“I ain’t, but I ain’t been deaf and dumb and blind round here for three years. I can pick ’em every time. You’re taking your stitch in time, little missy. You ain’t even got a wheeze in you. Why, I bet you ain’t never seen red!”

“No!” she cried, with quick comprehension.

“Sure you ain’t!”

More tears and laughter in her voice.

“I’m going to-night, then—at six, Mr. Blaney.”

“Good! And to-morrow? There’s a lot of swell country and breathing space round here I’d like to introduce you to. I bet you don’t know whether Ingleside Woods is kindling or a breakfast food—now do you?”

“No.”

“Ever had a chigger on you?”

“Huh?”

“Ever sleep outdoors in a bag?”