As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a loud knock at the door.
“Can it be Abner?” she thought. “He wouldn't knock.”
She went to the door, however, feeling rather curious as to who could be her visitor, and on opening it started in surprise to see Willis Ford.
“Mr. Ford!” she ejaculated.
“I thought I would make you a call,” answered Ford. “How's the boy getting along?”
“If you mean the boy you left here,” she answered, composedly, “he's run away, and took my boy with him.”
“Run away!” ejaculated Ford, in dismay.
“Yes; he made tracks about a week ago. He and my Abner have gone off to make their fortunes.”
“Why didn't you take better care of him, woman?” exclaimed Ford, angrily. “It's your fault, his running away!”
“Look here, Ford,” retorted Mrs. Barton; “don't you sass me, for I won't stand it. Ef it hadn't been for you, Abner would be at home now.”