"While you're building the fire," continued Lindy, "I'll mix up the mustard plaster."
When Samanthy entered the chamber with the materials for the fire, Mrs. Putnam opened her eyes and said sharply, "Did yer bring that plaster?"
"No," said Samanthy, "I thought I would build the fire fust."
"Wall," said Mrs. Putnam, "I want the plaster fust, and you go right down stairs and mix it up quick."
When Samanthy returned to the kitchen she found that Lindy had the plaster all ready. Samanthy took it, and started upstairs.
Lindy said to her, "Don't tell her that I made it." As she said this she stepped back into the kitchen and closed the door.
As Samanthy approached the bedside with the plaster, Mrs. Putnam looked up and asked, "Did you make that plaster, Samanthy?"
"Yes'm," replied Samanthy.
"You're lyin', Samanthy Green, and you know yer are. You can't fool me. Didn't I hear yer talkin' to somebody in the kitchen?"