We were once very fond of each other; and now that poor Luther has fallen sick, and fears he has not long to live, I mean to stand by him, no matter how people talk." Brother Lu looked as though this sort of thing gave him something akin to joy.

He even shot a tender glance across at Matilda, and then a triumphant one toward the two boys, as though to say: "Didn't I tell you my sister had a tender heart ?" Then he got on his feet.

He really seemed a trifle weak, showing that he had actually been under the weather latterly.
"How much does my sister owe you, man ?" he demanded in as stern a voice as he could command.
"Oh! does that interest you at all, Mister Weary Willie ?" sneered the irate farmer; "well, if you want to know, my account is an even five dollars.

Perhaps, now, you'll put your hand into your jeans pocket and hand out that amount with pleasure." "I've got that much tied up in my old bandanna handkerchief, it happens," said Brother Lu, to the astonishment of Thad.

"It's true me 'nd Brother-in-law Andrew expected to do something different with my little fortune, but then let that pass.