Before first light somebody pounded on my cabin's drafty door. It was Nine Bowen. He had his mules and wanted to plow me a garden spot. I gave him four eggs in payment and told him to have a go at it. I don't know if anything will grow in a rock pile but if I can get Squirl Ferguson to loan me some seeds I'll give it a try. Here comes Tom Sawyer ridin up and he don't look none to happy. I guess he wonders why little Emmitt Bob hasn't been to school for a few weeks. Next time I myself find Emmitt Bob I'll ask him too...