“Jabez Potter! What in creation you goin’ to do with that awful gun?” she shrilled.
“I’m a-goin’ to knock the topknot off’n that bluejay,” chuckled Uncle Jabez.
“Stop! Don’t! Gals!” cried the little old woman, hobbling down the two steps into the room. “Oh, my back! and oh, my bones! Gals! stop him! That gun can’t shoot ’cause I went and plugged the barrel!”
At that moment Old Betsey went off with an awful roar.
CHAPTER II—THE CALL OF THE DRUM
There was a flash following the explosion, and Uncle Jabez staggered back from the doorway, his arm across his eyes, while the gun dropped with a crash to the porch. The girls, as well as Aunt Alvirah, shrieked.
“I vum!” ejaculated the miller. “Who done that? What’s happened to Old Betsey?”
“Jabez Potter!” shrilled the little old woman, “didn’t I tell you to git rid o’ that gun long ago? Be you shot?”
“No,” said the miller grimly. “I’m only scare’t. Old Betsey never kicked like that afore.”
Ruth was at his side patting his shoulder and looking at him anxiously.