Here, Mr. Slocum paused to wipe his spectacles, and the wife seized the opportunity to press the question.
"Was the man killed?"
"I don't know—haven't come to that place yet; you'll know when I've finished the piece." And Mr. Slocum continued reading:
"It was evident, when the shapeless form was taken down, that it was no longer tenanted by the immortal spirit—that the vital spark was extinct."
"Was the man killed? that's what I want to come at," said Mrs. Slocum.
"Do have a little patience, old woman," said Mr. Slocum, eyeing his better half, over his spectacles, "I presume we shall come upon it right away." And he went on reading:
"This fatal casualty has cast a gloom over our village, and we trust that it will prove a warning to all persons who are called upon to regulate the powerful machinery of our mills."
"Now," said Mrs. Slocum, perceiving that the narration was ended, "now, I should like to know whether the man was killed or not?"
Mr. Slocum looked puzzled. He scratched his head, scrutinized the article he had been perusing, and took a graceful survey of the paper.
"I declare, wife," said he, "it's curious, but really the paper don't say."