Nat. The land this building stands on is hers, isn’t it?
Abner. I’m not saying just what belongs to her. (Suddenly and determinedly.) See here, Nat, if you can show me a way out of the hole I am in, I will see what I can do with Arey.
Nat. That sounds like sense. Get Ariel to give me her promise and I’ll hand over the papers I stole from Obed’s safe last winter, and you will never hear another word from me.
Abner. Well, what about last night? I was a tarnation fool.
Nat. I’ll take the responsibility of it. I’ll say that I did it. I’ll hatch up an excuse of some kind. I don’t suppose you really made away with anything? (Laughs.)
Abner. It isn’t at all likely. Obed will find all his stuff after a while. I couldn’t very well speak up and tell him where I put the money box.
Nat. Well, if he doesn’t find it, you can tell me, and I will tell them where it is when I get around to a confession.
Abner. Well, that will pull young Gordon out of the post-office business, but it doesn’t make it out he didn’t steal about six pipes. Mine is accounted for.
Nat. Oh, Gordon is up to something. That’s the kind of a little snipe he is. His father has nothing but trouble with him. How soon will you see Arey?
Abner. Right off. I don’t see that we have provided any way to straighten things out with Miss Cynthy.