"KOTCH 'EM STEALIN' HOSSES, I RECKON."
"Kotch 'em stealin' hosses, I reckon."
"No, hanged them on account of their religion."
"Whew, ruther hard on that sort of doctrine."
"Helloa, Jasper," a voice called, and looking about they saw Laz Spencer climbing upon the fence. They bade him good morning, and sitting on the top rail of the fence he took out a jews-harp and began to wipe it on his coat-sleeve.
"How air you gittin' along, Laz?" Old Jasper inquired.
"Glad to hear it. Best day of a man's life is when he was never better. I'll let that nigger finish this job," he said, sticking the axe into a log; and Mrs. Mayfield, willing enough to play quits, smiled upon him and walked out to the gap and stood looking down the road.
"Have a drink of water, Laz?" Jasper inquired, pointing to a pail on the bench.