"Nothing except to thank you for your kind intentions and say you quoted it quite correctly. I sent it for Mr. Heath myself."
"But—but—"
"My Lady, as you have apparently forgotten, is the name of Mr. Heath's boat—the boat you yourself helped pull off the shoals."
"My land! So 'tis," faltered Elisha. "I'm almighty sorry, Marcia—I ask your pardon."
"Me, too! We come with the best of intentions—" rejoined Eleazer, fumbling for his cap. "Honest we did."
"It's all right. Just leave us now, please."
As the two men shuffled across the kitchen, a heavy object dropped to the floor, interrupting their jumbled apologies.
"Pick up them handcuffs, 'Lish, an' come along double-quick," Eleazer muttered beneath his breath. "You've made a big enough fool of yourself as 'tis. Don't put your foot in any deeper."
"And here's your hat," added Sylvia, handing the bewildered sheriff his property with an impish bow. "Take it and scram—both of you."
As the door banged behind the discomfited officials, clear as a bell on the quiet air came the twitting voice of Eleazer: