But I think--I kinder think--I could be some account if I knowed a little and could go somewheres to be account." Keith was listening earnestly, and the boy went on: "When you told us that word about that man Hannibal tellin' his soldiers how everything lay t'other side the mountains, I begin to see what you meant.

I thought before that I knowed a lot; then I found out how durned little I did know, and since then I have tried to learn, and I mean to learn; and that's the reason I want to go with you.

You know and I don't, and you're the only one as ever made me want to know." Keith was conscious of a flush of warm blood about his heart.

It was the first-fruit of his work.
The boy broke in on his pleasant revery.
"You'll let me go ?" he asked.

"Cause I'm a-goin' certain sure.