But Judy backed away, her stealthy, oblique gaze fixed with watchful
surprise on the fair stranger.
"This here ain't none of your put-in," and her shrill drawling monotone
contrasted strangely with the other's pleasing voice. "Where'd you-all
happen from, anyhow? How'd you-all git here?"
"I came over the bluff by the path," answered the other. "You see, I
left the train from the south at White's Crossing because I knew I could
drive up from there by the river road quicker than I could go by rail
away around through the hills to Thompsonville, and then make the drive
down the river from there. When I reached Elbow Rock, I was in such a
hurry, I took the short cut, while the man with my trunk and things went
by the road over Schoolhouse Hill, you know. I arrived here just as this
gentleman was pulling you from the water."
Before Brian could speak, Judy returned with excitement: "I know who
you-all be now. I ought ter knowed the minute I set eyes on you. You-all
are the gal with that there no-'count name, an' you've come ter work for
him, there,"--she pointed to Brian,--"a-helpin' him ter write his book,
what ain't his'n no more, nohow, 'cause he done throwed hit away,--plumb
inter the river."
"I am Miss Williams," returned the other. "My 'no-'count name,' I
suppose, is Betty Jo." She laughed kindly. "Perhaps it won't seem so
'no'count' when we are better acquainted, Judy.
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