And for that reason, because he wouldn't fight agin the law, or without the consent of the law, they've killed him, or kidnapped him away." The girl's lips quivered, and her small brown hands twisted the edges of her blue checked apron.

Although this new picture of Jim's peacefulness was as astounding and unsatisfactory as his own disappearance, there was no doubt of the sincerity of poor Phoebe's impression.
In vain did Clarence point out to them there must be some mistake; that the trespassers--the so-called jumpers--really belonged to the same party as Hooker, and would have no reason to dispossess him; that, in fact, they were all HIS, Clarence's, tenants.

In vain he assured them of Hooker's perfect security in possession; that he could have driven the intruders away by the simple exhibition of his lease, or that he could have even called a constable from the town of Fair Plains to protect him from mere lawlessness.

In vain did he assure them of his intention to find his missing friend, and reinstate him at any cost.

The conviction that the unfortunate young man had been foully dealt with was fixed in the minds of the two women.