OUR SUNNY KITCHEN

Before we reached the landing I had invested a goodly sum in four pairs of rubber boots, for I knew how hopeless it would be to try to keep Winnie and Bobsey indoors.  As for Mousie, she would have to be prudent until the ground should become dry and warm.

There is no need of dwelling long on the bringing home of our effects and the getting to rights.  We were back soon after ten, and found that Winnie and Bobsey, having exhausted the resources of the house, had been permitted to start at the front door, and, with an old fire-shovel and a piece of board, had well-nigh completed a path to the well, piling up the snow as they advanced, so that their overshoes were a sufficient protection.

After we had carried in the things I interceded with Mr. Jones and then told the boys that they could take their guns and be absent two or three hours if they would promise to help faithfully the rest of the day.

I had bought at Maizeville Landing such provisions, tools, etc., as I should need immediately.  Therefore I did not worry because the fickle March sky was clouding up again with the promise of rain.  A heavy downpour now with snow upon the ground would cause almost a flood, but I felt that we could shut the door and find the old house a very comfortable ark.

“A smart warm rain would be the best thing that could happen to yer,” said Mr. Jones, as he helped me carry in furniture and put up beds; “it would take the snow off.  Nat’rally you want to get out on the bare ground, for there’s allus a lot of clearin’ up to be done in the spring and old man Jamison was poorly last year and didn’t keep things up to the mark.”

“Yes,” I replied, “I am as eager to get to work outdoors as the boys were to go after rabbits.  I believe I shall like the work, but that is not the question.  I did not come to the country to amuse myself, like so many city people.  I don’t blame them; I wish I could afford farming for fun.  I came to earn a living for my wife and children, and I am anxious to be about it.  I won’t ask you for anything except advice.  I’ve only had a city training, and my theories about farming would perhaps make you smile.  But I’ve seen enough of you already to feel that you are inclined to be kind and neighborly, and the best way to show this will be in helping me to good, sound, practical, common-sense advice.  But you mustn’t put on airs, or be impatient with me.  Shrewd as you are, I could show you some things in the city.”

“Oh, I’d be a sight queerer there than you here.  I see your p’int, and if you’ll come to me I won’t let you make no blunders I wouldn’t make myself.  Perhaps that ain’t saying a great deal, though.”

By this time everything had been brought in and either put in place or stowed out of the way, until my wife could decide where and how she would arrange things.

“Now,” I said, when we had finished, “carry out our agreement.”