But Fleda represented that the services of Philetus were just then in requisition, and that there would be no sap brought home till to-morrow.
"Very good!" said Earl, amicably "very good! it's just as easy done one day as another it don't make no difference to me: and if it makes any difference to you, of course, we'll leave it to-day, and there'll be time enough to do it to- morrow. Me and him 'll knock it up in a whistle. What's them little shingles for?"
Fleda explained the use and application of Hugh's mimic spouts. He turned one about, whistling, while he listened to her.
"That's some o' Seth Plumfield's new jigs, aint it? I wonder if he thinks now the sap's a-goin' to run any sweeter out o' that 'ere than it would off the end of a chip that wa'n't quite so handsome?"
"No, Mr. Douglass," said Fleda smiling, "he only thinks that this will catch a little more."
"His sugar wont never tell where it come from," remarked Earl, throwing the spout down. "Well, you shall see more o' me to- morrow. Good-bye, Dr. Quackenboss."
"Do you contemplate the refining process?" said the doctor, as they moved off.
"I have often contemplated the want of it," said Fleda; "but it is best not to try to do too much. I should like to make sure of something worth refining in the first place."
"Mr. Douglass and I," said the doctor "I hope a he's a very good-hearted man, Miss Fleda, but, ha! ha! he wouldn't suffer loss from a little refining himself. Haw! you rascal where are you going? Haw! I tell ye"
"I am very sorry, Dr. Quackenboss," said Fleda, when she had the power and the chance to speak again "I am very sorry you should have to take this trouble; but, unfortunately, the art of driving oxen is not among Mr. Skillcorn's accomplishments."