Mrs. Fairfield wanted to know "what on airth all this talk meant;" and the relations of Levi to his uncle's post-mortem estate were explained, so that "women folks" could understand them. She did not believe Levi cared for the property, what there was of it, and she was not yet willing to believe that he set the trap to destroy his uncle.
"I believe it; and what's more, I know it," persisted the miser. "But I'll cheat him out of it; I'll make a will this very day! I'll give what little I have to Susan—I will, by gracious!"
"It's very proper for you to do so," replied Dock, mildly.
"Can't you write a will, Dock?"
"Me! No. I don't know how. You must make it strong, or they'll break it, you know. Better send for Squire Saunders, and have it done right."
"Squire Saunders!" exclaimed the invalid. "What'll he charge?"
"O, five dollars, perhaps."
"Five dollars! What jest for writin' a little or sunthin?"
"Perhaps he won't charge you more than three."
"I shan't give no three dollars, nuther. I can't afford it. I'm e'enamost stripped of everything now."