Bud stayed in the kitchen with her, hoping that he would be able to eat there alone. But when his breakfast was ready, she carried the plate into the dining room and Bud set his jaw and followed.
He had no sooner sat down than Gramps came in. He nodded at the table in general and then turned to Bud.
"Did you do the morning chores, young feller?"
Bud said, "Yes," in a very small voice.
"Did you get into that little house, too?"
"Little house?"
"The one next the chicken house."
"No."
"You'd best kite along and get it."
Bud left the table, glad to get away, but burning with humiliation. The little house that Munn Mackie had hauled in with his truck had nothing in it. At least Bud thought it had nothing in it. But having been too proud to ask about it in the beginning or since, he wasn't sure now. In spite of all his precautions, he had come close to saddling Gramps with a chore that he, Bud, ought to have done without Gramps' having to ask him.