him the next lick, though!"

Mr. Yancy's moral tale had reached its conclusion; it was not for
him to boast unduly of his prowess.

"Uncle Bob, you lift me up and show me them dints!" and Hannibal
slipped from his seat.

"Oh, no!" said Betty Malroy laughing. She captured the boy and
drew him down beside her on a corner of her chair. "I am sure
you don't want to see the dents--Mr. Yancy's story, children, is
to teach us how important it is to guard our words--and not give
way to hasty speech--"

"Betty!" cried Mrs. Ferris indignantly.

"Judith, the moral is as obvious as it is necessary."

Mrs. Ferris gave her a reproachful look and turned to the
children.

"You will all be here next Sunday, won't you?--and at the same
hour?" she said, rising.

There was a sudden clatter of hoofs beyond the door. A man, well
dressed and well mounted had ridden into the yard. As Mrs.
Ferris came from the cabin he flung himself out of the saddle
and, hat in hand, approached her.

"I am hunting a place called the Barony; can you tell me if I am