the time Ned Percher arrived, with Rod close at his heels, the bride
was almost in a state of nervous collapse.

During this time of waiting Parson Dan spoke to no one. He knew that
the less he now said the better it would be. His face had lost its
usual genial expression, and his eyes no longer twinkled with humour.
He was feeling very keenly the whole unfortunate affair. Never before
during the whole course of his entire ministry had such a thing
occurred. He had often boasted that he had never once been late for a
service, nor had he kept people waiting at either a funeral or a
wedding. He stood with his face turned up the road, and a sigh of
relief at last escaped his lips when he saw Rod coming toward him.

The boy was greatly surprised to see so many teams and people in front
of the rectory, for Ned would tell him nothing of what was taking
place. He was astonished, as well, when he observed the worried look
upon the parson's face. But he had no time for questions just then,
for the clergyman laid a heavy hand upon the lad's shoulder, and
demanded if he knew what had become of the key of the church.

Instantly the cause of the excitement flashed upon Rod's mind. His
face became pale, and he glanced nervously around upon the men who had
gathered near.

"Do you hear me?" the parson again demanded. "Do you know anything
about that key?"

"Yes, grandad, I do," was the trembling reply.

"Where is it, then?"