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 you made your way to the top of the mountain above your house and there kindled a signal fire?"

"Why, how did you know?" blurted out Mehitable. Then she stopped and bit her lip angrily, while the Squire gave a low cackle of satisfaction.

"Never mind how he knew," interrupted Hawtree roughly.

"I'll tell ye! I'll tell ye!" gloated Squire Briggs. "I watched ye!"

"Then you were home that day!" accused Mehitable instantly. "You were home and you did not come to help us get Charity out of your cistern!"

The Squire reddened at her indignant accusation. "I had other fish to fry," he muttered sullenly. "You should not have trespassed upon my land!"

But he did not forget to the end of his days the long, contemptuous look Mehitable gave him. He knew she had read his mean little soul aright! And liked her accordingly!

"Come, come, that's neither here nor there," growled Hawtree. "Answer the question, mistress, or 'twill be the worse for you!"

"I do not know the reason for the signal fire; but if I did, I would not tell you," answered Mehitable instantly.

The two men stared at her threateningly, and Hawtree made a movement toward the leather thongs upon the table top. But Squire Briggs raised his hand.

"Give her but another chance," he said, scowling again. "I am sure she will remember in a moment, sir."