"That's alright, honey," exclaimed the other insolently. "I'm a
goin' your way just th' same; an' we'll mosey 'long t'gether. I
was a goin' home, but I've got business with your paw now."

"Worse thing for Daddy, too," flashed the girl. "I wish you'd stay
away from him."

Wash laughed; "Your daddy couldn't keep house 'thout me, nohow.
Who was that feller talkin' with you an' th' old man down yonder?"

"There wasn't nobody talkin' to us," replied Sammy shortly.

"That's what he said, too," growled Gibbs; "but I sure seed
somebody a sneakin' into th' brush when I rode up. I thought when
I was down there hit might o' been a hant; but I know hit was a
man, now. There's somethin' mighty funny a goin' on around here,
since that feller come int' th' neighborhood; an' he'll sure find
somethin' in Mutton Holler more alive than Ol' Matt's gal if he
ain't careful."

The girl caught her breath quickly. She knew the big ruffian's
methods, and with good reason feared for her old friend, should he
even unconsciously incur the giant's displeasure.

As they drew near the house, Wash continued, "Young Matt he was
there too. Let me tell you I ain't forgot 'bout his big show at
th' mill last spring; he'll have t' do a heap better'n he done
then, when I get 'round t' him."

Sammy laughed scornfully, "'Pears like you ain't been in no hurry