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My Lady of the North by Randall Parrish
page 70 of 375 (18%)
"Madam," I said with a low bow, "it is misfortune, not desire, which
has caused us to trespass upon your hospitality. We will very gladly
pay you liberally for any damage done. I am an officer in the
Confederate service, and the breaking down of our horses compelled us
to take refuge here in order that this lady might not be exposed to
danger from roving gangs of guerillas. The dog attacked us in the dark,
and we killed him in order to save our lives."

"'The deep-mouthed bloodhound's heavy bay resounded up the rocky way,"
ejaculated Bungay with dancing eyes.

"Drat yer potry, Jed Bungay! ye dew make me tired fer suah." She turned
back to us, and from her first words it was plainly evident she had
been impressed with but one sentence of my labored explanation.

"Did you uns say as how ye 'd pay fer whut ye et and fer thet truck ye
busted?" she asked doubtfully.

"Certainly, madam," and I took some money from my pocket as evidence of
good faith. "What would you consider due you?"

The grim, set face relaxed slightly, while she permitted her husband to
edge his way a little more into the foreground.

"Wal, stranger, I sorter reckon as how 'bout four bits 'ill squar'
things--dorgs is mighty durn cheap hereabout enyhow."

"'But Lufra,--whom from Douglas' side nor bribe nor threat could e'er
divide,'" he protested. "Not that its name was Lufra, but he was a
blame fine dorg."
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