“I suppose so,” said Hale carelessly. “Did you send old Judd the deed?” “Sure--along with that fool condition of yours that June shouldn't know until he was dead or she married. I've never heard a word.” “Do you suppose he'll stick to the condition?” “He has stuck,” said the Hon. Sam shortly; “otherwise you would have heard from June.” “I'm not going to be here long,” said Hale. “Where you goin'?” “I don't know.” Budd puffed his pipe. “Well, while you are here, you want to keep your eye peeled for Dave Tolliver. I told you that the mountaineer hates as long as he remembers, and that he never forgets. Do you know that Dave sent his horse back to the stable here to be hired out for his keep, and told it right and left that when you came back he was comin', too, and he was goin' to straddle that horse until he found you, and then one of you had to die? How he found out you were comin' about this time I don't know, but he has sent word that he'll be here. Looks like he hasn't made much headway with June.” “I'm not worried.” “Well, you better be,” said Budd sharply. “Did Uncle Billy plant the garden?” “Flowers and all, just as June always had 'em. He's always had the idea that June would come back.” “Maybe she will.” “Not on your life. She might if you went out there for her.” Hale looked up quickly and slowly shook his head. “Look here, Jack, you're seein' things wrong. You can't blame that girl for losing her head after you spoiled and pampered her the way you did. And with all her sense it was mighty hard for her to understand your being arrayed against her flesh and blood--law or no law. That's mountain nature pure and simple, and it comes mighty near bein' human nature the world over. You never gave her a square chance.” “You know what Uncle Billy said?” “Yes, an' I know Uncle Billy changed his mind. Go after her.” “No,” said Hale firmly. “It'll take me ten years to get out of debt. I wouldn't now if I could--on her account.” “Nonsense.” Hale rose. “I'm going over to take a look around and get some things I left at Uncle Billy's and then--me for the wide, wide world again.” The Hon. Sam took off his spectacles to wipe them, but when Hale's back was turned, his handkerchief went to his eyes: “Don't you worry, Jack.” “All right, Sam.” An hour later Hale was at the livery stable for a horse to ride to Lonesome Cove, for he had sold his big black to help out expenses for the trip to England. Old Dan Harris, the stableman, stood in the door and silently he pointed to a gray horse in the barn-yard. “You know that hoss?” “Yes.” “You know whut's he here fer?” “I've heard.” “Well, I'm lookin' fer Dave every day now.” “Well, maybe I'd better ride Dave's horse now,” said Hale jestingly. “I wish you would,” said old Dan. “No,” said Hale, “if he's coming, I'll leave the horse so that he can get to me as quickly as possible. You might send me word, Uncle Dan, ahead, so that he can't waylay me.”