onderstand that."

"An' mebbe the Griggses won't want ter do nuthin', ef they hain't
got no furder cause fur holdin' a grudge," put in the tanner.

"What be ye a-layin' off fur me ter do?" asked Birt wonderingly.

"Ter gin Nate's grant back ter him," they both replied in a breath.

"I hev not got it!" cried poor Birt tumultuously. "I never stole
it! I dunno whar it be!"

The tanner's expression changed from paternal kindliness to
contemptuous anger.

"Air ye goin' ter keep on bein' a liar, Birt, ez well ez a thief?"
he said sternly.

"I dunno whar it be," reiterated Birt desperately.

"_I_ know whar it be," said Byers. Birt gazed at him astounded.

"Whar?" he cried eagerly.

"Whar ye hid it," returned Byers coolly.

Birt's lips moved with difficulty as he huskily ejaculated "I never
hid it--I never!"

"Ye needn't deny it. I ez good ez seen ye hide it."