"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you to work for nothing."
"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars, and would expect me to work it out."
"What do you mean, Mark? How can you owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"
"I don't, but he claims I do."
Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.
"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he concluded, "but I think he'll have to take it out in expecting."
"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious trouble," said Mrs. Manning, looking distressed. "He may go to law about it."
"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody else did, mother."
"But if he makes out that you shot the cow?"
"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my appetite for supper. I've got a healthy appetite to-night, mother."