"Well, I'll let you know," said Hale laughing. "Now!" And, as he
whacked the beast again, the girl laughed and they were better
acquainted. Presently they passed two boys. Hale was wearing
riding-boots and tight breeches, and one of the boys ran his eyes
up boot and leg and if they were lifted higher, Hale could not
tell.
"Whar'd you git him?" he squeaked.
The girl turned her head as the mule broke into a trot.
"Ain't got time to tell. They are my cousins," explained the girl.
"What is your name?" asked Hale.
"Loretty Tolliver." Hale turned in his saddle.
"Are you the daughter of Dave Tolliver?"
"Yes."
"Then you've got a brother named Dave?"
"Yes." This, then, was the sister of the black-haired boy he had
seen in the Lonesome Cove.
"Haven't you got some kinfolks over the mountain?"
"Yes, I got an uncle livin' over thar. Devil Judd, folks calls
him," said the girl simply. This girl was cousin to little June in
Lonesome Cove. Every now and then she would look behind them, and
when Hale turned again inquiringly she explained:
"I'm worried about my cousins back thar. I'm afeered somethin'
mought happen to 'em.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75