The Forrest City times., 1914-09-04
CHAPTER TX.
A Winter RuttarnX.


 "Cap'n Rose" began Aunt Nancy. Brother Abe pricked up his ears at the formal address. "Cap'n Rose" she repeated, deliberately dwelling on the title. T never believe in callin man tew account in front of his wife It gives him somebody handy ter blame things on tew jest like ole Adam Naow, look a-here What l want is ter ask yew jest one question: Whar, whar on 'arth kin we look fer decent behavin' ole man ef not in a Old Ladies hum? Would yew-" she ex- horted earnestly, pointing her crooked forefnger at him. Would yew-"
 Abraham caught his breath Beads of sweat had appeared on his brow He broke in huskily:
 Wait minute, Aunt Nancy. Jest tell me what I've been an done"
 The ladies glanced at one another contemptuous, incredulous smiles on their faces, while Aunt Nancy almost wept at his deceitfulness.
 "Capn Rose,' she vowed mourn fully. I've lived in this house fer many, many years, an all the while l been here l never heard tell O breath O scandal ag'in' the place until yew come an commenced ter kick up yer heels"
 Lazy Daisy, who had long been an inmate, also nodded her unwieldy head in confirmation, while low murmur of assent arose from the others. Abra- ham could only pass his hand over his brow, uneasily shuflle his maligned heels over the floor and await further developments; for he did not have the slightest conception as to what they were driving at"
 "Capn Rose the matriarch pro ceeded, as in the earnestness of her in dignauon she arose. trembling, in her seat and stood with her palsied and shaking hands on the board, ''Cap'n Rose, yer conduct with this here Mis- Betsey Ann Blossom has been some thin reediculous! It's been disgrace ful:"
 Aunt Nancy sat down, incongruously disreputable in appearance, her pink bow having slipped down over her right ear during the harangue Over the culprts countenance light had dawned, but, shame 10 tell! it was q light not wholly remorseful Then silent laughter shook the old mans shoulders, and then-could it be- there crept about his lips and eyes a smile of superbly masculine conceit The sisters were l~t, ing over him. Wouldn't mother be amused when he should teE her what all this fuss was about.
 Now, kindly. sl.rt sighted Miss Abigail determined that it was time for the matrons voice to be heard.
 ''Of course, Brother Abe. we under stand perfectly that yeW never stopped ter take inter consideration haow sus- ceptible some folks is made"
 There being plain evidence from Abe's blank expression that he did not understand the meaning of the word, Ruby Lee hastened to explain.
 Susceptible is the same as dighty- headed, Blossy alters was fool over anything that wore brooches"
 Ape pushed his chair back from the table and crossed his legs comfortably. For him all the chill had gone out of the air. Suppose that there was some thing in this? An old, old devil of vanity came back to the aged hus. bands heart. He recalled that he had been somewhat of a beau before he learned the joy of loving Angy More than one Long Island lassie had thrown herself at his head Of course Blossy would "get over" this; and Angy knew that his heart was hers as much as it had been the day he pur- chased his wedding beaver; but Abe could not refrain from a chuckle of complacent amusement as he stroked his beard.