she managed to inform Emily concerning the
identity of their unexpected lodger. Solomon, introduced to Miss Howes,
merely grunted and admitted that he had "heard tell" of her. His manner
might have led a disinterested person to infer that what he had heard
was not flattering. He drank his tea, and as he grew warmer inside and
out his behavior became more natural, which does not mean that it was
either gracious or grateful.

At length he asked what time it was. Thankful told him.

"I think you'd better be gettin' to bed, Solomon," she suggested.
"I'll hunt up one of Mr. Caleb Hammond's nightshirts, and while you're
sleepin' your wet clothes can be dryin' here by the cookstove."

Solomon grunted, but he was, apparently, willing to retire. Then came
the question as to where he should sleep. Emily offered a suggestion.

"Why don't you put him in the back room, Auntie," she said. "The one
Miss Timpson used to have. That isn't occupied now and the bed is
ready."

Thankful hesitated. "I don't know's he'd better have that room, Emily,"
she said.

"Why not? I'm sure it's a very nice room."

"Yes, I know it is, but--"

"But what?"

Mr. Cobb had a remark to make.

"Well, come on, come on," he said, testily. "Put me somewheres and do
it quick. Long's I've GOT to sleep in this house I might's well be doin'
it. Where is this room you're talkin' about? Let's see it."

Emily took the lamp and led the way up the back stairs. Solomon followed
her and Thankful brought up the rear. She felt a curious hesitancy
in putting even her disagreeable relative in that room on this night.
Around the gables and upon the roof the storm whined and roared as
it had the night when she first explored that upper floor. And she
remembered, now, that it had stormed, though not as hard, the night
when Miss Timpson received her "warning." If there were such things as
ghosts, and if the little back bedroom WAS haunted, a night like this
was the time for spectral visitations. She had half a mind to give Mr.
Cobb another room.

But, before she could decide what to do, before the struggle between her
common-sense and what she knew were silly forebodings was at an end,
the question was decided for her. Solomon had entered the large room and
expressed his approval of it.

"This'll do first rate," he said. "Why didn't you want to put me in
here? Suppose you thought 'twas too good for me, eh? Well, it might be
for some folks, but not for me. What's t