CHAPTER IV.

JOHN LANDIS.


The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in
appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was
possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind
and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat;
energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance. He had a
kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed
by fine, expressive brown eyes. Usually silent and preoccupied, and
almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor. An
old-fashioned Democrat, his wife was a Republican. He usually
accompanied Aunt Sarah to her church, the Methodist, although he was a
member of the German Reformed, and declared he had changed his
religion to please her, but change his politics, never. A member of
the Masonic Lodge, his only diversion was an occasional trip to the
city with a party of the "boys" to attend a meeting of the "Shriners."

Aunt Sarah protested. "The idea, John, at your age, being out so late
at night and returning from the city on the early milk train the
following morning, and then being still several miles from home. It's
scandalous!"

He only chuckled to himself; and what the entertainment had been,