"
[Illustration: "AN OLD-FASHIONED HUSKING BEE." (ACT III.)--Penalty of
red ear.]
Betsy looked at Mrs. Hawkins inquiringly.
Mrs. Hawkins saw the glance and said, "I can't spare yer till arter
dinner, Betsy; say 'bout one o'clock. You kin go and stay till the fust
thing to-morrer mornin'. I guess I kin manage supper alone."
"Samanthy will be much obleeged, Mis' Hawkins," said Hiram. "I'll drive
right back and tell her, and I'll drive down agin about one o'clock
arter Betsy."
"List'ners get a good p'int now and then," remarked Hiram to himself.
"Now I see what made Mandy so durned offish. Wall, she won't have any
excuse in the future. I guess I kin ask her a straight question when I
git good and ready, Mother Hawkins." And he struck the horse such a
violent blow with the whip that it required all his attention for the
next few minutes to bring him down to a trot. When he had done so he had
reached his destination and his resentful feelings had subsided.
After Hiram had gone, Mrs. Hawkins and Betsy busied themselves getting
dinner. Happening to glance out of the window, the former exclaimed,
"Why, there's Jonas, and what on airth has he got in his hands?"
Betsy ran to the window and looked out.
Pages:
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462