"Yes, but those teachers came to me," John rejoined, "just as opportunities must at some time come to all boys. If I could preach to every farmer boy, or for that matter to every boy, the first word uttered should be 'books.' Yonder comes that fellow Juckels. Let us go back toward the house."
They turned back, but had not gone far when Juckels overtook them.
"Out sorter sunin' yo'selves, I see," he said. John gave him a short "Yes;" Eva said nothing.
"Tell me, they do, that you air sorter gittin' up in the picters, John."
"I am not studying pictures. I have no intention of becoming an artist."
"Oh, you know what I mean? Say, one time er good while ergo, I told you that you would hear from me in a way that would make you squeal. Ricolleck?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Wall, the reason you ain't is becaze I went off down ter my uncle's in the white oak neighborhood, an' ever' time I came back you was off at school or somewhar else. Now, don't you think it is erbout time we was havin' er settlement?"
"I don't owe you anything," John replied.
"No; but I owe you suthin'."