“Oh, I heard. I hear about all that's goin' on, one way or another. I was over there a fortni't ago.”
“You were? Why didn't you stop in and see me? You haven't been there but once since the place started.”
“Yes, I have. I've been by a good many times. Didn't stop, though. Too many of them city dudes around to suit me. Did you fetch your October interest money.”
“No, I didn't. It ain't due till week after next. When it is I'll send it, same as I have the rest.”
“All right, all right, I ain't askin' you for it. What did you come for?”
And then Thankful told him. He listened without comment until she had finished, peering over his spectacles and keeping up the eternal “weeding.”
“There,” concluded Mrs. Barnes, “that's what I came for. Will you do it?”
The answer was prompt enough this time.
“No, I won't,” said Solomon, with decision.
Thankful was staggered.