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- 8438
- extracted_at
- 2026-01-30T20:48:15.153Z
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- 8368
- text
- advantageous to himself; at times, for the sake of the joke, assuming
airs of superiority over myself, which, though laughable enough, were
sometimes annoying.
To tell the plain truth, things at last came to such a pass that I told
him, up and down, that I had no notion to put up with his pretensions;
if he were going to play the gentleman, I was going to follow suit; and
then there would quickly be an explosion.
At this he laughed heartily; and after some mirthful chat, we resolved
upon leaving the valley as soon as we could do so with a proper regard
to politeness.
At supper, therefore, the same evening, the doctor hinted at our
intention.
Though much surprised, and vexed, Zeke moved not a muscle. “Peter,”
said he at last—very gravely—and after mature deliberation, “would you
like to do the cooking? It’s easy work; and you needn’t do anything
else. Paul’s heartier; he can work in the field when it suits him; and
before long, we’ll have ye at something more agreeable:—won’t we,
Shorty?”
Shorty assented.
Doubtless, the proposed arrangement was a snug one; especially the
sinecure for the doctor; but I by no means relished the functions
allotted to myself—they were too indefinite. Nothing final, however,
was agreed upon;—our intention to leave was revealed, and that was
enough for the present. But, as we said nothing further about going,
the Yankee must have concluded that we might yet be induced to remain.
He redoubled his endeavours to make us contented.
It was during this state of affairs that, one morning, before
breakfast, we were set to weeding in a potato-patch; and the planters
being engaged at the house, we were left to ourselves.
Now, though the pulling of weeds was considered by our employers an
easy occupation (for which reason they had assigned it to us), and
although as a garden recreation it may be pleasant enough, for those
who like it—still, long persisted in, the business becomes excessively
irksome.
Nevertheless, we toiled away for some time, until the doctor, who, from
his height, was obliged to stoop at a very acute angle, suddenly sprang
upright; and with one hand propping his spinal column, exclaimed, “Oh,
that one’s joints were but provided with holes to drop a little oil
through!”
Vain as the aspiration was for this proposed improvement upon our
species, I cordially responded thereto; for every vertebra in my spine
was articulating in sympathy.
Presently, the sun rose over the mountains, inducing that deadly
morning languor so fatal to early exertion in a warm climate. We could
stand it no longer; but, shouldering our hoes, moved on to the house,
resolved to impose no more upon the good-nature of the planters by
continuing one moment longer in an occupation so extremely uncongenial.
We freely told them so. Zeke was exceedingly hurt, and said everything
he could think of to alter our determination; but, finding all
unavailing, he very hospitably urged us not to be in any hurry about
leaving; for we might stay with him as guests until we had time to
decide upon our future movements.
We thanked him sincerely; but replied that, the following morning, we
must turn our backs upon the hills of Martair.
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