"Is there anything else Bill would like?" he questioned, as he fastened Starlight's saddle on his own horse.
Susan hesitated for a moment.
"Any game?"
"Bill, he did say," the old woman answered hesitatingly, "as how he was honing for a 'possum. Dey ain't good much now."
"But a 'possum he shall have. Are you ready?" to Frances.
He held his hand and tossed her into the saddle. "Good-by!" Frances called. "I'll be out again soon. Good-by!"
The old darkey stood watching them. "Lawd, if eber two folks was made fer one 'nother," she said to herself, "dyar dey is; Miss Frances she's jis' naturally born to rule some man in dat sassy, sweet way she got, an' Marse Edward he look lak he suttinly would lak to be dat man; but Miss Frances," the old darkey shook her head, "I don't know 'bout her, dat I don't."
Miss Frances was putting Lady through her paces, despite red clay and mire and shallow pools where the water yet stood. Heavy black clouds were shouldering above the mountain peaks; the wind was from the east and stung sharply against their faces.
"It's going to rain," declared Frances, anxiously.