New Britain herald., 1921-08-17

the gentle little woman as she turned from the, door.
 CHAPTER NV.
 ''Pearly."
 Helmford had brought great store of books with him and book shelves on which to arrange them. It was Pearls duty to dust these from time to time, for, after having once gone through the new boarder's possessions quite as thoroughly as she had Cap'n Jonah's, Sarah Petty gave the care of the new boards room over 10 her willing little drudge.
 Pearl had obtained fair educa- tion in the simpler branches before men to Orrin Petty. her mothers step-brother's cousin by -marriage--a relationship which even the closest student of genealogy would have found difficulty In figuring out.
 Helmford had purchased an open grate stove In Paulmouth, so he had his own fire, before which he spent most of his free time in study.
 There was not much to do at the fish hatchery at this season, and Helmford had assistants there to watch things day and night. So he was able to study and read. Finding Pearl interested in books he advised her a little in the selection of read ing matter from his library, which she bore off to her room, unknown to Sarah Petty.
 "Whatever!" Cap'n Jonah conhded once more to 'Liphalet Truitt. "Id give one of nfy laigs-neither of em's much good when the rheuma- tism is in 'em-or an arm if l could pay Sarah Petty back for some of her meanness to Pearly. It's gettin' nough to spill the temper of saint |-and I ain't none!"
 'Liphalet's heart was heavy and his face as long as the moral law. but he still could feel sympathy for his friend. and for Pearly as we'll
 "I tell ye what, Cap'n Jonah," he said. ae's you an mo step down to Cap'n Abe's and put it up to him. I tell ye. he's knowledgeable man" "wa'al,' responded the captain, about at his wits end and willing to take almost any chance for advice that might aid in the situation. They found the usual hangers-on at the store that evening. The con- versational tide ebbed and flowed. MT. Truitt seized an opportunity to tell the storekeeper quietly. that he and Capn Jonah had occasion to confer with him privately. The Shell road oracle nodded that he under stood, and proceeded to get rid of customers and loiters alike at an early hour He locked the store door behind washy Gallup's hooped back, snuffed out the window lights.
 "Go right back to the livin' room. 'Liphalet, you an Cap'n Hand. You | know the way"
 kitchen, and they heard him shaking the grate of the range to liven the fire. A moment later the harsh jangle 1 of the coffee grinder announced his lhospitable intent.
 "A mug O hot coffee won't go bad tonight, boys. afore you go out into tho cold again." said the storekeeper, returning and settling into his own creaklng chair. Wal" he said. smiling broadly on the, other two men, II can see there's somethin' on both your minds. Let's have 1t" 'Lipnalet's glum visage frightened with sympathy as he turned to Cap'n Jonah. Do you want me, Cap'n l Hand, to put this here difficulty O yourn before Capn Abe?" he asked gently.
 steam ahead. Truitt," said the cap tain gruffly.
 You've lived in this neighborhood longer than I have. Cap'n Abe." said Mir Truitt. You have been here for more than twenty years. And endurin' | that time I wouldn't wonder if you had got putty close to an opinion on Orrin Petty and his wife" Hi mighty" calculated Cap'n Abe. I sh'd say had aand glanced with compassion at Cap'n. Jonah. l "Cap'n Hand." went on MT. Truitt.
 had good and sufficient reason, so he says. to expect a welcome and kindness from Sarah Petty when he came to live with her" 1 What air you drivin' at." inter- rupted the storekeeper. '1s 1t that Orrin and Sarah's made it onpleas- ant for Cap'n Hand up there at their house?'
 Whatever" calculated Cap'n Jonah. And the way they treat that gal, Pearly.. is sin and shame. can't stand ftp
 s, (Contlnued in Tomorrow's Harad-)