"You've done putty good to get through so quick, Nat. I wish Fred was such good help."
"Doesn't he help at all?"
"Not unless you drive him all the time. His mother gits after him, an' so do I, but it don't appear to do no good."
"He wants to go to the city and try his luck."
"Humph! He'd starve to death."
"Perhaps it might teach him a lesson."
"Well, he's got to do somethin' putty soon. I ain't goin' to support him if he won't work."
For the balance of the day Nat helped his uncle around the farm. It was rather hard work, but he did not complain, and Abner was greatly pleased.
"Nat, if you git tired o' the city, you come back here," said his uncle, on parting. "Remember, I'll make it right with you."
"I'll remember, Uncle Abner," responded Nat.