ow sign my name to dat ar letter."

The next day, having been summoned by the obliging Gregory, Old Miles
made his appearance in Aunt Matilda's cabin.

The old woman explained to him that the letter was so important that she
could trust it to no one who was not accustomed to carry letters, and
Miles was willing and proud to exercise his skill for her benefit.

"Now, den," said she; "take dis hyar letter to de man what works de
telegrum in Hetertown, and fotch me back an answer."

CHAPTER XXXIII.

TIME TO STOP.

About a week after this letter was written, Kate said to Harry:

"You really ought to have Aunt Matilda's roof mended. There are several
holes in it. I think her house ought to be made tight and warm before
winter; don't you?"

"Certainly," said Harry. "I'll get some shingles and nail them over the
holes to-morrow."

The next day was Saturday, and a rainy day. About ten o'clock Harry went
to Aunt Matilda's cabin with his shingles and a hammer and nails. Kate
walked over with him.

To their surprise they found the old woman in bed.

"Why, what is the matter, Aunt Matilda?" asked Kate. "Are you sick?"

"No, honey, I isn't sick," said the old woman; "but somehow or other I
don't keer to git up. Ise mighty comfurt'ble jist as I is."

"But you ought to have your breakfast," said Kate. "What is this basin
of water doing on the foot of your bed?"

"Oh, don't 'sturb dat ar tin basin," said Aunt Matilda. "Dat's to ketch
der rain. Dar's a hole right ober de foot o' de bed."

"But you won't want that now," said Kate. "Harry's going to nail
shingles over all the holes in your roof."

"An' fall down an' break his neck. He needn't do no sich foolishness.
Dat ar tin basin's did me fur years in and years out, and I neber kicked
it ober yit. Dere's no use a-mendin' holes dis time o' day."

"It's a very good time of day," said Harry, who was standing in the
door; "and it isn't raining now. You used to have a ladder here, Aunt
Matilda. If you'll tell me where it is, I can mend that hole over your
bed without getting on the roof at all."

"Jist you keep away from de roof," said the old woman. "Ef you go
hammerin' on dat ole roof you'll have it all down on me head. I don't
want no mendin' dis time o' day."

Finding that Aunt Matilda was so much opposed to any carpenter-work on
her premises at that time, Harry went home, while Kate remained to get
the old woman some breakfast.

Aunt Matilda felt better