per one who keeps
it in running order. But here we are. I'll go ahead and prepare the way for
you," and he left Lancy to follow with the girls.

As they appeared at the door, Mrs. Morris was just coming towards it,
saying in no gentle tone:

"Don't you know any better, sir, than to rush into the house like that,
leaving all the doors wide open behind you! Do you suppose people will want
rooms here if they are swarming with flies?"

"On my honor, madam, there were only two that ventured through the door! I
counted them!" was the positive reply.

"Come in quickly, sir," to Lancy; "and you women--girls, I mean," taking a
second look, and shutting the door the moment they were inside of it. "You
want rooms and board," she added sharply, looking them well over. "And how
comes it that young people like you are travelling around without your
parents? Not running away, are you?"

"Oh, no, madam!" replied Lancy, keeping a straight face by a great effort.
"We were on our way to Charlottetown, but the train was delayed by an
accident, so we thought we would stay over in Truro and wait for the next
boat."

"Didn't get hurt by the accident, did you? for this ain't no hospital, no
way; only a plain boarding house for respectable people."

"We are not hurt in the least, madam, but we are very tired, and hope you
will allow us to stay here for a day or two," Lancy hastened to explain,
for her many objections began to alarm him.

"You come from Halifax, do you? Bad place that. Thieves and robbers thrive
there, I'm told. How long have you lived there?"

This was addressed to Dexie, but she dared not open her mouth to answer
lest she should laugh outright; and Elsie, fearing she might make some
unfortunate speech that would send them to the right-about, hastened to
reply: "For some years, ma'am; we used to live in England before we moved
to Halifax."

"Oh! English, are you? I was afraid you were Irish. You resemble some I
have seen. What trade does your father work at?"

"He has a store on Granville Street; but do let us stay here, please,"
Elsie replied, fearing that this catechising would result disastrously.

"Well, you seem proper enough. I guess you can stay." Then turning suddenly
around to where their guide stood, biting his moustache, "This is Mr.
Maxwell."

The two girls bowed, and Mr. Maxwell replied: "And I believe this
gentleman's name is Gurney. Mr. Gurney, Mrs. Morris."

And Lancy, not to be outdone by all t