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She questioned the steward concerning Shadrach and Zoeth. The former had never married; that was funny; why hadn't he? Isaiah said he did not know. Hadn't Uncle Zoeth ever married, either? Yes, Zoeth had married. "Who did " began Mary-'Gusta, but Isaiah cut short the catechizing. "You mustn't ask such questions," he declared. "Why mustn't I?" "'Cause you mustn't.
In the afternoon, business at the store being rather quiet and Mrs. Atkins, the nurse, desiring an hour's leave to do an errand in the village, Mary had taken her place in the sickroom. Zoeth was improving slowly, so the doctor said, but he took very little interest in what went on, speaking but seldom, asking few questions, and seeming to be but partially sensible of his surroundings.
Zoeth seemed to waken from a sort of dream. "Business troubles?" he repeated. "No, no; long, long afore that these troubles were, Mary-'Gusta. Don't let's talk about 'em. I can't talk about 'em even now and I mustn't think. There are some troubles that that " He caught his breath and his tone changed. "I called you an angel just now, dearie," he went on. "Well, you was and you are.
Judge Baxter whistled. "Well!" he exclaimed. "I must say I didn't expect this." Zoeth smiled. "There ain't many better men than Shadrach Gould," he observed, quietly. Mary-'Gusta, even though she lives to be a very old woman, will never forget that ride to South Harniss. It was the longest ride she had ever taken, and that of itself would have made it unforgettable.
She didn't eat hardly anything. Said she wan't hungry. I swan if it ain't discouragin'! What's the use of you folks havin' a cook? If you're goin' to have canary-bird appetites, why don't you feed on bird seed and be done with it? And I do believe I never made a better pie than that!" "Where's Mary-'Gusta?" asked Zoeth. "I don't know. She went up to her room.
Well, Uncle Zoeth, aren't you surprised to see me?" Surprised he certainly was; at first, like Isaiah, he could scarcely believe she was really there. Then, naturally, he wished to know WHY she was there.
One of his first acts after arrival was to stroll down to the village and enter Hamilton and Company's store. Mary and the partners were there, of course. He shook hands with them cordially. "Well, Captain," he said, addressing Shadrach, "how is the new hand taking hold?" Shadrach grinned. "Hand?" he repeated. "I don't know's we've got any new hand, Mr. Keith. Ain't, have we, Zoeth?"
Now we mustn't let Uncle Shad or Uncle Zoeth know that I have heard about their trouble. We must let them think I am at home for an extra holiday. Then I shall be able to look things over and perhaps plan a little. When I am ready to tell what I mean to do I can tell the rest. . . . Sshh! Here comes one of them now. It's Uncle Zoeth. Look happy, Isaiah! HAPPY not as if you were choking to death!
Deborah was not ornamental, being elderly and, as Captain Shadrach said, built for tonnage more than speed; but she was sensible and capable. Also, her fee was not excessive, although that was by no means the principal reason for her selection. "Never mind what it costs," said Mary. "Get the best you can. It's for Uncle Zoeth, remember." Shadrach's voice shook a little as he answered.
"If 'twas a hundred years from now," she said, "I guess he wouldn't want me." The Captain laughed uproariously. "Well, maybe we can discount that hundred some for cash," he admitted. "Make it twelve or fifteen years. Then suppose somebody er er " with a wink at Zoeth "suppose Jimmie Bacheldor, we'll say, comes and wants us to put you in his hands, what'll you say then?"
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