who break the laws
suffer the penalty, and I have nothing to say against it; though the
criminal be my own flesh and blood. But I want to hear all about this
sad affair."

They told her briefly all they knew, she listening with calm though sad
demeanor.

"Thank you," she said when they had finished. "That George is guilty, I
dare hardly doubt, and I am far from upholding him in his wickedness. As
you all know, I was strong for accession, and am no Republican now, but
I say perish the cause that can be upheld only by such measures as
these. I would have every member of this wicked, dreadful conspiracy
brought to punishment; they are ruining their country; but their deeds
are not chargeable upon the secessionists of the war time, as a class."

"That is certainly true, madam."

"We are fully convinced of that, Mrs. Carrington," the gentlemen
replied.

She rose to take leave. Mr. Travilla requested her to delay a little
till his horse could be brought to the door, and he would see her home.

"No, no, Travilla," said Mr. Dinsmore, "Horace and I will do that, if
Mrs. Carrington will accept our escort."

"Many thanks to you both, gentlemen," she said, "but I assure you I am
not in the least afraid; and it would be putting you to unnecessary
trouble."

"On the contrary, my dear madam, it would be a pleasure; and as our
horses are already at the door, we need not delay you a moment," said
Mr. Dinsmore. "It will not take us so very far out of our way, either:
and I should like to have a word with Sophie."

Upon that Mrs. Carrington gratefully accepted his offer, and the three
went away together.

Convinced of his guilt, Mrs. Carrington made no effort to obtain the
release of her nephew, but several of his confederates having perjured
themselves to prove an alibi in his favor, he was soon at large again.

He showed his face no more at the Oaks or Ion, and upon occasion of an
accidental meeting with Travilla or either of the Dinsmores, regarded
him with dark, scowling looks, sometimes adding a muttered word or two
of anger and defiance.

In the meantime damages had been repaired in the quarters at Fairview
and Ion, and the men at the latter, secretly supplied with arms; also
the rebuilding of the school-house was going rapidly forward.

A threatening notice was presently served upon Mr. Travilla, ordering
him to desist from the attempt, as the teaching of the blacks would not
be allowed by the Ku Klux.

He howev