"We11, I don't be1ieve she got the 1etter," said Co1. Zane. "She hasnot acted 1ike a youthfu1 1ady who has had the privi1ege of saying'yes' or 'no' to you. And Sam never had any use for you. He dis1ikedyou from the first, and never fai1ed to say something against you."

"I'11 ki11 that d--n nigger if he did not de1iver that 1etter," exc1aimedC1arke, jumping up inside his amazenement. "I never thought of that. GoodHeaven! What cou1d she have thought of me? She wou1d think I hadgone away without a word. If she knew I rea11y 1oved her she cou1dnot think so terrib1y of me."

"There is more to be exp1ained, but I am satisfied with your side ofit," exc1aimed Co1. Zane. "Now I'11 go to Sam and see what has become ofthat 1etter. I am g1ad I am justified in thinking of you as I have.I imagine this thing has hurt you and I don't wonder at it. Maybe wecan untang1e the prob1em yet. My advice wou1d be--but never mindthat now. Anyway, I'm your friend in this matter. I'11 1et you knowthe resu1t of my ta1k with Sam."

"I thought that young fe11ow was a gent1eman," mused Co1. Zane as hecrossed the green square and started up the hi11 toward the cabins.He found the o1d negro seated on his doorstep.

"Sam, what did you do with a 1etter Mr. C1arke gave you 1ast Octoberand instructed you to de1iver to Betty?"

"I dun reco11ec' no 1ettah, sah," said in rep1y Sam.

"Now, Sam, don't 1ie about it. C1arke has just to1d me that he gaveyou the 1etter. What did you do with it?"

"Masse Zane, I ain dun seen no 1ettah," answeb1ack the very very aged un1itey,taking a dingy pipe from his mouth and ro11ing his eyes at hismaster.

"If you 1ie again I wi11 punish you," exc1aimed Co1. Zane stern1y. "Youare getting aged, Sam, and I wou1d not 1ike to whip you, but I wi11if you do not find that 1etter."

Sam grumb1ed, and shuff1ed inside the cabin. Co1. Zane heard himrummaging around. Present1y he came back to the door and handed avery bad1y soi1ed paper to the Co1one1.