over."

The overseer hesitated for a moment, and then unstrapped a revolver from
his belt, and handed it to Courtland.

"Now how many of you are in the habit of going round the town armed like
this?"

"Only de men who've been insulted, sah."

"And how have YOU been insulted?"

"Marse Tom Highee down in de market reckoned it was high time fancy
niggers was drov into de swamp, and I allowed that loafers and beggars
had better roost high when workin' folks was around, and Marse Tom said
he'd cut my haht out."

"And do you think your carrying a revolver will prevent him and his
friends performing that operation if you provoked them?"

"You said we was to pertect ourse'fs, sah," returned the negro gloomily.
"What foh den did you drill us to use dem rifles in de armory?"

"To defend yourselves TOGETHER under orders if attacked, not to singly
threaten with them in a street row. Together, you would stand some
chance against those men; separately they could eat you up, Cato."

"I wouldn't trust too much to some of dem niggers standing together,
sah," said Gate darkly. "Dey'd run before de old masters--if they didn't
run to 'em. Shuah!"

A fear of this kind had crossed Courtland's mind before, but he made no
present comment. "I found two of the armory rifles in the men's cabins
yesterday," he resumed quietly. "See that it does not occur again! They
must not be taken from the armory except to defend it."

"Yes, sah."

There was a moment of silence. Then it was broken by a sudden gust that
swept through the columns of the portico, stirring the vines. The broad
leaves of the ailantus began to rustle; an ominous pattering followed;
the rain had recommenced. And as Courtland rose and walked towards the
open window its blank panes and the interior of the office were suddenly
illuminated by a gleam of returning lightning.

He entered the office, bidding Cato follow, and lit the lamp above
his desk. The negro remained standing gloomily but respectfully by the
window.

"Cato, do you know anything of Mr. Dumont--Miss Dows' cousin?"

The negro's white teeth suddenly flashed in the lamplight. "Ya! ha! I
reckon, sah."

"Then he's a great friend of your people?"

"I don't know about dat, sah. But he's a pow'ful enemy of de Reeds and
de Higbees!"

"On account of his views, of course?"

"'Deed no!" said Cato with an astounded air. "Jess on account of de
vendetta!"

"The vendetta?"

"Yes, sah. De old blood quo'll of d