Plainly, there was no chance of breaking up the ground with her help.

We had no plough, either; how then was the corn to be put in?
That was the question.
Dan and Dave sat outside in the corner of the chimney, both scratching the ground with a chip and not saying anything.

Dad and Mother sat inside talking it over.

Sometimes Dad would get up and walk round the room shaking his head; then he would kick old Crib for lying under the table.

At last Mother struck something which brightened him up, and he called Dave.
"Catch Topsy and--" He paused because he remembered the old mare was dead.
"Run over and ask Mister Dwyer to lend me three hoes." Dave went; Dwyer lent the hoes; and the problem was solved.