"Then he said something to-day about Uncle Jim."
"Anything else?"
"Yes, he made it pretty clear that he thought me a liar."
"Well, but you knew you were not."
"Yes, sir, but he didn't appear to know."
"Do you think you convinced him?"
"No, sir, but I feel better."
"Ah! is that so? Morally better, John?" and he laughed as he bade him good-bye.
The lad who left him was tired, but entirely satisfied with John
Penhallow. He went to the stable and had a technical talk with the
English groom, who deeply regretted not to have seen the fight.
There being no riding or swimming to fill the time, he took a net, some tackle and a bucket, and went down to the river and netted a "hellbender." He put him in a bucket of water and carried him to the stable, where he was visited by Leila and Rivers, and later departed this life, much lamented. In the afternoon, being in a happy mood, John easily persuaded Leila to abandon her ride, and walk with him.