“Not much danger of that,” remarked Mr. Pipkin, rising slowly from the table. “A boy smart enough to do what he done yisterday, can keep clear of the clutches of the constables if he’s a mind to. I’ll resk Jack! I’d be willin’ to bet—By hokey!” he exclaimed in astonishment, looking from the window.
“What is it, Pip?” cried Moses.
“I’ve lost my bet ’fore I made it! Jack!”
“Jack!” repeated several voices at once; and there was a general rush to the windows. Annie Felton’s face flushed, while Phin’s turned suddenly pale. “Jack, and Sellick with him!” said the deacon, unpleasantly surprised. “I hoped—Couldn’t the boy keep out of the way! See what they want.”
Meanwhile Sellick, with Jack by his side in the buggy in which they began their ride the day before, had driven up to the gate and turned about.
“Hullo!” cried Moses, going out to them.
“Hullo back agin,” replied Sellick. “Fine morning. How’s the folks? Good morning, Mis’ Chatford.”
“I can’t say I’m glad to see you!” exclaimed the good woman from the door. “Poor boy! how does it happen?”
“Jack took such a shine to me yisterday,” laughed Sellick, “he couldn’t bear the separation; so he come of his own accord to renew the acquaintance this morning,—or last evening,—which was it, Jack?”
“O Jack! did you give yourself up?” cried Annie Felton, alarmed to think he might have been led by her advice to take an unwise step, until the sight of his beaming countenance reassured her.