While they worked Buck talked.
By the time Kate's plate was ready his tale was done. He expected
hysterics. She was merely white and steady-eyed.
"You're ready?" he concluded.
"Yes."
"Then begin by doin' what I say an' ask no questions. Silent an' his
crew'll be lookin' through the window over there pretty soon. You got
to be eatin' an' appearin' to enjoy talkin' to me. Get that an' don't
forget it. Mix in plenty of smiles. Cumberland, you get back into the
shadow an' stay there. Don't never come out into the light. Your face
tells more'n a whole book, an' believe me, Jim Silent is a quick
reader."
Joe retreated to a corner of the room into which the light of the lamp
did not penetrate.
"Sit down at that table!" ordered Buck, and he placed a generous
portion of fried eggs and ham before her.
"I can't eat. Is Dan--"
"I hear 'em at the window!"
He slipped onto a box on the opposite side of the table and leaned
towards her, supporting his chin in his hands. Kate began to eat
hurriedly.
"No! no!" advised Buck. "You eat as if you was scared. You want to be
slow an' deliberate. Watch out! They've moved the board that covers
the window!"
For he saw a group of astonished faces outside.
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