kingbolt done gone clean in two!" said Luke, and Robelia repeated the
news explosively.

"We'll leave the coach," I announced. "Fold the lap-robes on the backs
of the two horses, for Rebecca and me. You-all can walk beside us."

After a while, so going, we passed a large plantation house, its
windows ruddy with home cheer. A second quarter-mile brought dimly to
view a railroad water-tank and an empty flag-station house, and in the
next bit of woods I spoke to Euonymus: "Have you that bundle? Ah, yes.
Luke, this boy and I are going off here a step for me to change my
dress. If any passer questions you, say I'll be right back."

"Yass, madam, but, er, eh--wouldn' you sooner take yo' maid, Robelia,
instid?"

"No, for as to dress I'll be as much of a man, when I get back, as
Euonymus."

"Is Euonymus gwine change dress too?"

"No, these things that I take off, your wife and Robelia may divide
between them."

I started away but Luke lifted a hand. I thought he was going to claim
every dud for Robelia. Not so.

"We all thanks you mighty much, madam, but in fac', ef de trufe got to
be tol'----"