So when you're ready say so." "Bud, there is some misunderstanding." Hartsook spoke slowly and felt bewildered.

"I tell you that I did not speak to Hannah last Sunday, and you know I didn't." "Hanner!" Bud's eyes grew large.

"Hanner!" Here he gasped for breath, and looked around, "Hanner!" He couldn't get any further than the name at first.

"Why, plague take it, who said Hanner ?" "Mirandy said you were courting Hannah," said Ralph, feeling round in a vague way to get his ideas together.
"Mirandy! Thunder! You believed Mirandy! Well! Now, looky here, Mr.
Hartsook, ef you was to say that my sister lied, I'd lick you till yer hide wouldn't hold shucks.

But _I_ say, a-twix you and me and the gate-post, don't you never believe nothing that Mirandy Means says.