[Footnote: See Preston's pamphlet on Mrs.Russell, pp.

11-18.] The times were hard, and they called for men of flinty fibre.

Those of softer, gentler mould would have failed in the midst of such surroundings.

The iron men of the border had a harsh and terrible task allotted them; and though they did it roughly, they did it thoroughly and on the whole well.

They may have failed to learn that it is good to be merciful, but at least they knew that it is still better to be just and strong and brave; to see clearly one's rights, and to guard them with a ready hand.
These frontier leaders were generally very jealous of one another.