And, now that all danger was over, Pete was disposed to scold. “I’m a-thinkin’,” said Pete severely, “ez thar ain’t a critter on this hyar mounting, from a b’ar ter a copperhead, that could hev got in sech a fix, ’ceptin’ ye, Ethan Tynes.”
And Ethan was silent.
“What’s this hyar thing at the end o’ the rope?” asked Pete, as he began to draw the cord up, and felt a weight still suspended.
“It air the tur-r-key,” said Ethan meekly, “I tied her ter the e-end o’ the rope afore I kem up.”
“Waal, sir!” exclaimed Pete, in indignant surprise.
And George, for duty performed, was [v]remunerated with the two “whings,” although it still remains a question in the mind of Ethan whether or not he deserved them.
Charles Egbert Craddock.
HELPS TO STUDY
Tell what happened to Ethan Tynes one day when he was hunting. How was he rescued? What qualities did Ethan show in his hour of trial? Give your opinion of George Birt; of Pete. Find out all you can about life in the mountains of East Tennessee.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING