Yo

“What do you want here 2 7 he ertede half rising, and grippmg nervously the handle of his knifc.

“You have dismissed mie,” rephied George,

CUUAWHAT DO oYouU WAL HERE Y

with a calm voree, “so 1 have come to get my things, and to tell vou that "Tertsehka will o away with me.”

The overscer made a0 movement as if about to spring upon them. T'hen, sceing George's determimed attitude, he recolled in alarm.

“ I have nothing to reply to vou,” he said at last. through his clenched teeth.

“lhat 1s not necessary. Tertsehka is of age, consequently she is free to do oas she pleases.”

‘The overscer burst into a hiss of fury.

“Take what belongs to vou, Resi” George continued, taking down his own coat which hung on the wally “and let us go.”

The overseer gasped painfully for breath, A struggle was passing within him. He hardly knew what to do next. As he hesttated, he threw a sidelong olance at Tertschka, who, unfortunately, could not control her agitation. s she walked towards her box he sprang upon her, and, grasping her by the shoulders, pushed her into the ccllar, the door of which was half open, locked the door, and put the kev in his pocket,

“That 15 my answer,” he bellowed, with such fury that his whole body trembled. Then, gulpmg down his rage, he returned to his scat, and renewed his occupation,

This scene had passed so rapidly, and in a

LOLLERS OF 11/ KOCAS.

O1 7

manner so unexpected, that George could do nothimg to prevent 1. Without anv unduc haste, he buckled on lus knapsack, and

approached the overseer slowly.

“Let Tertsehka out!” he said, m a firm voice.

The overseer went on pecling his pota- Loes.,

“l.ct Tertschka out!” repeated Gieorge, again.

The overscer's hands began to shake. As (icorge re- peated his demand, for

“the third . time, 1 a S0 more impera- C tive tone, he started up with clench- cd fists.

“DBe

HE Rk,

off)” he shouted, S unless - -

~ Unless what? 7 repeated George, calmly, “Nou cannot frighten me, with all your Dluster. You illtreated me when 1 was weak and defenceless. Now 1defy vou Lo vour face !

The overseer's countenance was o look at. Hate and vengeance struggled on 1t with the Dbasest cowardice. He gasped for breath, and his curved fingers scemed to clateh at something to rend to preces,

CLadvise vou,” said George, o give up Tertsehka, or else T shall use foree.”

In the miudst of this scene several of the workmen had entered the cabin, Noon was approaching 1 perhaps thev were also not unwilling to he witness of a scene which

terrible

promised to be o stormy. Their presence appeared toincercase the drritation of the overseer. e felt that all their eves were

upon him, and to conceal his trepidation from those scrutinizing glances he assumed an air of msolence.

“Tust histen to the cur! He threatens

me. Come, kick him out of the place for me.” The men Tooked hesitatingly at - one

another, but no one stirred.

“You sce,” George continued, “no one will touch me. T ask vou for the last time to et Tertschka out, or 1 will use this