“No, I don’t,” returned the farmer, flatly.
“You and Spink were up at Hillcrest the first night we girls slept there. And you frightened my sister half to death.”
The old man blinked at her, but never said a word.
“And you were there with Spink the evening Lucas took ’Phemie and me down to the Temperance Club–the first time,” said Lyddy, with surety. “You slipped out of sight when we drove into the yard. But it was you.”
“Oh, it was; eh?” growled Mr. Pritchett.
“Yes, sir. And I want to know what it means. What is Spink’s intention? What does he want up here?”
“I couldn’t tell ye,” responded Pritchett.
“You mean you won’t tell me?”
“No. I say what I mean,” growled Pritchett. “Jud Spink never told me what he wanted. I was up to the house with him–yep. I let him go into the cellar that night you say your sister was scart. But I didn’t leave him alone there.”
“But why?” gasped Lyddy.