"Sing!" says he, and I ups and sings, and whiles I don't never know
what I bin singing.'

'That I can well believe,' said Vessons.

Reddin swung round.

'What the devil are you doing here?' he asked.

'I've come to say'--Vessons' tone was dry--'as supper's burnt.'

'Burnt?'

'Ah, to a cinder.'

'How did you do that, you fool?'

'Harkening at the lady teaching me to sing.'

Reddin was furious. He knew why supper was burnt.

'Get out!' he said. 'Get out into the stable and stay there. I'll get
supper myself.'

Vessons withdrew composedly. Since Hazel had offended him, he had
decided that she must take care of herself.

'Couldna he bide in the house?' asked Hazel uneasily.

'No.'