Ye ain't expected to feel ez I feel, in course, but the man ez goes back on HIM--quo'lls with me.

That's all--and thanks for inquiring friends.

Ye'll git now, boys, and leave him a minit with me." The men filed slowly out, a few lingering long enough to shake the master's hand with grave earnestness, or half smiling, half abashed embarrassment.

The master received the proffered reconciliation of these men, who but a few hours before would have lynched him with equal sincerity, with cold bewilderment.

As the door closed on the last of the party he turned to McKinstry.