Mrs. Whately
arrived and became chief watcher. The stricken girl's physical
weakness seemed equalled only by a dreary mental apathy. There was
scarcely sufficient vital force left even for suffering, a fact
recognized by the aunt in loving and remorseful solicitude.
By the aid of his bloodhound Perkins discovered that some one whom
he believed to be Chunk had been about, and he had secret misgivings
as he thought of the negro's close proximity. He had already learned
what a blow Chunk could deal and his readiness to strike. Taking the
dog and his gun he had cautiously followed the run into which the
tracks led until satisfied that the man he was following had taken
horse and was beyond pursuit. On his return he learned of Miss Lou's
illness and so ventured to threaten Aun' Jinkey.
"Yer do know 'bout that cussed grandson o' yourn. Kyant fool Grip,
en he' smelled out all the nigger's tracks. Now ef yer don't tell
the truth I'll raise the kentry 'roun' en we'll hunt 'im to the
eends of the yearth.
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