told what to do. His mother was gone. He did not know why. But he knew
that folks had to eat and sleep and work. While his father prepared
supper, Little Jim rolled up his own shirt-sleeves and washed
vigorously. Then he filled the two glasses on the table, laid the plates
and knives and forks, and finding nothing else to do in the house, just
then, he scurried out again and returned with his small arms filled with
firewood.

Big Jim glanced at him. "I guess we don't need any more wood, Jimmy.
We'll be leaving in the morning."

"What? Leavin' here?"

His father nodded.

"Goin' to town, dad?"

"No. South."

"Just us two, all alone?"

"Yes. Don't you want to go?"

"Sure! But I wish ma was comin', too."

Big Jim winced. "So do I, Jimmy. But I guess we can get along all right.
How would you like to visit Aunt Jane, down in Arizona?"

"Where them horn toads and stingin' lizards are?"