"You used to have sassiges and bacon."
"That was when I had money to buy 'em."
"Where's all that money gone the man left with him?" indicating
Herbert.
"It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some more
mighty quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder."
She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainly
the poor boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton.
"Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter," suggested Abner.
"Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did come
from you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner,
and ask if there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don't
open it."
"All right, marm."
"Come along, bub," said Abner.
This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own rough
way.
"I don't think," said Herbert, as they walked along, "that your
mother can have got any letter written by my father. If she had, she
would not be out of money."
"I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford feller will send
money for your board?"
"I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep me here; but I
don't think he has much money with him.
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