The Chanute times., 1913-02-14
CHAPTER vII.-(continued.)

CHAPTER VII.-(Contlnued')
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
pressive features of Abishai Pepper
or as much of those features as the
size OF the opening permitted to De
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-ssr-come to call, did you?"
why yes, that was my Intention
Hum! Er-er-Laviny, she's gone
over to Thankful Payne's. She heard
that Thankfuls cousin up to Middle
boro had died-passed away, | mean
and she thought she'd run over and
find out if Thankful was willed 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
walt"
"You see, Mr.. Ellery," stammered
Ryan, Lid 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 90 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 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 IL one Of
'em come. And-and after dinner to-
day she sent me In here for somethin'
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 we'll couldn't get out of the
window, cause 1t won't open no
further'n It's now. want never so
provoked In my life. 'Tain't no way to
treat your own brother, lockin' him up
like a young one; now, is it2"
Il don't know. You're Of age, Mr.
Pepper and you must decide for your
self. l think should declare my inde-
pendence. Really, must go. L"
stop your foolishness! Oh!-I-I
ask your pardon, Mr.. Ellery. That
ain't no way to talk to a minister. But
Pm goin' to go out when want to II
bust a hole through the clapboards.
7 amt fascinatin' You ask any wom-
an-except her-if l be, and see what
they say. What'n l do?"
''Ha. ha! don't know, I'm sure. You
might lock her up, / suppose, Just for
a change"
"Hey!" There was a sound from be-
hind the pane as if the imprisoned one
had slapped his knee. by gum! l
never thought of that. Would you
now. Mr.. Ellery? Would you? Sshh!
sshhi somebody's comm. Maybe it's
her. Run around to the door, Mr.. FL
Iery, quick And don't tell her I've
seen you, for mercy sakes! Don't
now. will ye? Pleasei 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 un-
blushlngly said had been taking a nap.
Abishai did not contradict her; In
stead, he merely looked apprehensive-
ly at the minister.
The call was a 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
sDeculation as to whether or not there
might be a sequel. put the whole lu-
dierous affair out of his mind. A week
from the following Sunday he dined in
state at the Daniels table. Captain
Elkanah was gracious and condesoend-
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 EakanAh excused himself
and Gent upstairs for bis Sabbath nap
Ibs embarrassment rsdoubled. Miss
AnuabeI spoke very conAdentally Of
nor loneliness without -congenial so
80" Of how vory nnch she did en-