“I believe it. It must have been a mighty serious attack. Did Georgie take the dollar with him?”
“No. He left it with Miss Emily.”
“That's a mercy. The outdoor air may make Sol feel more rational and soon's he came to his senses, he'd want that dollar back. Tut! tut! tut! Don't talk to ME! I shall believe in ghosts pretty soon.”
Thankful looked troubled and annoyed.
“I'm awful sorry he went,” she said. “The poor old thing! He was so miserable I did pity him. I must drive over and see him tomorrow, sure. But what makes me feel the worst,” she added, “is to think of Jedediah's cruisin' up to the village dressed in the rags he was wearin'. He looked like—like somethin' the cat brought in. And everybody'll want to know who he is; and when they find he's my brother! And on Christmas Day, too!”
“Imogene!” it was Emily's voice. “Imogene, where are you?”
Captain Obed roared a greeting.
“Merry Christmas, all hands,” he shouted. “Hey, you, John Kendrick; are you there?”
There was no answer. Thankful did not wait for one; she rushed into the house. John Kendrick was alone in the living-room when she reached it. Emily had fled. Thankful looked at Mr. Kendrick and the look gave her the information she wanted.
“Oh, Mr. Kendrick—John,” she cried. “I shall call you John now; I can, can't I—where is she?”