,
I'll go after them papers and the diary while they're fresh in my mind.
And besides, do you s'pose I'd let Sarah Ann Atwood rummage through my
trunks? I guess not!"

Phoebe began to be sorry she had thought of sending for the diary,
particularly as the chance of its containing valuable information was
so remote. Mrs. Beasley went into the house to dress for the ride. The
schoolmistress went with her as far as the sitting room. The perturbed
Bailey stalked off, muttering, to the blacksmith's.

In a little while he returned, leading Henry by the bridle. Debby,
adorned with the beflowered bonnet she had worn when she arrived at the
Cy Whittaker place, and with a black cloth cape over her lean shoulders,
was waiting for him by the open door of the barn. The cape had a fur
collar--"cat fur," so Mr. Bangs said afterwards in describing it.

"Pull the sulky right out," commanded the widow.

Bailey stared into the black interior of the barn.

"Which is it?" he shouted.

Mrs. Beasley pointed with her ear trumpet.

"Why, that one there, of course. 'Tother's a truck cart. You wouldn't
expect me to ride in that, would you?"

Mr. Bangs entered the barn, seized the vehicle indicated by the shafts,
and drew it out into the yard. He inspected it deliberately, and
then sat weakly down on the chopping block near by. Apparently he was
overcome by emotion.

The "sulky" bequeathed by the late doctor had been built to order for
its former owner. It was of the "carryall" variety, except that it had
but a single narrow seat. Its top was square and was curtained, the
curtains being tightly buttoned down. Altogether it was something of a
curiosity. Miss Dawes, who had come out to see the start, looked at the
"sulky," then at Mr. Bangs's face, and turned her back. Her shoulders
shook:

"It used to be a real nice carriage when Ezra had it," commented the
widow admiringly. "It needs ilin' and sprucin' up now, but I guess
'twill do. Come!" to Bailey, who had not risen from the chopping block.
"Hurry up and harness or we'll never get started. Thought you wanted to
get back for dinner?"

Mr. Bangs stood up and heaved a sigh.

"I did," he answered slowly, "but," with a glance at the sulky,
"somethin' seems to have took away my appetite. Teacher, do you mean
to--"

But Miss Dawes had withdrawn to the corner of the house, from which
viewpoint she seemed to be inspecting the surrounding landscape. Bailey
seized Henry by the bridle and b