"Now, don't bother me; you see the cakes is a-burnin' already,"— but Melindy did not complete the sentence for the toot of a horn near the barnyard proved that her better half had some grounds for his conjecture.
"It's a gang of roughs a-tryin' to git somethin' to steal. By jiminey! we'll settle em' sure as our name is Spriggins," and Moses made a rush for the guns and ammunition with all possible haste.
"Great scott! they're a-comin' round to the front door."
"I say! Mr. Spriggins, this is a nice reception for invited guests; open the door and let us in."
The words had the effect of magic. The door opened and revealed Moses and Melindy armed for fight with a good supply of ammunition in the foreground.
The scene that followed baffles description. The ludicrous expression upon the face of host and hostess is something to be imagined.
The roars of laughter were deafening and it was some time before
Phillip Lawson could make an attempt towards explanation.
* * * * *
"A what-do-ye-call-it weddin', Miss Lottie?" cried Moses, now re-appearing on the scene with his best clothes on, plus a flaring red necktie to match Melindy's "peerin out dress."
"A variety wedding, Mr. Spriggins. Now, you are not to blame any of the others for not sending you word because I made each one promise that it would be kept a surprise."