This woman was too kind. We determined to
try and repay her in some way. After a splendid supper we went to
bed happy.
The next day was a repetition of this one, but the day after it
rained. So we determined to enjoy the old tavern, and we rummaged
about everywhere. I visited the garret again, and we went to the
old barn, with its mows half full of hay, and had rare times
climbing about there. We were delighted that it happened to rain.
In a wood-shed, near the house, I saw a big square board with
letters on it. I examined the board, and found it was a sign,--a
hanging sign,--and on it was painted in letters that were yet quite
plain:
"FARMERS'
AND
MECHANICS'
HOTEL."
I called to Euphemia and told her that I had found the old tavern
sign. She came to look at it, and I pulled it out.
"Soldiers and sailors!" she exclaimed; "that's funny."
I looked over on her side of the sign, and, sure enough, there was
the inscription:
"SOLDIERS
AND
SAILORS'
HOUSE."
"They must have bought this comprehensive sign in some town," I
said. "Such a name would never have been chosen for a country
tavern like this. But I wish they hadn't taken it down. The house
would look more like what it ought to be with its sign hanging
before it."
"Well, then," said Euphemia, "let's put it up." I agreed instantly
to this proposition, and we went to look for a ladder. We found
one in the wagon-house, and carried it out to the sign-post in the
front of the house.
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