"And you'll forgive me if I also interrupt," put in the stranger, with
the pleasantest smile, "but it is time I thanked the friend who saved my
life on Monday morning. I would come round and shake hands if only I
could see the gate."

"Don't 'ee mention it," replied Zeb, blushing hotly. "I'm glad to mark
ye lookin' so brave a'ready. Well, what d'ye say, Ruby?"

"I say 'please yoursel'.'"

For of the two men standing before Ruby (she did not count her father
and Jim Lewarne), the stranger, with his bold features and easy
conciliating carriage, had the advantage. It is probable that he knew
it, and threw a touch of acting into his silence as Zeb cut him short.

"That's a fair speech," replied Zeb. "Iss, turn it how you will, the
words be winnin' enow. But be danged, my dear, if I wudn' as lief you
said, 'Go to blazes!'"

"Fact is, my son," said Farmer Tresidder, candidly, "you'm good but
untimely, like kissin' the wrong maid. This here surpassin' young
friend o' mine was speech-makin' after a pleasant fashion in our ears
when you began to bawl--"

"Then you don't want to hear about the chest o' drawers?" interrupted
Zeb in dudgeon, with a glance at Ruby, who pretended not to see it.

"Well, no. To tell 'ee the slap-bang truth, I don't care if I see no
trace of 'ee till the dancin' begins to commence to-night."