Releasing his daughter, Mr. Lane said, "Got anything to eat,
honey? We're powerful hungry. Wash 'lowed we'd better tie up at
the river, but I knew you'd be watching for me. The horses are
plumb beat." And Gibbs broke in with a coarse laugh, "I wouldn't
mind killin' a hoss neither, if I was t' git what you do at th'
end o' th' ride."

To this, Jim made no reply; but began loosening the saddle girths,
while Sammy only said, as she turned toward the house, "I'll have
supper ready for you directly, Daddy."

While the host was busy caring for his tired horse, the big man,
who did not remove the saddle from his mount, followed the girl
into the cabin. "Can't you even tell a feller, Howdy?" he
exclaimed, as he entered the kitchen.

"I did tell you, Howdy," replied the girl sharply, stirring up the
fire.

" 'Pears like you might o' been a grain warmer about hit," growled
the other, seating himself where he could watch her. "If I'd been
Young Matt er that skinny Ollie Stewart, you'd a' been keen
enough."

Sammy turned and faced him with angry eyes; "Look a here, Wash
Gibbs, I done tol' you last Thursday when you come for Daddy that
you'd better let me alone. I don't like you, and I don't aim to
ever have anything to do with you. You done fixed yourself with me
that time at the Cove picnic. I'll tell Daddy about that if you
don't mind. I don't want to make no trouble, but you just got to