"What'n thunder's the use havin' city folks here, ef they don't buy nothin' ?" he asked the boys; and they agreed it was no use at all.
Proceeding at a smart trot the horses came to the Pearson farm, where they turned into the Jane at the left and straightway subsided to a slow walk, the wheels bumping and jolting over the stony way.
"What's this ?" exclaimed Uncle John, who had narrowly escaped biting his tongue through and through.

"Why did you turn down here ?" "It's the road," returned the driver, with a chuckle; "it's the cobble-stone lane to yer farm, an' the farm's 'bout the same sort o' land as the lane." For a few moments the passengers maintained a dismal silence.
"The country's lovely," said Patsy, glancing at the panorama as they mounted a slight elevation.
"Are you sure, Uncle, that there is a house, or any place of refuge, on your farm ?" asked Louise, in a mischievous tone.
"Why, there's a rumor of a house, and the rumor says it's a hunker," replied Mr.Merrick, in a voice that betrayed a slight uneasiness.
"Doubtless the house matches the farm," said Beth, calmly.

"I imagine it has two rooms and a leaky roof.

But never mind, girls.

This has been a pleasant trip, and we can seek shelter elsewhere if the worst comes to the worst." "I guess the worst has come a'ready," observed the driver; "for the house is by odds the best part o' the Wegg farm.