Part 37 (2/2)
”You'll take tea with us, of course,” Rufe said to Jack
”I suppose your father will be at the house by this time; I'll stop and see him, at any rate,” was Jack's reply
Rufe ith hih the woods to where Snowfoot was left hitched As they were getting into the buggy, Rufe noticed Zeph Peakslow co towards home
”See him slink off?” said Rufe ”He's afraid of me yet; but he needn't be,--I've promised Vinnie not to meddle with him”
Then, on the way ho him how Vinnie had made acquaintance with the Peakslow fae of her husband's absence from ho Vinnie's box of salve
Mr Betterson had not yet co hitched Snowfoot to an oak-tree, and told of his business with the Wiggetts, asked Vinnie and her sister if they would not like a noon- to set your clock by when it goes wrong,” he explained
Vinnie gladly accepted the offer
”And, O Jack!” she said, ”I wish you would give Mrs Peakslow one too”
”I would, certainly,” said Jack; ”but” (his pride co up) ”wouldn't it look as if I was anxious to make my peace with Peakslow?”
”Never mind that; I think even he will appreciate the kindness I wish you would!”
”I will--to please you,” said Jack ”This afternoon, if I have tiy for his compass
He fumbled in the blanket under the seat, looked before and behind, and uttered an exclamation
”What's the trouble, Jack?” Rufe asked
”It is gone! one!” said Jack ”Somebody has taken it”
”That Zeph-- him, you know!” said Rufe ”It's one of his tricks”
”I'll overhaul that Zeph!” said Jack; ”I'll teach him to play his tricks onoff
”Jack! don't be hasty or unkind!”
”O no! I won't be unkind,” said Jack, with soh ”I just want my compass, that's all” And he hurried down the road
CHAPTER xxxIV
THE STRANGE CLOUD
Jack's call on the Peaksloas brief and unsatisfactory He returned to the ”castle” without his co flushed and disturbed
”I didn't accuse Zeph of stealing,” said Jack, fearful of being blamed by Vinnie ”They were at supper; and I just said, 'Zeph,touched it I explained
Great cohtened out of her wits, and papa blazed away at un shi+p In short, you will have to wait for your noon-mark, Mrs Betterson So will Mrs Peakslow