Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/172

168 so busy he won't have time to laugh. I can't see any reason for his neglecting his work while he is trying to be good."

"No, sir! 'Tain't no reason 'tall—'cept'n when Jim air a-ploughin' he jes' nachully cusses an' cussin' air mos' as bad as carpin' to keep a po' sinner fum the Heavenly throne. Them there mules ain't got no 'ligion er they own an' they won't gee nor haw 'thout a few cuss words is so ter speak put in fer 'couragement."

"All right, then, far be it from me to discourage Jim's seeking! There is plenty of work besides ploughing. You send him to me!"

Philip's whirlwind method of going to work almost took Rolfe Bolling off his feet. After all, it did not make much difference to him, just so he was left in peace to sleep and eat and drink. It was rather pleasant not to have Old Abe come bothering him about the farm. Philip had tact enough to let his father alone and any trouble he had with the hands he kept to himself—and he had trouble enough to discourage a less patient man.

Many and baffling were the obstacles to overcome. He recognized Aunt Peachy's cunning hand in much that happened, but he quietly and intelligently downed each trouble that arose. First, he made the darkeys on the place respect