Літо

           Shedrewbackalittle,lesttheyshouldseeshewasinhearing.

           “TheMountain?TheMountain?”sheheardMr.Royallsay.“Why,theMountain’sablot—that’swhatitis,sir,ablot.Thatscumupthereoughttohavebeenruninlongago—andwouldhave,ifthepeopledownherehadn’tbeencleanscaredofthem.TheMountainbelongstothistownship,andit’sNorthDormer’sfaultifthere’sagangofthievesandoutlawslivingoverthere,insightofus,defyingthelawsoftheircountry.Why,thereain’tasherifforatax-collectororacoroner’ddurstgoupthere.WhentheyhearoftroubleontheMountaintheselectmenlooktheotherway,andpassanappropriationtobeautifythetownpump.Theonlymanthatevergoesupistheminister,andhegoesbecausetheysenddownandgethimwheneverthere’sanyofthemdies.TheythinkalotofChristianburialontheMountain—butIneverheardoftheirhavingtheministeruptomarrythem.AndtheynevertroubletheJusticeofthePeaceeither.Theyjustherdtogetherliketheheathen.”

           Hewenton,explaininginsomewhattechnicallanguagehowthelittlecolonyofsquattershadcontrivedtokeepthelawatbay,andCharity,withburningeagerness,awaitedyoungHarney’scomment;buttheyoungmanseemedmoreconcernedtohearMr.Royall’sviewsthantoexpresshisown.

           “Isupposeyou’veneverbeenupthereyourself?”hepresentlyasked.

           “Yes,Ihave,”saidMr.Royallwithacontemptuouslaugh.“ThewiseacresdownheretoldmeI’dbedoneforbeforeIgotback;butnobodyliftedafingertohurtme.