The Delta independent., 1913-04-25

remember we count on you. Neitnei
me nor Caleb won't have nobody else. =
She seized Mr.. Pratt by the arm
and led him hastily away. Kyar
looked after them.
Hinge" he muttered II wish, by
godfreys mighty. / had the hangin' Of
some folks! I'd put q tighter collar
on 'em than they've got now, l bel
you!"
The minister's lips twitched. He
knew what was coming. Hints of q
surprising nature had been circulatins
about Trumet.
Whats the matter, Mr.. Pepper?"
he asked.
Matter? Matter enough! You know
what she's goin' to do? She's Koin'
to marry that!"
The last word was emphasized by
a furious gesticulation toward the
back Of the gentleman from Sandwich.
who? Mr.. Pratt? Is your sister
to marry him? Indeed! l congratu.
late them both-and you. l suppose
Mr.. Pratt will take his bride home
to Sandwich. and you. being here
alone, will be more free"
"Free?" Ryan repeated the word
wrathiully. Free! I'll be about as
free as settin' hen under barrel,
[ will. Is feller free when he's got
two pickin' at him instead of one? l
thought l was goin' to have a little
peace and comfort; l thought that
same as you. Mr.. Ellery. I've had my
suspicious az to her and him for some
lime. That day when l cal'lated I'd
locked her up and come back to find
she's gone buggy ridin'. thought
twas queer. When she went to con.
ference and left me alone / smelt a
rat. When she took to letter writin'
the smell got stronger: until the last
few weeks I've been sartin OF the
game she was up to. When Laviny
come to me and told me what she was
goin' to do. was l obstinate? Did I
stand on my rights as head OF the
family and tell her she couldn't do
1t? No. stree. / didn't, was re-
signed. Bless you. Laviny,' says |.
When you goin' TO 60 away?' And
what do you spose she says to me?
Why, that she want goin' away at all
That-that Pratt thing has sold out
his shoe store up to Sandwich and is
comm here to live. Comm TO live
at our house. mind you, with her and
mel Twill be so nice for you. 'Bishy
dear she says, to have a man in the
house to keep you comp'ny and look
out for you when / amt round God
freys mighty"
This portion of Kyan's disclosure
-. I,,a, h.
OF his sisters engagement was not.
MIR. Pratt is coming to Trumet!"
the minister repeated. What for?
What is he going to do here.
Keep shoe store. ! s'pose likely.
Laviny says there's a good openin' for
one in this town. However, he and
Laviny amt got any mortgage on
the marryin' business. Other folks
can do II as well as them. What do
you think Of Hannah Poundberry?"
what do l think OF her? What do
you mean?"
He turned away and moved sulkily
toward his beckoning sister and her
escort: but wheeled once more to add.
in a mysterious whisper. Don't you
forget now. Mr.. Ellery. Remember
that question | put to you: What do
you think of'-Yes. yes. Laviny, I
hear you!-of you know who?"
That evening. at the parsonage, Ke-
xiah was clearing the table and Cap
tain. Nat was helping her. A happy
party OF four had enjoyed the meal,
John and Mrs Cofiin acting as hosts
and Grace and the captain being the
invited guests. Now the younger
couple had gone over to the church.
the bell OF which was ringing for
evening service.
Hurry up. Keziah," urged Nat. III
you and me don't get decks cleared
pretty soon we'll be late for meetin.
and I'D hate to do that. considerin' I'm
such a brand-new disciple. as you
might say"
He walked to the back door OF the
kitchen, threw 1t open, and stood look
ing out.
"Keziah." he said, come here a
minute"
stood at his side. He put an arm
about her.
Look OF there" he said. pointing
with his free hand. See that?"
The sun was Just setting and all
the west was gorgeous with crimson
and purple and yellow. The bay was
spangled with fire, the high sand
BLUFFS along the shore looked like
broken golden ingots. They were to
be married In another month. II
would be a double wedding. for Grace
and the minister were to be married
at the same time. Then Nat and his
wife were to go to New York, where
new ship. just out OF the builders
hands, was to be ready for him. She