"Perhaps he heard that we were out with guns?" suggested Tom. "He may have come to make inquiries."
"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as if there was anything the matter. We'll be extra polite to the old fellow."
"All right!"
"He may not be coming here after all."
But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller paused, and opening it entered the front yard. He looked sharply at the two boys who were standing on the lawn.
CHAPTER IX.
THE DEACON'S MISSION.
Ordinarily James would not have considered Deacon Miller worth any polite attention, but the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture had its effect upon him. He thought it necessary by a little attention to disarm the deacon's suspicions if he had any.
"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely. "Did you wish to see father?"
"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have a little business with him. Is he at home?"