for a
while. You need not send them to the common jail. You can keep them here,"
urged the rector.

"I will do it. There is not a constable nearer than Benedict. I do not
like to trust the warrants to a servant to take to the officer, because I
wish to give some private instruction with the instruments. You will
excuse me, Dr. Peters, I hope, if I ride to town and leave you for a few
hours? Mrs. Force and the girls will be happy to entertain you until my
return."

"My dear friend, I was about to ask you to order my horse an hour ago,
when the arrival of our good neighbor stopped me. It is absolutely
necessary that I return to the rectory to meet an engagement this
morning."

"Then we will ride together as far as our roads go in the same
direction."

Mr. Force rang a bell, which was answered by the entrance of Jake.

"Saddle the rector's horse; also saddle Samson for me, and the brown horse
for yourself. Bring them around to the side block. We shall have to ride
to Benedict to-day."

The man bowed assent to his master's orders, and left the room.

"You will stay and spend the day with the ladies, I hope, Miss Sibby?"
said Mr. Force.

"Well, I reckon I will--if you'll tell the man, when he comes back with
the horses, to have my mule put in the stable and fed."

"Certainly."

"And now I'll just go and find the ladies. No, don't stir! I know where to
find 'em, and I can denounce myself, too! I haven't any call to stand on
ceremony, as if I was one of them upstarts as have got rich suddenly on
spectoration! Not I!"

So, gathering up her riding skirt, the old lady left the office and went
up the hall to the door on her right hand, where she stopped and rapped.

"Come in!" the gentle voice of Elfrida Force responded.

And Miss Sibby opened the door and entered the room, to be received with
acclamation by Wynnette, Elva and Mrs. Anglesea, all of whom were
present.

Meanwhile, Mr. Force, seated at his desk in his office, with Dr. Peters by
his side, filled out two blank warrants for the arrest of Leonidas Force,
of Greenbushes, and Roland Bayard, of Forest Rest.

By the time he had completed them, Jake appeared and announced that the
horses were at the door.

"Very well. We shall be ready in a few minutes. Go and tell some one to
take Miss Sibby Bayard's mule to the stable."

"I done put that beast up and fed it more 'an an hour ago, sah! I knowed
Miss Sibby was going to stay all day, 'cause she allers doe