Ralph sat looking into the fire.
There was no conscientious difficulty now in the way of his claiming Hannah.

The dry forestick lying on the rude stone andirons burst into a blaze.

The smoldering hope In the heart of Ralph Hartsook did the same.
He could have Hannah If he could win her.

But there came slowly back the recollection of his lost standing in Flat Creek.

There was circumstantial evidence against him.