After the cistern was cleaned, and this was a much easier task than the well, Fayette returned to the curb, again lighted the candle, and lowered it. The foul and poisonous gases had mostly passed away, and the flame continued to burn as far down as the clothesline would reach.
"That's all right; I'll tackle it now."
"No, you'll not. None o' your foolhardiness here."
"Who made you boss o' me, John Young?"
"I did. I'll prevent you, if I have to hold on to you. Best leave it open till to-morrow, or longer even," said John. "I'm going to eat my dinner now. Come and have some."
"Bime-by. I'm goin' to take off my shoes. Work best when I'm barefoot."
The answer gave John no concern, for he knew this peculiarity of Fayette's; so he walked quietly away toward the old shed where he had tied his horses, to give them their food and secure his own. Before he reached them, however, he heard a loud shout, and, turning, saw the foolish boy capering about on the beam which had been laid across the top of the well, and from which the rope and bucket were still suspended.
"'Bony,' you fool, get off that! A misstep and you're gone!"
"All right, I'll get off!"