.

A CONSULTATION AT KILEY'S.
Within twenty-four hours after Peggy got back to her old home, it was known all over the mountains that she meant business, and would make a claim on William Grant's estate.

Rumour, of course, supplied all the needful details.

It was said, and even sworn to, that Peggy had her marriage lines put by in a big iron box, ready to be produced at the proper time.

Other authorities knew for a fact that she had no proofs, but that the family at Kuryong were going to give her any sum from a thousand pounds to a million, to cancel her claim and save exposure.
As a matter of fact, none of those who talked knew anything whatever.
Peggy confided in no one but Red Mick, and that worthy had had enough legal experience of a rough and ready sort to know that things must be kept quiet till the proper time.