always have some to lend you."

"Yes, shouldn't wonder if you were the richest some day. Everything you touch
seems to turn out well. I shall be wholly dependent on you hereafter for eggs
and an occasional fricassee."

"You shall have your share. Yes, I like this notion. It grows on me. I'd
like to earn some money to do what I please with. You'll be surprised to see
what strange and extravagant tastes I'll develop!"

"I expect to be perfectly dumfoundered, as Mrs. Mumpson used to say. Since
you are so willing to lend, I'll lend you enough to get all you want tomorrow.
Make out your list. You can get a good start tomorrow for I was too tired and
it was too late for me to gather the eggs tonight. I know, too, that a good
many of the hens have stolen their nests of late, and I've been too busy to
look for 'em. You may find perfect mines of eggs, but, for mercy's sake!
don't climb around in dangerous places. I had such bad luck with chicks last
year that I've only set a few hens. You can set few or many now, just as you
please."

Even as he talked and leisurely finished his supper, his eyes grew heavy with
sleep. "What time will you start tomorrow?" she asked.

"Oh, no matter; long before you are up or ought to be. I'll get myself a cup
of coffee. I expect to do my morning work and be back by nine or ten o'clock
for I wish to get in some potatoes and other vegetables before Sunday."

"Very well, I'll make out my list and lay it on the table here. Now, why
don't you go and sleep at once? You ought, with such an early start in
prospect."