the law will hear of its value. If my brother does not make a Can with
the Diamond Notch you will know me as one deficient in truth. There is
no point under the stars that the law cannot be got to declare upon. But
as is right, the law is slow, and will wait for a man to come out of
his fever. Before it can decide, another man's good name, like a little
cloud riding across the sky, is gone from the memory of the people and
will not come riding back upon the crest of any wind."

"It will be a great price to be paying for a tin can," said Festus
Clasby. He was turning around with his fingers the coins in his pocket.

The woman put the can on her arm, then covered it up with her shawl,
like a hen taking a chick under the protection of her wing.

"I have given you many words," she said, "because you are a man sizeable
and good to the eye of a foolish woman. If I had not a sick brother I
might be induced to let slip his right in the Can with the Diamond Notch
for the pleasure I have found in the look of your face. When I saw you
on the cart I said, 'There is the build of a man which is to my fancy.'
When I heard your voice I said, 'That is good music to the ear of a
woman.' When I saw your eye I said, 'There is danger to the heart of a
woman.' When I saw your beard I said, 'There is a great growth from the
strength of a man.' When you spoke to me and gave me your laugh I said,
'Ah, what a place that would be for a woman to be seated, driving the
roads of the country on a cart laden with provisions beside one so much
to the female liking.' But my sick brother waits, and now I go to do
that which may make away with the goodness of your name. I must seek
those who will throw the shadow of the law over many."

She moved away, sighing a quick sigh, as one might who was setting out