Спрут: Калифорнийская история

           Shewouldbedelightedtoseethetwoboys;besides,Vanameemustseehowthelittletadhadgrownsincehelastseteyesonher;wouldn’tknowherforthesamelittlegirl;andthebeerhadbeenonicesincemorning.PresleyandVanameecouldnotwellrefuse.

           Theyclimbedintothewagonandjoltedovertheunevengroundthroughthebareforestofhop-polestothehouse.InsidetheyfoundMrs.Dyke,anoldladywithaverygentleface,whoworeacapandaveryold-fashionedgownwithhoopskirts,dustingthewhat-notinacorneroftheparlor.Thetwomenwerepresentedandthebeerwashadfromofftheice.

           “Mother,”saidDyke,ashewipedthefrothfromhisgreatblondbeard,“ain’tSidanywheresabout?IwantMr.Vanameetoseehowshehasgrown.SmartestlittletadinTulareCounty,boys.Canrecitethewholeof’SnowBound,’endtoend,withoutskippingorlookingatthebook.Maybeyoudon’tbelievethat.Mother,ain’tIright—withoutskippingaline,hey?”

           Mrs.Dykenoddedtosaythatitwasso,butexplainedthatSidneywasinGuadalajara.Inputtingonhernewslippersforthefirsttimethemorningbefore,shehadfoundadimeinthetoeofoneofthemandhadhadthewholehousebytheearseversincetillshecouldspendit.

           “Wasitforlicoricetomakeherlicoricewater?”inquiredDykegravely.

           “Yes,”saidMrs.Dyke.“Imadehertellmewhatshewasgoingtogetbeforeshewent,anditwaslicorice.