"No, sirree! That isn't true. The Bible says do unto others as you'd
like to have other fellers do unto you. And I did just what I would
want Luther to do for me."
This line of defense was confusing, and Ruth was familiar with his
skill in argument. She knew well enough the pitfalls he could dig for
the embarrassment of any adversary. So, regarding him with the sternest
look she could bring into a very gentle face, she said:
"It is wrong to tell lies and you know it is. And you are bad--just
bad. Why don't you button up your coat in front? The snow is actually
blowing down your neck."
And she drew the collar of his overcoat closer about his throat and
tried to fasten it. "Why, the button is gone! Joanna ought to see to
it. You really ought to have a mother, Drowsy. You aren't half taken
care of."
This time Cyrus had nothing to say in his own defense. She laid a hand
against his cheek. "Your face is hot. I believe you are sick now!"