I'll take you in; I'll take in every friend I've got that's ever

stood by me, for there's enough for all, and to spare. Mum's the

word--don't whisper--keep yourself to yourself. You'll see! Come!

--rush!--hurry!--don't wait for anything!'

"It's the same old boy, Nancy, jest the same old boy--ain't he?"

"Yes, I think there's a little of the old sound about his voice yet.

I suppose you--you'll still go, Si?"

Go! Well, I should think so, Nancy. It's all a chance, of course, and,

chances haven't been kind to us, I'll admit--but whatever comes, old

wife, they're provided for. Thank God for that!"

"Amen," came low and earnestly.

And with an activity and a suddenness that bewildered Obedstown and

almost took its breath away, the Hawkinses hurried through with their

arrangements in four short months and flitted out into the great

mysterious blank that lay beyond the Knobs of Tennessee.

The Gilded Age