“We was more ’spectable then. Nat he worked—didn’t drink much—hunted an’ trapped—made a good livin’. Dyke wanted board with us. We let him. He went paintin’—up ’long the crick—up onto Minnewasky—diff’rent places. Little Marryin stayed here mostly—’count o’ snakes—daddy was scairt she’d git—bit if she went ’long o’ him.
“Dyke was good feller but—quick-tempered—git fightin’ mad like a shot. Him an’ Nat—they had two-three spats. One time they went huntin’. Nat come home ’lone. Said Dyke fell offen Dickabar. Kilt.
“We got him outen—the rocks. Buried him out back. Nat got drinkin’—talkin’ into his sleep—let out that him an’ Dyke fit ’bout suthin’. Nat busted his neck. When he see what he—done, he throwed him—offen Dickabar to look like—he fell by—hisself.
“’Course I never told. Nat he was my man. Snake Sanders, he—knowed or ’spicioned—I dunno how—but he kep’ Nat scairt. Made Nat do—dirty work. But he never—told on him. Nor I wouldn’t—tell ye now but—Nat he’s gone—can’t nobody hurt him now. I’m a-goin’ too—Marry she’ll be ’lone—’ceptin’ for Steve an’—you. One o’ ye’s got to—look out for her.”
She gasped, struggled up straighter, fought off the tightening clasp of Death. Her dimming eyes traveled about the blur of hovering faces. Except Steve, asleep outside, all in the house now were clustered around the bed.
“Ye—Hampton—I been mad at ye—but—ye come from outside—like Marry’s pop. Marry she—b’longs outside too. Her folks was quality—she warn’t borned into—Traps. She’d oughter go out.
“Steve an’ her, they—growed up like brother an’—sister. They knowed they warn’t—but they been the same. Steve got livin’ with us—I dunno jest when—he was little feller—he jest come an’ stayed. They growed—like I said. He’s good boy but—he ain’t fitten to—take care o’ Marry. Too wild—too young—he ain’t got a stiddy head—ye know what I—mean. I’d go easier to know she was—took care of by—strong man that knowed things.”
She strove to make out the expression on the face of the blond blur which was Hampton. She could not. But to her failing ears came a deep-toned, solemn promise.
“I will take care of her. As if she were my own sister.”
Another faint smile fluttered and faded. The black head sank back wearily. Once more the stiffening lips moved.