Calhoun paid no attention to her call, but hurried on the faster.
“I tell you, boy, you had better come here if [pg 63]you know when you are well off!” she called, in a threatening voice, “Oh, I know you!”
Calhoun saw that he was discovered, and that his best way was to try to make peace with her. “What do yer want?” he growled, as he walked toward her. “I hev nuthin’ to sell; all sold out.”
“Well, I never!” said the girl as Calhoun came up. “Do you think I don’t know you, Cal Pennington? A pretty figure you cut in those old clothes, and with that basket. What in the world are you doing here?”
“Hush, Jennie, not so loud. If discovered, I might be hanged,” said Calhoun, in a low voice.
“Yankees don’t hang traitors; they ought to,” replied the girl, with a toss of her head.
“But don’t you see I am in disguise? I might be taken as a spy.”
“What are you but one? I ought to inform on you at once.”
“Jennie, you wouldn’t do that. I am only here to see father and mother. I had to come in disguise, or I might be taken prisoner by the Yankees.”
“And you are not here to spy? You know there are many rumors afloat?” asked the girl.