"All right," said Ralph at last. "I will go and feel thankful for the
chance, if you will answer me one question. Why should you be so--so
willing to do a favor to me. In the mountains folks would think you
were crazy."

"Ha! That miserable old feud again. My boy, I have outgrown it; have
been too much in the world. I see in you a bright lad, who only needs
to be started in order to make his own way. Why should I not start you
as well as any one else, especially when it costs me nothing but the
stroke of a pen? Besides your going to Augusta saves me the expense of
hiring an extra hand."

All this seemed so reasonable that Ralph's weakening scruples entirely
vanished. He assented without further parley to Captain Shard's offer,
and was straightway placed under the supervision of the foreman, who
was in a rear stable yard haltering a small drove of mules together in
squads.

Ralph lent active assistance, and in half an hour they were ready to
start. One mule in each bunch was saddled. Extra clothing was rolled
in blankets, and strapped behind the saddles.

Emmons disappeared in the direction of the office. When he returned
the captain came with him, bearing in his hand a letter.

"Here is your introduction to Captain Gary, the gentleman whom you will
find at the Marshall House in Savannah. Suppose you read it to see
that all is square and above board."