After an hour or two she returned, having been absent at some meeting or merry-making, and, much to his chagrin, she brought back with her a stout young fellow who was evidently her lover.
The new-comer was not at all disposed to relinquish his claims in favor of David Crockett.

He stuck close to the maiden, and kept up such an incessant chatter that David could scarcely edge in a word.

In characteristic figure of speech he says, "I began to think I was barking up the wrong tree again.

But I determined to stand up to my rack, fodder or no fodder." He thought he was sure of the favor of her parents, and he was not certain that the girl herself had not given him sundry glances indicative of her preference.

Dark night was now coming on, and David had a rough road of fifteen miles to traverse through the forest before he could reach home.