painful. Oblige me still further Mr. Dix, by letting this matter
remain with yourself, at least for the present. Before it comes to
the ears of Mr. Halpin, I wish to let him see some better points in
my character."

To this, Mr. Dix pledged himself. After repeating his thanks, Mr.
Bolton rode away a wiser and a better man.

When Mr. Halpin, some weeks afterwards, made reference to the right
of way across Mr. Bolton's land, and asked if he would not sell him
a narrow strip on the south edge of his farm, to be fenced off for a
road, the latter said--

"No, Mr. Halpin, I will not _sell_ you the land; but as it is of
little or no value to me, I will cheerfully vacate it for a road, if
you are willing to run the fence."

And thus was settled, most amicably, a matter that bid fair, in the
beginning, to result in a long and angry disputation, involving loss
of money, time, and friendly relationships. Ever after, when
disposed to act from a first angry impulse, Mr. Bolton's thoughts
would turn to this right-of-way question, and he would become cool
and rational in a moment.






COALS OF FIRE.