Venna gazed at the speaker with a sudden thrill of recognition and pleasure. Before her stood the young preacher of Broadway. He was older and more manly, but there was no mistaking the earnest face with its deep-set gray eyes.
"Let us forget the barn. Come in, and we'll see what I can offer you," she said cordially.
As she led them into the living room, the smile of relief on the younger man's face touched Venna.
"Sit down—no, not there—take these comfortable chairs," she said, indicating two large cushioned armchairs which the weary travelers accepted gratefully.
Bessie looked down and nervously toyed with the lace of her pretty blue dress. Bud fixed his suspicious and defiant eyes upon the intruders, shifting his gaze from one to the other like a watchful bull-dog.
The elder man laughed.
"My lad, you don't look friendly. Come, shake hands. We're harmless."
Bud's hand was not forthcoming. He arose in the full dignity of his ten years, fearless and determined.
"I know yer, if she don't. What yer comin' here fer? Yer better look out! Spose yer think there's no men folks here ter lick yer, eh? Well, one's a' coming wi' the next train alrighty!"
The two young men smiled through their weariness.