and sat down in silence.

Isom," he said at last, "the Spent air shorely a-workin' ye, 'n' I'm
glad of it. But ye mus 'n t worry about the penalty a-fallin' on
Rome. Steve Marcum killed Jass-he can't fool me-'n' I've told
Steve he's got thet penalty to pay ef he gits up this trouble. I'm
glad the Spent's a-workin' ye, but ye mus'n' t worry 'bout Rome."

Isom rose suddenly on one elbow, and with a moan lay back and
crossed his arms over his face.

Old Gabe turned and left him.

Git up, Isom." It was the miller's voice again, an hour later. "You
better go home now. Ride the hoss, boy," he and, kindly.

Isom rose, and old Gabe helped him mount, and stood at the door.
The horse started, but the boy pulled him to a standstill again.

"I want to ax ye jes one thing more, Uncl' Gabe," he said, slowly."
S'posin' Steve had a-killed Jass to keep him from killin' Rome, hev
he got to be damned fer it jes the same? Hev he got to give up
eternal life anyways? Hain't thar no way out'n it-no way?"

There was need for close distinction now and the miller was
deliberate.

Ef Steve shot Jass," he said, " jes to save Rome's life-he had the
right to shoot him. Thar hain't no doubt 'bout that. The law says
so. But "-there was a judicial pause-"I've heerd Steve say that he