“I don't want to go by it,” said Abner.

“What do you want, then?”

“My boy's run away, and I have just seen him aboard the train.”

“Oh, that's it, is it? Your son?”

“No, I hope not. It's a young rascal that's bound to me.”

“If he's a young rascal, I shouldn't think you'd want him back.”

Turning away, for he saw that he had failed, his glance rested on Ralph.

Instantly his anger rose.

“It's your doings,” said he, shaking his fist in impotent wrath at the sturdy hunter, whom he would have attacked had he dared. “It's your fault, and you shall pay for it if there's law in the land.”

“What will the law say to your attempt to shoot the boy?” demanded Ralph, coolly.