As the wind came and the
cooling rain began to rattle on the leaves overhead they took up
their bundles and set out. The big drops drenched them quickly.
Their thin garments clung to them and water streamed down their
bodies; overhead the sky was black and rent by vivid streaks of
fire, but they plodded onward cheerfully.
Jacket was himself again; he bent his weight against the tempest
and lengthened his short strides to O'Reilly's. He tried to
whistle, but his teeth chattered and the wind interfered, so he
hummed a song, to drive the chill out of his bones and to hearten
his benefactor. Now that he was at last accepted as a full partner
in this enterprise, it became his duty not only to share its
perils, but to lessen its hardships and to yield diversion.
The rain was cold, the briers beside the overgrown path were
sharp, and they scratched the boy's bare legs cruelly; his stomach
clamored for a companion to that solitary sweet-potato, too, but
in his breast glowed ardor and pride. Jacket considered himself a
fortunate person--a very fortunate person, indeed. Had he not
found a brother, and did not that brother love him? There was no
doubt about the latter, for O'Reilly's eyes, when he looked down,
were kind and smiling, his voice was friendly and intimate. Here
was a man to die for.
The downpour lasted but a short time, then the sun came out and
dried the men's clothes; on the whole, it had been refreshing.
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