“I cannot help any misunderstanding between you and the company, Mr. Pickett. If they’ve done you any damage, they’re good for it. I’ve taken this section to grade, and I’ve got to begin there in that graveyard; so you might as well clear the way for us. We intend to proceed.” “And I intend you shan’t.” The old man laid his hand significantly on the barrel of his gun as he spoke. “Do you mean to say you would shoot?” “Ay! an’ kill to save this holy place from desecration.” “Don’t you know I could have you arrested for threats? Don’t you know what the penalty is for murder?” “Keep your distance and there’ll be no murder. Come ten foot closer an’ there’ll be blood spilt just as sure as the sun shines above you.” The red flush had mounted again into Abner Pickett’s face and neck. He raised his gun from his lap, and held it threateningly in his hands. Dannie, frightened at the tragic outlook, moved closer to his grandfather, but held his tongue. He knew that it would be worse than useless for him to speak. The contractor, too, had his blood up. He was not easily cowed. His experience in railroad building had been too extended to permit him to yield readily to an obstacle of this kind. He turned aside to consult with his foreman. Nicholson, the engineer, observing the situation from a distance, hurried back with his men. The laborers had already congregated about their employer. Abner Pickett, with grim determination stamped upon every line of his face and every muscle of his body, still sat upon the wall holding his gun in readiness for action. Dannie, white faced and fearful, but with never a thought of desertion, sat beside his grandfather, while Gabriel, standing near by, gripped two cobblestones tightly in his hands. [Illustration: “Abner Pickett sat upon the wall, holding his gun in readiness for action.”] The consultation between Nicholson and McDonough was short but animated, and the decision reached was evidently concurred in by the foreman and his men. McDonough advanced a step and said:-- “Mr. Pickett, we intend to enforce our right to take possession of that lot and begin our work. If you interfere with us, you will be responsible for the consequences.” To all of which Abner Pickett made no reply. He simply held his gun with a firmer grasp, and the lines of determination about his mouth grew more noticeably distinct. After waiting a moment in vain for an answer the opposing forces held another brief consultation to decide upon the best plan of action. Then they divided into three groups led respectively by Nicholson, McDonough, and the foreman. It was evident that they intended to storm the graveyard from three sides. But, before they could move to their respective positions, a two-horse buggy, containing two men, dashed down the road and drew up at the corner of the graveyard. One of the men leaped from the wagon and approached McDonough.