayway’n’pickusofffromthebresh。Thar’sgoin’tobefa’rfightin’feronce，thanktheLord。Theybushwhackedusdunn’
　　thewar，’n’they’velaywayedus’n’shotustopieceseversence；butnow，efGodA’mighty’swillin’，thething’sa—goin’tobesettledonewayort’otheratlast，Ireckon。"
　　Hestoppedamomenttothink。Themen’sbreathingcouldbeheard，soquietwastheroom，andRufewentontellingindetail，slowly，asiftohimself，thewrongstheLewallenshaddonehispeople。WhenhecametooldJasperhisvoicewaslow，andhismannerwasquieterthanever。
　　"NowoldJashavegottothep’intwharhesaysashownobodyinthiscountykinundersellhim’n’stayhyeh。OldJasdruvBondVickersout’nthemount’insfertryin’hit。HedruvJessHaleaway；
　　’n’themtwoairourkin。"
　　Thebigmountaineerturnedthen，andknockedtheashesfromhispipe。Hiseyesgrewalittlebrighter，andhisnostrilsspread，butwithasweepofhisarmheadded，stillquietly：
　　"Y’allknowwhuthe’sdone。"
　　Thegesturelightedmemoriesofpersonalwrongsineverybreast；
　　hehadtossedafire—brandamongfagots，andanangrylightbegantoburnfromtheeyesthatwatchedhim。
　　"Yeknow，too，thathethinkshehasplayedthesamegamewithme；butyedon’tknow，Ireckon，thathehadoleJimStover’n’thatmis’—ableEliCrumpa—hidin’inthebushestoshootme"—againhegraspedthetornlapel；"thatabodywarnedmetogitawayfromHazlan；n’thenightIlefthometheycomethartokillme，’n’
　　s’archedthehouse，’n’skeeredMollien’theleetlegal’mosttodeath。"
　　Themountaineer’sself—controlwaslostsuddenlyinafuriousoath。
　　Themendidknow，butinfreshangertheyleanedforwardintheirchairs，andtwistedaboutwithsmotheredcurses。Theoldwomanhadstoppedsmoking，andwasrockingherbodytoandfro。Herlipsweredrawninuponhertoothlessgums，andherpipewasclinchedagainsthersunkenbreast。Theheadoftheoldmountaineerwaslifted，andhiseyeswereopenandshiningfiercely。
　　"IhearashowhesaysI’mgonefergood。Well，Ihavebeenkindereasy—goin’，hatin’tofight，butsencethedayIseedRome’sdadthardeadinhisblood，IhevhadjesonethingIwantedtodo。Tharwasn’tnousestayin’hyeh；Iseedthat。Rometharwastooleetle，andtheywastoomanyferme。IknoweditwaseasiertogitanewstartoutWest，’n’whenIcomebacktothemount’in，hitwastodojes—whutI’m—going—to—do—now。"HewheeledsuddenlyuponRome，withonehugehandlifted。Underittheoldwoman’svoiceroseinasuddenwail：
　　Yes；’n’IwanttoseeitdonebefohIdie。Ihain’thyehferlong，butI
　　hain’tgoin’toleaveaslongasoleJasishyeh，’n’Iwantyealltoknowit。OleJashevgottogofust。Youhearme，Rome？I’ma—talkin’toyou；I’ma—talkin’toyou。Hit’syo’timenow!
　　ThefrenziedchantraisedRomefromhischair。Rufehimselftookupthespiritofit，andhisvoicewasaboveallcaution。
　　"Yes，Rome!Theykilledhim，boy。Theysneakedonhim，’n’shothimtopiecesfromthebushes。Yes；hit’syo’timenow!Lookhyeh，boys!"Hereachedabovethefireplaceandtookdownanoldrifle—hisbrother’s—whichtheoldmotherhadsufferednoonetotouch。Hehelditbeforethefire，pointingtotwocrossesmadeneartheflash—pan。"Thar’soneferoleJimLewallen!Thar’soneferoleJas!HegotJim，butoleJashasgothim，’n’thar’shiscrosstharyit!Whar’syo’gun，Rome？Shameonye，boy!"
　　Thewild—eyedoldwomanwasbeforehim。ShehaddivinedRufe’spurpose，andwasalreadyathisside，withRome’sWinchesterinonehandandaclasp—knifeintheother。Everymanwasonhisfeet；thedoorwasopen，andtheboyIsomwasatthethreshold，hiseyesblazingfromhiswhitcface。Romehadstrodeforward。
　　Yes，boy；now’sthetime，righthyehbeforeusall!
　　Themotherhadtheknifeoutstretched。Rometookit，andthescratchofthepointonthehardsteelwenttwicethroughthestillness—onemorefertheyoungun"；thevoicewastheoldmother’s—thentwiceagain。
　　ThemoonwassinkingwhenRomestoodinthedooralone。Thetrampofhorseswasgrowingfainterdownthemountain。Thetreeswereswayinginthewindbelowhim，andhecouldjustseethegraycliffsontheothershore。Themorningseemedfaraway；itmadehimdizzylookingbacktoitthroughthetumultoftheday。
　　Somewhereinthehazewasthevisionofagirl’swhiteface—whitewithdistressforhim。Herfatherandherbrotherhehadsworntokill。Hehadmadeacrossforeach，andeachcrosswasanoath。
　　Heclosedthedoor；andthenhegaveway，andsatdownwithhisheadinbothhands。Thenoisesinthekitchenceased。Thefirediedaway，andthechillairgatheredabouthim。Whenherose，therestlesseyesoftheboywereuponhimfromtheshadows。
　　X
　　ITwascourt—dayinHazlan，butsoearlyinthemorningnothingwasastirinthetownthathintedofitslifeonsuchaday。Butfortheringofablacksmith’sanvilonthequietair，andthefactthatnowherewasachurch—spirevisible，astrangerwouldhavethoughtthatthepeaceofSabbathoverlayavillageofGod—fearingpeople。
　　Aburlyfigureloungedintheporchofaricketyhouse，andyawnedunderaswingingsign，therudelettersofwhichpromised"privateentertainment"forthetravellerunluckyenoughtopassthatway。
　　Intheonelong，narrowmainstreet，closelyflankedbylogandframedhouses，nothingelsehumanwasinsight。Outfromthisstreet，andinanemptysquare，stoodtheonebrickbuildingintheplace，thecourt—house，brickwithout，brickwithin；unfinished，unpencilled，unpainted；panesoutofthewindows，ashutteroffhereandthere，orswingingdrunkenlyononehinge；thedoorwideopen，asthoughtherewasnoprivacywithin—apoorstructure，withthelookofagoodmangoneshiftlessandfastgoingwrong。
　　Soontwoorthreelankbrownfiguresappearedfromeachdirectiononfoot；thenahorsemanortwo，andbyandbymountaineerscameingroups，onhorseandonfoot。Intimethesidealleysandthecourt—housesquarewerefilledwithhorsesandmules，andevensteers。Themountaineerscrowdedthenarrowstreet：idlingfromsidetoside；squattingforabargainonthewoodensidewalks；
　　groupingontheporchofthericketyhotel，andonthecourt—housestepsloiteringinandoutoftheonestoreinsight。Outinthestreetseveralstoodaboutahorse，lookingathisteeth，holdinghiseyestothesun，punchinghisribs，twistinghistail；whilethephlegmaticownersatastridethesubmissivebeast，andspokeshortanswerstorarequestions。Everybodytalkedpolitics，thecropfailure，orthelastfightattheseatofsomeprivatewar；butnobodyspokeofaLewallenoraStetsonunlessheknewhislistener’sheart，andsaiditinawhisper。Fornobodyknewwhenthepowderwouldflash，orwhohadtakensides，orthatacarelesswordmightnotarrayhimwithoneortheotherfaction。
　　Amotleythrongitwas—inbrownorgrayhomespun，withtrousersincowhideboots，andslouchedhatswithbrimscurvedaccordingtotemperament，butwithstrikingfiguresinit；thepatriarchwithlong，whitehair，shornevenwiththebaseoftheneck，andbeardedonlyatthethroat—ajusticeofthepeace，andthesageofhisdistrict；
　　alittlemountaineerwithcurlingblackhairandbeard，anddark，finefeatures；agrizzledgiantwithaheadruggedenoughtohavebeencarelesslychippedfromstone；abraggingcandidateclaimingeverybody’snotice；asquare—shoulderedfellowsurgingthroughthecrowdlikeastranger；anopen—faced，devil—may—careyounggallantonfirewithmoonshine；askulkingfigurewithbrutishmouthandshiftingeyes。Indeed，everyfigureseemeddistinct；for，livingapartfromhisneighbor，andtroublingthelawbutlittleinsmallmattersofdispute，themountaineerpreservesindependence，andkeepstheedgesofhisindividualityunworn。Apparentlytherewasnotawomanintown。Thosethatlivedtherekepthoused，andthefactwassignificant。Still，itwasclosetonoon，andyetnotaStetsonoraLewallenhadbeenseen。ThestoresofRufeandoldJasperwereattheextremitiesofthetown，andthecrowddidnotmovethoseways。Itwaitedinthecentre，andwhettedimpatiencebyslytripsintwosandthreetostablesorsidealleysfor"mountaindew。"Nowandthenthesheriff，alittlemanwithamightyvoice，wouldappearonthecourthousesteps，andsummonawitnesstocourt，whereafrightenedjudgegaveinstructionstoafrightenedjury。Butfewwent，unlesscalled；fortheinterestwasoutside；
　　everymaninthestreetsknewthatastormwasnigh，andwaswaitingtoseeitburst。
　　Noonpassed。Ahoarsebellandawhininghoundhadannounceddinnerinthehotel。Theguestswerecomingagainintothestreets。
　　Eyeswerebrighter，facesalittlemoreflushed，andthe"moonshine"waspassedmoreopenly。Bothwaysthecrowdwatchedclosely。Thequietateachendofthestreetwasominous，andthedelaycouldlastbutlittlelonger。Thelookers—onthemselvesweregettingquarrelsome。Theventmustcomesoon，oramongthemtherewouldbetrouble。
　　TharcomesJasLewallen!"Atlast。Adozenvoicesspokeatonce。AhorsemanhadappearedfardownthestreetfromtheLewallenend。Thecloudsbrokefromaboutthesun，andadozenmenknewthehorsethatborehim；forthegraywasprancingthestreetsidewise，andthrowingthesunlightfromhisflanks。Nobodyfollowed，andthecrowdwaspuzzled。YoungJaspercarriedaWinchesteracrosshissaddle—bow，and，swayingwiththeactionofhishorse，cameon。
　　"Whatairheabout？"
　　"He’saplumbidgit。"
　　Hemus’becrazy。"
　　He’sdrunk!
　　Thewonderceased。YoungJasperwasreeling。TwoorthreeStetsonsslippedfromthecrowd，andtherewasagallopingofhoofstheotherway。AnotherhorsemanappearedfromtheLewallenend，ridinghastily。Thenew—comer’serrandwastocallJasperback。Buttheyoungdare—devilwasclosetothecrowd，andwasswingingabottleoverhishead。
　　Comebackhyeh，Jas!Comehyeh!"Thenew—comerwasshoutingafaroffwhilehegalloped。Horseswerebeinguntetheredfromthesidealleys。SeveralmoreLewallenriderscameinsight。Theycouldseethegrayshininginthesunlightamidthecrowd，andthemansentafterhimhaltedatasafedistance，gesticulating；andthey，too，spurredforward。
　　Hello，boys!"youngJasperwascallingout，asheswayedfromsidetoside，thepeopleeverywheregivinghimway。
　　"Funto—day，by—!funto—day!Who’llhevadrink？Hyeh’shelltotheStetsons，wharsomeof’em’11beaforenight!
　　Withaswaggerheliftedthebottletohislips，and，stoppingshort，letitfalluntouchedtotheground。Hehadstraightenedinhissaddle，andwaslookingupthestreet。WithadeepcursehethrewtheWinchestertohisshoulder，fired，andbeforehisyellhaddiedonhislipshorseandriderwereawaylikeashaftoflight。Thecrowdmeltedlikemagicfromthestreet。TheStetsons，chieflyonfoot，didnotreturnthefire，buthaltedupthestreet，asifparleying。
　　YoungJasperjoinedhisparty，andthey，too，stoodstillamoment，puzzledbytheirresolutionoftheotherside。
　　"Watchout!they’regittin’roundye!Runforthecourt—house，yefools!—ye，run!"Thevoicecameinaloudyellfromsomewheredownthestreet，anditswarningwasjustintime。
　　Awreathofsmokecameaboutacornerofthehousefardownthestreet，andyoungJasperyelled，anddashedupasidealleywithhisfollowers。Amomentlaterjudge，jury，witnesses，andsheriffwereflyingdownthecourt—housestepsatthepointofLewallenguns；
　　theLewallenhorses，ledbythegray，weresnortingthroughthestreets；theirriders，barricadedintheforsakencourt—house，werepuffingastreamoffireandsmokefromeverywindowofcourt—roombelowandjury—roomabove。
　　Thestreetswereabedlam。TheStetsonswereyellingwithtriumph。TheLewallensweredivided，andRufeplacedthreeStetsonswithWinchestersoneachsideofthecourthouse，andkeptthemfiring。Rome，paleandstern，hidhisforcebetweenthesquareandtheLewallenstore。Hewasnonetooquick。Therestwerecomingon，ledbyoldJasper。Itwasreckless，ridingthatwayrightintodeath；buttheoldmanbelievedyoungJasper’slifeatstake，andthemenbehindaskednoquestionswhenoldJasperledthem。Thehorses’hoofsbeatthedirtstreetlikethecrescendoofthunder。Thefierceoldman’shatwasgone，andhismane—likehairwasshakinginthewind。Louder—andstilltheStetsonswerequiet—quiettoolong。Thewilyoldmansawthetrap，and，withayell，whirledthecolumnupanalley，eachmanflatteningoverhissaddle。Fromeverywindow，frombehindeverycornerandtree，smokebelchedfromthemouthofaWinchester。Twohorseswentdown；onescreamed；theotherstruggledtohisfeet，andlimpedawaywithanemptysaddle。Onepfthefallenmensprangintosafetybehindahouse，andonelaystill，withhisarmsstretchedoutandhisfaceinthedust。
　　Frombehindbarn，house，andfencetheLewallensgavebackascatteringfire；buttheStetsonscreptcloser，andwereplainlyingreaternumbers。OldJasperwasbeingsurrounded，andhemountedagain，andall，followedbyachorusofbulletsandtriumphantyells，fledforawoodedslopeintherearofthecourt—house。AdozenLewallenswereprisoners，andmustgiveuporstarve。TherewassavagejoyintheStetsoncrowd，andmany—footedrumorwentallwaysthatnight。
　　DespitesicknessandRome’sstrictorder，Isomhadriddendowntothemill。Standinginthedoorway，heandoldGabesawuptheriver，wherethewaterbrokeintofoamovertheford，ariderlessgrayhorseplungingacross。LateritneighedatagateunderWolf’sHead，andMarthaLewallenranouttomeetit。AcrossunderThunderstruckKnobthatnighttheoldStetsonmotherlistenedtoIsom’sstoryofthefightwithghastlyjoyinherdeath—markedface。
　　XI
　　ALLnightthecourt—housewasguardedandonguard。AtonecornerofthesquareRufeStetson，withafewmen，satonwatchinoldSamDay’scabin—thefortressofthetown，builtforsuchapurpose，andusedforitmanytimesbefore。Theprisoners，too，werealert，andnoStetsonventuredintotheopensquare，forthemoonwashigh；anexposureanywherewasnotedinstantlybythewhistleofarifle—ball，andthemountaineertakesfewrisksexceptunderstressofdrinkorpassion。RomeStetsonhadplacedpicketsaboutthetownwhereversurprisewaspossible。AllnighthepatrolledthestreetstokeephismeninsuchreadinessashecouldfortheattackthattheLewallenswouldsurelymaketorescuetheirlivingfriendsandtoavengethedeadones。
　　Butthetriumphwastoogreatandunexpected。TwoBraytonsweredead；severalmorewereprisonerswithyoungJasperinthecourthouse；anddrinkingbegan。
　　AsthenightdeepenedwithoutattacktheStetsonsdrankmore，andgrewreckless。Adancewasstarted。Musicand"moonshine"weregiventoeverymanwhoboreaWinchester。Thenightwasbrokenwithdrunkenyells，therandomdischargeoffire—arms，andthemono—toneofheavyfeet。Thetwoleaderswerehelpless，andtheinactionoftheLewallenspuzzledthem。Chafedwithanxiety，theykepttheireyesonthecourt—houseoronthethicketofgloomwheretheirenemieslay。Butthewoodswereasquietasthepallofshadowsoverthem。OnceRome，makinghisrounds，sawafigurecrawlingthroughafieldofcorn。ItlookedlikeCrump’s，butbeforehecouldfirethemanrolledlikeaballdownthebushybanktotheriver。Aninstantlatersomeobjectwentswiftlypastasidestreet—somebodyonhorseback—andapicketfiredanalarm。Thehorsekepton，andRomethrewhisrifleonapatchofmoonlight，butwhentheobjectflashedthrough，hisfingerwasnumbedatthetrigger。Inthemoonlightthehorselookedgray，andtheriderwasseatedsidewise。Abulletfromthecourt—houseclippedhishat—brimasheranrecklesslyacrossthestreettowhereSteveMarcumstoodinthedarkbehindoldSam’scabin。
　　"JimHale’llgithimashegoesuptheroad，"saidSteve，calmly—andthenwithhotimpatience，"Whythehelldon’theshoot？
　　Romestartedforwardinthemoonlight，andStevecaughthisarm。
　　Twobulletshissedfromthecourt—house，andhefellback。
　　Ashotsoundedfromthebushesfarawayfromtheroad。Thehorsekepton，andsplashedintoTroubledFork，andStevesworebitterly。
　　"Hithain’tJim。Hit’sthatmis’ableBudVickers；he’sbeena—standin’guardout’nthebushes’stido’theroad。Thatwasaspy，Itellye，’n’thecowardlethiminandlethimout。They’llknownowwe’realldrunk!Whut’sthematter？
　　Rome’smouthwashalfopen。Helookedwhiteandsick，andStevethoughthehadbeenhit，buthetookoffhishat。"Purtyclose!"hesaid，withalaugh，pointingatthebullet—holethroughthebrim。
　　Steve，unsuspicious，wenton："Hitwasaspy，Itellye。Budwasafeardtostan’intheroad，’n’I’mgoin’outthar’n’twisthisdamnedneck。We’vegot’em，Rome!Itellye，we’vegot’em!Efwekingitthroughthisnight，andgittheboyssoberinthemorning，we’vegot’emshore!"
　　Thenightdidpassinsafety，darknessworeawaywithoutattack，andmorningbrokeonthetowninitsdrunkenstupor。ThenthecurioussilenceoftheLewallenswasexplained。TherumorcamethatoldJasperwasdead，anditwentbroadcast。Later，friendscomingtotheedgeofthetownforthebodiesofthedeadLewallensconfirmedit。ArandomballhadpassedthrougholdLewallen’sbodyinthewildflightforthewoods，andduringthenighthehadspenthislastbreathinacurseagainstthemanwhofiredit。
　　TheneachStetson，wakedfromhisdrunkensleep，drankagainwhenheheardofthedeath。Thedaybadefairtobelikethenight，andagaintheanxietyoftheleaderswasedgedwithfear。OldJasperdeadandyoungJasperaprisoner，thechancewasneartoendthefeud，ortherewouldbenoLewallenlefttoleadtheirenemies。But，again，theywerewellnighhelpless。Alreadytheyhadbarelyenoughmentoguardtheirprisoners。OftheMarcums，StevealonewasabletohandleaWinchester，andoutsidethesoundsofthecarousalwereintheairandgrowinglouder。Inalittlewhile，iftheLewallensbutknewit，escapewouldbeeasyandtheStetsonscouldbedrivenfromthetown。
　　Oh，theyknowit，"saidSteve。"They’llbea—whoopin’downoutO’
　　themwoodspurtysoon，’n’weregointoketchhell。I’dliketoknowmightywellwhothatspywaslastnight。ThatcussedBudVickerssaysitwasaha’nt，onawhitehoss，withlonghairflyin’inthewind，’n’thatheshotplumbthroughit。Ijus’wishI’dahadachanceatit。"
　　Still，nooncameagainwithouttrouble，andtheimprisonedLewallenshadbeentwenty—fourhourswithoutfood。Theirammunitionwasgettingscarce。Thefiringwaslessfrequent，thoughthewatchwasascloseasever，andtwiceaWinchesterhadsoundedasignalofdistress。Allknewthataresponsemustcomesoon；andcomeitdid。Apicket，watchingtheriverroad，sawyoungJasper’shorsecomingalongthedarkbushesfaruptheriver，andbroughtthenewstothegroupstandingbehindoldSam’scabin。Thegraygallopedintosight，and，skirtingthewoods，camestraightforthetown—withawomanonhisback。Thestirrupofaman’ssaddledangledononeside，andthewoman’sbonnethadfallenfromherhead。Someonechallengedher。
　　Stop，Itellye!Don’tyegonearthatcourthouse!Stop，Itellye!I’llshoot!Stop!"
　　Romeranfromthecabinwitharevolverineachhand。AdrunkenmountaineerwasraisingaWinchestertohisshoulder，and，springingfromthebackofthegrayatthecourt—housesteps，wasMarthaLewallen。
　　"I’llkillthefustmanthatliftshisfingertohurtthegal，"Romesaid，knockingthedrunkenman’sgunintheair。"Wehain’tfightin’
　　women!"
　　Itwastoolatetoopposeher，andthecrowdstoodhelplesslywatching。Noonedaredapproach，so，shieldingwithherbodythespaceoftheopeningdoor，shethrewthesackoffoodwithin。Thenshestoodamomenttalkingand，turning，climbedtohersaddle。
　　Thegraywasspottedwithfoam，andshowedtheredofhisnostrilswitheverybreathas，withfaceflushedandeyesstraightbeforeher，sherodeslowlytowardthecrowd。Whatwassheabout？
　　Romestoodrigid，hisforgottenpistolshangingateachside；themouthofthedrunkenmountaineerwasopenwithstupidwonder；
　　therestfellapartasshecamearoundthecornerofthecabinand，throughthespacegiven，rodeslowly，herskirtalmostbrushingRome，lookingneithertotherightnortotheleft；andwhenshehadgonequitethroughthemall，shewheeledandrode，stillslowly，throughtheopenfieldstowardthewoodswhichshelteredtheLewallens，whilethecrowdstoodinbewilderedsilencelookingafterher。Yellsoflaughtercamefromtheoldcourt—house。
　　SomeoftheStetsonslaughed，too；someswore，afewgrumbled；
　　buttherewasnotonewhowasnotstirredbythesuperbdaringofthegirl，thoughshehaduseditonlytoshowhercontempt。
　　"Rome，you’reafool；though，ferafac’，wecan’tshootawoman；
　　’n’anywaysIruthershootherthanthehoss。Butlemmetellye，tharwasmore’nsump’ntoeatinthatbag!Theyairuptosomedodge。"
　　RufeStetsonhadwatchedtheincidentthroughaport—holeofthecabin，andhistonewasatoncejestingandanxious。
　　"Thatgrubwon’tlastmore’noneday，Ireckon，"saidthedrunkenmountaineer。We’llwatchoutferthegalnex’time。We’reboun’togit’emonetimeort’other。"
　　"Sheridthroughustofindouthowmanyofuswasn’tdeaddrunk，"
　　saidSteveMarcum，stillwatchingthegirlassherodeon，towardthewoods；"’n’I’ma—thinkin’they’llbedownonuspurtysoonnow，’n’Ireckonwe’llhavetorunferit。Looktharboys!"
　　Thegirlhadstoppedattheedgeofthewoods；facingthetown，shewavedherbonnethighaboveherhead。
　　"Well，whutinthe——!"hesaid，withslowemphasis，andthenheleapedfromthedoorwithayell。ThebonnetwasasignaltothebeleagueredLewallens。Thereardoorofthecourthousehadbeenquietlyopened，andtheprisonerswereoutinabodyandscramblingoverthefencebeforethepicketscouldgiveanalarm。
　　Thesuddenyells，thecrackofWinchesters，startledeventherevellersandallwhocould，headedbyRomeandSteveMarcum，sprangintothesquare，andstartedinpursuit。ButtheLewallenshadgotfarahead，andwererunninginzigzaglinestododgetheballsflyingafterthem。Half—waytothewoodswasagullyofredclay，andintothisthefleetestleaped，andturnedinstantlytocovertheircomrades。TheWinchestersbegantorattlefromthewoods，andthebulletscamelikerainfromeverywhere。
　　"T—h—up!T—h—up!T—h—up!"therewerethreeofthem—thepeculiarsoft，dullmessagesofhotleadtolivingflesh。AStetsonwentdown；anotherstumbled；RufeStetson，climbingthefence，caughtathisbreastwithanoath，andfellback。RomeandStevedroppedforsafetytotheground。EveryotherStetsonturnedinapanic，andeveryLewalleninthegullyleapedfromit，andranundertheLewallenfireforshelterinthewoods。Theescapewasover。
　　"Thatwasapurtyneattrick，"saidSteve，wipingaredstreakfromhischeek。"Nex’timeshetriesthat，she’llgitherselfintotrouble。"
　　Atnightfallthewoundedleaderandthedeadonewerecarriedupthemountain，eachtohishome；andtherewasmourningfarintothenightononebankoftheCumberland，and，seriousthoughRufeStetson’swoundwas，exultationontheother。ButinitRomecouldtakebutlittlepart。Therehadbeennofaulttofindwithhiminthefight。ButareactionhadsetinwhenhesawthegirlflashinthemoonlightpastthesightsofhisWinchester，andherfacethatdayhadagainloosedwithinhimafloodoffeelingthatdrovethelustforrevengefromhisveins。Evennow，whilehesatinhisowncabin，histhoughtswereacrosstheriverwhereMartha，brokenatlast，satatherdeathvigils。Heknewwhatherdaringridethatdayhadcosther，witholdJasperdeadoutthereinthewoods；andasshepassedhimhehadgrownsuddenlyhumbled，shamed。Hegrewheart—sicknowashethoughtofitall；andthesightofhismotheronherbedinthecorner，closetodeathasshewas，filledhimwithbitterness。Therewasnohelpforhim。Hewasalonenow，pittedagainstyoungJasperalone。Ononebedlayhisuncle—nightodeath。
　　Therewasthegrimfigureinthecorner，theimplacablespiritofhateandrevenge。Hisriflewasagainstthewall。IftherewasanyjoyforhiminoldJasper’sdeath，itwasthathishandhadnotcausedit，andyet—Godhelphim!—therewastheothercross，theotheroath。