26. S. [Calling to his son.] Tim, Tim! here's neighbor Derby, who wants
the loan of the gray mare, to ride to town to-day. You know the skin was
rubbed off her back, last week, a hand's breadth or more. [Gives Tim a
wink.] However, I believe she is well enough by this time. You know, Tim,
how ready I am to oblige my neighbors; indeed, we ought to do all the good
we can in this world. We must certainly let neighbor Derby have her if she
will possibly answer his purpose. Yes, yes; I see plainly by Tim's
countenance, neighbor Derby, that he's disposed to oblige you. I would not
have refused you the mare for the worth of her. If I had, I should have
expected you to refuse me in turn. None of my neighbors can accuse me of
being backward in doing them a kindness whenever it is possible. Come,
Tim, what do you say?
27. Tim. What do I say, father? Why, sir, I say that I am no less ready
than you are to do a neighborly kindness. But the mare is by no means
capable of performing the journey. About a hand's breadth, did you say?
Why, sir, the skin is torn from the poor creature's back the bigness of
your broad-brimmed hat! And, besides, I have promised her, so soon as she
is able to travel, to Ned Saunders, to carry a load of apples to market.
28. S. Do you hear that, neighbor? I am very sorry matters are thus. I
would not have disobliged you for the price of two such mares. Believe me,
neighbor Derby, I am really sorry, for your sake, that matters turn out
thus.
29. D. And I as much for yours, neighbor Scrapewell; for to tell you the
truth I received a letter this morning from Mr. Griffin, who tells me if I
will be in town to-day he will give me the refusal of all that lot of
timber, which he is about cutting down, on the side of the hill; and I had
intended you should have shared half of it, which would have been not less
than fitly dollars in your pocket. But, as your--