at the mill, and to continue the journey on
horseback. Zeke, however, realized the advantage in continuing by
machine, were this possible, and he suggested it to the driver. The
man was doubtful, but, too, he was an enthusiast in his work, and the
opportunity of thus climbing the mountains, where no other car had
been, appealed strongly to his ambition. In the end, he consented,
with a prudent stipulation concerning possible damages. So, without
pause, the automobile shot forward past mill and store, and went
clambering along the trail toward the northern coves. The driver ran
cautiously enough, despite Zeke's impatience, but, at the best, the
trip was a strain on the men and on the mechanism that bore them, for
the car lurched and bounced over the uneven surface, and more than
once was near to being overturned. Their ultimate safety was due, in
great measure, to Zeke himself. Familiar with every foot of the way,
he was able to advise the chauffeur of the more dangerous points.
Neither Sutton nor Brant had uttered a word of protest against
undertaking the perils of this final stage, but both breathed a sigh
of relief, when, at last, the car stopped in the clearing before the
Siddon cabin, and the journey was safely done.

The wooden wheels of the poplar clock in the cabin were whirring for
the striking of midnight, when their noise was overborne by the
grotesque, unfamiliar honkings of an automobile horn. With the second
of the three blasts, the cabin's door swung open, and in the light of
it was silhouetted the tall form of Uncle Dick.

"Zeke!" he called; and his voice was a little broken.

Then, with instinctive delicacy of feeling, he stepped aside, as the
young man sprang up the steps, and he stood silent, while mother and
son were folded in each other's arms, murmuring endearments. But, when
Zeke at last turned to face the old man, Uncle Dick's hand went out to
a powerful clasp that told how profoundly he was moved.

"I'm glad ye've come, boy," he said, simply. And Zeke knew that the
old distrust and suspicion were gone forever, and in their stead were
come affection and faith.

CHAPTER XVIII

Zeke was astounded when he looked around the living-room and
recognized Marshal Stone, together with the members of the posse. He
suddenly became aware that the change in Uncle Dick was even greater
than he had supposed. There had been a radical readjustment of the old
man's' attitude toward life, which dispose