It was a very rude device, cut deeply into the tree, and somewhat resembled a square, a circle, a triangle, and a cross, with some smaller marks beneath it.

I felt sure that our tramp had cut it, and that it had some significance, which would be understood by the members of his fraternity.
And it must have had, for no tramps came near us all that summer.

We were visited by a needy person now and then, but by no member of the regular army of tramps.
One afternoon, that fall, I walked home, and at the corner of the lane I saw a tramp looking up at the mark on the tree, which was still quite distinct.
"What does that mean ?" I said, stepping up to him.
"How do I know ?" said the man, "and what do you want to know fur ?" "Just out of curiosity," I said; "I have often noticed it.

I think you can tell me what it means, and if you will do so, I'll give you a dollar." "And keep mum about it ?" said the man.
"Yes," I replied, taking out the dollar.
"All right!" said the tramp.

"That sign means that the man that lives up this lane is a mean, stingy cuss, with a wicked dog, and it's no good to go there." I handed him the dollar and went away, perfectly satisfied with my reputation.
I wish here to make some mention of Euphemia's methods of work in her chicken-yard.