"Any danger from th' Injuns, leavin' that way?"
"Oh, we slip out at night," answered Woodson. "Thar ain't much danger from any big bands. Got ter do it; customs officers air like axles; they work better arter they air greased. I aim ter leave two waggins behind th' noon arter we git to th' Upper Spring, an' save five hundred apiece on 'em. Th' other six kin make it from thar with th' extry loads, an' th' extry animals to help pull 'em." He looked toward the wagons of Alonzo and Enoch, where Tom had tarried on his way back. "Thar's a fine, upstandin' young man; I've had my eye on him ever since we left th' Grove."
"He is; an' anythin' he tells you is gospel," said Uncle Joe.
They saw the two traders waving their arms and soon Tom hurried up.
"Alonzo an' Enoch would like to go with us, only thar hosses air with th' herd," he said.
"Then we'll go afoot," declared Woodson. "I ain't hankerin' so much fer a hunt as I air ter git away from these danged waggins fer a spell. I'm sick o' th' sight o' 'em. Better come along, Mr. Cooper."
"That depends on how fur yer goin'; this young scamp will walk me off my feet."
"Oh, jest a-ways around th' hills; dassn't go too fur, on account of airy Injuns that may be hangin' 'round."
In a few moments the little group had left the encampment behind and out of sight and Woodson, waving the others ahead, fell back to Tom's side.
"Hyar we air, with nobody ter listen. What ye want ter tell me?"