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For a moment neither of us spoke, only we looked at each other

steadily in the eye; and I saw the hair of his beard bristle, and

he raised one great hand to the collar of his shirt, and tore it

open as if it were strangling hie never stirred

"Won't you shake hands, George?"

His lips opened, but no words caht you out

days ago," I went on; "as it is I have been wishing to ain his lips opened, but still no word ca her heart over you"

A laugh burst from him, sudden, and harsh

"You 'ely

"I speak gospel truth!" said I

"I be nowt to Prue since the day you beat me at th' 'ammer-throwin'

--an' ye know it"

"Prudence loves you, and always has," said I "Go back to her,

George, go back to her, and to your work be the o back to her--she loves you If you still doubt my word--here,

read that!" and I held out his own letter, the letter on which