The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1912-12-14

year tenantry. On the ocCdsioh VI Ms
funeral the mourners came and went,
as was proper, by that solemn portal.
Mrs. Coffin thrust the key into the
keyhole of the side door and essayed
to turn It.
"Rumph!" she muttered, twisting to
no purpose; Il don't see why This
must be the right key, because
Well, | declare. if 1t amt unlocked
already! That's some of Cap'n 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,
and the dim gray light made the room
more lonesome and forsaken in appear
ance than a deeper gloom could pos
sibly have done. The black walnut
extension table in the center, closed 10
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 still more
deadly fruit piece" committed in oils
years ago by a now deceased boat
painter. The blinds and 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 it?" 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 a 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 parlor's 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. I guess it's lust swelled and stuck
from the damp. Though it's odd,
don't remember Oh, we'll! never
mind. Let's sweeten up this settin'
room a little. Open d 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 a mo-
ment or two with broom and q 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
shovel, enough sight. Well. there's
pretty nigh dust enough for a shovel
SO maybe this'll take of the top lay
ers. S'pose I'll ever get this house fiji
for Mr.. Ellery to live In before he
comes? 1 wonder II he's a particular
man"
Grace, who was struggling with re
fractory window. paused for breath.
I'm sure I don't know" she re-
piled. 1--WE never seen him."
Nor I either. Sol was so bad the
Sunday he preached that I couldn't &c
to meetin'. They say his sermon was
fine; all about those who 60 down to
the sea In ships. That's what got the
parish committee, guess; they're ali
old salts. l wonder II he's as finelook
in as they say"
Miss Van Horne tossed her head
She was resting, prior to making an
other assault on the window.
81 don't care. know he'll be a con
ceited little snippet and I shall hate
the sight Of him. There! there!
Auntie, you mustn't mind me. I told
you was selfish pig. But don't you
ask me to like this precious minister
Of yours, because l shan't do 1t. He
has no business to come and separate
me from the best friend I've got. I'd
tell him SO II 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. II thought l heard
you did hear. So did /. What d.
you suppose"
"S-s-s-h-h! It sounded from thu
front room somewhere. And yet Their,
can't be anybody in there, because
My soul! there It's again. I'm goin
to find out"
She grasped the stubby broom b,
the handle and moved determinedly to
ward the front hall. Grace seized he
by the arm.
Don't you do it, auntie!" she whis
pered frantically. Don't you do II
1t may be a tramp"
II don't care. Whoever or wha,
. ever it is, 1t has no business in thi
house. and I'll make that plain in