like none o’ your folks, understand; an’ Cassandry, she’s sorter hard hit jest now, she don’t rightly know what-all she do think. Me an’ Azalie, we been speakin’ right smart together — an’ — well, we do sure think a heap o’ you, Doc — an’ hit ain’t no disrespect to you-uns, neither. Have you said anything to her maw?”

“Not a word. When I learned another man was before me, I stood one side as an honorable man should and gave him his chance. But when it comes to being attacked by the other man and shot in the back — by heaven! no power on earth will hold me from trying to win her. As for the other matter, never you fear. Be my friend, Hoke.”

“Waal, I reckon you’ll have yer own way, an’