Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-08-15

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want to do anything before it gets
dark I'm goin' into the kitchen to get
a broom"
She hurried out, returning in a mo-
ment or two with broom and a 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 stub. more like
shovel, enough sight Well, there's
pretty nigh dust enough for shovel.
so maybe this'll take off the top lay
ers. S'pose I'll ever get this house fit
for Mr.. Ellery to live in before he
comes? I 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 thatJ 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, I guess; they're all
old salts. wonder if he's as fine-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. know he'll be con-
ceited little snippet and 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!" whis-
pered Keziah. l thought heard"
you did hear. So did l. What do
you suppose.
"S-s-s-h-h! 1t sounded from the
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 whis-
pered frantically Don't you do it,!
1t may be a tramp
81 don't care. Whoever or what
ever it is, it has no business in this
house, and I'll make that plain in a
hurry. Just like as not it's cat got
in when Elkanah was here this fore
| noon. Don't be scared, Grace Come
right along"
The girl came along, but not with
enthusiasm. They tiptoed through the
dark, narrow hall and peeped into the
! parlor. This apartment was dim and
still and gloomy, as all proper parlors
should be, but there was no sign of
life.
Mrs. Coffin was glancing back down
the hall with strange expression on
her face. Her grip upon the broom
handle frightened
What is it?" pleaded the girl in an
agonized whisper
Grace" was the low reply, give
just remembered somethin'. That
study door isn't stuck from, the damp,
because-well, because / remember
| now that it was open this mornin'."
Before her companion could fully
grasp the import of this paralyzing
fa pt 1iah 81, H.
seized the knob of the study door
Whoever you are in there" she
commanded sternly, open this door
and come out this minute. Do you
hear? I'm orderin' you to come out. "
There was an instant of silence;
then voice from within made answer
a mans voice, and it's tone indicated
embarrassment.
Madam" it said, IL AMI will
be out in another minute. If you will
just be patient"
Come out then!" snapped Keziah
Come out! Patience! OF all the
cheek! Why don't you come gu,
now?"
"Well, to be frank, since you insist
snapped the voice, "I'm not fully
dressed"
This was staggerer. For once Ke.
ziah did not have reply ready. She
looked at Grace and the latter ct her
Then, without words, they retreated to
the sitting room
i hope you won't be alarmed" con.
tinued the voice, broken by painting
pauses, as if the speaker was strug
Cling into a garment. II know thi.
must seem strange. You see, l cam.
on the coach as far as Bayport ant
then we lost wheel in rut. Their,
was a--oh. dear! where is that-thi