was completely engrossed in the little charge which had been so
unexpectedly committed to her care.

"I mus' take special care ob dis chile," she' said. "Mebbe it's one of
de Lo'd's angels, fo' wif Him it doan make no diff'rance what is de
colah of de skin. Dey's all His chillun, an' He lubs dem all alike.
Doan yo' nebber fo'git dat, Missie Jean. Dis may be one of de Lo'd's
angels undewares."




CHAPTER VIII

BENEATH THE SPREADING MAPLE

The little community of Loyal had most things in common, as is
generally the custom in pioneer settlements. All took to their hearts
the little Indian child, and felt somewhat responsible for its welfare.
It seemed to them an omen of good will, and they believed that so long
as it was with them they would not be disturbed by the Indians. Old
Mammy was very strong on this point, and was the one who first
suggested the idea.

"If a cat comes to yo' it's a sign of good luck," she declared. "Now,
we didn't send fo' dis chile; it jes came to us, so why shouldn't it
bring us better luck den a cat?"

The colored woman considered the baby her special property, and only on
rare occasions would she allow anyone else to look after it. Jean was