"Been to the lodge at Harmony." The attic of the schoolhouse at Harmony was used as a Masonic lodge.
"Who's behind you?" Mr. Gossett inquired.
"Denham, Aiken, Griffin, and Gatewood."
There were, in fact, four buggies, Mr. Griffin being on horseback, and they were all close together. Mr. Gossett had but to seize Aaron, yell for help, and his neighbors would soon have the runaway tied hard and fast with the reins in the bottom of the buggy. That is, if Aaron couldn't call the elements to his aid—but suppose he could? What then? These thoughts passed through Mr. Gossett's mind, and he was strongly tempted to try the experiment; but he refrained. He said good-night, but Mr. Aiken hailed him.
"You know that new school teacher at Abercrombie's?"
"I haven't seen him," said Mr. Gossett.
"Well, he's there. Keep an eye on him. He's a rank abolitionist."
"Is that so?" exclaimed Mr. Gossett in a tone of amazement.
"So I've heard. He'll bear watching."
"Well, well, well!" Mr. Gossett ejaculated.