"Wal, I swan! 'Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear.' Here they be, now. What on airth kin they want here?"
With the arrival of the outlaws, the girl's fears for their safety drove all else from her mind, yet before she could act, the farmer had risen from the table and opened the door, calling, cordially:
"Jest hitch your horses and come in, won't yeh? We're finishin' dinner but thar's plenty left, I reckon."
The reply to the invitation, delivered with all the hospitality of the South, was awaited with fluttering hearts by the daughters of the house of Prior, Helen and Marjorie, two comely lasses.
Afraid that the disclosure of their identity out of doors might lead their friend to exclamations that would excite any watching man-hunter, the world-famous desperado replied:
"Thank you, we'll come in. We came to see about buying some of your horses."
And without delay the trio made fast their animals and passed in through the door.
But their entrance was easier than their exit!
"Ma, this is Mr.—" began the farmer awkwardly, then paused in amazement.
No sooner was the door shut behind them, than Jesse had rushed to his sister and kissed her while the others stared in open mouthed bewilderment.