"Does the Bible talk of Daddy Skinner?" she entreated; "does it tell as how he air comin' home?"
"Indeed, yes," was the student's answer. "There's nothing the Bible doesn't contain. The Saviour was nailed to the Cross bearing his misery to give you a heavenly harp and crown, Tessibel. If you read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, you will see it all plainly. You can be happy if you pray and are a good girl while your father is away." Then, desiring to ease the tense-drawn face, he added:
"It will please him if you write him often and tell him about yourself.... Come now, it's getting too dark for you to walk those tracks. Child, haven't you a friend in town with whom you can pass the night? It's frightful to tramp that distance alone."
Tess stiffened instantly. Daddy's shanty was in her care, and of what night had she ever been afraid?
"I air a goin' home," she answered almost sullenly; "ain't a dum bit afraid of nothin'."
As Frederick turned to her side, Tess glanced up confusedly.
"Ye can't walk with me through the streets of Ithacy," said she.
"Why not?"
"Cause—well, cause ye can't, that's why!"
Frederick understood, and, gravely lifting his hat, turned in the other direction with the remark that he would see her again soon.