 CHAPTER 17 PART 2 of LADDY I caught May's hand and ran to get away from them. Father and mother walked one on each side of Shelley, while with both hands she held her letters before her. When we reached the house we just talked about them all the time. Pretty soon the boys were back, and then they told about sending the telegram. Leon vowed he gave the operator a dime extra to start that message with a shove so it would go faster. It will go all right, said LADDY, and how it will go won't be a circumstance to the way he'll come. If there's anything we ought to do before he gets here we should hustle. Chicago isn't a thousand miles away. That message can reach him by two o'clock. It's probable he has got ready while he was waiting, so he will start on the first train our way. He could reach Groville on the ten to-morrow. We better meet it. Yes, we'll meet it, said mother. Is the carriage perfectly clean? Father said, it must be gone over. Our general manager here ordered me to speed up, and we drove a little coming from town. Mother went to planning. What else should be done? Don't do anything, cried Shelley. The house is all right. There's no need to work and worry into a sweat. He won't notice or care how things look. I miss my guess if he doesn't notice and care very much indeed, said mother emphatically. Men are not blind. No one need think they don't see when things are not as they should be, just because they're not caddish enough to let you know it, like a woman always does. Shelley, wouldn't you like to ride over and spend the afternoon with the princess? Nope, said Shelley. It's her turn to come to see me. Besides, you don't get me out of the way like that. I know what you'll do here, and I intend to help. Do you need one of the boys at the house? asked father. And if you'll believe it, both of them wanted to stay. Father said he must have one to help wash the carriage and do a little fixing around the barn, so he took Leanne, but he didn't like to go. He said, I don't see what all this fuss is about anyway. Probably he'll be another Peter. Shelley looked at him. Oh, Mr. Padgett isn't nearly so large as Peter, she said, and his hair is whiter than yours, while his eyes are not so blue. Saints preserve us, cried Leanne. Come on, father, let's only dust the carriage. He's not worth washing it for. Is he like that? asked mother anxiously. Wait and see, said Shelley. Looks don't make a man. He has proved what he can do. Then all of us went to work. Before night we were hunting over the yard and beside the road to see if we could find anything to pick up. Six chickens were in the cellar. Father was to bring meat and a long list of groceries from town in the morning. He was to start early, get them before train time, put them under the back seat, and take them out after he drove into the lane when he came back. It made a little more trouble for father, but there was not the slightest necessity for making Mr. Padgett feel that he had ridden in a delivery wagon. Next morning I wakened laughing softly because someone was fussing with my hair, patting my face and kissing me. So I put up my arms and pulled that loving person down on my pillow and gave back little half-asleep kisses and slept on. But it was Shelley and she gently shook me and began repeating that fool-old thing I have been waked up with half the mornings of my life. Get up, little sister, the morning is bright, the birds are all singing to welcome the light. Get up, for when all things are merry and glad, good children should never be lazy and sad. For God gives us daylight, dear sister, that we may rejoice like the lark and work like the bee. Usually I'd have gone on sleeping, but Shelley was so sweet and lovely, and she kissed me so hard, that I remembered it was going to be a most exciting day, so I came too quick as snap and jumped right up, for I didn't want to miss a single thing that might happen. The carriage was shining when it came to the gate, so was father. I thought there was going to be a vacant seat beside him, and I asked if I might go along. He said, yes, if mother says so. He always would stick that in, so I ran to ask her, and she didn't care, if Shelley made no objections. I was just starting to find her, when here she came, all shining too, but Laddie was with her. I hadn't known that he was going, and I was so disappointed I couldn't help crying. What's the matter, asked Shelley. Father and mother both said I might go, if you didn't care. Why, I'm dreadfully sorry, said Shelley, but I have several things I want Laddie to do for me. Laddie stooped down to kiss me good-bye, and he said, Don't cry, little sister, the way to be happy is to be good. Then they drove to Groveville, and we had to wait. But there was so much to do, it made us fly to get all of it finished. So mother sent Leon after Mrs. Freshett to help in the kitchen, while Candice wore her white dress and waited on the table. Mother cut flowers for the dining table, and all through the house. She left the blind sound to keep the rooms cool, chilled buttermilk to drink, and if she didn't think of every single least little thing, I couldn't see what it was. Then all of us put on our best dresses. Mother looked as glad and sweet as any girl, when she sat to rest a little while. I didn't dare climb to Caltapa in my white dress, so I watched from the horse-block, and when I saw the greys come over the top of the hill, I ran to tell. As mother went to the gate, she told May and me to walk behind, to stay back until we were spoken to, and then to keep our heads level and remember our manners. I don't know where Leon went. He said he lost all interest when he found there was to be another weak-eyed tow-head in the family, and I guess he wasn't earnest about it, because he wasn't even curious enough to be at the gate when Mr. Padgett came. Father stopped with a flourish, laddie hurried around, and helped Shelly, and then Mr. Padgett stepped down. Goodness gracious sakes alive! Little, tow-head, he was taller than laddie, his hair was most as black as ink and wavy, his eyes were big and dark, he was broad and strong, and there was the cleanest, freshest look about him. He put his arms spang around Shelly, right there in the road, and mother said, Hold there, not so fast, young man, I haven't given my consent to that. He laughed, and he said, Yes, but you are going to. And he put his other arm around mother, so May and I crowded up, and we had a family reunion right between the daylilies and the snowball-bush. We went into the house, and he liked us, his room and everything went exactly right. He was crazy about the cold buttermilk, and while he was drinking it, Leon walked into the dining-room, because he thought of course Mr. Padgett and Shelly would be on the Davenport in the parlor. When he saw Robert, he said, Though like to Shelly. Didn't Mr. Padgett come? Who's that? Shelly looked so funny for a minute, then she remembered what she had told him, and she just laughed as she said, Mr. Padgett, this is my brother. Robert went to shake hands, and Leon said right to his teeth, Well, a diva of a toehead you are. Toehead? said Robert, bewildered like. Shelly said you were a little bit of a man, with watery blue eyes and whiter hair than mine. Oh, I say, cried Robert, she must have been stringing you. Leon just whooped, because while Mr. Padgett didn't talk like the orse-ouse-people, he made you think of them in the way he said things, and the sound of his voice. Then we had dinner, and I don't remember that we ever had quite such a feast before. Mother had put on every single flourish she knew. She used her very best dishes, and linen, and no cook anywhere could beat Candice alone. Now she had Mrs. Freshett to help her, and mother also. If she tried to show Mr. Padgett, she did it. No visitor was there except him. But we must have been at the table two hours talking, and eating from one dish after another. Candice liked to wear her white dress, and carry things around, and they certainly were good. Leon's talk, Father, Lattie, and Robert talked over all creation. Every once in a while, when mother saw an opening, she put in her paddle, and no one could be quicker, when she watched sharp, and was trying to make a good impression. Shelly was very quiet. She scarcely spoke, or touched, that delicious food. Once the Padgett man turned to her, looking at her so fond-like as he picked up one of her sauce-dishes and her spoon, and wanted to feed her. And he said, Here, child, eat your dinner. You have nothing to be fussed over. I mean to propose to you, and your parents before night. That is what I am here for. Everyone laughed, so Shelly never got the bite. But after that she perked up more, and ate a little by herself. At last Father couldn't stand it any longer, so he began asking Robert about his trip to England, and the case he had won. When the table was cleared for dessert, Mr. Padgett asked mother to have Candice to bring his satchel. He opened it, and spread papers all over, so that Father and Laddie could see the evidence, while he told them how it was. It seemed there was a law in England. All of us knew about it, because Father often had explained it. This law said that a man who had lots of money and land must leave almost all of it to his eldest son, and the younger ones must go into law, the army, be clergymen, or enter trade, and earn a living, while the eldest kept up the home-place. Then he left it to his eldest son, and his other boys had to work for a living. It kept the biggest dates together. But my! It was hard on the younger sons, and no one seemed even to think about the daughters. I never heard them mentioned. Now there was a very rich man. He had only two sons, and each of them married and had one son. The younger son died, and sent his boy for his elder brother to take care of. He pretended to be good, but for sure he was bad as ever he could be. He knew that if his cousin were out of the way, all that land and money would be his when his uncle died. So he went to work, and he tried for years. And a lawyer man, who had no conscience at all, helped him. At last, when they had done everything they could think of, they took a lot of money, and put it in the pocket of the son they wanted to ruin. Then when his father missed the money, and the house was filled with policemen, detectives, and neighbors, the bad man said he'd feel more comfortable to have the family searched, too, merely as a formality. So he stepped out and was gone over. And when the son's turn came, there was the money on him. That made him a public disgrace to his family, and a criminal who couldn't inherit the estate. And his father went raving mad and tried to kill him, so he had to run away. At first he didn't care what he did, so he came over here. Robert said that man was his best friend. And as men went, he was a decent fellow. So he cheered him up all he could, and went to work with all his might to prove he was innocent, and to get back his family, and his money for him. When Robert had enough evidence that he was almost ready to start to England, his man got a cable from an old friend of his father's, who always had believed in him. And it said that the bad man was dying to come quick. So Robert went all of a sudden, like the dead letters told about. Now he described how he reached there, took the old friend of the father of his friend with him, and other witnesses, and all the evidence he had, and went to see the sick man. When Robert showed him what he could prove, the bad man said it was no use, he had to die in a few days, so he might as well go with a clean conscience. And he told about everything he had done. Robert had it all written out, signed, and sworn to. He told about all of it, and then he said to father, Have I made it clear to you? Leon was so excited he forgot all the manners he ever had. For he popped up before father could open his head, and cried, Clear as mud, I got that son business so plain in my mind, I'd know the party of the first part from the party of the second part, if I met him promenading on the stone wall of China. Father in Ladi knew so much law, they asked dozens of questions. But that Robert man wasn't a smidgen behind. For every clip he had the answer ready, and then he could go on, and tell much more than he had been asked. He said as a case it was a pretty thing to work on. But it was much more than a case to him, because he always had known that his friend was not guilty, that he was separated from his family, suffering terribly under the disgrace, and they must be also. He had worked for life for his friend, because the whole thing meant so much to both of them. He said he must go back soon, and finish up a little more, that he should have done while he was there, if it hadn't been that he received no word from Shelley. When I didn't hear from her for so long, and wrote so many letters, and had no reply, I thought possibly some gay young Locke and Vaugh had come out from the West, and taken my sweet art, he said. And while I had my armor on, I made up my mind that I'd give him a fight too. I didn't propose to lose Shelley, if it were in my power to win her. I hadn't been able to say to her exactly what I desired, on account of getting a start alone in this country. But if I won this case, I would have ample means. When I secured the required evidence, I couldn't wait to finish, so I came straight over to make sure of her. He arose, and handed the satchel to Father. I noticed you have a very good-looking gun convenient, he said. Would you put these papers, where you consider them safe, until I'm ready to return? Our home, our living, and the honor of a man are there, and we are mighty particular about that bag. Are we not Shelley? Well, I should think we are, cried Shelley. For goodness' sake, Father, hang to it. Is the man still living? Could you get that evidence over again? He was alive when I left, but the doctor said ten days would be his limit, so he may be gone before this. Father picked up the satchel, set it on his knees, and stroked it, as if it were alive. Well, well, he said, now would anyone think such a little thing could contain so much? Shelley leaned toward Robert. Your friend, she cried, your friend, what did he say to you? What did he do? Well, for a time he was wildly happy over having the stain removed from his honor, and knowing that he would have his family and fought him back. But there is an extremely sad feature to his case that is not yet settled, so he must keep his head level until we work that out. Now about that hausse you wanted to show me. He turned to Leon. Mother gave the signal, and we left the table. Father carried the satchel to his chest, made room for it, locked it in, and put the key in his pocket. Then our men started to the barn to show the Arab Kentucky horse. Mr. Padgett went to Shelley, and took her in his arms, exactly like Peter did Sally before the parlor door that time when I got into trouble. And he looked at mother and laughed as he said, I hope you will excuse me, that I have been having a very nasty, anxious time, and I can't conform to the rules for a few days, until I become accustomed to the fact that Shelley is not lost to me. It was beastly when I reached Chicago, had back all my letters, and found she had gone home ill. I've much suffering to recompense. I'll atone for a small portion immediately. He lifted Shelley right off the floor. That's how big and strong he was. He hugged her tight, and kissed her forehead, cheeks, and eyes. When I've gone through the familiarity of asking your parents for you, and they have said a gracious yes, I will put the first one on your lips, he said, setting her down carefully. In the meantime, you be fixing your mouth to say yes, also, when I propose to you, because it's coming before you sleep. Shelley was like a peach blossom. She reached up, and touched his cheek, while she looked at mother, all smiling and sparkling as she said, You see? Mother smiled back. I do indeed, she answered. Leanne pulled Mr. Padgett's sleeve. Aw, quit lally-gaggin' and come see a real horse, he said. Robert put his other arm around Leanne, drew him to his side, and hugged him as if he were a girl. I'm so glad Shelley has a lodge family, he said. Big families are jolly. I'm so proud of all the brothers I'm going to have. I was the only boy at home. You haven't told us about your family, said mother. No, said Robert, but I intend to. I have a family. One of the finest on earth. We'll talk about them after this house is inspected. He let Shelley go, and walked away. His arm still around Leanne. Shelley ran to mother, and both of them sobbed out loud. Now you see how it was, she said. You poor child, cried mother. Indeed, I do see how it was. You've been a brave girl, a good, brave girl. Father and I are mighty proud of you. Oh, mother, I thought you were ashamed of me, sobbed Shelley. Oh, my child, said mother, quaver-y-like. Oh, my child, you surely see that none of us could understand as we do now. She padded Shelley, and told her to run upstairs and lie down for a while, because she was afraid she would be sick. We mustn't have a pale, tired girl right now, said mother. Well, said Shelley, but she just stood there, holding mother. Well, said mother, gripping her. You see, said Shelley. Child, said mother, I do see. I see six feet of his handsome manhood, as I ever have seen anywhere. His manner is perfect, and I find his speech most attractive. I am delighted with him. I do see indeed. Your father is quite as proud and pleased as I am. Now go to bed. Shelley held up her lips, and then went. I ran to the barn, where the men were standing in the shade, while Leanne led his horse up and down before them, told about its pedigree, its record, how he came to have it. The pageant man stood there looking and listening gravely, as he studied the horse. At last he went over her, and gee, but he knew horse. Then Letty brought out floss, and they talked all about her, and then went into the barn. Father opened the east doors to show how much land he had, which were his lines, and while the world didn't look quite so pretty as it had in May, still it was good enough. Then they went into the orchard, sat under the trees, and began talking about business conditions. That was so dry I went back to the house, and maybe I didn't strike something interesting there. As I came up the orchard path to a backyard gate I saw a carriage at the hitching-rack in front of the house, so I took a peep, and almost fell over. It was the one the princess had come to Sally's wedding in, so I knew she was in the house visiting Shelley. I went to the parlor, and there I had another shock, for lo and behold, in our big rocking-chair, and looking as well as any one, so far as you could see. Of course you can't see heart trouble, though, sat Mrs. Pryor. The princess and mother were there, all of them talking, laughing, and having the best time, while on the Davenport enjoying himself as much as any one, was Mr. Pryor. They talked about everything, and it was easy to see that the Pryor door was open so far as we were concerned anyway. Mrs. Pryor was just as nice and friendly as she could be, and so was he. Shelley sat beside him, and he pinched her cheek and said, Something seems to make you especially brilliant today, young woman. Shelley flushed redder, laughed, and glanced at mother. So she said, Shelley is having a plain old-fashioned case of bow. She met a young man in Chicago last fall, and he's here now to ask our consent. All of us are quite charmed with him. That's why she's so happy. Then the princess sprang up and kissed Shelley. So did Mrs. Pryor. While such a chatter you never heard. No one could repeat what they said, for as many as three talked at the same time. Oh, do let's have a double wedding, cried the princess, when the excitement was over a little. I think it would be great fun. Do let's. When are you planning for? Nothing is settled yet, said Shelley. We've had no time to talk. Mercy, cried the princess, go make your arrangements quickly, hurry up, then come over, and we'll plan for the same time. It will be splendid. Don't you think that would be fine, Mrs. Stanton? I can't see any objections to it, said Mother. Where is your young man? I'm crazy to see him, cried the princess. If you have gone and found a better looking one than mine, I'll never speak to you again. She hasn't, cried Mrs. Pryor calmly, like that settled it. I like her. They're not made. I am not so sure of that, said Shelley. Mother, isn't my man quite as good-looking and as nice in every way as Laddie? Foley is handsome, and so far as can be seen in such a short time. Quite as fine, said Mother. I was perfectly amazed at her, as if any man could be. I don't believe it. I won't stand it, and I shan't go home until I have seen for myself, cried the princess, laughing, and yet it sounded as if she were half-provoked, and I knew I was. The pageant man was all right, but I wasn't going to lose my head over him. Laddie was the finest, of course. Well, he's somewhere on the place with our men this minute, said Shelley, but you stay for supper and meet him. When you haven't your arrangements made yet, you surely are unselfish. Of course I won't do that, but I'd love to have one little peep. Then you bring him and come over to-morrow, so all of us can become acquainted. And, indeed, I'm really in earnest about a double wedding. Go see where the men are, said Shelley to me. I went to the back door, and their heads were bobbing far down in the orchard. They're under the greening apple-tree, I reported. If you will excuse us, said Shelley to Mr. and Mrs. Pryor, we'll walk down a few minutes and prove that I'm right. Don't stay, said Mrs. Pryor. This trip is so unusual for me that I'm quite tired. For a first venture in such a long time, I think I've done well. But now I'm beginning to feel I should go home. Go straight along, said the princess. I'll walk across the fields, or Thomas can come back after me. So Mr. and Mrs. Pryor went away, while the princess, Shelley, May, and I, walked through the orchard toward the men. They were standing on the top of the hill, looking over the meadow, and talking with such interest, they didn't hear us or turn until Shelley said, Mr. Paget, I want to present you to Lattie's betrothed, Miss Pamela Pryor. He swung around, finishing what he was saying as he turned. The princess took a swift step toward him. Then at the same time, both of them changed to solid tombstone and stood staring. And so did all of us, while no one made a sound. At last the Paget man drew a deep, quivery breath, and sort of shook himself as he gazed at her. Why, Pam, he cried, darling Pam, can it possibly be you? If you ever heard this scream of a rabbit, when the knives of a reaper cut it to death, why, that's exactly the way she cried out. She covered her eyes with her hands. He drew back and smiled. Their red rushed into his face, and he began to be alive again. Lattie went to the princess and took her hands. What does this mean, he begged. She pulled away from him and went to the Paget man slowly, her big eyes wild and strained. Robert, she cried, Robert, how did you get here? Were you hunting us? All over England, yes, he said, not here. I came here to see Shelly. But you, how do you happen to be in this country? We've lived on adjoining land for two years. You moved here to escape the pity of our friends? Father moved. Mother and I had no means and no refuge. We were forced. We never believed it. Oh, Robert, we never, not for a minute. Oh, Robert, say you never did it. Try our chalming cousin Emmett, your next guess. That devil. Oh, that devil. She cried out that hurt way again. So he took her tight in his arms. But sure as ever, Lattie was my brother, he was hers. So that was all right. When they were together, you wondered why in this world you hadn't thought of it the instant you saw him alone. They were like his two peas. They talked exactly the same. Only he sounded much more so, probably from having just been in England for weeks. While in two years, she had grown a little as we were. We gazed at them, open mouthed, like as not, and no one said a word. At last Mr. Padgett looked over the princess's shoulder at father and said, I can't explain this, Mr. Stanton, in a very few words. I am my friend. The case was my own. The evidence I secured was for myself. This is my only sister. Her people are mine. The relationship is apparent, said father. There is a striking likeness between you and your sister. And I can discern traces of your parents in your face, speech, and manner. If you know my father, said Robert, then you understand what happened to me when I was found with his money on my person in the presence of our best friends and the police. He went raving insane on the instant, and he would have killed me if he hadn't been prevented. He tried to. Has he changed any sense, Pam? The princess was clinging to him with both hands, staring at him, wonder, joy, and fear, all on her lovely face. Worse, she cried, he's much worse. The longer he broods, the more mother grieves, the bitterer he becomes. Mr. Stanton, he is always armed. He'll shoot on sight. Oh, what shall we do? Miss Pamela, said Leanne, did your man Thomas know your brother in England? All his life. Well, then, we'd better be doing something quick. He tied the horses and was walking up and down the road while he waited. And he saw us plainly when we crossed the woodyard a while ago. He followed us and stared so. I couldn't help noticing him. Jove! cried Robert. I must have seen him in the village this morning. A man reminded me of him. Then I remembered how like people of his type are, and concluded I was mistaken. Mr. Stanton, you have agreed that the evidence I hold is sufficient. Pam couldn't tell you that while I don't deny being full of tricks as a boy, they were not dirty, not low. And while Father, always taking Emmett's pot against me, drove me to recklessness sometimes, I never did anything underhand or disgraceful. She knows what provocation I had, and exactly what happened. Let her tell you. I don't feel that I require any further information, said Father. You see, I happen to be fairly well acquainted with Mr. Pryor. Pryor? He made us use that name here, explained the princess. Well, his name is Paget, said Robert angrily. Lady told me long ago he didn't believe it was Pryor. Then, if you were acquainted with my father, what would you counsel? Unless I'm prepared to furnish the central figure of interest in a funeral, I dare not meet him, until he has seen this evidence, had time to digest it, and calm himself. Shelley caught him by the arm. No wonder she hadn't been proposed to, or even had a kiss on her lips. She polled him. You come straight to the house, she said. Thomas may tell your father he thought he saw you. That was about as serious as anything could be. But nothing ever stopped Leon. He sidled away from Father, repeating in a low voice. Four sword is made through storm and shade. His child he did discover. One lovely hand she stretched for aid, and one was round her lover. Shelly just looked daggers at him. But she was too anxious to waste any time. Would Thomas tell your father, she asked the princess. The instant he saw him alone, yes, he wouldn't be for mother. Hold one minute, cried father, we must think of our mother just a little. Shelly, you and the girls run up and explain how this is. Better all of you go to the house, except Mr. Paget. He'll be safe here as anywhere. Mr. Pryor will stop there if he comes. So it would be best for you to keep out of sight, Robert, until I have had a little talk with him. I'll stay here, I offered. We'll talk until you get Mr. Pryor cooled off. He can be awful raged some when he's excited, and it doesn't take much to start him. You're right about that, agreed, Robert. So we sat under the greening, and were having a fine visit, while the others went to break the news gently to mother, that the Pryor mystery had gone up higher than Gilderoy's kite. My, but she'd be glad. It would save her many a powerful prayer. I was telling Robert all about the time his father visited us, and what my mother said to him. And he said, she'd be the one to talk with him now. Possibly he'd listen to her until he got it through his head, that his own son is not a common thief. Maybe he'll have to be held, like taking quinine, and made to listen, I said. That would be easy if he were not a walking awesominal, said Robert. You have small chance to reason with a half-crazy man, while he is handling a pistol. He meant revolver. But he'll shoot, I cried. The Princess said he'd shoot. So he will, said Robert. Shoot first, then find out how things are, and kill himself, and everyone else with remorse afterward. He is made that way. Then he doesn't dare see you until he finds out how mistaken he has been, I said, for I was growing to like Robert better every minute longer I knew him. Besides, there was the Princess, looking like him as possible, and loving him, of course, like I did laddie, maybe, and if anything could cure Mrs. Pryor's heart trouble, having her son back would, because that was what made it in the first place, and even before them, there was Shelley to be thought of, and cared for. CHAPTER XVII. CHAPTER XVIII. OF LADDY. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Bridget Gage. LADDY. By Gene Stratton Porter. CHAPTER XVIII. THE PRIOR MYSTERY. And now old Dodson turning pale, yields to his fate, so ends my tale. It didn't take me long to see why Shelley liked Robert Padgett. He was one of the very most likable persons I ever had seen. We were sitting under the apple tree, growing better friends every minute, when we heard a smash, so we looked up, and it was the sound made by Ranger, as Mr. Pryor landed from taking our meadow fence. He had ridden through the pasture, and was coming down the creek bank. He was a spectacle to behold. A mile away you could see that Thomas had told him he had seen Robert, and where he was. Father had been mistaken in thinking Mr. Pryor would go to the house. He had lost his hat, his white hair was flying, his horse was in a lather, and he seemed to be talking to himself. Robert took one good look. Ye gods, he cried, there he comes now, a chattering madman. The station, I panted, up that ravine, roll back the stone, and pull the door shut after you, quick. He never could have been inside, before Mr. Pryor's horse was raving along the embankment beside the fence. Where is he, he cried, Thomas saw him here. I didn't think his horse could take the fence at the top of the hill, but it looked as if he intended trying to make it, and I had to stop him if I could. Saw who, I asked, with clicking teeth. A tall, slender man, with a handsome face, and the heart of a devil. Yes, there was a man here like that in the face. I didn't see his heart, I said. Which way, raved Mr. Pryor, which way, is he at your house? Then I saw that he had the reins in his left hand, and a big revolver in his right. So there was no mistake about whether he'd really shoot. But that gun provoked me, people have no business to be careless with those things, they're dangerous. He didn't do what you think he did, I cried, and he can prove he didn't, if you'll stop cavorting and listen to reason. Mr. Pryor leaned over the fence, dark purple like a beat now. You tell me where he is, or I'll choke it out of you, he said. I guess he meant it, I took one long look at his lean, claw-like fingers, and put both hands around my neck. He knew Thomas saw him, he went that way, I said, waving off toward the north. Ha! Striking for petticoats as usual, he cried, and away he went in the direction of his house. Then I flew for the station. Come from there quick, I cried. I've sent him back to his house, but when he finds you're not there, he will come here again. Hurry, and I'll put you in the woodshed loft. He'd never think of looking there. He came out, and we started toward the house, going pretty fast. Almost to the back gate we met Shelley. Does mother know, I asked. I just told her, she said. Father, I cried, going in the back dining-room door. Mr. Pryor was down in the meadow on Ranger. Thomas did see Robert, and his father is hunting him with a gun. We saw him coming, so I hid Robert in the station, and sent Mr. Pryor back home. I guess I told him a lie, Father, or at least part of one. I said he went that way, and he did, but not so far as I made his father think. So he started back home. But when he gets there, and doesn't find Robert, he'll come here again, madder than ever. Oh, Father, he'll come again, and he's crazy, Father, clear, raving, crazy. I know he'll come again. Yes, said Father calmly. I think it very probable that he will come again. Then he started around, shutting and latching windows, closing and locking the doors. And he carefully loaded his gun, and leaned it against the front casing. Then he put on his glasses, and began examining the papers they had brought out again. Robert stood beside him, and explained and showed him. You see, with me out of the way, the English law would give everything to my cousin, he said, and he explained it all over again. And to think how he always posed for a perfect saint, cried the Princess. Oh, I hope the devil knows how to make him pay for what all of us have suffered. Child, child, cried Mother. I can't help it, said the Princess. Let me tell you, Mr. Stanton. Then she told everything all over again. But it was even more interesting than the way Robert explained it, because what she said was about how it had been with her and her mother. It made Father what he is, she said. He would have killed Robert if our friends hadn't helped him away. He will now, if he isn't stopped. I tell you he will. He sold everything he could legally control, for what anyone chose to give him, and fled here, stricken in pride, heartbroken, insane with anger, the creature you know. In a minute he'll be back again. Oh, what are we going to do? Father was laying out the papers that he wanted to use very carefully. These constitute all the proof any court would require, he said to Robert. If he returns, all of you keep from sight. This is my house, all managed who comes here in my own way. But you must be allowed to take no risk, cried Robert. I can't consent to you facing danger for me. There will be no risk, said Father. There is no reason why he should want to injure me. As the master of this house I am accustomed to being obeyed. If he comes, step into the parlor there, until I call you. He was busy with the papers when he saw Mr. Pryor coming. I wondered if he would jump the yard fence and ride down mother's flowers. But he left his horse at the hitching rack, and pounded on the front door. Did any of you notice whether he was displaying a revolver, asked Father? Yes, Father, yes, I cried, and he's shaking so I'm afraid he'll make it go, when he doesn't intend to. Father picked up and leveled his rifle on the front door. Leanne, he said, you're pretty agile. Open the door, keep yourself behind it, and step around in the parlor. The rest of you get out, and stay out of range. Those nearest hurried into the parlor. Candice, May, and I crouched in the front stairway. But things were so exciting, we just had to keep the door open a tiny crack, so we could see plain as anything. There had been nothing for Mrs. Freshett to do all afternoon, so she had gone over to visit an hour with Amanda Deem. Now Mr. Pryor probably thought Father would meet him with the Bible in his hand, and read a passage about loving your neighbor as yourself. I'll bet you anything you can mention that he never expected to find himself looking straight down the barrel of a shining big rifle when that door swung open. It surprised him so he staggered, and his arm wavered. If he had shot and hit anything then it would have been an accident. Got you over the heart, said Father, and precisely the same voice he always said, this is a fine day we are having. Now why are you coming here in such a shape? This was a little cross. I'm not the man to cringe before you. This was quite boastful. You'll get bullet for bullet if you attempt to invade my house with a gun. This pinged as a father shot words instead of bullets. I want my daughter to come home, said Mr. Pryor, and if you're sheltering the thief she is trying to hide, yield him up if you would save yourself. Well, I'm not anxious about dying with the family I have in my hands, neighbor, said Father, his rifle holding without a waiver. But unless you put away that weapon and listen to reason, you cannot enter my house. Calm yourself, man, and hear what there is to be said. Examine the proof that is here waiting to be offered to you. Once, and but once, send them out, or I'll enter over you, cried Mr. Pryor. Sorry, said Father, but if only a muscle of your trigger finger moves, you fall before I do. I've got the best range, and the most suitable implement for the work. Implement for the work? Well, what do you think of Father? Anyone who could not see, to have hurt him, would have thought he was talking about a hoe. We saw a shadow before we knew what made it. Then a little at a time, wonderingly, her jolly face a bewildered daze, her mouth slowly opening. Mrs. Freshett, half bending and peering, stooped under Mr. Pryor's arm and looked in our door. She had come back to help get supper, and because the kitchen was locked, she had gone around the house to see if she could get in at the front. What she saw closed her mouth, and straightened her back. Why, you two old fools, she cried, if he ain't draw to beat on each other. None of us saw her do it. We only knew after it was over what must have happened. She had said she'd risk her life for Mother. She never stopped an instant when her chance came. She must have turned and thrown her big body against Mr. Pryor. He was tired, old, and shaking with anger. They went down together, she gripping his right wrist with both hands, and she was strong as most men. Father set the gun beside the door and bent over them. A minute more, and he handed the revolver to Leon, and helped Mrs. Freshett to her feet. Mr. Pryor lay all twisted on the walk, his face was working, and what he said was a stiff jabber no one could understand. He had broken into the pieces we often feared he would. Robert and Letty came running to help Father carry him in, and lay him on the couch. I hope, Miss Stanton, said Mrs. Freshett, that I wasn't too rough with him. He was so shaky-like, I was feared that thing would go off without his really making it. And, of course, I couldn't see none of Yorne threatened with a deadly weepen, that button in, and doing the best I could. Mother put her arms around her, as far as they would reach. She would have had to take her aside at a time to really hug all of her. And she said, Mrs. Freshett, you are an instrument in the hands of the Lord this day. Undoubtedly you have kept us from a fearful tragedy. Possibly you have saved my husband for me. None of us ever can thank you enough. Loosen his collar and give him air, said Mrs. Freshett, pushing Mother away. I think likely he has bussed a blood vessel. Father sent Leon flying to bring Dr. Fenner. Letty took the carriage, and he and Robert went after Mrs. Pryor, while Father, Mother, Mrs. Freshett, the Princess, May and I, every last one, worked over Mr. Pryor. We poured hot stuff down his throat, put warm things around him, and rubbed him until the sweat ran on us, trying to get his knotted muscles straightened out. When Dr. Fenner came, he said we were doing all he could. Maybe Mr. Pryor would come to and be all right, and maybe his left side would be helpless forever. It was a stroke. Seemed to me having Mrs. Freshett come against you like that could be called a good deal more than a stroke, but I couldn't think of the right word then. And after all, perhaps stroke was enough. He couldn't have been much worse off if the barn had fallen on him. I didn't think there was quite so much of Mrs. Freshett. But then she was scared and angry, and he was about ready to burst, all by himself, if no one had touched him. He had much better have stayed at home, and listened to what was to be said, reasonably, like father would. And then, if he really had to shoot, he would have been in some kind of condition to take aim. After a long, hard fight, we got him limber, straightened out, and warm. It didn't rip so when he breathed. Then they put him in the parlor, on the big Davenport. Leon said, if the spark and bench didn't bring him to, nothing would. Laddie sat beside him, and mother kept peeping. She wouldn't let Dr. Fenner go, because she said Mr. Pryor just must come out of it right, and have a few years of peace and happiness. Mrs. Pryor came back with Laddie and Robert. He carried her in, put her in the big rocking chair again, and he sat beside her, stroking and kissing her, while she held him with both hands. You could see now why his mother couldn't sleep, walked the road, and held her hands over her heart. She was a brave woman, and she had done well to keep alive, and going in any shape at all. You see, we knew. There had been only the few hours when it seemed possible that one of our boys had taken father's money and was gone. I well remembered what happened to our mother then. And if she had been disgraced before everyone, dragged from her home away across a big sea to live among strangers, and not known where her boy was for years, I'm not a bit sure that she'd have done better than Mrs. Pryor. Yes, she would, too, come to think it out. She'd have kept on believing the Lord had something to do with it, and that he'd fix it some way. And I know she and Father would have held hands no matter what happened or where they went. I guess the biggest thing the matter with Pryor's was that they didn't know how to go about loving each other right. Maybe it was because they didn't love God, so they couldn't know exactly what proper love was, because God is love, like Father said. Mrs. Pryor didn't want to see Mr. Pryor. I can't get used to calling them pageant, and she didn't ask anything about him. I guess she was pretty mad at him. She never had liked the Emmett cousin, and she'd had nothing but trouble with him all the time he had been in her family. And then, that awful disgrace, that she always thought was all him, but she couldn't prove it, and she had no money. That's a very bad thing. A woman should always have some money. She works as hard as anyone, and usually she has more that worries her. So it's only fair for her to have part of what the work and worry bring. Mother always has money. Why, she has so much, she can help Father out when he has pushed with bills, as she did last fall, to start Shelley to music school. It's no way to be forced to live with a man, just to get a home, food, and clothing. I don't believe Mother ever would do it in all this world. But then Mother has worked all her life, and so, if Father doesn't do as she wants him to, she'd know exactly how to go about taking care of herself. After all, Mrs. Pryor didn't need to sit back on her dignity, and look so abused. He couldn't knock her down, and drag her clear here. Why didn't she say right out, in the beginning, that her son couldn't be a thief, that she knew it, and she'd stay at home, and wait for him to come back? She could have put a piece in the paper, saying she knew her boy was all right, and for him to come back, so they could go to work, and prove it. I bet if she'd had one-tenth of the ginger Mother has, she'd have stopped the whole fuss in the start. I looked at her almost steadily, trying to figure out just what Mother would have done in her place. Maybe I'm mistaken about exactly how she would have set to work. But this I know. She'd have stuck to the Lord. She'd have loved Father so dearly, he just couldn't have wanted her to do things that hurt her, until it gave her heart trouble. And she never, never would have given up one of us, and sat holding her heart for months, refusing to see, or to speak to anyone, while she waited for someone else to do something. Mother never waits. She always thinks a minute. If she's in doubt, she asks Father. If he can't decide, both of them ask God. And then you ought to see things begin to fly. The more I watched Mrs. Pryor, the more I begin to think she was a lady. And just about when I was sure that was what held her, I heard Father say, perhaps the lady would like a cup of tea. I had a big notion to tell her to come on, and I would show her where the canister was. But I thought I'd better not. I wanted to, though. She'd have felt much better if she had got up and worked like the rest of us. With all the excitement, and everything happening at once, you'd have thought Mother would be flat on her back. But flat nothing, everything was picked up and slid back, fast as it was torn down. She found time to flannel her nose and brush her hair, her collar was straight, and the goldstone pin shone in the light, while her starched white apron fluttered as she went through the doors. She said a few words to Candice and Mrs. Freshit. May took out a linen cloth and began to set places for all the grown people, so I knew there'd be strawberry preserves and fried ham. But in all that would you ever have thought that she'd find a second to make biscuit and tea-cakes herself? Plain as preaching I heard her say to Mrs. Freshit, I do hope and pray that Mr. Pryor will come out of it right, so we can take him home and teach him to behave himself. But if he's gone this minute, I intend to have another decent meal for Shelley to offer her young man, and I don't care if I show Mrs. Pryor that we're not hungry over here, if we do lack servants to carry in food on silver platters. That I just would, said Mrs. Freshit. Even if he turns up his toes, taint your funeral, thank the Lord, and looky here, I'd just as soon set things in a bake-pan and pass them for you myself. I'll do it if you say the word. Mother bit her lip, and fought her face to keep it straight, as she said, confidential like. No, I'm not going to toady to her, I only want her to see that a meal really consists of food after all. I don't mind putting my best foot foremost, but I won't ape her. How come they to fuss like this, peaceable as Mr. Stanton be, and what Shelley's bow to them? I should think you could tell by looking at priors, said Mother. He's their mystery, and also their son. Shelley met him in Chicago. He came here to see her, and ran right into them. I'll tell you about it before you go. Now I must keep these applications hot, for I've set my head on pulling Mr. Pryor out so that he can speak, and have a few decent years of life yet. But why did the old devil, excuse me, I meant the old gentleman, want to shoot your man? He didn't. I'll tell you all about it after they're gone. I bet you don't get shed of them the night, said Mrs. Freshett. All right, said Mother, whatever Dr. Fenner thinks. I won't have Mr. Pryor moved, until it can't hurt him, if he stays a week. I blame her quite as much as I do him, from what I know. If a woman is going to live with a man, there are times when she's got to put her foot down, flat, most unmercifully flat. Ain't she, though? said Mrs. Freshett. Then she and Mother just laughed. There, what did I tell you? I feel as good as a father had padded me on the head, and bragged on me a lot. I thought Mother wouldn't think that Mr. Pryor was all to blame, and she didn't. I figured that out by myself, too. Every minute Mr. Pryor grew better. He breathed easier, and Mother tilted on her toes, and waved her hands, when he moved his feet, threw back his head, lifted his hand to it, and acted like he was almost over it, and still in shape to manage himself. She hurried to tell Mrs. Pryor, and I know Mother didn't like it, when she never even said she was glad, or went to see for herself. Laddie and the Princess watched him, while everyone else went to supper. Laddie picked up Mrs. Pryor's chair, carried her to the dining-room, and set her in my place beside Father. He placed Dr. Fenner next to her, and left Robert to sit with Shelly. I don't think Mrs. Pryor quite liked that, but no one asked her. I watched and listened, until everything seemed to be going right there, and then I slipped into the parlor, where Laddie and the Princess were caring for Mr. Pryor. With one hand Laddie held hers, the other grasped Mr. Pryor's wrist. Laddie never took his eyes from that white, drawn face, except a smile at her, and squeezed her hand every little while. At last Mr. Pryor turned over and sighed. Pretty soon he opened his eyes, and looked at Laddie, then at the Princess, and it was nothing new to see them, so he smiled and dosed again. After a while he opened them wider, then he saw the piano—that was an eye-opener for any one—and the strange rum. So he asked, most as plain as he ever talked, why he was at our house again, and then he began to remember. He struggled to sit up, and the color came into his face. So Laddie let go the Princess, and held him down while he said, Mr. Pryor, answer me this, do you want to spend the remainder of your life in an Invalid's chair, or would you like to walk abroad, and sit a horse again? He glared at Laddie, but he heard how things were plainly enough. Laddie held him, while he explained what a fight we had to unlock his muscles, and start him going again, and how, if we hadn't loved him, and wanted him so, and had left him untouched until the doctor came, very likely he'd have been paralyzed all the rest of his life, if he hadn't died, and he said he wished he had, and he didn't thank anyone for saving him. Oh yes you do, said Laddie, the same as he'd have talked to Leon. You can't stuff me on that, and you needn't try. Being dead is a cold, clammy proposition that all of us put off as long as we can. You know you want to see Pamela in her own home. You know you are interested in how I come out with those horses. You know you want the little people you spoke of, around you. You know the pain and suspense you have borne have almost driven you insane, and it was because you cared so deeply. Now lie still and keep quiet. All of us are tired, and there's no sense in making us go through this again, besides the risk of crippling yourself that you run. Right here in this house are the papers to prove that your nephew took your money, and hid it in your son's clothing, as he already had done a hundred lesser things, before, purposely to estrange you. Hold steady, you must hear this. The sooner you know it, the better you'll feel. You remember, don't you, that before your nephew entered your home, you idolized your son. You thought the things he did were amusing. A boy is a boy, and if he's alive, he's very apt to be lively. Mother could tell you a few pranks that Leon has put us through. But they're only a boy's foolishness. They are not unusual or unforgivable. I've gone over the evidence your son brings, with extreme care, so his father. Both of us are quite familiar with common law. He has every proof you can possibly desire. You can't get around it. Even if your heart wasn't worn out with rebellion, and you were not crazy to have the loving sympathy of your family again. I don't believe a word of it. You have got to. I tell you, it is proof, man. The documents are in this house now. He forged them, or stole them, as he took the money. Let he just laughed. How you do long and fight to be convinced, he said. I don't blame you. When anything means this much, of course you must be sure. But you'll know your nephew's signature, also your lawyers. You'll know letters from old friends who are above question. Sandy McChill has written you that he was with Robert through all of it, and he gives you his word that everything is all right. You will believe him, won't you? Big tears began to squeeze from under Mr. Pryor's lids, until Laddie and the Princess each tried to see how much of him they could hold to keep him together like. Tell me, he said at last, so they took turns explaining everything plain as day, and soon he listened without being held. When they had told him everything they could think of, he asked, Did Robert kill Emmett? I am very happy to be able to tell you that he did not. It would have been painful, and not helped a bad matter, a particle. Your nephew had dissipated, until he was only a skeleton just breathing his last. It's probable that his fear of death helped your son out, so that he got the evidence he wanted easier than he hoped to in the beginning. I don't mean that he is dead now, but he is passing slowly and loathsomely. Robert thinks word that he has gone will come any hour. Think how pleasant it will be to have your son. Think how happy your home will be now. Think how you will love to see Sandy and all your old friends. Think how glad you'll be to go home and take charge of your estate. Think, cried Mr. Pryor, pushing Laddie away and sitting up. Think how I shall enjoy ringing the last drop of blood from that craven's body with these old hands. What a sight he did look to be sure. Sick, half-crazy, on the very verge of the grave himself, and wanting to kill a poor man already dying. Aren't some people too curious? Laddie carefully laid him down, straightened him out, and held him again. Mother always said he was patient as Job, and that day it proved to be a good thing. You're determined to keep yourself well supplied with trouble, laughed Laddie. I don't believe anyone else would have dared. Now to an unbiased observer. It would seem that you'd be ready to let well enough alone. You have your son back, you have him fully exonerated, you have much of your property. You are now ready for freedom, life, and love with the best of us. You have also two weddings on your hands in the near future. Why in the name of sense are you anxious for more? I should have thought that Sandy McSheil, if he's a real friend of mine. Sandy tells you all about it in the letter he has sent. He went with Robert, fully intending to do that very thing for you. But the poor creature was too loathsome. The sight of him made Sandy sick. He writes you that when he saw the horrible spectacle, all he could think of was to secure the evidence needed and get away. Suddenly the princess arose and knelt beside the Davenport. She put her arms around her father's neck, and drew his wrinkled, white old face up against her lovely one. Daddy, dear old daddy, she cried, I've had such a hard spot in my heart against you for so long. Oh, do let's forget everything and begin all over again. Begin a way back where we were before Emma ever came. Oh, daddy, do let's forget and begin all over new, like other people. He held her tight a minute, then his lips began whispering against her ear. Finally he said, Take yourselves off and send Robert here. I want my son. Oh, I want my boy. It was a long time before Robert came from the parlor. When he did, it was only to get his mother and take her back with him. Then it was a still longer time before the door opened. But when it did, it was perfectly sure that they were all friends again. Then Leon went to tell Thomas, and he came with a big carriage. White and shaking, Mr. Pryor was lifted into it, and they went home together, taking Shelly with them to stay that night. So no doubt she was proposed to and got her kiss before she slept. That fall there were two weddings at our church at the same time. Sally's had been fine, but it wasn't worth mentioning beside Laddie and the Princess and Robert and Shelly. You should have seen my mother. She rocked like a kingbird on the top twig of the wine-sap, which was the tallest tree in our orchard. And for once there wasn't a single fly in her ointment. Not one, she said so herself, and so did father. As we watched the big vee-ha-ackle, as Leon called it, creeps slowly down the little hill. It made me think of that pathetic poem. The Three Warnings in McGuffie's Sixth. I guess I gave Mr. Pryor the first. That time he got so angry he hit his horse until it almost ran away. Mother delivered the second when she curry-combed him about the taxes, and Mrs. Freshit finished the job. The last two lines read as if they had been especially written about him. And now old Dutson, turning pale, yields to his fate. So ends my tale. End of Chapter 18. End of Flatty by Jean Stratton Porter.