a heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire

Chip called from New Hampshire to tell me about Jack's representing me at the National Rifle Association meeting. Jack not only told them I was a hunter all my life and a good shot, but also said in a loud voice, My daddy will approve anything you want to do in the woods.[…] The key words were in the woods. The NRA, basing its argument on the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution regarding the right to bear arms, has acquired tremendous influence within the U.S. Congress and among state and local governments.

a bluff answer

The old man eked out his pension by selling vegetables from his garden.