kstand, a then new invention for the pocket, and
pen and paper. He wrote the order in the moonlight, and the brothers
signed it.

"God bless ye all!" exclaimed Peter as he received the order. "Ye are
the best sons any man ever had. Oh! if yer mother's lookin' down on us,
she's not ashamed ter hold her head up among the angels, 'less she feels
bad 'bout not believin' in Lizzi." He put the money and order in his
pocket. When they were secure, Levi hoisted a window on the dark side of
the school-house and crawled through it. Then he helped his father out,
and the others followed. For a moment they stood under the trees and
breathed the resinous atmosphere of the woods just budding.

There was a silent shake of the father's trembling hand by each son in
turn, and then they parted.

Lizzi got the usual early Monday breakfast, but made places for four
only. Levi's school was closed for the year, and she meant he should
enjoy a long morning nap if he chose. Her father came down, and she
inquired if he had called Matthi and Cassi.

"I looked in their room, but they're up," he replied.

"Up? Funny I didn't hear them. Wonder where they could have gone this
time in the morning without any breakfast."

"There's no tellin'," was Peter's answer.

Father and daughter ate silently. When his hunger was satisfied, Peter
kissed her and, taking his axe and bundle, departed to the chopping.

The morning slipped by. Matthi and Cassi did not return, and Levi's
sleep seemed endless. Lizzi went to his door and listened, but heard no
sound. Pushing the door open a little, she looked in. The room was
empty. The bed had not been slept in that night. On the wash-stand lay a
note addressed to her in Levi's writing.

"DEAR LIZZI: We have gone to find out for you all about John Gillfillan.

YOUR THREE BROTHERS."

"Father knew it," she said, with a soft smile. "I hope the boys will
bring me good news; but I know John is dead."

She had not wept for her husband, but for him a constant stream of grief
flowed through her being, a river of soul-tears, no sound of its current
rising to the surface.

She was almost entirely alone now. No one came to see her except Gret
Reed and Mrs. Hornberger. Even Blind Benner and Hunch seemed to have
deserted her, for they were missing from the town.

CHAPTER XIV.

HUNCH AND BLIND BENNER VISIT BILL KELLAR.

"I know somethin' I won't tell," was Hunch's greeting to his blind
friend on the Monday foll