All this the old miller told in answer to Rome's questions as the
two walked away in the twilight. This was why he had not
recognized her, and why her face yet seemed familiar even when
he crossed the river that morning.

"Uncle Gabe, how do you reckon the gal knowed who I was?"

"She axed me."

"She axed you! Whar?"

Over thar in the mill." The miller was watching the young
mountaineer closely. The manner of the girl was significant when
she asked who Rome was, and the miller knew but one reason
possible for his foolhardiness that morning.

"Do you mean to say she have been over hyeh afore?"

"Why, yes, come to think about it, three or four times while Isom
was sick, and whut she come fer I can't make out. The mill over
thar wasn't broke long, 'n' why she didn't go thar or bring more co'n
at a time, to save her the trouble o' so many trips, I can't see to save
me.

Young Stetson was listening eagerly. Again the miller cast his
bait.

Mebbe she's spyin'."

Rome faced him, alert with suspicion; but old Gabe was laughing