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Smith, Jewell Ellen, 1915-1998

"Great Jehoshaphat and Gully Dirt"

I declare, womenfolks don't look at things
like men do. You see Christian duty where all I see is plain,
hard facts!"

It was rather late when we got to Miss Ophelia's place. We
didn't see anybody on the porch, in the hall, or anywhere. But
there was a little streak of smoke rising from one chimney. Papa
hitched Dale close to the yard gate, and we sat in the buggy to
wait while Mama went inside with her box of eggs and butter and
stuff.
We'd been there a few minutes when Papa noticed two people
coming up the trail from Ned's house.
"Looks like two women, Bandershanks."
"It's Shoogie! And Doanie! Papa, lem'me run to meet them!"
"All right."
Shoogie was glad to see me. Doanie, too. When we got back to
the buggy, Doanie asked Papa if Shoogie could ride back home with
us.
"Yeah, I reckon so, Doanie. What's going on?"
"Trouble, Mister Jodie. Trouble's pilin' up! Shoogie, she is
plum puny. And now, Huldie and me just got word to go quick and
help with a birthin'. Huldie see'd you pass Ned's house. She said
ask, maybe y'all carry Shoogie back.


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