of the water-hole and started to reset them on the proper line,
than the long-legged Pete Dickerson appeared.

"Hey, you!" shouted Pete. "What are you monkeying with that line
fence for?"

"Because I won't have time to fix it later," responded Hiram,
calmly.

"Fresh Ike, ain't yer?" demanded young Dickerson.

He was half a head taller than Hiram, and plainly felt himself
safe in adopting bullying tactics.

"You put them posts back where you found 'em and string the wires
again in a hurry--or I'll make yer."

"This is Mrs. Atterson's fence," said Hiram, quietly. "I
havemade inquiries about the line, and I know where it belongs.

"No part of this water-hole belongs on your side of the fence,
Dickerson, and as long as I represent Mrs. Atterson it's not
going to be grabbed."

"Say! the old man gave my father the right to a part of this hole
long ago."

"Show your legal paper to that effect," promptly suggested Hiram.
"Then we will let it stand until the lawyers decide the matter."