standing just outside the shed, ostensibly doing something with
the belt that led to the burr, but in reality looking up the
creek.

"Law!" ejaculated Buck, under his breath; "what a team THEY'D
make!"

"Who?" said Lem, who was standing near by.

"Them mule colts," returned Buck with a grin.

"They sure will, Buck. There ain't two better in the country;
they're a dead match. I'll come over an' hep you break 'em when
they're big 'nough." And then he wondered why Buck swore with such
evident delight.

One by one the natives received their meal, and, singly, or in
groups of two or three, were swallowed up by the great forest.
Already the little valley was in the shadow of the mountain,
though the sun still shone brightly on the tree tops higher up,
when Ollie and Sammy returned from the Forks. Mr. Matthews had
climbed the hill when the last grist was ground, leaving his son
to cool down the engine and put things right about the mill.

"Come on, Matt," said Ollie, as the big fellow brought out the
meal; "It's time you was a goin' home."

The young giant hung back, saying, "You folks better go on ahead.
I'll get home alright."