CHAPTER XXV

OntheeveningofthedayafterthefuneralRoaringAbelwentoffforaspree.Hehadbeensoberforfourwholedaysandcouldendureitnolonger.Beforehewent,Valancytoldhimshewouldbegoingawaythenextday.RoaringAbelwassorry,andsaidso.Adistantcousinfrom“upback”wascomingtokeephouseforhim—quitewillingtodosonowsincetherewasnosickgirltowaiton—butAbelwasnotunderanydelusionsconcerningher. “Shewon’tbelikeyou,mygirl.Well,I’mobligedtoyou.YouhelpedmeoutofabadholeandIwon’tforgetit.AndIwon’tforgetwhatyoudidforCissy.I’myourfriend,andifyoueverwantanyoftheStirlingsspankedandsotinacornersendforme.I’mgoingtowetmywhistle.Lord,butI’mdry!Don’treckonI’llbebackaforetomorrownight,soifyou’regoinghometomorrow,good-byenow.” “Imaygohometomorrow,”saidValancy,“butI’mnotgoingbacktoDeerwood.” “Notgoing——” “You’llfindthekeyonthewoodshednail,”interruptedValancy,politelyandunmistakably.“Thedogwillbeinthebarnandthecatinthecellar.Don’tforgettofeedhertillyourcousincomes.ThepantryisfullandImadebreadandpiestoday.Good-bye,Mr.Gay.YouhavebeenverykindtomeandIappreciateit.” “We’vehadad——ddecenttimeofittogether,andthat’safact,”saidRoaringAbel.“You’rethebestsmallsportintheworld,andyourlittlefingerisworththewholeStirlingclantiedtogether.Good-byeandgood-luck.” Valancywentouttothegarden.Herlegstrembledalittle,butotherwiseshefeltandlookedcomposed.Sheheldsomethingtightlyinherhand.Thegardenwaslyinginthemagicofthewarm,odorousJulytwilight.Afewstarswereoutandtherobinswerecallingthroughthevelvetysilencesofthebarrens.Valancystoodbythegateexpectantly.Wouldhecome?Ifhedidno