about both
John and Ree and their plans in the presence of a small company of men
who were at the tavern awaiting the coming of the stage. As John
approached the inn someone said:

"Now here's young Jerome himself, just say to his face what you were
saying behind his back, Jason Hard!"

"I was sayin' that if his father wasn't shiftless, the young 'un wouldn't
need to be leavin' 'ome, an' I say it again," ejaculated the cobbler,
with arms akimbo, standing directly in front of John in an insolent
manner.

"Look here! Take that back, you son of a Tory; my father has worked too
hard to help his son get a start in life, for me to stand by and hear
such talk! I say, take it back!" John bristled up like a porcupine.

The insolent Englishman sprang toward him as though to strike him, paused
a moment, then suddenly let fly a blow straight for the boy's jaw. Most
luckily John dodged in time, then with the agility of a cat he jumped
toward the fellow and planted one fist just below his ear and the other
squarely on his chin tumbling him to the ground.

Captain Bowen, who drove up just in time to see the encounter, was
tickled amazingly. Others enjoyed the exhibition almost as much, and gave
a cheer for the boy, while the badly bruised cobbler stood by rubbing his
head, as though he wondered what had occurred.

Captain Bowen cautioned John against being too prone to take offense,
especially as he would soon have Indians to deal with, but he secretly
rejoiced in the lad's spunk. The Captain drove out of his way to take
John home in his light wagon, while he was thus advising him.

The day of their separation was drawing quickly nearer, and John was
spending as much time with his parents, brothers and sisters as he
conveniently could. Often they urged him to abandon his preparations, but
as it was with Return Kingdom that he was going, neither the father nor
mother was willing to say he must not go. Both felt that he would be in
good hands and in good company.

And Mrs. Catesby and Mary more than once, also, sought to dissuade Ree
from emigrating. It was kind of them and their words of sympathy did Ree
good, but he smiled at their fears and promised that he would return to
assist in welcoming them home from the city, if they should be returning
when Mary's education was completed.

How often Ree had cause to remember these promises so light-heartedly
made, and the comforts he was leaving behind, within a few short
months-