copy of the placard which he had tied around Jack's neck when he sent him
home, and it set Margaret to laughing and asking questions. Before he knew it
Chad was telling her about Jack and the mountains; how he had run away; about
the Turners and about Melissa and coming down the river on a raft--all he had
done and all he meant to do. And from looking at Chad now and then, Margaret
finally kept her eyes fixed on his--and thus they stood when they reached the
gate, while crows flew cawing over them and the air grew chill.

"And did Jack go home?"

Chad laughed.

"No, he didn't. He come back, and I had to hide fer two days. Then, because
he couldn't find me he did go, thinking I had gone back to the mountains,
too. He went to look fer me."

"Well, if he comes back again I'll ask my papa to get them to let you keep
Jack at college," said Margaret.

Chad shook his head.

"Then I'll keep him for you myself." The boy looked his gratitude, but shook
his head again.

"He won't stay."

Margaret asked for the placard again as they moved down the street.

"You've got it spelled wrong," she said, pointing to "steel." Chad blushed.
"I can't spell when I write," he said. "I can't even talk--right."