"It's for us to take all the enjiment that comes in this world, an' leave others to bear the burdens which are put upon them."
"If that is good doctrine, Daniel Chick, I'd like to know how you'd fancied a dose of it when you was down with the rheumatiz an' depended upon the neighbors to gather the crops?"
"That was a different matter, Nancy Curtis."
"Well, you see--I--I--p'rhaps I can't explain it so's you an' the children can understand; but there was a difference."
"Only because you can't put yourself in the situation of others. The Golden Rule is good enough for me yet, and I don't think I'll change it for yours."
This brief conversation had no effect on Jack, nor would he have thought it an important matter if Mr. Chick had attempted to prove the little woman was wrong. His faith in Aunt Nancy was so great that whatever she said was to him a truth not to be disputed.
On arriving at the depot it was learned they were fully an hour too early for the train, and Jack mourned the fact that he might have remained at home long enough to put the barn in better order.
It was a large party who intended to make the journey on this morning, and to Jack's dismay he saw Bill Dean and his particular friends arrive about half an hour before the time for leaving.
If it had been possible he would have remained out of sight; but the station was small, and Aunt Nancy insisted he should stand where she could keep her eyes on him, consequently it was not many moments before Master Dean recognized him.
"Oh, dear! _is_ he going? and _must_ we be in fear and trembling of him all the time we stay?" Aunt Nancy said pathetically as she saw the three boys approaching. "Keep close to me, Jack dear, and if he attempts any mischief I'll appeal for help to Deacon Downs."
Bill, however, did not intend to commit any overt act while there were so many around who would not hesitate about dealing out justice to him without delay.
He contented himself by walking slowly around Aunt Nancy and Jack, as he said to Jip Lewis,--
"I didn't think we stood so much of a chance to have a good time at camp meetin' this year. Here's Hunchie with the old maid, and we'll see that they don't get lonesome."
Fortunately Aunt Nancy did not hear him, otherwise she might have said something which would have provoked further and louder threats.