that thar hide o’ yourn.”
Rufe gazed up deprecatingly, his eyes widening at the prospect. Byers broke into a horse laugh.
“We’ve been wantin’ some leetle varmints fur tanning ennyhow,” he said. “Ye’ll feel mighty queer when ye stand out thar on the spent tan, with jes’ yer meat on yer bones, an ’look up an’ see yer skin a-hangin’ alongside o’ the t’other calves, an’ sech - that ye will!”
“An’ all the mounting folks will be remarkin’ on it, too,” said Perkins. Which no doubt they would have done with a lively interest.
“I reckon,” said Byers, looking speculatively at Rufe, “ez’t would take a right smart time fur ye ter git tough enough ter go ’bout in respect’ble society ag’in. ’T would hurt ye mightily, I’m thinkin’. Ef I war you-uns, I’d be powerful partic’lar ter keep inside o’ sech an accommodatin’-lookin’ little hide ez yourn be fur tanning.”
Rufe’s countenance was distorted. He seemed about to tune up and whimper. “An’ ef I war you-uns, Andy Byers, I’d find su’thin’ better ter do’n ter bait an’ badger a critter the size o’ Rufe!” exclaimed Birt angrily.
“That thar boy’s ’bout right, too!” said the man who had hitherto been standing silent in the door.
“Waal, leave Rufe be, Jubal!” said Byers, laughing. “
Ye
started the fun.”