ore the earth where he
lay, the savage instinct of an untamed Indian of primeval days filled
his blood. The heart of the most ferocious beast was encased within his
bosom, and vengeance, sweet vengeance, was his insistent cry. He rose
from the earth where Jack Wade had laid him with that powerful blow of
his heavy fist, snorted like a hyena, shook his fist tragically after
Wade and Nora, then crouched as a panther when about to spring upon an
unsuspecting victim or an awaiting foe, leaped high into the air, and,
yelling like a Comanche on the war-path, darted like a frightened hare
down the mountain side in the direction whence he came, spitting out
fire and brimstone as he ran.

"She's mine, mine!" he shouted, "an' ye needn't think she hain't."

Down the other side of the mountain now rode two beings who seemed
farther apart than before they knew each other, yet whose hearts beat as
one, and who were in reality closer together than any other two human
beings on the great earth.

When Al Thompson opened his lungs and sent forth that unearthly yell
which vibrated through the forest down in the valley, the girl caught
hold of Wade's arm. She quivered, he felt the emotion playing over her
being, and caught the soft hand in his own.

"Have no fear whatever," he said reassuringly. "He is drunk. When he
comes out from under the spell once more, he will think nothing of this
affair."

"Ye don't know him, Jack," she replied. "I warn ye agin', cause----" She
stopped.

"Because what, child?" he questioned, noting her hesitation. "Speak what
is in your heart."

"Because," she continued falteringly, "I don't want ye ter get hurt."

He smiled encouragingly.

"He won't hurt me, but I'll keep a close watch for your sake. If he
gives me further trouble I'll put him in jail down in the village."

"Huh! that jail won't hold him; hit ain't never held a----one of these
mountain fellers yet. That won't do; ye must hold him some other way."

"All right, I'll hold him some way, sure. I want you to feel satisfied
that I am able to do it."

As they were nearing the house they saw old Peter Judson standing at the
gate awaiting their return.

"I've enjoyed this trip with you, Jack," she whispered softly.

"No more than I have enjoyed it with you," he replied feelingly.

"And ther birds----"

"Whar's yer game?" shouted Peter as they rode up, both flushing red.
"An' fer the land sake," continued Peter, "what makes ye look so dur