Page:Abraham Lincoln, A Story and a Play.djvu/63

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A PLAY
57

trouble. And the class, too, for that matter!

Mother (smiling),—That is just like Abe, always ready to help someone that is in trouble. (Turning now to Abe, who has been so busy that he didn't hear the conversation.) Abe!

Abe (starting at hearing his name called),— What is it, mother?

Mother,—Abe, come, come, take your axe and start for the woodland.

Abe (laying down his charcoal and swallowthe last bit of corn-cake),—Yes, mother. (He jumps up, takes down the ax which hangs against the side of the wall, and with long strides leaves the hut and goes down the path towards the woods.)

Matilda,—I'm going with Abe, mother. I like to watch him cut down the trees.

Mother,—No, you can't go to-day. You must help me. Now don't pout, my child. Those beans should be picked. I have a hundred things to do myself. After the housework is finished, I must sew for the children.

Matilda (scowling, takes a pail and goes out of the hut, talking to herself),—I don't care. I'm going with Abe, anyway. If I hurry, I can catch up with him yet. (Matilda runs and