"_Flea Cronk_.--

"This is to tell ye that if ye don't come back with me and Lem,
we'll kill that guy Shellington and Flukey. Flukey can stay there
if he wants to, if you come. Make up yer mind, and don't ye tell
any man that I writ this letter. Come to Lem's scow in the river,
or ye know what I does to Flukey.

"LON CRONK."

Fledra folded up the letter and opened the other one dazedly. It was
written with a masterly pen-stroke, and the girl, without reading it,
looked at the signature. It was signed, "Everett Brimbecomb." Her eyes
flashed back to the beginning, and she read it through swiftly:

"_Little Miss Cronk_.--

"I am delivering this letter in a peculiar way, because I know that
you had rather not have anyone see it. It is necessary that you
should think calmly and seriously over the question I am going to
ask you. I am very fond of you. Whether or not you will return my
affection is a thing for you to decide in the future. Now, then,
the question is, Do you want to protect your brother and your
friends from the anger of your father? If so, you must go with him.
I will answer for it that your brother stays where he is; but you
must go away. Think well before you decide not to go; for I know
the men who are determined to have you, and would save you if I
could. I shall try to see you very soon. Destroy this letter
immediately. Your friend,