thistle down, almost thrilled him with an indefinite sense of alarm.
Reaching quickly downward he grasped a wrist that was not his own.




CHAPTER VIII.

Captain Shard's Proposal.

The arm Ralph seized was violently jerked and twisted, but the mountain
boy was strong for his age, and held on tight.

Turning at the same instant he found himself facing the same negro boy,
who had probably saved him from arrest that morning by warning him
regarding the bill posting.

"What did you want in my pocket?" demanded Ralph, feeling with his free
hand to assure himself that his money was safe.

"Hush!" half whispered the darky. "I didn't see hit was yo'. Deed I
didn't, suh."

Ralph regarded the negro steadily, as it dawned upon his crude
conceptions that the other was a thief. Then he thought of the service
the fellow had unwittingly done him, and at once released his grip.

"Go," said he contemptuously. "Don't let me see you round here any
more."