behind the bowlder with his thumb on the hammer just as the bushes
parted on the opposite cliff, and Mavis stood above him, peering
for him and calling his name in an excited whisper. He rose
glowering and angry.

"Whut you doin' up here?" he asked roughly, and the girl shrank,
and her message stopped at her lips.

"They're comin' up here," she faltered.

The boy's eyes accused her mercilessly and he seemed not to hear
her.

"You've been spyin'!"

The dignity of his manhood was outraged, and humbly and helplessly
she nodded in utter abasement, faltering again:

"They're comin' up here!"

"Who's comin' up here?"

"Them strangers an' grandpap an' Uncle Arch--an' another rock-
pecker."

"Did you tell'em?"

The girl crossed her heart and body swiftly.

"I hain't told a soul," she gasped". I come up to tell you."