Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/57

 "Mebbe not, mebbe not. But I reckon we can't, none of us, callate on whatever Massa Joe's goin' to do about anything till he does it. He's off to a board meeting, this evening, and I hope he sets on it comfortable. When them boards are too hard, like, he comes home mighty 'rascible. Keep a right smart watch on that bird, 'Pollo, won't you? whiles I go lay the table."

But here another question arose to puzzle the old man. Should he, or should he not, prepare that table for the unexpected guest? There was nobody more particular than Mr. Smith that all his orders should be obeyed to the letter. Each evening he wished his dinner to be served after one prescribed fashion, and any infraction of his rules brought a reprimand to Peter.

However, in this case he determined to risk a little for hospitality's sake, reflecting that if the master were displeased he could whisk off the extra plate before it was discovered.

"Massa Joe's just as like to scold if I don't