When the Potter twins whistled outside, Asa shook hands solemnly
with his father, and resolutely kissed the sisters and his mother
good-night. When he was out of hearing, and the barking collie
had returned to the doorstep, Mrs. Downe burst into sudden tears.
"What's up; what's up?" her husband demanded.
"Asy," she sobbed, "did you mind how he acted? It must be he's
had a call. They's been a hoot owl outside three nights now. I
do believe that's it! Asy's got a call from beyond!"
The three sisters began to cry.
"Puffickly ridiklus!" said Asa's father. "Purfickly ridiklus.
That hoot owl ain't got no grudge 'gainst Asa. He's got some new
Scout bee in his bunnit, I'll bet. Don't know but I like to see
a boy make of his wimmin folks, at that. It never looks soft to
me. Don't hurt no man."
He lifted the smallest girl to his knee. She looked frightened
but after a moment cuddled up to her father, and tucked a warm
little hand around his neck.
"Don't hurt no man," repeated Asa's father and held the little
girl so closely that she fell happily asleep; while Asa's mother,
working like a whirlwind, thought the night's work strangely
light, with the warmth of her only son's kiss on her check.
Pages:
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76