clamation:

"Well, Eunice! What do you think's sent Jimmy Pettijohn a-visitin' _us_?
Not none of Moses' troubles, but to hear about the 'gold mine' was found
in the big woods this mornin'! Did you ever hear the beat?"

"A gold mine? Surely, he knows how absurd such an idea would be,"
answered Aunt Eunice, quietly bowing and turning away.

As she disappeared in the hall beyond the stair-way the Squire coughed
and started to follow, then apparently thought better of it, for he
merely reproved Susanna with his most judicial sternness, saying:

"If you women would be careful to repeat things as you hear them you
would save much confusion. It is true I did mention 'gold mine,' but I
also mentioned a hidden box of treasure. The majority of the villagers
claimed the latter was what was really found, and--"

"Who started such a cock-an'-bull story? Must have had a beginnin' in
somebody's mouth."

Susanna had now become not only indignant but profoundly curious. She
would find out who was responsible for this strange rumor, then she
would promptly interview that person and cross-examine him as only a
woman could. But the reply which she received astonished her more than
the story had done.

"It was that stammering little grandson of the Madam's. He and the
little girl who's staying here were the discoverers. So I was told,"
answered the Squire, making ready to depart.

"Well, I declare! If 'twas ary one o' them we can soon settle their
hash. Come with me, Squire, I saw the pair goin' into the barn a little
spell ago, an' I hain't seen 'em come out. Katy, she don't know you--an'
so ain't afraid of ye. She ain't afraid of anything I've seen yet; but
Monty--Hm-m. I can leave Monty to you to deal with. My suz! If this
ain't been the greatest day that ever I saw!"

With which remark she led the way to the foot of the hay-mow and sent up
the summons which had caused Montgomery's sudden disappearance.

CHAPTER X.

ALFARETTA'S PERPLEXITY

"Alfy! A-A-Alfy!"

Her name hissed into her ear partially roused the bound-out girl from a
nap she had been taking with the towel in one hand, an unwiped dish in
the other. She had the faculty of going to sleep anywhere and any time
opportunity offered. She now leaned comfortably against the wall beside
the sink, her eyes closed and her mind oblivious to her surroundings,
and dimly hearing through her dreams that sibilant call:

"A-A-A-Alfy!"

Then her ear was pinched and she