This lunch infused new energy into him, and in a short time "DODD'S FAMILY BITTERS, Best in the Market," disfigured the sweet-smelling pine boards.
* * * * * Ethan was eating his self-obtained supper of bread and milk when his wife came home.
"Who's been a-paintin' on that barn ?" she demanded, her bead-like eyes flashing, her withered little face set in an ominous frown.

"Ethan Ripley, what you been doin' ?" "Nawthin'," he replied, feebly.
"Who painted that sign on there ?" "A man come along an' he wanted to paint that on there, and I let 'im; and it's my barn, anyway.

I guess I can do what I'm a min' to with it," he ended, defiantly; but his eyes wavered.
Mrs.Ripley ignored the defiance.

"What under the sun p'sessed you to do such a thing as that, Ethan Ripley?
I declare I don't see! You git fooler an' fooler ev'ry day you live, I _do_ believe." Uncle Ethan attempted a defense.
"Well, he paid me twenty-five dollars f'r it, anyway." "Did 'e ?" She was visibly affected by this news.
"Well, anyhow, it amounts to that; he give me twenty-five bottles"---- Mrs.Ripley sank back in her chair.

"Well, I swan to Bungay! Ethan Ripley--wal, you beat all I _ever_ see!" she added in despair of expression.