Sometimes he sighed heavily , especially when he heard casual references to the Josiah Spencer emigration . One warm afternoon in early May Josiah Spencer arrived . He found Ma knitting placidly in the kitchen , while Pa nodded over his newspaper and the baby played with the cat on the floor . `` Good afternoon , Mrs. Sloane , '' said Josiah with a flourish . `` I just dropped in to see about this young man here . We are going to leave next Wednesday ; so you 'd better send him down to our place Monday or Tuesday , so that he can get used to us , and -- '' `` Oh , Ma , '' began Pa , rising imploringly to his feet . Ma transfixed him with her eye . `` Sit down , Pa , '' she commanded . Unhappy Pa sat . Then Ma glared at the smiling Josiah , who instantly felt as guilty as if he had been caught stealing sheep red-handed . `` We are much obliged to you , Mr. Spencer , '' said Ma icily , `` but this baby is OURS . We bought him , and we paid for him . A bargain is a bargain . When I pay cash down for babies , I propose to get my money 's worth . We are going to keep this baby in spite of any number of uncles in Manitoba . Have I made this sufficiently clear to your understanding , Mr. Spencer ? '' `` Certainly , certainly , '' stammered the unfortunate man , feeling guiltier than ever , `` but I thought you did n't want him -- I thought you 'd written to his uncle -- I thought -- '' `` I really would n't think quite so much if I were you , '' said Ma kindly . `` It must be hard on you . Wo n't you stay and have tea with us ? '' But , no , Josiah would not stay .
He was thankful to make his escape XXXXX such rags of self-respect as remained to him .
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