Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1913-01-18
CHAPTER vlI.-(continued.)

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.
"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-come to call. did you"
why, yes, that was my intention"
"HumI Er-er-Laviny, she's gone
over to Thankful Payne's. She heard
that Thankful's cousin up to Middle
boro had died-passed away. mean
and she thought she'd run over and
find out If Thankful was wil1ed any
thing. She said she'd be back pretty
soon"
VERY well Then, as she won't be
gone long. perhaps I'll come in and
wait"
"You see, Mr.. Ellery." stammered
Ryan, It'd like to have you come in
Dul"eT-1Aatluy
the key. She-she- Oh, consarn 1t
all, Mr.. Ellery. she's locked me in this
room a-purpose, SOS | won't get out
and go somewheres without her know
in 1t.
"She done It a-purpose," continued
Ryan. in a burst of confidence. She
had me put one of them new-fangled
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 If one of
'em come And-and after dinner to-
day she sent me in here for somethjn'
and then slammed the door on me
Said she cal'lated I'd stay put till she
got back from Thankful's. She knew
mighty well 1 couldn't get out of the
window. cause it won't open no
further'n it's now. I want never so
provoked in my life. 'Tain't no way to
treat your own brother. lockin' him up
like young one; now. is it?
81 don't know. You're of age, Mr.
Pepper. and you must decide for your
lself. 1 think should declare my indie
lpendence- Really. 1 must go. L"
stop your foolishnessi Ohi-I|
TASK your pardon. Mr.. Ellery. That
iain't no way to talk to a minister But
I'm goin' to go out when l want to IL
II bust a hole through the clapboards
I amt fascinatin'. You ask any wom-
ian-except her-if 1 be. and see what
they say Whatu l dog"
"Ha, hal don't know. I'm sure. You
might lock her up. suppose. Just for
ia change"
"Heyi" There was a sound from be-
hind the pane as if the imprisoned one
had slapped his knee. by gumi
never thought OF that. Would you
now. Mr. Ellery? Would you? Sshhl
isshhi somebody's comm. Maybe it's
her. Run around to the door, Mr. FL
lery, quick. And don't tell her I've
iseen you, for mercy sakes! Don't
NOW, will We? Pleased RUM"
The minister did not run, 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 I'M
blushingly said had been taking nap.
Abishai did not contradict her; in
stead, he merely looked apprehensive-
1y at the minister.
The call was a short one Lavinia
Ellery the rest Ryan was silent
He told no one of Kyans 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 at the Daniels table. Captain
Eikanah 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-
raised. 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 'congeIial so
ciety." of how very much she did en-