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He ’s bad, all through, Ben is.

He ’ll get about five years, father says. I guess that will take some of the spunk out of him.

[A sound in the hall at right.

Hush! I think he ’s coming.

[Ben enters at right with a big armful of firewood and crosses and drops it heavily into woodbox, then turns and looks at them in silence.

Seems kind of funny, your luggin’ in the wood.

(bitterly)

Does it?

Did you see Orin out there?

Yes, he went along home.

How do you like workin’?

How do you think I like it? Workin’ a big farm in winter, tendin’ the stock and milking ten cows. How do I like it?

[As he stands by fire Nettie looks up at him.

I think it’s just a shame!

(turns to Ella)

Are you going to make towels all the afternoon?

I am ’til they ’re done, then I expect she ’ll find somethin’ else for me to do.