"Didn't think nothin' would get you," laughed Ollie. "Come on, you
might as well go 'long with us."

The other muttered something about being in the way, and started
back into the shed.

"Hurry up," called Sammy, "we're waitin'."

After this there was nothing else for the young man to do but join
them. And the three were soon making their way up the steep
mountain road together.

For a time they talked of commonplace things, then Young Matt
opened the subject that was on all their hearts. "I reckon, Ollie,
this is the last time that you'll ever be a climbin' this old
road." As he spoke he was really thinking of the time to come when
Sammy would climb the road for the last time.

"Yes," returned Stewart; "I go to-morrow 'fore sun up."

The other continued; "It'll sure be fine for you to live in the
city and get your schoolin' and all that. Us folks here in the
woods don't know nothin'. We ain't got no chance to learn. You'll
be forgettin' us all mighty quick, I reckon, once you get to
livin' with your rich kin."

" 'Deed, I won't!" returned Ollie warmly. "Sammy an' me was a
talkin' 'bout that this evenin'. We aim t' always come back t'
Mutton Holler onct a year, an' be just like other folks; don't we,
Sammy?"