Jinny was vexed with herself. To have left that reminder of the grotesque episode!
“It’s that ’Lijah!” he shrieked. “He’s stole Methusalem.”
“Hush, Gran’fer!” she warned him. “Suppose anybody heard you!”
But he ran out towards the Common and she after him. His tottering limbs seemed galvanized.
“My horse is all right,” she gasped, catching him up in a few rods. “I was too tired yesterday to put my cart away, that’s all.”
He turned and glared suspiciously at her. “That’s my hoss—and my cart, too! Can’t you read the name—‘Daniel Quarles, Carrier.’ But ye won’t never let me put no padlock on my stable!”
“Your horse is there safe—come and see!”
He allowed himself to be led to the soothing spectacle.
“But Oi’ll put a padlock at once, same as in my barn,” he said firmly. “Don’t, that rascal ’Lijah will grab him without tippin’ a farden!”