Rufus, proud as a peacock, condescended to explain. "It dis way, sah. You going to build a new house soon, ain't you?"
"I was," replied Guy gloomily.
"Dat all right, den. Now, doan' you be down-hearted, sah. Dis niggah bossing dis heah job."
"For Heaven's sake explain, Rufe," exclaimed Guy.
"I goin' to, sah. It dis way. Dis am de time for burning de woods, ain't it?"
Guy nodded. For the life of him he could not imagine what the man was driving at.
"An' grass am good an' long right up to de back ob de garden?"
"Yes."
"Den dis my plan, sah. I set out fire in de woods to-night, set him in ten, twelve places. Dere's a win' blowin' from de west. Ef we doan' touch it de house burn down sure." He paused with an illuminating chuckle.
Light began to dawn on Guy.