“That you, Cass?” she quavered. “Who aire ye talkin’ to?”

“Yes, Aunt Sally, we’ll be there directly. Don’t let mothah get cold.” She turned again to David. “I reckon you’ll have to stop with us to-night. It’s a right smart way to the cabin, and it’ll be cold, and nothing to eat. We’ll bring in your things now, and in the morning we can tote them up to your place with the mule, and Hoyle can go with you to show you the way.”

She turned toward the wagon as if all were settled, and Thryng could not be effusive in the face of her direct and conclusive manner; but he took the basket from her hand.

“Let me — no, no — I will bring in everything. Thank you very much. I can do it quite easily, taking one at a time.”