"I've a mind it shall do somebody good; so see you don't give my father any occasion to be out with you; for if you do, I'll give him more."
"Ay, ay," said the man comfortably, "you won't tell on me. Hi! here's somebody!"
It was Rufus who suddenly joined the group, whip in hand, and looking like a young Achilles in ploughman's coat and trousers. Not Achilles' port could be more lordly; the very fine bright hazel eye was on fire; the nostril spoke, and the lip quivered; though he looked only at his brother.
"What's the matter, Winthrop?"
"I've been in the water, as you see," said his brother composedly. "I want a change of clothes, rather."
"How did you get into the water?"
"Why, head foremost — which wasn't what I meant to do."
"Sam, you put him in!"
"He, he! — well, Mr. Rufus, maybe I helped him a leetle."
"You scoundrel!" said Rufus, drawing the whip through his fingers; "what did you do it for?"