"There, I've
gone an' broke my specs, that I bought two years ago, come fall,
of a pedler. I'll make you pay for 'em."
"Lor', missus, I ain't got no money," said Pomp. "Nebber had
none."
Unfortunately for the old lady, it was altogether probable that
Pomp spoke the truth this time.
"Three and sixpence gone!" groaned Mrs. Payson. "Fust my bunnit,
an' then my specs. I'm the most unfort'nit' crittur. Why don't
you help me, Sam Thompson, instead of standin' and gawkin' at
me?" she suddenly exclaimed, glaring at Sam.
"I didn't know as you was ready," said Sam. "You might have been
out before this, ef you hadn't let go. Here, Pomp, lend a hand."
Pomp shook his head decisively.
"Don't catch dis chile again," he said. "I'm goin' home. Ole
woman wants to lick me."
Sam endeavored to persuade Pomp, but he was deaf to persuasion.
He squatted down on the snow, and watched the efforts his
companion made to extricate the old lady. When she was nearly out
he started on a run, and was at a safe distance before Mrs.
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