“The mountain people don’t stand for no nonsense,” said he. “They ain’t like the people of the plain. The people of the plain says one thing and means another, while the mountain people says one thing and sticks to it. The mountain people--” “Shut up!” commanded Sheldon, whether in weariness of Black Smith’s loquacity or because he thought silence best, it was hard to say. There was a surprising sentimentality about Black Smith. “You talk too much,” said Sheldon. The three looked back. From their position they could see past the corner of the house to a spot of color still vivid in the afternoon light. Sheldon lifted his gun. “Don’t do that!” cried Herbert. But Sheldon only laughed. A bullet struck the spot of bright color and the flag fluttered a little. “Hit it!” said Sheldon with satisfaction. “You rascal!” cried Herbert. Sheldon laughed again as though pleased with himself. “I shot at that rag many times,” said he. “Off with you! March!” When they had penetrated into the deep woods, Herbert remembered poor Joe. “I told you that my horse is tied up there,” said he. “He can’t even crop the grass.” “We’ll settle him,” said Sheldon. To Herbert his tone was vicious. Would they shoot the poor beast or torture him? But Sheldon had no such cruel intention, although he lifted his gun at sight of the old animal, now restless and whinnying. “Oh, don’t!” cried Herbert. The bullet did not touch the horse, but only the strap which held him. Joe lifted head and heels. The quick motion tore the pierced bridle through and Joe was gone, bounding over the rocks and through thickets as though on a smooth race-course. Once or twice Herbert was given directions to walk toward the right or the left. Otherwise his captors did not speak. Black Smith had evidently accepted reproof, for he said no more about the “mountain people.” Herbert began presently to stumble over stones and projecting roots. It was now almost dark and his head was dizzy. They seemed after a while to have stepped into a rough road, even a road upon which some work had recently been done. If so, he was not being entirely separated from the rest of mankind. Then a thought startled him. Sheldon had spoken of road-makers in connection with this mysterious paper. There evidently had been road-makers in the neighborhood. But Elizabeth could not have come as far as this! At last, when it seemed to Herbert that he had walked almost all night, he began to hear voices, and in a moment saw a faint light. The light was darkened, apparently, by the passing of an object before it. Another man joined them, and still another. “Sit down!” ordered Sheldon. “Where?” asked Herbert. Sheldon took him by the arm and guided him to what appeared to be the doorway of a cabin. He sat down, breathing uncomfortably a heavy human and canine odor which seemed to emanate from within the cabin. Sheldon whistled and Herbert felt a panting creature pass him. “Watch him!” ordered Sheldon.