“I don’t believe he forgot to close it,” Elizabeth Ann said.
“Oh, if you want to be silly, I can’t help it,” declared Catherine. “My father thinks he left it open and so does Aunt Nan. So does Mr. Bostwick.”
Doris looked up and Elizabeth Ann’s eyes widened.
“Did your father tell Mr. Bostwick?” she demanded.
“Of course he told Mr. Bostwick,” said Catherine. “Lydia was one of our most valuable cows. Roger hasn’t any money to pay for her, but Mr. Bostwick is going to make him work for my father every Saturday till the cow is paid for. My father says that carelessness is a bad habit, and he thinks Roger ought to be cured of it. Paying for the cow will help him remember.”
“But I don’t believe Roger had anything to do with it,” Elizabeth Ann insisted.
“Why do you keep saying that?” asked Catherine. “I’m telling you that he left the corncrib door open.”
Elizabeth Ann stood up.
“Did Roger say he left the door open?” she inquired pointedly.
“No, of course he won’t admit he did,” said Catherine. “He says he closed the door, but that is silly. He’s only trying to get out of being blamed for killing our cow.”