me that she was a thinkin' o' that ole tree thar. But I never let
on. I reckon that's ONE reason made me come here that day." They
were close to the big tree now and Hale dismounted to fix his
girth for the descent.

"Well, I'm mighty glad you came, little girl. I might never have
seen you."

"That's so," said June. "I saw the print of your foot in the mud
right there."

"Did ye?"

"And if I hadn't, I might never have gone down into Lonesome
Cove." June laughed.

"You ran from me," Hale went on.

"Yes, I did: an' that's why you follered me." Hale looked up
quickly. Her face was demure, but her eyes danced. She was an aged
little thing.

"Why did you run?"

"I thought yo' fishin' pole was a rifle-gun an' that you was a
raider." Hale laughed--"I see."

"'Member when you let yo' horse drink?" Hale nodded. "Well, I was
on a rock above the creek, lookin' down at ye. An' I seed ye
catchin' minners an' thought you was goin' up the crick lookin'