"Don't believe you'm strong enough."
"Why not Uncle Leadville push it then?"
Byron returned from his dream to sweep a lowering glance over the little platform of shivered wood. "I'd like to see myself pushin' that thing."
"'Twould do Aunt Sabina good to have a craik with mammy."
As this was to him a matter of indifference he made no answer and Gray turned to Mrs. Byron. "Anyhow, auntie, you'll come as far as the gate with me, won't you?"
"Why, of course I will. I did last night and the night before, didn't I?" said the other innocently. From the yard gate the road was in sight as far as Hember.
"Yes and I like for you to be there. It's company till I get home."
"I'll give you my company," said Leadville abruptly, "without you askin' me for't."
Gray turned a face, from which all expression had been banished, on the speaker. "I think you better stay with Aunt S'bina."
"Oh, she don't want me," he answered, a touch of pleading in his manner.