"He has turned me out, lock, stock, and barrel," replied the boy,
swallowing his pride in this humiliating confession.

"W-h-a-a-t?" ejaculated Jase thoroughly amazed, while Clell smiled at
Ralph in a most amiable manner.

"Grandpa was so provoked because I declined to obey him," said Ralph,
"that he told me to pack up and get out."

"For good and all?"

"Yes, for good. At least I sh'an't go back any more--unless--he was to
send for me."

"Bully for you! I wouldn't either. Give you the shake 'cause you
wouldn't let him put a bullet hole through me! Well, I swow!"

Jase stared at Ralph in mingled admiration and compassion.

"The dadburned old fool!" he continued. "'Scuse me, Ralph, no
reflections on your fambly, but hit kind o' teches my feelin's to see
you fired in this shape, long o' your actin' the gentleman with me.
Where be you goin'?"

"Somewhere's down below; I don't know exactly where."

"Got any money?"

"A little. I'm going to hunt work; then I'll soon make more. I
sha'n't stay in the mountains."