When Cap stole out, mounted her horse and rode away, in five minutes
from the moment of starting she heard a horse's hoofs behind her,
and presently saw Wool gallop to her side.
At first Cap bore this good-humoredly enough, only saying:
"Go home, Wool, I don't want you; I had much rather ride alone."
To which the groom replied:
"It is old marse's orders, miss, as I should wait on you."
Capitola's spirit rebelled against this; and, suddenly turning upon
her attendant, she indignantly exclaimed:
"Wool, I don't want you, sir; I insist upon being left alone, and I
order you to go home, sir!"
Upon this Wool burst into tears and roared.
Much surprised, Capitola inquired of him what the matter was.
For some time Wool could only reply by sobbing, but when he was able
to articulate he blubbered forth:
"It's nuf to make anybody go put his head under a meat-ax, so it
is!"
"What is the matter, Wool?" again inquired Capitola.
"How'd you like to have your eyelids cut off?" howled Wool,
indignantly.
"What?" inquired Capitola.
"Yes; I axes how'd you like to have your eyelids cut off? Case
that's what ole marse t'reatens to do long o' me, if I don't follow
arter you and keep you in sight. And now you forbids of me to do it,
and--and--and I'll go and put my neck right underneaf a meat-ax!"
Now, Capitola was really kind-hearted, and, well knowing the
despotic temper of her guardian, she pitied Wool, and after a little
hesitation she said:
"Wool, so your old master says if you don't keep your eyes on me
he'll cut your eyelids off?"
"Ye--ye--yes, miss," sobbed Wool.
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