of the rocks? And had the mystery finally brought
Professor Lemuel Judson Spink to the house itself as a boarder?

These questions puzzled 'Phemie greatly. But she wouldn't put them before
her sister. If Lyddy was not suspicious, let her remain so.

It was their duty to take all the boarders they could get. Mr. Spink added
his quota to their profits. 'Phemie was just as eager as Lyddy to keep
father on the farm and out of the shop that had so nearly proved fatal to
him.

"So there's no use in refusing to swallow the breakfast food magnate,"
decided 'Phemie. "We'll down him, and if we have to make a face at the
bitter dose, all right!"

Professor Spink came the very next evening. He was a distinct addition
to the party at supper. Indeed, his booming voice, his well rounded
periods, his unctuous manner, his frock coat, and his entire physical
and mental make-up seemed to dominate the dining-room.

Mr. Colesworth listened to his supposedly scientific jargon with a quiet
smile; the geologist plainly sized up Professor Spink for the quack he
was. Mr. Bray tried to be a polite listener to all the big man said.

The girls were utterly silenced by the ever-flowing voice of the
ex-medicine show lecturer; but Mr. Somers was inclined to argue on a
point or two with Professor Spink. This, however, only made the man
"boom" the louder.

Mrs. Castle seemed willing to listen to the Professor's verbosity and
agreed with all he said. She was willing after supper to withdraw from the
usual cribbage game and play "enthralled audience" for the ex-lecturer's
harangues.

He boomed away at her upon a number of subjects, while she placidly nodded
acquiescence and made her knitting needles flash--and he talked, and
talked, and talked.

When the little old lady retired to bed Lyddy went to her room, as she
usually did, to see if she was comfortable for the night.

"I am afraid our new guest rather bored you, Mrs. Castle?" Lyddy ventured.

"On the contrary, Lydia," replied the old lady, promptly, "his talk is
very soothing; and I can knit with perfect assurance that I shall not miss
count while he is talking--for I don't really listen to a word he says!"

Professor Spink did not, however, make himself offensive. He only seemed
likely to become a dreadful bore.

During the day he wandered about the farm--a good deal like Mr.
Colesworth. Only he did not carry with him a little hammer and bag.

'Phemie wondered if the professor had n