'Then if father does return, I will ride Bayard.'
'I can't squire girls. You must ride with King.'
'I will not.'
'Then I will not have you scampering alone.'
'I will ride with Jordan Dinnage. But you know, Charlie, I can keep up with the best.'
'You can; I'll do you that justice.'
'I don't like to lose you, old Charlie; we miss you sore. I fear, dear love, you are hard put to it for money. Are they all better off than you?'
'Oh, I know not and care not. I am well enough.'
Deborah sighed deeply: 'Not well enough for thee. But as yet, father is hard pressed; it has been a bad time for the coaching, and father is well-nigh sick of it. If he gets luck he will give up for a spell, and perchance take to it again.'
'What luck would you have for him, then?'