The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1913-01-10

hole and threw the door Npes The lit
tie. room was almost as dark as the
hall and quite as still. There was O
distinct smell Of old clothes and cam
phor. The minister was going after a
match, and said so. In a moment he
returned with several. One OF these
he lit. The birthstone sputtered, burned
blue and fragrant, then burst into a
yellow flame.
The little room was empty.
John Ellery drew breath relief.
Then he laughed
"Humph!" he exclaimed. She's
gone. Come into the sitting room,
light lamp, and let's talk it over"
The lamp was found and lighted at
last. It's radiance frightened the dingy
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 her!" 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,
Powered poke bonnet, mitts, imitation
India shawl. rustling black bombazine
gown. 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 if she, and not her
brother, were the guilty party.
I'm awfully sorry. Mr.. Ellery,"
gushed Lavinia, 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
tin her He come about that cousins
will-the other cousin that's just died.
He's real nice man-her live cousin
is-keeps shoe store up to Sandwich,
and used to know him years ago.
When I was over to Thankfuls 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 I wouldn't like to
go to ride next Sunday afternoon
that's today. And a ride bein' a 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
me come round with his horse and
team about hat past three and we
started. But I'd no idee twas so late.
I-I-meant to tell you I was goin'
'Bish, but I forgot.
Pm so sorry kept you waitin' sup,
per," gushed Lavinia "Ill get you
good one now. Oh, well. deary me! I
must be gettin' absent-minded. l amt
asked you where you've been all the
afternoon"
AInshai's eyes turned beseechingly
toward his promised hacker Ellery
could not resist that mute appeal.
Your brother has been with me for
some time, Miss Pepper" he volun,
tered
ooh, has he? Amt that nice! He
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
you remember I put spring lock on
that door? Well, when l was in there
this afternoon the wind blew the
door shut, the lock clicked, and there
was. If l hadn't had the other key
in my pocket don't knows l wouldn't
have been in there yet. That would
have been a pretty mess, wouldn't it!
He! he! be!"
The Reverend John did not answer.
He could not trust himself to speak
just then. When he did it 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 1t with enthusiasm.
CTO Im NONJTTNJJrEnN