Part 2 (1/2)

Come, what's the matter now? and what 've you lost or found?

And here's my father here, a-waiting for supper, too; I've been a-riding with him--he's that ”handsomer man than you.”

Ha! ha! Pa, take a seat, while I put the kettle on, And get things ready for tea, and kiss my dear old John.

Why, John, you look so strange! Come, what has crossed your track?

I was only a-joking, you know; I'm willing to take it back.

JOHN:

(aside)

Well, now, if this ain't a joke, with rather a bitter cream!

It seems as if I'd woke from a mighty ticklish dream; And I think she ”smells a rat,” for she smiles at me so queer; I hope she don't; good Lord! I hope that they didn't hear!

'Twas one of her practical drives--she thought I'd understand!

But I'll never break sod again till I get the lay of the land.

But one thing's settled with me--to appreciate heaven well, 'Tis good for a man to have some fifteen minutes of h.e.l.l.

JOHNNY RICH.

Raise the light a little, Jim, For it's getting rather dim, And, with such a storm a-howlin', 'twill not do to douse the glim.

Hustle down the curtains, Lu; Poke the fire a little, Su; This is somethin' of a flurry, mother, somethin' of a--whew!

Goodness gracious, how it pours!

How it beats ag'in the doors!

You will have a hard one, Jimmy, when you go to do the ch.o.r.es!

Do not overfeed the gray; Give a plenty to the bay; And be careful with your lantern when you go among the hay.

See the horses have a bed When you've got 'em fairly fed; Feed the cows that's in the stable, and the sheep that's in the shed; Give the spotted cow some meal, Where the brindle can not steal; For she's greedy as a porker, and as slipp'ry as an eel.

Hang your lantern by the ring, On a nail, or on a string; For the Durham calf 'll bunt it, if there's any such a thing: He's a handsome one to see, And a knowin' one is he: I stooped over t'other morning, and he up and went for me!

Rover thinks he hears a noise!

Just keep still a minute, boys; Nellie, hold your tongue a second, and be silent with your toys.

Stop that barkin', now, you whelp, Or I'll kick you till you yelp!

Yes, I hear it; 'tis somebody that's callin' out for help.

Get the lantern, Jim and Tom; Mother, keep the babies calm, And we'll follow up that halloa, and we'll see where it is from.

'Tis a hairy sort of night

”'TIS A HAIRY SORT OF NIGHT FOR A MAN TO FACE AND FIGHT.”

For a man to face and fight; And the wind is blowin'--Hang it, Jimmy, bring another light!