unconcerned, yet all the while alive with feline watchfulness.

Arrived at the stable, the travellers were requested to wait there while
Youth went to find his father and "borry a wip."

At these last words, a "subtle smile, foreboding triumph," broke over
Dave's composed features, as he muttered,--

"Reckin you'll need one 'fore you reach Ga'ed Light."

The coast clear, Dave became a little more communicative, expatiated
upon the dangers and discomforts of the road, the incapacity of Youth's
horse, and the improbability that his father would ratify the bargain,
concluding by offering to "do the job himself in good shape for four
dollars," which offer was held in abeyance until we should learn the
result of Youth's interview with his father.

In the mean time, a matron suddenly made her appearance in the barn,
with a hospitable entreaty that "the woman and child" would come up to
the house and warm themselves; and Caleb strongly advocating the Idea,
Mysie and the Baron proceeded houseward.

About half-way they encountered Paterfamilias, hastening with Youth
toward the barn, and to him Matron at once recapitulated the affair,
concluding with mentioning the stipulated price. At this Pater turned,
with thunderous brow, toward Youth; but Matron interposed, with womanly
tact,--

"You can do jest as you like, you know, about lettin' him go; but Dave's
in the barn."