king chair and made trouble. Now, do as you please. I'll give you
all the law you want. I'd like to add a horsewhipping, but that would
give you a case and now you haven't any."

As Holcroft uttered these words sternly and slowly, like a man angry
indeed but under perfect self-control, the perspiration broke out on
Weeks' face. He was aware that Mrs. Mumpson was too well known to play
the role of a wronged woman, and remembered what his testimony and that
of many others would be under oath. Therefore, he began, "Oh, well,
Mr. Holcroft! There's no need of your getting in such a rage and
threatening so; I'm willing to talk the matter over and only want to do
the square thing."

The farmer made a gesture of disgust as he said, "I understand you,
Lemuel Weeks. There's no talking needed and I'm in no mood for it.
Here's the money I agreed to pay. I'll give it to Mrs. Mumpson when
she has signed this paper, and you've signed as witness of her
signature. Otherwise, it's law. Now decide quick, I'm in a hurry."

Objections were interposed, and Holcroft, returning the money to his
pocket, started for his team, without a word. "Oh, well!" said Weeks in
strong irritation, "I haven't time for a lawsuit at this season of the
year. You are both cranks, and I suppose it would be best for me and
my folks to be rid of you both. It's a pity, though, you couldn't be
married and left to fight it out."

Holcroft took the whip from his wagon and said quietly, "If you speak
another insulting word, I'll horsewhip you and take my chances."

Something in the man's look prevented Weeks from uttering another
unnecessary remark. The business was soon transacted, accompanied
with Mrs. Mumpson's venomous words, for she had discovered that she
could stigmatize Holcroft with impunity. He went to Jane and shook her
hand as he said goodby. "I am sorry for you, and I won't forget my
promise;" then drove rapidly away.

"Cousin Lemuel," said Mrs. Mumpson plaintively, "won't you have Timothy
take my trunk to our room?"

"No, I won't," he snapped. "You've had your chance and have fooled it
away. I was just going to town, and you and Jane will go along with
me," and he put the widow's trunk into his wagon.

Mrs. Weeks came out and wiped her eyes ostentatiously with her apron as
she whispered, "I can't help it, Cynthy. When Lemuel goes off the
handle in this way, it's no use for me to say anything."

Mrs. Mumpson wept hysterically as s