"Before I go?"
"Before you go."
"Then," Dan sighed, "I reckon I can go back."
"Good," Jeff said quickly. "Now I want you to stay here and keep Pal with you. I'm going away for a little while."
"Where you going, Jeff?"
"Into Smithville and I'm taking the shotgun."
"I'm going with you."
"Not this time. I have to go alone."
"But—"
"It's wisdom he speaks," Granny said softly. "You bide here, Dan."