Incorrigible girls! He had said incorrigible girls of her, Tessibel Skinner, who obeyed even a glance from any one she loved. Desperately, she made a direct appeal to him.
"My daddy's near dead, Mr. Waldstricker. Please don't send me away from him, not yet—not just yet."
"Then answer what we ask of you, child," interjected the minister. "I think Brother Waldstricker has some questions to ask you."
Waldstricker drew a paper from his pocket.
"How old are you, Tessibel Skinner?" he demanded.
"Over half past sixteen," whispered the girl's white lips.
She was over half past sixteen. There was no harm in telling that. It wouldn't hurt Frederick for the church people to know her age.
"Are you a member of this church?"
Tessibel lifted her head. "Ye all know I air."
"Then answer this," shouted Eb. "Who is the man that made you unfit for decent people to speak to?"