“Yes, sir,” replied he, thinking, “he’ll come down with something handsome! I ain’t a mite afraid but he will. Guess I wouldn’t a’ taken this tramp for nothing!”
Mr. Parlin hastened to Mrs. Penny. He found her pacing the floor, and staring straight before her with fixed eyes.
“Good news,” said he; “the children are safe.”
Mrs. Penny screamed as if he had struck her.
“Safe,” repeated he; “they are at Mrs. Harris’s. I know the woman—one of the kindest souls living.”
Mrs. Penny screamed again, and wrung her hands. Mr. Parlin feared she was losing her reason; but very soon tears began to flow, and the weight on her brain gave way.
“If you can rest easy,” said Mr. Parlin, “I do not think it will be best to bring the children home to-day. After this great fright and exposure, they need rest.”
“O, no; don’t go for them,” cried Mrs. Penny. “I beg you won’t go for them; I can’t have my little Tate face such a storm again!”
Mr. Parlin turned to open the door; but Mrs. Penny was too excited to stop talking.