the girl demurely, and then she murmured something about her
cousins and looked back. They had gone down to a shallower ford,
and when they, too, had waded across, they said nothing and the
girl said nothing--so Hale started on, the two boys following. The
mule was slow and, being in a hurry, Hale urged him with his whip.
Every time he struck, the beast would kick up and once the girl
came near going off.

"You must watch out, when I hit him," said Hale.

"I don't know when you're goin' to hit him," she drawled
unconcernedly.

"Well, I'll let you know," said Hale laughing. "Now!" And, as he
whacked the beast again, the girl laughed and they were better
acquainted. Presently they passed two boys. Hale was wearing
riding-boots and tight breeches, and one of the boys ran his eyes
up boot and leg and if they were lifted higher, Hale could not
tell.

"Whar'd you git him?" he squeaked.

The girl turned her head as the mule broke into a trot.

"Ain't got time to tell. They are my cousins," explained the girl.

"What is your name?" asked Hale.

"Loretty Tolliver." Hale turned in his saddle.