gathered at the big gate, on the lookout for the wagons. Diddie was
perched upon one gate-post and Dumps on the other, while Tot was
sitting on the fence, held on by Riar, lest she might fall. Dilsey and
Chris were stationed 'way down the road to catch the first glimpse of
the wagons. They were all getting very impatient, for they had been
out there nearly an hour, and it was now getting so late they knew
Mammy would not let them stay much longer.

"I know de reason dey so late, Miss Diddie," said Riar, "dey got dat
new mule Sam in de lead in one de wagins, and Unker Bill say he know
he gwine cut up, f'um de look in he's eyes."

"Uncle Bill don't know everything," answered Diddie. "There are six
mules in the wagon, and Sam's jest only one of 'em; I reckon he can't
cut up much by hisself; five's more'n one, ain't it?"

"I do b'lieve we've been out hyear er hun-der-d hours," said Dumps,
yawning wearily; and just then Dilsey and Chris came running towards
the gate, waving their arms and crying,

"Hyear dey come! hyear dey come!" and, sure enough, the great
white-covered wagons came slowly down the road, and Major Waldron on
Prince, his black horse, riding in advance.

He quickened his pace when he caught sight of the children; for he was
very fond of his little daughters, and had been away from them two
weeks, trading in New Orleans. He rode up now to the fence, and
lifting Tot to the saddle before him, took her in his arms and kissed
her.