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in the world, Robert; and here you go and finds ’nother one!

—[With a smile.] There’s still a few left, Pa.

—He’s learning a new poem about the “bright sea” so he’ll be all prepared to recite when he gets on the boat tomorrow.

—[A bit rebukingly.] He’ll have plenty of time to be thinkin’ ’bout the water in the next years. No need to bother ’bout it yet.

—[Gently.] I wasn’t. That’s just Andy’s fooling.

—[Changing the subject abruptly; turns to Andrew.] How are things lookin’ up to the hill lot, Andy?

—[Enthusiastically.] Fine as silk for this early in the year. Those oats seem to be coming along great.

—I’m most done plowin’ up the old medder—figger I ought to have it all up by tomorrow noon; then you kin start in with the harrowin’.

—Sure. I expect I’ll be through up above by then. There ain’t but a little left to do.

—[To the restive team.] Whoa there! You’ll get your supper soon enough, you hungry critters. [Turning again to .] It looks like a good year for us, son, with fair luck on the weather—even if it’s hard tucker gettin’ things started.

—[With a grin of satisfaction.] I can