o see a
lawyer at once. That is why I am here."

Seth was completely overwhelmed. A divorce! A case for the papers to
print, and all of Ostable county to read!

"I--I--I--" he stammered, and then added weakly, "I don't believe it.
She wouldn't . . . There ain't no lawyer here."

"Then we shall seek the one nearest here. Emeline understands. I 'phoned
her this morning."

"Was it YOU that 'phoned?"

"It was. Now--er--Atkins, I am disposed to be as considerate of your
welfare as possible. I know that any publicity in this matter might
prejudice you in the eyes of your--of the government officials. I shall
not seek publicity, solely on your account. The divorce will be obtained
privately, provided--PROVIDED you remain out of sight and do not
interfere. I warn you, therefore, not to make trouble or to attempt to
see my sister again. If you do--well, if you do, the consequences will
be unpleasant for you. Do you understand?"

Seth understood, or thought he did. He groaned and leaned heavily
against a tree trunk.

"You understand, do you?" repeated Bennie D. "I see that you do. Very
good then. I have nothing more to say. I advise that you remain--er--in
seclusion for the next few days. Good-by."

He gave a farewell glance at the crushed figure leaning against the
tree. Then he turned on his heel and walked off.

Seth remained where he was for perhaps ten minutes, not moving a muscle.
Then he seemed to awaken, looked anxiously in the direction of the depot
to make sure that no one was watching, pulled his cap over his eyes,
jammed his hands into his pockets, and started to walk across the
fields. He had no fixed destination in mind, had no idea where he was
going except that he must go somewhere, that he could not keep still.

He stumbled along, through briers and bushes, paying no attention to
obstacles such as fences or stone walls until he ran into them, when he
climbed over and went blindly on. A mile from Eastboro, and he was
alone in a grove of scrub pines. Here he stopped short, struck his hands
together, and groaned aloud:

"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"

For he was beginning not to believe it. At first he had not thought
of doubting Bennie D.'s statement concerning the divorce. Now, as his
thoughts became clearer, his doubts grew. His wife had not mentioned the
subject in their morning interview. Possibly she would not have done
so in any event, but, as the memory of her behavior and speech be