CHAPTER V.
MISS ANNE.
'So thee's the only master here,' said Tim when he came up the hill next evening, according to his promise, to help Stephen in his garden.
'And I'm the missis,' chimed in Martha, 'but I can't say how long it may be afore we have to pack off;' and she gave Tim a very long account of the master's visit the day before, finishing her description of Stephen's conduct in a tone of mingled reproach and admiration: 'And he never said a single curse at them!' 'Not when they were out of hearing ?' exclaimed Tim.
'I couldn't,' answered Stephen; 'I knew what I ought to do then, if I wasn't quite sure about fighting thee, Tim.

My chapter says, "Swear not at all;" and "Let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."' 'What's the meaning of that ?' asked Tim, opening his eyes widely.
'Father said it meant I was to stand to my word like a man, but not swear about it.

If I said Ay, to mean ay; and if I said No, to mean no, and stick to it.' 'There'd be no room for telling lies, I reckon,' said Tim reflectively.
'Of course not,' replied Stephen.
'That 'ud never answer down yonder,' said Tim, nodding towards the distant village.

'I tell thee what, lad, I'll come and quarter with thee, and help thee to be master.

It 'ud be prime.