“Just the thing,” agreed Joanne.
Of course every one clamored to know what had detained them so long, but admitted that they were justified, and finally they started off, the automobiles piled high with greens so that the occupants were almost hidden, and there was scarcely room for the basket Mrs. Clover insisted they should take along.
“Just some pork stuff I’m sending to Mrs. Pattison and Mrs. Selden for Christmas,” she confided to Joanne. “We killed a hawg the other day and the sausage is prime if I do say it.”
There was a short stop at the Scraggses. Mrs. Scraggs, blowsy as ever, came to the door with Claude Lafayette in her arms, the other children crowding around, eager-eyed as the Christmas parcels were handed out. Then they were off again, tired but happy.
CHAPTER XVII
JIM CROW
“WHAT in the world have you there?” inquired Mrs. Selden as Joanne set down the basket containing her patient.
“Jim Crow,” responded Joanne.
“You do say such silly things, Joanne,” returned her grandmother. “I suppose that is some of the slang you have picked up from those boys, like calling frankfurter sausages ‘hot dog.’ I wish you wouldn’t use those unpleasant expressions, and I wish you would answer my questions seriously.”
“Well, if it isn’t Jim Crow it is a crow,” replied Joanne.
“Of all things.”