“I see,” he said. “You were responsible for the 'Campbells.' I see.”
Shadrach drew a long breath.
“Whew!” he whistled. “So she was the one. Well, I swan!”
Zoeth stroked the child's hair.
“That's all right, dearie,” he said. “Now don't you worry about that. We didn't know who did it, but now we do and it's all right. We know you didn't mean to.”
“Won't—won't he knock my head off?”
“No, no, course he won't. Tell her so, Shadrach.”
Captain Shadrach pulled at his beard. Then he burst into a laugh.
“I won't hurt you for nothin', sis,” he said, heartily. “It's all right and don't you fret about it. Accidents will happen even in the best regulated—er—funerals; though,” with a broad grin, “I hope another one like that'll never happen to ME. Now don't you cry any more.”
Mary-'Gusta raised her head and regarded him steadily.