“I’d like to see him,” replied the man sneeringly.
“Well, youse know that he can, for he is strong and mighty. Now, for the sake of your mother, straighten up and be a good man.”
“Too much trouble, Biddy,” was the answer.
Then his eyes fell upon the heavy silver upon the table.
“Plated?” asked he, lifting one up.
“No, and you put it down,” commanded Biddy, “your fingers are light enough to even let that heavy dish stick to ’em.”
With this she went out with another load and deposited it near the library, grumbling that a woman was not allowed to do her work in any season at all.
Jim, with a sudden thought, hid in the pantry.
“I’ll get into the safe to-night,” whispered he to himself, “and get even with that cove by lugging away the best of the plates.”
Saying this, he subsided like a thief while waiting until the lights were turned out, and then to set about his work.