“No, indeed,” we answered. “Come in. Light the gas. We’ve something to show you.”
So Hazard came. Ernie struck a match, and again in the dear, familiar workshop, where so many important councils have been held, so many family problems settled, we read the contract through together.
“Well,” says Haze, with a little sigh. “So it is really found! What a scamp that Perry is! Yes, Elizabeth, you and I will see Uncle George this evening.”
“I’m coming, too,” piped Ernie. “I found it! I want to see what he will say!”
So after dinner,—where it was rather trying, I can tell you, to talk and eat as if nothing had happened because we did not think it wise for the boarders to suspect till things should be a little more definitely settled,—we slipped into our hats and jackets and hurried around to Uncle George’s.
He sat at his desk in the library with a number of papers before him, and he looked up, rather surprised and displeased, as William ushered us into the room.
“Anything wrong at home?” he began. “You are not in trouble again, I hope, Hazard?”
“No, sir,” says Haze, importantly. “Not this time, thanks.” And he handed Uncle George the contract.
Well, you just ought to have seen Uncle George’s face change as he read it.
“Where did this come from?” he asked, abruptly. “Who found it? when?”