"That you, Chunk?" asked Scoville. "Is the coast clear?"

"I reck'n. Keep shy yet a while, mars'r." A few words explained the
situation, and Chunk added: "You des feed dem Yankees big, granny.
I'se pervide mo'. I mus' go now sud'n. Made Aun' Suke b'lebe dat I
knowed ob chickens w'at roos' in trees, en dey tinks I'se lookin'
fer um. High ole times up ter de house," and he disappeared in the
darkness.

In nervous haste Aun' Jinkey prepared the ample supper. Scoville
hooted again, a shadowy form stole to the cabin for the food, and
disappeared again toward the run. Then Aun' Jinkey prepared to
compose her nerves by another smoke.

"Hand me up a coal for my pipe, also," said Scoville, "and then
we'll have a sociable time."

"I des feared onsosh'ble times dis eb'nin'," remarked Aun' Jinkey.

"If you knew how my bones ached, you'd help me pass the time."

"Reck'n mine ache, too, 'fo' I troo wid dis bus'ness."

"No, Aunt Jinkey, you won't be punished for doing a good deed. Your
young mistress is on your side, anyway. Who is she?"

"Young mistis ain' got no po'r ef dey fin's out. She nuff ter do ter
hol' 'er own."