Jeduthun was on his feet, wide awake, in an instant.
"The vault!" he exclaimed. "What's gone and put that in your head, Kissy?"
"I dunno," replied Kissy. "I got up to see if the storm was over, and it come to me all at once."
"But Osric says they did not go to the funeral, and I'm sure I didn't see 'em there. To be sure, David Parsons mistrusted all the time that Osric didn't tell the truth, but then I should think somebody would have seen them."
"I can't help that," said Kissy, positively. "I'm just as sure as I can be, that that poor child is in General Dent's vault this very minute. I feel that for sure and certain."
When Kissy felt things "for sure and certain," there was no use in arguing with her, as Jeduthun knew from long experience. Moreover, he was struck with the idea himself.
"It don't seem very likely, and yet it is just possible," said he. "If I had the key, I'd go up there this minute. Come to think of it, I have got it, or what's as good," he exclaimed, starting up again. "Our grainery key fits the vault-lock. I know, because the old general said so one day when he was down at the mill. He saw me have the key, and said it looked like his'n, and he and Mr. Antis tried it, and it just fitted. Put on your rubbers, Kissy, and we'll go and see, anyhow. The storm's over now."
Kissy lost no time in getting ready, but she detained her husband while she put some wood in her stove and set on a kettleful of water.
"If he's been in that damp, cold place all night, he'll be about chilled through," she explained to her husband. "The first thing to do, will be to put him in a warm bed and give him hot tea."
"It takes women-folks to think of everything all in a minute," said Jeduthun, admiring his wife's talents as usual; "but suppose the young one isn't there, after all?"