One time, it bein' Saturday, his wife wanted him to pump the washtub full and take a bath.

He said, no; said the cistern was awful low and 'twould use up all the water.

She said no such thing; there was water a-plenty.

To prove she was wrong he went and pried the cistern cover off to look, and fell in.

Mrs.Clark peeked down and saw him there, standin' up to his neck.
"'Tabby,' says he, 'you would have your way and I'm takin' the bath.
But you can see for yourself that we'll have to cart water from now on.
However, _I_ ain't responsible; throw me down the soap and towel.'" "Humph!" grunted Smalley, "I don't see what that's got to do with it.
Heman ain't takin' no bath." "I don't know's it's got anything to do with it.