In the man before her she almost failed to recognize her brother, so great was the change that had come over him. She threw her arms tenderly about him, and for many minutes neither spoke. At length, with a start, Horace loosened his sister's arms and stood up. "Give Floyd his note--and leave me alone for a while, Dear." His tone served to hasten Ann's ready obedience. She took the note for Floyd and went out. Four times Horace read and reread his letter. He was tortured with a thousand fears. Where had she gone, and with whom? And why should she have left him, when she had so constantly and sincerely evinced her love for him? She could not have gone back to the squatters; for her hatred of them had been intense. He remembered what she had told him of Lem Crabbe--and sprang to his feet with an oath. Hot blood rushed to his fingertips, and left them dripping with perspiration. He fought with a desire to kill someone; but banished the thought that Fledra had not held faith with him. He called to mind her affection and passionate devotion, and knew that to doubt her would be unjust. But, if to leave him had made her unhappy, why had she gone? He thought of Floyd's letter, and a sudden wish to read it seized him. When he entered the boy's room Floyd was lying flat on his back, staring fixedly at Miss Shellington, who was deciphering the letter for him. She ceased reading when her brother appeared. "Horace," she said, rising, "Floyd says he doesn't believe that Fledra went of her own free will. He thinks she was forced in some way." Horace stooped and looked into the boy's white face, at the same time taking Fledra's letter from Ann. "Flea can't make me think, Brother Horace," said Flukey, "that she went 'cause she wanted to. Pappy Lon made her go, I bet! There's something we don't know. I want you to take me up there to Ithaca, and when I get there I can find her. Prayin' won't keep her from Lem. We've got to do something." Horace shot a glance of inquiry at his sister. "We prayed every morning, Dear," she said simply, "that our little girl might be protected from harm." "She shall be protected, and I will protect her! Where's the deputy?" "They called him away the morning Fledra left." "May I read your letter, Floyd?" "Sure!" replied the boy wearily. Shellington's eyes sought the paper in his hand: "_Floyd love_.-- "I'm going away, but I will love you every day I live. Floyd, could you ask Sister Ann to pray for everyone--me, too? Forgive me for taking Snatchet--I wanted him awfully. You be good to Sister Ann and always love Brother Horace and mind every word he says. I'm going away because I want to. Remember that, Floyd dear, goodby. "FLEDRA." After finishing the letter, Horace said to Ann, "I must see Brimbecomb at once." And he turned abruptly and went out. Ann followed him hurriedly. "Horace, dear, you won't quarrel with him, for my sake."