He ripped the thing open and from the unfolded sheet fell a tiny scrap
of some sort. It seemed to be a small strip of soiled cloth and he let
it lie on the table while he read the note itself.

The first paragraph brought from his lips an exclamation of dismay and
alarm--and he paused a moment to collect himself before finishing.

"Dear Jack," said the letter. "You will wonder how I knew where to
send this letter, but you see I did know.

"Jerry and I were married a week ago and all the neighbors came to our
infare to wish us well. I saw to it that every man there took off his
hat. I am sending you the tag that was on your coat pocket the day I
mended it. It wasn't heedful for you to leave it there, and that's how
I knew where you were apt to be now--instead of Virginia."

The man paused again and his great hand shook with disappointment and
chagrin. Finally he turned the sheet and read the conclusion.

"Seeing that tag gave me warning just in time the night you bragged
that you could make me come into your arms. Next time, Jack, I counsel
you to be honest with the girls you make love to. They like it. Come
and see us when you get back to the mountains. Alexander McGivins.
P.S. I promised my paw to keep my own name when I was wed, and Jerry
doesn't mind."

The letter escaped from nerveless fingers and floated down to the
floor. At last Halloway picked up the small tailor's label and turned
it in his fingers absentmindedly, as though he were not yet quite sure
what he was doing.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A PAGAN OF THE HILLS***

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