“I can’t, old man.”
“Yes, you can, and will. Let’s be forgiving. I told him he might come and see you and talk to you as he did to me, and it’s just his time. Yes; there he is.”
For there was a step at the outside, and Joe went quickly to the door.
“Come in, Tom,” said Joe.
The man, looking very much tattered and very humble, came in, hat in hand.
“Mornin’, sir,” he said softly. Then his eyes seemed to lash fire, and with a savage look he threw out his arms, for with one furious growl the dog leaped at him, and fastened upon the roll of cotton neckerchief which was wrapped about his throat.