Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/305

 I guess, what agitates his risibles wouldn't take any prize in a Vermont parlor entertainment.'

"And Scraws's fearful good-nature continued as we left the wood and came out into a little clearing where the odoriferous village was baking. Once in the opening he patted my arm affectionately, and then dropped to the sward and writhed in merriment.

"‘Maybe he isn't so black as he's tanned,' I whispered, hopefully.

"‘Kindly observe how his followers receive his evidences of good-humor,' suggested Tib.

"And hang me, sir, if Feeney's men weren't all of a shake! The squaws, too, who ran up to meet us, no sooner saw their master enjoying his little joke than they began tearing their hair and scuttling for cover. Feeney, choking with mirth, called a warrior to approach. This man rolled his eyes in despair and gave a tree a farewell rap with his head before obeying. His legs wabbled as he dragged himself forward and kneeled. His boss tapped him coyly on the pate with the axe-handle. It seemed to me the chief ruffled the address longer than was necessary and was loath to desist. But with a sigh he finally lowered his comforter and the sweat rolled from the crouching figure's limbs.

"‘Why, look at the black imp's eyes!' murmured Tib.