, being forewarned, she was quick to see that this was a plan
designed to entrap her--that the Hightons wished to get possession of
the house, and a hold upon the place, so as to oust her completely; for
that they would not scruple to get rid of herself and Eva, when it
suited them to do so, she was well assured. Jimmy, poor, credulous boy,
had already been gotten out of the way. Oh, why did not her father come?

Her heart felt as if it would burst, and for a moment she could not
utter one word. But she struggled bravely for composure, and presently
said, in a voice that in spite of her trembled a little:

"I cannot make any such arrangement. I hope and expect my father home
soon. And he would not be pleased to find his house filled with
strangers. Eva and I are getting along very well, and we have plenty to
live on."

"It seems to me you orto be satisfied by this time that your father
ain't never goin' to come back," replied Mrs. Highton, in a harsh voice.
"It's orful silly of you to stick to that notion! An' you orto consider
'tain't fit fer you two girls to be livin' here alone. There ain't no
knowin' what might happen. It would be 'nough sight better if you had
somebody here to look after you. Then ag'in, you wouldn't be tied down
to home like you be now. You'd hev somebody to leave the little girl
with, an' could git out an' enjoy yourself like other young folks. You'd
better think twice afore you say 'no' fer good an' all."

Lottie felt Eva's fingers closing tightly upon her own, the poor child
was imagining herself left to the care of Mrs. Highton! She pressed the
quivering little hand reassuringly and rose to her feet.

"I don't need to think any more about it. I have given you my answer,"
she said, firmly.

At that moment a heavy step was heard crossing the porch, and Mr.
Highton, with a sneering smile upon his face, thrust his head through
the open window.

"Come, old woman," he said to his wife, "you go along home an' see 'bout
gittin' dinner, an' _I'll_ settle this matter with little miss, here."

CHAPTER XXV.

The stars were growing dim, and a faint light was dawning in the east,
when, at last, Jimmy Claxton's slumbers were disturbed and he opened his
sleepy eyes.

There was a confusion of sounds filling his ears, a snapping and
snarling and growling that frightened and bewildered him. It was several
moments before he could remember where he was or why he was there, lying
on the ground beneath