"How are your mother and sister?"
"Right as can be," Alec said. "Gramps and Granny have moved in with them, and Mother hopes you'll send for her soon."
"I'll do it as soon as things are ready," Mr. Simpson agreed.
"It better not be too long," Alec said. "Mother says she's coming anyhow, and Gramps knows the way."
"Hm-m," Mr. Simpson stroked his chin. "What did you bring?"
"Your plow, Mr. Brent's, spades, mattocks, saws, axes, nails." Alec listed the tools and supplies he had brought, and finished, "and Mother's dishes and stove along with plenty to eat."
Cindy said blissfully, "I'll fix a meal right away!"
"It's too early for supper," Alec protested.
"You," Jed Simpson told his son, "have not been living on unsalted fish for nearly two days. I suppose you brought harnesses for the mules?"
"Oh, sure. I didn't forget."