As Checkers drove home the following evening, he was met by Tobe, the hired man, about a mile from the house. "Hello, Tobe," he called, "what's up?"
"Thar's hell out, Mr. Checkers," said Tobe.
"Has old Barlow been up here?'
"He ain't gone two hours."
Checkers smiled. He was glad to know the worst. "I suppose I 'm not very popular with Arthur?"
"He swars he 'll fill ye full o' lead. I overheern the hull conversation atween 'em, and I 'lowed I 'd come down and warn ye. Mr. Kendall and Aunt Deb 's gone to Little Rock, and won't be back afore to-morrow night."
"Thank you, Tobe; get in and ride."
"Wal, till we gits in sight o' the house; but don't you 'low you 'd better go back?"
"No; I'll go on and face the music."
"Thar never was nawthin' but trouble come o' foolin' with women, anyhow," said Tobe. "I 've had four on 'em in my time, and they've worn the soul-case off'n me."