"Not any!" repeated the parson, frowning. "Why so? That's not good
manners, my lad."

"If it be not, I am sorry, sir," said Paul. "I cannot be expected to be
very polite, or to know the usages of this country, as yet. So I beg to
be excused."

"You should not refuse the gifts of God when offered you," replied _his
reverence_.

"But I do not think it would be good for me to use these gifts of God in
the present instance."

"You must eat meat, Paul, and use the good things of our glorious
country, or you will fail and die."

"I know I will die," said Paul; "and I guess eating turkey won't make me
immortal."

A loud laugh followed this remark from all but the parson and a female
member of the family. This "raised his dander a _leetle_," as old uncle
Jacob afterwards used to say.

"That is more unmannerly still, Paul," said the parson.

"You think you are smart; but I tell you, child, you are ignorant, and
impudent to boot."

"I should be sorry to make a saucy or impudent answer to any body, much
more to a clergyman of any church; but I thought you were aware that it