ills on the trees and stumps of the
clearings, it was for no act of dishonesty as you know, but because we
maintain the rule that 'arth is common property. No, Abiram; could I
wash my hands of things done by your advice, as easily as I can of the
things done by the whisperings of the devil, my sleep would be quieter
at night, and none who bear my name need blush to hear it mentioned.
Peace, Asa, and you too, man; enough has been said. Let us all think
well before any thing is added, that may make what is already so bad
still more bitter."

Ishmael waved his hand with authority, as he ended, and turned away with
the air of one who felt assured, that those he had addressed would not
have the temerity to dispute his commands. Asa evidently struggled with
himself to compel the required obedience, but his heavy nature quietly
sunk into its ordinary repose, and he soon appeared again the being he
really was; dangerous, only, at moments, and one whose passions were
too sluggish to be long maintained at the point of ferocity. Not so with
Abiram. While there was an appearance of a personal conflict, between
him and his colossal nephew, his mien had expressed the infallible
evidences of engrossing apprehension, but now, that the authority as
well as gigantic strength of the father were interposed between him and
his assailant, his countenance changed from paleness to a livid hue,
that bespoke how deeply the injury he had received rankled in his
breast. Like Asa, however, he acquiesced in the decision of the
squatter; and the appearance, at least, of harmony was restored again
among a set of beings, who were restrained by no obligations more
powerful than the frail web of authority with which Ishmael had been
able to envelope his children.

One effect of the quarrel had been to divert the thoughts of the young
men from their recent visitor. With the dispute, that succeeded the
disappearance of the fair stranger, all recollection of her existence
appeared to have vanished. A few ominous and secret conferences, it is
true, were held apart, during which the direction of the eyes of
the different speakers betrayed their subject; but these threatening
symptoms soon disappeared, and the whole party was again seen broken
into its usual, listless, silent, and lounging groups.

"I will go upon the rock, boys, and look abroad for the savages," said
Ishmael shortly after, advancing towards them with a mien which
he intended should be conc