Then Herbert answered his own question. Elizabeth’s motive was never a selfish one; she wished always to spare and defend him. Perhaps she had thought that she had found a clue, and losing it, had not wished to disappoint him. Perhaps she had come upon some fact which had ended all her hopes. She had seemed quieter of late. Perhaps, on the other hand, she had really found a clue, and by appealing to her to save him, he would spoil everything. He looked up. He believed again that, even in the dim light, he saw fear in the scowling faces. What dreadful secrets this distant corner of the mountain might hide! What crimes might have been committed here, undiscovered, perhaps unsuspected! An old woman might well, in her dotage, cry out facts at which her family would be terrified! The blood now rushed through Herbert’s veins. “You’ve told her what you want,” said he. “She’ll have to decide for herself. I won’t write anything--not a word!” There was an angry murmur. Black Smith began to declaim. “You needn’t think the mountain people’ll stand for such talk,” said he wildly. “You--” “Shut up!” commanded Sheldon. Then Sheldon himself uttered a sentence of more weighty import. He accompanied it with a sharp stroke of his fist on Herbert’s knee. “We can bury you in the grave with your gran’pappy, if that’s what you want,” said he. “He was a betrayer.” At that there came a cry from outside the circle. Again Jinny had come close to the group in front of the cabin door. “You’ll see destruction soon enough!” she warned. Sheldon got to his feet and whistled. Two great dogs bounded toward him. “Watch him!” he commanded. At once he and his mates went off into the darkness. Chapter VIII BLACK SMITH’S BARGAIN In spite of the exertion of all her power of will, which was not small, Elizabeth found her step lagging as she went through the woods. The strenuous efforts of the last days and her abbreviated hours of sleep had naturally exhausted her. She had to sit down often to rest. As she did so, she looked first to this side, now to that. She was certain that she was watched each moment. Once she called, “I know you are there! Don’t hide like a coward, but come out!” There was no answer, though Black Smith, appointed over her for the night, and now following her, heard her plainly. Black Smith had not slept at his post as had her guardian of the night before. When she approached the old woman’s cabin she could hear no sound. She would go in and get the will and carry it with her. But she did not enter the cabin. On the step lay one of the cross dogs of the mountaineers, who, when she spoke to him, rose and growled fiercely. She backed out of the thicket. At the forks she took the right-hand road. She had gone only a short distance when she heard behind her the sound of footsteps, and turned and looked toward the bend round which she had come. Black Smith had decided to accompany her instead of stalking her. “Stop!” he called.