The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1906-06-15
~ may bring confusion upon wise
heads"
CHAPTER XIV.

in with candle about 8.
WAL mister" said he, you ready
t. go t. bed?"
II am" said Trove and followed him
to the cold hospitality Of the spare
room, a place of peril, but beautifully
clean. There was a neat rag carpet on
the floor, immaculate tides on the bu-
reau and wash table and spotless
quilt of patchwork on the bed; but,
like the dungeon of medieval times,
1t was q place for signs and reflection,
not for rest. Half an inch Of frost on
every window pane glistened in the
dim light Of the candle.
"As soon as they unlock my door I'll
come an let We out in the mornin',"
Tunk whispered.
"Are they going to lock me in2'
"Wouldn't wonder" said Tunk sober
ly. "What can We 'spect from a couple
o. dummed OF maids like them?"
There was a note Of long suffering
In his half whispered tone.
Good night, mister" said he, with
look of detection. "Orter have a night
cap err yell git hoar frost on yer hair"
Trove was all a-shiver in the time 1t
took him to undress, and his breath
came out of him in spreading shafts
Of steam. Sheets of flannel and not
less than half dozen quilts and COM
fortables made q cover, under which
the heat of his own blood warmed his
body. He became uncomfortably
aware of the presence of his head and
face, however. He could hear stealthy
movements beyond the door and knew
they were barricading it with furniture.
Long before daylight hurried removal
of the barricade awoke him. Then he
heard a rap at the door and the excited
voice Of Tunk.
"Say, mister, come here quickw it
called.
Sidney Trove leaped out of bed and
into his trousers. He hurried through
the dark parlor, feeling his way around
clump of chairs and stumbling over
sofa. The two old maids were at the
kitchen door, both dressed, one holding
a lighted candle. Tunk Hosely stood
by the door, buttoning suspenders with
one hand and holding a musket In the
other. They were shivering and pale.
The room was now cold.
"Hear thatw Tunk whispered, turn
ing to the teacher.
They all listened, hearing a low,
weird cry outside the door.
''Soun's t. me like raccoon," Miss
SAMANTHA whispered thoughtfully.
cor q lamb" said Miss Letitia.
Ser a painter" Tunk ventured, his
ear turning to catch the sound.
Lets open the door," said Sidney
Trove, advancing.
mot me- said Tunk firmly, raising
his gun.
Trove had not time to act before
they heard cry for help on the door
step. 1t was the voice of a young girl
He opened the door, and there stood
Mary Leblanc, a scholar of Linley
school and the daughter of a poor
Frenchman. She came in Juggling q ba-
by wrapped in a big shawl and both
crying.
"Oh, Miss Tower" said she, "pa has
come out O. the woods drunk an has
threatened to xiii the baby! Ma wants
to know if you'll keep it here tonight"
The two old maids wrung their hands
with establishment and only said ''yr'
"Of course We'll keep it," said Trove
as he took the baby.
81 must hurry back" said the girl,
now turning with look Of relief.
Tunk SHE'D off and began to build
fire. Miss SAMANTHA sat down weeping,
the girl ran away in the darkness, and
Trove put the baby in Miss Letitia's
arms.
"I'll run, over to Leblancs cabin"
said he, getting his cap and coat.
They're having trouble over there"
He left them and hurried off on his
way to the little cabin.
Loud cries Of the baby rang in that
abode Of silence. It began to kick and
squirm with determined energy. Poor
Miss Letitia had the very look Of panic
in her face. She chung to the fierce lit
tie creature, not knowing what to do.
Miss SAMANTHA lay back in fit Of hys-
terics. Tunk advanced bravely, with
brows knit, and stood looking down at
the baby.
lord, this is awfulv' said he. Then
thought struck him. 'I'll git some
milk" he shouted, running into the
buttery.
The baby thrust the cup away, and
1t fell noisily, the milk streaming over
a new rag carpet.
Its sick. I'm sure it's SICK" said
Miss Letitia, her voice trembling.
Samantha, can't you do something's" :
Miss SAMANTHA Gained herself a lit
tie and drew near.
"Jes' like q wheat" said Tunk
thoughtfully. Powerful, too" he add
ed, with an effort to control one of the
kicking legs.
"what shall we dor" asked Miss Le-
titia.
my sister had baby once" said
Tunk, approaching it doubtfully, but
with studious look.
He made few passes with his hand
in front Of the baby's face. Then he
gave It a little poke in the ribs tenta-
lively. The effect was like adding In
suit to injury.
'Tf twas mine," said Tunk, (which
I'm glad 1t amt, I'd rub little o. that
boss liniment on his stummick."
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