He had brought a law book with him, but he got interested in William Shakespeare and couldn't let it alone.
He said that he was like a mired horse whenever he began to read a play of the immortal bard, and that he had to take his time in getting out.
When he went away next morning he borrowed Samson's pack basket.

I felt bad because we couldn't go and make any arrangements with Santa Claus for the children.

Joe was dreadfully worried, for Betsey had told him that Santa Claus never came to children whose father and mother were sick.
Christmas Eve Abe came with the pack basket chock-full of good things after the children were asleep.

He took out a turkey and knit caps and mittens and packages of candy and raisins for the children and some cloth for a new dress for me.

Mrs.Kelso had come to spend the night with us, although Samson and I were so much better it really wasn't necessary.