ped."

"I don't like to make any threats; but feel it my duty to warn you of
the consequences, if we press the charge of theft. The evidence is
strongly against you, and more particularly so since you returned the
money."

"I reckon that about winds up this 'ere interview," and Joe arose to his
feet with a menacing air. "Go ahead with the suit; but there's such a
thing as collectin' damages, an', rich as your company is, I don't
believe they can get out of payin' 'em."

"That is child's talk. If you refuse what is little less than a present,
I will go."

"An' it's pretty nigh time." Joe added, as he opened the door. "Don't
try to make us any more such presents, or we may not keep our temper."

It could be plainly told that the superintendent had already lost his
temper, for he went down stairs rapidly, slamming the street door behind
him with a force which literally caused the cottage to tremble.

"He ain't so sure of his case, as he would have us believe," Bill said,
when they were alone. "It's jest possible he may try to make things
hotter for us by servin' the warrant on Fred, so you'd better not come
back from Blacktown, till the widder sends word. Get over as quick as
you can, an' don't forget to tell the lawyer about the generous
proposition."

The two started without further delay, and the reception met with by
those whom they passed on the street told how rapidly the bad news had
travelled.

On the day previous every person was very cordial, as if trying to
establish his or her position as friend; but now they were greeted even
less pleasantly than before the riot, and Joe said, savagely:

"They're a set of curs. I did believe some of the things we heard
yesterday; but now soft words won't go down with me, no matter how the
property turns out."

"It can't make any difference what is done or said, all I ask is that we
get Sam out of his troubles."

"You an' me are about as deep in the mire as he is if the case goes agin
us. We'll try not to borrer trouble till there's better reason. Where do
you s'pose Skip is keepin' himself all this time?"

"I wish I knew. Nobody can make me believe he went off with Gus."

"He's got a different game than that, an' I'm thinkin' we'll hear from
him mighty soon."

"Why?"

"No partic'lar reason, I only jest think so."

Having changed the topic of conversation, which was the sole cause of
his mentioning Skip's name, Joe relapsed into a silence which was not
bro