The giant was not very fast in his movements, and he realized this. Still he did not like to be taunted about this failing, and he now made a reach for Eradicate, who, however, easily eluded his enemy.
“Come now! None of that!” ordered Tom sharply. “I guess this fellow, whoever he was, might have been only a tramp. Take a stroll around for a while, Koku, and see if he comes back.”
“Sure, Master, I watch.”
“An’ I’ll be on the lookout, too,” offered Eradicate.
“Look around, both of you, and don’t scrap. Do you hear? Don’t scrap between yourselves. I’m getting tired of it!”
“I be good to Rad, Master,” promised the giant.
“Huh! You better, ef you all knows whut good fo’ you!” chuckled the colored man.
Tom went back to his father, finding the old gentleman somewhat nervous and upset.
“What was it, Son?” he inquired.
“Oh, just some tramp, I think,” replied the lad easily. But in his own mind he was disturbed by the incident.