Connick removed his pipe when the door opened, and gazed under his hand, held edgewise to his forehead.
“Why, hello, my bantam boy!” he bawled, in greeting. “What did you break out o' the wangan and run away for?”
The fiddle stopped. The men crowded up from the bunks and deacons' seats. All were as curious as magpies. They gazed with interest on Parker's companion. But no one threatened them by look or gesture.
“Is Gideon Ward here?” inquired Joshua, blandly.
“Yes, I'm here!” came the answer, shouted from the pen at the farther end. “What's wanted?”
“It's Joshua!” called the brother. “I'll come in.”
“Stay where you are!” cried Gideon; and the next moment he came shouldering through the men, who fell back to let him pass.
The instant his keen gaze fell on the person who bore his brother company he seemed to understand the situation perfectly. There was just the suspicion of fear when he faced the blazing eyes of Parker, but he snorted contemptuously and turned to his brother.
“Wal, Josh,” he cried, “out with it! What can I do for you?”
“The matter isn't one to be talked over in public, brother,” suggested Joshua.