"Thank you," said Ted huskily, comprehending the old swamp-squatter's helplessness, and moved to make a polite acknowledgment of the compliment even at such a moment.
"Will you go peaceable, or do you want a whippin'?" demanded Jackson.
"Better go peaceable," advised the old man, speaking gently. Ted turned and exchanged glances with Hubert. They read in each other's eyes the conviction that there was nothing to be done but yield for the time, and that it was better to yield without a struggle than to suffer intolerable indignities and brutal usage. After swallowing hard, like one taking a bitter dose, Ted announced in a low voice that they were ready to go.
"Come on, then, and be quick about it," ordered Jackson, striding out of the cabin.
Jenkins and the boys followed. The old man lingered in the doorway, looking very sorrowful.
As the party was crossing the clearing to take the trail through the woods, Ted suddenly announced that he would have to "thank Mr. Smith for his hospitality," and, before he could be hindered, ran back to the door of the cabin. Jackson and Jenkins halted, turning to look on curiously as the boy performed this social duty.
"You've been very kind, Mr. Smith, and we thank you very much," said Ted, loudly enough for all to hear. Then, with his back to the slackers, he added in a low voice: "There's one thing you can do to help us. You know where Judge Ridgway lives and——"
"That's all right, Ted, honey," the old man loudly interrupted. "You sure are welcome to what little I did for you boys."
This speech was accompanied by three distinct pressures of Ted's hand which seemed satisfactorily significant. The old man then turned to shake hands with Hubert, who had been permitted to follow Ted.
"When are you goin' out again, Mr. Smith?" called out Jackson.