"Den dat young man run pintedly on he death! Ef you want keep us all dis side er de Jawdan Rivuh, don' let him set foot in dis neighbo'hood when yo' pa come back! An', honey--" his voice sank to a penetrating whisper--"'fo' I do a lick er wu'k I goin' out in de stable an' git down on my knees an' retu'n thanksgiving to de good God 'case he hole Carewe Street in de dahkness las' night!" This was the speech he chose for his exit, but, after closing the door behind him, he opened it again, and said, cheerfully: "Soon's I git de trunk fix f' yo' pa, I bring 'roun' dat bay colt wid de side saddle.

You better set 'bout gittin' on yo' ridin'-habit, Missy.

De roads is mighty good dis sunshiny wedduh." "Nelson ?" "Do you think such an attack as father had this morning--is--dangerous ?" He had hoped for another chance to laugh violently before he left her, and this completely fitted his desire.

"Ho, ho, he!" he shouted.

"No'm, no, no, honey! He jass git so mad it mek him sick.