John took Hepsie with him, and explained to Liza Ann, as Elizabeth requested, that she was unable to come because Jack had hurt himself.
The day was dry and hot, and John Hunter consumed water like a fish upon all occasions. The discovery that the water-jugs had been left at home called for instant action when he arrived in the field. Silas had put his team on the binder and Patsie was free for use on just such errands as this. The machine had just been driven up to where Hugh could ask for water also. John crossed over and laid his hand on the lines.
“Here, you take the horse and go for the water. I forgot the jugs; You’ll have to go clear home after them.”
“Why don’t you do it?” Hugh asked.
John Hunter looked him over rather sharply and replied:
“Because I’m going to drive this binder to-day. I don’t like your voice very well since I got home, Hugh.”
“You won’t hear very much more of it if I can get away day after to-morrow,” Hugh replied, smiling at the turn he had given to John’s sympathy.
John Hunter grinned back at him, but kept his hand on the lines, and Hugh got down.
“You can’t start day after to-morrow, for we won’t get this rye done, and you won’t start then, my boy, with such a note in your voice as that. I’ve spoken to Jake about it and he’ll go. I don’t propose to have you that far away when you are not well—it ain’t what we want you for. Go on and get that water,” he added when he saw the expression of protest in Hugh’s face.
Hugh went without argument, but his determination was as strong as ever. Instead of going around the road he drove across the field to the fence between the two places, and, tying Patsie, walked through the cornfield to the pasture and on toward the house.