"I were a-stealin'," Tess muttered. "He wouldn't a whipped me if he--had knowed about it, would he?"
"No, no! He would have died first.... Tessibel, why didn't you tell him?"
"Didn't ye say it would kill the student if he knowed it? And I swored, didn't I? when the brat was borned, that I wouldn't tell--and I ain't no liar--leastwise about no brats. If it air told, the brat's ma's got to tell it," she finished.
Teola dropped beside her infant.
"I'm afraid to tell it. My father and brother have such confidence in me!" She shifted about, and looked at Tessibel. "We are going to move to the city, Saturday.... I have been thinking about the baby's milk--"
"I has money now," broke in Tess. "I don't have to steal no more. Daddy air a-comin' home soon, too."
"I know it. Father heard from Professor Young all about it. I am so glad for you, Tess. What will you say to him about the baby?"
"I dunno," grunted the squatter.
She answered no more of Teola's questions, but for a long time remained moodily looking, with narrowed eyes and burning heart, at the minister's daughter.