"Where are you goin', Eph'um?"
"Down to the 'stillery."
"It 'pears to me you'd better take some rest."
"I will, later."
"Well, do be keerful an' keep an eye out for the raiders. I've been so oneasy an' pestered to-day that I feel mighty like somethin's goin' to happen."
He went out, but turned on the doorstep to speak to her:
"If anythin' does happen, mother, you'll be prepared for it."
She sighed, and her wrinkled face quivered with emotion.
"I'm always prepared for the worst, an' expectin' it. To have some sort o' dread on your mind 'pears to me to be a part o' life."
Ephraim shouldered his gun, and disappeared in the darkness. He followed the road for a short distance, then turned out into a trail leading over a ridge. It was not easy walking, but the sure-footedness and agility that are a birthright of the mountaineer made it easy for him.