LONESOME HILL
your boy didn't do it'—and then Bill died."
For the moment the old man's agitation mastered him.
"I remember, Mr. Dale. 'Ves' told me; he brought the statements of the family—and yours. I've been thinking of it ever since—and a great deal these last two days. Tell me, why did you happen to come?"
"Mother had a dream that said the time was up."
Dale spoke as calmly as though delivering a message from a neighbor.
Fear was not even a memory now. He stood erect; the stone he had slowly pushed up many steep years was near the summit—one mighty effort might hurl it down the past forever.
"Just a word about that boy, Mr.
[35]
