Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/26

12 I reckon that’s a hint that I’m bein’ treated too well here.

No; I didn’t even know you was in hearin’ distance, Rufe. I thought you ’us out thar ’tendin’ the store.

Well, whether you meant it er not, I want you to know ’at I agree with you. I know I don’t deserve the blessin’s of a home like this an’ a woman in it that’s as good to me as my own mammy that died when I ’us little! If she’d ha’ lived I might ha’ been more deservin’.

Sid, you rickollect Rufe, don’t you, that use’ to work fer Joe Bedford down on Sandy Fork?

Shore I do. You’re the feller that’s been a-helpin’ Pa while I ’us away. [''He shakes hands cordially. There is a suggestion of constraint in manner''.] How’s your health?

I cain’t brag on myself much.

What’s the trouble? You’re lookin’ all right.