Joey hesitated on purpose. “Why, I really don’t know exactly how long.”
“Why is your uncle not with you?”
“He was obliged to go to town, miss—that is, to a town at some distance from here on business.”
“Why, what business can a tinker have?” inquired Araminta.
“I suppose he wanted some soft solder, miss; he requires a great deal.”
“Can you read and write, boy?” inquired Melissa.
“Me, miss! how should I know how to write and read?” replied Joey, looking up.
“Have you been much about here?”
“Yes, miss, a good deal; uncle seems to like this part; we never were so long before. The scissors are done now, miss, and they will cut very well. Uncle was in hopes of getting some work at the mansion-house when he came back.”
“Can your uncle write and read?”