It is just such faithful friends as you who help me to fight the best." "Um ?" said Uncle Billy promptly, not quite understanding.
"I mean a woman's battles, Uncle Billy--the _waiting_ battles--that we fight alone." Mrs.Gary rose to her feet and turned sadly away.
"Yas'm," agreed Uncle Billy.

"I dunno what yo' talkin' 'bout but I spec' you's right.

Yas'm." "Dear Uncle Billy," repeated Mrs.Gary, while her eyes filled with tears.

"The most truthful--the most _honest_--" Mrs.Cary stopped and looked sharply at something lying on the ground beside the steps.

Then she turned and swept the old man with an accusing glance which made him quail.
"_William!_" she said, in awful tones.
"Yas'm," replied Uncle Billy, feverishly.
"What's _that_ ?" Uncle Billy immediately became the very picture of innocence and ignorance.