Gilpin observer., 1913-01-23
CHAPTER vI.-(continued.)

by Nat They become friends.
CHAPTER VII.-(continued)
Sure enough; one. of the windows
on this side of the house. was raised
about six inches at the bottom, the
shade-was up, and peering beneath the
sash the minister discerned the ex-
pressiye features of Abishai Pepper
or as much Of those features as the
size of the opening permitted, to be
seen. sr
"Oh!" exclaimed the visitor, "is that
you, Mr.. Pepper? Well, I'm glad to
see you, at last You are rather hard
to see, even now"
'Er-er-conie to call, did you?"
why, yes, that was my intention"
Hum! 'Br-er-Eaviny. she's gone
over to Thankful Paynes. She heard
that Thankfuls cousin up to Middle
boro had died-passed away, meanT
and she thought she'd run over and
find out IL Thankful was wflled any
thing. She said she'd be back pretty
soon."
Very well. Then, as she won't be
gone lcng. perhaps III come in and
wait"
You see, Mr. Ellery." stampered
Ryan, It'd like to have you come in
fust rate, but-er-Laviny she's got
the key. She-she- Oh, consarn 1t
all. Mr.. Ellery, she's locked me in this
room a-purpose, SOS l won't get out
and go somewheres without her know
in It
"She done 1t a-purpose." continued
Ryan, in a burst Of confidence. "She
had me put one Of them newfangled
spring locks on the door Of this room
t'other day, cause she said she was
, afraid Of tramps and wanted some
place to shut herself up. in II one of
'em come. And-and after dinner to-
day she sent me in here for somethin'
Said she cal'lated I'd stay put till she
got back from 'Thankfuls. She knew
mighty well,E couldn't get out Of, the
window, cause it :, won't open no
frrther'n It's now. want never so
provoked in my life. 'Tain't no way to
treat yaIr own brother, lockin' him'up
like q young one; now. is itp.- a-.
"I don't know. You're of age, Mr..
Pepper. and yep must decide4for your
self. think 1'sfpuld declare my inde-
pendence. Really. must go. i"
stop your foolishness! Oh!-I-1
ask your papdon.. Mr.. EItery, That
amt no way to talk TO a minister, But
I'm goin' to go out" when ! want t6 II
l bust a hole through the clapboards.
I amt fascinatin'. You ask any wom-
an-except her-if be. and see what
they say. What'll I do?"
l.. "Ha, Ma! I"dont know, I'm sure. You
might lock her up. ! suppose, lust for
"a change"
"Hey!" TbereJwassa soupd>f from be-
hind the pane as II the imprisoned one
had slapped his knee by, gum! I
never thought of that. Would yon
now, Mr. Ellery?' Would you? sshh!
sshh! somebody's comm. Maybe it's
her. Run, around to the door, Mr.. El,
lery, quick And don't tell her I've
seen you, for mercy sakes! Don't
now, will ye? PleaseL Runi"
The minister did not ruin. but he
walked briskly around the corner.
Sure enough Lavinia' was there. Just
unlocking the door She expressed her.
self as very glad. to see the caller.
ushered him into the sitting room and
disappeared. returning In another mo-
ment with her brother, whom she un.
blushingly said had been taking nap..
Abishai did not contradict her; in
stead, he merely looked apprehensive-
ly at the minister.
The call was short one. Lavinia
did seven.eighths OF the talking and
Ellery the rest. Ryan was silent.
He told no one of Kyan's conf
dental disclosure, and. after some
speculation as to whether or not there
might be a sequel. put the whole lu-
dicrous affair out of his mind. A week
from the following Sunday he dined in
state Mt the Daniels table. Captain
Elkannh was gracious and condescend-
Ing. Annabel was more than that.
She was dressed In her newest gown
and was SO very gushing and affable
that the minister felt rather embar
rassed When. after the meal was
over, Captain Elkanah excused himself
and went upstairs for his Sabbath nap.
the embarrassment redoubled Miss
Annabel spoke very confidentially OF
her loneliness without "congenial so
sdety." of how very much she did en-