New Britain herald., 1929-12-23
Chapter 3 1
THE TWIN BROTHERS

Obadiah found Philandor Chase standing in front of the south win dow of the parlor, examining a china bowl on a quaint old mahog- any candlestand.
 "One doesn't often sec a Japan- csc garden in a New England farm house. he said, aa Obadiah joinel him.
 Jim sent 1t to Dcbby. my house. keeper Obadiah answered. pro- ducing a cigar which Chase de Clined.
 "Sho thinks a heap of the little houses and bridges" pointing to the tiny Japanese toys and wooden miniature men and women.
 You keep it in too much suN- slime commented Chase: then. stooping over to examine the plaat iA the center of the bowl more carefully: Tn fact. this Tree of Life should be pottcd: it's out- grown the bOWl.' He looked up suddenly. "Who were you talking with just now"'
 Big Bill Beach, tine sheriff Of Litchficld couDty"
 Out Of the corner Of lis cye. Obadiah noted Chasc's sudden nervous fiddling with his watch fob. "Won't you sit down? Supper will be ready most any timc."
 q don't know that I can wait" Chase compared his watch with the grandfather clock. He fidgctod for second longer. Ut is imperative that ] sec my brother tonight. Is l. possible to get to Stone Tower other than by going back 10 Goshen 2"
 Obadiah shook his head
 "No The road from East Cora- wall end up the pass is too rough, except for a Ford car; tried lt once and broke a spring. Dobby most always gets messages right. an she said your brother was com ing back here tonight I'll be glaI to put you both up."
 Wont that inconvenience you?"
 "Not bit," and the hoartmcss of his answer carried conviction.
 "That'a very kid of you, Tn gladly staN.' and Chase picked up the rejected cigar. lis fingers sought his vest pocket, then ihc other, and his expression grew startled.
 "Want q mu;ch?' Obadiah tossed him q box which he caught.
 "Thanks."
 Chase pufr~1 at the cjgar with ! nervous rapidity until he had it go- ing 10 his satisfaction,
 "You say supper isn't rcadyo"
 "Not quito:.in about half an hour, . Dybby said" Obadiah moved to- ward the doo~. If you're hungry l TIT go hurry ncr."
 "No. No; pleas" donl." objected . Chase. II" gained the hall door first. q left q most important slip Of paper with Miss Prescott, and . inc half hour will give mo time 10 get it. But don't wait ror me if I'm detained"
 Deborah, busy with her prcpara- tons for supper looked up as Oba- diah's figure appeared in the door of the kitchen.
 "Dont hurry supper" he said; maybe we'll all be late tonight"
 The houseKeepcr's heated ob- ioction died Unspokcn as she caught Obadiah's stern expression
 And. Dcbby, stand by to answer the phone, no matter at what hour it rings"
 Turning on his heel, Obadiah was in time to open his front door be- fore the knociler fell again.
 "Well, well, come on in." he cx- claimed cordially at sight of the little botanist. Here. let me talked hat bag observing Aquila Chas4's fred and bedragglcd appearance.
 Careful, Cbadiah." cautioned 'anvas bag down on the hall table. Chasc, as the farmer tossed the canvas bag down on the hall table. T wouldn't have anything hap 1en to that specimen of the green ringcd orchis. DO you mind taking ne in for the night?"
 "Glad to- responded the farmer with flattcring warmth, You can lave your old room and your ,rothcr the one next to it."
 My broth,.," :" Chase stumbled 'Ver footstool which the house. 'eeper had put at the foot of the taiTs, intending to carry it to her oom on her next trip there. Phi andcr?"
 Sure; he's been looking for you