“Oh,” said Grandma Padgett.
“What's that he's givin' out, marm?” inquired Zene.
“It's a way he has,” she explained. “He talks in verses. This is the pedler that stayed over in that old house with us, near by the Dutch landlord and the deep creek. Were you going to camp here all night?” she inquired of J. D.
“We wanted him to,” coaxed aunt Corinne, “my feet ached so bad. Then we could walk right into town in the morning, and he'd hide Fairy Carrie in his cart till we got to the tavern.”
“Zene,” said Grandma Padgett, “you might as well take out the horses and feed them. They haven't had much chance to-day.”
“Will we stay here, marm?”
“I'll see,” said Grandma Padgett. “Anyhow, I can't stand it in the carriage again right away.”
“Let's camp here,” urged Robert. “J. D.'s got chicken all dressed to broil on the coals, and lots of good things to eat.”
“He wouldn't have any money the last time, and I can't have such doings again. I'm hungry, for I haven't enjoyed a meal since yesterday. Mister, see here,” said Grandma Padgett, approaching the cart.
J. D. moved backwards as she came as if pushed by an invisible pole carried in the brisk grandmother's hands.