But Steve appeared to have some misgivin's, and so--"
He paused, turned toward the door, and seemed to be listening. Caroline
flashed an indignant glance at her brother.
"And so?" she asked, scornfully.
"And so," continued the captain, with a slight change in his tone, "it
seemed to me that his doubts ought to be settled. And," rising, as there
came a tap at the door, "I cal'late they're goin' to be."
He walked briskly over and opened the door. Sylvester was standing
without.
"Come, have they?" inquired Captain Elisha.
"Yes."
"Fetch 'em right in here. Steve, stand over nigher that corner. This
way, Caroline, if you please."
He took his niece by the arm and led her to the side of the room not
visible from the doorway. She was too astonished to resist, but asked an
agitated question.
"What is it?" she cried. "Who is coming?
"Some friends of yours," was the quiet reply. "Nothin' to be frightened
about. Steve, stay where you are."
The boy was greatly excited. "Is it they?" he demanded. "Is it? By gad!
Now, Sis, be a sensible girl. If he should try to hedge, you hold him.
Hold him! Understand?"
"Steve, be quiet," ordered the captain.... "Ah, Mrs. Dunn, good
afternoon, ma'am. Mr. Dunn, good afternoon, sir."
For the pair who, followed by Sylvester, now entered the room were Mrs.
Pages:
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368