"For that time, I believe the law protects me." "You are right there; but at the end of that tine you cannot expect as liberal terms as we are now prepared to offer you." "Liberal!" repeated the widow, in a meaning tone.
"So I regard it," said the squire stiffly.

"Good-evening." An hour later Mrs.Barclay's reflections were broken in upon by the ominous clang of the engine bell.

This is a sound which always excites alarm in a country village.
"Where's the fire ?" she asked anxiously, of a boy who was running by the house.
"It's Crawford's store!" was the startling reply.

"It's blazin' up like anything.

Guess it'll have to go." "I hope Ben'll keep out of danger," thought Mrs.Barclay, as she hurriedly took her shawl and bonnet and started for the scene of excitement..