, and drooping mustache
of black.

His companion, Wash Gibbs, was a gigantic man; taller and heavier,
even, than the elder Matthews, but more loosely put together than
Old Matt; with coarse, heavy features, and, as Grandma Bowles
said, "the look of a sheep killin' dog." Grandma, being very near
her journey's end, could tell the truth even about Wash Gibbs, but
others spoke of the giant only in whispers, save when they spoke
in admiration of his physical powers.

As the two men swung stiffly from their saddles, Sammy came
running to greet her father with a kiss of welcome; this little
exhibition of affection between parent and child was one of the
many things that marked the Lanes as different from the natives of
that region. Your true backwoodsman carefully hides every sign of
his love for either family or friends. Wash Gibbs stood looking on
with an expression upon his brutal face that had very little of
the human in it.

Releasing his daughter, Mr. Lane said, "Got anything to eat,
honey? We're powerful hungry. Wash 'lowed we'd better tie up at
the river, but I knew you'd be watching for me. The horses are
plumb beat." And Gibbs broke in with a coarse laugh, "I wouldn't
mind killin' a hoss neither, if I was t' git what you do at th'
end o' th' ride."

To this, Jim made no reply; but began loosening the saddle girths,
while Sammy only said, as she turned toward the house, "I'll have
supper ready for you directly, Daddy."

While the host was busy caring for his tired horse, the big man,
who did not remove the saddle from his mount, followed the girl
into the cabin. "Can't you even tell a feller, Howdy?" he
exclaimed, as he entered the kitchen.

"I did tell you, Howdy," replied the girl sharply, stirring up the
fire.

"'Pears like you might o' been a grain warmer about hit," growled
the other, seating himself where he could watch her. "If I'd been
Young Matt er that skinny Ollie Stewart, you'd a' been keen
enough."

Sammy turned and faced him with angry eyes; "Look a here, Wash
Gibbs, I done tol' you last Thursday when you come for Daddy that
you'd better let me alone. I don't like you, and I don't aim to
ever have anything to do with you. You done fixed yourself with me
that time at the Cove picnic. I'll tell Daddy about that if you
don't mind. I don't want to make no trouble, but you just got to
quit pestering me."

The big fellow sneered. "I 'lowed you might change your mind 'bout
that some day. Jim ain