noon
She heard Clinch 's light step on the uncarpeted stair ; went on making up Smith 's bed ; and smiled as her step-father came into the room , still carrying his rifle . He had something else in his hand , too , -- a flat , thin packet wrapped in heavy paper and sealed all over with black wax . `` Girlie , '' he said , `` I want you should do a little errand for me this morning . If you 're spry it wo n't take long -- time to go there and get back to help with noon dinner . '' `` Very well , dad . '' `` Go git your pants on , girlie . '' `` You want me to go into the woods ? ''