ation. At times in the past friends had hinted that the problem
would derange him.

"Let us serve each other," said Ensal. "I will go South and see what
message I can bring back for you to carry to Eunice. I will serve you
thus. While I am thus engaged there is something you can do for me. The
kissing of the Rev. Percy G. Marshall by Tiara, made known to me by poor
Gus Martin, caused me to abandon my purpose of seeking the hand of
Tiara. I wish you to go to her, and pave the way for a visit from me.
Tell her that I have always known that she was the noblest girl in all
this wide, wide world; that I looked upon the kissing incident as a pure
love affair, not knowing but that she was one who held that of one blood
God had made all the sons of men to dwell upon the face of earth; and
that I felt that death alone prevented her and the Rev. Mr. Marshall
from becoming man and wife in some other part of the world.

"Now, Earl, tell her all this. You are her brother-in-law and can find a
nice way of talking freely with her concerning the matter. May I depend
upon you?"

"To the utmost," replied Earl earnestly.

The two men now parted, each in search of hope for the other. Earl's
task was comparatively easy, for Tiara had all along fully understood
Ensal and felt no need of the assurances which Earl sought to bring.
Earl was more than happy at the outcome of his mission, happy that he
could inform Ensal that the way was now clear for him to declare himself
to Tiara.

We shall now follow Ensal to find out what measure of success attended
his mission.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

_A Son of the New South._

"I understand that a few years ago a Negro man and woman were burned at
the stake in this neighborhood. Would you kindly show me the place?"

This request came from Ensal Ellwood and was addressed to young Maul,
the attorney who had plead so earnestly for the conviction of the
lynchers of Bud and Foresta. A sad look stole over young Maul's face.

"I never go that way if I can avoid it easily. That was indeed a
horrible affair and our section, according to the law of retribution,
will have it to pay for," replied young Maul, won by Ensal's kindly tone
and look. "There is the kindly Negro of the past revised and brought
down to date," thought young Maul, as he looked at Ensal and further
studied him.

"It has already paid for it, perhaps," said Ensal. "It may be that some
one of this place was marked by nature to shed un