a good thing for the grass, mister, and make it grow; a safe remark to
make under the present, or, for the matter of that, under any
circumstances.

The stranger said, "Yes; it would."

"It will make it spring up like anything," said Andy.

The stranger admitted that it would.

Uncle Abe joined in, or, rather, slid in, and they talked about the
drought and the rain and the state of the country, in monosyllables
mostly, with "Jesso," and "So it is," and "You're right there,"
till the settler came back with the young man dressed in rough and
patched, but dry, clothes. He took another stool by his mate's side
at the fire, and had another fit of coughing. When it was over, Uncle
Abe remarked "That's a regular church-yarder yer got, young feller."

The young fellow, too exhausted to speak, even had he intended doing
so, turned his head in a quick, half-terrified way and gave it two
short jerky nods.

The settler had brought a bottle out--it was gin they kept for
medicine. They gave him some hot, and he took it in his sudden,
frightened, half-animal way, like a dog that was used to ill-usage.

"He ought to be in the hospital," said the mother.

"He ought to be in bed right now at once," snapped the sister.
"Couldn't you stay till morning, or at least till the rain clears