“Not only that, but what he’s saying is pure lies. I can’t see why he wants to do other people’s dirty work,” complained the unhappy woman.
“I cal’late you’d best give me some idea about this here yarn he’s spinning, so’s I can lay for him with a spike.”
“It’s about Mr. McGowan, and what he’s telling ain’t true, and I know it!” Her voice broke into short dry sobs. “He says our minister is doing things down to the Inn that ain’t right. And, then, that Reverend Mr. Means was up again the other day, and told Mr. Fox 87 something. Harry won’t tell me what it was, but he keeps saying it’s awful scandalous.”
“Well, Eadie, if I was you I’d quit spilling all that brine, for it ain’t wuth it.”
“But, Josiah, it is worth it. They’re trying to ruin Mr. McGowan, and he’s such a fine man. Won’t you stop Harry’s talking in some way? Won’t you go to Mr. Fox?”
“Me go to Jim? What in tarnation would you have me say to him?”
“I don’t care what you say, but make him understand that he’s to leave Harry alone, and stop him telling what ain’t so.”
“Maybe he’s the one who has made Harry believe it is so. In that case, I’m ’feared my views on the subject might set off some real fireworks.”
“But you must make him believe you! Can’t you say something?”
“I ain’t sartin but I might say a thing or two, and they won’t be words fit for a prayer-meeting, either.”