“Well?”
“I’d hook it.”
“You mean run away?”
“Yes.”
“That’s the last thing I’d do. Mr. Tripp would have a right to think I was guilty in that case.”
“Well, ain’t you?”
“Abel Wood, I have a great mind to give you a licking. Don’t you know me any better than that?”
“Then why did you leave the handkerchief on the flour barrel?”
“That’ll come out in due time.”
They were near the store where Mr. Tripp was impatiently waiting for their appearance. He did not anticipate Abel’s staying to breakfast, and his suspicions were excited.