"Plow after this heavy rain?"
"Yes, when it is dry enough."
"But it won't be dry this week," argued Owen.
"Well, you may go fishing this week; that is, one day of this week. Then be ready for hard work—no fishing, no hunting for some time."
Mr. Howard was more than willing to let his son enjoy a day along the Beech Fork; still, it was evident from his way of speaking that he intended to keep him busily engaged during the coming month while getting the ground ready for the spring corn.
"Think you can go fishing to-morrow?" asked Owen of Martin on the following day while on his way from the mill.
"I reckon I can. It's too wet to plow, and there's nothing else to be done this time of the year."
"Better find out now."
"Father isn't here. It'll be all right; you can depend on me, and if anything happens to keep me from going I'll ride over and let you know to-night."
"Did you examine those reeds that we cut last fall?" asked Owen.