“What makes you so sober, Davy?” she said.

I didn't answer.

“Davy,” she cried, “be happy while you're young. 'Tis a fine day, and Kaintuckee's over yonder.” She picked up her skirts and sang:—

"First upon the heeltap,
Then upon the toe."

The men by the cane-brake turned and came towards us.

“Ye're happy to-day, Mis' McChesney,” said Riley.

“Why shouldn't I be?” said Polly Ann; “we're all a-goin' to Kaintuckee.”

“We're a-goin' back to Cyarter's Valley,” said Riley, in his blustering way. “This here ain't as excitin' as I thought. I reckon there ain't no redskins nohow.”

“What!” cried Polly Ann, in loud scorn, “ye're a-goin' to desert? There'll be redskins enough by and by, I'll warrant ye.”

“How'd you like to come along of us,” says Riley; “that ain't any place for wimmen, over yonder.”