r thoughts!"

"That money _shall_ be found! I don't know how, I cannot guess--but it
shall!" answered Dorothy with great confidence, born of some sudden
inspiration. The talk with the Master had lightened her heart and it
was with a fine resolution to be everything that was dutiful and
tender toward Aunt Betty that she left the barn and rejoined her
mates.

CHAPTER XII

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Deerhurst was deserted.

With a down-sinking heart old Ephraim had watched the last of the
merry-makers vanish through the gateway, even gray haired Hans and
Griselda joining their fellow employees on this trip to the circus.
The watcher's disappointment was almost more than he could bear. His
love of junketing was like a child's and for many days, as he drove
his bays about the countryside, he had gloated over the brilliant
posters which heralded the coming of "The Greatest Show on Earth." He
had even invited Aunt Malinda to accompany him at his expense, and now
she had gone but he was left.

"Hmm. It do seem pow'ful ha'd on me, hit sutney do. But--if all dem
folkses is suspicionin' 't ole Eph'aim is a t'ief--My lan', a T'IEF!
Not a step Ah steps to no ca'yins' on, scusin dey fin's Ah isn't. If
my Miss Betty was to home! Oh! fo' my Miss Betty! She's gwine tole
dese yeah Pa'ty folks somepin' when she comes ma'chin' in de doah. Dey
ain' no suspicions ertwixt my Miss Betty an' me."

His thoughts having taken this course Ephraim found some comfort. Then
the responsibility of his position forced itself to mind. No, he
couldn't go stretch himself on the back porch in the September
sunshine and sleep just yet. Though it was against all custom and
tradition in that honest locality, he would lock up the whole house.
He would begin at the front door and fasten every window and entrance
even to the scullery. There should nothing more be missing, and no
more suspicion fixed on a poor old man. He didn't yet know who had set
the miserable idea afloat in the beginning, and he didn't dream of its
being Dorothy. He had found himself strangely questioned by the other
servants and had met curious glances from the visitors in the house.
Finally, a stable lad had suddenly propounded the inquiry:

"What did you do with that money, anyway, Ephy? If you don't hand it
back pretty soon there'll be trouble for you, old man."

He had returned indignant inquiries himself, at last worming the whole
matter out; and then, with almost bur