His eyes followed her until she disappeared.

"Yarry, you are rewarded," Captain Hanfield remarked.

"--my reward. Fellers, she's just wearin' herself out for us. I
don't want no reward for anything I can do for her. Well, I'm goin'
to shut up now. The only thing I can do for her is to hold my tongue
till it can't wag. I told her I'd smoke my pipe and go to sleep. I
be--well, I will. Light it for me, Tom. When she comes, like enough
I'll be asleep, a sort of DEAD sleep, yer know. Just let her think
I'm dozin' after my pipe. Don't let her try to wake me and worry
about me."

"All shall be as you wish, Yarry," said Captain Hanfield. "I tell
you, men, few women ever received such a tribute as Yarry is paying
this Southern girl. For one, I'm proud of him."




CHAPTER XXVI

A BACKGROUND OF EGOTISM


When Miss Lou returned to the house supper was ready and she sat
down weary, saddened and preoccupied by the scenes she had
witnessed.