"What is it you wish?" asked the farmer's wife.

"I'm hungry!" said the tramp. "Can you give me something to eat?"

"Yes," answered Mrs. Cole, cheerfully, for the good woman could not
find it in her heart to turn away a fellow creature suffering from
hunger. "We have enough and to spare. Come in, and sit down at the
table."

The visitor followed her into the kitchen and took a seat at the
table, while the farmer's wife went to the pantry and brought out
half a loaf of bread and a plate of cold meat.

The tramp was not long in attacking it, but after a few mouthfuls
laid down his knife and fork.

"Where's the coffee?" he asked.

"I have no warm coffee," she answered.

"Don't you drink coffee in the morning?"

"Yes, but breakfast was over two or three hours since. Shall I get
you a glass of water?"

"Haven't you any cider?"

"It seems to me you are particular," said Mrs. Cole, growing
indignant.