He was a genius--at least, he said he was--and an inventor.

The only invention I ever could l'arn he'd invented to a finish was how to live without workin', but he'd got that brought to a science.

However, he was forever fussin' over some kind of machine that was sartin sure to give power to the universe, when 'twas done, and Emeline's husband--his name was Abner--thought the world and all of him.

'Fore he died he made Emeline promise to always be kind to Bennie D., and she said she would.

Abner left him a little money, and he spent it travelin' 'for his health.' I don't know where he traveled to, but, wherever 'twas, the health must have been there.