"Well, I wouldn't have given him credit for that much sense if I hadn't seen him with my own eyes," said he.
"He's smarter than he looks," said Ollie, their voices distinct in Joe's shamed ears, for it was as quiet in the orchard as on the first day.
"He thinks I'm gone, he'll go to bed early tonight," said Morgan. "Don't bother about bringing anything with you."
Morgan's gruffer mirth joined her, and Joe found himself straining to hear, although he despised himself for spying and eavesdropping, even on guilt.
"We can get on without the diamonds," said Morgan, "and I don't suppose you've got any ball dresses or sealskin cloaks?"
"Three calico wrappers that he's bought me, and a dress or two that I had when I came," said Ollie, bitterly.
"You'll have all you want in a day or two, honey," said Morgan, in comforting voice.
They were silent a while; then Joe heard her ask the time. Morgan told her it was half-past four.
"Oh, I had no idea it was that late--time goes so fast when I'm with you! I must go back to the house now, Joe might come in and find me gone."
"Yes, I'd like to wring his damned neck!" said Morgan.
"He's a good boy, Curtis," she defended, but with lightness, "but he's a little----"
"Jealous, you old goose! Can't you see it?"
Morgan had a great laugh over that. From the sound of his voice Joe knew that he was standing, and his whole body ached with the fear that they would discover him lying there in the clover. Not that he was afraid of Morgan, but that he dreaded the humiliation which Ollie must suffer in knowing that her guilty tryst had been discovered.
"I'll meet you at the gate, I'll have the buggy on down the road a little ways," Morgan told her. "There's only a little while between you and liberty now, sweetheart."
Joe dared not look up nor move, but he needed no eyes to know that Morgan kissed her then. After that he heard her running away toward the house. Morgan stood there a little while, whistling softly. Soon Joe heard him going in the direction of the road.
Morgan was quite a distance ahead when Joe sprang out of his concealment and followed him, for he wanted to give Ollie time to pass beyond ear-shot of the orchard. As Joe made no attempt to smother the sound of his feet, Morgan heard him while he was still several yards behind him. He turned, stopped, and waited for Joe to come up.