while the single word "JOE!" which came from Sally's lips, contained the
concentrated essence of a thousand slaps.

"Don't--don't!" whimpered Joe. "I'll not tell anybody, indeed I wont!"

"If you do," threatened Mark, brandishing the corn-cutter, "it isn't
your legs I shall cut off, but your head, even with the shoulders. What
were you doin' in that shock?"

"I wanted to hear what you and Sally were savin' to each other. Folks
said you two was a-courtin'," Joe answered.

The comical aspect of the matter suddenly struck Mark, and he burst into
a roar of laughter.

"Mark, how can you?" said Sally, bridling a little.

"Well,--it's all in the fam'ly, after all. Joe, tarnation scamp as he
is, is long-headed enough to keep his mouth shut, rather than have
people laugh at his relations--eh, Joe?"

"I said I'd never say a word," Joe affirmed, "and I won't. You see if I
even tell Jake. But I say, Mark, when you and Sally get married, will
you be my uncle?"

"It depends on your behavior," Mark gravely answered, seating himself to
husk. Joe magnanimously left the lovers, and pitched over the third
shock ahead, upon which he began to husk with might and main, in order
to help them out with their task.