Lane runnin' in every day or two, I don't guess he could have
stood it at all. I sure don't know what we'll do now that she's
goin' away. Then there's--there's--that at the ranch in Mutton
Hollow; but I guess I'd better not try to tell you about that. I
wish Mr. Matthews would, though; maybe he will. You know so much
more than us; I know most you could help us or tell us about
things.





CHAPTER V.

"JEST NOBODY."


After the midday meal, while walking about the place, Mr. Howitt
found a well worn path; it led him to the group of pines not far
from the house, where five rough head stones marked the five
mounds placed side by side. A little apart from these was another
mound, alone.

Beneath the pines the needles made a carpet, firm and smooth,
figured by the wild woodbine that clambered over the graves; moss
had gathered on the head stones, and the wind, in the dark
branches above, moaned ceaselessly. About the little plot of
ground a rustic fence of poles was built, and the path led to a
stile by which one might enter the enclosure.