“What’s that boy got to do with the Kings?” said the woman to Mr. Tisbett; “hurry up and tell me, ’cause the train’s comin’. Mercy! I wouldn’t ’a’ shook anybody they know, for nothin’.”
But there was no time to explain; and she was helped on the train, with her bandbox, saying the last thing, “I wouldn’t have shook him for nothin’, if I’d known”—
There was only one passenger for Mr. Tisbett’s stage,—an old colored woman with a big-figured lace veil over her face and a variety of bundles. The stage-driver settled her and her belongings within the vehicle, then he turned off for Johnny.
“Yes, sir-ee!” dragging him along by his big collar; “you’re goin’ to set inside, after that ’xploit. Now, marm,” as they reached the stage, “will you have the goodness to keep an eye on that boy,” hoisting Johnny in; “an’ where do you want to stop?”
“To Mr. Jasper King’s,” answered the woman. “Land! but ef here ain’t Johnny Fargo! I done am s’prised”—
“O Candace!” screamed Johnny, tumbling all over her, “did you bring some red-and-white drops?”
“Yes,” said Candace, “I did; but they’s fer”—
“Look out for him!” screamed Mr. Tisbett, clapping to the door to fly to his seat. Then he gave the horses their heads, and presently swung up to “The Oaks” in his usual fine style; for nothing but the best flourish would satisfy him there.
Candace got out of the stage as leisurely as she could, with Johnny hauling at her, and insisting that he must carry all the bundles; and Mr. Tisbett drove off toward Hubbardville.
The big mansion was very still as Candace waddled up the carriage-drive, with Johnny spilling portions of his armful as he went along, and then hurrying back to pick them up. “Land!” exclaimed Candace, toiling on, “if I ain’t glad to get here to see my bressed folks an’ s’prise dem. I hain’t slept a week o’ nights sence dey done lef dere ole home. Whew! Ise all out o’ bref.”