trusty hoe. "There'll be just as many--I beg your pardon! Good morning!
I hope you are well; it is a very fine day. There'll be just as many of
them to-morrow, or next day, certainly. I make believe they are the
British, you see, and I've been fighting all the morning, and I do think
they are pretty well licked by this time; but they don't stay licked,
the British don't. I like them for that, don't you? Even though it is a
bother to go on fighting all the days of one's life."

"I also have noticed that of the British!" the Skipper said, nodding
gravely. "But now you can rest a little, Juan Colorado? Sir Scraper is
at home, that you call him for me, say I desire to make him the visit?"

"No, he isn't at home," said John. "He's gone down to the store for his
mail. But please come in and wait, and he'll be back soon. Do come in!
It--it's cool to rest, after walking in the sun."

It was the only inducement the child could think of, but he offered it
with right good-will. The Skipper assented with a smile and a nod, and
the two passed into the house together.

In the kitchen, which was the living-room of the house, John halted,
and brought a chair for his visitor, and prepared to play the host as
well as he could; but the visitor seemed, for some reason, not to fancy
the kitchen. He looked around with keen, searching eyes, scanning every
nook and corner in the bare little room. Truly, there was not much to
see. The old fireplace had been blocked up, and in its place was the
usual iron cooking-stove, with a meagre array of pots and pans hanging
behind it. The floor was bare; the furniture, a table and chair, with a
stool for John. There was no provision for guests; but that did not
matter, as Mr. Scraper never had guests. Altogether, there was little