"It'd be lovely, dear," replied the girl. A few minutes later, with the little dog at their heels, they were wending their way up the board walk to the hill. Mr. Grandoken, alone in his shop, worked with contented vigor. The days, those beautiful summer days, were bringing untold joy to him. Peggy seemed in brighter spirits, and Jinnie's radiant face made Lafe rejoice. Little Bobbie's stars were always shining nowadays, so what more could the dear man want? As he sat tip-tapping, he took himself in fancy to that day ahead when Heaven would unfold another blessing for Peg--for him. He put down his hammer and glanced out of the window, and suddenly Maudlin Bates loomed up, with all his hulking swagger obliterating the shoemaker's mental bliss. Lafe nodded as Maudlin stepped into the shop. There was an unusually aggressive expression upon the young wood gatherer's face, and Mr. Grandoken refrained from asking him to sit down. Instead he questioned: "Brought some cobblin'?" "No," said Bates. "Wanted to talk to you; that's all." "Hurry up, then, 'cause I'm busy." "Where's Jinnie?" queried Maudlin. Swift anger changed the cobbler's face. "What's that to you?" he demanded. "And you needn't be drippin' tobacco juice around my shop." "Won't hurt it, I guess," answered Maudlin insolently, sitting down heavily. With every passing minute, Lafe was growing more and more enraged. "Yap me your business and get out," he ordered, picking up his hammer. He settled his eyes on the sodden face before him, and for a minute or two each plumbed the strength of the other. "I'm goin' to marry Jinnie," announced Maudlin, drawing his large feet together and clasping his fingers over his knees. The cobbler deliberately placed the hammer beside him once more and leaned back against the wall. "Who said so?" he asked. "I do," defied Maudlin, swaggering. "Is that what you come to say to me?" "Yep." "Well, now you're done with your braggin', get out, an' get out quick." But Maudlin didn't move. "I said to scoot," said Lafe presently, in suppressed tones. He was magnificent in his ferocity. "I heard you!" observed Maudlin, still sitting, though a little cowed in his former egotistical spirit. Lafe picked up the hammer and pounded frantically on the sole of a shoe. "I'm goin' to have money," muttered Maudlin when the cobbler paused for a few nails. As Lafe proceeded with his work silently, Maudlin said: "I'll marry Jinnie and take the empty shack next to pa's. I got money, I said." Lafe's lips were moving rapidly, but the other could not hear what he was saying. The fact was, the cobbler was asking for strength and self-control. "Where's Jinnie?" demanded Maudlin again. "She ain't here," said Lafe, "an' I want you to get out before she comes." He said this more gently, because his muttered prayers had somewhat assuaged his rage. Just then a motor car dashed into the little lane at the side of the house, and Maudlin knew that Morse had arrived.