The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1912-12-06


as was proper, by that solemn portal.
Mrs. Coffin thrust the key into the
keyhole of the side door and essayed
to turn it.
Humph!" she muttered, twisting to
no purpose; Il don't see why This
must be the right key, because
Well, l declare, If It amt unlocked
already! That's some of Capn FL
kanah's doin's. For critter as fussy
and particular about some things, he's
careless enough about others. Mercy
we amt had any tramps around here
lately, Come in"
She led the way into the dining
room Of the parsonage. Two of the
blinds shading the windows of that
apartment had been opened when she
and Captain Daniels made their visit,
ana the dim gray light made the room
more lonesome and forsaken in appear
ance than a deeper gloom could pos
sibiy have done. The black walnut
extension table in the center, closed to
Its smallest dimensions because Par
son Langley had eaten alone for so
many years; the black walnut chairs
set back against the wall at regular
intervals; the rug carpet and braided
mats-homemade donations from the
ladies' OF the parish-on the green
painted floor; the dolorous pictures on
the walls; Death of Washington"
"Stoning of Stephen" and a still more
deadly fruit piece" committed in oils
years ago by a now deceased boat
painter. The blinds and a window be-
ing opened, more light entered the
room. Grace glanced about 1t curl
ously.
so this is going to be your new
home now, Aunt Keziah," she OBJ
served. How queer that seems"
"Um-h'm. Does seem queer, don't
it? Must seem queer to you to be so
near the headquarters of everything
your uncle thinks is wicked Smell Of
birthstone any, does tt?" she asked
with smile.
She threw open. another door. A
room gloomy with black walnut and
fragrant with camphor was dimly Wis
ible.
"Cheerful's tomb, amt it," was
Mrs. Collins comment. well, We'll get
some light and air in here pretty
SOON Here's the front hall and there's
the front stairs. The parlors off to
the left. We won't bother with that
yet a while This little place in here
is what Mr. Langley used to call his
study" Halloa! how this door sticks!"
The door did stick, and no amount
Of Juggling could get it open, though
Grace added her efforts to those of Ke-
ziah.
"Tain't locked" commented Mrs.
Coffin, cause there amt any lock on
it. l guess it's just swelled and stuck
from the damp. Though it's odd, l
don't remember Oh, we'll! never
mind Let's sweeten up this settin'
room little Open q window or two
want to do anything before 1t gets
dark. I'm goin' into the kitchen to get
a broom"
She hurried out, returning in mo-
ment or two with broom and most
disguised expression.
"How's a body goin to sweep with
that" she demanded, exhibiting the
frayed utensil, the business end of
which was worn to a stub. More like
a shovel enough sight Well, there's
pretty nigh dust enough for shovel,
so maybe thisll take off the top lay
ers. S'pose III ever get this house fit
for Mr.. Ellery to live in before he
comes? l wonder If he's a particular
man.
Grace, who was struggling with re-
fractory window, paused for breath.
I'm sure don't know" she re-
piled. I've never seen him"
Nor | either. Sol was so bad the
Sunday he preached that l couldn't go
to meetin' They say his sermon was
fine; all about those who go down to
the sea in ships. That's what got the
parish committee, guess; they're all
old salts. wonder If he's as tine-look
in as they say?"
Miss Van Horne tossed her head.
She was resting, prior to making an
other assault on the window.
II don't care. l know he'll be a con-
ceited little snippet and l shall hate
the sight of him. There! there!
Auntie, you mustn't mind me. told
you was selfish pig. But don't you
ask me to like this precious minister
of yours, because l shan't do it. He
has no business to come and separate
me from the best friend I've got. I'd
tell him so if he was here What
was that?"
Both women looked at each other
with startled faces. They listened in
tently.
why, want that funny" vhis-
pered Keziah 81 thought I heard"
"You did hear. So did l. What do
you suppose"
"S-s-s-h-h! 1t sounded from the
front room somewhere. And yet there
can't be anybody in there, because
My soul! there it's again. I'm goin'
to find out"
She grasped the stubby broom by
the handle and moved determinedly to-
ward the front hall. Grace seized her
by the arm.
Don't you do it, auntie!" she Wits
pered frantically. Don't you do it!
1t may be q tramp"
81 don't care. Whoever or what
ever it is, it has no business in this
hn-co and Ill make that nlain In q