It be four years since anyone in the village was summoned, and it be mighty hard that they should have picked upon me.

Still, I have never been called before, so I suppose I mustn't grumble; but it be hard to be taken away from work, to waste one's time in a court, and they say the 'sizes ull last for three days." "Well, Jacob, you know that Reuben Whitney is going to be tried for robbery at our house." "Yes, miss; so they says." "Well, what do you think about it, Jacob ?" "I don't think nothing one way or the other, miss.

Most folks says as how he must have done it, 'cause as how he poisoned squire's dog afore." "He didn't do anything of the sort, Jacob; and it's very wicked of people to say so.

He is innocent, quite innocent.

I am sure he is, and papa is quite sure, too; and he will be terribly put out if he is found guilty.