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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 Excerpt: ...gentleman applied the measure, and said: "Fresh dirt on them, I see." Bill's face became a study. "Doan know how it come on dar, marster. Aint wore 'em sense last Sunday." "Yes, that's all right. John," turning to me, " fetch me that switch." My heart smote me, but I brought the switch. Then Bill began to dance. I never did see a fellow get himself into so many different shapes, and it seemed that every shape was better suited to the switch. I had to snort. I couldn't help it. I kept out of Bill's way as much as possible, for he seemed to look reproachfully at me, but he did not accuse me of delivering him up to the enemy, and I had begun to persuade myself that Bill had stolen the melon, when two days later I came to grief. Bill and 1 were again in the yard when my father entered the gate, carrying a small stick. "John," said he, as he approached, "where are your shoes 1" "In the house, sir." / "Bring them here." I got my shoes. Great Csesar! there was fresh soil on them. "Come on, come on," said the old gentleman. I handed him one shoe and dropped the other one. "Bill," said he, after measuring the shoe, "bring me that switch." Bill bounded with delight, and brought the switch. "Pap," I cried, "please don't whip me; I ain't done nuthin'--Oh--" I danced, I capered, and I met the switch at every turn. In my agony I caught sight of Bill standing at the corner of the house and snorting like a glandered horse. Bill kept out of my way, but that evening I met him and asked: "Bill, how did you wear my shoes?" "How did yer w'ar mine?" "Put grass in 'em." "Wall, I tuck er p'ar er short stilts an' put ye...