"'Tis dreadful!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, clasping her pretty hands.
"'Tis queer, mam, queer—but 'twill be queerer if I don't find out all about it 'twixt now and to-morrow morning."
"Sergeant Zebedee—Zebedee, don't!"
"Mam, I must."
"For—my sake."
"Mam, I—'tis become a matter o' dooty with me."
"Have you any charm to ward off evil, Sergeant?"
"Why no, mam."
"Then I'll give you one," and speaking, she took a ribbon from her white neck, a blue ribbon whereon a small gold cross dangled. "You shall wear this!" said she, blushing a little. "Come, stoop your head!"
"Why, Mrs. Agatha I—I——"