'Oh, I am going a short distance.'
'If you are not going too far, I'll go with you. I'm tired of hoeing. Jim has had me up ever since daybreak, and I mean to rest a few minutes. But what is the matter, Sam? What makes you look so? You ain't well, are you?'
Sam did look pale, for he was alarmed at Ned's offer to accompany him.
'Oh, I think you had better not go with me: it is something of a walk, and as you have been at work so long, you will be tired.'
'No; I shan't be tired. But now, Sam Oakum, tell me what's the matter,' at the same time taking hold of him. 'There is something the matter, I know—you always tell me every thing.'
'I know I do, Ned; but somehow I do not like to tell you this. Haven't you heard any thing.'
'Heard any thing? No. Do you think we should not have been down to see you, if we had known that any thing was the matter? But do tell me, Sam.'
'Father is in jail.'
'That's Grizzle.'
'Yes.'