cipice. It was he who tempted the man to drink, until he
became drunk, and did the mischief, to repair which he sacrificed his
favorite horse. Thank God it was by Hank's own confession, the
animal's noise that brought about the burning of the brewery. It is
some comfort that God now and then legislates on the traffic, when men
will not."

The doctor paused, and, as no one seemed inclined to make any
comments, he began to speak more calmly, and on a subject which he
flattered himself would be more agreeable.

"I have just been down to bind up Daddy's bruises," he said, "but his
lovely nurse had done all that was necessary. Then turning to Edward
with a meaning smile, "Ned, she is a right regal nurse. I almost
wished myself in Daddy's place this morning. It must be very consoling
in hours of pain to have a little angel smoothing your pillow, and
hovering over you with sweet words and gentle touches."

The doctor suddenly stopped short. There was an expression of sharp
agony on Edward's face that could not be mistaken. Louise had never
looked on him so before. Added to her sympathy for her brother, was an
indefinable pang occasioned by her lover's warm praises of another.
Mrs. Sherman, the picture of distress, looked helplessly from one to
the other.

The dinner bell was at that moment a welcome sound.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THREATS--LITTLE WOLF AND BLACK HAWK--TRAGIC DEATH OF HANK
GLUTTER.

His business arrangements satisfactorily completed, towards night,
Hank Glutter was seen setting out for Chimney Rock.

To say the truth, he appeared secretly uneasy, glancing furtively
behind at every sound as he hurried forward like one pursued. By, and
by, out on the solitary highway he walked on with more confidence, and
finally, after assuring himself that he was quite alone, began to let
fall some very energetic expressions in which were mingled the names
of Miss DeWolf, of Black Hawk and of Wycoff.

"She shall never ride Black Hawk again," he muttered, "Miss DeWolf
can't circumvent me. If she has dared to betray me, she will never
tell the story again. I guess my word is as good as hers--I defy
Wycoff." Then followed such expletives as the speaker deemed suitable
to the occasion: but which were suddenly interrupted by the appearance
of Mr. Wycoff mounted upon Black Hawk and apparently in good humor
with himself and all the world.

He evidently did not wish to remember the unpleasant scene of the
previous d