Before explanations could be made, a step was heard approaching the door, and Sammy had just time to say, "Wash Gibbs," in answer to her father's inquiring look, when the big man entered.

Mr.Lane arose to hang his violin on its peg.
"Don't stop fer me, Jim," said the newcomer.

"Jest let her go.

Me an' Sammy's been havin' a nice little walk, an' some right peart music would sound mighty fine." Gibbs was angered beyond reason at Sammy's last words, or he would have exercised greater care.
Sammy's father made no reply until the girl had left the room, but whatever it was that his keen eye read in his daughter's face, it made him turn to his guest with anything but a cordial manner, and there was that in his voice that should have warned the other.
"So you and Sammy went for a walk, did you ?" "She was comin' home from th' sheep ranch, an' I caught up with her," explained Gibbs.

"I 'lowed as how she needed company, so I come 'long.