"I do not know," said the puzzled naturalist, — "maybe it is — if I could speak German, I would tell you; — Wint'rop, you do say nozing; and you are not eating huckleberries neizer; — what do you live for?"
"I am at cross-purposes with life, just now, sir."
"Cross?" — said the naturalist.
"Winthrop is never cross," responded Asahel from behind a thick branch of huckleberry.
"Dat is to the point!" said Mr. Herder.
"Well, speak to the point," said Rufus.
"I think the point is now — or will be presently — to get home."
"But to the first point — what should a man live for?"
"It's against the law to commit suicide."
"Pish!" said Rufus.