Here Harbert tried to look indignant, but failed. Presently he continued: “Dat are 'simmon beer got sign in it.” “What sign is that?” asked Joe. “Well, suh, when 'simmonses is ripe hit's a shore sign dat 'possum ready ter eat, an' tain't gwine ter be long 'fo' you hear me a-hollerin' 'roun' thoo de woods, mo' speshually if I kin git holt er dem dogs what dat Gaither boy got. When it come ter 'possum an' coon dey er de outdoin'est dogs you ever is lay yo' eyes on.” “I can get the dogs any time,” said Joe. “Well, suh,” said Harbert with enthusiasm, “atter to-night you can't git um too soon.” CHAPTER VII--OLD ZIP COON Jim-Polk Gaither was very glad to go hunting with Joe Maxwell, having taken a strong boyish liking to the lad, and so one Saturday evening he came over to the Turner place with his dogs, Jolly and Loud. They were large, fine-looking hounds, and Joe examined them with interest. Their color was black and tan, and each had two little yellow spots over his eyes. Loud was the heavier of the two, and Jim-Polk explained that he had “the best nose” and the best voice, and yet he declared that in some respects Jolly was the best dog. Harbert had already prepared for the hunt, and he soon made his appearance with an axe and a bundle of fat twine to be used for torches. “Now, then,” said Jim-Polk, “what kind of game do you want? Shall it be 'possum or coon?” “Dat's for Marse Joe to say,” said Harbert, “These are mighty funny dogs,” explained Jim-Polk. “If you start out wi' a light, they'll hunt 'possums all night long. If you go into the woods an' fetch a whoop or two before you strike a light, they won't notice no 'possum; but you better believe they'll make old Zip Coon lift hisself off'n the ground. So whichever you want you'll have to start out right.” [Illustration: 0105] “'Possum mighty good,” said Harbert, seeing Joe hesitate. “Lots of fun in runnin' a coon,” said Jim-Polk. “Well,” said Joe, “let's start without a light.” “Dat settles it,” exclaimed Harbert, with a good-humored grimace. “I done bin hunt wid deze dogs befo'.” “You must have stole 'em out,” said Jim-Polk. “No, suh,” replied Harbert, “I went wid Mink.” “I wish to goodness,” exclaimed Jim-Polk, “that Mink was at home. Pap, he sides with the overseer, but when I get a little bigger I'm a-goin' to whirl in and give that overseer a frail-in', if it's the last act.” “Now you talkin'!” said Harbert, with emphasis. It was some time before they got free of the pasture-land, and then they went by Mr. Snelson's, so that Joe might change his clothes for a rougher suit. That genial gentleman was very much interested in the hunt, and he finally persuaded himself to go. “I'll go,” said he, “joost to pertect the lads. It's a fine mess I'm after gettin' into, and it's all on account of me good feelin's. They'll be the death of me some day, and thin a fine man'll be gone wit' nobuddy to take his place.”