“I don’t intend to fight, Horace, if you’re willing to give them to me.  I had much rather have our present relations go on as they are, without a breach in them.  I think, if you and Ann talk it over, you will see that by giving the boy and girl into my hands—­”

Horace came a step nearer, with darkening brow: 

“You can go straight to hell!” he said, so fiercely that Everett started back.  “And the sooner you go, the better I shall be pleased,” his face reddened as he finished, “and so will Ann!”

“You’re speaking for someone who has not given you authority,” Everett sneered.  “Your sister will give me at least one of those children—­I imagine, the girl.  I think the father is more particular about having her.”

“I should think he would be, and you may take him this message from me:  that, if he sneaks about my house at any time of day or night, I’ll have him shot like a dog, for every man can protect his own; and if you—­”

Everett, seeing his chance, broke in: 

“He would be protecting his own, if he came to your home, for his own are there; and we are going to have those children before another month goes by!”

“Try it, and perhaps I may bring to your mind what you once said to me about that girl,” muttered Horace, with set teeth.  “Your errand being finished, Mr. Brimbecomb, you may go!”

Everett had received the worst of the encounter.  He had expected that Horace would consider Fledra’s and Floyd’s case in a gentler way, would probably compromise for Ann’s sake.  He went out not a little disturbed.

* * * * *

Horace waited for a few moments after Brimbecomb left him before he took his hat and coat and went home.  Ann was surprised to see him, and more surprised when he drew her into the drawing-room, where he mysteriously closed the door.

“Ann,” he said solemnly, “I believe the turning point in your life has come.  And I want you to judge for yourself and take your own stand without thinking of my happiness or comfort.”

The young woman lifted startled eyes and searched his face.

“What is it, Horace—­that squatter again?  Has he made a move against us?”

Horace bent over and took her hands in his.

“He has not only made a move against us, as far as the children are concerned, but he has used an instrument you would never have dreamed of.”  Seeing his sister did not reply, he went on, “Just what legal procedure they will undertake I don’t know; but that will come out in time.  Cronk went to Everett Brimbecomb with the case, and I was notified this morning by Everett to give up the children.”

“Everett!” breathed Ann, disbelieving.  “My Everett?”

“Yes, your Everett, Ann.  Don’t, child, please don’t!  Ann, Ann, listen to me!...  Yes, sit down....  Now wait!”

He held her closely in his arms until the storm of sobs had passed, and then placed a pillow under her head and went on gravely: