It was suspected, and with good reason, that many refugees from justice
passed through Miss Lois Ann's front door and escaped by other exits.
Officers of the law had, more than once, traced their quarry to the
dreary cabin and demanded entrance for search. This was always promptly
given, but never had a culprit been found on the premises! White
understood and admired the old woman; he always halted justice, if
possible, outside her domain, but, being a hill-man, Jim had his
suspicions which he never voiced.
"So now, honey, what yo' coming to me fo' this black night?" said Lois
Ann to Nella-Rose after the evening meal was cleared away, the fire
replenished, and "with four feet on the fender" the two were content.
"Trouble?" The wonderful eyes searched the happy, young face and at the
glance, Nella-Rose knew that she was compelled to confide! There was no
choice. She felt the power closing in about her, she found it not so
easy as she had supposed, to explain. She sparred for time.
"Tell me a right, nice story, Miss Lois Ann," she pleaded, "and of
course it's no trouble that has brought me here! Trouble! Huh!"
"What then?" And now Nella-Rose sank to the hearthstone and bent her
head on the lap of the old woman. It was more possible to speak when she
could escape those seeking eyes. She closed her own and tried to call
Truedale to the dark space and to her support--but he would not come.
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