Neb unlocked the stable door. "Or bite," he added.
"Bite! Dellaw!" the girl exclaimed, still more amazed. How little she had learned of royalty up in the mountains!
The aged negro threw the door wide open. "Go in, honey, now; go in," he said.
"I'm skeered!" she said, and tiptoed to the stable door. She peered in cautiously. Then she turned and faced him with much-puzzled eyes. "I don't see nothin' but a hoss," she said.
"Uh-huh; dat's Queen Bess." Old Neb stood chuckling, looking at her.
"Queen Bess is Mister Frank's race-hoss!" she cried, delighted by the revelation. "Well, now, I feel to home." She went into the stable with her bundle, half-closed the door and then peeped out at Neb. "You won't let any one come in?"
He held the key up reassuringly. "Don't you see I's got de key, honey?"
"I'd feel safer if I had that key myself," said she, and snatched it from him. An instant later and the door was closed and locked on the inside.
Neb was alarmed. He had disobeyed plain orders in letting her go in at all. For him to let that key out of his possession was a further violation which he feared to be responsible for. He pounded on the door. "Open de doah, honey," he implored. "I mus' hab dat key!"
"All right," said she, "soon's I am dressed."