er's footsteps, she cried for joy. She is so
shaken with palsy that she can't write, but she managed to write this
and she told me to give it to you." He handed Lyman a piece of paper,
and on it were the words: "God will bless you."

"She didn't think it would disturb you so, or I am sure she wouldn't
have sent it," he said, looking at Lyman.

"Tell her," said Lyman, "that her blessing alone is more--give her my
kindest regards," he added, with an effort.

Sawyer wiped his eyes. "I went to another place before coming here,"
he said. "I went over to the bank and waited till McElwin came, and I
had a talk with him. I told him that his daughter could never care for
me, and that even if you should sign the petition I would refuse to
recognize his authority in trying to compel her to marry me. She is in
every way above me, so far beyond my reach that I don't love her. I
have to go to another place--the court house. I am going to surrender
myself to the law and be punished for that White Cap affair. I am
going to acknowledge the whole thing."

"No," said Lyman. "The law knows well enough what was done and who did
it. And, besides, your old mother--"

"Yes," Sawyer broke in, "but I thought it might be kept from her."

"No, some one would tell her, some over-zealous friend. Let it drop."

"Your word is law with me. And now I hope you won't feel hurt if I ask
you something?"

"The time for you and me to hurt each other is passed," said Lyman.

"I thank you for saying that. You are a man if I ever met one. And how
did you get the name of being desperate?"

"I simply punished an over-bearing bully and my act was exaggerated."

"They always exaggerate such things in this country. But that's not
what I wanted to ask you. It's this: Do you need any money? now don't
feel hurt; do you need any, and, if you do, won't you let me lend it
to you for a year or so without interest?"

"My dear fellow," said Lyman, "my affairs have prospered wonderfully
of late. It's a singular position for me to be in, but I don't need
money."

"I was in hopes you did. I told McElwin just now that your check would
be good as long as I had any money at his bank, and it made him wink,
but before I went out he acknowledged that you were about the truest
sort of a man he ever ran against. You have educated us all. And now
as to a more delicate matter. I don't know what Eva thinks of you, or
what you think of her, but I believe that the old man woul