The single hair had parted and the sword had fallen.

And now, of all times, now! He made a pitiful attempt at denial.
"It ain't so," he protested.
"Oh, yes, it is so.

Six or eight weeks ago--in January 'twas-- there was a drummer in my store sellin' a line of tools and he was lookin' out of the window when this Phillips cuss went by with Maud Hunniwell, both of 'em struttin' along as if common folks, honest folks, was dirt under their feet.

And when this drummer see 'em he swore right out loud.

'Why,' says he, 'that's Charlie Phillips, of Middleford, ain't it ?' 'His name's Phillips and he comes from Connecticut somewheres,' says I.