Tessibel had regained her self-control. She knew that Waldstricker's presence meant danger to her loved ones, Daddy and Andy Bishop. In their defense, eager to hinder him, her quick thought sought his purpose in coming to the shack. Could it be about Mother Moll, she wondered. She would ask him. Looking up at Waldstricker, she addressed him timidly,
"I hope, sir, ye ain't mad at Mother Moll any more?"
Waldstricker, intent upon his idea of interesting her in the search for his father's murderer, waived her question aside. He would attend to the witch and her fantastic mummeries later.
"Never mind the old woman now," he began pompously. "I came here today on purpose to see you about another matter."
Why, yesterday he had said he wanted to talk to Daddy; now today he wanted to speak to her. She sat up a little straighter, each shoulder carrying its load of red curls, the ends of which lay in a bronze tangle.
"I'd do anything I could," she answered shyly, a lovely red dyeing her face.
"I knew you would! Mr. Young has told me how anxious you are to learn and to improve your condition.... Isn't that so?"
Tess nodded, looking from the speaker to Deforrest, who threw her his ever-ready smile. Her gaze returned to the churchman and he continued,
"Now, I've a plan which, if it succeeds, will give you lots of money! You could do almost anything you'd want to then."
Tess didn't move, only stared back at the handsome, swarthy face incredulously.