hospitality for the delayed passengers. In fact, but for the timely
warning of Yuba Bill by Mr. Tarbox, the coach might have crashed into
the tree at that dangerous point, and an accident ensued more disastrous
to life and limb than the robbery itself."
The sudden and unmistakable delight that expanded the old woman's mouth
was so convincing that it might have given Brice a tinge of remorse over
the success of his stratagem, had he not been utterly absorbed in his
purpose. "Hiram!" she shouted suddenly.
The old man appeared from some back door with a promptness that proved
his near proximity, and glanced angrily at Brice until he caught sight
of his wife's face. Then his anger changed to wonder.
"Read that again, young feller," she said exultingly.
Brice re-read the paragraph aloud for Mr. Tarbox's benefit.
"That 'ar 'Hiram Tarbox, Esquire,' means YOU, Hiram," she gasped, in
delighted explanation.
Hiram seized the paper, read the paragraph himself, spread out the whole
page, examined it carefully, and then a fatuous grin began slowly to
extend itself over his whole face, invading his eyes and ears, until
the heavy, harsh, dogged lines of his nostrils and jaws had utterly
disappeared.
"B'gosh!" he said, "that's square! Kin I keep it?"
"Certainly," said Brice. "I brought it for you."
"Is that all ye came for?" said Hiram, with sudden suspicion.
"No," said the young man frankly. Yet he hesitated a moment as he added,
"I would like to see Miss Flora."
His hesitation and heightened color were more disarming to suspicion
than the most elaborate and carefully prepared indifference. With their
knowledge and pride in their relative's fascinations they felt it could
have but one meaning! Hiram wiped his mouth with his hand, assumed a
demure expression, glanced at his wife, and answered:--
"She ain't here now."
Mr. Brice's face displayed his disappointment. But the true lover
holds a talisman potent with old and young. Mrs. Tarbox felt a sneaking
maternal pity for this suddenly stricken Strephon.
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