Ber. Never had no clues as to whom her own folks was?
Cyn. No, I guess not, although I think I’ve heard tell he has some things that were on her, a locket or something, I don’t remember what. He’s been a good father to her all these years. I can’t imagine what ails him now. Well, there’s lots o’ queer things in this world, and lots of unhappiness. (Suddenly.) Well, if I’m going to get dinner for—land, Cap’n Berry, I forgot to tell you. I’ve taken another boarder.
Ber. Well, you are rushing things, ain’t you? Say, Miss Tinker, do you know anything about the young chap you took in last night?
Cyn. No, not a thing!
Ber. Seems a good sort of fellow?
Cyn. He certain does. He’s got a real taking way with him. (Alarmed.) What’s the matter, Cap’n Berry?
Ber. Well, of course there was considerable excitement in town last night, and of course a stranger always causes a lot of talk, and his coming mysterious like——
Cyn. (interrupting). There wasn’t nothing mysterious about it fur’s I can see.
Ber. Well, some people look at it different, especially Hepsy Sawyer. That woman’s got a northeast gale blowing off the end of her tongue fresh every hour. Anyway they’ve got it going that this chap you’ve took in may be concerned, and I expect you will have the whole crowd down here in a few minutes.
Cyn. My land, Cap’n Berry, that boy never had nothin’ ter do with it in this world. He is as innocent as—as—as a little ba-a lamb. Cap’n Berry, you don’t believe that I did wrong in taking him in? You know you—you——