THE CALL OF THE CUMBERLANDS 341



rather handsome in a shaggy, unkempt way. Across
one cheek ran a long scar still red, and the girl, looking
into his clear, intelligent eyes, wondered what that scar
stood for. Adrienne had the power of melting masculine
diffidence, and her smile as she rode at his side, and
asked, "What is your name" brought an answering
smile to his grim lips.
  "Joe Hollman, ma'am," he answered; and the girl
gave an involuntary start. The two men who caught
the name closed up the gap between the horses, with sud-
denly piqued interest.
  "Hollman !" exclaimed the girl. "Then, you-" She
stopped and flushed. "I beg your pardon," she said,
quickly.
  "That's all right," reassured the man. "I know what
ye're a-thinkin', but I hain't takin' no offense. The
High Sheriff sent me over. I'm one of his deputies."
  "Were you"-she paused, and added rather timidly
-"were you in the court-house"
  He nodded, and with a brown forefinger traced the
scar on his cheek.
  "Samson South done that thar with his rifle-gun," he
enlightened. "He's a funny sort of feller, is Samson
South."
  "How" she asked.
  "Wall, he licked us, an' he licked us so plumb damn
hard we was skeered ter fight ag'in, an' then, 'stid of
tramplin' on us, he turned right 'round, an' made me a
deputy. My brother's a corporal in this hyar new-
fangled milishy. I reckon this time the peace is goin'
ter last. Hit's a mighty funny way ter act, but 'pears
like it works all right."