"But I never did set any store at all by these here government chaps with their little satchels and tree doctor books.

I'd just as soon walk up to an apple tree and hand it a blue pill or a shin plaster." Kit slid hastily down from the post as Mr.Hicks' black and white horse turned in from the road.
"Hello," he called out, cheerily.

"How be you, Jerry?
Howdy, Philemon?
Miss Kit here tells me you've been harboring a fruit thief, and you've caught him." Kit's cheeks were bright red as she laid one hand on her father's shoulder.
"Shad's got him right over in the corn-crib, Mr.Hicks.I haven't told father yet, because it might worry him.

It isn't anything at all, Dad," she added, hurriedly.

"We girls have been keeping a watch on the berry patch, you know, and to-day it was my turn to stand guard up in the cupola.