"And qualified to administer an oath and take your deposition," said the minister.
"Will it be legal—will it be evidence in a court of law?" asked the woman, lifting her dim eyes to the major.
"Certainly, my poor soul—certainly," said the latter, who, by the way, would have said anything to soothe her.
"Send every one but yourself from the room."
"What, my good soul, send the parson out in the storm? That will never do! Won't it be just as well to let him go up in the corner yonder?"
"No! You will repent it unless this communication is strictly private."
"But, my good soul, if it is to be used in a court of law?"
"That will be according to your own discretion!"
"My dear parson," said Old Hurricane, going to the minister, "would you be so good as to retire?"
"There is a fire in the woodshed, master," said Hat, leading the way.