The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-04-17

hole ana threw the door open. The III
tie room was almost as dark 40 tho
hall and quite as still. There was
distinct smell Of old clothes and cam-
phor. The minister was going AFTER
match, and said So In moment ne
returned with several. One OF these
he lit. The birthstone sputtered, burned
blue and fragrant, then burst into
yellow flame.
| The little room was empty.
John Ellery drew a breath relief.
Then he laughed.
| "Humph!" he exclaimed. Shes
gone. Come into the sitting room,
light lamp, and let's talk 1t over"
| The lamp was found and lighted at
last. It's radiance frightened the dlngy
sitting room. The sound of wheels
was heard in the lane by the front
gate. A vehicle stopped. Then some
one called hurried good night. Mr..
Peppers fear returned.
Its hertz he cried. She's been
ahuntin' for me- Now I'll get it! You
stand by me, Mr.. Ellery. You got to.
You said you would. But how on earth
did she get out"
His sister appeared on the threshold.
She was dressed in her Sunday best,
lowered poke bonnet, mitts, imitation
India shawl, rustling black bombazine
gow-N. She looked at Mr.. Pepper, then
at the minister.
20 Mr.. Ellery!" she exclaimed, 'be
you here?"
The Reverend John admitted his
presence. Miss Peppers demeanor
surprised him. She did not seem
angry; indeed, she acted embarrassed
and confused, as il she, and not her
brother, were the guilty party
I'm awfully sorry, Mr. Ellery,"
gushed Layinia, removing the bonnet.
You see, l was invited out to ride
| this afternoon and-and-I went"
She glanced at her brother. red
dened-yes, almost blushed-and con-
| tinued.
"You know, 'Bishy," she said.
Thankful Payne's cousins home avis
itin' her. He come about that cousins
will--the other cousin that's just died.
| He's a real nice man-her live cousin
is--keeps shoe store up to Sandwich,
and | used to know him years ago.
| When | was over TO Thankful's t'other
day, him and me had quite talk. We
! got speakin' of what nice drives there
| was around Trumet and-and-er-
well, he asked me If wouldn't like to
| go to ride next Sunday afternoon
i that's today. And ride bein' q good
| deal of treat to me, | said l would.
| Thankful was goin' too, but-er-er-
she couldn't very well. So Caleb
that's his name, you remember, 'Bishy
he come round with his horse and
! team about ha'f past three and we
started But I'd no idee twas 30 1ate.
I--f-meant to tell you l was goln'
'Bish, but forgot.
I'm so sorry kept you waitin' sup
per-" gushed Lavinia "I'll get you
good one now Oh, well, deary me!
must be gettin' absent-minded l amt
asked you where you've been all the
afternoon"
Abishai's eyes turned beseechingls
toward his promised backer Ellery
could not resist that mute appeal.
"Your brother has been with me for
some time, Miss Pepper" he volun
teered.
"Oh, has he? Amt that nice! Ha
couldn't have been in better comp'ny.
I'm sure. But, oh, say, 'Bishy! l amt
| told you how nigh l come to not get
tin out at ALL Just afore Mr.. Payne
come, was in that spare room and
/ yo7 remember | put spring lock on
that door? Well, when | was in there
this afternoon the wind blew the
door shut, the lock clicked, and there
| was. II hadn't had the osfer key
in my pocket don't knows wouldn't
have been in there yet. That would
have been a pretty mess. wouldn't It!
He! he! he!"
The Reverend John did aot answer
He could not trust himself to speak
Just then. When he did Il was to an
nounce that he must be getting toward
home. No, he couldn't stay for sup
per-
Miss Pepper went into the kitchen.
and Abishai saw the visitor to the
door. Ellery extended his hand and
Ryan shook il with enthusiasm.
CTO BE CoNTINUED)