"Waul, I don't," said Mr. Skillcorn, with the air of a person who was at fault on no other point; "the big trees gives more than the little ones "
Fleda's eyes flashed at Hugh, who took to chopping in sheer desperation; and the muscles of both gave them full occupation for five minutes. Philetus stood comfortably warming himself at the fire, looking first at one and then at the other, as if they were a show, and he had paid for it. Barby grew impatient.
"I guess this cold weather makes lazy people of me!' she said, bustling about her fire with an amount of energy that was significant. It seemed to signify nothing to Philetus; he only moved a little out of the way.
"Didenhover's cleared out," he burst forth, at length, abruptly.
"What!" said Fleda and Barby at once, the broom and the biscuits standing still.
"Mr. Didenhover."
"What of him?"
"He has tuk himself off out o' town."
"Where to?"
"I can't tell where teu he aint coming back, tain't likely."