Did any body pass while you was a sittin' there, jest before I come in sight ?" "Not a soul," answered the other.

"Did you meet someone down the road ?" The big man looked at the shepherd hard before he answered, in a half-frightened, half-bullying tone, "I seed something in th' road yonder, an' hit disappeared right by th' old shack under th' bluffs." He twisted around in his saddle again, facing the cliff with its dense shadows and dim twilight forms, as he muttered, "If I was only right sure, I--" Then swinging back he leaned toward the man on the ground; "Look a here, Mister.

There's them that 'lows there's things in this here Holler t' be afeared of, an' I reckon hit's so.

There's sure been hell t' pay at that there cabin down yonder.

I ain't a sayin' what hit was I seed, but if hit war anywhere else, I'd a said hit was a man; but if hit was a man, I don't know why you didn't see him when he come past; er else you're a lyin'.