The next day Deb told how he came and measured it and figured up how many cords of wood it might make, and then he guessed he might cut it next week.
"Needn't be disturbed, darling, so long as Farmer Smith guesses he'll do it next week. That does not mean anything."
At supper on the following evening, Fred said: "Farmer Smith said to-day, 'Boys, I want you to cut down the elm.' It's all up with us now."
"Never fear a man who only wants a thing done. Thousands of people want this and that, but don't do it. You may rest another day, children. Eat, drink and be merry till we get back."
Mother Wren had barely entered the door with a delicious dinner when Kittie, Fred and Deb all put in at once:
"You had scarcely gone, when Farmer Smith came out alone and walked around 'old elm' muttering something. Then he said, 'I will go now and get my axe and cut it down this very day.' He is grinding his axe now; don't you hear the grindstone?"
"He said, 'I will?' Are you sure it was not guess or think I will?"
"We are positive," all said.
"Then pack up this very minute. We must move before he strikes the first blow."
And away they went.