"Yes, when he is at work; but the mine is shut down for a few days, so he lies abed longer." "Did he say anything about coming here to-day?" "Yes, he meant to come--he and the other man--and I was afraid he would do you some harm." "He would have done so, I am sure," said Kit, shuddering. "I don't see how such a rough father should have so good a daughter." Janet blushed, and seemed pleased with the compliment. "I think I take after my mother," she said. "Is your mother alive?" "No, she died two years ago," answered Janet, sorrowfully. "She was Scotch, and that is why I am called by a Scotch name." "What is your name, if you don't mind telling me?" "Janet. I am Janet Hayden." "I shall always remember it, for you have done me a great service." "What is your name?" asked Janet, feeling less timid than at first. "Kit Watson." "That is a funny name--Kit, I mean." "My right name is Christopher, but my friends call me Kit. Can you direct me to the next town--Groveton, where the circus shows to-day." "Yes, if you will come outside, I will point out which way it is." Kit emerged from the cabin, nothing loath, and Janet pointed in a westerly direction. "You go over the hill," she said, "and you will come to a road. You will know it, for near the stile there is a red house." "Thank you. How far is it to the next town?" "Eight miles, I believe." "That would be a long walk. Do you think I could get any one to take me over in a wagon?" "I think the man who lives in the red house, Mr. Stover, would take you over, if you pay him." "I shall be glad to pay him, and----" Kit paused, for he felt rather delicate about offering any money to Janet, though he knew she had rendered him most valuable service. "Will you let me offer you a little present?" He took a five dollar bill from his pocket, and offered it to Janet. "What is that?" she asked. "It is a five dollar bill." "You must be rich," she said, for this seemed to her a great deal of money. "Oh, no! but will you take it?" "No," answered Janet, shrinking back, "I didn't come here for money." "I am sure you didn't, but I should like to give you something." "No, I would rather not. Besides, if father knew I had money, he would suspect something, and beat me." "Like the brute that he is," thought Kit. "But I must go at once, for he may wake up and miss me. Good-by!" "Good-by!" said Kit. He had no time to say more, for the child was already hurrying down the hill. CHAPTER XXIX. JANET MEETS THE GIANT. Janet took her way homewards, hurrying with quick feet, lest her father should wake up before she arrived. But she had taken so early a start that she found him still sleeping soundly. She instantly began to make preparations for breakfast.