The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1912-12-27

ers and the split in the society took
place, no Regular minister had crossed
the threshold Of a seceder's dwelling
much less attended their services and
walked home with member of their
congregation. She knew what this
amazing procedure was likely to mean
If her parson did not.
"eiL.' she exclaimed when the re
cital was finished. Well"
I'm afraid | was too hasty," OBJ
served Mr.. Ellery thoughtfully. Per
maps it would have been wiser not to
have done it"
Perhaps 'twould. Yes, l wouldn't
wonder mite"
1t will be talked about some, l sup
pose. Don't you think so?"
At this moment one half of Trumet
is talkin about it and runnin' out to
tell the other half. 7 guess I'd better
hurry UP with this breakfast. We're
goin' to have callers"
Strange to say, however, this proph-
ecy OF early morning visitors did not
prove true. Nine o'clock, then ten,
and no visitor came 10 the parsonage.
Mrs. Coffin affirmed that she did not
understand it, Where was Dldama ?
Where Layinia Pepper? Had the "Tru-
met Daily Advertiser" suspended pub
LEGATION?
At half past ten the gate slammed.
he2iah peered from The window.
"Humph" she CALCULATED. Here
comes Elkanah and he's got storm sig
nails set, by the looks. He's comm
after you, Mr.. Ellery."
Very well" was the calm reply;
"let him come
All right. Say. Mr.. Ellery, it's
none Of my business, but l wouldn't
say anything about your seem Grace
home. That's none of his business,
either, Or anybody else's."
The head of the parish committee
stalked into the study and the door
closed behind him. A rumble Of
voices in animated conversation sue
ceeded.
Mrs Coffin went out into the Kitchen
and resumed her business of making
a drted-apple pie.
She was looking down below the
door, which opened outward and was
swung partly back on its hinges. From
under the door projected a boot, a
mans boot and one Of ample size.
Keziah's cheeks. already red from
the heat Of the stove, redeemed still
more. Her lips twitched and her eyes
sparkled.
Hum" she said They say you
can tell the Old Scratch by his foot
prints, even if you can't smell the
sulphur. Anyhow, you can tell a Ham
mond by the size Of his boots. Come
out from behind that door this min
ute. Amt you ashamed OF yourself ?"
The owner of the boot stepped forth
from behind the door and seized her
by both hands.
"Halloo, Keziah!" he cried joyfully.
My, but it's good to see you
"Halloo, Natl" said Keziah heartily.
It's kind OF good to see you, too"
The rest Of him was in keeping
with his boots He was big and broad.
shouldered and bearded. His face,
above the beard, was tanned to a deep
reddish brown, and tho corners of his
eyes were marked with dozens of tiny
wrinkles He was dressed in blue
cloth aud wore wide-brimmed, soft
felt nat He entered the kitchen and
tossed the hat into a corner.
Well" he exclaimed. why don't
you act surprised to see 4 Teller? Here
I've been cruisin' from the Horn to
Barnegat and back again, and you act
as If I'd just dropped in to fetch the
cup of molasses l borrowed yesterday.
What do you mean by it,"
oh heard you'd made port"
Did hey? That's Trumet, sure
pop. You amt the only ore. I
sneaked off acrost lots SOS to dodge
the gang of neighbors that knew
would be sailin' into our yard, the