"Why don't you say I couldn't fret anybody," Tom broke in, and looking sweetly at him she innocently inquired, "Could you?"
At the corner of the fence Jasper and Jim halted. They had just seen Peters enter the house. "Howdy," said the ruffian, entering the room. "I 'lowed I mout find Starbuck here."
"It would be safer for you to meet him where other folks are," Lou spoke up and Peters bowed mockingly.
"Mars Peters," said Mammy, "please don't bother Mars Jasper, he's er gittin' old."
And toward the poor old creature the ruffian turned with a scowl. "Shut up, you old fool."
"Why, Mr. Peters," they all of them cried, and at that moment Jasper and Jim came into the room. "Peters," said the old man, "this woman nursed me. My mammy died an' left me to her, an' as a little baby she was the only mother I knowed. My grandaddy built this house, an' that door was opened by him an' never has been shut, an' anybody comin' along that road was always welcome to come in. But thar is one man that must never darken it ag'in." He took out his watch and looking at it, continued: "I'll give you jest one minit, Peters."
The ruffian looked at a gun standing in the corner; looked at Jasper holding the watch; looked at the women, who in disgust turned their faces from him; looked at the door, and clearing his throat, walked out.
"Sometimes, ma'm" said Jasper speaking to Mrs. Mayfield, "the laziest man ain't got no time to stay no longer."
"Well, I wouldn't make light of it," remarked Margaret.
"No lighter than I can help. I reckon we'd better eat a snack an' then Jim, you may preach to them bees."