Page:Post--Dwellers in the hills.djvu/250

234 wanted any more, he begun a-bobbin' his head like that."

"I 's every word the truth," said I. "There was the letter lying open, with Cynthia's monogram on the envelope, and I could have looked."

"Why did n't you?" said Ump.

"High frollickin' notions," responded Jud. "I told him a hog could n't root with a silk nose."

The hunchback closed his hand and pressed his thumb up under his chin. "High frollickin' notions," he said, "are all mighty purty to make meetin'-house talk, but they 're short horses when you try to ride 'em. It all depends on where you 're at. If you 're settin' up to the Lord's table, you must dip with your spoon, but if you 're suppin' with the devil, you can eat with your fingers."

I cast about for an excuse, like a lad under the smarting charge of having said his prayers. "It was n't any notion," said I; "Mr. Marsh came back too quick."

"Why did n't you yank the paper, an' we 'd a had it," said he.