married if you had known there was another man, and a criminal at that, hanging around determined to get her, wouldn’t you have married her out of hand as soon as you could get her consent? It’s my opinion, knowing the sort of man you are, that you would.”

“I sure would.”

“Then you can understand why I wish to have a marriage license under my pillow.”

“I reckon so — but — you — you-all hain’t quite our kind — not bein’ kin to none of us — You understand me, suh. We-uns are a proud people here, an’ we think a heap o’ our women. Hit would be right hard should you git sorter tired o’ Cassandry when you come to git her amongst your people — bein’ she hain’t