if to speak; then she turned quickly away, and without a word
walked toward the house, while the boy, pretending to busy himself
with the pony's bridle, watched her as she went.

When the girl was gone, the big fellow led the horse away to the
stable, where he crossed his arms upon the saddle and hid his face
from the light. Mr. Matthews coming quietly to the door a few
minutes later saw the boy standing there, and the rugged face of
the big mountaineer softened at the sight. Quietly he withdrew to
the other side of the barn, to return later when the saddle and
bridle had been removed, and the young man stood stroking the
pony, as the little horse munched his generous feed of corn.

The elder man laid his hand on the broad shoulder of the lad so
like him, and looked full into the clear eyes. "Is it alright,
son?" he asked gruffly; and the boy answered, as he returned his
father's look, "It's alright, Dad."

Then let's go to the house; Mother called supper some time ago."

Just as the little company were seating themselves at the table,
the dog in the yard barked loudly. Young Matt went to the door.
The stranger, whom Jed had met on the Old Trail, stood at the
gate.





CHAPTER III.