John Stuart Robertson

“ Elias Graves grows more stubborn with failure—his determination to disperse the squatters has become an obsession.
Teola Graves fears her father, who demands obedience rather than love.
Dan Jordan, a law student, has fascinated the lonely girl, but has failed to impress her father.
"Oh, Dan, if you could only find a way to drive out the squatters, father would do anything we ask."
Frederick Graves does not share his father's hatred of the squatters.
"Marvelous view, sir——if it weren't for your neighbors." ”

“ When the squatters begin to feel the pinch of hunger, Daddy Skinner gets out his net.
"I air warnin' ye, ye'll ketch more trouble than fish."
"I tells ye, old Graves air still watchin' with them shoe-button eyes of his'n."
"D'ye want us to sit 'round and starve?"
"We must be married at once, Dan—we dare not wait any longer."
"They've started out with the net, sir."
"If your father won't give his consent tonight, we will slip away and get married tomorrow." ”

“ FATHER
My own dear daddyOctober 2
the hilltoppers is keepen quiet
ben letts air a cuss
I air lonlie yit without ye
Mister Fredrik I like next to ye
he air nice
I reads in my bible as how christ ruz
he ruz up fer the whole world
cept ben letts
yers respecful
Tess
Afraid to live, but without courage to die.
"If it hadn't been for your father, Dan would be with me now—when I want him—when I need him most!"
"Afore God, Daddy never killed 'im!"
"Oh, the disgrace—the shame—I dare not face my father!"
DAWN.
"Why didn't you let us both die?" ”