human
Can you keep it here for a day or two? he asked the agent.
gpt
I may send for it, and I may not.
human
Depends on whether you like the country, I suppose?
gpt
Just so.
human
N.E., and handed out a claim check without further comment. The stranger watched him as he caught one end of the trunk and dragged it into the express room. The agent's manner seemed to remind him of something amusing.
gpt
Doesn't seem to be a very big place,
human
It's big enough for us,
gpt
How fur ye goin'?
human
Do you go by the Ericson place?
gpt
Which Ericson?
human
Preacher Ericson's.
gpt
Oh, the Old Lady Ericson's! He turned and looked at Nils.
human
La, me! If you're goin' out there you might 'a' rid out in the automobile. That's a pity, now. The Old Lady Ericson was in town with her auto. You might 'a' heard it snortin' anywhere about the post-office er the butcher-shop.
gpt
Has she a motor?
human
Aren't there any other motors about here?
gpt
Oh, yes! we have fourteen in all. But nobody else gets around like the Old Lady Ericson. She's out, rain er shine, over the whole county, chargin' into town and out amongst her farms, an' up to her sons' places. Sure you ain't goin' to the wrong place? He craned his neck and looked at Nils' flute-case with eager curiosity.
human
The old woman ain't got any piany that I knows on. Olaf, he has a grand. His wife's musical; took lessons in Chicago.
gpt
I'm going up there to-morrow,
human
Oh, I see!
gpt
I'm one o' Mis' Ericson's tenants. Look after one of her places. I did own the place myself oncet, but I lost it a while back, in the bad years just after the World's Fair. Just as well, too, I say. Lets you out o' payin' taxes. The Ericsons do own most of the county now. I remember the old preacher's fav'rite text used to be, 'To them that hath shall be given.' They've spread something wonderful--run over this here country like bindweed. But I ain't one that begretches it to 'em. Folks is entitled to what they kin git; and they're hustlers. Olaf, he's in the Legislature now, and a likely man fur Congress. Listen, if that ain't the old woman comin' now. Want I should stop her?