Intent upon his work, he hoed long with his eyes upon the ground: but at last he paused, and holding the hoe in one hand, drew a checkered handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped the perspiration from his face; in doing this, he glanced toward the road, and saw Emma leaning over the wall, apparently inspecting his work.
"Good-morning, Mr. Sliver," said Emma.
[Illustration: EMMA AND THE QUAKER.]
"Ah, how does thee do?" replied the good man, with evident pleasure. "I was not looking for thee in the potato field."
"I suppose not," replied Emma, smiling. "I am like Ruth, the Moabitess, who went to glean in the fields of Boaz: only she wanted grain, and I want counsel."
Friend Sliver laid down his hoe, and coming up to the wall, asked,
"What is it, child?"
"You know Mr. Graffam, sir?"
"Thee means Peter, who lives upon the plains?"
"Yes, sir."
"O yes, I have known him some years; given to drink, Emma."