"With a hoe, I believe."
"I ought to go and offer my services," said the gentleman, rising.
"Do not think of it," said Mrs. Barclay. "You could not go without plunging into wet, soft mud; the clams are found only there, I believe."
"How do they go?"
"Barefoot-dressed for it."
"_Un_dressed for it," said Mrs. Lenox. "Barefoot in the mud! Could you have conceived it!"
"They say the mud is warm," Mrs. Barclay returned, keeping back a smile.
"But how horrid!"
"I am told it is very good sport. The clams are shy, and endeavour to take flight when they hear the strokes of the hoe; so that it comes to a trial of speed between the pursuer and the pursued; which is quite exciting."
"I should think, if I could see a clam, I could pick it up," Mrs. Lenox said scornfully.