“No, one of Foster’s boys threw a stone across the street and hurt Vic. Jarred rode straight up here after him and horsewhipped him in his own yard.”
“I should not think he would have dared,” Scott exclaimed. “Where was Foster?”
“In the house,” Sewall chuckled, “and he stayed there. Jarred did not even look to see if he was in sight. He just licked the kid, turned his back on the house and rode away. From all I have heard, Jarred was never much afraid of anything.”
“I have always admired him,” Scott said.
“So have I,” Sewall confessed simply.
Again they walked in silence. When they came to Jarred’s gate, Scott called softly and Hopwood appeared in the doorway.
“How did you get here?” Scott asked in surprise. He never got used to Hopwood’s unexpected movements.
“I hurried up here to tell Vic that her mother was not seriously hurt,” Hopwood exclaimed.
“How is Jarred?” Scott asked anxiously.
Hopwood’s face brightened. “He seems much better. I believe he is going to get well.”