meet ye half way," replied the boy,
sullenly, adding "My father says he allus 'spicions roosters as don't
crow."

"What do you mean?"

"I 'low as how 'twould be like most fellers, as had licked another, to
brag about it."

So Angus suspected the proffered friendship! "Well, you see, when I
came to think it over, I saw that I was partly to blame," said Rodney.
"I broke into the talk and invited trouble. I don't like to hear any
one blamed because their skins happen to be black or red, but it
wasn't exactly my business, as the talk wasn't addressed to me."

"I reckon you're all right," said Angus, holding out his hand, this
time with a heartiness which was unmistakable. Then he said, "I'm glad
you've come up inter this neck o' woods, but I'm sorry ye bought that
place o' Denham, unless ye paid cash down an' mighty little at that.
The land's worn out and the ol' skin-flint has stuck two or three
others in the same way. Had a mortgage on it, an' then foreclosed."

"I don't know what arrangements father made," replied Rodney, uneasy
in mind because of what MacGregor had told him. He knew his father was
not considered a good business man, but always believed the other man
as honest as himself. "Anyhow I'm much obliged to you, Angus, for the
warning. Come over and see me, will you?"

"Thank ye, I'll do that," was the reply, and the boys parted friends.

While working in the field that afternoon, Rodney was so absorbed in
assisting and giving Thello directions about the work they were doing,
that he did not notice the approach of a tall man on horseback until a
pleasant voice greeted him: "Is this David Allison's son?"

"Yes, sir," Rodney replied, recognizing Mr. Jefferson of Monticello.

"I overheard some of your directions about the work, and concluded you
have a good understanding of it."

The boy flushed with pleasure. "Thank you, sir. Thello thinks I've a
lot to learn."

"'Deed no, Marse Rodney. Yo' certain sho--"

"Modesty is a good quality, my boy. I had a long talk with your father
the other day. He is anxious for you to have all possible advantages.
Now I have books in my library which I'm sure would afford you both
interest and profit. If you will come to Monticello soon we'll select
some," saying which he rode away.

"'Scuse me, Marse Rodney, but dey'll sho' think yo's not one ob de
quality ef yo' talks dat ar way 'bout what ol' Thello thinks."

Rodney made no reply. He stood looking after the man o