"Why didn't you ask permission of me or Mrs. Fogson?"
"Because there wasn't time."
"You are two minutes late for supper. I've a good mind to let you go without," said Mrs. Fogson.
"It wouldn't be much of a loss," answered Jed, not looking much alarmed.
"You are getting more and more impudent every day. Why do you say there wasn't time to ask permission to leave your work?"
"Because the runaway horse wouldn't stop while I was asking."
"What runaway horse?" demanded Fogson with sudden interest.
"While I was splitting wood I saw Dr. Redmond's wife being run away with. She looked awfully frightened. I ran out to the bend and stopped the horse. Then she wanted me to drive her home, for she was afraid he would run off again."
"Is that so? Well, of course that makes a difference. Did she give you anything?"
"Now it's coming," thought Jed.