“Me heart was a-thumpin’ awful. I waited tell he was out o’ sight. Then I slipped down to where Emily Kate lay half dead agin the tree. I seen a chicking coop there an’ hear the ole hen cluckin’. I stepped up an’ raised the girl’s head. She had a straw face an’ was keepin’ hawks away from them chickings. My Emily Kate was a scare——”
The Tramp’s voice grew husky and he faltered.
“See here, you ole fool,” cried the Loafer, “it’s quit rainin’ this ten minutes an’ you’ve kep’ me from splittin’ to-morrer’s wood with yer bloomin’ story.”
The wanderer picked up his bandana and stick, arose and replied,
“Youse gentlemen ’sisted that I tell ye ’bout it. I tol’ ye. Now I must be movin’.”
A moment later he disappeared around the bend in the road just beyond the mill.