Sammy caught the odor of tobacco, and a moment later Jim heard a light, quick step on the floor behind him.

Then two arms went around his neck; "What is it, Daddy?
What is it?
Why don't you drive that man away ?" "Did you hear us talkin' ?" asked the man, an anxious note in his voice.
"I heard you talkin' to him about pesterin' me, but after that, you didn't talk so loud.

What is the matter, Daddy, that he could stay and be so thick with you after the things you said?
I was sure he'd make you kill him." Jim laughed softly; "You're just like your mother, girl.

Just like her, with the old blood a backin' you up." Then he asked a number of questions about Mr.Howitt, and her visit to the ranch that evening.
As Sammy told him of her ambition to fit herself for the place that would be hers, when she married, and repeating the things that Mr.Howitt had told her, explained how the shepherd had promised to help, Jim expressed his satisfaction and delight.

"I knowed you was a studyin' about something, girl," he said, "but I didn't say nothin', 'cause I 'lowed you'd tell me when you got ready." "I didn't want to say nothing 'til I was sure, you see," replied the daughter.