“So I should suppose, for you take away so much of the sap of the tree.”
“Exactly, ma’am; but there’s no want of sugar-maples in these woods.”
“You promised us some honey, Malachi,” said Emma, “but we have not seen it yet. Can you get us some?”
“We had no time to get it last autumn, miss, but we will try this autumn what we can do. When John and I are out in the woods, we shall very probably find a honey-tree, without going very far. I did intend to have looked out for some, if you had not mentioned it.”
“I know one,” said Martin; “I marked it a fortnight ago, but I quite forgot all about it. Since the mill has been in hand, I have had little time for anything else. The fact is, we have all plenty to do just now.”
“That we certainly have,” replied Henry, laughing; “I wish I could see the end of my work in the barn; I doubt if I shall be able to get out with my rifle this winter.”
“No, sir, you must leave the woods to John and me,” replied Malachi. “Never mind, you shan’t want for venison. Do you require the sledge to-morrow, Mr Alfred?”
Malachi referred to a small sledge which they had made in the winter, and which was now very useful, as they could, with one horse, transport things from place to place. It was used by Alfred for bringing down to the store-house the sacks of flour as fast as they were ground in the mill.
“I can do without it for a day. What do you want it for?”
“To bring all the honey home,” said Emma, laughing.