Fred S. Lincoln

“ Kent asked, too impatient to wait over the pause silently, as Landy looked at Martin, who in turn was beaming upon the parson.
Casting one glance toward Landy, who smiled assent, she, with a triumphant flourish, drew from the depths of her capacious skirt pocket a package that was wrapped about with a towel. Undoing this she disclosed a leather receptable about the size and shape of a banker's note wallet. ”

“ The tree was barren of leaves, and the combined light from the lanterns permeated its every crotch, yet no man nor beast was brought to view. Brandt looked reluctantly at first, then more carefully. Seeing nothing he looked across into the faces of those opposite him, and, observing only expressions of bewilderment, began to appreciate the ludicrousness of the situation, and smiled. Doles sidled around to where Carey stood, first looking into his face for a sign of discovery, then turning his own gaze upward for another long search. ”

“ Kent reached for the three gold coins, and, holding them in the palm of his hand, leaned forward to the light to better judge of their genuineness. They were spotted with a dull coating of green where they had laid in contact with their receptacle, but for all that their yellow glint proclaimed their virginity. He turned his attention to the wallet again, and, working it open, carefully drew forth the package of bills that it contained. ”

“ The smothered cackling jarred Virgie into a quick and surprised understanding. As Kent's hands slipped over the paper she almost cried out at her discovery. Running to the men hurriedly she found them still excitedly discussing their mystification. ”

“ Brandt took the men indoors, and while the talk ran high Virgie nervously served them food and drink. They looked to their host for the best explanation, but he was more mystified than they, since no supernatural powers entered into his calculations. Virgie watched her father's face in doubt and indecision. She wished to end his perplexity and unburden herself of the responsibility she now bore. But, reasoning that Snellins might fare badly if discovered in his doubtful position, she was distressed with her attitude between the two.
Kent dared not move for fear of being overtaken. ”

“ I don't know," said Martin confusedly. "You keep it for him. He don't need it now anyway."
"I hardly know myself what would be best to do with it," Kent said. "But, never mind, it is all right for the present. Snellins is too, you say. ”

“ That's good. I am sure we have much to be thankful for. Perhaps you two have entirely forgotten about to-morrow though. You have been so unselfishly full of poor 'Snell's' troubles. Thanksgiving Day is almost upon us, and I have made no preparation for it, so I am going to ask that you give me a chance now."
Landy was confused by this kindly reminder of their wedding day. Martin looked from him to Kent apologetically, assisting him to an ungraceful exit, after which she "tidied up a bit," humming joyously until she sang herself out of the room to her own domain and happy anticipations. ”

“ Then he'd struck off straight fer Nigger Hill, an' when I seen thet I picked up some, not knowin' what t' make o' th' way he wuz goin' an' worryin' t' myself, when all at once I run plumb onto him a-pullin' away at some big rocks. He stopped when he seen me an' frowned, an' then he went t' work again as if I wan't anythin' but a tree er somethin', an' I didn't move a step nearer. Bime-by he stops again an' looks fretful at the hole he's made, an' I goes t' come closer t' him, when he sets t' diggin' again with all-fired strength, workin' faster an' faster. ”