I'll take your togs out and dry 'em in the kitchen.

Don't be scared; I'll be right back." In the kitchen he sorted the wet garments and hung them about the cook stove.

It was a strange occupation for him and he shook his head whimsically as he completed it.

Then he took a flat iron, one of Mrs.
Beasley's purchases, from the shelf in the closet and put it in the oven to heat.

Soon afterwards he returned to the bedroom, bearing the iron wrapped in a dish towel.
"My ma always used to put a hot flat to my feet when I was a young one and got chilled," he explained.