Chapter XVIII.
A DISASTER.
Not for several moments was Aunt Nancy able to decide what should be done, and then, as the song died away leaving only the deacon's words to mingle with the reverberation of the surf, she said in a voice which sounded strained and harsh,—
"It must be done. You shall bring him here, and I will tell the story myself. When he comes, take Louis and walk down by the beach for a while."
The little woman could say no more, for at that moment Deacon Downs asked in his blandest tones,—
"Do you think it would be possible to make a leetle more coffee, Sister Curtis?"
Aunt Nancy had never been known to refuse a request which involved only her own discomfort or labor, and on this occasion there was no exception to the rule.
"It will be ready in a few minutes, Deacon," she replied in a trembling voice, at the same time keeping her face turned from the party lest they should see the tears in her eyes.
Jack understood there was no necessity of any further conversation, therefore walked slowly away, feeling very much like a fellow who voluntarily goes to receive unmerited punishment.
He now had no fear of Bill Dean and his friends. The present trouble was so much greater than any they could cause him that it was as if this particular trio of boys never existed.
Not until he had walked to and fro for half an hour did he begin to realize it might not be possible to find the farmer amid the throng.