"That is a very good piece," said Abiah Franklin; "and now, stranger, let me say that your voice sounds familiar, and I want you to tell me in a good strong tone who you be. I didn't hear you give any name."
"Is it almost nine?" asked the stranger.
Jamie opened the door.
A bell smote the still air, a silverlike bell. It spoke nine times.
"I never heard that bell before," said the stranger.
Suddenly music flooded the air; it seemed descending; there were many bells—and they were singing.
"The Old North chimes," said the Scotchman; "they have just been put up. I wish Ben could hear them; I sort of carry him in my heart."
"Don't speak! It is beautiful," said the stranger. "Hear what they are saying."
"O Jamie, Jamie, father used to play that tune on his violin."
"Father!" The old woman started.