that means reached Portland a day earlier than they were expected.

Dotty hardly knew whether to be glad or sorry for this. There was a great
deal to be said on both sides of the question. She had anticipated the
pleasure of being met at the depot by Susy and Prudy, and now that was
not to be thought of; but it would be delightful to give the family a
surprise. On the whole, she was very well satisfied.

As they drove up to the new home, however, what was their astonishment to
find it closed! There was not even a window open, or any other sign that
the house was inhabited. Dotty ran to every door, and shook it.

"Why, papa, papa, do you s'pose there's anybody dead?"

"The probability is, Alice, that they have gone away. I will run over to
Mrs. Prosser's, and see if she knows anything about it."

Mrs. Prosser was the nearest neighbor on the left. Her little
daughter came to the door in tears, having hurt herself against a
trunk in the hall.

"Miss Carrie," said Mr. Parlin, "can you tell me where Mrs. Parlin and
the rest of the family are gone?"

"Yes, Caddy Prosser, the house is shut up," added Dotty, "and I'm afraid
they're dead."

"I don't know where they're gone, nor anything," sobbed Carrie. "I
didn't know the trunk was in the entry, and I came so fast I fell
right over it."