"Yes," he managed to say, although with some difficulty. "Don't you?"
Sue hesitated.
He nudged her and whispered, "Say yes—say it out loud."
The word came from Sue in a low, pathetic wail of fear.
"I ain't never goin' to tell any more lies," the boy asserted, in a firm, clear voice, "er swear er run away."
They both gave a cry of alarm, for Zeb had sprung upon them and begun to lick their faces. Their aunt and uncle had missed them and Zeb had led his master to where they sat.
Strong had heard the children choosing between him and their Creator and understood. Socky and Sue, after the shock of Zeb's sudden arrival, were encouraged by his presence and began to take counsel together.
"We better go home," said Socky.
"What if we meet something?"
"Pooh! I'll crook my finger to him an' say, 'Sile Strong is my uncle,'" Socky answered, confidently. "You'll see him run fast enough."