The Chanute times., 1913-02-14

whip me. Or commit suicide. She's
said she would afore now if--if-"
Nonsense! She won't do that, you
needn't worry" He burst into anoth.
er laugh, but checked himself, as he
saw the look of absolute distress on
poor Kyan's face.
Never mind, Mr.. Pepper" he said.
"Well think Of some plan to smooth
matters over. I'll go home with you
now and We'll let her out together"
The little house was dark and still
as they approached 1t.
They entered. The dining room was
dark and quiet. So was the sitting
room. The clock licked, solemn and
slow. Kyan's trembling knees man.
aged to carry him to the little hal..
leading from the sitting room towsrd
the ell at the side Of the house. This
hall was almost pitch black.
"Here-here, 'tis," painted Kyur.
Here's the door. don't hear nothin'
do you? Listen!"
They listened. Not . sound. ssve
the 2iEs9a, EcN 81 ert. eloc8 In the
room they had left. Ellery knocked
on the door.
Miss Pepper" he said; Miss Pep
per, are you there?"
Silence, absolute. Abishai could
stand it no longer. He groaned anc
collapsed on his knees.
She has!" he moaned "The done
1t and there amt nothin' in there but
her remains. Oh, my soul"
Ellery, now rather iright ,ned him
self, shook him violently.
"Be quiet, you idiot" he command
ed. 1--WE must go in. Give me the
key"
After repeated orders and accom-
panying shakings, Ryan produced a
key The minister snatched it from
his trembling fingers. felt for the key
hole and threw the door open The lit
tie room was almost as dark as the
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 a moment he
returned with several One of these
he lit. The birthstone sputtered, burned
blue and fragrant, then burst into
yellow fame.
The little room was empty.
John Ellery drew a breath of 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
for me. Now III 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
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, we're the guilty party.
I'm awfully sorry, Mr.. Ellery,"
gushed Lavinia, removing the bonnet.
you see, I was invited out to ride
this afternoon and-and-I went"
She glanced at her brother, red
1ened-yes, almost blushed-and con-
tinued.
You know, 'Bishy," she said,
Thankful Payne's cousins home avis
tin her. He come about thRt COUSINS
will-the other cousin that's Just died.
He's a real nice man-her live cousin
s-keeps a shoe store up to Sandwich,
and / used to know him years ago.
When was over to Thankful's t'other
lay, him and me had quite talk. We
got speakin' Of what nice drives there
was around Trumet and-and-er-
we'll, he asked me If wouldn't like to
90 to ride next Sunday afternoon
hats today. And a ride bein' good
leal of treat to me, said would.
Thankful was goin too, but-er-er-
she couldn't very well. So Caleb
hats his name, you remember, 'Bishy
he come round with his horse and
cam about haf past three and we
started. But I'd no idee twas so late.
--I-meant to tell you l was goin'
Bish, but l forgot.
'I'm so sorry kept you waitin' sup
)er," gushed Lavinia. "I1l get you a
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 beseechingly |
.oward his promised backer. EllerS
Gould not resist that mute appeal
Your brother has been with me for |
some time, Miss Pepper" he volun.
.eered.
"Oh, has he? Amt that nice! He |
couldn't have been in better comp'ny,
IN sure. But, oh, say, 'Bishyl l amt