Late the third night after a hearty supper, Si Quinn filled his knapsack with provisions and slung it across the young shoulders. “Hike over the Ohiar line as quick as you kin,” he admonished, “and then find a job near a school whar you kin git some larnin’. I’m goin’ ter give you this,” putting a bill in the young fellow’s hand. “Hit’ll help you out till you git work, if you’re savin’. I’d make hit more, but most of the rest is goin’ fer books and maps fer Tally’s new schoolhouse they’re buildin’ fer her.”
Jake looked up shamefacedly; the money seemed to burn his hand, but to what straits might he be brought if he refused it. “I’ll pay hit all back—every cent,” he faltered, “and I shan’t ever fergit what you’ve done fer me.” Then he was swallowed up by the darkness.
VII
THE JAM SOCIAL
The tiny, blue calcimined room with one window looking southward seemed almost palatial in comparison with Gincy’s humble home quarters. Instead of the overhanging mountains were the foothills and the college gardens.
She tried to picture the scene back home without her at this early hour. Her mother milking Brindled Bet, Billy feeding the pigs, and her father—she couldn’t be thankful enough he wasn’t like Sam Coyle—getting ready to gather the “crap” in the south cove.
There was a slight stirring in the lower berth of the double-decker. “Talitha,” she called out softly. “Air you awake?” But the voice which answered was not Talitha’s.
“It’s Urilla,” it said hesitatingly.
Gincy leaned over and her eyes sought the occupant of the cot below. Propped up on the pillow was the pale face of the girl who had arrived yesterday. The solemn brown eyes looked straight up into hers inquiringly as though not at all sure of a welcome. “I reckon you’re some surprised,” she said. “You were asleep when I came in last night and I aimed to keep pretty still.”
“Yes,” answered Gincy rather dazed. “But whar’s Talitha?”
Urilla shook her head. “Mrs. Donnelly sent me here—I had this room last term. I reckon Talitha’s on this floor, though. The first and second year girls are mostly together.”