pon that road, which was a by-way, off the main thoroughfare.

The family gathered on the extreme out-look of the balcony, and watched
with eager curiosity their approach, which was slow and somewhat
irregular--the man did not aid the woman in her progress, but straggled
on apart, nor did he seem to address her as they came on.

CHAPTER SECOND.

ARRIVAL OF THE MERCHANT AND HIS PEOPLE.

"It is William and Hannah," said the Patriarch, towering above the
household grouped about him, and gaining an advantage in observation
from his commanding height, "I am glad the oldest is the first to come!"

When the two comers reached the door-yard gate the man entered in
without rendering the least assistance or paying the slightest heed to
his companion, who followed humbly in his track. He was some sixty years
of age, large-featured and inclining to tallness; his dress was
oldmanish and plain, consisting of a long-furred beaver hat, a loose
made coat, and other apparel corresponding, with low cut shoes. He
smiled as he came upon the balcony, greeting old Sylvester with a shake
of the hand, but taking no notice whatever either of the widow, little
Sam, or Mopsey. His wife, on the contrary, spoke to all, but quietly and
submissively, which was in truth, her whole manner. She was spare and
withered, with a pinched, colorless face, constrained in a scared and
apprehensive look as though in constant dread of an impending violence
or injury. Over one eye she wore a green patch, which greatly heightened
the pallor and strangeness of her features.

"Where's the Captain and Henrietta?" old Sylvester asked when the
greetings were over.

"They started from the city in a chay," he was answered by William
Peabody, "some hours before us,--the captain,--seaman--way of driving
irreg'lar. Nobody can tell what road he may have got into. Should'nt be
surprised if did'nt arrive till to-morrow morning. Will always have
high-actioned horse."

William Peabody had scarcely spoken when there arose in the distance
down the road, a violent cloud of dust, from which there emerged a
two-wheeled vehicle at a thundering pace, and which, in less than a
minute's time, went whirling past the Homestead. It was supposed to
contain Captain Saltonstall and wife; but what with the speed and dust,
no eye could have guessed with any accuracy who or what they were. In
less than a minute more it came sweeping back with the great white
horse, passing the hous