“That was when I had money to buy 'em.”
“Where's all that money gone the man left with him?” indicating Herbert.
“It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some more mighty quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder.”
She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainly the poor boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton.
“Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter,” suggested Abner.
“Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did come from you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner, and ask if there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don't open it.”
“All right, marm.”
“Come along, bub,” said Abner.
This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own rough way.
“I don't think,” said Herbert, as they walked along, “that your mother can have got any letter written by my father. If she had, she would not be out of money.”