Then Jim, his hand still inside his shirt, drawled, softly, but
with a queer metallic ring in his voice, "Do you reckon it's a
goin' t' storm again?"

At the commonplace question, the bully drew a long breath and
looked around. "We might have a spell o' weather," he muttered;
"but I don't guess it'll be t'night."

Then Sammy returned and they had supper.

Next to his daughter, Jim Lane loved his violin, and with good
reason, for the instrument had once belonged to his great-
grandfather, who, tradition says, was a musician of no mean
ability.

Preachin' Bill "'lowed there was a heap o' difference between a
playin' a violin an' jest fiddlin'. You wouldn't know some fellers
was a makin' music, if you didn't see 'em a pattin' their foot;
but hit ain't that a way with Jim Lane. He sure do make music,
real music." As no one ever questioned Bill's judgment, it is safe
to conclude that Mr. Lane inherited something of his great-
grandfather's ability; along with his treasured instrument.

When supper was over, and Wash Gibbs had gone on his way; Jim took
the violin from its peg above the fireplace, and, tucking it
lovingly under his chin, gave himself up to his favorite pastime,
while Sammy moved busily about the cabin, putting things right for
the night.

When her evening tasks were finished, the girl came and stood