In this they were disappointed. Sailor espied them, and gave the alarm.
“Why, how you’ve grown, you dear child!” cried Charlie, catching Bennie up in his arms, who came running to meet them.
“I should think somebody else had grown too,” said Ben, taking them both up, setting Charlie astride one of the near oxen’s back, with the child in his arms; “but I believe John has grown the most,” putting his arm around him, with an appearance of great affection.
“What a noble team you’ve got, Ben; are these the same cattle you had when we went away?”
“Yes, all but them sparked ones on forward; they are twins, and are seven feet and a half. I went clear to North Yarmouth after them, and I never have dared to tell how much I gave for them. I’ve never asked them to do anything yet, but what they’ve done it: that yoke ain’t fit for them, it’s too narrow between the bow holes, and hauls upon their necks. Charlie you must make me one.”
“I will, father, I’ll make one that will fit them. But how these apple trees have grown, I couldn’t have believed it possible.”
“Ah, Charlie, what do you think now about making cider on Elm Island? In three years more some of these largest apple trees will begin to bear, and one of these in the garden, that Uncle Isaac gave you, blossomed last spring.”
“Mother says dinner is ready.”
“How does the goose go, Charlie?” asked Sally, when they were well entered upon the repast.
“Never tasted anything better in my life,” said he, speaking with his mouth full.