Phoebe Deane (40 page)

Late that afternoon Hank Williams coming up from the village brought with him a letter for Hiram Green which he stopped to leave, hoping to find out from Hiram what had happened during the afternoon. The old housekeeper took the letter saying, " Hiram wan't well," and Hank went onward crestfallen.

A few minutes later Hiram tore open his letter. It read:

" Mistur Grene,

" You hev ben fond out. We want no mor lyres an crimnles in our toun. We hev fond the seels off'n Phoebe Denes leter in yor poseshun an we hev uther good evedens thet you open unitd stats male we will giv yo I wek to sel ot an lev toun EF yo ever sho yer hed agin hear or in Noo York yo wil be tard an fethured an punisht cordin to law. "

yors fer reveng

"A Feller Tounsman."

That night while his household slept Hiram Green went forth from his home to parts unknown, leaving his little children to the tender mercies of Aunt Keziah Dart or whoever might be touched with a feeling of pity for them.

And Miranda, who, without the counsel or knowledge of anyone, had written the remarkable epistle which sent him out, lay down serenely and slept the sleep of the just.

And that same night the moon shone brightly over the Hudson River, like a path of silver for the two who sat long on deck, talking of how they loved Miranda, with laughter that was nigh to tears.

THE END.