Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           OldmanTree,hiswife,andhisdaughterHilmalookedafterthedairy.ButtherewasnotalwaysworkenoughtokeepthethreeofthemoccupiedandHilmaattimesmadeherselfusefulinotherways.Asoftenasnotshelentahandinthekitchen,andtwoorthreetimesaweekshetookhermother’splaceinlookingafterAnnixter’shouse,makingthebeds,puttinghisroomtorights,bringinghismealsupfromthekitchen.Forthelastsummershehadbeenawayvisitingwithrelativesinoneofthetownsonthecoast.ButtheweekprevioustothisshehadreturnedandAnnixterhadcomeuponhersuddenlyonedayinthedairy,makingcheese,thesleevesofhercrispblueshirtwaistrolledbacktoherveryshoulders.Annixterhadcarriedawaywithhimaclear-cutrecollectionofthesesmoothwhitearmsofhers,baretotheshoulder,veryroundandcoolandfresh.Hewouldnothavebelievedthatagirlsoyoungshouldhavehadarmssobigandperfect.Tohissurprisehefoundhimselfthinkingofherafterhehadgonetobedthatnight,andinthemorningwhenhewokehewasbotheredtoknowwhetherhehaddreamedaboutHilma’sfinewhitearmsovernight.Thenabruptlyhehadlostpatiencewithhimselfforbeingsooccupiedwiththesubject,ragingandfuriouswithallthebreedoffeemales—afinewayforamantowastehistime.Hehadhadhisexperiencewiththetimidlittlecreatureintheglove-cleaningestablishmentinSacramento.Thatwasenough.Feemales!Rot!NoneoftheminHIS,thankyou.HEhadseenHilmaTreegivehimalookinthedairy.