Catching sight of Mr. Dinsmore pacing the veranda alone, Calhoun slipped quietly away from the rest and joined him.
"Uncle," he said, coloring and dropping his eyes, "I think you doubt me."
"Have I not reason, Calhoun?" Mr. Dinsmore asked, looking searchingly into the lad's face.
"Yes, sir, I own that appearances are strongly against me, and I can not disprove the tale they tell; but—oh, if you could trust me still, uncle!"
He lifted his head, and gazed fearlessly into the keen dark eyes still bent searchingly upon him.
Mr. Dinsmore held out his hand, and cordially grasped the one Calhoun placed in it.
"Well, my boy, I will try: it is far pleasanter than to doubt you. But there is some one at Roselands who is disposed to aid and abet the Ku Klux in their lawless proceedings."
"I can not deny that," said the nephew, "yet it would ill become me to say who it is; and I think, sir, since grandpa has set down his foot so decidedly in opposition, there will be no more of it. Travilla and Cousin Elsie have given me their confidence again, and I assure you, sir, I am deeply grateful to you all."
Chapter Twelfth.
"If thou neglect'st, or dost unwillingly
What I command, I'll rack thee with old cramps,
Fill all thy bones with aches; make thee roar,
That beasts shall tremble at thy din."
—SHAKESPEARE'S TEMPEST.