“Hello, there,” Scott called.
There was a noise as of some one cautiously opening a door.
“Grandpa,” the child called weakly.
The door swung wide and the old man strode hurriedly across the yard. Scott was about to meet old Jarred Morgan.
CHAPTER X
SCOTT MEETS JARRED
Scott let the girl sit on the ground with her back against his knees and watched the famous old man coming to protect his own. He presented a striking figure striding along through the moonlight with hurried dignity. His tall, gaunt form was as erect as that of a man of twenty, and his step as springy. His ever present rifle hung comfortably across the hollow of his arm. He cast one keen glance of suspicion at Scott and knelt beside the girl.
“What is it, Vic?” he asked tenderly.
“I fell off old Dan,” she confessed sheepishly.
“Are you hurt?” he insisted anxiously.
“I have a knot on my head, and I twisted my leg,” she said.