"That's exactly what I come about. If it hadn't been for that difficulty, I'd a had you off afore this. I've been talking to par about the chores to hum, and he's kinder promised to let me off from part of 'em and give me time to stop here on my way to school and back. I'll take care of the critters and feed the chickens till some of 'em get home again; so don't worry yourself about them, but chirk up and act like a man. What are you looking away for? Don't it suit you?"
Jube turned his face upon the boy; a face all quivering and aglow with happiness.
"Oh, Masser Tom, a great rock is lifted right off from my heart. Masser Paul! Masser Paul!"
"It wont take you more than a day to get there."
"One day? to-morrow night? no more?" questioned the negro, earnestly.
"Jes so. Now pack up and I'll drive you over to the stage house, consarn me, if I wont; for, cuffy or no cuffy, you are a prime feller, Jube, and I aint ashamed of your acquaintance. It's an honor, Jube, and I feel it."
The next morning Tom sat in his father's yellow wagon in front of the stage house, while Jube, smiling till all his teeth shone, again waved an adieu from the top of the stage.
"Good-by, Jube; tell Paul not to forget old Bungy and the folks that's in it."
Jube smiled broadly.
"Tell him to come back in the spring."