I reckon I liked him about the best of all the children; but I don't know as I ever done much to show it.

But you was always good to him, Jacob; you always done the best for him, ever since he was a little feller.

I used to be afraid you'd spoil him sometimes in them days; but I guess you're glad now for every time you didn't cross him.

I don't suppose since the twins died you ever hit him a lick." She stooped and peered closer at the face.

"Why, Jacob, what's that there by his pore eye ?" Dryfoos saw it, too, the wound that he had feared to look for, and that now seemed to redden on his sight.