closed by a wooden latch, and the party returned from this short sortie,
with steps that were a little quickened by a sense of an uneasiness that
beset them in forms suited to their several characters. But shelter was at
hand, and it was speedily regained.

"Thou hast seen nothing?" said Content to Reuben Ring, who had been chosen
for his quick eye, and a sagacity that was as remarkable as was his
brother's impotency; "thou hast seen nothing at thy watch?"

"Nought unusual; and yet I like not yonder billet of wood, near to the
fence against the knoll. If it were not so plainly a half-burnt log, one
might fancy there is life in it. But when fancy is at work, the sight is
keen. Once or twice I have thought it seemed to be rolling towards the
brook; I am not, even now, certain that when first seen it did not lie
eight or ten feet higher against the bank."

"It may be a living thing!"

"On the faith of a woodman's eye, it well may be," said Eben Dudley; "but
should it be haunted by a legion of wicked spirits, one may bring it to
quiet from the loop at the nearest corner. Stand aside, Madam Heathcote,"
for the character and wealth of the proprietors of the valley, gave Ruth a
claim to this term of respect among the laborers: "let me thrust the piece
through the--stop, there is an especial charm in the gun, which it might
be sinful to waste on such a creature. It may be no more than some
sweet-toothed bear. I will answer for the charge at my own cost, if thou
wilt lend me thy musket, Reuben Ring."

"It shall riot be," said his master; "one known to my father hath this
night entered our dwelling and fed at our board; if he hath departed in a