"He won't hurt me, but I'll keep a close watch for your sake. If he gives me further trouble I'll put him in jail down in the village."
"Huh! that jail won't hold him; hit ain't never held a——one of these mountain fellers yet. That won't do; ye must hold him some other way."
"All right, I'll hold him some way, sure. I want you to feel satisfied that I am able to do it."
As they were nearing the house they saw old Peter Judson standing at the gate awaiting their return.
"I've enjoyed this trip with you, Jack," she whispered softly.
"No more than I have enjoyed it with you," he replied feelingly.
"And ther birds——"
"Whar's yer game?" shouted Peter as they rode up, both flushing red. "An' fer the land sake," continued Peter, "what makes ye look so durn funny 'bout ther eyes an' face? What in ther world's got hold of ye; air ye sick, gal?"
She was not very ill, she said. Indeed, she had never felt better physically, but——
The old man was fumbling through the saddle-bags in search of birds or other game. Wade could not suppress a smile because of the comical expression upon the face of the disappointed old man.