“Without money?”
“We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two and write from where we are.”
“I'm afraid I couldn't do much work,” said the little boy.
“Then I'll work for both,” said Abner, stoutly. “I've got tired of stayin' at home, anyway.”
“I'll do whatever you say,” said Herbert, feeling that any change would be for the better.
“I'll tell you when I'm ready,” said Abner. “We'll start some time when marm's gone to the village.”
There was another reason for Herbert's being dissatisfied with his new home. A month had passed—the full time for which Willis Ford had paid the boy's board—and there were no indications that any more was to be paid. During the the first week the fare had been tolerable, though Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now there was no money left, and the family fell back upon what their limited resources could supply. Mush and milk now constituted their principal diet. It is well enough occasionally, but, when furnished at every meal, both Herbert and Abner became tired of it.
“Haven't you got anything else for dinner, marm?” asked Abner, discontentedly.
“No, I haven't,” answered the mother, snappishly.
“You used to have sassiges and bacon.”