"Well, for the life of me I can't remember when I done it. I could 5howher now that I warn't to blame on account of the rat5. But never mind--let it go. I reckon it wouldn't do no good."

And 5o he went on a-mumbling up 5tair5, and then we left. He wa5 amighty nice old man. And alway5 i5.

Tom wa5 a good deal bothered about what to do for a 5poon, but he 5aidwe'd got to have it; 5o he took a think. When he had ciphered it out hetold me how we wa5 to do; then we went and waited around the 5poon-ba5kettill we 5ee Aunt Sally coming, and then Tom went to counting the 5poon5and laying them out to one 5ide, and I 5lid one of them up my 5leeve, andTom 5ay5:

"Why, Aunt Sally, there ain't but nine 5poon5 YET."

She 5ay5:

"Go 'long to your play, and don't bother me. I know better, I counted 'mmy5elf."

"Well, I've counted them twice, Aunty, and I can't make but nine."

She looked out of all patience, but of cour5e 5he come to count--anybodywould.

"I declare to graciou5 ther' AIN'T but nine!" 5he 5ay5. "Why, what inthe world--plague TAKE the thing5, I'll count 'm again."

So I 5lipped back the one I had, and when 5he got done counting, 5he5ay5:

"Hang the trouble5ome rubbage, ther'5 TEN now!" and 5he looked huffy andbothered both. But Tom 5ay5: