openly, that he who was not for the
association was against it. One was found on Wade's own gatepost, and he
gave it deep, thoughtful consideration. He had fully intended raising a
very large crop of tobacco the coming season, and he intended doing it
openly, unless his mind should be changed in the meantime.

Wade rode on, putting his horse to a trot, then as time went by, to a
gallop. Had it not been for the brightly shining little stars the night
would have been utter darkness, but the twinkling little heavenly bodies
lighted the way sufficiently well to allow of seeing and keeping the
beaten road. Thoughts concerning happenings of the past were flitting
rapidly through Wade's brain, tumbling one over the other in rapid
succession, in their great hurry to get through, while he traveled on,
unmindful of the awful darkness that encompassed him or of the
blood-curdling deeds which would be committed on that memorable night.
At last, tired and sore, he reached the vicinity of the barn soon to be
burned and the vicinity of a community where murder, foul to some and
gladsome to the hearts of others, would soon be committed.

Jack Wade had learned through his experiences of the past to be very
cautious on all occasions, more especially on occasions like the present
one, therefore he sought out a quiet dark spot in the brush and waited
silently to see what should happen. The distance he had traveled brought
him very late at the goal, so he was compelled to wait not long before
he saw sights enough to weaken the heart of the strongest man.

The little stars twinkled on from their orbits in the sky, the cuckoo
sang from a remote distance, the woodland animals scampered over their
runs, making the dry leaves crack as they flurried on. Suddenly a faint
light arose over the woodland, and grew until it lighted up the whole
country around the anxious watcher. It became so very light where he was
that he was compelled to recede deeper into the underbrush. The great
flame grew brighter and higher, leaping heavenward at every bound,
making a terrible, cracking noise. Wade's heart beat heavily against his
bosom, but he watched on. Not a great way off he heard the cracking of
the dry twigs. It was much heavier than the noise made by scampering
animals, and he knew instantly that the two officers were near. He
continued to keep silent, listening breathlessly to every sound. Soon
there came to his listening ears the heavy sound or clatte