"There's a traveling man frae Boston in town, Mary, and he was
edifying the boys a little, and Jimmy dinna like it. He's going to
show him a little country sport to-nicht to edify him."
Dannie outlined the plan of Jimmy's campaign. Despite disapproval,
and a sore heart, Mary Malone had to smile--perhaps as much over
Dannie's eagerness in telling what was contemplated as anything.
"Why don't you take Jimmy's gun and go yoursilf?" she asked.
"You haven't had a day off since fishing was over."
"But I have the work to do," replied Dannie, "and I couldna
leave--" He broke off abruptly, but the woman supplied the word.
"Why can't you lave me, if Jimmy can? I'm not afraid. The snow and
the cold will furnish me protiction to-night. There'll be no one to
fear. Why should you do Jimmy's work, and miss the sport, to guard
the thing he holds so lightly?"
The red flushed Dannie's cheeks. Mary never before had spoken like
that. He had to say something for Jimmy quickly, and quickness was
not his forte. His lips opened, but nothing came; for as Jimmy had
boasted, Dannie never lied, except for him, and at those times he
had careful preparation before he faced Mary. Now, he was overtaken
unawares. He looked so boyish in his confusion, the mother in
Mary's heart was touched.
"I'll till you what we'll do, Dannie," she said. "You tind the
stock, and get in wood enough so that things won't be frazin'
here; and then you hitch up and I'll go with you to town, and stay
all night with Mrs.
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