n to the loaded shotgun in his hand, as one would humor a boy
in his play. The scholar's mind, trained to consider the problems
of civilization, and to recognize the dangers of the city, refused
to entertain seriously the thought that there, in the peaceful
woods, in the dead of night, a company of ruffians was seeking to
do him harm.

The voices had ceased, and the listeners heard only the sound of
the horses' feet, as the party passed the ruined cabin under the
bluff. A moment or two later the riders stopped in front of the
ranch house. Brave growled again, but was silenced by the hand on
his neck.

Young Matt was at the window. "I see them," he whispered. "They're
gettin' off their horses, and tyin' them to the corral fence." The
smile on the shepherd's face vanished, and he experienced a queer
sensation; it was as though something gripped his heart.

The other continued his whispered report; "They're bunchin' up now
under the old tree, talkin' things over. Don't know what to make
of the dog not bein' around, I reckon. Now they're takin' a drink.
It takes a lot of whiskey to help ten men jump onto one old man,
and him a stranger in the Woods. Now Wash is sendin' two of them
around to the back, so you can't slip out into the brush. Sh--h--
h, here comes a couple more to try the front door." He slipped
quietly across the room to the shepherd's side. The visitors came
softly up to the front door, and tried it gently. A moment later
the rear door was tried in the same way.

"Let Brave speak to them," whispered Young Matt; and the dog,
feeling the restraining hand removed, barked fiercely.

Mr. Howitt, following his companion's whispered instructions,
spoke aloud, "What's the matter, Brave?"

A bold knock at the front door caused the dog to redouble his
efforts, until his master commanded him to be still. "Who is
there?" called the shepherd.

"Young Matt's took powerful bad," answered a voice; "an' they want
you t' come up t' th' house, an' doctor him." A drunken laugh came
from the old tree, followed by a smothered oath.

The giant at Mr. Howitt's side growled under his breath, "Oh, I'm
sick, am I? There's them that'll be a heap sicker before mornin'.
Keep on a talkin', Dad. We've got to make all the time we can,
so's Jim can get here."

The shepherd called again, "I do not recognize your voice. You
must tell me who you are."

Outside there was a short consultation, followed by a still louder
knock; "Open