Pagina 369 di 657

"'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you-Jem's bird, we

call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six

of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen

for the market.'

"'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you,

I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.'

"'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we

fattened it expressly for you.'

"'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I.

"'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it

you want, then?'

"'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the

flock.'

"'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.'