"An', Slab, when hit gits cold an' th' leaves air gone an' th' flowers air all daid, yo' must pick th' geraniums outer th' boxes inside an' put 'em on Maw's grave--an' when hit gits powerful cold an' snows hard an' th' snow gits piled up on Maw's grave--would yo' care--would yo' go, Slab, an'--an'--an'--push hit off--an'----" Her petitions thickened, tumbled together in her aching throat, and refused to cross her trembling lips. She turned away quickly. At the log bench she sank slowly down with her black head in her arm. The heavy curls clustered around her face and caressed her neck. She sobbed in soft, whimpering outbursts. The blind hound thrust his nose questioningly into her lap, licking her free hand, and caught the tears from her young heart warm upon his gray face. He whined aloud and reached for her wet cheek. The old negro fumbled at random and did not speak. Turning, he looked upward to where Cap Lutts sat in the flood of moonlight on the palm of rock; as silent and motionless as the inanimate pillar of granite under him. Slab's eyes wandered down to the trail and he spoke hastily to the distressed girl. "Honey, heah cum de boys!" CHAPTER III THE TRAITOR Belle-Ann jumped instantly to her feet, looked, brushed her eyes with her hand, and hastened to meet them, her curls bobbing and her bare legs and arms gleaming in the moon's luster. Little Bud turned off toward the cabin, but Lem's tall figure came straight ahead. "Lem," she cried excitedly, "I got t' go--dad sent word by Orlick. Dad's a comin' heah t' take me t' th' mission school. Air yo' sorry, Lem?" Lem halted as if struck. Then, recovering from the surprise, he took her hand and they continued toward the witch-elm block. Slab had disappeared. "Sho', I'm sorry, Belle-Ann," Lem answered. "Yo'-all don't 'low I'd be tickled t' lose yo', do yo'? But I 'low hit's fer th' best, an' yo' know Maw wanted hit, too," he ended, with a touch of sadness. "Yes, Lem," she agreed, "thet's why I'll try t' be brave, 'cause Maw Lutts alers talked t' me 'bout my schoolin' same's she did 'bout th' church. Lem, I do wish Maw could jest see th' new church now thet pap's got hit finished! Hit looks jest like she said, Lem. I 'low she'd jest cry fer gladness, wouldn't she?" Lem nodded absently and quickly put a question that had been waiting from the instant he heard of Orlick's visit. "What time ded Orlick cum?" "He cum short past sun-down," returned Belle-Ann as the two sat down on the bench. "Ded he parley 'bout long?" "Jest a short spell. I wouldn't talk t' em much." Lem stood up. He was long and lank, but broad of shoulder for a boy of eighteen. He had a pleasing, intelligent countenance, with light, steadfast eyes that never looked askance. He removed his wide, soft hat and gazed up to Eagle Crown. "Ded pap see Orlick?" he asked. Belle-Ann shook her curls in the negative.