"You didn't let any grass grow under your feet," she said.

Sinton saw her white, drawn face and comprehended.

"I went to pay a debt and see about this opening of the ditch, Kate."

"You said you were going to prosecute me."

"Good gracious, Kate!" cried Sinton. "Is that what you have been
thinking all day? I told you before I left yesterday that I would not
need do that. And I won't! We can't afford to quarrel over Elnora. She's
all we've got. Now that she has proved that if you don't do just what
I think you ought by way of clothes and schooling, she can take care of
herself, I put that out of my head. What I came to see you about is
a kind of scare I've had to-day. I want to ask you if you ever see
anything about the swamp that makes you think the old Corson gang is
still at work?"

"Can't say that I do," said Mrs. Comstock. "There's kind of dancing
lights there sometimes, but I supposed it was just people passing along
the road with lanterns. Folks hereabout are none too fond of the swamp.
I hate it like death. I've never stayed here a night in my life without
Robert's revolver, clean and loaded, under my pillow, and the shotgun,
same condition, by the bed. I can't say that I'm afraid here at home.
I'm not. I can take care of myself. But none of the swamp for me!"

"Well, I'm glad you are not afraid, Kate, because I must tell you
something. Elnora stopped at the case this morning, and somebody had
been into it in the night."